Design History
Luis Majorelle’s work was possessed a whimsical flavor, with organic lines that you wouldn't expect to find in furniture. These lines were rounded and usually swirled in and out, intertwining together which made for unique furniture. The design was intricate and didn’t appear to have been made to withstand steady use. However, his furniture and its unique design was made strong and stable by using heavy wood and good design. Jules Cheret, who’s worked was primarily poster art had a hand-crafted element to it. His art was exceptionally handcrafted and often brush strokes were clearly visible. His art was playful and painterly. Henry Van De Velde was an architect that brought a unique cottage like quality to even the largest of homes. They weren't very crowded together. His homes had a modern feel for the time while still hinting at a traditional way of making homes by hand. Sometimes his homes had such a story book quality that they would have found a proper placement in Disneyland. Contrasting to the playful and whimsical in the art new vogue era was the precise linear lines constructing very ornate detail and intricate elegant patterns. The work of Koloman Moser work has an organic feel but leaned heavily into the structured complexities of delicate patterns of correctly aligned proportion. Another well-known artist, Otto Prutscher, made use of very linear lines and multiple patterns, to add lavish detail. His creations, mostly interior objects and furniture appear very durable and able to withstand repeated use while still being reminiscent of art deco with its elaborate and sophisticated patterns.
The Palace of Catalan Music Auditorium features as its’ ceiling an enormous glass box crowned with a large central skylight. It may be among the most impressive and interesting interiors I've ever seen. The design of this auditorium is visually remarkable while still holding true to its original purpose and preserving its acoustical integrity. The architectural decoration in the concert hall is a so creative and explodes with vibrant color and ornamentation. The ceiling is central to this design and its walls filled with beautifully curved windows rise to meet the impressive glass-like chandelier in the middle of the ceiling. Harrod's meeting hall has the same grand, ornate aesthetic as the Palace of Catalan Music Auditorium. Harrod’s Meeting Hall exudes a very light and airy movement complemented by organic lines and arched windows up throughout. The expansive room appears very delicate and light and rich in color and ornamentation. A breath-taking example of art nouveau.
The next two locations are more linear and austere than the Palace or Harrod’s. Their lines are clearer, less curved but still create intricate and complex patterns. The Buchanan Street Tearoom has beautiful miniature ornate designs complementing its repeating patterns. The viewer’s eye is drawn to the center of the ceiling because the constant line work throughout the room is a repeating cube-like pattern. It seems to have elements of art deco and art nouveau due to its use of small ornate repeating patterns throughout and its beautiful hand-craftmanship.
Finally, the Palais Stoclet dining room has a similar aesthetic as the Buchanan Street Tearoom. It has very clean linear lines, which provides a timeless and classic beauty and elegance. Still, it’s design has art nouveau influences. The designer made sure that the square patterns and the four angle shapes were repeated everywhere in this. The viewer would be hard pressed to find a place where there is not a square or rectangle. The level of dedication to these rooms is fantastic.
The Palace of Catalan Music Auditorium.
A mahogany desk with inlaid veneers, gilt bronze mounts, and leather writing surface. Designed by Louis Majorelle
The Palais Stoclet Dining Room.
