Modernism
Modernism in the cultural historical sense is generally defined as a new artistic style that emerged in the decades before 1914. Some divide the 20th century into modern and post-modern periods, whereas others see them as two parts of the same larger period.
Modernism centres on its rejection of tradition. It emphasises the return of the arts to their fundamental characteristics, as though beginning from scratch. This dismissal of tradition also involves the rejection of conventional expectations. Hence modernism often stresses freedom of expression, experimentation, radicalism and even primitivism. In many art forms this often meant startling and alienating audiences with bizarre and unpredictable effects. Hence the strange and disturbing combinations of motifs in Surrealism, or the use of extreme dissonance in modernist architecture.
Many modernists believed that by rejecting tradition they could discover radically new ways of making art. By ignoring harmony (the relationship between consonance and dissonance) they discovered a wholly new way of organising composition. Colors and shapes formed the essential characteristics of art, not the depiction of the natural world. Modernist design rejected the old styles and structures inherited from Ancient Greece and from Middle Ages. Modernist designers typically decline decorative motifs in design, preferring to emphasise the materials used and pure geometrical forms. Modernist design of houses and furniture also typically emphasised simplicity and clarity of form, open-plan interiors, and the absence of clutter.
The most fascinating feature of Modern style is the variety and exuberance of furnishing. Modern period produced an explosion of innovative and imaginative forms. Among the most popular pieces of furniture are modular sofas in tubular steel and black leather, stacking chairs and tables of any kind. Walls are treated as a background, that is why they are often painted white or neutral colors incorporating sparse tones of black, white, brown, gray, beige, and chrome. Bright colors of accessories add splashes of red, yellow and blue to the interior. The use of glass becomes an important innovation of Modernism. Floors are made of wood, stone, brick, and cork to accentuate the space and add a natural touch to a modern interior. Abstract patterned rugs help to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Light is also important, for it becomes an integral part of the whole interior. Track lighting, in a combination with recessed ceiling cans or halogen ceiling spots are used to direct light to specific areas of the interior. For example, spotlighting helps to emphasize an object by means of a focused light beam, while smaller globe or tubular lamps will add a zest and create a special atmosphere in a room. Truly, anything simple and industrial can find its place in a modern interior.
Windows are usually plain white curtains or Venetian blinds, which allow light to enter the interior without detracting from the open, uncluttered spaces.
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