Art Deco Interior Design Style Explained

Art Deco interior design is an ornate design style with art deco motifs popularised in the 1920s. The Art Deco design has a jewel-like, playful vibe that speaks glamour and elegance. This article explains what is Art Deco interior design and how you can use it in your home. As you read further into the article, you will understand the elements that define this art movement so you have an idea of how to apply the motifs to your own aesthetics.

What Defines Art Deco Interior Design?

Art Deco is more than just a design style; it’s a historical landmark in art and architecture, celebrated for its bold, geometric, and luxurious elements. But how can you recognize Art Deco interior design, and what makes it stand out?

The Hallmarks of Art Deco Design

At its core, Art Deco interior design is known for its emphasis on symmetry, bold geometric patterns, and luxurious materials. From marble floors to sleek wood finishes, the design style reflects a penchant for opulence and elegance. Understanding these key features is essential for anyone looking to infuse their space with the timeless appeal of Art Deco.

Brief History of the Art Deco Interior Design

The Art Deco Movement is the poignant memento of the Roaring ’20s and the Great Depression. This is the zeitgeist of that time. There were significant technological and cultural advances; it was a time that was defined by opulence, wealth, and luxury, followed by the worst economic disaster. As the world was gripping on the inception of another world war, the Art Deco Movement became the symbol of hope. 

Designers embraced new architectural and interior design combinations that defined the era. The Art Deco style declined when World War II commenced as people0000 favored more practical designs, ushering in the start of the Mid-Century Design Movement.

The 80s saw the revival of the Art Deco design. This decade is defined by gold accents, luxurious finishes, and black marble. Nowadays, you can see modern outtakes of the modern Art Deco interior design in many quality furniture pieces with curved and geometric design elements. This popular design movement is heavily used in Miami interior design.

Difference of Art Deco from Art Nouveau

Art Deco and Art Nouveau are closely related. In fact, they are often mistaken to be the same. Art Deco is the child of Art Nouveau. The former is opulent and modern while the latter is organic and fluid. Art Deco derives inspiration from the geometry of the machine while Art Nouveau, from nature. Art Deco stylized the organic motifs while Art Nouveau has a pretty straightforward approach.

Characteristics of the Art Deco Style

Procuring original Art Deco interior design characteristics can be expensive. You should know where to look for far less expensive replicas. Here’s how you can identify modern Art Deco interior design elements.

Opulence

Art Deco creates its opulent style by the use of a rich material palette comprising of brass, chrome, velvet, marble and mirrored finishes. This is then showcased with the use of beautiful lighting to create a sophisticated atmosphere.

Color

Art Deco embraces bold and vibrant colors, including shades of gold, silver, black, and bright hues like red, blue, and green. These colors are often used in striking contrast to create visual impact. Add these colors to your walls, floors and coverings.

Finishes

There is also a great emphasis on high shine finishes, including glass, brass, polished wood and metallics. Black marble is the preferred choice for modern Art Deco interior design. 

Learn More About :Art Nouveau Interior Design and Style 2024

Geometric Patterns

The Art Deco style is characterised by its use of strong geometric shapes such as triangles, rectangles, circles trapezoids, chevrons, zigzags and the like. These shapes are frequently used in both architecture and other decorative elements within textiles, furniture, mirrors and ornaments.

Elements of Art Deco Interior Design

One of the great reasons why the Art Deco style interior design has prevailed for the last 100 years is the opportunity to showcase one’s good taste or sense of style. Here are ways how you can apply elements of modern Art Deco to your home.

Furniture

Your furniture can either be donned fully in gold or you can add gold accents to the furniture for a subtle take on the design. Dark wood with an inlaid design can also be used for furniture pieces. Choose armchairs with scalloped designs covered in bright colors so your modern art deco furniture won’t drab and boring. Pick velvet couches and lounges and make sure that these are in opulent colors like dark green or red.

The furniture should have a curvy body with angled legs. Unlike more modern design styles like the Scandinavian design that has a minimalist design, the modern Art Deco living room sofa has an oversized look. Also, incorporate a bar cabinet or a lounge chair.

Furnishings

Opt for dark colors and complemented with gold aside from the usual black and white color combinations. Another unexpected color palette for the Art Deco design is the sharp yet deep jewel colors. These bright yellows, greens, and reds are often matched with neutral colors to soften the look. When it comes to cushions and carpets, you can find faux exotic animal skins and fur,

Flooring

To create a luxurious style, add marble tiles to the floors. The classic Art Deco interior design in 1920 was the black and white tile combination placed in the hallway or living room. One alternative is dark wood parquet flooring in rare ebony. If such floorings are not possible, you can still have the Art Deco vibe by adding rugs in geometric patterns. This would add more spice to your neutral furniture.

Decor

Add sunburst elements similar to the Art Deco decor, which often has jagged edges. Source small decorative pieces like light switches and door handles in flea markets and thrift stores. You can also add glass vases and lamps. Be sure that these have curvy and geometric details.

Photo by Alexandra Gornago on Unsplash

Fabrics

Fabrics used in Art Deco style interior design are bold, either in solid or patterned style. You can add patterned throw pillows to your white upholstered sofa. You can frame your windows in rich maroons accented with gold details, or vice-versa.

Lighting

Create statement pieces with chandeliers. Find lighting fixtures in gold, silver or brass. Chandeliers should be ornately designed, preferably with leaf accents. You can line up three or more chandeliers with gold accents. They should be in varying lengths for that luxe Art Deco vibe. 

Wallpaper

You can always opt for classic geometric or leaf patterns in opulent jewel tones. Art Deco interior design wallpaper can also detailed, gilded patterns. It will create positive drama and sophisticated detail within any space.

Modern Versions of the Art Deco Designs

Fans of the Art Deco design movement would be excited to know modern versions of this quintessential design. There are many ways to approach this design but one thing is for sure: add a touch of metallic elements to your design and geometric pattern.

Minimalist Art Deco Design

The minimalist Art Deco design combines the shapes and texture element of the Art Deco era and the negative space prioritized by the Minimalist movement. This means you’d have a curvy console table combined with a plastic minimalist chair with clean lines.

Classic Wall Vista With Art Deco Interior Design

This is a classic Art Deco interior design. You might think you can’t design using the Art Deco design using small spaces. But you can. Add some glam to the room by highlighting the color choice and material used. In the case of the picture below, brass and pewter metal elements. mirrored surfaces and large artwork create this classic art deco wall vista.

To End

The Art Deco Style may be almost a hundred years old but its allure and appeal haven’t waned at all. Do you want to include Art Deco interior design elements but don’t know how? Give us a call and our team can help you decorate your home in the modern Art Deco style.