Looking to add a touch of glamour to your home? Look no further than Art Deco design. This design style is a popular one in many houses, and for good reason.
Art Deco came out of the 1920s, and in terms of design, it’s all about elegance and opulence, capturing an abundant zest for life and luxury. Think bold patterns, plush fabrics, and high-shine finishes. From parquet flooring to statement lighting fixtures, there’s lots of elements from this era that will jazz up your home.
So slip on your beaded tassel flapper dress, pop on a Duke Ellington classic, and let’s explore how to turn your home into a glamorous haven reminiscent of the Jazz Age.
The Elements of Art Deco Design
So what is Art Deco? The name comes from the Decorative Arts style that first appeared in Paris in the late 1910s, having its heyday in the roaring 1920s throughout the USA and Europe. Luxurious fabrics like velvet, leather and silk, and expensive marble, chrome, brass and mahogany were everywhere when it came to Art Deco interior design. Rich colours, an abundance of mirrors and glass, metal accents, industrial-inspired lighting fixtures, and streamlined and symmetrical architecture with stepped forms and sharp angles are also typical of the style. Let’s take a closer look at some elements of the Art Deco movement:
Geometric Patterns and Bold Colours
With Art Deco, more was certainly more when it came to pattern and colour. Think geometric, abstract and stepped patterns combined with bold colours. Patterns such as sunburst designs, fan shapes, stripes, zigzags, curved arches, and angular motifs reigned supreme. These patterns were often repeated, creating symmetrical forms that added a sense of order and elegance to the look.
To capture this look in your own home, combine these patterns with vivid and high contrast hues of black, gold, silver, deep ruby reds, and peacock shades of greens and blues. These colours will complement your bold patterns, giving your Art Deco elements visual impact. Play around with them to give your furniture, wallpaper, rugs and accessories a burst of Art Deco style.
Luxurious Materials and Finishes
For the ultimate in Art Deco luxury, make sure to pay attention to materials and finishes, focusing on high-quality and craftsmanship.
- Choose furniture in rich woods like oak, walnut, and ebony with high shine lacquer.
- Inlay was popular in the Art Deco era, so add a touch of intricacy by adding furniture and decor that incorporates this into its design.
- Opt for quality flooring like hybrid floors that are durable and easy to maintain to lay a stylish foundation.
- Contrast velvet couches and leather armchairs against metallic elements such as chrome, brass and marble to add a touch of glamour and modernity.
- Adorn your space with large frosted or sunburst patterned mirrors to reflect light, making the space appear larger and more airy.
- Tie the space together using rugs with geometric designs.
Furniture that Makes a Statement
When choosing furniture, look for sleek, streamlined shapes. The use of symmetry and clean lines is key to achieving the Art Deco aesthetic, so try adding a Bauhaus-inspired chair as a statement piece to tie in with this.
Combine mirrored and reflective surfaces like glass or polished metal and decorative panels to add interest and a feeling of space. Look for statement pieces like a black lacquered sideboard with geometric inlays of wood, metal or ivory, a canary yellow velvet-upholstered armchair with chrome accents, or bar stools made of leather and tubular steel. Items like these evoke a sense of sophistication and elegance and serve as stunning focal points, drawing the eye.
Statement Lighting Fixtures
A key element of achieving that Art Deco design at home is mood lighting, as well as using the fixtures themselves as an opportunity for glamour. Use elegant crystal chandeliers and wall sconces for a warm ambient glow that enhances the rich colours and opulent fabrics. These should follow the aesthetic of geometric patterns and polished metal, to complement the overall design of the room. Add drama and depth to the room by highlighting focal points with sleek, polished brass based lamps and glass shades that are frosted or etched with geometric designs. Remember to layer ambient and accent lighting to enhance the glamour and atmosphere of the space.
Step into the Jazz Age at Home
By embracing the Art Deco style with confidence you can beautifully recreate the1920s glamour portrayed in novels like The Great Gatsby. Remember that achieving a cohesive and elegant Art Deco look is all about the details and adding personal touches. With thoughtful design choices your home can be transformed into a luxurious retreat that pays homage to the opulence of the Jazz Age.
