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Defined by sinuous curves, organic forms, and patterns alive with flowers, vines, and fantastical creatures, Art Nouveau took root in the 1890s, peaked around 1900, and shaped design well into the 1910s. More than a century later, this graceful, nature-infused style is blooming once again, inspiring everything from boutique hotels to modern furniture collections.
Art Nouveau was born out of a determination to do something new. Unlike the academic art which was popular at the time, designers and artists sought to create a style that was inspired by the present rather than the past – specifically, they were taking inspiration from the shapes and motifs found in the natural world.
You may recognise Art Nouveau from Alphonse Mucha’s floral portraits or Paris’ vine-like Métro entrances. Nowadays, Art Nouveau hotels are being revamped and restored like the glamorously over-the-top Nuvole Garden Hotel and the chic Roomers Berlin Steinplatz.
The Seasons by Alphonse Mucha
In the furniture world, designer Chris Wolston recently launched an Art Nouveau-inspired collection with glitzy ceiling lights and gilded flower motifs. Here, we’re witnessing the emergence of ‘New Nouveau’ – Art Nouveau’s glamorous 21st-century cousin.
Why is Art Nouveau trending?
From the loud luxury trend to the Art Deco revival, in the last year, we’ve been seeing interior designers gravitate towards bolder, more opulent forms of interior design. ‘After years of straight lines and pared-back minimalism, interiors are swinging toward something softer, richer, and more expressive,’ says Simon Mayhew, founder and interior designer at TXTURED.
The emergence of New Nouveau also to speaks to another popular trend in interior design: the movement towards more naturalistic, eco-conscious interiors. ‘The rise of biophilic design has deepened our collective desire to bring nature indoors, an impulse that aligns perfectly with Art Nouveau’s plant-inspired patterns and fluid lines,’ Simon explains.
Ready to channel Mucha? Here’s how to get the New Nouveau look
Though it has a clear fondness for organic shapes and nature-inspired motifs, New Nouveau is a more opulent style than its late-19th century predecessor. Gone are the wood tones and stained-glass windows of the Art Nouveau era, instead, we’re seeing metallic accents and jewel-tones reminiscent of Art Deco.
‘The New Nouveau is all about romance with a modern edge,’ Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors says. ‘It takes the fluid, nature-inspired elegance of Art Nouveau and infuses it with a touch of glamour.’
With that in mind, here’s are five expert-approved tips to help you nail the New Nouveau look…
1) Embrace soft curves and sinuous shapes
Compared to the angular machine-inspired shapes of Art Deco interiors, Art Nouveau welcomed softer, asymmetrical lines. ‘To recreate the New Nouveau look, start by embracing those iconic sinuous curves,’ says Victoria Robinson, style and trend expert at Hillarys. ‘Think arched mirrors, undulating furniture silhouettes, and flowing lines in everything from curtain poles to coffee tables.’
2) Incorporate nature-inspired motifs
Art Nouveau emerged as a backlash to the technological advancements of the Industrial Revolution. As a response, designers and artists sought to re-connect with nature by embracing its shapes and patterns in their work. In light of this, Victoria tells us that ‘nature-inspired motifs are key to recreating the New Nouveau look. Choose bold, oversized florals or leafy patterns for wallpaper or soft furnishings.’
3) Bring glamour with metallics
The main difference between Art Nouveau and New Nouveau is that added layer of opulence. ‘Don’t be afraid to introduce a little shimmer,’ says Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV. ‘Using metallic accents in trims, tie-backs, lamp bases or picture frames will all help to add that touch of glamour,’ she says.
4) Lean into jewel tones
Though Art Deco was a successor to Art Nouveau, you can feel its jewel-tone colours creeping into the New Nouveau look. Debbie recommends opting for colours like emerald, sapphire and ruby ‘to instantly create a sense of opulence, especially when layered together across upholstery, cushions and curtains’.
5) Choose decorative furniture
Art Nouveau wasn’t just a backlash to the Industrial Revolution but a reaction to the mass-production of objects that followed. Instead, its designers placed an emphasis on traditional craftsmanship, resulting in thoughtful decorative pieces. Kunal warns however, though the New Nouveau look is decorative, it’s never fussy: ‘The magic lies in layering organic forms with refined, metallic accents that feel indulgent yet contemporary,’ he says.
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