Welcome to your complete guide to Art Nouveau interior design! Drawing inspiration from nature and the decorative arts, Art Nouveau is a distinctive late 1800s style that emphasizes natural forms and organic lines. In this guide, you’ll learn about the history of Art Nouveau interior design, explore examples of homes decorated in this style, discover how to incorporate it into your own home décor, and much more. Let's get started!

Razzle dazzle, but make it understated. For Art Nouveau, there’s beauty in less, but a craving for luxury. So, make sure your design has attention to detail and never trends on the gaudy side. This space featuring our Etched Marble With Antique Mirror Diamonds Tile as an accent wall is a great example. It elevates the space, and other elements are classy yet simple to provide a most excellent result.

What is Art Nouveau Style: 

This design movement, which peaked in popularity from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, is the epitome of innovation.

So, what is it exactly? Simply put, Art Nouveau is all about organic shapes, intricate details, and ornate flourishes. Think curvy, sinuous lines, floral motifs, and asymmetrical arrangements. The art movement's founding father, William Morris, idealized craftsmanship and essential beauties above all else, and is often quoted for his statement synopsis on the style: "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, to believe to be beautiful."

Add a fabulous detail to your walls with our Peacock Fan Mother of Pearl waterjet tiles! The graceful arches of this mixed-media tile adds a stunning pattern with organic elegance.

But what makes this artistic style truly unique is its ability to seamlessly blend the worlds of art and functionality. From the building's architecture to its furniture and decorative accessories, this style infuses every aspect of design with a touch of elegance and whimsy.

Move over, other eras – Art Nouveau is the new king of cool.

Is Art Deco the Same As Art Noveau? 

Simple answer – no! These two are oftentimes used interchangeably. This is not the case. Each of these design staples are from completely different times. 

This living room serves as a stunning example of art deco interiors, showcasing the era's glamourous aesthetic with its black and gold marble tile fireplace (our aptly named Art Deco Black Marble and Brass Inlay Mosaic Tile) and refined brass décor accents. The contrast of the dark marble and metallic flair against neutral walls creates a high-end feel that resonates with the time period. With its timeless elegance, this art deco living room stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of the style.

Art Deco is all about ritzy, glam, angular geometrics. The color palette was shiny black, white, and gold. The time period was the roaring twenties. Think flappers and NYC high life. The 1920’s. 

See the contrast? Rather than embracing the sumptuous elegance of Art Deco, this hallway is totally Art Nouveau-approved. Its tastes are rooted in the era’s penchant for natural materials and organic shapes. The Seashell Dreams Herringbone Mosaic Wall Tile adds a flair of feminine luxury to tie it all together. 

On the other hand, Art Nouveau was a movement much earlier. It was a focus on simplicity, fluid movement, and color. As noted prior, the artistic tastes were captured in the late 1800s and early 1900s, fading out by 1910. So, as you can see, a full decade ahead of the glitzy art deco phase of more, more, more.

Tips for Incorporating Art Nouveau Into Your Home

To bring a touch of this style into your home, you might start by adding some sinuous, nature-inspired wallpaper, or perhaps seeking out some furniture with curvy lines and organic shapes. Be sure not to forget the finishing touches -- like incorporating some art or textiles featuring floral and fauna, vines, and other natural forms. Suddenly, your home will be feeling fresh and whimsical, and you'll be feeling like an Art Nouveau design master. Intrigued? Let’s expand on these in depth below.

Embrace curves and symmetry in your Art Nouveau interior design

A great representation of symmetry and curves, this chic kitchen  has the imprint of the artistic era written all over it! The scroll-pattern marble tile adds romantic elegance with a repeating pattern on this stunning mosaic backsplash.

Forget about straight lines and sharp edges;  it's time to embrace the curves and symmetry of Art Nouveau interior design. But make sure never to be excessive. Always be intentional. 

Let your artistic side take flight and bring organic shapes and smooth lines into your living space. With a witty eye for detail and a passion for elegance, your artsy design will evoke the charm and sophistication of an era that valued the beauty of nature above all else. 

Whether you're decorating a cozy nook or a grand entryway, let the soft, flowing shapes of this era guide your vision and create a space that is as unique and captivating as you are.

Choose pieces that feature ornate detailing to heighten your classically chic abode

As you can see here – the pieces you choose to adorn your space with will make or break it! The goal of this style is to build a design theme fit for the space it will enhance. This means, embracing the natural architectural elements and working to expand them beautifully. Here, the walls are made a focal point with the Gilded Age Ivory Porcelain Tile and the gold flecks in the tile are brought out by the ornate floor mirror.

If you're looking to bring some Art Nouveau flair into your home, why settle for plain and uninspired furniture pieces? Dare to be daring with ornate detailing that will add a touch of opulence to your living space. 

