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A bluffer's guide to Modernism

Do you understand perhaps one of the most important art and design movements that's still influencing everything from skyscrapers to side tables? Get clued up with this quickie guide

A cultural revival of Modernism is going on in the art and interior design worlds, with the V&A's Spring exhibition 'Modernism: Designing a New World, 1914 - 1939', 6 April - 23 July, detailing the roots and development of one of the most important art movements of the 20th century. You can take a bit of modernism home with offerings from Habitat, which is sponsoring the exhibit. And just in case you need to brush up on your Bauhaus or Le Corbusier, check out this indispensable Bluffer's Guide, which includes all the essential Modernist buzzwords and conversation openers, plus top tips from Habitat on how to recreate a Modernist look in your own home.

Getting started - understand the movement
Modernism is more of an attitude than a style. The Bauhaus school believed that the design of an object should be based purely on its purpose - that 'form follows function'.
Top Tip - furniture is designed to serve a purpose and should be functional rather than ornamental, so steer clear of flock wallpaper and chandeliers

The roots of Modernism - know the background
The idea of having no extra ornamentation at the beginning of the 20th Century was a radical departure from previous style movements. Modernism was very popular in Europe, particularly in Germany with the Bauhaus school.
Top tip: don't mention your love for neo-Rococo and neo-Gothic decoration

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