It has floral and plant-inspired motifs , and stylized , flowing curvilinear forms.p3-36 Art Nouveau is an approach to design according to which artists should work on everything from architecture to furniture , making art part of everyday life . A reaction to academic art of the 19th century , it is characterized by organic , especially floral and other plant-inspired motifs , as well as highly stylized , flowing curvilinear forms . Art Nouveau is an approach to design according to which artists should work on everything from architecture to furniture , making art part of everyday life .