“Modern” translates as “modern”, but this style originated at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. Concrete, glass, ceramics and similar natural materials were considered fashionable and relevant then. The interior of a modern kitchen looks completely different.

Now it is instead an interweaving of many directions, united by the standard ideas of the original genre. For comparison, below are photos of classic and modern Art Nouveau.

From the general concept, only the rejection of straight lines and the presence of natural and plant motives have been preserved. But these components are increasingly becoming optional when combining modernity with hi-tech and minimalism.

Style Description

The basis of kitchen design is its functionality. All items, equipment and even decorative elements should be practical and comfortable.

At an equal time, it is necessary to ensure that the interior design maintains integrity and harmony.

Otherwise, this style has no transparent edges. Moreover, throughout one and a half hundred years of its existence, Art Nouveau was divided into several directions, which have rather profound differences.

Varieties of Art Nouveau

There are several different classifications of this style. The most popular way of division is territorial. Each nation has brought its character and lifestyle traits to modernity, focusing on various aspects of this design method.

Italian

The hot Italian sun added sensuality and bliss to this style. Italian Art Nouveau assumes graceful lines, but at the same time, large open spaces and large pieces of furniture.

Small kitchens are not suitable for the modern Italian style. Having cluttered ten sq. m. with voluminous furniture and decor elements, creating a luxurious, stylish kitchen will not work. Instead, it will resemble a warehouse of expensive things.

For the embodiment of Italian Art Nouveau, several rooms are often combined, and a single kitchen dining room or kitchen living room is made.

Russian

Modernism can be considered the last style of the Russian Empire, which left its mark on it. The standard of this type of Art Nouveau can be viewed as a miniature “palace” interiors.

All elements seem to emphasize the status of their owner. At the same time, primordially, Russian patterns characteristic of some areas of immense Russia slip through in natural and plant motifs.

But Russian Art Nouveau should not be confused with pretentious baroque and gloomy gothic. All elements of this style are light, airy. The colours in the interior are often used with delicate pastels.

German

Germany has coined its term – Art Nouveau (youth style). At the peak of popularity, he held out until the First World War. During this time, he managed to divide into two stages:

• until 1900, Jugendstil was dominated by flowing lines and light floral patterns, sometimes with an oriental bias;
• after 1900 he was influenced by abstract art, but the lines remained soft and airy.

In any case, the Germans approached the embodiment of the style with national pedantry and meticulousness. All elements of German Art Nouveau are well thought out and functional.

French

The French christened their version of Art Nouveau “Art Nouveau” and recognized the standard. A distinctive feature of Art Nouveau can be considered a frame.

Twisted legs and frames for furniture, lamps and interior items were used as a frame. They were made of wood or metal. Often it was they who became the main design accent, uniting the overall design.

Otherwise, the main ideas of Art Nouveau remained unchanged: the use of “new” materials, the rejection of straight lines, floral motifs and the overall integrity and functionality of the interior.

Austrian

The Vienna Secession is the closest thing to German Art Nouveau. It can be described as a “practical utility-style”.

Although it retained the clarity of forms and straightforwardness, Austrian Art Nouveau did not go away from ornaments and floral decorations. This type of style can be considered one of the strictest and most concise versions of Art Nouveau.

Advantages and disadvantages

With the change of “modernity”, modernity also changes. Only the essential elements that have stood the test of time remain of it. Therefore, it has practically no shortcomings – everything superfluous is eliminated.

The main points of modern modernity include:

• The Abundance of light. Wide, practically display windows make any room visually more significant and brighter. The shape does not matter: rectangular, arched, round, asymmetrical or square;
• Simple lines. As an indispensable element of Art Nouveau, Twisted legs and curved facades remained at the turn of the last century. Today’s Art Nouveau is not so unconditional, and it allows straight lines; the main thing is that the interior looks harmonious;
• Modern materials. The Abundance of metal, wood and natural stone does not exclude the use of plastic and glass;
• Convention. Plant elements have ceased to play a dominant role. This function in the modern version of the style is very symbolic: a photo of a flower on the wall or a pattern of leaves on the curtains. Nobody prohibits the use of plant motives more explicitly, but this is no longer necessary;
• Harmony. All pieces of furniture and kitchen decor elements complement each other, creating a holistic interior;
• Functionality. Modernity does not tolerate unnecessary embellishments. Pretentiousness and an abundance of details are not characteristic of this style. All items in the kitchen should be practical and valuable, and minor information act as accents that emphasize the style: furniture handles, hidden patterns, etc.

