Modernist Style: Key Aspects and Inspirations
Modernist style , also known as modernism, is one of the most important trends that forever changed the face of architecture and design in the 20th century. It flourished in the years 1910-1980, bringing a revolution in the approach to space, form and function. Its essence is simplicity , functionality and minimalism . It was a clear opposition to the excessive decorativeness and complexity of earlier styles that dominated in previous eras.
Main Features of Modernism
Modernism rejected traditional ornamentation and complex forms, focusing on clean lines and geometric shapes. In architecture, this meant using modern materials such as:
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Steel – enabling the construction of lightweight but durable structures.
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Concrete – especially raw concrete, which allows for the creation of large, open spaces.
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Glass – introducing transparency and natural light to the interior. There are different types of glass available. Their colors allow you to emphasize a modernist apartment in an interesting form. The expressive colors of the glass contrast with the raw concrete in neutral colors.
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Wood – goes well with plastics. Wood is a great material when you want streamlined shapes in your interior.
These innovative raw materials made it possible to design spaces that were both functional and aesthetic . In design, modernism emphasized practicality – furniture and interiors were to be primarily useful, and their form was a result of function, not the other way around.
Inspirations and Influences
Modernism's inspiration came from many sources. The dynamic development of technology and industry opened up completely new possibilities in construction and design. Modernism became a symbol of:
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Modernity – reflecting the spirit of the era.
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Progress – emphasizing technological and social development.
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Innovation – introducing new materials and techniques.
His influence is still visible today – both in architecture and design, which draw on his timeless principles.
What is the modernist style?
Modernist style , also known as modernism, is one of the most revolutionary movements in architecture and design of the 20th century. It flourished between 1910 and 1980, bringing a completely new perspective on space, form, and function.
Definition and Main Characteristics of Modernism
Modernism is a style that forever changed the face of architecture and design in the 20th century. Its essence is three pillars:
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Simplicity – elimination of unnecessary details and ornaments.
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Functionality – designing spaces and objects with their practical use in mind.
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Minimalism – focus on clean lines and geometric forms.
These values were a response to the ornate historical styles that often saturated the space with unnecessary details.
Icons of Modernism: Architects and Their Works
Modernism in architecture is not just a style – it is a revolution that changed the way of thinking about space and functionality of buildings. At the center of this groundbreaking trend are outstanding architects whose visions shaped the modern approach to design. Walter Gropius , Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright – these names have forever been written in the history of architecture, introducing innovative ideas and techniques that inspire subsequent generations of creators around the world.
Walter Gropius and the Influence of Bauhaus
Walter Gropius is a name inextricably linked to modernism and its revolutionary influence on architecture. As the founder of Bauhaus, he created a space in which art, craft and technology could coexist, creating a new quality in design. Bauhaus became a symbol of modernity, and its influence on the development of modernism is invaluable.
Le Corbusier: Five Principles of Modern Architecture
Le Corbusier is one of the most influential theorists of modernism. His five principles of modern architecture have become the foundation for many contemporary projects. The vision of architecture as a tool for improving the quality of life was groundbreaking and continues to inspire artists around the world.
Le Corbusier's five principles include:
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Pillar construction – lifting the building above the ground for better functionality.
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Free plan – flexibility in interior design.
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Free facade – independence of the facade from the structure.
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Strip windows – ensuring maximum access to daylight.
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Flat roof – using the roof as usable space.
These elements were intended to create buildings that were not only aesthetic, but also functional and adapted to the needs of modern society.
Key Elements of Modernist Architecture
Modernist architecture, valued for its innovation and practicality , is based on several fundamental principles that give it a unique character. Among them, the following important elements stand out:
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Geometric shapes – defining the aesthetics and functionality of buildings.
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Flat roofs – increasing the usability of space.
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Free plan – allowing for flexible arrangements.
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Open spaces – facilitating the flow of light and air, additionally supported by bright lighting.
Geometric shapes and simple forms in interior design
In modernism, geometric shapes and simple forms are the absolute basis. Buildings in this style are distinguished by simple, geometric shapes that dominate both their external form and interior design.
Free plan and open spaces in modernist interiors
In modernism, free plan and open spaces are concepts that revolutionized interior design. Free plan, one of Le Corbusier's five principles of modern architecture, allows for flexible arrangements of interior space, which favors both functionality and user comfort.
Interiors in modernist style
The modernist style in interior design is synonymous with simplicity and functionality. This approach rejects unnecessary decorations, focusing on clean lines and practical solutions. The result? Spaces that are both aesthetic and useful. In today's challenging world, this approach takes on special meaning, responding to the need for harmony and efficiency. Simple, but classy.
Neutral colors and their importance for the elegant character of the interior
In modernist interiors in muted colours it plays a key role, emphasizing their simplicity and harmony. The dominant shades of white, grey, black and beige create a calm background that can be enriched with intense colour accents. These in turn add character and energy to the interiors without disturbing their minimalist spirit.
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Color |
Meaning |
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White |
A symbol of simplicity and elegance, it perfectly reflects the spirit of modernism. |
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Grays |
They introduce subtle depth and harmony. |
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Black |
Adds clarity and contrast. |
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Beige |
They create a warm, neutral background. |
Modernist style in Poland
Polish modernist architecture is an extremely interesting chapter in our history, which has significantly influenced the appearance of many cities. An example is Gdynia - a city where modernism has become an integral part of the urban landscape. In the interwar period, the city developed at a dizzying pace, and the buildings created at that time still impress with their simplicity, functionality and innovative approach to design .
Gdynia: the modernist pearl of the interwar period
Gdynia , often referred to as the "modernist pearl of the interwar period" , is a true treasure of Polish architecture. In the 1920s and 1930s, the city became a kind of laboratory of modern architectural solutions , which to this day attract design enthusiasts from all over the world.
How to introduce modernist style into your home?
Modernist style is not just aesthetics – it is a philosophy of life that combines simplicity with functionality. The key element of this approach is minimalism , eliminating unnecessary decorations and focusing on practical solutions.
Minimalism in modernism is more than just a trend – it is the principle of “ less is more ” in practice. Interiors in this style are distinguished by:
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limited color palette,
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simple furniture forms,
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tidy space.
This arrangement not only soothes the senses, but also responds to the needs of modern life, where efficiency and comfort count.
Modernist furniture: functionality and design
Modernist style furniture is a harmonious combination of functionality and design . The simple, geometric forms of this furniture are both practical and aesthetic.
Modernist furniture reflects the idea of minimalism, giving up on excess decoration in favor of clean lines and practical solutions. Thanks to this, they fit perfectly into modern interiors, offering:
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timeless aesthetics,
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comfort of use,
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functionality adapted to everyday needs.
These are not just pieces of furniture – they are also an expression of lifestyle.
How to Decorate a Modernist Interior: Practical Tips
Decorating an interior in a modernist style requires understanding its key principles: simplicity , functionality and harmony . Open spaces are the foundation that promotes flexibility and comfort of arrangement.
To create a modernist interior, it is worth following these tips:
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Choose furniture with simple shapes and neutral colors that will introduce balance and consistency.
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Avoid excess decorations that could disrupt the minimalist nature of the space.
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Choose the quality and functionality of each element – from furniture to accessories.
