Influences of Modern Home Decor

Very few things within art and design appear out of nowhere; they tend to be influenced by something else. Modern home decor is no exception to this. Influences from one era to the next, allow for incredible results. When one thinks of modern, they tend to think of present time. Modern furniture has actually been around for a hundred years. When modern design began to emerge, it was viewed as experimental and innovative. These characteristics still hold up today.

Modern design was influenced not only by eras, but the artists within this time-frame, as well. Before modernism took off, furniture and decor were more ornamental. The value of a chair, for example would be based off the intricate detailing and time invested. Modern design began moving away from this idea. Artists and designers began focusing more on functionality. Instead of trying to recreate past items, new ideas were presented. New materials were being produced; it was time for a whole new level of creativity. For example, the use of wood was being replaced with steel, plastic and molded plywood.

It is hard to speak about modern home decor or design for that fact and not mention Bauhaus. As can be read in an online business blog or many journals, this was a school in Germany (operating from 1919-1933), that had a large impact on design. The school closed due to Nazi Germany; the artists and designers began to influence as they immigrated around the world. Ideals from this school are still influencing modern design today.

Since furniture began to transform (new materials, forms and shapes), the layout of rooms changed, as well. Furniture began taking on a more accessible and functional role. It was then that some pieces began taking on more than one role.

Art also began to take a shift; seen in abstract and pop art. Art generally has a lot to do with the culture and time period. Pop art is a prime example of cultural influences. Andy Warhol was a leader in this style of art. He displayed everyday items in a vibrant, fun manner. Abstract is clearly visually captivating; it can add a lot to a space, although, it was not created solely for that purpose. Abstract art was created, so that society would stop and think about what they were seeing. It was actually more of a rejection towards culture. The art would appeal to individuals in different ways.

It's hard to generalize, because individual artists have their own influences. With that being said, modernism was most certainly influenced by the industrial revolution, engineering (in order to create furniture) and the growth of consumerism. From there, it has developed into a clean, sleek, modern design. Modern home decor has grown, becoming highly popular and influential.

Modern Sculptures in the Home - Great Decorating Ideas

The artwork that you choose to display can really set the overall tone of your home. Choosing the right artwork for your space is just as important as choosing the right furniture. Modern homes are full of thought-provoking art that stimulates the senses. Hanging abstract paintings and other wall art is one way to incorporate modern home decor in your space. Another idea is displaying modern sculptures, as they can be a unique and interesting addition to your modern home.

Modern sculptures are very popular today. You can see this if you visit a major metropolitan area. Many large cities feature larger than life modern sculptures in their cultural centers, and these works of art have become major tourist attractions. For example, Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor, nicknamed The Bean, in Chicago is a huge tourist attraction in the city’s downtown area. Modern sculpture is also proudly displayed in museums around the world. And though this may lead you to believe you have to visit a large city or museum to enjoy this artwork, many people proudly display modern sculpture in their own home.

The first thing to consider when choosing a modern sculpture as part of your home decor is to be realistic about the size of your space. Modern sculptures for the home can be the size of a sofa, or they can be small accent pieces placed on a side table. How much room do you want to devote to this sculpture? Do you want it to be the centerpiece of the area? Or do you simply want it to accent the other furniture in the room? Once you know the size of the area you can devote to displaying your modern sculpture, you can choose how you want to display it.

Another consideration for choosing sculptures in the home is how you want your room to feel. A large modern sculpture in an open loft space would create the feel of an art gallery. Conversely, a smaller sculpture would fit well featured on the coffee table in a living room with modern design and leave the room feeling more laid-back.

There are many ways to display a modern sculpture as part of your home decor. You can place them on mantles, bookshelves or end tables, or in the case of a larger sculpture, you can have a display case or platform built just for the sculpture, making it a prominent talking point in your home. A good idea for homes without a lot of space for a display area is utilizing the walls of the room. For smaller sculptures, you could create a lighted alcove in your wall, or hang shelves much as you would a painting and set the sculpture there.

The great thing about modern sculptures is that they can be of almost anything. You get to choose a piece of artwork that truly speaks to you. Modern sculptures stand out amidst the muted tone of minimalist, modern furniture and so can be a great addition to your contemporary home.