Written by Lynn Malone, exclusively for Luxaflex
Introduction
When selecting furnishings
and window coverings for your home, it is advantageous to have an understanding
of their historical significance.
Essentially, what has transpired over decades of design innovation and
experimentation; coupled with advanced materials and manufacturing processes that
affords state-of the-arts fabrics and technologies. Innovating for over 60 years, Luxaflex leads
the way toward creating the next wave of modern homes.
Mod squad in the making
Considered an icon of
modernism, the Bauhaus design school revolutionized architectural and creative
thinking that inspired the homes of today.
Founded in Germany, the Bauhaus school operated from 1919 to 1933. During my travels to Berlin, I visited the
Bauhaus Archives, the museum that houses the largest collection of everything
Bauhaus – a must-see for interior design enthusiasts.
What is the Bauhaus? And how does its design philosophy influence
Australian home life choices from building construction to decorative fabrics,
window coverings, art and tableware? Let’s
begin with a thumbnail description of the Bauhaus philosophy and how it made
its way to Australian shores.
Design as art
The essence of Bauhaus
theory was to unify design studies with fine art. Its diverse curriculum covered wall painting,
sculpture, metalwork, weaving, photography, graphic design and music. Cutting-edge industrial technologies of the
early 1900s made possible the use of unorthodox materials such as synthetic
textiles, metal tubing, and fiberglass to create useful and beautiful objects
for a new way of living. Cabinetry and loose
furniture items; and decorative accessories and fabrics were equally considered
in the conceptual design of a home.
Their loss, our gain
Undermining the Bauhaus
movement in Germany and greater Europe was political turmoil and World War II,
which resulted in the school’s 1933 closure and with many of its students and
faculty fleeing to starting anew in Australia and the Americas.
Just our luck
Post Second World War
European furniture makers immigrating to Australia brought with them knowledge
of the innovative materials and manufacturing processes. One of the most significant new breed of
Australian furniture designers was Grant Featherston, who bent and joined
precut pieces of plywood to make his now iconic range of Contour chairs. In the early 1950s hardly an issue of Australian Home Beautiful or Australian
House & Garden did not include an article featuring his design or
designs by his peers, Clement Meadmore and Douglas Snelling. Today their furniture design pieces are
highly sought after by collectors.
‘House of Tomorrow’ is today
As part of the 1949 Modern
Home Exhibition held in Melbourne, the ‘House of Tomorrow’ offered its
aspirational vision of home life. The
exhibition, designed by Robin Boyd, Australian architect and proponent of the
International Architectural Movement, was built inside The Royal Exhibition
Building and noted for its vibrant interiors.
The furniture was designed by Featherston and featured contemporary
textiles by Frances Burke. The yellow
rubber tiles, grey and white striped wallpaper and dark blue ceilings were
declared too revolutionary. With time modern
furniture and modern architecture were accepted as a logical combination; hence
the furnishing selections by many a contestant on renovation reality
televisions programs such as The Block
and House Rules.
Your time to innovate
If interior or exterior
window coverings are part of your next home or office design project, take a
look at what’s new at Luxaflex. One of
the products on my radar is the Luxaflex Duette Architella Shades. Not only is there an exquisite range of contemporary
fabrics but also its honeycomb construction creates an insulation barrier that
retains cool inside when it’s hot outside; and warmth when it’s cold.
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| Luxaflex Duette Architella Shades |
To learn more
For more about Australian modern
furniture design, Mid-Century Modern written and compiled by Kristy
Grant is highly recommended and a fascinating read. And the National Gallery of Victoria
Mid-Century Modern exhibition- now through 14 October 2014
http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/exhibitions/mid-century-modern-australian-furniture-design
For more about
Bauhaus: The Bauhaus Collection,
Bauhaus Archive Berlin
http://www.bauhaus.de/en
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