The beauty of Art Nouveau is that it is versatile. It can be combined with any design and interior. Depending on the implementation, you can get modern in a modern design or its original understanding.

Finishing

Classic Art Nouveau at the end of the 19th century presupposes the use of mainly natural materials. By its very nature, it is a rich, even luxurious style.

A small kitchen in a Khrushchev building with an area of ​​6 sq. meters of a carved set or a massive dining table with curved legs will look out of place.

The original Art Nouveau needs to be embodied in a large area. Therefore, it is more suitable for private houses with high ceilings and spacious rooms.

Modern Art Nouveau is not so definite. It keeps pace with the times and looks more like a mixture of minimalism and hi-tech. But today’s style  the severity and conciseness of these directions with smooth lines of curved facades or delicate floral patterns flickering on various surfaces.

Walls

Art Nouveau is defined by the use of walls as a neutral background. In this case, the type of finishing does not play a unique role. All kinds of materials are used equally:

• Tile. It is better to give preference to small mosaic tiles. It can be either monochromatic or depict a variety of patterns and thematic panels. The principal thing is not to use too contrasting combinations and bright designs. Transitions of shades should be soft and as neutral as possible;
• Wallpaper. All variations are acceptable; you just need to ensure that the material is practical and the drawing is absent altogether or almost invisible. It is better to use liquid wallpaper, rather than the usual paper ones. Photo wallpaper is permissible, but only on one wall, as zoning of the room;
• Dye. With its help, you can make a monochromatic background and let floral ornaments along the walls or focus on a specific part of the kitchen. Modern is a style that has a positive attitude towards abandoning symmetry and familiar forms;

• Glass. This material is welcomed both in the classic and in the modern embodiment of Art Nouveau. Moreover, the drink is perfect for the kitchen. It is inert to moisture, mould, temperature changes and is easy to clean with most kitchen products. A glass panel can cover part of the walls, for example, an apron. Stained glass panels and partitions are also standard;
• Wood. 

One of the classic materials for Art Nouveau. But when using wood, you need to pay great attention to the form. It is better not to use even smooth panels but to preference asymmetry, smooth lines and curved shapes. Both lacquered and matte surfaces are allowed, but gloss is still preferable;

• Stone. You should not use raw wild stone or brick, and it is better to leave them for the loft-style. Modern slabs made of noble stone veneer in neutral shades are better suited ;
• Wall panels. 

They can be from any natural material. If plastic is used, then it should mimic natural wood or stone as accurately as possible.

The main point to consider when decorating walls in the Art Nouveau style is the colour scheme. Shades should be light, muted and as warm as possible.

At the same time, you should not use bright patterns, contrasting combinations and rich dark colours, which is unusual for modern. If you want to add knowledge to the interior, it is better to do it with the help of gloss: varnished wood or stone panels, shiny mosaics, etc.

Apron

This part of the kitchen is exposed to quite aggressive influences: various splashes, temperature changes, evaporation and cleaning with household chemicals. Therefore, first of all, when choosing a material for a kitchen apron, you need to take into account its reliability and durability.

Appearance also plays a role, but there are fewer requirements for it. Skin, in this case, can have a neutral look and become a bright accent that attracts attention.

The best materials for finishing an apron in the Art Nouveau style are:

• Tile. 

The strength and practicality of this type of finish can hardly be overestimated. As for the appearance, the tiles on the modern apron are better suited to small ones. It can be a solid colour in neutral shades or a patterned fresco. In the second case, plant motifs and various ornaments can be located both along the perimeter and over the entire surface of the apron. One whole large image is also acceptable;

• Glass. 

One of the most prosperous and practical options, but at the same time, this type of skin was quite expensive. The advantages of a glass apron are apparent. It has no seams where dirt and mould can accumulate. Such a surface is cleaned elementary, and it can only be damaged by mechanical action. At the same time, the modern industry allows you to order glass skins in a variety of designs: transparent, monochromatic, with any pattern and pattern. For Art Nouveau, both monochrome solutions and floral motifs of not too bright shades are suitable;

• Stone. Skin made from a cut of natural stone looks gorgeous, expensive and impressive. Such material is practical, durable and noble. It is better to use light warm shades, but a variant with a pronounced stone pattern is also allowed. Unsymmetrical, flowing marble streaks are ideal for Art Nouveau;
• Metal. Brushed chrome surfaces blend well with a variety of styles, including modern. The advantage of a metal apron can be considered a beautiful appearance and the practicality of this type of finish. The main disadvantage of the metal skin can be safely called its cost. Usually, such an apron is made solid and smooth, but in some cases, various images are applied to it using engraving;
• Wood. 

