Trends Throughout the Years
Modern, post-modern, new modern – sure, I’ve heard of these movements. But what do they actually mean? What décor is characteristic of them and why?
Experts say that the first signs of humans taking an interest in their living spaces was in early prehistoric times, when cavemen (and women, I assume) used to decorate their dwellings with basic drawings. Whilst the focus of such dwellings was obviously on functionality, this does raise the idea that looking after one’s home is a primal instinct (Sbid).
Fast forward a few thousand years to the increasingly civilised way of life of the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans and we see a more nuanced consideration of interior design - decorative items like vases and sculptures were seen for the first time. From here, distinctive styles moved across Europe, from Gothic architecture to Italian Renaissance. Whilst the attention was on large-scale, often religious buildings, as we move through time, we see an opening up of interior design to the ‘common people’.
And so we come to the 20th century, in which interior, much like fashion, bent and waned to the trends of the time – trends which were defined by the economy, the culture and the technologies at hand. It’s useful to study all the history and past trends in order to understand where we are now, in the 21st century, and to predict where we are heading. Ready for a whistle stop tour?
Early Interior
Source of inspiration: Pinterest
The National Trust is an amazing resource when looking at British interiors in the 20th century and the notes below are almost entirely based upon their findings…
Tudor (1485 to 1603)
Thanks to expanding trade, the Tudor period was prosperous and land was often granted to royalties’ favourites, enabling the building of very lavish homes. Such homes often had symmetrical architecture, focused around an E or H shape. Windows were multi-paned, had lattice work or were casement – they also featured stained glass. Walls were panelled with dark oak and adorned by tapestries or embroideries. Floors were wooden or tiled using encaustic tiles, a method in which the pattern is created by different coloured clays as opposed to glaze. Stone hearth surrounds were another key feature of this time. Other typical furniture included trestle tables, benches, heavy chests and carved four-posted beds. These were dressed with damask and brocade fabric, with colour schemes made up of dark browns, golds, reds and greens. I don’t know about you, but this gives me a sense of heaviness just writing it!
Georgian (1714 to 1830)
In contrast, the Georgian period was known for it’s lightness of touch. At this time, completing a ‘Grand Tour’ around Europe was fashionable for the upper echelons of society, meaning there were many foreign influences in interiors (Staffordshire Living). As the National Trust note, among the most enduring styles was Neo-classical, based on Roman and Greek architecture. This was seen in the use of Roman inspired niches and alcoves, columns (Corinthian, Ionic and Doric), and statues (in stone, iron and marble). In contrast to the rich tones of the Tudor period, pastel colour schemes were common, especially pea-green, mauve and pink. Pretty motives such as ribbons and garlands, as well as animal figures, were also common. I certainly get more of a soft, delicate feel here.
Victorian (1837 to 1901)
Unlike the Tudor or Georgian periods, the Victorian period doesn’t fit nearly into one coherent style, simply because the Queen’s reign was so long and spanned so much time. Indeed, three trends came together to result in an eclectic mix of interiors: firstly, travel opened up to far flung locations like Japan and India, resulting in exotic design; secondly, mass production meant that homeowners could fill their rooms with more textiles and furniture; and thirdly, early styles were combined more frequently, to give diversity in interior. So, what did homes look like? A gothic revival meant spires, pointed arch door surrounds, decorative ironwork and the like. Windows had stained or etched glass, while floors were patterned, using encaustic floor tiles once more. There were marble, slate and cast-iron fireplaces, inset with patterned tiles, as well as heavily carved or overly-stuffed furniture. Dark, rich and moody colour schemes returned – featuring reds, forest greens and dark blues. Pair this with patterned or velvet, festoon blinds. Eeee, even the word festoon is unpleasant…
Twenties
The twenties were all about moving away from excessive ornamentation. Art deco was sophisticated, luxurious and glamorous (Staffordshire Living; Medium) – think, the lavishness of The Great Gatsby. Along the same line, the excitement of the Hollywood silver screen filtered through into interiors. Moreover, abstract designs were used for carpets, fabrics and wallpapers – these included geometric shapes and chevron patterns (National Trust). Travel also remained popular and homes would see exotic touches like animal skins and ivory.
Thirties and Forties
Minimalist interior design continued into the thirties and forties. Modernism was more simple and clean, as opposed to sharp and bold (Medium). Colours were pale and designs were plain instead of patterned and elaborate (House Beautiful). Shapes were streamlined. Rugs would sometimes be used to add a dash of boldness or colour.
Fifties
The fifties were defined by the consumer, as Britain moved into a post-war boom. There was more money, bigger families, open living spaces, materialism and a desire for the latest home furnishings (Staffordshire Living; Medium). In this period, termed mid-century modern, people were interested in products composed of materials reflective of the booming industrial process (Harvey). What’s more, unexpected colours like blues and greens encouraged a look towards the future. Bubble gum colours, neon and kitsch, as well as American diner styles were also seen (Medium).
