One of the principles that trends are based on is, that things need to be approved by a large group of people. Once a trend has become mainstream, there is hardly anyone who can escape it – either you are influenced directly or on a subconscious level. We can spot similar developments in the past when looking at the period of Art Nouveau. As a backlash to academic art of the 19th century and the over-decoration of the Victorian era, Art Nouveau developed and set of a new and holistic approach to design. With this background we know that Art Nouveau developed to be a truly European style and later spread throughout the world, turning to be one of the first international styles.

There are two reasons why we have this small history lesson today: firstly, we have spotted many brand new design references from these eras featured in our annual trend report. Secondly, we would love to introduce a gorgeous architectural project today, that has managed to pick up these historical references and combined it very successfully with contemporary design.

With this gorgeous ‚Landhaus’ project we want to show you an extract from a stunning portfolio from the german architectural studio TKA. They have finalized breathtaking projects, but there is a special one that we would love to focus on. Don’t you just love it when architects combine the very best from both worlds? Both worlds, we are talking here about demonstrating respect for historical features and at the same time renewing and modernize the project by adding their own subtle handwriting.

The bureau calls the project ‚Landhaus‘ – it can be translated into ‚cottage’ or ‚country house’‚ but a closer look makes you realize quickly that the name is only a humorous description of a large and noble country estate. Above the entrance you can read that the residence was built in 1905/07, what technically matches the Art Nouveau Period. The architectural characteristics clearly show the stylized naturalism from the past, sinuous and organic forms are picked up in the interiors and modern streamlined forms are repeatedly used in mural reliefs. It is only by the understatement of the modernization, the restrained use of colors and the interplay of the subtle contemporary design that these features are emphasized and can shine again.