The enchanting elegance of the art nouveau decorative style can be attributed to its intricate patterns of curves and colors. The style was developed in the 1880s and 1890s. It derives its name from the Maison de l'Art Nouveau, an interior design gallery opened in Paris in 1896.

The Art Nouveau movement was developed as a means of creating an international style based on decoration. The style is the result of a collaboration between a group of brilliant artists and designers. In some ways, these artists were reacting to the Industrial Revolution. Disgusted with the ugliness of mass-produced machine-made goods, they sought to raise the standard of decorative arts to meet those of fine arts. As such, everyday objects were redesigned so that their beauty matched their usefulness. Proponents of the art nouveau movement believed that architecture, furniture, clothing and jewelry should be created in a manner that allows them to harmonize with the fine arts, as well as the their natural surroundings.

The jewelry of this period presents a prime example of the harmony between human and plant forms. Pendants were created depicting women with curvaceous bodies and flowing hair. In the background, the plants and flowers followed the curve of the woman's body and the flow of her hair. We also see this pattern reflected in one of the most famous art nouveau artists, Alphonse Mucha, whose paintings can bring a sense of enchantment to any room.

It's interesting to note that the art nouveau style seems to be having a renaissance. Perhaps, like the artists of the 1890s, we are reacting to the high-tech industrialism that permeates our homes. Computers and state-of-the art sound systems are indeed useful, but they can often make our dwelling seem cold. A few pieces of art nouveau furniture or some art nouveau tiles can transform a home that appears over- industrialized into a visually pleasing environment.