Natural solid is less durable than stone, but with proper care, it can last for decades. The floral patterns depicted on the surface of the wood can emphasize Art Nouveau. In fairness, it is worth noting that natural solid is very rarely used for finishing an apron due to the high cost. It is often replaced with tiles depicting the structure of a tree or panels made of more budget materials that imitate a wood pattern.

Skin made of plastic or MDF is much worse for the implementation of modernity, but they are still used because of the budgetary cost of these materials. When choosing such methods of finishing an apron, it is better to prefer a colour palette close to natural materials.

Ceiling

This part of the room is least exposed to negative influences. Therefore it most often becomes the main focus. With the help of the ceiling, it is easiest to emphasize the style of the room at the same time, without violating its practicality and functionality.

In this case, everything is used:

• the form;
• materials ;
• colours.

The shape of the ceiling is limited only by the square of the kitchen and the flight of imagination. Curved lines and asymmetry, smooth transitions and bright accents – everything is used.

The materials are still the same – primarily natural:

• wood;
• stone;
• metal;
• drywall ;
• wallpaper (preferably liquid);
• decorative plaster;
• ceiling panels;
• dye.

Stretch ceilings should be highlighted separately. PFC films cannot be classified as natural materials. But due to its plasticity and richness of colour palette, it allows you to imitate any materials and bring the most daring forms to life.

Also, the advantages of a stretch ceiling include the unpretentiousness and availability of the material, as well as the presence of a wide range of glossy shades. The lacquer film allows visually increasing the height of the ceilings and the squaring of the room and perfectly fits the general concept of modernity.

The palette of the Art Nouveau ceiling usually falls outside the classic neutral-pastel palette. In addition to the usual shades and floral patterns, contrasting details often slip through. They can have different incarnations: ornament, lighting, contrasting trim or skirting boards. But at the same time, the entire ceiling is not dark or bright.

Floor

By choosing the right finishing floor covering, you can subtly emphasize the characteristic features of Art Nouveau. In this case, do not forget about practicality. The floor in the kitchen will need to be cleaned of various stains and greasy deposits and disinfected with rather aggressive household products.

Almost any floor covering can be added to the Art Nouveau style:

• Tile. 

One of the best options for the kitchen. Typically, floor tiles are produced in pretty large sizes. For it to organically complement the chosen style, it must be taken monochromatic or imitating a mosaic ornament;

• Linoleum. Another suitable and easy-care material. The rich colour palette allows you to choose the optimal design: imitation of natural wood or stone, unobtrusive pastel pattern, etc.;
• Laminate. This type of flooring requires a more careful attitude than the first two options, but it has also proven worthy. The main thing when choosing a laminate for the kitchen is not to take budget brands. Dies of class 31–34 with moisture-resistant impregnation are best suited. As for the appearance, usually, the laminate imitates a variety of wood species or natural stone tiles. Both options go well with the Art Nouveau style;
• Self-levelling floor. 

The almost eternal coating allows you to embody any flight of design imagination. This type of finish has only two drawbacks: cost and very difficult dismantling. With a sufficient height of the ceilings, you can even make 3D modern, adding volume and depth to the floor;

• Wood. The natural array is quite demanding. The atmosphere in the kitchen is quite aggressive. Low-quality wood will not last long in conditions of high humidity and sudden temperature changes. High-quality solid wood is expensive, so it is rarely chosen for flooring. Wood derivatives are more often used: parquet board, veneer, etc .;
• Linoleum tiles. 

A modern finish that combines the best aspects of both surfaces. The relatively low cost, simple installation and easy maintenance make this flooring more and more in demand every year. Linoleum tiles are not only durable and practical but also fit perfectly into a modern kitchen project. Combining several types of tiles allows you to recreate curved lines and exciting patterns.

Do not use carpet or similar textile flooring. Yes, these finishes may suit the overall style of the kitchen, but they are highly impractical. A variety of bacteria accumulate in the pile of the kitchen carpet, which cannot be removed with a wet cleaning and a vacuum cleaner.

If carpet is the only available type of finish, it must be regularly dry-cleaned and changed to a different kind of flooring as soon as possible.

Furniture

Modernity does not need symmetry. Moreover, it is better to avoid it. At the same period, do not forget about the integrity of the interior. All furniture in the kitchen should be from one set, or it should be united by common motives (kitchen legs and fittings, colours, etc.).

All kitchen furniture can be roughly divided into two zones:

• working. This includes a kitchen set with a countertop and large household appliances;
• dining room. It has chairs, a table or bar, or a kitchenette with a sofa.

