Design Time Warp: Take a Nostalgic Trip to the Eclectic 1990s Home Decor Style!

The 1990s was a decade of transition, as people were moving away from the excessive design of the 1980s and into a more understated approach. The design style of this decade was known as Neo-modernism or Mixed Style, which blended various styles from the past with modern elements.

Exterior Design:

The exterior design of homes in the 1990s was characterized by a mix of traditional and modern elements. Some of the popular features include

Facade: Wooden panels inspired by the 1890s were a popular choice for the exterior of homes.
Roof: Traditional pantiles or metal roofing was commonly used.
Windows: Wooden windows with artificial sash bars on the glass were popular. Ornate bargeboards were also commonly used.
Outside door: Weatherproof uPVC doors were a popular choice for the front door.
Typical period details: Prominent corner boards, panel joints covered by moldings, frontispieces, and gables with decorative woodwork were common.

Interior Design:

The interior design of homes in the 1990s was characterized by a mix of traditional and modern elements. Some of the popular features include

Floors: Engineered parquet flooring of pine, birch, or redwoods such as cherry or stained oak was a popular choice.
Interior doors: Form-pressed doors with rail frames and flush doors with rounded windows were commonly used.
Door handles: Antique-style brass with porcelain handles was a popular choice.
Fireplaces: Glass-fronted stoves on glass floor plates were commonly used.
Wallpaper: Sponge-painted walls, wallpapers with brushstroke patterns, and wallpaper edging with fruit motifs were popular. The popular colors were ultramarine, English red, yellow ocher, terra-cotta, and Tricia Guild designs.
Furniture: Tubular steel with stretched leather seats, glass display cases and cabinets with small drawers, units for stereo and home electronics such as VHS and CD players, beanbags, table lamps with patterned or pleated fabric shades, accessories such as gilded sun mirrors and wrought-iron candlesticks, and dried and everlasting flowers were popular.
Bathroom: Decorative tiles and colored waterproof linings were commonly used. Toward the end of the decade, tiled feature walls in nonmatching colors became popular.
Kitchen: Oak cupboard doors, colored tiles, tiled mosaic, or an edging of colored tiles were popular. Stainless steel appliances gained ground, built-in ovens became popular, and induction stovetops were introduced.

Conclusion:

The design style of the 1990s was a mix of traditional and modern elements, creating a unique and eclectic style. From the exterior wooden panels to the interior furniture, the decade was defined by its blend of styles from the past with modern elements. While the 1990s may be over, the design elements of this decade continue to inspire designers and homeowners alike.

Step into the Whimsical World of 1980s Postmodernist Architecture: A Look at Its Defining Characteristics

*Globen built in 1989, picture from* *Historiska media*

Step into a time machine and travel back to the vibrant decade of the 1980s, where pastel-colored exteriors and innovative interior design ruled the world of architecture. The postmodernist movement, which began in the late 1970s, continued to dominate the scene throughout the 80s, shaping the look and feel of buildings during this era. So, what were the defining characteristics of 1980s postmodernist architecture? Let's take a closer look!

Starting with the exterior, 1980s postmodernist buildings often featured facades made of pastel-colored reconstituted stone, plaster, or wood, creating a whimsical and playful appearance. The roofs were typically hipped and covered with gray concrete pantiles, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal. Two-light windows with false sash bars attached to the glass were also common, giving the impression of a traditional sash window without the associated costs. The outside doors were usually made of painted wood, completing the overall look.

*Typical 1980s Scandinavian exterior. Picture from* *Nordr.com*

Moving on to the interior, 1980s postmodernist architecture was all about combining elements of the past with contemporary design. Engineered parquet flooring, linoleum, and tiles of imitation natural stone were the popular flooring options of the time, while white-painted paneled doors or painted flush doors were commonly used for interior doors. Antique-style brass door handles with separate key plates added a touch of vintage charm to the décor.

