Geometric patterned floor, vertical lines, brass finishes, gold & black contrast, high-polished stonework, Design by Stephen Gambrel, photo by Douglas Friedman for Elle Decor
As part of my ongoing blog series breaking down many different design styles, this post is dedicated to Art Deco. Keep in mind, each of these posts are my take on each of these styles, others may have differing opinions and I celebrate that!
[Skip to my Art Deco Shoppable Post here!]
Let’s dive in…
Style Description
Art Deco is an evocative style - it has distinctive characteristics, it’s artistic, glamorous, luxurious. The style first emerged during the ~1920’s-1940’s in Western Europe and the United States, influencing architecture, interior design, graphic design, fashion and even automotive design. It exudes a high-end feel, as it is visually striking and glitzy, filled with geometric patterns, bold colors and a blend of highly refined materials.
Characteristics
The style is heavily influenced by geometric shapes and patterns - including zig zags, triangles, trapezoids, chevron (inverted V-shape) patterns, diamonds, arches & archways, sunbursts and stepped outline patterns. Most commonly, patterns will be found in flooring, furniture profiles, textiles, wallpaper and lighting. The presence of geometric lines is the hallmark attribute of Art Deco style.
Pleated crystal wall sconce, brass accents, bold wallpaper, stone walls & flooring, velvet furnishings. Image courtesy of Luxxu Modern Design & Living via Pinterest.
Strong patterns are typically complimented with deep colors, shiny metallics and lacquered finishes, with subdued ambient lighting. The look is streamlined, angular, polished, dramatic, opulent. It has made a comeback in recent years with bold wallpaper, scalloped-edged furnishings, brass and velvet becoming popular again.
Color Palette
Highly saturated shades of blue, green, purple, pink, yellow and red are often met with gold and brass accents, black & white or black & gold contrasts. There is a palpable vibrancy to the color palette, but it’s not alarmingly bright. Lighting is carefully chosen to create a dim and inviting ambiance and temper the intensity.
Materials
Materials are the most important consideration when bringing Art Deco to life - the more exotic and high-quality, the better. Common materials include rare, smooth-faced stone (marble, onyx, jade) and porcelain, burl wood, velvet, high-shine silver & gold, tusk, crystal and stained glass, animal skins (zebra, crocodile), shiny lacquered wood, mirrors, mirrored glass and silk. Natural greenery - Banana Trees, Birds of Paradise & variations of palm trees - add texture and dimension.
Lighting also plays a significant role for achieving the dreamy opulence Art Deco is famous for. Beautiful, statement fixtures (predominantly sconces, chandeliers & table lamps) infuse glamour and compliment the luxurious materials used throughout the space. Pleated, tiered, symmetrical geometric shapes, dome shades and stepped finials (often in crystal, brass & glass) are characteristic of the style.
Patterns, vertical lines, mirrors, ambient lighting, velvet, rare stone, high-shine brass finishes, bold patterned carpeting. Image: Beefbar Paris, as seen on The Cool Hunter. Photography by Francis Amiand.
Achieving the Look
Opt for a darker, moodier color palette with lots of metallics sprinkled in. Focus on having a strong presence of geometric patterns, soft velvets, stone, glass accents, and black, white & gold contrasts.
Integrate lots of geometric patterns into the design, especially with flooring (or floor coverings) and on the walls. To keep it less expensive, play up pattern with the help of wallpaper & area rugs. Go with artistic statement-piece light fixtures that are dimmable to create a sexy ambiance.
Additional Resources
Shoppable Post
Moody color scheme, dark blues & blacks are brightened up with pops of white ceramic and brass accents and furniture finishes. A bold yet whimsical wallpaper creates drama. Image courtesy of Ashley Furniture.
The wallpaper is the strongest Art Deco statement in this bathroom. Design by Jordan Carlyle, photo credit: Marcos Fecchino
Iconic Art Deco-inspired wallpaper. Image courtesy of Etsy via Pinterest.
The presence of velvet, the table lamps, the brass & stone coffee table and color choice(s) speak to the Art Deco style. Image courtesy of Poster Store UK.
Do you like this style? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Until next time,
LG