What Is Post Modern Design?

There have been many design movements over the centuries. Every design movement has brought with it distinct features along with it. Each movement is unique in its architectural sense. Every new design was a breath of fresh air from the previous one. Probably one of the most controversial architectural movements of its time, post-modern design has been in the limelight for almost all the wrong reasons.

If you are into brighter, warmer tones, you might be interested in postmodern design. What makes the post-modern design famous is the criticism it has got over the past period. It is bold and refreshing. It is also thought of as being commercially oriented and focuses on the consumer.

Post-Modern Design – History of the Design

The design emerged in the 1970sas an interior design style design. It was at the peak from 1970 till 1990. It was a break from the previous muted, practical and impersonal approach which that modern design had brought to the world. It was freeing oneself. It was built on the idea of breaking all the rules. Mismatched elements were in and an out-of-the-box was in style.

Bold patterns, hand-made items made a big bang. People loved the modern design and style and it was a new idea that was quickly embraced by all. There are a few striking characteristics of the design. These are as follows

Characteristics of the Post -Modern Design

Colors

The color palette used in the design is bold and fun. It is a mixture of primary and bold colors. Firstly, color was the most important element in the design. But, with time, it became less important. The focus shifted to the functional side of the post-modern design evolved.

Today, it is about mixing. Shades of retro and natural are mixed up. Burnt orange, avocado green, turquoise, and even a tinge of metallic tones are in. There is no restriction. If you want to go out of these colors and include new ones, you are free to do so. This is the beauty of postmodern design.

 Material Sand Textures

The design is all about mixing different and unorthodox combinations. Different materials are mixed and matched to bring something new. A combination of plastic, glass, leather and laminated materials are used.

In the early 1980s, designers worked with distressed and salvaged materials. This is still used today. Natural wood and chunky knits add charm and warmth to the design. Velvet is another good material that can be used to give a good look to the house.  

Some of the most often used materials in the postmodern era are:

· Lucite

· Brass

· Colored plastic and glass

· Plaster

· Terrazzo

· Velvet

· Burlwood

· Boucle

· Travertine

Shapes

Asymmetrical looks are the defining characteristics of postmodern design. Straight lines and off angles give different shapes to the room. Geometrical shapes are also incorporated. Outrageous patterns are very popular. Nowadays, the way post-modern furniture is being used is very interesting. Different things are being combined to give a unique look.  

Chubby, pool noodle Esque, and bulbous seating is used. On the other hand, geometric shapes are also in. You can also see a tinge of Art Deco in the design. Some of the popular designs are:

· Pedestal tables

· Rounded seating

· Spherical and tubular shapes

· Chunky furniture

· Coffee tables

· Fluted finishes

Golden Rule for Post-modern Design

· There is one golden rule for making sure your post-modern design makes you stand out: DON’T OVERDO IT. The first rule is to avoid following the style fully. You can incorporate a few elements in the design. The best thing about the design is that it is versatile. You can either go maximal or minimal.

· Another thing to remember is to soften the overall look of the design. The design focuses on hardness and being cold. The trick is to focus on softening the look. Materials like faux fur, rattan and velvets have this effect.

· Don’t overdo the color either. My advice is to use neutral colors and then build on from there.

Who is The Design For?

Keeping in mind that the design is controversial and different from the rest, many people avoid going for it. So, who is the design for? If you are tired of your normal Scandinavian or Art Deco design, you can add a piece or two of Postmodern design to refresh the look.

Post-modern design is all about breaking stereotypes. It spanned over a very short period. Moreover, it was very fragmented design styles that focused all on free thought and expressionism. Flashy fads and shapes made a big impact. The reason the design was popular fora short time was that it was a little out-of-the-box for most people.

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