Design Motifs Mary Ann Frank

What is a motif? “The theme or distinctive feature of a design, period, or style.” – The Fairchild Dictionary of Interior Design “a repeated design, shape, or pattern” – Encarta “a pattern or design” – Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

Motif Classifications Naturalistic - found in nature and represented in its original form.

Motif Classifications Stylistic - Inspired by nature and adapted to suit the shape or purpose of the object to be decorated. Stylized trees executed in an art glass window Stylized flowers that are not quite as they would be found in nature

Motif Classifications Abstract - elements are transformed into nonrepresentational design. These motifs do not represent anything in particular and are considered abstract motifs

Motif Classifications Geometric - motifs made of recognizable geometric shapes such as stripes, plaids, chevron patterns, and zigzags.

How to identify a motif A motif may be shown individually or repeated in a pattern It is most likely used for decorative effect as applied ornamentation Robert Adam neoclassic paterae motifs Key motif Geometric and stylized motifs found in the borders of this chest

How to identify a motif Motifs are NOT furniture components commonly found in a particular style, such as a leg type or hardware style Motifs are NOT photographs or images of places, objects, or people

References Sbarge, S. (1978). Architecture, Interiors and Furniture. Marina Del Ray, CA: Slide Presentations. Crochet, T. (2004). Designer’s guide to furniture styles. Pearson Education: Upper Saddle River, NJ. Jones, L.M. & Allen, P.S. (2009). Beginnings of interior environments. Pearson Education: Upper Saddle River, NJ.