100 Years of Style: Explore the History of Interior Design
Interior design is more than just the arrangement of furniture or the selection of colour palettes — it’s a reflection of the times, a mirror to the shifting landscapes of culture, technology, and society. Over the past century, the history of interior design in New Zealand has been a journey through artistic expression, innovation, and lifestyle transformation.
Each era has left its indelible mark, shaping the way we experience our homes, workplaces, and communal spaces. From the handcrafted beauty of the Arts & Crafts movement to the sleek minimalism of modern design, every decade has contributed to a living tapestry of style, functionality, and personal expression, reflecting New Zealand’s unique cultural blend and natural surroundings.
Early 20th Century | Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts, & the Birth of Modernism
At the dawn of the 20th century, the history of interior design was shaped by a delicate balance of nature and artistry. Art Nouveau, flourishing from the 1890s to the 1910s, embraced sinuous lines, floral motifs, and organic forms. Interiors felt fluid and dynamic, with decorative details mimicking the curves of vines and waves, while stained glass and wrought iron brought a sense of movement and elegance to architectural spaces.
In contrast, the Arts & Crafts movement, emerging in response to the rapid industrialisation of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, championed a return to traditional craftsmanship. Rejecting mass production, this movement embraced handmade beauty, with natural materials such as wood and stone taking centre stage. Furniture was simple yet sturdy, and every object in the home was crafted with intention, blending utility with artistry.
As the world hurtled towards modernity, a radical shift in design philosophy took place. The early 1900s saw the rise of Modernism, a stark departure from ornate styles in favour of clean lines, geometric forms, and functionality.
Architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Walter Gropius led the movement, embracing new materials and industrial processes to create uncluttered, efficient spaces. In New Zealand, this period marked the emergence of more streamlined designs in homes and public spaces, reflecting the global desire for innovation and simplicity.
1920s–30s | The Glamour of Art Deco
The 1920s and 30s were a celebration of luxury and modernity, ushering in the bold and sophisticated style of Art Deco, a key chapter in the history of interior design. This movement, which emerged in the wake of World War I, reflected the optimism and exuberance of the era.
Interiors were lavish yet sleek, adorned with gleaming chrome fixtures, polished glass, and opulent lacquer finishes. Geometric patterns and symmetrical designs became defining features, capturing the dynamic energy of the Jazz Age.
The Art Deco aesthetic was a testament to craftsmanship and indulgence, with rich jewel tones, inlaid woods, and metallic accents creating a sense of glamour and drama. Mass production made luxury more accessible, and spaces were transformed into expressions of confidence and prosperity.
While renowned European designers like René Lalique and Jean-Michel Frank shaped the movement, Art Deco also found a place in New Zealand’s burgeoning urban landscapes, influencing architecture and interiors in cities like Wellington and Auckland, where modernist ideals began to blend with local influences.
1940s–50s | Mid-Century Modernism & Post-War Design
As the world recovered from the devastation of World War II, the 1940s and 1950s marked a new era of design in Australia and New Zealand — one that prioritised practicality, comfort, and a closer connection to the natural environment.
Mid-century modernism emerged as the defining aesthetic of the post-war period, featuring streamlined silhouettes, open-plan spaces, and an emphasis on functionality. This shift in design remains a significant moment in the history of interior design across the Pacific.
Using new materials like plywood, fibreglass, and aluminium allowed for innovative forms and lightweight, versatile furniture. Large windows and open-plan layouts blurred the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living, creating airy and inviting spaces.
Iconic designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, and George Nelson revolutionised furniture design, crafting sculptural yet functional pieces. The era's optimism was reflected in these interiors — spaces were designed to be lived in, with a focus on simplicity, warmth, and effortless style.
1960s–70s | Expression & Eclecticism
The swinging 60s brought a burst of creativity and rebellion, with interior design reflecting the energy of the counterculture movement. Psychedelic colours, bold patterns, and pop art influences turned homes into playful expressions of individuality. The optimism of the Space Race seeped into design, bringing futuristic materials, curvilinear forms, and a fascination with the unknown.
By the 70s, a shift towards earthy, bohemian aesthetics took hold, particularly in the wake of the environmental movement. Shag carpets, macramé wall hangings, and rattan furniture infused interiors with warmth and texture, while deep, earthy tones created an atmosphere of relaxed comfort.
There was a growing appreciation for handcrafted and sustainable materials as the environmental movement gained momentum. Homes became layered and eclectic, blending vintage finds with personal mementos, celebrating imperfection and self-expression.
70s interior design is seeing a vibrant revival today, with its bold, retro style seamlessly integrated into modern New Zealand interiors.
1980s–90s | Opulence & Minimalism
The 80s saw a return to excess and grandeur in the history of interior design, with bold colours, plush fabrics, and mirrored surfaces making a statement in New Zealand homes. While global luxury trends influenced high-end interiors, many Kiwi homes maintained a practical, down-to-earth approach, incorporating warm timber finishes and earthy tones alongside decorative elements such as floral wallpaper and brass fixtures.
Designer brands such as Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani brought a sense of prestige to interiors, while larger suburban homes embraced spacious living areas and statement furniture.
By the 90s, minimalism took hold, with Scandinavian and Japanese design philosophies influencing New Zealand interiors. Homes prioritised clean lines, neutral palettes, and open, uncluttered layouts, with a focus on practicality and connection to nature.
Timber and stone remained popular materials, while open-plan living became a defining feature of modern Kiwi homes. Technological advancements, including improved insulation, energy-efficient lighting, and early forms of home automation, contributed to more functional and sustainable interiors.
2000s-10s | Eclectic & Sustainable Design
The early 2000s marked a shift in the history of interior design in New Zealand, as contemporary, vintage, and rustic influences blended to create highly personalised spaces. The rise of DIY culture, driven by a strong Kiwi ethos of creativity and self-sufficiency, saw homeowners embrace renovation projects, upcycling, and custom furniture to make their spaces unique. As home improvement shows and online inspiration gained traction, interior design became more accessible and individualistic than ever before.
By the 2010s, sustainability emerged as a key focus, with eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and an emphasis on recycling taking centre stage. Biophilic principles encouraged a stronger connection between indoor spaces and nature, with natural materials, indoor plants, and organic textures becoming increasingly popular.
Smart home technology also became a defining feature of the era, with automation and wireless devices seamlessly integrated into daily living.
2020s | Contemporary Trends & the Future of Interior Design
As we navigate the 2020s, sustainability and wellbeing have become central to interior design in New Zealand. Eco-friendly choices are no longer a niche concern but a mainstream priority, with passive design, energy-efficient materials, and renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power influencing home construction. The rise of smart home technology continues, with AI-driven appliances improving energy efficiency and convenience.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we use our homes, reinforcing the importance of adaptable living spaces. With an increasing number of people working remotely, well-designed home offices have become essential, along with flexible layouts that can accommodate work, leisure, and family life. Indoor-outdoor living remains a defining feature of New Zealand homes, with large windows, seamless transitions to outdoor entertaining areas, and an emphasis on maximising natural light.
As digital life accelerates, many are finding comfort in nostalgia. This renewed appreciation for simpler times has found its way into interiors, with vintage-inspired decor creating spaces that feel grounding, sentimental, and familiar.
The history of interior design reflects cultural shifts, technological advancements, and society's evolving needs. Looking forward, New Zealand homes will continue to embrace innovation while staying deeply connected to nature, with sustainable, functional, and adaptable spaces that enhance everyday living.
Want to learn more about these influential design movements? Read our blogs:
Our Top Predicted New Zealand Interior Design Trends 2025
Inside the Impressive Comeback of 70s Interior Design
