Decorist: A Magazine Project

Decorist

Assignment: Magazine Project IDEC1102 History of Decorating Styles

Student Jay Olea

Instructor Jessica Moody Date 27 March 2022

Victorian / A Feast for the Senses

PAGE 1

Neoclassical / Timeless Sophistication

PAGE 3

French Country / The Art of Living /

PAGE 5

Art Nouveau / Bizarrely Beautiful

PAGE 7

Art Deco / An Ode to Glitz & Glamour

PAGE 9

Modern: Mies van der Rohe / Less is More

PAGE 11

The Victorian era was a time of innovation and creativity with home decors being ornamental and lavish, a style that represented high status during the Victorian era. Therefore, these highly decorated Victorian rooms contained opulent furnishings, tapestries, patterned wallpaper, rich colors, flowers, and sentimental pictures and drawings. (MasterClass, 2021)

ATMOSPHERE

This room exudes visual opulence despite it being in the moden setting. The richness in textures, colours, fabrics and patterns scream royalty that take one to the era. It is well decorated with an ecclectic mix of nostalgic elements which are quintessentially Victorian. A feast for the senses indeed.

FURNITURE + FURNISHING MATERIALS

Usually decoratively carved and over-stuffed, the furniture in this room use various materials. Velvet is used for the plump chesterfield sofa which gives off a luxurious vibe with a complimenting coffee table gilded with brass. The study is made of dark oakwood, widely common back then. The fireplace is carved black marble with arched opening. Surrounding it are built-in bookcases heavily decorated with trims.

COLOURS

With the development of new painting and dying techniques, the era was defined by bold rich colors. In this room, we can see the regal jewel tones of blue and shimmering metallic accents elevatesthis space. The walls are painted in teal which compliment the brown wooden parquet.

FABRIC, WALL COVERINGS & PATTERNS

In lieu of wallpaper, the walls are painted but filled with trims and moldings for a busy look. The floor parquet is in chevron patterns overlaid with ornate oriental bold coloured rug. Velvet is used for upholstery.

ACCESSORIES

Inherent to the Victorian design is a busy display of décor, objects, art, souvenirs, chin, trinkets. A huge gilded mirror is hung on top of the fireplace which is a usual combination. As for lighting, during the start of the Victorian period most houses were lit by candles and oil lamps.and the elaborate chandelier used in this roomsis a candelabra mimicking the nostalgia of candles. Lampshade wall scones, albeit modernized, is also reminiscent of the era.

Photography by Douglas Friedman

TIMELESS SOPHISTICATION

Neo Classica l

Neoclassical style is an aspiration to achieve the perfection of sharp lines, clear shapes, calm cold tones, and especially smooth, flawless surfaces which are capable of withstanding the test of time without getting lost in fashion. It all celebrates elegance, simplicity but perfection.

(HousedesigningNET, 2022)

ATMOSPHERE

Timeless sophistication amplified by symmetry, clean lines, calm hues with a touch of playfulness is the emotion this space invokes. Its simplicity elevates its elegance that could defy time. Its palette is inviting yet calming. The expansive windows and ceiling height emphasized granduer and enhanced with appropriate boiserie.

FURNITURE + FURNISHING MATERIALS

The constrasting marble top and metallic nesting tables with linear legs, accentuate the room without the need for fancy decorations. The tufted modular sofa is upholstered to look luxurious without being ostentatious. The accent chairs, albeit modern, go well with the simplicity of the design yet still luxurious. The flooring, which is either travertine or marble, is shiny and polished. The fireplace in white finish resembles a Grecian or Roman coloumn toppped with ornate details which adds to the expensive aura of the room. For contrast, the shelving is straightforward in a polished finish and without much details.

COLOURS

The palette is leaning towards the neutral hues such as creams, whites, greys, browns or blacks which retain the discreet and retenu feel, rather than exuberant and over-the-top.

FABRIC, WALL COVERINGS & PATTERNS

The drape fabric used is linen with what seemingling looks like a sheer organza while the sofa is upholstered with either cotton, microfiber, linen or suede. Boiserie with wainscotting on raw wood is used as the accent wall with ornate floral motifs similar to the fireplace. The floor has a chevron patterns with overlaid muted abstract rug for contrast.

ACCESORIES

Decorating is seemingly restrained and used in moderation for a more elagant and relaxed atmosphere. The floor lamp is subdued and clean and some simple vases are scattered on the shelving. To compensate the lack of decor, is a neoclassical portrait - reimagined with humour to appear more current.

French Country

THE ART OF LIVING

French country style is a timeless aesthetic that can encompass the refined simplicity of a rustic farmhouse or the sophisticated luxury of a country chateau. (The Spruce, 2020) With an appreciation for the rural landscape at its heart, French country is a style which has been bringing timeless charm and an air of romance to interiors for centuries. (Home and Gardens, n.d.)

