Art Deco (1905 – 1930) is one of the twentieth century’s most iconic, popular interior design styles. It symbolises glamour and sophistication and was a shift away from the heavy decoration of the Victorian Interiors era and has remained timeless ever since.
Hugely influenced by sharp angles, cubic forms, black lacquer and zig zag shapes that were thought to relate to electricity and radio served as symbols of the modern world. ”Jazz Modern” was sometimes used to suggest an affinity with the nervous rhythms of the jazz music of the 1920’s, which became very popular throughout Europe. This bold design style was soon adopted by people of wealth and good taste from across the world, who wanted live art, and not just consume it.
Everything about this style is bold and ‘over-the-top.’ It represents glamour and pieces shimmering in gold and brass emphasising the use of clean edges. The celebration of lines and geometry represents Art Deco from statement patterns with sharp angles to detailed symmetry.
Art Deco furniture is large, grand and sturdy. The streamlined shapes symbolise power and grandeur. Art Deco materials are usually manmade from chrome, stainless steel, brass and glass are typical materials. Expensive materials such as gold, marble, and other sort after woods are also materials used throughout Art Deco making some of the period pieces highly expensive. The colours are rich and intense with lots of statement contrasts. Yellows, reds, blues and pinks are often matched with black, silver and chrome. For a mellow, calm scheme creams, greens and beige are used.
Fabrics are either solid, bold colours or graphical and used in juxtaposition to each other. Floors are lacquered/polished and covered with large geometric rugs.
Some of the most popular pieces in Art Deco are sunbursts, feathers, stylised animals and you will find them generously used across Interior Design schemes.
Ornate mirrors make an room look beautiful, the bigger the better! Do make a statement with one – sunburst mirrors are a great way to add impact. Combine the mirror with Art Deco style prints for your walls, alongside a vase that nods to the interior style.
Art Deco adds glamour, granduer, and a sense of true luxury. Use statement wallpapers, large mirror, opulent colours, and contrasting prints to achieve this look.