Sixties
The sixties were a decade of contrasts. On the one hand, there was the free love movement, which welcomed groovy colours like reds, yellows and blues, giving a modernist touch. Pop art and opt-art inspired patterns and styles prevailed (Staffordshire Living; Medium). On the other hand, it was a politically turbulent time, with the fear of nuclear annihilation and undertones of the space race. These certainly filtered through into homes, with the rise of space-age capsule and pod-shaped furniture. What’s more, the explosion in television ownership meant that the TV became the central point of any living room, with all furniture pointing towards it (House Beautiful).
Seventies
The early part of the seventies was a hangover from the previous decade, with vibrant colours, pop art and newly available plastic furniture. Indeed, as Staffordshire Living note, the hippie movement continued unabated with an anti-consumerist alignment. That is until recession and high unemployment hit and a period of less flamboyant design preceded. This included a back to nature movement, with an appreciation of Mother nature. Furniture had an environmentally friendly touch, with much of it made from natural elements like wicker, rattan, teak and pine (Medium). There were exposed ceiling beams and a prevalence of earthy tones like dark reds, mustard yellows and dark greens. Finishing touches like high shag pile carpets, hanging plants and handicrafts such as macramé all added to the rustic feel. I think I would have felt quite a home in this decade!
Eighties
The eighties came to be known as the new modern. On the one hand, there were bold approaches happening in design – an art deco revival meant clean shapes, modern curves and angles. However, on the other hand, in normal homes, there were pastel and beige colour schemes, carpets and wallpaper (Harvey). As Irish Furnishings note, “borders were must-haves for a fashionable home during the 1980s, with many rooms featuring muted toned walls bordered near the ceiling with floral patterned wallpaper.” Shabby chic was used to add distress to furnishings and to mimic a sense of antiquity.
Nineties
Simplicity of form and toned back, minimalist interior took hold in the nineties. Staffordshire Living puts it well: “funky clashes and bright colours were seen as dated whereas white and beige were considered as contemporary and trendy. Blonde wood and Scandinavian inspired design was very popular, giving interior spaces a bright, fresh and roomy atmosphere. What’s more, leather sofas were common and a sign of wealth.
Noughties
After the ‘non-descript’ period of the nineties, the noughties were all about communicating character - think photography, feature walls and colour. There was the rise of flat pack furniture from companies like family-favourite, Ikea. What’s more, the internet of things became a lot more powerful: ‘the continued progression of technology and particularly the internet and its integration into the home beyond just computers became an influence upon how the interior was set” (Harvey).
Now?
These days, there’s a real focus on authenticity. With so much inspiration and choice available through expanding social media platforms and retailers, this design period is defined by self-expression. Everyone has their own personal style – most of which lean upon a particular decade. Indeed, by studying trend data between 2004 and the present day, LuxDeco has found that “Traditional” is the most popular interior style in Britain, with Victorian coming closely after. Their interiors director interpreted such results: traditional is so popular because it doesn’t have one definition. Instead, it has two interpretations, casting the net wider in terms of property and personality types. “Traditional in one breath is very classic, driven by antiques and heritage, but it also touches on this fresher perspective of classic-contemporary too. Here, we see interiors inspired by tradition but with a more pared-back, crisp slant to give rise to a timeless, elegant and homely feel. The term traditional covers both of these aesthetics” (LuxDeco).
Sbid supports this – suggesting that we are in an era of eclecticism wherein old vintage is teamed with modern features. “People can now play and experiment with a whole host of styles to create their perfect homes”.
The Future?
Fitting well with the current focus on authenticity and personal style, I recently read a Forbes article that predicted interior trends for 2020 and, to me, the underlying message was clear: the trend is to move away from trends…
Timeless interiors - In line with our environmental awakening, we are certainly thinking more long term. We are buying fewer but higher quality pieces, thereby developing our own personal style, as opposed to buying in to fads and trends. Like fast fashion, fast décor is predicted to be on the way out…
Sustainable interiors - As the article states, “this is being reflected in an overall design sensibility” as we look to more sustainable materials. Just think of the rattan revival!
Handmade interiors - And it’s out with the mass made big corps and in with the companies and artists whose products tell a story or have a point of view. It’s all about the connection.
To me, it feels like interior trends act on a pendulum, swinging between bold colours and neutrals, between ornamentation and stripped-back design. Thus far, each decade has had a distinct style, but perhaps we are moving away from this. If you’re interested in digging a little deeper, the Geffrye Museum of the Home (currently under renovation) is a great place to start. Re-opening in Summer 2020, the museum looks at the changing urban home across 400 years. Enjoy - I certainly will be!
*Main image source: http://www.abington.ie/panelling.html
