Path from design to designer

Design has not only to do with beauty; it has to do with the wit and charm, the humor or playfulness that animates an idea. If we take a quick look at the history and development of modern furniture, a parallel with modern architecture and technology can be observed. In the first half of 19th century, the technical progresses came in and then in second half, the movement for artistic quality.

These two paths finally converged in the early 20th century and it destroyed the traditional boundaries between the interior and exterior spaces. Then a new approach to design the furniture and interior spaces, emerged. This approach remained a strong influence throughout the development of art and architecture.

Personalization of furnishings

Nowadays furniture is more ‘designed’ then ever before. Innovative designs are now the order of the day because the nuclear family needs more utilitarian furniture, more dual-use stuff, the ‘this way day and this by night’ furniture.

In keeping with current spaces, furniture has become more minimalist, simpler, more functional and less ostentatious than before. Gone are the heavily carved and gilt finished sofas and dining sets of yesterdays, this is the time of modular and sleek furniture.

Current trends for furniture

Now if we see the furniture over the ages and furniture today, it really reflects the real ‘generation gap’. Period furniture had an over abundance of decorative carvings, rich upholstery and brocades, paintings, inlay work, gliding and applied ornamentation.

In contrast, Modern furniture depicts a conscious effort to break away from the historical styles to create an impression of lightness and clarity, with insistence on forms that have no reference to the past styles. Living in style carries its own individual meaning for each person. Some consider style as a luxury while for others it is current fashion trend. But a good design is more fundamental and permanent in nature, not merely influenced by short term fashion trends. Good furniture is meant to afford comfort and operational ease for a specific purpose.