Freestanding, angular, metal stoves were a popular choice for fireplaces, adding a touch of modernity to the interior. For walls, white or light-colored wallpapers were the norm, while pastel colors were used extensively to add a pop of color. Porcelain lamps, rice lampshades, and large chrome standard lamps were the popular lighting choices of the time, illuminating the space with style and elegance.

When it came to furniture, 1980s postmodernist architecture was all about exclusivity and style. Freestanding and sculptural items were the order of the day, with mass-produced, chipboard furnishings also gaining popularity. Sectional sofas and leather sofas, glass tables, and accessories in colors like mint green, apricot, turquoise, and brilliant neon were all the rage. Mirror walls, ceiling fans, china figurines, basketwork chairs, frilly curtains, and waterbeds were other defining elements of the 1980s postmodernist interior design.

Bathrooms during this time featured marbled tiles and non-matching tiles with painted motifs, waterproofed floors and walls, and shower units. Kitchens were typically white and gray, with paneled cupboard doors, laminate work surfaces with a marble or terrazzo appearance, and the introduction of ceramic stovetops and microwave ovens.

In conclusion, 1980s postmodernist architecture was all about combining the traditional with the contemporary, creating a unique and playful look that defined the decade. From pastel-colored exteriors to exclusive and stylish furniture, this era left a lasting impression on the world of architecture and interior design.

Exploring the Swedish Social Democratic Party's Public Housing Million Program V of the 1970s: A Look at the Distinctive Architecture and Interior Design of the Era

The 1970s was a decade that witnessed a number of significant cultural and social changes, and one of the most interesting developments of that period was the Swedish Social Democratic Party's Public Housing Million Program V. This program, which was launched in 1965, was designed to provide affordable housing for millions of people across Sweden, and it was characterized by a distinctive architectural style and interior design that still resonates today.

Public housing Million Program V, picture from Fastighetsbyrån.

If you're interested in learning more about this fascinating period of Swedish history, here are some key details and features to keep in mind:

Exterior Design:

The exterior design of the Public Housing Million Program V was characterized by several distinctive features, including vertical tongue-and-groove boards on the facade, large black concrete pantile roofs, and side-hung, outward-opening windows without architraves. The decorative but nonfunctioning exterior shutters and triple glazing became standard. The outside doors were typically made of patterned teak or rustic stained timber. Other typical period details included brick gables, brick to lower edge of windows, Bavarian-style balconies covered by the roof with outdoor area beneath it, and no cellars. Although the program is often associated with apartment blocks, it's worth noting that 335,000 small detached houses were also built.

Interior Design:

The interior design of the Public Housing Million Program V was characterized by a number of distinctive features, as well. Wall-to-wall carpets, patterned vinyl, and clear-varnished pine were common flooring choices, while tile was typically used in bathroom showers and hallways. Doors, architraves, and handles were all made of plastic, and there were rural-style wooden interior doors. Plastic handles of various colors and brass handles were common, as were simplified keys. Fireplaces were less common, due in part to the nuclear energy and oil crisis of the time, which meant that most houses were heated by electricity. Large-patterned, woven, and velour wallpaper was popular, as were pine lamps and velvet shades with fringes and tassels. The Swedish lighting company Ateljé Lyktan launched their Bumling lamps. Furniture was often made of pine, stained or varnished (clear), and included Windsor chairs, low, soft sofas with big back and side cushions, and upholstery in corduroy. Green, brown, and orange were popular colors.

The bathroom was often furnished with wooden cupboards with vertical blinds, cloth covers for the toilet seat and cover, and toilet mats. Shower units were launched as energy-saving units following the oil crisis, and bidets were mounted on the wall or the floor. Brown and beige Höganäs tiles were also popular, as was plastic- which was used for everything! The kitchen featured colored appliances, colored tiles, and rustic cupboard doors. Handles were often wooden knobs or round and concave plastic knobs. Three rows of tiles became standard as the backsplash behind the sink (two rows had been standard earlier).

