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Art Deco
The Art Deco style, originating in France as “style moderne” in the early 20th century, gained popularity in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. Characterised by unique patterns, rich colours, and luxurious detailing, Art Deco became a symbol of industrial elegance, blending handmade luxury items with the modernity of mass-produced products. With clear influences from cubism, modernism, constructivism, and futurism, Art Deco represented structure and symmetry in a decadent world. Additionally, it embraced multiculturalism, drawing inspiration from African tribal designs, Parisian industrialism, Greco-Roman sculpture, and the geometrical shapes of Ancient Egypt.
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Bauhaus
The Bauhaus art and design movement originated from a German school of the arts founded by Walter Gropius in 1919. Combining elements of the arts and crafts movement (1880-1920) with modernism, Bauhaus is known for its unique aesthetic. It is characterised by simplicity and functionality, featuring balanced, geometric forms and abstract shapes. Bauhaus designers aimed to create aesthetically pleasing objects that could be mass-produced and made available to a broader public, using unconventional techniques and materials like steel, glass, plywood, and plastic to enhance efficiency and practicality.
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Bohemian
The term ‘Bohemian’ originated from the Roma people, who, after being uprooted from northwestern India around 1,500 years ago, led a migratory existence. In the 15th century, they reached the Kingdom of Bohemia (now the Czech Republic). Upon arriving in France from Bohemia, the Roma people became known as ‘les Bohémiens’. The term gained popularity in mid-19th century Paris and continues to be used today to describe someone that leads an unconventional, migratory and artistic lifestyle. It also describes a design aesthetic characterised by nonconformity and eclecticism in the use of colours, textures and materials.
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Japandi
Japandi style is a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian interior design, combining the simplicity and craftsmanship of the two styles. Grounded in the design principles of Wabi-Sabi from Japan and Hygge from Denmark, the style originated in the 1950s, when Danish designers and creatives travelled to Japan for inspiration. Japandi aims to create a calm and harmonious environment through the use of quality craftsmanship, minimal clean lines, neutral tones and natural materials and textures.
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Mid-century modern
The Mid-century modern movement, spanning from the 1940s to the 1960s, originated in response to the urban expansion due to returning post-World War II soldiers and their growing families. Influenced by a post-war frugal and practical mindset, designers focused on creating modern, functional, often modular, housing and furnishings. The distinctive Mid-century modern style incorporated new materials such as metal, glass, vinyl, and plywood, often paired with wood. The term “Mid-Century Modern” was coined in 1984 by writer and art historian Cara Greenberg, highlighting the global recognition and iconic status of this design movement.
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Modernism
The modernist design movement emerged in the late 19th century, influenced by the Industrial Revolution. Before this period, furniture was primarily viewed as ornamentation, with value tied to craftsmanship rather than practicality or comfort. The Industrial Revolution brought about mechanisation, new materials and economical construction methods that made furniture more functional and affordable for the broader population. Modernist designers prioritised form and function over ornamentation, resulting in a minimal and practical aesthetic.
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Nordic
Nordic design originated in the 19th century as a response to the Industrial Revolution, with a shift from mass-produced products toward traditional handmade craftsmanship. Nordic design embraces a comfortable, rustic feel through the use of textiles and natural, often textured materials. The style aligns with Hygge, a Danish lifestyle principle focused on enjoying life’s simple and quieter pleasures. The emphasis is on buying products built to last, promoting a slower and more deliberate lifestyle that values comfort and durability.
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Postmodernism
Postmodernism emerged in the 1970s as a reaction to the minimalism of modernist design. The Memphis Group, founded in Milan in the early 1980s by Ettore Sottsass, exemplifies the aesthetic. Postmodernism celebrates the richness and complexity of the human experience, and encourages individuality and self-expression. It pushes boundaries and fosters a sense of fun with the use of bright colours, bold patterns, and over-scale organic forms. Furniture designs became more playful, incorporating whimsical, organic shapes and childlike forms, with the use of materials such as plastic and neon alongside natural elements.
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Scandinavian
Scandinavian design originated in the early 20th century when designers from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway formed the “Scandinavian Design Group” with a vision of creating a simple, functional, and accessible design aesthetic. Emphasising the idea that form should follow function, the movement gave rise to Scandinavian design, characterised by functionality, minimalism, and a preference for a neutral palette with occasional accents of colour. Despite its minimalistic approach, Scandinavian design maintains warmth and a connection to nature, often incorporating light wooden tones and plants in homes.
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Farmhouse
The farmhouse design style traces its origins to actual farmhouses constructed for farmers. While homes on farmlands have existed for generations, the inspiration for the farmhouse aesthetic is often attributed to traditional European farmhouses from the 16th and 17th centuries. The farmhouse style is characterised as simple, cozy, and warm. There are two main subcategories: traditional farmhouses, exhibiting a rustic country style and often making use of vintage furniture, and modern farmhouses, which incorporate more contemporary elements into the aesthetic.