The decorating style known as modern began in the late 1800s as a result of the industrial revolution. The term modern encompasses several design styles, including art nouveau, industrial, contemporary Scandinavian and art deco. Joanne Liebeler, host of HGTV's Room for Change, meets with interior designer Lynn Hockmeier to explore two popular modern styles: art deco and contemporary Scandinavian. Art Deco Art deco, characterized by geometric designs, the bold use of color and the use of glass in furnishings, fits perfectly with the clean lines of a 1950s-style ranch house. A monochromatic color scheme helps accentuate the lines of the furnishings, and white walls keep the look clean. An art deco rug in geometric shapes and warm rich colors sets the tone of the room. A soft cotton-chenille sofa in a deep neutral tone adds comfort and depth, and its curvy shape adds retro flair while softening the room. Upholstered occasional chairs in a neutral color and a glass-topped coffee table keep the room open and airy. A table lamp with zigzags, parallel lines and rounded corners is the epitome of art deco. Utilitarian accessories -- candles, plants and books -- bring dimension and texture while keeping the look clean, and picture frames add a splash of color. Contemporary Scandinavian The clean architectural lines of the 1950s ranch house provide a perfect backdrop for contemporary Scandinavian styling too. Starting with the same neutral sofa and chairs, an Indian sumac rug is added, in a smaller size than the art deco rug (figure A). This reflects the Scandinavian styling of showing more of the wood floor. An oval coffee table, a side table with many compartments and several lamps in a variety of materials are added. A brushed-chrome torchC(re floor lamp provides reading light and illuminates the ceiling. The straight and simple lines of a utilitarian table lamp in wood and chrome exemplify Scandinavian styling at its best (figure B). Abstract-patterned tapestry pillows and softly colored glass pieces add small splashes of color to the neutral backdrop.
RESOURCES :
Hockmeier, Lynn
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