Think curvaceous lines, intricate patterns, and bold colors that will transport you back to the older times. With these statement pieces, every inch of your abode will be a work of art in itself. 

Plus, who said furniture or home decor can't be functional and fabulous at the same time? Make a bold statement with your decor choices and let your personality shine through your stylish sanctuary.

Introduce vibrant colors, flowing lines, and intricate patterns 

To create a space that truly reflects the Art Nouveau aesthetic, introduce a medley of enriching color palettes and textures. From tiling backsplashes and living room walls in rich shades of greens and violets to choosing furniture or decor pieces with graceful curves and embellishments, don't be afraid to embrace the beauty of it all. 

Remember: Art Nouveau is all about making a statement and expressing yourself through the fusion of art and design – so always include a personal touch! It rejected the excess of Victorian design, which means when in doubt, less is more beautiful. Just go back to Mr. Williams' statement to prove such.

Create an Accent Wall with an Art Nouveau Tile Murals

Tile murals are the simplest form of elegance that easily embraces the beauty that is this early 1900s aesthetic. A true sense of artistry and individuality can pave the way for a captivating accent wall in your home. What’s more, the mural itself can serve as the bouncing-off point for all other inspired decor in the space. 

Nothing says "la belle vie”' like an accent wall made from elegant tiles. Transform your plain Jane space into a sophisticated romance-induced home with the addition of some stunning tile murals. 

The intricate designs and bold colors of Art Nouveau tiles are sure to add a touch of whimsy to any space. What's more, an accent wall is an easy way to spice up your décor without breaking the time bank. 

Whether you take a DIY approach or hire a professional tiler, the result is sure to be a win. Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns and colors for a truly outstanding look. 

Light Up Your Room with Chic Lamp Shades Inspired by the Art Movement

The lighting you choose can help enhance your design in the best way possible. Focus on types that will bring out the best of your tiles and light them up, to give the emphasis they deserve. Also, note, that buying lights in pairs can add the symmetrical aspect much needed for this interior style. We love this space that features organic shapes, thanks to our Palisades White Picket Ceramic Tile, and a lighting duo that balances things out.

Let's get one thing straight -- This style is about bringing beauty to everyday objects, yes, that includes basics like lamps. 

Inspired by this stylish era, chic lamp shades featuring Art Nouveau motifs have become a popular choice for those seeking to add unique charm to their homes. 

From delicate floral patterns to eye-catching geometric shapes, these shades bring a touch of whimsy and sophistication to any space. Besides, your mural tile wall will definitely want some equally lovely lighting to complement it. And, we all know the importance of cohesive design’s story arch in Art Nouveau spaces by now!

Revamp Your Floors with Upscale Tile Floor Rugs

Permanence while pampered? Yes, please. This delight of a bathroom features a tile rug that proves just how necessary they are in crafting the perfect, upscale space as an ode to this interior design style. Using our Babylon White & Star Cross Etched Marble Mosaic Tile with a Nero Marquina border, the result is a centralized, stylistic focus that wows.

Looking to add a touch of chic sophistication to your floors? Look no further than Art Nouveau, the artistic movement that's all about embracing organic forms and intricate patterns. And when it comes to revamping your floors, tile floor rugs are the way to go. 

These faux rugs are an upscale way to dress up your floors, with intricate tile patterns and designs that are sure to impress even the most discerning of art lovers.

Refresh Your Space with Whimsical Artwork and Accessories

This bathroom has whimsy down pat. The use of our Blue Mini Versailles Pattern Glass Tile along the walls and floors give it a color pop that’s dreamy, airy, and elegant. The detailing of the gold clawfoot tub jumps out and instantly creates an eye-candy effect. Lastly, the simple addition of a bathtub tray made from gold, adds the divine type of pampering we can get behind.

Are you tired of the same old boring decor in your home? Spice things up with some statement artwork with gold flecks, and pearl-tiled decor! Or, add a pop of color with a rainbow seashell tile bathroom wall paired with a mood-lightening quirky sculpture of nature or femininity. Just don't be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to decor. It's the finishing touches that can really make a space feel complete!

This means by all means you should let your personality shine through your home and bring that extra touch of whimsy you've been missing. Your guests will be sure to notice and appreciate the playful atmosphere you've created.

Wrapping It Up

All in all, Art Nouveau style is a time-honored aesthetic way to add a luxurious and distinctive flair to any room. When it comes to decorating your home with Art Nouveau-inspired elements, there is no limit to the variety and ingenuity that can be achieved. From stylish flooring and lighting to accent tile walls and spirited artwork and accessories, the possibilities are endless. 

Ready to get started? Shop Art Nouveau inspired tiles today!