Art Deco Interior Design
Photo credit: Max Rahubovskiy
Art Deco interior design is a style that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, and it’s still popular today for its bold geometric shapes, luxurious materials, vibrant colors, and exotic influences. Learn the major components of the style to help you create an Art Deco-inspired space that is both glamorous and sophisticated.
Bold Geometric Shapes
Bold geometric shapes are one of the defining characteristics of Art Deco interior design. These shapes can be seen in furniture, lighting, and even the architecture of Art Deco buildings. The shapes are often streamlined and sleek, with an emphasis on symmetry and balance. For instance, you might see a chair with a geometrically-shaped back, a coffee table with a mirrored glass top and a triangular or circular base, or a lamp with a cylindrical body and a square or triangular shade.
One way to incorporate geometric shapes into your Art Deco space is by using rugs, wallpaper, and textiles with geometric patterns. Look for zigzag or chevron patterns, triangular or diamond-shaped motifs, or repeated hexagons and circles.
Luxurious Materials
Luxury is another key element of Art Deco interior design. The materials used are often rich and opulent, such as velvet, satin, and silk for upholstery and drapery. Marble and brass are also popular materials for furniture and accessories. Mirrored surfaces are a common feature in Art Deco design, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to a space.
To create an Art Deco-inspired space, focus on luxurious fabrics and materials in rich, jewel-toned colors. For example, a velvet sofa in emerald green or sapphire blue, a brass coffee table with a marble top, or a mirrored sideboard. The use of animal prints, such as zebra or leopard, is also a common feature in Art Deco design.
Vibrant Colors
Art Deco interior design is known for its use of vibrant colors. Bold jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red are popular choices for walls, upholstery, and Art Deco home decor accessories. Black and white are also common, and provide a contrast to the bright colors and adding a touch of sophistication.
To incorporate vibrant colors into your Art Deco space, consider painting a feature wall in a bold color, using patterned wallpaper, or adding colorful throw pillows, blankets, or rugs. You might also consider a black and white color scheme for a more classic, timeless look.
Sunburst Motifs
Sunburst motifs are a hallmark of Art Deco design and can be seen in everything from mirrors to light fixtures. The sunburst motif is a symbol of the optimism and glamour of the Art Deco era, and it adds a touch of drama to a space. You might see a sunburst mirror in the living room, a pendant light with a sunburst design, or a clock with sunburst arms on the wall.
Curved Lines
While Art Deco design is known for its bold geometric shapes, it also incorporates curved lines. This can be seen in the rounded corners of furniture and in the curved shapes of lighting fixtures. The combination of geometric and curved lines creates a sense of balance and harmony in an Art Deco space.
To incorporate curved lines into your Art Deco space, look for furniture with curved arms or legs, lighting fixtures with curved shades or bodies, or decorative accessories with curved shapes.
Exotic Influences
Art Deco design was influenced by the exotic and the exoticism of far-off lands. This is reflected in the use of materials like bamboo and in the motifs of palm trees and exotic animals. Look for accessories like vases, sculptures, and figurines that feature these motifs to add a touch of Art Deco exoticism
Symmetry and Repetition
Another key feature of Art Deco design is symmetry and repetition. This is reflected in the use of repeated geometric shapes, mirrored surfaces, and even in the layout of a room. Furniture is often arranged in a symmetrical fashion, with a central focal point such as a fireplace or piece of artwork.
Stylized Motifs
Art Deco design features stylized motifs that are often inspired by nature. These motifs can be seen in everything from textiles to lighting fixtures. Look for motifs like sunbursts, chevrons, and stepped forms to add an Art Deco touch to your space.
Angular Forms
While Art Deco design incorporates curved lines, it also features angular forms. This can be seen in the stepped forms of skyscrapers from the era, as well as in furniture and lighting designs. The combination of angular and curved forms creates a sense of balance and harmony in an Art Deco space.
Extravagant Details
Art Deco design is all about extravagance and luxury, and this is reflected in the details. Look for furniture and lighting with ornate details like inlaid wood, mother-of-pearl, or ivory. Accessories like mirrored trays and Art Deco clocks can add a touch of glamour to a space.
Art Deco is an interior design style that has stood the test of time and is still popular today. Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an existing space, Art Deco design offers a timeless style that will never go out of fashion.
