i chose these three floral couches to begin to show the wide variety of styles. there were many different approaches takes by designers when it came to a floral-print couch, and i think they are all very interesting. especially in terms of scale and shape.
The American designer George Nelson designed this sofa during the early part of the twentieth century. The sofa is interesting because the actual individual cushions make up the pattern.
The actual leather material in this British leather sofa makes up the pattern. It is a new artifact and I thought that the natural made pattern was interesting.
The large modular pieces in this modern Italian sofa emphasize the pattern more than the sofa itself. I thought it was visually interesting to emphasize the pattern more than the actual artifacts.
The main features of Renaissance-style furniture are: heavy dignified appearance, clean and rigorous lines, harmonious proportion of facade, the use of classical architectural decoration.
The Baroque style had flourished under the previous French king, Louis XIV. It was characterised by strong, dramatic and symmetrical forms. They use profuse ornaments in the furniture, such as marble, nymphs, shepherdesses, cherubs, angels, mirrors and the like.
The Rococo style displays an interest in delicate and playful natural forms, particularly shell and wave-like motifs that are often seen on the legs of armoires, tables and chairs. Seashells and foliage are also often carved onto beds and into the frames of mirrors.Decoration tended to be asymmetrical.
printed couches definitely haven't been toned down over time-that's for sure. it's almost the opposite. couches today have many print varieties from flowers, to animal print, to photographs and quotes.
Hideous Printed Couches- I remember these prints from my very early childhood. I think they look horrible. I do however would like to know what about this print was popular. Why were these colors popular in the late 70s to mid 80s?
Lips Sofa- I had to draw this for Patrick's history class last year for chair cards. It was designed by Salvador Dali. I have also heard it referred to as the Mae West Lips Sofa. I think this piece is very interesting. It is the true fusion of art and furniture. It has a very dirty, almost pornographic feel to it... The perfect blend of style... and sleaze... with a hint of art sophistication.
Ancient Greek/Roman Lounges- We today lounge on couches while reading a book, relaxing, watching TV, but in the Ancient worlds of Greece and Rome, they used these while dinning. The upper class would lounge on cushion pieces while eating. I find it so ironic that the way we dine now is very different than this... and so is our use for the couch. I feel this is a pretty close beginning in the history of both couches and the practice of lounging on furniture like we now use the sofa for.
The Victorian style couches from the 19th and 20th centuries used needle work to achieve the pattern. They were very lightly padded , with the needle point only covering the cushions, leaving the wood frames exposed.
In looking at the different patterns on couches within different time periods, I have come across three that I feel show a strong contrast in pattern, style, and color choice. Also, one can see the changes in the the form of the couch and perhaps its uses. Though that is not our focus, I feel it adds to the contrast of couches through time. Below is representations of patterns on couches in the time periods: 1920s, 1970s, and 1990s.
In the 1920s, couches were very elegant in style. Patterns were not bold. Instead they blended in with the main color which was typically white, ivory, etc. This couch, a Duncan Phyfe, shows form, flow, and a light whimsical look. If we look at the feet of couches and how they change, we can see that in this time period, "claw feet" were common. This particular couch shows aspects of the 1920s in pattern, color, and form.
1920s Pattern & Style
The next time period I chose to look at was the 70s. As we all know the 1970s, Hippie Era, was focused on world peace. During this time people tended to be more spontaneous. Hence, that is why in this picture below we have a loud print and bolder colors; that is what consumed the interiors of homes, appliances, etc. Colors typically seen were orange, green, gold, brick, rust, yellow. Also during this time period they were headed toward a more high tech look with metal and plastic furnitures in bright primary colors. In looking at the couch form, one can also see that it is more straight and has generally no curves to it.
1970s Pattern & Style
A big difference was made in the 1990s. During this time, we see couches having more skirted bottoms. They also use more neutrals and "real" colors. The couches typically involved combining two patterns together (like you see on this couch) where they may have a stripes and a floral pattern on one couch.. These two patterns were common during this time as either on a couch separately or combined together as below. In looking at the form of the couch, it is more "fluffy" and there are more cushions.
today our group was formed. we exchanged contact information, made a little small talk, and started brainstorming ideas for our exhibit.
we came up with:
-furniture through time
-lounge furniture
-couches....through time, in different countries, in different colors
we'll all research precedents for wednesday and move further from there.