If the room’s square does not allow, the dining area can be taken out to another room. A living room combined with a kitchen is better suited for implementing Art Nouveau because this style loves large areas and open spaces.

Kitchen set

It is difficult to find a kitchen that does not have a full-fledged headset. This part of the interior remains unchanged, regardless of the design and quadrature of the room. The correct kitchen set should be:

• convenient;
• practical;
• durable;
• beautiful.

To not miss a single detail, before ordering furniture, it is worth drawing up a sketch of an Art Nouveau kitchen.

The drawing should indicate everything:

• Size and number of cabinets and drawers. It is advisable to immediately determine where which dishes and small appliances will be stored;
• location of sockets and switches (this is especially important if you plan to install built-in equipment);
• location of communications;
• distances and passages (access to each piece of furniture, the free opening of all cabinets, etc.)
• Dimensions and location of essential household appliances.

The more detailed and detailed the kitchen project is, the more errors it will be possible to eliminate even at the sketch stage. A well-thought-out headset will be more comfortable and practical.

Gloss or mat?

The Art Nouveau kitchen set can be either glossy or matte. The appearance of the facades, in this case, depends only on the general idea of ​​the designer. Both options have several advantages and disadvantages.

Gloss

Such furniture is brighter and more modern. Glossy facades look very impressive and unusual. This type of coating is better combined with curved lines. Therefore it is more often used in radius kitchens.

It is also common when combining modern with hi-tech. Glossy facades organically complement the matt chrome metal and modern technology with neon lighting.

The main disadvantage of gloss can be considered the complexity of the operation. The mirrored surface in the kitchen will highlight all the dirt. Any fingerprint, a drop of grease, dust will stand out brightly on the gloss. At the same time, it will not work to wipe the facade with a washcloth – ugly stains will remain. With each cleaning, the glossy headset will have to be actively rubbed with a polish with polymer. Otherwise, the original furniture in the Art Nouveau style will quickly turn into something untidy, spoiling the kitchen’s interior.

Mat

The matte surface looks less impressive, but it is more suitable for those who do not like to spend all their free time with a rag and a mop. Also, consider the colour palette. The darker and brighter the colours are, the more easily soiled the headset will be.

Practical matte facades are perfect for pure modernist style and borderline combinations with minimalism, classics and other types. Such furniture is more familiar, and it does not bore you so quickly. An interior with matte facades looks warmer and more comfortable than the cold shine of a gloss.

Manufacturing materials

Modern kitchen sets are rarely made entirely from one material. Most often, different types of finishes are used for other elements of furniture.

Areas more susceptible to adverse effects (countertops, etc.) are more expensive and practical materials. While hidden from prying eyes, elements are made from cheaper counterparts.

Solid wood

Low-cost types of wood do not tolerate the high humidity of the kitchen very well. Therefore, a completely wooden set is rarely made due to the high cost of high-quality natural solid wood. Most often, a tabletop is made entirely of wood since it is exposed to the most aggressive effects. Slightly less often, open shelves and facades are made from solid wood.

If they try to take dense and durable types of wood (ash, walnut, acacia, oak), then for the facades, they select an array with a beautiful natural pattern (rosewood, Zebrano). Hidden shelves and back walls are usually made of chipboard or MDF. They are made exceptionally rarely from natural solid wood and mainly from budget varieties of wood (pine, birch).

The design of a modern wooden kitchen can be very different. In the classical sense of style, the headset can be decorated with ornate carving and curved legs. Art Nouveau doors or an arch often complements such decor.

A more modern version of the style is usually limited to curved facades and asymmetrical arrangement of modules.

Veneer

A thin cut of wood is called veneer. It is glued to the base and serves as a more budgetary analogue of natural solid wood.

The cost and durability of such furniture depend on the observance of the veneer production technology and the type of wood chosen for the top layer. In some cases, such a headset may be superior in quality to modules made of natural wood.

In this case, the appearance of the headset almost wholly repeats the design of its wooden counterparts. There are two significant differences:

• There is no thread on the veneered headset. The thickness of the top layer usually varies from 1 to 2 mm. It is almost impossible to cut a pattern on such a surface without damaging the veneer. Therefore, the role of decor on the veneered headset is played by curly overlays;
• Veneered facades are easier to bend. The basis is usually MDF or chipboard (less often more budgetary varieties of wood). It is easier for such materials to give the desired shape.

When recreating the Art Nouveau style, veneered headsets are pretty standard. Such material meets all the requirements of both classical and modern.

