Art Nouveau began by discontent in the traditional Victorian styles, artists bored with its fussiness, detail, and style. Victorian essentially looked back for its inspiration while Art Nouveau looked more to the current, real world reflections for creative ideas. The Art Nouveau of the late 1800's and georgie 1900's sparked new a dimension in the design and manufacture of decorative furnishings for the home.

The influence spread from Britain to all over Europe. A new, modern age of art that should be reflected in their craftsmanship, and such, "new" art was needed. Its first emergence was in Britain where international trade was more important than what it had ever been.

In the beginning, Art Nouveau began in small localized territories around the world. It was not limited to painting, or traditional art, but expanded to and included architecture, interior design, textiles, furniture, jewelry, lighting, decorative arts, silver and other utensils. The term "Art Nouveau" is a French term meaning "New Art".

There was new a consciousness, especially among young artists and designers, that this was a new age.