Post Modern Interior Design

If you like contemporary updates of styles from the past, then you will probably enjoy post modern interior design. This contemporary style shuns minimalism in favor of decorative surfaces and designs.

What is Post Modern Design?

Beginning in the 1960's and lasting through today, the post-modern movement took root as a response to modernist design. This movement began in America and then spread internationally across the globe. Post-modern designers tend to reject the functional, minimal use of materials and lack of embellishment adopted by modernist designers. Seeking to free themselves of restrictive rules, post-modernists place form over function when desired.

Another key theme in post-modern design is borrowing from the past to create eclectic designs in architecture, furnishings, and interiors. Wit and humor are also common elements in post-modern buildings and homes. Post-modernists seek to create comfortable spaces for the body, mind, and soul. This results in a mixture of various design styles, unexpected design materials, and unconventional angles. Post-modern design typically has an air of excitement and energy.

                                        

Post Modern Design Details

Notable post-modern designers include Robert Venturi, Michael Graves, Philip Johnson, and Robert A.M. Stern, to name a few. Some of the furnishings styles which define post-modern design are Craft Revival, ergonomic furniture, and art furniture. Post-modern furniture designer, Judy McKie, is known for her Craft Revival pieces which integrate stylized animal themes in distinctive, sculptural shapes. McKie's expressive, handcrafted pieces can also be described as art furniture due to her emphasis on beautiful shapes, images, and forms.

Ergonomic furniture includes post-modern pieces for both the home and the workplace. The rise of the modern commercial office and the home office has lead to a need for comfortable seating and work spaces. An example of post-modern ergonomic home furniture is the Stressless® collection from Ekornes. Their recliner was introduced in 1971 with an emphasis on comfort that provided proper support at the same time. Ekornes now offers their contemporary sofas in styles and finishes that coordinate with the Stressless line of furnishings. Their line proves that comfort can be stylish.

Art furniture employs form over function and includes unique designs such as pop art motifs and whimsical themes. Often times, art furniture stands alone from its function like a sculpture or object d' art. The furniture should be useful and somewhat functional, but the main purpose of art furniture is to add interest to a room through a theme, color, or shape. Sculptural chairs and coffee tables are common examples of art furniture. Bold shapes and interesting angles are also a major element of art furniture pieces.

Some of the other trends inside the post-modern movement include:

• Classic modernism - borrows from the classical, graceful designs of the ancient Greeks.
• Memphis style - started by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980's, this style promotes freedom of expression in form and color.
• Deconstructivism - places emphasis on form and design without adherence to normal structural rules. Frank O. Gehry's unique, whimsical designs are one example.
• High tech style - emphasizes the display of industrial and structural elements in a noticeable or decorative way.