If you look at any city with architecture from the early to mid-20th century, you'll see signs of Art Deco. Both glamorous and distinctly industrial, Art Deco is established in history as an iconic design style. Perhaps its most famous example is the Empire State Building in New York, with its imposing geometric shape and its dazzling atrium inside. Originating in France just before World War I, Art Deco gained popularity in the United States during the 1920s.
Art Deco, a reaction against the natural and intricately stylized motifs of the Art Nouveau aesthetic, offered a more streamlined look that emphasized bold geometric shapes and intense colors. The effect, which often incorporates metals such as gold or steel and high-end stone finishes, is luxurious and sophisticated. When Art Deco originated, the style was more traditional: it took elements from the past and made them more modern, says Diana Viera, managing partner of the custom kitchen and bathroom company ITALKRAFT. A century later, this elevated aesthetic fits naturally with contemporary designs.
The straight and elegant lines, the stylized shapes and the bold colors of Art Deco are well suited to our modern taste. To make the 100-year-old style look current, Viera suggests combining Art Deco elements with contemporary materials and color combinations. Here are seven modern ways to adopt the bold and elegant look of the Art Deco style in your home. Eye-catching wallpaper and tile arrangements with eye-catching patterns are vital for creating changing Art Deco environments.
Repeat geometric shapes to form unique patterns on floors and walls. Place tiles with a hexagonal pattern or a tiered design on the bathroom floor, kitchen or hallway. Or add floral or velvety printed wallpaper as a decorative wall for a complete art deco touch. When exploring the art deco style, it's essential to establish a color scheme.
To find the right colors, look at traditional art deco pieces and see what tones they present. You can also take inspiration from nature and incorporate colors that mimic those found in nature, such as blues and greens. This tip will serve as the basis for the rest of your decoration. Wondering how to add a dose of glamor to your living room? Art Deco interior design could be the answer.
Opulent, luxurious and inspiring, this style continues to inspire nearly a century after its peak. Marked by bold colors, geometric patterns and eye-catching accessories, Art Deco offers plenty of opportunities to breathe life into a 21st century home. The Roaring Twenties were all about living big and enjoying the good things in life. The art market expanded and people used to buy exaggerated sculptures and oil paintings.
Nowadays, you can decorate your interior with mirrors, paintings and sculptures inspired by Art Deco to get this sophisticated look. Framed vintage posters are another simple way to return to the style of the 20s. There's a reason why Art Deco interior design is still alive 100 years after the style first hit the scene. Repetitive designs, so often seen in nature, call us “home” and soothe the senses.
When it's time to sell, touches of this elegant style can make prospective buyers swoon. Using a monochrome look and metallic details helps create an environment that pays homage to classic art deco styles without overloading the room with too many colors or textures. From lighting and furniture to fabrics and accessories, there are plenty of ways to bring this classic style to your living room.
