Design trends are like the fashion industry, constantly shifting in and out of popularity. We might look back and wonder why on earth we created avocado bathrooms and used bright orange upholstery in the 1970s, frilly blinds in the 1980s or rag-rolling in the nineties, but this doesn’t stop design trends from reoccurring. Join us as we travel through time and try to salvage the best design trends through the ages.
In the beginning there were cave drawings
Humankind has been decorating since we first started creating communities as cave men. Evidence of cave drawings seem to suggest we have always had a primal instinct to decorate our dwellings. Little changed until the rise of Ancient Egypt, many still lived in primitive homes, but royalty decorated their homes to signify their wealth and please their gods. The Egyptians were best known for decorating their homes using textile murals.
With the Greek civilisation the standard of living improved and normal citizens could decorate their homes the way they chose. But authorities set strict architectural guidelines particularly with regard to the construction of pillars. In the era of the Roman civilisation royalty could no longer show off their affluence through their homes alone anymore, they needed to decorate with mosaics and bespoke furniture. Visit this interior design timeline to learn about all the eras that contributed to the home design we know today.
Fast-forward to the 20th and 21st century
We go through a timeline of our favourite design trends between the 1920s-2000s:
- 1920s – Art Deco was a prominent movement between the 1920s -1930s. Colour schemes where very light and living rooms made use of clean-lined furnishings, but the use of bold patterns made up for this lightness.
- 1940s – This is the decade that introduced the shag rug, beveled mirrors and the use of open shelving as room dividers in homes. Florals and frills took the edge off darker rooms.
- 1950s – During this decade the economy flourished and as a result, the interior style became more industrialised. Rooms were airy as screens were used to divide rooms instead of walls – this made 1950s homes seem more spacious. Chair legs peaked out and furniture was low-slung.
- 1960s – According to Harvey Water Softeners, “the swinging 60s saw the free love movement flourish underneath the dark spectre of probable nuclear annihilation.” The lava lamp, television set, bold atomic lamp shades and the boomerang shaped coffee table were prominent features in the living room.
- 1970s – Despite the recession that swept this decade, the interior design did not take a knock, instead, it brought about the DIY craze and the need to buy furniture that would last. The 1970s saw the ‘hippie movement’ and as a result homes featured earth tones, teak and pine furniture, geometric patterns, gleaming textures and animal prints.The famous unikko poppy print by Marimekko went mainstream, it was designed by Maija Isola.
- 1980s – This era became obsessed with pastels particular peach and pink hues. Upholstery was influenced by the English chintz. This era also favoured carpets and wallpaper. Towards the end of the decade homeowners were placing botanical motifs and topiaries into their homes.
- 1990s – Homeowners were fascinated by using granite in kitchens and experimenting with different painting effects on walls., But they didn’t stop at decorating walls, they also painted old furniture to make it look newer. Leather setting and the use of pine furniture was also prevalent.
- 2000s – Ikea was introduced and brought with it a focus on creating a more personalised home.
We love retro chic
Here at Window Art we can incorporate any style of design you like – we are all about creating a custom-designed vinyl etching window display that will suit not only your own personal taste, but your home’s aesthetic as well. Take a look at our designs on offer by downloading our vinyl etching catalogue.
Image Credit: http://www.sign-uk.com