Overall, the Swedish Social Democratic Party's Public Housing Million Program V was a remarkable achievement, and its legacy can still be seen in the architecture and design of many buildings and homes throughout Sweden. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or interior design, this period offers a wealth of fascinating details and features to explore.

Get Groovy with 1960s Home Design: A Look at the Features of this Iconic Era

Step back in time with us to the swinging 60s! A decade of cultural revolution and innovation, where new styles and trends were emerging left and right. The 1960s was a time of change, and this change extended even to the way homes were designed and decorated. Let's take a closer look at the typical design features of a home from this iconic era.

Exterior

*Image:* *Storängsgatans Fastighetsförmedling*

The exterior of homes in the 1960s often had a distinct look, with brick, cement, and reconstituted stone with gray grouting being popular choices. Built-in glass blocks were also common, allowing natural light to flow inside. Here are some other notable exterior design features:

Gable roofs with a 25-degree slope and black, concrete double pantiles.
Long windows with low ledges and two panes, painted wooden frames.
Teak doors with groove designs and glass panes at the side of the door rather than in the door itself.
One-story detached houses were still common, but split-level houses were also on the rise.

Interior

*Image:* *Radisson SAS hotel Copenhagen*

The interior of a 1960s home was all about embracing the new and the modern. Check out some of the interior design features that were popular in this era:

Wall-to-wall carpets and vinyl, with tiles and natural stone in the hall.
Glass interior doors with patterned or etched glass, and stainless steel door handles with bone-white, black, or gray plastic handles.
Brick fireplaces as a popular focal point in the living room.
Seagrass and woven patterned wallpaper, and plastic and fabric shades for lighting.
Teak and mahogany furniture with slim, neat legs on sofas and upholstered chairs. Futuristic shapes, like the Jetson armchair, were also trendy. Muted shades of blue and gray were commonly used.
Half-tiled walls and herringbone tiling in the bathroom, with colorful bidets making a comeback. Perstorp launched their plastic flooring, which was more expensive than tiles but easier to clean and could also be used as a wall covering. Ceramic floor tiles measured 4 by 4 inches (10 by 10 cm).
In the kitchen, ceilings and woodwork were typically painted white, with cupboard doors often being a darker color, such as gray, blue, or green. Wooden handles on doors and drawers, glass or metal knobs on cupboards, and Gaboon veneer were commonly used. Pantries built against outside walls were being replaced by fridges and cool cupboards.

There you have it – a glimpse into the design features of a typical home from the groovy 1960s. The era may be over, but its design elements continue to inspire and influence modern interiors. If you're a fan of retro style, why not try incorporating some of these design features into your home décor?

Designing the 1950s: A Look at Postwar Home Interiors and Trends

The 1950s was a decade of change and progress, as people rebuilt their lives after the devastation of World War II. One area where this was particularly evident was in the design of homes and interiors. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the style and trends of this postwar period.

Exterior

The exterior of homes built in the 1950s typically featured a single-story brick facade with a straightforward gable roof of double pantiles. The windows were rectangular pivot windows, often larger in the living room, and the outside door was a teak door with a groove design. One of the typical period details was side extensions with different roof heights, windows, and outside doors framed in brickwork, and decorative wrought-iron railings.

Interior

The interior design of homes in the 1950s was characterized by a mixture of traditional and modern elements. The floors in social and living areas were typically oak, fishbone, cork parquet, and cork linoleum, while a natural stone was used in the lavatory and entrance hall. The interior doors were made of exotic varieties of wood, such as teak or gabion, and the door handles were stainless steel with mahogany or ribbed bone-white plastic handles and stainless-steel backplates.

