Both Art Deco and Art Nouveau are fascinating visual styles that emerged in the early 20th century. Both have a love of nature and natural shapes, but they each have their own distinct characteristics. If you’re looking to create a home that is beautifully designed with attention to the finest details in mind, you may find yourself asking what the difference between art deco and art nouveau is. Both are styles of interior design that emerged around 100 years ago, so it’s understandable if these terms sound slightly similar. However, once you delve into the specifics of each style there are many differences you will notice immediately. In this post we will explore these two unique visual styles and why they stand out from other common design trends of their time period.

What is Art Deco?

Art Deco is a visual style that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s. It was a reaction to the simplicity and natural forms of the Art Nouveau style that came before it. While both styles are known for their attention to detail, Art Deco was more influenced by the machine age. It drew inspiration from the bold use of colour and geometric shapes found in the architecture of the time period. It was also strongly influenced by the art and design found in South America, Africa, and the Caribbean. Artists like Georges Braque, Pablo Picasso, and Fernand Léger were hugely influential in the art deco movement. Art deco is most known for its use of bold colour and geometric shapes. It is often described as being bold, experimental, and heavily patterned. The colours used within this style are rich and vibrant. Art deco was most popular in the 1920s, but it remained a popular style until the end of World War II. The art deco movement was at its peak in the United States, Germany, and France.

What is Art Nouveau?

Art Nouveau emerged in the late 1880s and remained popular until around 1910. It was a reaction against the highly geometric designs of the Victorian era, and was seen as a return to the ornate nature of classical art and architecture. The movement was heavily influenced by the natural shapes and vines found in nature. It often used colourfully shaded glass and ceramic tiles to create intricate patterns and designs. Artists like Gustav Klimt, Alphonse Mucha, and Henri Toulouse-Lautrec were key figures in the art nouveau movement. Art nouveau is most commonly known for its use of strong and flowing lines. It is often referred to as being deeply romantic, ornate, and delicate. The colours used within this style are typically muted and earthy.

Where Did These Styles Come From?

Art deco and art nouveau were each a reaction to the geometric shapes and simple designs of the Victorian era. Both styles drew inspiration from the bold and nature-inspired designs found in South America, Africa, and the Caribbean. Art deco was popular in the United States and Europe, especially in France and Germany. It was heavily influenced by the bold use of colour, geometric shapes, and bold patterns found in Native American and Caribbean culture. Art nouveau was popular in Europe, and remained so until the start of the First World War. It was heavily influenced by the nature-inspired art and architecture found in places like Austria, Hungary, and Bohemia.

Key Differences Between Art Deco and Art Nouveau

There are many differences between the two styles, so here are some of the key ones to look out for: - Mood: Art deco is bold, experimental, and heavily patterned. Art nouveau is deeply romantic, ornate, and delicate. These are two very different moods that are easy to distinguish between. - Shape: Art deco is heavily influenced by geometric shapes. Art nouveau is heavily influenced by the natural shapes found in nature. - Colour: Art deco is bold and experimental. Art nouveau is muted and earthy. - Materials: Art deco is strongly influenced by the machine age. It uses bold and vibrant colours, and geometric shapes. Art nouveau is heavily influenced by the nature-inspired art and architecture. It uses muted and earthy colours, and natural shapes. - Location: Both styles were popular in the United States, Germany, and France. However, art deco was also popular in Great Britain and many parts of South America. Art nouveau was popular in Central Europe, and remained so until the start of the First World War.

Final Words

Art deco and art nouveau are two very different styles that emerged at the beginning of the 20th century. Both are known for their bold use of colour and geometric shapes, and are heavily influenced by the architecture and art found in South America, Africa, and the Caribbean. These two styles emerged as a reaction to the geometric designs of the Victorian era, and are still popular today. If you are interested in creating a home that is beautifully designed with attention to the finest details in mind, you may find yourself asking what the difference between art deco and art nouveau is.