Plastic

At the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. Plastic did not exist, so this material can only be used in a modern variation of Art Nouveau. The main advantage of a plastic headset is its low cost. At the same time, you need to understand that the basis of such furniture will be MDF or chipboard, and only the facades will be covered with plastic (pasted over with plastic film).

It does not tolerate temperature changes very well. Therefore, they try to install modules with glass or metal facades near ovens and hobs. The appearance of the plastic headset is bright and modern. This material allows the creation of curved shelves and facades that fit perfectly with modernity. The glossy plastic surface completes the overall picture, focusing on the modern headset.

MDF

Most of the modern kitchen sets are made from this material. MDF is wood that is ground into dust and glued together under high pressure. If necessary, such a base can be impregnated with various compounds: anti-mould, water-repellent, etc.

From above, MDF boards are covered with a finishing finish:

• veneer;
• lamination;
• plastic;
• eco-veneer.

MDF headsets are durable enough, while such material is plastic enough, which allows you to give it a variety of shapes.

The topcoat is available in both matte and glossy designs.

They will not be able to imitate a natural array reliably but will only give out the budget of the headset, visually making it cheaper.

It is permissible to combine several colours and modules: some of the facades are made of MDF, the rest are glass, or a dark bottom is a light top.

Glass

This material is ideally used in the kitchen:

• does not get wet;
• resistant to temperature extremes;
• durable;
• inert to mould.

Modern encourages the use of glass. This material is entirely natural, while it has practically no restrictions on shape and size. Partitions or doors in the same style can complement a kitchen set with glass facades.

Altogether glass headsets do not exist. There are several reasons for this:

• a pretty high cost;
• impractical (can be broken);
• difficulty in leaving (such a headset will have to be rubbed daily to a mirror finish);
• peculiar appearance.

This is done for two reasons:

• there it is more difficult to damage and stain them;
• so the headset looks less bulky.

All types of glass are used in Art Nouveau: transparent, frosted, coloured, stained glass. With a balanced distribution of glass fronts, the kitchen is very stylish and spacious.

Stone

Although the stone belongs to natural materials, the design sets close to the classic modern are not released from it. In such an interior, you can choose only a countertop or a sink made of natural stone.

Modern modernity, bordering on minimalism, is easier to implement in this regard.

There are two variants of execution in this case:

• some part of the kitchen set is made of stone;
• all kitchen fronts are made of stone.

Kitchen legs, countertops and sinks are made from artificial acrylic or porcelain stoneware and natural stone ( marble, granite).

Facades are made of artificial stone substitutes (acrylic) or natural stone veneer. The natural stone cut is used less often due to the high cost of such acts.

It is impossible to bend or decorate such facades. Therefore, Art Nouveau is emphasized by asymmetry, or flowing lines are present on other furnishings and interiors.

“Under the tree.”

Everyone has their understanding of the term “under the tree”. So can be called both veneered set and furniture made of laminated MDF. If we take something that is not natural wood but imitates it best – this is an eco-veneer.

This material has nothing to do with natural solid wood. This is another PVC derivative that most faithfully depicts various types of wood.

Eco-veneer looks much more authentic than plastic or lamination, it is more robust and durable, but its price is an order of magnitude higher.

Fittings

Small details are the easiest way to emphasize the overall style of the room. At the same time, improperly selected fittings can destroy the picture’s integrity, ruining the interior. In classical Art Nouveau, the handles are pretentiously twisted, often gilded.

Such fittings go well with leather sofas and solid wood headsets. Facades made of plastic or laminated MDF with such handles are not used.

Modern Art Nouveau is more stylish and laconic. Curved lines and metal surfaces are present. But this is more of matte chrome and smooth curves rather than gold monograms and curls.

Modern kitchen handles are optional. Handleless facades are made in two cases:

• modernity borders on minimalism and unnecessary elements are inappropriate;
• the kitchen in the house is small, and the absence of handles visually relieves the space.

By abandoning this part of the fittings, you can save a lot. But fronts without handles get dirty and worn out faster. Therefore, when ordering a kitchen set, this moment should be carefully considered, assessing the individual needs and parameters of the kitchen.

In addition to the visible elements in the kitchen, there are also hidden fittings: hinges, runners, rollers, etc. If you can do without handles, you can save part of your finances and keep on concealed fittings.

The work of all doors and drawers depends on these details. They will seize, creak, sag, knock or move quickly and smoothly. There is no point in beautiful and expensive facades if they do not open normally. Therefore, a modern kitchen should have high-quality and contemporary fittings.

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