ATMOSPHERE

The rustic charm of french country lingers in this room. A combination of elegance and comfort best describe this style. Its clean lines, neutral palettes , raw, natural and distressed finishes make it inviting yet exudes the undeniable sophistication and elegance of the French.

FURNITURE + FURNISHING MATERIALS

This style dominantly used all-natural materials such as wood, either raw of distressed, to make it look lived-in and feels warm. The Louis chair is stained while the Bergere chair is distressed with whitewashed patina. Another accent chair on the left is caned – quintessentially French country. The Bergere is upholstered with a simple neutral fabric that matches the rest of the textiles.

The coffee table is unstained wood but the end table is. To soften the hardness of wood is a plush sofa uphosltered in light colored fabric. The built-in bookcase is painted in white finish to match with the fireplace to keep the over-all look clean and refined.

COLOURS

Neutrals dominate the style such as greige, beige, soft gray, and tan reflected in faded colours and raw materials. Metallic gold is also key in keepin the elegant vibe. The accent leather chair and the Louis chair are upholstered in darker tones for contrast.

FABRIC, WALL COVERINGS & PATTERNS

The overall fabric selection is leaning towards the natural linens and cottons which are evident in the upholstery and cushions The walls are painted in cream and draperies are omitted for this space.

The wooden flooring reinforces the rustic aesthetics of wood. It is topped by a neutral oriental pattern rug that looks vintage and matches with the floral patterns in the cushions for continuity.

ACCESSORIES

The antique-like gilded French mirror leaning against the wall adds a nostalgic note to the look, with vintage candelabras, oil paintings and distressed chandelier for a more romantic flair.

Splashes of floral accents on terracota vases and a number of jars give life to the space. Floral cushions and table lamps add visual interests . The rustic wicker basket and the huge wooden bowl channel French living as well.

Photography by @southernstyle

BIZARRELY BEATIFUL

Art Noveau

The art nouveau interior is a rejection of straight and clear geometric lines. Smooth design, rounded shapes of furniture and accessories, and a variety of textures in decoration are the main accents in this style. The emergence of the art nouveau style began in the second half of the 19th century and became an offshoot of the modern style.

(Hackrea, 2020)

ATMOSPHERE

Art Nouveau is whimsical and it is reflected perfectly well in this room. It oozes a sense of fluidity and organic vibe yet sophisticated and tasteful. The visual is a feast for the eyes with playful elements yet of artistic value. The pieces take its inspiration from mother nature.

FURNITURE + FURNISHING MATERIALS

Art Nouveau style in the interior implies the combination of different materials: wood, glass, stone, metal and the like. The focal point of the room is the faux wooden fireplace with carved shapes accentuated by a metallic insert cover with elaborate floral or bent stalk design. The coffee table is also made of wood and carved similarly, the other coffee table is made of barkwood or driftwood with bronze legs - both tables are assymetrical. The sofa and accent chairs are upholstered with soft and plain fabric with metallic legs. The high back dining chairs are made of wood but similary uphosltered and the dining table is made of stained glass. The bookshleves are curved bronze which make the look even whismical yet streamlined.

COLOURS

The prominent palettes of the era are natural and reminiscent of nature . For this room, the dominant colours are whites, creams, browns, green, pinks, metallic golds and bronzes. The palette is quite wide and varied, but it of natural colors - muted but not boring.

FABRIC, WALL COVERINGS & PATTERNS

Fabrics used for the room are plain to emphasize the curved floral motifs and intricately ornamental patterns that are noticeable in every corner. The walls have two finishes, solid and abstract which is bordered by a rounded frame molding.

ACCESSORIES

The accessories in the room possess natural forms and compositions. The chandelier and the floor lamp are the most evident - both adorned with floral petals and roots respectively. Flowers in vases also adorn the room to maintain the rhythmn.

The artwork continues the curviness of the fireplace. Furthermore, ceramic and bronze vases are splattered around. As this is an installation by Amy Lau at the Salon Art + Design Exhibit, sprinkled throughout the space were mineral specimens by Roberto Burle Marx – as part of the collab. One signature element of the era is the Tiffany pendant – a stained glass lamp which goes back in the 1880s.

Art Deco

Art Deco produced a mix of many different styles borrowing design influences from neoclassical, constructionist, cubism, modernism and art nouveau. (Nazmiyal, 2021) It survived through the roar of the ‘20s, the Depression of the ‘30s, and the global conflict that engulfed the ‘40s. Art deco is now experiencing a resurgence with period pieces and reproductions in this iconic style highly sought after. (The Spruce, 2021)

ATMOSPHERE

Art deco typically evokes the nostalgia of timeless sophistication amidst the bold, over the top décor. This beautiful room by Greg Natale is one of my favorite interpretations of the era. Over the top yet understated. Mixed with ecclectic elements, the essence of the roaring Art Deco dominates the entire ambience. They are strong yet warm, bold yet subtle and smothered with geometry, linearity yet softened by touches of fluid influences by other movements.

