What is Postmodern?
Post Modern Interior Design, Postmodern design is a style preference that breaks away from mid-century modernism and embraces a more vibrant, bold, and aesthetically complex approach to interior decorating.[1]It combines the eclectic forms of past styles with contemporary elements and uncommon colors.
It’s a bold and often whimsical style that celebrates ad-hocism, contradiction and irreverence. It’s a look that defies definition, making you think and reinterpret what you know about objects, architecture and hierarchies.
The movement emerged in the 1970s as a reaction to the over-ornamentation of classical architecture and the rigidity of the Modern era, which had honored a strict simplified code of form, function and honesty in materials.[2] This trend of ad-hocism and inconsistency in architecture was echoed in the world of art creation as well.
In the context of art, the ad-hocism and inconsistency of postmodernism broke down the confined rules that defined what was considered “art.” The break down allowed artists to create new forms and techniques with the use of a range of materials.
This break down of confined rules paved the way for a wide array of different styles to be introduced into a new context, including industrial, folk, and contemporary art. It also allowed for the use of junk and garbage in art creation, something that was not always possible prior to the ad-hocism of postmodernism.[3]
Today, postmodern is a style that’s gaining a lot of popularity among decorators. Its ad-hocism, inconsistency and eccentricity make it appealing to many people who are not normally attracted to more traditional designs or patterns.
Another element that is common to postmodern design is color, according to Pablo Solomon, an award-winning artist and interior designer.[4] The color palette for postmodern design includes both natural and retro shades like avocado green, mustard, burnt orange and other bright hues.
These colors are often paired with more muted neutrals in order to better blend in with other elements of the room. Other postmodern accent colors include rusty brown, gray, and blue, as well as black and white.
The best postmodern furniture pieces are usually made with unconventional combinations of materials and textures. These items can be a mix of leather, glass, plastic and laminates, all of which are exemplary of the unconventional design that makes up this style. Other elements that work well in this style include chunky knits and natural wood grains.
Post modern interior design is a style that combines stylish modern decor with classic elements. It aims to bring a sense of playfulness and fun to the home.
However, it can be difficult to create this style successfully. The key is to be careful with your choices. Follow these five easy tips to make sure your postmodern decor turns out as you want it to.[5]
A Revolution Begins
Post modern interior design is a bold rebellious style that celebrates everything vibrant, bold and aesthetically complex.[6] The era reached its heyday between 1970 and 1990, and is now becoming popular once again in the contemporary era.
One of the key features of this style is its use of asymmetric shapes. It is the opposite of modernist architecture, which was characterized by symmetry and balance. The architects of this movement sought to break away from these traditions and create a more unique and creative design that was inspired by the elements in nature.
The idea of contextualism is also a key feature of this style. It is the belief that every building must take into account its location, its surroundings and its historical context. [7]This philosophy is particularly influential in the design of postmodern buildings, where it is common to see asymmetry and irregularities.
Another characteristic of post modernism is its focus on simplicity. This design philosophy often seeks to make the room feel larger and more open, and eliminate unnecessary details. This can be done in the form of asymmetry or by removing excess furniture and decorative items from the room.
This is a trend that appeals to homeowners who want to get more out of their space without spending too much money or time. The trend is also a great way to bring out the personality of the room and make it feel more welcoming.[8]
Many postmodern designs incorporate the use of natural materials such as wood and stone. They are not only beautiful and unique, but they also help to improve energy efficiency in the home.
Moreover, this type of design encourages creativity and innovation, as it allows for more expression in the spaces that are created. The designers of this design style often embrace the use of bold and contrasting colors to give the rooms a sense of whimsy.
Postmodern design is a style that is highly influential in the world of architecture and interior design. Some of the most well-known masters of this design style include Robert Venturi, Michael Graves, Philip Johnson and Alessandro Mendini. The designs of these architects have been hailed as some of the best in the history of modernism.[9]
Deconstructivism and New Wave
As the Industrial Revolution came to an end and manufacturing began to move toward more automated processes, a new style of interior design emerged. Originally designed for factories, this style of design focused on functionality and simplicity while still maintaining aesthetic appeal.
The new design favored materials and finishes that were clean and contemporary, using inlaid wood, chrome, oil polished bronze, and lacquer.[10] However, the new style also took a global approach by incorporating influences from the Art Deco and Modernism movements that were influencing culture during this time period.
Another important movement for post modern interior design was deconstructivism, which emerged in the 1960s and 1970s. It reflected a critical reaction to the Modernism style of architecture, which postmodern architects perceived as being too rigid and placeless.
Architects such as Peter Eisenman, Zaha Hadid, Coop Himmelblau, and Rem Koolhaas are known for their designs that are influenced by deconstructivism. During this time, architects like Maya Lin and Rachel Whiteread also contributed work to the movement.[11]
In addition to experimenting with materiality and forms, these architects sought to challenge the perception of architecture as an inert object that is immutable and permanent. The ideas of Derrida’s metaphysics of presence and the notion of trace and erasure were also incorporated into these projects.
As a result, these architects embraced the notion that architecture could be a form of writing or discourse. In fact, Libeskind’s project for the Jewish Museum Berlin was conceived as a form of concrete poetry that was meant to be read and understood by the public.[12]
These trends were reflected in all aspects of design and construction, from furniture to lighting and beyond. This book, by Anne Massey, traces each of these movements and their impact on taste throughout the twentieth century. With more than two hundred color illustrations, this book offers a fascinating look at the evolution of interior design across cultures and countries.
Design Features of Postmodern Rooms
Postmodern interior design is characterized by the use of bold colors, busy patterns and unique shapes.[13] These features are often paired with distressed textures and materials like knits, wool, leather, glass, and wood to give the room a more playful and modern look.
While this style prefers uncommon forms and colors, it still allows for the use of more traditional furniture pieces. For example, a sofa that has a simple shape can be paired with a table that is unconventionally shaped to create a more sophisticated and stylish interior.
In addition to these traditional furniture elements, postmodern rooms also feature sculptural pieces that are designed to be functional and unique. Examples of this type of furniture include a large cantilevered chair, a chess board bed with four abstract chess-shaped posts, and a large aquarium made of mirrored blocks that resemble binoculars (via Invaluable).[14]
Another design element that is popular in this style preference is the use of light fixtures. As per Architectural Digest, one of the best ways to highlight a postmodern design in a room is to incorporate multiple light fixtures with contrasting styles.
These light fixtures can be anything from a sleek, slender lamp to an ornate, dome-shaped pendant (via Iconic Lights). By using these contrasts in your lighting scheme, you will be able to introduce a sense of dimensionality and incongruity, creating a dramatic impact on the aesthetic of your space.
You can also try pairing a traditional chair with an unusually-shaped ottoman to give your room a more modern look.[15] In this way, you can create a more versatile and comfortable interior that will appeal to a wide range of different people.
Lastly, you can add a bold wall decoration that will make the room more lively and exciting. This is a great option for homeowners who want to add more personality to their rooms without spending too much money.
A final tip for achieving a modern and sophisticated postmodern interior is to make sure that you choose the right colors and patterns for your design. This will ensure that your room looks its best and feels cohesive with other features of the design.