You’ve seen it in spaces before–geometric shapes, clean lines, and primary colors–all with an industrial edge. It has whispers of mid-century modern and modernism, but it is truly a style all its own. This early 20th-century aesthetic is the German art school-inspired Bauhaus style.
While its origins are over 100 years old, Bauhaus style is just as functional and trendy today as it was in its infancy. Though its namesake art school only existed for 14 years, it made a lasting impression that ultimately traveled far beyond Western Europe.
So what is Bauhaus style, exactly? Let’s explore this lesser-known design aesthetic, dive into its history, and most importantly–learn the basic principles of incorporating it into your desired space.
A Brief History of Bauhaus Style
The evolution of Bauhaus style begins with Architect Walter Gropius and his dream of transforming the culture of and attitudes toward artists and craftsmen. To him, they were one and the same; one could not exist without the other. His ambition led him to open Bauhaus, an art school like no other.
The school fostered a transformation involving arts, crafts, and trades that would ultimately lead to Bauhaus style. What emerged from Gropius’ institute was a harmonious melding of design that focused on function, industrial materials, and the simplicity of primary colors.
Ultimately it seems Gropius was successful in what he set out to do, and in doing so, created a legacy in his design style that is still very much alive and well today. He brought together creators who, in turn, learned that they had more in common than initially thought. Borne from this melting pot of artists was a design scheme that could not have existed without Gropius’ vision and determination.
The Principles of Bauhaus Style
Bauhaus style has a lot in common with other well-known aesthetics, such as minimalism, Scandinavian, and industrial design. What makes it unique, however, is the specific combination of design principles that guide its use in the home.
Industrial Materials
You cannot have a Bauhaus-style space without incorporating industrial materials into your design. One of the advantages of this element, though, is that it gives you some of the most freedom to add your own individual touch to the room.
Industrial materials range from metallic finishes such as chrome, to countertops or floors made from a slab of concrete. You can even embrace exposed pipes, ducts, or other utility necessities to add some edgy verve to the space’s overall aesthetic.
“Rationality” and Functionality
You’ll often see the words rational or rationality associated with Bauhaus style. In this context, it really boils down to prioritizing function over looks. Essentially, there should be a solid rationale for any and all items and design choices in a Bauhaus-style room.
The great thing about this element of Bauhaus style is that it can lead to some creative uses of vertical space and opting for pieces that serve more than one purpose, such as seating and storage. A good rule of thumb to achieve this aesthetic is to avoid including anything that is absolutely unnecessary.
Primary Colors
Hopefully, you enjoy hues of red, yellow, and blue, because they are one of the cornerstones of Bauhaus style. Neutral shades from white to black are also welcome.
This doesn’t mean that you can use those colors exclusively, however, they should be present in any space claiming to follow the principles of Bauhaus style. It can be quite fun to experiment with varying degrees within these primary colors and explore the boundaries of what these colors have to offer.
Geometric Shapes and Clean Lines
When we think of geometric shapes, clean lines usually follow suit. After all, the most commonly used shapes–squares, circles, triangles–are made with crisp edges.
Incorporating geometric shapes into your Bauhaus-style home can be as easy as hanging framed art on the wall or opting for a circular coffee table to complement the boxy edges of an area rug. You can even go so far as to add a geometric pattern to the space through wallpaper or window treatments.
Incorporating Bauhaus Style Into Your Space
Now that we have a better understanding of the Bauhaus style formula, we can dig a little deeper into actually styling your space using this specific aesthetic’s principles. Start by asking yourself a few questions.
Where will the industrial elements come from?
Do you live in a loft with exposed heating and cooling ducts or a traditional home where all of that has been hidden away? If any industrial elements are exposed, then you can check that off the list. It’s just a matter of whether or not you’ll need to spruce them up with a fresh coat of paint or polish.
If mechanical components are nowhere to be found, do not fret. Industrial elements can be manufactured in the form of metal light fixtures, dark window panes, or a layer of exposed brick.
How will each piece play a role?
If you can’t think of a legitimate reason to keep an item in the room, then it doesn’t belong in a Bauhaus-style space. The rationale should go beyond because I like it. Every piece, color, and design needs to serve a tangible purpose that also serves to meet the core principles of the style.
Where will the primary colors go?
Do you want to go bold and paint the walls red or do you prefer to add primary colors in the form of art or decor pieces? Whatever you choose, make sure the primary colors–or the hues therein–are obviously visible from any viewpoint within the space.
How will you incorporate shape?
You can choose one or many, but whatever shape(s) you decide on should be showcased elegantly within the space. One bold focal piece can do the trick or a subtler nod to geometric design in the form of a softly patterned rug or a gallery wall can produce the same effect.
The Bottom Line on Bauhaus Design
For those willing to meet the requirements of Bauhaus style for their interior design project, it can be a rewarding and satisfying aesthetic to achieve. One of the best things about it is that it offers a nice balance between rigid minimalism and bold mid-century modernism for those who find an appeal among one or both designs.
Another advantage of Bauhaus style is that it is relatively easy to incorporate if you follow the rules. Even more, it can take a rather unassuming space and turn it into one with a discerning, magazine-worthy style. If you’ve committed to a Bauhaus-style space, the final product will undoubtedly turn into one of the favorite places within your home.