We are all inspired by the greats—those who define eras in painting, sculpture, architecture, theater and design. Even before the greats were great, they were inspired by something or someone, often intersecting and drawing inspiration from different fields. Here, we explore the merging of fine art and interior design with products that take cues from many art eras—past and present.

Furbish Staffordshire dog pairs and pillow, furbishstudio.com. PHOTO BY ANNA BARZIN

Pop Art

When most think pop art, they think Andy Warhol, and they’d be right. Warhol helped define the pop art era of the ’60s with motifs like his Campbell’s soup cans and more that idolized iconography, celebrity and mass production. Expect bright, bold and simple color schemes, repetition, hard edges and a sense of ironic detachment.

One Kings Lane Portsmouth sofa in teal velvet, onekingslane.com PHOTO BY ANNA BARZIN

Rococo

Elegant and ornate details of the Rococo art era of the 18th century are all focused on drama and elaborate ornamentation. Lovely pastel colors and scenes of love, nature and lighthearted entertainment characterize this style and can be exemplified in elements like toile and tassels. For inspo, look to Paris-based designer Jacques Garcia.

Minimalism

Minimalism, born in 1960s New York, has experienced quite the rebirth in our current millennium. At its core, the minimalist movement was meant to highlight the true essence of the medium and material to form the art itself, removing all elements that might prove to be distracting and exposing the purity and beauty of an object. Characteristics include geometric shapes, precise transitions between areas of color, and a monochromatic or limited color palette.

Allison James, “The Feeling of Home” (2020); MoMA Mondri vase, westelm.com. PAINTING PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLISON JAMES; ALL OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRANDS

Abstract Expressionism

The likes of Jackson Pollock, Helen Frankenthaler and Willem de Kooning constructed this artistic movement. Movement itself is the main characteristic of these types of pieces, along with pure thought and emotion—aiming to depict not what we experience but the way we experience it.