Pop art in the interior: 20 ideas that Andy Warhol would appreciate

History of Pop Art style

The word prefix “pop” means “popular, mass”. Pop Art as an artistic movement originated in the 50s of the last century. Abstract Expressionism introduced a new way of dramatic, experimental paint application to the masses. This gave impetus to the search for new styles of self-expression not only in art, but also in everyday life.

America and Great Britain are considered the birthplace of Pop Art: countries that have experienced social upheavals, political upheavals, feminist movements and the promotion of free love. It turns out that you can express your individuality and commitment to certain ideas not only on a square with a banner, but also in your home or office.

Artistic and conceptual features of pop art

From an artistic point of view, this style appealed to thinghood, objectivity - as opposed to another popular movement, abstractionism. Pop art was born in the fight against the work of abstractionists and proclaimed a return to the display of concrete objects on canvas.

In itself, turning to everyday things is not new for the history of painting. Still life is also an artist’s view of surrounding objects. In fact, there is not that much difference between Caravaggio's vase and Warhol's green Coca-Cola bottles.

But pop art had its own conceptual peculiarity: artists took as objects iconic objects and images of mass culture, which would now be called “memes.” In addition, they paid attention not only to objects, but also to images - a typical example is Warhol's Marilyn Diptych.

Some masters went even further. They reflected in their works the essence of the era, including its facelessness, mass character, and the triumph of supermarkets.

The artistic prism through which the objects that interested the creators were refracted meant:

• placing images of mass culture in a new context;
• isolating the semantic core and focusing on characteristic features;
• change of scale;
• bringing to the maximum, to the apotheosis, typical techniques of mass culture;
• irony;
• creating collages from “memes”.

At the same time, the stylistic features of the works are closely intertwined with mass culture. The form emphasized the content. The artists intentionally:

• stylized their work as advertising, posters, posters, comics;
• used bright colors;
• they wrote slogans into the pictures;
• created collages from photographic “slices” of reality.

Interior Pop Art: features and characteristics

The interior in the Pop Art style suggests that its owner is a creative, extraordinary person. There are no boring tones here, everything sets you up for a dynamic pastime. But what about the rest? Doesn't the owner of the house get bored with bright colors? This is exactly what's going on, and here's why:

• Homes in the Pop Art style are furnished independently or commissioned by young or creative people. Their lifestyle fully corresponds to the concept of housing - without stereotypes and templates.
• There is no oversaturation of color in the style. For a relaxing holiday, arrange a corner in a more subdued tone.
• For decoration, they usually select art objects that the owner likes and likes. In any case, they can be easily replaced with others.

In Pop Art, different materials coexist. The style cannot be called expensive: both mass-produced furniture and designer items are suitable. They can be made of glass, plastic, wood and metal, natural and artificial leather.

Features of pop art style:

• large posters;
• repeating elements of art: carpets with duplicate patterns, tiles, collages;
• portraits of celebrities of the 50s and 60s, although modern youth prefer modern idols;
• materials – paper, synthetics, plastic, metal;
• textiles are used everywhere - curtains, furniture upholstery and even walls, while choosing fabric of a rich acid color. They try to choose textiles with a simple texture that does not attract attention.

Interior design: interiors in pop art style Video: Interior design: interiors in pop art style

Decor and textiles

In a pop art interior, decorative elements become real objects of art. Figurines, hangers, and wall decor can have a completely unexpected format, for example, a floor hanger in the shape of a horse.

The photo shows a living room with plenty of decorative details.

The textile part of the interior will become an interesting highlight; curtains of the brightest colors are successfully combined with classic white tulle. Clocks and mirrors can be decorated in a handmade style or decorated in bright colors.

Pillows can echo the curtains or become a rich accent in the design.

A carpet of unusual colors will look appropriate on a floor with a neutral surface, artificial skins, a carpet of several components will be the right choice.

Lighting

Lighting helps highlight the unusual design. Colorful lampshades, modern LED devices, spotlights are planned in different color modes.

An interesting art effect is created using mirrors and objects with a reflective surface: vinyl records, discs. The play of light and shadow, glare on objects are a feature of the style.

We recommend reading:

5 modern trends in interior design;

10 common mistakes in interior design;

Unusual interior items.

Color solutions

The “box” of the room is usually finished in light colors. This is a tribute to the first design experiments that were carried out at the dawn of the formation of the style. Nowadays indoor spaces are allowed to use white ceilings and walls with black or red flooring. The game of contrasts is one of the “pillars” of the direction. The following shades are actively used in furniture and decor:

• Screaming Red;
• Rich fuchsia;
• Acid green;
• Juicy yellow;
• Deep blue or cyan.

Pop art is considered a rebellious movement. If trends had a “psychological age,” then this style would be depicted as a young man at puberty on the wave of maximalism. For this reason, color combinations can be the most unexpected. In any other direction they would be considered bad taste, but in pop art such combinations are considered an organic expression of non-standard thinking.

Ceiling and floor=»ltr»>

The decor of a room in pop style is sometimes an unusual, but harmonious combination of colors, textures and objects. Despite the presence of the experiment, the ceiling should be shiny and light. To decorate the ceiling, it is permissible to use various finishing materials: PVC film or fabric, drywall, paint. PVC film and fabric are materials for creating suspended ceilings; plasterboard structures are very similar to them. Paint is used only when the standard ceiling covering (plaster, concrete slabs) is smooth and without damage.

It doesn’t matter how the finishing material decorates the ceiling, the main thing is that it reflects the light. It is possible to create a flat canvas or a multi-level structure. The second option is more appropriate for pop-style rooms; LED strips with neon lighting can be placed in the formed ceiling niches. If the ceiling is being redone using plasterboard or simply painted, the paint must be glossy, like glass. It is best to use acrylic or latex based paints. They are carefully applied to the surface, easy to clean and have a long service life.

It is recommended to make the ceiling shiny and light

It is better to use ceiling paint with a reflective effect

A floor in this style can become a work of art. Suitable materials, their pros and cons are indicated in the table.

Laminate is perfect for flooring

The floor in the room should match the style

A room in pop art style will look modern and beautiful

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Criticism and the importance of style in art

Despite public interest and a large number of adherents, there were art critics who criticized pop art. The famous art critic Hilton Kramer considered pop art too primitive, instilling vulgarity and bad taste in society. According to the critic, pop art is nothing more than ordinary advertising, which was mistakenly called an artistic movement.

His opinion was joined by the critic S. Kunitz, who expressed concern that pop art would lead to the formation of a conformist, unspiritual society that is not interested in anything other than the daily consumption of goods and services.

The representatives of pop art themselves explained the essence of their direction by saying that they wanted to return to reality, which was absent in the works of abstract artists, and to connect their art with what is close and understandable to every modern person: cinema, advertising, television, the product industry.

Over time, the works of pop art artists had an influence on clothing and interior design: some of the works were used by famous designers as prints for clothing and room decoration.

In one of their works on airbrushing on a refrigerator, our artists used the pop art style to bring to life the original and creative ideas of the customers.