Modern in the living room: key design features and photo examples of interiors

Design Features

It is wrong to assume that Art Nouveau is similar to the modern style (contemporary). Confusion is caused by the erroneous use of the French word “moderne” in the meaning of “fashionable”, “modern”, although Art Nouveau has little in common with current trends. This style has the following characteristic features:

• Modern (or Art Nouveau) is distinguished by smooth lines and fancy ornaments.
• Natural motifs come first, setting the style for the entire interior.
• A living room interior with a touch of fairy tale is not easy to create on your own: exquisite furniture is usually made to order, representing a work of art.
• The functionality of the furnishings in the Art Nouveau style is closely intertwined with its decorativeness.
• Large windows with arched curves, an abundance of light and space are welcome.
• Symmetry in the living room is practically absent, the lines smoothly flow from one to another.

Color scheme

Since Art Nouveau gravitates towards nature, the palette for the living room is discreet and calm. Aggressive tones are not used: beige, cream, and brown shades (the colors of expensive wood species) prevail. There are no sharp contrasts, which means that it is impossible to find a monochrome Art Nouveau living room. But warm white, green and mustard tones are welcome.

The photo shows a modern living room in sand tones, diluted with blue details. Smooth lines in the wall decor soften the geometry of the room and add elegance to it.

Living rooms in cold tones are less common – but even they leave a feeling of coziness due to the combination of heavenly shades in the wall design and dark wooden furniture.

Materials and finishes

The walls of the living room in the Art Nouveau style serve as a background for decorative elements, so the best way to maintain the style is to paint them light-colored. It is not recommended to wallpaper the room: Art Nouveau is characterized by the absence of texture and small ornaments on the walls. They can be decorated with moldings and stucco.

The ceiling in the Art Nouveau style can be either unobtrusive (in order to avoid overloading) or active – with beams and arched elements. Round two-stage structures are often found, as well as stained glass ceilings, impressive in their beauty and originality.

The photo shows a richly decorated living room with elegant stucco on the ceiling, the pattern of which is duplicated on the walls. The floor is covered with tiles that match the colors of the walls and furniture.

The floor in the living room, as a rule, does not carry a decorative load, so parquet laid in squares or a herringbone pattern is suitable as a floor covering. Laminate imitating wood, as well as tiles of natural shades, placed diagonally, are also appropriate. This option is worth giving preference to if the kitchen is combined with the living room.

Furniture

The easiest way to recreate or imitate the Art Nouveau style is to use original furniture. It is characterized by soft lines, roundness, but at the same time functionality and a distinct structure. When choosing furniture, it is important that sofas and armchairs not only match the style, but also remain comfortable.

Wooden furniture (cabinets and tables) is often complemented with glass details, giving the interior in the Art Nouveau style an airy feel. Metal is used only as unobtrusive touches, not accents: these can be golden furniture handles, chrome legs of a coffee table, bronze elements of lamps.

The photo shows a massive TV, which has a special place: it is recessed into a niche created by two luxurious cabinets, and framed by wooden panels.

The furniture should not clutter the living room, as the Art Nouveau style gravitates toward open spaces. If the TV is built into a bulky modular wall, the rest of the area should be lightened by a set on thin legs, elegant armchairs, and a small sofa. It is necessary that the elements are connected and combined with each other.

Lighting

The light sources of the living room are practical and decorative: chandeliers and wall sconces provide comfort, illuminating the recreation area, and their ornate shapes with natural motifs support the overall style. The lamps can be made of glass, wood or metal.

The advantages of the style are best emphasized by multi-level lighting. The chandelier will provide general illumination, and spotlights will provide decorative lighting. It will allow you to highlight the desired areas, for example, paintings on the walls. A table lamp can act as an additional light source, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

The photo shows a classic-shaped chandelier and floor lamps that create the living room’s lighting scenario. The softness of the lighting is achieved by means of lampshades that muffle the bright light.

Textiles and decor

Art Nouveau is rich in plant and floral patterns, which is reflected not only in the choice of furniture, but also in the design of the living room windows – curtains with patterns in the form of leaves, buds, flowers look harmonious in the Art Nouveau style. It is desirable that the curtains are hidden behind a wide cornice, and the fabric has a simple shape. The upholstery of the furniture can be either plain or with prints. It is worth avoiding graphics and severity, “dressing” the living room: the main theme of the drawings is nature.

A luxurious element of the living room in a modern house is a fireplace: it attracts everyone’s attention, which means it should correspond to the Art Nouveau style. A fireplace with smooth lines looks great, which fits perfectly into an elegant interior.

The photo shows curtains matched to the walls and furniture upholstery. The pattern on them echoes the carpet and decorative pillow.

A large number of different little things does not play into the hands of the living room interior in the Art Nouveau style. The decor should blend into the environment, not breaking up the room, but bringing it together. That is why in houses you can so often see doorways in the form of fancy arches, moldings that go from the walls to the ceiling, curved forged railings on the stairs.

The design of the living room can also include paintings – landscapes, still lifes and abstractions. It is best to decorate the mirror with a carved frame, and interior doors – with glass or stained glass. Bouquets of fresh flowers – lilies, hydrangeas, irises – will enliven the Art Nouveau setting. You can also place figurines and complement the decor with an antique wooden clock.