FURNITURE + FURNISHING MATERIALS

Glitz and glamour best describe the furniture selection. The Minnoti sofa is upholstered with lush and luxe maroon velvet, juxtaposed with the blush Jonathan Adler accent swivel chair in blush velvet with brass base. The wave nesting coffee table is in wood with polished brass top and base. The discreet hourglass stool is made of marble with polished inlays in the middle. The arched brass built-in shelf punctuated the metallic accents with darkwood drawers for contrast. The marble fireplace with bold veins added a layer of sophisticaton.

COLOURS

The colors of the art deco period are striking and bold, punctuated with metallic accents. Here, the combination is marroon, burgundy, pink, gold, brass, white in varying tints and shades - accesorized with polished brass and gold touches.

FABRIC, WALL COVERINGS & PATTERNS

Instead of the typical wallpapers with loud patterns, the room is decorated with fluted linear wall in white and burgurdy – a fundamental element to Art Deco. The silky golden rug is embelished with rectangular patterns that compliment the linear flutes. Velvet is the primary upholstery fabric for both sofa swivel accent chairs accentuated with velvet/suede or microfiber cushions which scream luxury. Apart from lines, arches, circular, semi-circular and wavy shapes and patterns are also integrated in the look.

ACCESSORIES

Nothing is more opulent than an imposing ceiling lamp. The lamp in this room breaks the symmterical geometry. Touches of irregular quartz cutout are added for visual interest. On the other hand, the half-moon wall scone with brass base and marble cube based table lamp for further Art Déco flair. The artwork is of Bauhaus influence, a movement that overlapped during the era. The geometric shapes are aptly used for rhytymn. Scattered around are mettalic decorative accents which are my personal favorites.

Photography by Anson Smart

Mies van der Rohe

LESS IS MORE

is more."

Known for his role in the development of the most enduring architectural style of the era: modernism, Mies’ minimalist style has proved very popular; his famous aphorism “less is more” is still widely used, even by those who are unaware of its origins. (ArchDaily, 2021) Mies van der Rohe designs have filtered into every area of modern interiors style. (Wong, 2021)

His design philosophy that simplicity can be better than extravagance and complication still holds true. A proliferation of emerging designers has helped shape the modernism era. Mies’s International Style is defined by minimalism, a lack of decoration, rectilinear forms, open plan interiors, visual weightlessness and the use of innovative materials such as steel, glass and concrete, with the belief that form should rule over function.

With this design philosophy, modernism has been shaped to an art movement pointed towards clean, sleek, uncluttered interior spaces which is simple yet eye-catching.

ATMOSPHERE

The room selected is one of my favorite interiors. It is an epitome of a quintessential modern home. Filled with iconic modern furniture pieces the structure is inspired by the open doubleheight living room - an architectural signature of Mies – made of steel, concrete and glass. The room evokes calmness yet exciting. It has a balance of sleek yet chic, clean yet interesting.

FURNITURE + FURNISHING MATERIALS

Iconic pieces were curated for this home. Since it is owned by the the CEO of the legendary brand Knoll, the selections are rather exciting. The timeless Barcelona Chair takes centerstage in this room. Usually in white , black and browns, this version is in a special version of pink Edelman leather. The Dunbar Swivel chairs in walnut base and velvet upholstery create a pocket of seating with the Eye Table in the center. Designed by Nicola, this elusive Eye table is made of plexi glass – in clear and blue finish. Joining the cluster is the Franco Albini rattan ottoman to break the monotony.

On the other side is a mini meeting hub with the iconic Petal Table by Richard Schultz surrounded. with the famous Tulip Chair by Eero Saarinen. The table is composed of a teakwood petal-shaped top with powder coated cast aluminum legs. The chair, on the other hand is consist of fibreglass shell, wool upholstery and Rilsan coated cas aluminum

COLOURS

Midcentury modern paint colors tend to be vibrant and bold with some earth tones and neutrals in the mix. Set amidst the white backdrop of Benjamin Moore’s Simply White, the pops of colours in the room are varied – pink, yellow green, blue, grey, browns and orange. This interplay best exemplifies the ecclecticsm of the modern era influenced by a number of movements.

FABRIC, WALL COVERINGS & PATTERNS

The pink Edelman Leather of the Barcelona chair is one of the highlights in this room. The Swivel Chair is covered in velvet and the Tulip Chair in wool. The plain low pile area rug which seems to be made of handwoven linen & tencel – for that luxurious finish.

The concete wall is painted in white and so are the steel pillars with floor to ceiling windows. While most of the finishes are solid, the treasure chest and table décor have subtle geometric shapes.

ACCESSORIES

Minimal accessories are thrown into the space. The sculptural lighting is the most recent design infused in the room. To retain the sleek look, the designer has chosen a white finish so as not to overwhelm. For continuity, the arco lamp and the other floor lamps are all in white for a more streamlined look. The 50’s buffet table Murano glass lamps add a splash of color to compliment the the Eye table. For visual interest, a treasure chest with geometric pattern is also integrated in the ensemble.

"Less

MIES VAN DER ROHE

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