1. Design Motifs Mary Ann Frank

2. 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

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

4. 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

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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.