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Week 8-Art Deco & Rise of the Interior Decorator

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  INT 232- History of Interiors   By: Nicol Valeria Torres Villamil  Week 8 – Art Deco & Rise of the Interior Decorator This week we studied Art Deco and the rise of the interior decorator , a period that contrasts strongly with modernism. While modernists focused on function and simplicity, Art Deco designers embraced decoration, luxury, and style . Art Deco originated in France in the 1920s and quickly spread internationally. It was influenced by modern technology, cubism, and even African art, but instead of focusing on function, it emphasized glamour, craftsmanship, and visual impact . At the same time, the role of the interior decorator became more important. Designers were no longer just focused on structure, but also on creating complete interiors that reflected personality, status, and lifestyle.  Historical Images Chrysler Building – New York A classic example of Art Deco architecture with geometric forms and a strong vertical emphasis inspired by sky...

Week 7-Heroic Modernism

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    INT 232- History of Interiors         By: Nicol Valeria Torres Villamil   Week 7-Heroic Modernism  This week we studied Heroic Modernism , which developed roughly between 1900 and the 1950s . This period was heavily influenced by major historical events, especially World War I and rapid industrialization . After the war, designers and architects began rethinking how cities, buildings, and interiors should function in a modern world. Instead of looking back at historical styles, they focused on technology, functionality, and new materials such as steel, glass, and concrete. A key philosophy during this time was Functionalism , which meant that the design of a building or object should be based primarily on its purpose. Ornamentation and unnecessary decoration were rejected. Instead, designers believed that the structure and materials themselves could create beauty. Some of the most influential architects of this movement were Frank Lloyd Wrigh...

Week 5 – Protomodernism

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  INT 232- History of Interiors   By: Nicol Valeria Torres Villamil  Week 5 – Protomodernism This week we studied Protomodernism, a transitional period that planted the seeds of Modernism. Unlike previous movements, Protomodernism rejected historical revival styles and excessive ornamentation. Designers began experimenting with new forms, materials, and ideas that reflected industrial progress and changes in society. Movements such as the Deutscher Werkbund and Vienna Secession focused on uniting art, architecture, and applied design. Instead of copying the past, designers emphasized function, geometry, and the honest expression of materials. This period marked a major shift toward what would later become Modernism.   Historical Images Secession Building – Joseph Olbrich   Symbolic of the Vienna Secession, this building rejected historical imitation and embraced geometric clarity and artistic unity. Otto Wagner Postal Savings Bank – Vienna   Demonstrat...

Week 4 – Art Nouveau

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   INT 232- History of Interiors By: Nicol Valeria Torres Villamil Week 4 – Art Nouveau  This week we studied Art Nouveau , a movement that emerged between 1890 and 1910 as a rejection of Victorian historicism and excessive ornamentation. Unlike the Arts and Crafts movement, which rejected industrial production, Art Nouveau embraced modern materials and new technologies such as iron, glass, electricity, and prefabrication. Instead of looking to historical styles for inspiration, designers turned to nature flowers, vines, insects, shells, and organic forms. Art Nouveau sought to unify architecture, interiors, furniture, and decorative arts into one cohesive artistic expression. The movement emphasized fluidity, harmony, and innovation, creating spaces that felt modern, dynamic, and expressive.  Historical Images Paris Metro Entrance – Hector Guimard (France) Demonstrates the use of prefabricated iron elements shaped into organic, plant-like forms. Hôtel Tassel – Vict...

Week 3 – Japan and Japonisme

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   INT 232- History of Interiors   By: Nicol Valeria Torres Villamil  Week 3 – Japan and Japonisme    This week we studied Japanese architecture, interiors, and decorative arts, along with the concept of Japonisme and its influence on Western design. Japanese design uses simple designs together with natural materials to create spaces that function as one continuous area between their inside and outside sections. Japanese design preferred asymmetrical designs which included different elements instead of European design which sought to achieve balanced appearances through symmetrical arrangements. Zen Buddhism, which Buddhism and Japanese religious practices, established the Buddhist principles which created Japanese interior design standards through its practice of creating spaces that brought people closer to their spiritual path. The values created areas which maintained peacefulness while serving specific purposes and allowed people to use the space for v...