Decorating in the Art Deco Style
The Art Deco Period was the Most Important in 20th Century Design.
Aug 25, 2009
Often confused with its predecessor the Art Nouveau style (which was popular from about 1890 to 1910 and was characterized by organic forms with curvilinear shapes), the Art Deco period, which flourished in the 1920s and 1930s is defined by geometric and angular forms, exotic woods and materials, linear decoration, and lots of chrome, glass, and mirrors. The look was strong and bold; definitely not fussy.
While Art Deco design went out of fashion for a while, in recent years it has come back in style and many interior designers and decorators are incorporating some of it’s elements into their client’s homes. It’s easy to do so.
How to Decorate in the Art Deco Style
Whether a whole home is to be decorated in the Art Deco style, or just a few of its elements incorporated into another style, the following guidelines can help achieve the look.
- Furniture - choose strong, streamlined shapes when choosing furniture. Furniture made of exotic woods such as zebra wood, as well as glammed-up mirrored pieces practically scream “Art Deco”. Also, Art Deco furniture tends to be large in scale. Buffets, armoires, and generously sized chairs are all common.
- Fabrics - use plain or geometric fabrics when trying to achieve the Art Deco look, and add highlights with cushions in one solid contrasting block of color. There’s no place for pretty florals or plaids in Art Deco design.
- Floors - polished parquet is perfect for floors. Linoleum in abstract designs or black and white tiles are also typical, as are lacquered floors. But keep in mind that floors in the Art Deco period would have been overlaid with large rugs in geometric patterns.
- Color – colors in Art Deco design are bold with striking contrasts. Strong yellows, reds, greens, blues, and pinks mix well with silver, black and chrome. However, creams and beiges were also often used in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. These colors contrast beautifully with the polished wood and lacquered furniture typical of the period.
- Lighting -. lights were often made of chrome (a brand new material at the time) and glass. Glass was sometimes etched or enameled. White glass was also very common. While originals can still be found, there are a ton of Art Deco-style fixtures on the market.
Art Deco Themes and Materials
The type of materials used in art deco interior design consist of stainless steel, lacquer, aluminum, inlaid wood, and even sharkskin and zebra skin. Ebony, marble, and rare woods were also often used, making some Art Deco furniture very expensive.
Themes and motifs that commonly appear in Art Deco design:
- Foliage
- Nudes
- Stylized animals
- Chevrons
- Sunbursts
- Jagged, pointed edges inspired by skyscrapers (such as the Chrysler building)
- Sweeping curves and lines
By incorporating some or all of these elements into your décor, you can achieve the streamlined and modernist look of the Art Deco period, and bring a glamorous piece of the past into your home.
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