Fireplaces were made of stonework with curved hoods, and the wallpaper featured geometrical patterns and strong contrasts. Furniture followed the Scandinavia design, with typical pieces including Stringhylla ("String shelf") bookcases, the butterfly chair, sideboards, writing tables, dressing tables, bedside tables, and chests of drawers. Teak was a popular material, as was IKEA. Vinyl, chrome details, stainless steel, and decorated porcelain were also commonly used in furniture design. Curtains with valances were a popular choice for window treatments.

Lighting in the 1950s was characterized by standard and table lamps made of brass and teak, with lampshades of fabric, plastic, or varnished metal. Bright colors and strong pastel shades were used to add pops of color to the decor.

In the bathroom, checkered floors and colored bathroom details in green or turquoise were popular. Cabinets with rotating mirror doors and mosaics on the walls, floor, and bath surrounds were also typical. Sintered porcelain slabs were used on the floor, and pedestals under sinks to conceal the pipes became more common.

Kitchens in the 1950s became more angular and formal, with frameworks and doors made of new, lighter materials. Wall units had sloping fronts and lower work surfaces than today's, and handles were typically made of teak. Bright pastel colors or whole designs in teak veneer were popular choices for kitchen decor. The classic laminate countertop pattern Virrvarr began production in 1958.

In conclusion, the 1950s was a time of innovation and change in the design of homes and interiors. Traditional elements were combined with modern materials and techniques to create a unique aesthetic that still resonates today. From the use of teak and cork in flooring and furniture to the bright colors and strong pastel shades used in lighting and wallpaper, the style of the 1950s was truly one of a kind.

Step into the Timeless Charm of Art Nouveau V: A Fascinating Look at the Architectural and Interior Design Features of the Early 1900s

Travel back in time to the early 1900s and immerse yourself in the captivating Art Nouveau V style! This architectural movement, born in France, was all about embracing creativity, individuality, and the natural world. Here are some of the standout features you can expect to see:

Exterior

Facades: Look out for smooth or rough plastered facades in light yellow or beige colors.
Roof: Mansard roofs with red pantiles will transport you right back to the early 1900s.
Windows: You'll spot single-paned lower sections and upper sections divided into small square panes, as well as oval ox-eye windows. Don't forget to take a closer look at the leaded glass!
Outside door: Glazed with small panes, adding a touch of elegance to any building.
Typical period details: Balconies, bay windows, rounded window shapes, gable windows, domes, and frontispieces are all classic Art Nouveau V features.

Interior

Floors: Expect to see oak parquet or linoleum (cork) floors. Varnished pine floorboards are also common.
Interior doors: Paneled doors with mirrors and double doors give a sense of grandeur.
Door handles: Soft curves with a rosette and keyhole plate, or solid brass backplate, add a touch of sophistication.
Fireplaces: Smooth, light-colored tile stoves with leaf and flower ornamentation are the perfect centerpiece.
Wallpaper: Look out for narrow, wavy lines and plant motifs inspired by Swedish flora. Usually, there are wide wallpaper borders below the ceiling with restrained but not muted colors.
Furniture: Carved oak furniture with fruit motifs and high-backed seating is a hallmark of this era. Onion-shaped swellings on chair and table legs add an extra layer of intricacy.
Lighting: Oil lamps were common before the widespread adoption of electric lighting, which was likely reserved for the wealthy.
Bathroom: Check out the earth closet and freestanding cast-iron bathtub with lion or claw feet. The lower part of the walls will be tiled, while the upper part is covered with grooved paneling treated with linseed oil.
Kitchen: Look out for gray or beige kitchen equipment, or the popular "birch-grain" coloring. Work surfaces were often topped with marble or zinc, or untreated or oiled wooden boards. Kitchen walls were typically smooth plastered, sometimes covered with grooved paneling, and open shelves were mounted on brackets.

All in all, the Art Nouveau V style was a celebration of creativity and individuality that embraced nature and natural forms. Whether you're interested in architecture or interior design, the Art Nouveau V style will transport you to a fascinating era in history.