Back To Basics ?

Did you ever think that styles of the 1930's would ever be popular again. As you all have experienced before, styles always come back. Whether they are good bad or indifferent, they sooner or later return for the haunt.

Two things were happening with the design world in the 1930's. Traditionalism was an antidote for the manic roaring 20's. The 30's also brought about an amazing artistic movement in design. Concepts that were original and never seen before then. Name s like Frank Lloyd Wright, Marcel Breuer, and Mies Van der Rohe to name a few created delightful art deco designs.

Art deco was influenced by the Art nouveau movement 60 years prior in France. Art nouveau during the late 1800's and turn of the century was created to escape from the historic revival styles of the time. Art deco indeed did the same only by eliminat ing the curves and naturalistic carvings common in neauveau themes. Deco stressed geometric proportions with an emphasis on quality of material.

Mies Van der Rohe created a steel and leather chair in 1929 which was extremely popular and is enjoying a comeback. Alvar Aalto in 1934 styled a molded plywood chair which has a unique up to the minute contemporary look you would bet was a 1990's creation.

Today's step back to the 30's is created by our current recession in the economy. Design popularity be it in fashion or furnishings is greatly governed by the economy. Recession creates a back to basics movement favoring period furniture with endearing qualities. Transversely, the Art deco style lets us escape drudgery for new inventive furnishings with clean new lines and uncluttered open spaces.

Take your pick. One will always be lovely and in good taste. The other, a breath of fresh air.