Style Spotlight: Art Deco

Art Deco is a style of decor popularized in the period between the 1920s and ‘30s. Its distinguishing features are bold colors, geometric shapes, clean lines, polished surfaces, and luxurious designs. We need only look as far as the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building in New York City to find examples of Art Deco period architecture. 

  Although it came into fashion during a time of economic hardship in the United States, Art Deco style exudes luxe glamour. It is common to see gold, steel, and other materials considered to be expensive, and even some which were new at the time, like chrome. Reflective surfaces like mirrors, highly polished flooring, and wood surfaces continue this brazen theme. 

  When it comes to color, Art Deco style is not afraid to be bold. Bright, contrasting colors and even black and white are very common. The color contrasts work well with the current moody, minimalist trend. Perhaps the most exemplary aspect of Art Deco design is the repetitive use of geometric shapes and patterns.

Bath 

The Art Deco design period was highly celebratory of the machine age of the 1920s, and this is reflected (quite literally) in the highly polished and smooth flooring that can often be found in Art Deco style bathrooms and interiors.

Explore wall covering options like patterned tile or statement-making wallpaper to set the tone for your Art Deco style bathroom. Choose a tub in an unexpected shape or even an unusual color. Accent it with a gold, matte black, or silver faucet or tub filler and coordinating accessories like towel bars and robe hooks.

For the vanity area, choose an ornate cabinet, a unique shape for the sink, or an interesting tile color for the countertop and backsplash to capture the Art Deco design style.

Perhaps look to the vanity mirror to add another polished surface or quintessential sunburst for which the Art Deco style is known.

Take advantage of the opportunity to add interesting uplight sconces as lighting options, typical of the Art Deco period.

Kitchen 

There are so many opportunities in the kitchen to incorporate Art Deco design. Start with large appliances like the stove, refrigerator, and range hood. Vintage or vintage-inspired pieces are quite popular and readily available. There are many Art Deco style-inspired countertop appliances as well that will give your kitchen the look of the Art Deco period.

An easy way to add a touch of glamour is with polished gold or chrome hardware on your cabinets and drawers. Don’t be afraid to mix metals in the Art Deco style. Design with an eye toward luxury when adding lighting. Chandeliers and pendants in sophisticated, avant-garde designs are a perfect way to showcase Art Deco design.

Art Deco kitchens almost always have a polished, patterned floor, whether it's the quintessential checkerboard or a more innovative design.

Living Area

The living space is your opportunity to get a little more abstract with your Art Deco style redesign. Zebra and other animal prints in upholstery are very on point in the Art Deco style. Keep in mind that Art Deco design does not include frills, florals, or lace. Choose furniture that celebrates curves and sudden edges. Don’t forget to incorporate those polished metals like gold, steel, and chrome.

Consider a highly-patterned wallpaper and decor inspired by animal skins. Or choose a rug in a geometric pattern.

Lighting & Ceiling Fans 

The Art Deco period brought about extravagant lighting fixtures, as influenced by the Parisian Art Nouveau movement. The classic Art Deco chandelier is a wrought iron frame with opalescent glass shades. In fact, Art Deco design favors indirect lighting, including fixtures in brilliant metals like steel and chrome.

Wall sconces work well in this style, with textured glass shades. Art Deco design style geometric forms and motifs of sunbursts are occasionally woven in here as well. 

Add a ceiling fan that is a bit more ornamental than usual to contribute to the extravagant feel of the Art Deco style. Check out Fandeliers for an interesting twist.

Whether you wish to create an entire room in the Art Deco style or add just a few elements to your space, there are many ways to bring the Art Deco design elements into your home.