When you think of Bauhaus-style furniture, the first things that probably come to mind are sundry armchairs made of tubular steel and black leather. And indeed, the Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and the Wassily Chair by Marcel Breuer (both available today through Knoll International) are the most famous designs from the Bauhaus era and great additions to have today.
However, for a modern Bauhaus, don’t feel restricted to a neutral color palette of just black, white, and gray, but consider incorporating primary colors too. Even patterns are allowed when decorating, if they are composed of simple, geometric shapes. For Bauhaus followers, form always follows function, so unnecessary flourishes should be avoided. A great advantage of this straightforward, simple design is its timeless appeal. Even after a century, it can still look fresh and daring.
Cold, impersonal, or even sterile? The minimalist style has to contend with many prejudices, but most are inaccurate. After all, doing without superfluous flourishes in one’s home doesn’t mean getting rid of cherished objects or memories, but rather questioning one’s own consumption patterns and, in the best outcome, reducing the number of things we buy and consume. Minimalism, then, isn’t just about removing all decor in favor of clean surfaces and walls, but also about leaving out expendable objects. A sofa nook, for example, can take the place of several small chairs, and a dining table can double as a workstation.
Although many minimalists focus on neutral tones and increasingly rely on white, a deliberate, temperate use of color is also possible. The combination of different textures or the use of large-scale geometric shapes as well as typographic images also bring harmony to a pure, uncluttered environment.
As the name suggests, a classic, traditional style does not follow current trends and is therefore timeless. Typically, light ceilings and neutral walls painted in cream, white, or sand tones serve as a base for dark, ornate, solid wood furniture made from cherry, walnut, or chestnut. Glass bowls or vases with fresh flowers brighten tables of various sizes, which can come from a trusted antique dealer or flea market, while tapestries or a large mirror with a Baroque-inspired frame lend an old-school touch to the walls.
For curtains, sofas, armchairs, and cushions, heavy brocade or velvet fabrics are suitable in muted colors such as burgundy, brown, or green. Eye-catching checkered or striped patterns are also welcome in classically furnished rooms and complete an elegant overall picture.
