Art Deco style interior design is a popular trend that has been around for almost a century. It emerged in the 1920s and 1930s and was popularized by the Art Deco movement, which was characterized by a fascination with geometric shapes, bold colours, and luxurious materials. This style was embraced by architects, designers, and artists who sought to create a new aesthetic that was both modern and elegant.
The Art Deco movement was a response to the more ornate styles of the past, such as Art Nouveau and Victorian. It was influenced by the rise of industrialization and the desire to create a more streamlined, functional design. Art Deco interior design is known for its use of rich materials such as marble, brass, and exotic woods, as well as its bold use of colour and geometric shapes. This style is often associated with luxury and glamour, and it has remained popular throughout the decades.
Key Takeaways
- Art Deco style interior design emerged in the 1920s and 1930s as a response to the more ornate styles of the past.
- This style is characterized by the use of rich materials, bold colours, and geometric shapes.
- Art Deco interior design has remained popular throughout the decades and continues to influence contemporary design.
Historical Context of Art Deco
Origins and Influences
Art Deco emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the ornate and elaborate designs of the Art Nouveau movement. It was heavily influenced by the modernist movement, which celebrated the beauty of industrial design and machine-made objects.
The style drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including ancient Egyptian art, Cubism, and the bold geometric shapes of the Futurist movement. It also incorporated elements of the exotic, such as African and Asian art, which were becoming increasingly popular in Europe at the time.
One of the key figures in the development of Art Deco was the French designer Paul Poiret, who used the style in his fashion designs and interior decoration. Other important designers of the period include Eileen Gray, Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann, and Jean Dunand.
Global Spread and Evolution
Art Deco quickly spread around the world, becoming particularly popular in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s. It was used in a wide range of contexts, from architecture and interior design to fashion and advertising.
As the style evolved, it became increasingly streamlined and simplified, with a focus on bold geometric shapes and the use of new materials such as chrome, glass, and plastic. The style also became more international, drawing on influences from around the world, including the Mayan and Aztec cultures of Central America.
Despite its popularity, Art Deco fell out of fashion in the post-war period, as designers turned to more minimalist and functional styles. However, it has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with many designers and collectors rediscovering the beauty and elegance of this iconic style.
Defining Features of Art Deco Interior Design
Art Deco interior design is a style that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s and is characterised by its bold, geometric shapes, luxurious materials and finishes, and rich colours and bold patterns. Here are some of the key defining features of Art Deco interior design:
Geometric Shapes and Symmetry
One of the most distinctive features of Art Deco interior design is its use of geometric shapes, such as triangles, circles, and squares. These shapes are often repeated in a symmetrical pattern, creating a sense of balance and order. Art Deco designers also frequently used stepped forms, which give a sense of depth and dimensionality.
Rich Colours and Bold Patterns
Art Deco interior design is known for its use of rich, bold colours, such as deep blues, greens, and reds, as well as metallics like gold and silver. These colours are often paired with bold patterns, such as zigzags, chevrons, and sunbursts. These patterns are usually repeated in a symmetrical or geometric pattern, creating a sense of visual harmony.
Luxurious Materials and Finishes
Art Deco interior design is all about luxury and glamour, and this is reflected in the materials and finishes used. Common materials include exotic woods, such as ebony and mahogany, as well as metals like chrome and brass. These materials are often highly polished, giving them a shiny, reflective surface. Other luxurious finishes include lacquered surfaces, marble, and glass.
Overall, Art Deco interior design is a style that is bold, glamorous, and luxurious, and it continues to be popular today. Whether you’re looking to create a vintage-inspired space or simply want to add a touch of Art Deco style to your home, incorporating these defining features can help you achieve the look and feel you’re after.
Iconic Art Deco Furniture and Fixtures
Influential Designers
Art Deco style interior design is known for its luxurious and opulent aesthetic, and this is largely due to the work of influential designers of the time. One such designer was Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, who was renowned for his use of exotic woods and intricate inlay work in his furniture pieces. Another notable designer was Jean Dunand, who was known for his use of lacquer in his furniture and decorative pieces.
Signature Pieces
Some of the most iconic pieces of Art Deco furniture and fixtures include the following:
- The Eileen Gray “Dragons” armchair, which features intricate dragon armrests and a sleek, geometric design.
- The Leleu “Palm” floor lamp, which features a palm tree-like design and a gold-plated finish.
- The Lalique “Bacchantes” vase, which features a frosted glass design depicting female figures in a Bacchic dance.
These signature pieces are examples of the Art Deco style’s focus on bold, geometric shapes and luxurious materials. They continue to be highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts of Art Deco design.
