When we look at modern interiors today, we see many ideas that have their origins in modernism. Open spaces, large windows, functional furniture, honest materials and simple forms may seem obvious, but at the beginning of the twentieth century these ideas represented a major transformation in the world of design and architecture. 

Modernism emerged as a response to a rapidly changing society, where new materials, technologies and production methods created new possibilities for designers. But what exactly was this movement, why did it emerge, and how did it change the way we live and design? 

Modernism is a broad cultural and creative movement that emerged at the beginning of the twentieth century and was especially influential between approximately 1900 and 1950. The movement developed from a desire to move away from traditional ideas, styles and methods of making. Artists, designers, architects and other creators began searching for new forms that better reflected the changing world. 

Modernism is therefore a collective term for various innovative movements that emerged at the beginning of the twentieth century within fields such as art, architecture, literature, music and design. 

During this period, the world changed dramatically. New technologies, industrialisation, scientific developments and social changes caused traditional ideas to be increasingly questioned. Modernists believed that art, architecture and design needed to be renewed and should no longer simply continue building on historical examples. 

Within modernism, experimentation, innovation and the search for essence became central. Decoration and traditional rules were increasingly abandoned to make room for new materials, new techniques and new ways of thinking. 

Although each discipline developed in its own way, modernist artists and designers shared the same belief: the design of the world should reflect the time in which people lived. 

Modernism changed almost every aspect of design. Not only furniture and architecture, but also lighting, everyday objects and graphic design were influenced by this new way of thinking. 

Form Follows Function 

One of the biggest changes was that designers moved away from unnecessary decoration. Instead of adding extra details to objects, they searched for a form that naturally followed the way an object was used. 

A chair was no longer given decorative ornaments simply because that was traditional, but was designed around the question: how can we support the human body as effectively as possible? A lamp was not only designed as a decorative object, but from the question of how light could be distributed in the best possible way.  This resulted in designs that often appear simple, but are highly considered. Every line, connection and choice of material has a purpose. 

The Influence of Bauhaus 

An important role within modernism was played by the German design school Bauhaus. The school was founded in 1919 and had a major influence on the way designers viewed design. 

Bauhaus aimed to reduce the separation between art, craftsmanship and industry. Designers were not only expected to create beautiful objects, but also to understand how these objects could be produced. 

The idea was that good design should be accessible to everyone. Artists, architects and craftsmen worked together on furniture, buildings, graphic design and everyday objects.  Bauhaus therefore created an important foundation for the way we look at design today. 

Industrialisation and Affordable Design 

New production methods also changed the accessibility of design. In the past, many pieces of furniture were handmade and therefore only available to wealthy households. Industrialisation made it possible to produce designs on a larger scale. This led to the idea of good design for a wider audience. 

Designers began experimenting with materials and production techniques to create furniture that was high-quality, functional and affordable. 

Good examples are furniture made from bent wood, tubular steel and later plastic. These materials allowed for new shapes and could be produced more efficiently. 

Modernism did not only change the way furniture and objects were designed, but also changed the way people viewed their homes. Whereas homes were traditionally often built around fixed layouts, separate rooms and many decorative elements, modernist architects searched for a new way of living that better matched modern society. 

The home was no longer simply a building, but an environment designed to support everyday life. Functionality, health, natural light and efficient use of space became important principles. This created a new vision of living that had a major influence on twentieth-century architecture. 

Form Follows Function 

An important principle within modernism was “form follows function”: the shape should come from the purpose. This principle applied not only to furniture and everyday objects, but also to homes. 

Modernist architects believed that a house should first and foremost function well for its residents. The layout of a home needed to be logical and reflect the way people lived. Spaces were no longer designed based on tradition, but based on use. 

As a result, many unnecessary elements disappeared. Decorative façades, dark rooms and complicated layouts were replaced by simple forms, practical floor plans and spaces that better supported everyday life. 

The goal was not to make homes empty or impersonal, but rather to return to the essence: a home should be comfortable, efficient and enjoyable to live in. 

More Light and Open Spaces 

One of the most recognisable changes brought by modernism was the way architects approached light and space. 

Traditional homes often had smaller windows, stained glass and separate rooms with clearly defined functions. Modernist architects wanted to create stronger connections between different spaces and between the home and the outside world. 

Through new construction techniques, such as the use of steel and concrete, larger windows became possible and more open floor plans could be created. Natural daylight became an important part of the design. Large windows not only brought in more light but also strengthened the connection with the surrounding environment. Open living spaces also became increasingly important. The living room, kitchen and dining area were more often combined, creating homes that felt larger and more flexible. This way of living was innovative because homes were no longer organised around fixed rooms with a single purpose, but around spaces that could adapt to everyday life. 

The Home as a Machine for Living 

One of the most well-known ideas within modernism came from the architect Le Corbusier. He described a home as: 

“A house is a machine for living in.” 

With this statement, he did not mean that a home should feel cold or impersonal. Instead, he meant that a house, like a machine, should function logically. Every element should have a purpose and contribute to a better way of living. The home should be designed around the needs of its residents. Light, ventilation, movement, storage and comfort all became important elements of the design. According to modernist architects, a well-designed home could contribute to a healthier and more efficient daily life. 

The Home as a Total Design 

Within modernism, the idea increasingly developed that a home should form one complete whole. Architects wanted to design not only the building itself, but also consider the interior and the objects placed within it. 

The home was seen as a total design in which architecture, furniture, lighting, colours and materials were connected.  Everything needed to express the same design philosophy. This meant that many modernist architects also designed furniture and everyday objects. A chair, table or lamp was not simply an independent object, but part of the overall living environment. 

This approach created a closer relationship between architecture and design. The boundary between building and interior became smaller, and the home became a coherent whole in which every element was consciously designed. 

Through these new ideas, modernism changed not only the appearance of homes, but especially the way people thought about living. A house was no longer seen simply as a collection of rooms, but as a carefully designed environment that should improve people’s everyday lives. 

Although modernism as a movement began more than a century ago, its influence can still be seen everywhere today. Many ideas that now feel completely normal come from modernist principles: 

• Open living spaces 
• Minimalist interiors 
• Large windows 
• Functional furniture 
• Honest materials 
• Attention to sustainability and production 

Many contemporary designers continue to build on these ideas. They search for smart solutions, experiment with materials and create objects in which function and form come together. Modernism taught us that design is not only about how something looks, but especially about how something works, why it exists and what value it adds to our daily lives. 

Many designers today continue to explore the same questions that modernist designers asked a century ago: 

- How can we design better? 

- How can we use materials in smarter ways? 

- And how can objects improve our everyday lives? 

At Davinis, our collection features unique designs from emerging designers who continue this tradition in their own way. Objects with their own character, a story and a clear vision. 

Discover our collection and meet the new generation of designers.