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Modernism (1918 - 1950)

Modernism is a loose term referring to a collection of styles. It is more a way of thinking than an interior design style - its followers believed that the design and look of an object should purely be based on what its purpose is - that 'form follows function'. Consequently, no superfluous ornamentation is needed.
It was perhaps difficult to imagine how radical this idea seemed back then at the beginning of the twentieth century. It was a total departure from the obsession with historical revivals from Neo-Rococo to Neo-Gothic that had not only dominated the Victorian years but for centuries before.
Modernism really took hold in Europe - where it became known as the International Style - and particularly in Germany, with the Bauhaus movement, and Italy. At a comparable time, England was caught up in the fashions of Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Edwardian style. It was not until after the war that its influence really began to be felt.

It was preferable to leave you walls in natural or artifical materials such as brick or concrete; or paint the walls in simple pastel colors. Patterned wallpapers were generally not used in this style. Glass block walls (which are now coming back into fashion) could be used as dividing features.
Baseboard and trim should be simple and thin. Skirting board and architrave likewise.
Windows must be large and possibly run the full length of walls. Venetian blinds definitely in vogue.
Stainless steel tubular furniture with a wood or leather combination.
Overall a very standard office building look.