CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

H O M E D E S I G N I N S T I T U T E
 60’s
LECTURE CONTENTS
70’s

80’s

90’s
CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

2000s

2010s

2020s and beyond

60’s
 60’s
INTRODUCTION
Pop art
Following the rebellious spirit of the 1960’s the movement
sought to combine elements of the past with the new forming movement
style of postmodernism. It was a time of experimentation.
Design at the time shook off the formality of previous eras and pioneered by
mixed patterns, time periods, materials and bright colours.
Andy Warhol and
60’s interiors feature open plan arrangement, using sliding
doors, movable screens. David Hoeckney
 Fabrics replicating the patterns used in the art
nouveau period

I N S T I T U D E
D E S I G N
VIVID COLOURS

H O M E
PSYCHEDELIC PATTERNS
 HEART CONE CHAIR 4801 CHAIR CHAIR THING

Designed by Verner Designed by Joe Colombo Peter Murdock designed

Panton in the late 1958. is composed from three this chair for a child and is
The masterful use of pieces of bent plywood made from a single piece
colour was a hallmark of of folded cardboard.
his work.
70’s
70’s

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

The 1970’s housing usually had open planning, grand

entrances leading into lounges and kitchens, big windows
brought in the light and large sprawling staircases would take
you to the first floor.

The period is renowned for its use of colour and bold

geometric shapes particularly in wallpaper and flooring. The
movement includes everything from hippie bohemian to
glitzy disco; from natural to glamorous. Geometric shapes and
sculptural furniture take centre stage here.
1974 SUPERGRAPHIC SYSTEM
 Nostalgic revival of the 70’s retro style

I N S T I T U D E
D E S I G N
WARM PALETTE

H O M E
GEOMETRIC PATTERNS
80’s
 80’s

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

The world of 80s interior design is a really complex one - from

metallic accents and striking angles to curves. It introduced a
number of bold and striking approaches to design. On the
domestic spectrum 80’s were translated through magnolia
decorated rooms. These pastel colours were used like a
backdrop, so colourful artwork can pop on the wall. Similarly
the use of loud jungle prints in daring colours is a huge trend
during this period. In general the movement’s motto was ‘Less
is more’ and inspired the clean lines of furniture.
‘LESS IS MORE’
 POSTMODERNISM

ETTORE SOTTSASS

This movement was born as a challenge to what people saw to

be the generic blandness of the Modernist movement. One of
its main figures was Italian architect and designer Ettore
Sottsass, with his signature playful shapes, abstract prints, and
powerful colour stories. Founder of the Memphis design group.
Ultrafragola is one of the most renowned pieces designed by
the architect. This neon-lit pink mirror celebrated femininity
translating the curves of a woman’s body through design.
 ‘CARLTON’ ROOM DIVIDER BIG SUR SOFA FLAMINGO BEDSIDE TABLE

Designer: Ettore Sottsass Designer: Peter Shire Designer: Michele de Lucchi

Year: 1981 Year: 1986 Year: 1984
SHABBY CHIC
RACHEL ASHWELL

Contrary to postmodernism, shabby chic was a

different interior design trend during the 80’s. It
features white vintage furniture, floral textures, flea
market finds and traditional style home furnishings and
old chandeliers. The Shabby Chic aesthetic can be
summed up pretty simply—"beauty, comfort,
function”.

Shabby Chic furniture is a creative mix of old and new,

with rustic ambience as the essential part of the
equation. The style is not so much about colour; it’s
about texture and nostalgia accessories.
90’s
 90’s
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
“If you hang
This decade is lacking the application of subtle tones - shocking
pink, electric blue, neon green and violet schemes are related around long
to this period. However, it seems like the use of hunter green
stands out, which combined with metallic shades like bronze enough,
and gold emerald creates a complete look
everything comes
Floral patterns cover walls and upholstery. During this period
Shabby chic continues to be on trend and becomes even more back”.
popular. We can also see sponge painted walls and carpets laid
in bathrooms. We can also see fringed carpets, lampshades and
macrame works.
 The straight lines of the frame enclose the bed
and create a contrast with its softness.

NATURAL MATERIALS

CANOPY BED
 90’S

JASPER MORRISON

The figure of Morrison is directly linked with the 90’s

movement as he starts to establish himself back then. The
London based designer has a more sculptural approach to
furniture. Today he is renowned for his aesthetically elegant,
quietly humorous style and he has designed a wide range of
products from a tray-table to a tram system. Jasper Morrison's
most iconic designs include the Air-Chair family for Italian
furniture brand Magis.
CORK COLLECTION
90’s
FRANK GEHRY

The Crosscheck chair was designed by the famous

architect Frank Gehry in 1990 and it features bentwood
components made out of white maple from a
reservation which was specially chosen as
environmentally sustainable. Inspired by the apple
crates he had played on as a child, the architect created
the ribbon-like design. Thermo-set assembly glue
provides structural rigidity without the need for metal
connectors, while allowing for ergonomic movement
and flexibility.
 90’S

PHILLIPPE STARK

WW stool was designed by Fillipe Starck in 1990. This solid

aluminum stool is mint green coated. The stool is for sure one
of the most iconic designs by Philippe Starck. The WW stool is
part of an imaginative office which Starck designed for film
director Wim Wenders in 1990. This stool is more a sculpture
than an object to use.
BREAK
2000s
2000s
KEY CHARACTERISTICS

The new millennium came with a change of

perspectives. The new focus was put on trends such as
environmentalism, DIY and upcycling. Technological
revolution made a huge impact on human behaviour
and values, promising efficiency and endless
entertainment. Stylistically that defined a new
aesthetic - white, monochromatic colour schemes
became the new norm.
 Mid-century modern returns with the desire for
furniture suitable for city dwellers

I N S T I T U D E
D E S I G N
COLD COLOUR SCHEMES

H O M E
JAPANESE INFLUENCE
2010s
 2010s

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Modern design became more conscious, more engaged, more

exciting, more democratic, more individualistic. The decade was
marked by the financial crisis and that undoubtedly informed
interior design.

The early 2010s gave rise to hygge, a Danish term that loosely
translates as a cozy feeling.Natural textiles like cowhide and
sheepskin were also go-tos for upholstery fabrics and accent
decor. The boho look using wicker became the prevailing
interior style of 2019 bringing the 70’s back.
 BEAT COLLECTION BURST CHANDELIER HELIOS TABLE LAMP
RAFFLE

Designed by Tom Designed by Lindsey Designed by Workstead

Dixon, beautiful design Adelman Studio. evoking the scale of the
hanging lamp with a Inspiration is found in the planets at the scale of the
beautiful atmospheric look of vintage French table top
light result jewellery and Medieval
flail
2020s and beyond
TIMELINE
2020s and beyond
SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability needs to be a central point in a designer's

mind. The responsibility to save our planet is shared as
the building industry accounts for nearly 40% of annual
global CO2 emissions. This could be seen in the use of
natural materials like stone, hemp and cotton fabrics,
recycled plastic furniture, etc. From solar panels to low-
energy lighting to cellulose insulation, expect to see
even more earth-friendly builds.
THANK YOU!