Postmodernism is a caricature of luxury design trends. Illogical, impractical, reckless and bold – this is how postmodern style is usually called in the interior. The direction allows you to combine the incongruous, choose original furniture and ultramodern decor.
Style History
Postmodernism was formed in the middle of the last century, and finally established itself as a trend by the 1970s. The postmodern trend is rather not a separate independent style, but a set of styles, because it involves their objects and elements.
Features of postmodernism
One of the youngest styles still continues to develop and is gaining great popularity every day. Postmodernism openly denies functionality. In the first place is the original appearance. And eclecticism and contrasting details bring a little irony to the interior.
The layout of the room depends on the final idea. Most often free and asymmetrical. The value of materials and design canons is decreasing. The floor covering is used for walls, the wall covering is used for the ceiling.
Among the characteristic features are:
- combination of incongruous materials;
- elements of surrealism and kitsch in the interior;
- caricature parodies of other styles;
- multi-level lighting;
- conscious violation of proportions, asymmetry – an increase in small and a decrease in what should be large;
- spacious area;
- heterogeneity of objects – furniture of strict shape with rounded and streamlined, decor of various cultures and peoples are intricately combined with each other.
Postmodern style is more often chosen for interior decoration of restaurants and clubs. The direction will add a unique originality to the living rooms. Arches and columns will help make the composition easier.
Materials and finishing
Postmodernism has no restrictions in the choice of finishing materials: wood, plastic, glass, metal for shelves and cabinets. Parquet and ceramic tiles with bright ornaments, laminate stylized as wood or linoleum. For walls, wallpaper, photo wallpaper, drywall, wood panels. Paint, plaster, stretch or suspended ceilings and multi-level structures – everything will be appropriate.
Different surface finishes look original in the interior. So the walls of the same room can combine several materials. For example, one is painted, and the other is finished with 3D-printed panels. This technique is also used for zoning the premises. In addition, the postmodern interior will emphasize all kinds of podiums and niches.
Color scheme
Although the style involves combining incompatible materials at first glance, tones and textures preferences for the palette still exist. So for the decoration of the room, in addition to white, pastel and muted colors are chosen: beige, cream, sand, pearl.
Accents are placed with the help of dynamic and bright: indigo, scarlet, turquoise, orange, sunny yellow. Gilding and silver are used less often. Black adds clarity and rigor to objects, and light shades help to create harmony between all interior details.
If it is difficult to decide on the choice of palette, designers advise taking 2-3 light shades as a basis and gradually adding bright spots to the composition. A purple vase, a green floor lamp, a red armchair as a result will help to create a comfortable, cozy and unique atmosphere.
Postmodern furniture
The style allows you to use your imagination to the fullest, assuming not the choice of a specific set of furniture, but a combination of different options. Strict minimalistic cabinets with clear lines look harmoniously next to a streamlined sofa corner. Carved Baroque chairs with a simple wooden chest of drawers. Even a combination of style and color is acceptable: antique furniture in a neon shade will look original. Postmodernism tends to erect stylistic elements into the grotesque.
Postmodern values the unique and does not recognize practicality. When decorating a room, it is worth remembering this. Bookshelves hanging obliquely. A sofa without a backrest or, conversely, with a low and narrow one. A chair with huge legs or squat models. Coffee table covered with velvet. The realm of asymmetry and distorted proportions. The main thing is not to overload the interior with an abundance of shapes, textures and shades.
Materials: eco-leather, leather, natural fabrics or synthetics – it does not matter. Shapes and decorations come to the fore. So, cabinet furniture and open shelving can be decorated with metal elements. Soft and frameless furniture will be decorated with sofa cushions without fringe.
Doors and windows
There are no strict rules for the design of openings in postmodernism, but wide swing windows are still preferable. Instead of light curtains and chic curtains, blinds, Roman or roll-up curtains are suitable in the living room, and classic straight curtains are acceptable in the bedroom.
The usual doors between rooms can be replaced with sliding or folding ones. Such models are more in line with the style, and the combination with a light finish will give space to the room.
Lighting
The abundance of natural light complements the artificial one placed locally. Built-in lamps, chandeliers, floor lamps, table lamps and sconces illuminate the interior. Models and forms are combined.
A wrought-iron chandelier will be combined with rich carved furniture, floor lamps of strict shapes with clear lines, and decorative sconces will complement the composition. It looks interesting to highlight individual elements in different colors: yellow, green, blue. In this way, flower pots and figurines are isolated.
Decor
Each accessory of postmodernism has a separate place. They balance each other, pieces of furniture, a variety of shapes. Colors are usually chosen contrasting, but in harmony with the background. Real and artificial animal skins, carpets with geometric prints are suitable for decoration.
Paintings by street artists in plastic frames. Pastoral plots should be abandoned in favor of cubism and abstraction. The interior will be complemented by live plants placed on different levels. Colored ceramic tableware of unusual shapes and sizes will look original. Statuettes, busts made of metal, plaster, wood.
Postmodern in the interior of different rooms
The interior design changes from room to room – bedroom, living room, kitchen – but the basic principles of postmodernity remain.
Living room
The room for friendly meetings and family evenings is often decorated in bright colors. White, cream, milk. Or, on the contrary, in dark: black, graphite. The walls are decorated with paintings and abstract posters. There are pots of flowers on the shelves. The abundance of mirrors of different shapes and sizes will help to visually refract and distort the space, emphasizing the originality of the style.
Bedroom
Perhaps the most peaceful room in decoration and decoration. Pastel colors can be traced not only on the walls and ceiling, but also in furniture and decor items. Mint, lemon, pale pink. Choose a massive bed made of wood. They are installed in a niche or on a special podium. The decor will be bright curtains or thick curtains, bed linen with a pattern.
A chandelier in the room is optional. There will be enough wall lamps and built-in lighting on the ceiling.
Kitchen
Tiles imitating wood are suitable for the floor. For walls – plain or painted version. The tile can be replaced with dense wallpaper that can withstand humidity and temperature changes. A kitchen apron will add brightness. The kitchen set usually comes in classic colors: white, gray, beige, but it all depends on the imagination.
The dining area is often filled with plastic furniture similar to the details of the designer. The table will be replaced by a bar counter, and chairs with backs will be replaced by high stools. The kitchen made in the manner of a cafe will look original.
Bathroom
The decoration is mainly ceramic tiles of a clear shape. Plain or with an ethnic ornament with a glossy sheen or matte. The option in the form of hexagons – “honeycomb” looks good. Plumbing of unusual shape: rounded baths with or without legs, located in the middle of the room. Square wide shells of a contrasting shade. Glass partition separating the shower system. Attention to detail will allow you to reveal the style to the fullest.
Photo gallery
To design an interior in a postmodern style, you need to follow some rules and adhere to the principles. Then the room will turn out to be expressive, original, emotional, conveying the character of the owner.