Renovating with Art Deco Style
Art Deco style is a popular choice for interior design due to its glamour, luxury and geometric shapes. If you’re renovating a home or space and want to incorporate Art Deco elements, there are a few things to consider.
Preservation and Adaptation
One approach to incorporating Art Deco style is to preserve existing features and adapt them to modern living. This may involve restoring original mouldings, light fixtures and flooring, while updating the space with modern amenities such as air conditioning and smart home technology.
Another way to preserve Art Deco elements is to incorporate vintage pieces into the design. This could include furniture, lighting fixtures and accessories from the Art Deco era. These pieces can add character and authenticity to a space, while also being functional.
Modern Interpretations
For those who prefer a more modern interpretation of Art Deco style, there are plenty of options available. This may include using Art Deco-inspired wallpaper, fabrics and furnishings that feature geometric patterns and bold colours.
Lighting is also an important aspect of Art Deco style, and modern interpretations may include using LED lights to create a dramatic effect. Mirrors and metallic finishes can also be used to add glamour and luxury to a space.
Overall, renovating with Art Deco style can be a fun and exciting project. Whether you choose to preserve original features or incorporate modern interpretations, Art Deco style is sure to add glamour and sophistication to any space.
Influence on Contemporary Design
Art Deco style has had a significant impact on contemporary interior design. Many designers and homeowners alike have embraced the elegance and glamour of the Art Deco era, incorporating its elements into their modern spaces.
Art Deco in Modern Spaces
The clean lines, geometric shapes, and bold colours of Art Deco design make it a popular choice for modern interiors. The use of materials such as chrome, glass, and mirrored surfaces creates a sleek and sophisticated look that is both timeless and contemporary.
In contemporary living rooms, Art Deco-inspired furniture such as curved sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables add a touch of luxury and glamour. The use of metallic finishes and bold patterns on soft furnishings such as cushions and rugs also adds to the Art Deco aesthetic.
In kitchens and bathrooms, the use of geometric tiles in monochrome colours creates a striking and modern look that is reminiscent of the Art Deco era. The use of mirrored surfaces on cabinets and splashbacks adds to the sense of glamour and luxury.
Legacy in Visual Arts
The influence of Art Deco style is not limited to interior design. Its legacy can also be seen in visual arts such as graphic design, fashion, and advertising.
In graphic design, the use of bold typography, geometric shapes, and contrasting colours is a nod to the Art Deco era. The stylised images of women in fashion advertising also reflect the glamour and elegance of Art Deco design.
In fashion, the use of metallic fabrics, beading, and bold patterns is a continuation of the Art Deco aesthetic. The sleek and streamlined silhouettes of Art Deco-inspired fashion are also popular in contemporary design.
In conclusion, the Art Deco era continues to inspire and influence contemporary design in a variety of ways. Its timeless elegance and glamour make it a popular choice for designers and homeowners alike who seek to create sophisticated and modern spaces.
Questions & Answers
To incorporate Art Deco elements into a modern living room, one can start by adding geometric patterns, bold colours, and metallic accents. Furniture with clean lines and smooth curves can also be used to create a sleek and sophisticated look. Mirrored surfaces and glass accents can help to add a touch of glamour to the space.
Art Deco furniture is characterized by its use of geometric shapes, bold colours, and luxurious materials. It often features sleek lines and smooth curves, as well as metallic accents and decorative details such as inlays, carvings, and veneers. Art Deco furniture is known for its elegance and sophistication, and is often used to create a glamorous and stylish interior.
While both Art Deco and Art Nouveau are known for their decorative and ornate styles, they differ in their approach to design. Art Nouveau is characterized by its use of flowing lines and natural forms, while Art Deco is known for its geometric shapes and bold colours. Art Nouveau is often associated with a more organic and romantic aesthetic, while Art Deco is seen as more modern and sophisticated.
Art Deco interiors are often characterized by their use of bold, contrasting colours such as black and white, or rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red. Metallic accents such as gold, silver, and bronze are also commonly used to add a touch of glamour to the space.
To design a small space in an Art Deco style without overwhelming it, one can start by using a neutral colour palette and incorporating Art Deco elements in small doses. Furniture with clean lines and simple shapes can be used to create a streamlined look, while decorative accents such as mirrors, lamps, and artwork can add a touch of glamour to the space without taking up too much room.
Art Deco interior design is known for its use of luxurious materials such as marble, brass, and exotic woods. High-gloss finishes and metallic accents are also commonly used to create a glamorous and sophisticated look. Glass and mirrored surfaces are often incorporated to add a touch of shine and reflectivity to the space.
