Although the Art Deco interior design style was first started in the 1920s, it is still a much-loved style that can be incorporated into modern homes. Art Deco is an easily recognised style that was popular in the 1920s and 30s. Think The Great Gatsby, and you won’t go far wrong.
It is known for being a dramatic and glamorous style that incorporates antiques with more modern and sleek design elements. These elements can be as bold or subtle as you would like. Here are the key elements of Modern Art Deco Interior design and how to incorporate them into your home.
Modern Art Deco Interior Design
Sleek lines and simple shapes
Art Deco interior design has remained popular for so long because of the sleek lines and simple shapes used in the furniture, lighting, and architectural features. These make the style feel modern even today and can be very simple to incorporate into your home. There are many different options for door hardware with stepped details that nod back to the Art Deco era. It is also possible to find doors and coving with these details.
If you want to incorporate sleek lines rather than architectural features in your decor, table lamps, mirrors, and side tables are lovely choices. These pieces will last you through time, as they have a timeless elegance.
Geometric patterns
Geometric patterns are a prominent feature of Art Deco interior design. They can be used in many different ways, from wallpaper and fabric to door detailing. Zigzags, chevrons, sunbursts and fish scales are common prints and easy to incorporate into your home. It could be through wallpaper, the flooring layout or the set out of the tiles.
It is better to leave the colour out of these patterns. In Art Deco design, it is much more likely they were in different shades of the same colour. This will add a layer of detail to the room without overwhelming it. It also leaves room to add colour in other ways.
If an entire wall is too much pattern for you, then a cushion or lamp shade will give a nod to Art Deco design.
Golden brass details
The finishes of Art Deco design are always sleek and luxurious. Brass was typically used in the 1920s, giving the golden colour that Art Deco is most known for. Brass can be included in several ways, and the finish of furniture, lighting, or decor will all work. If you want something bolder, include brass detailing on the doors or floors. Although brass is traditional, this effect can be achieved with gold paint or grout. Be aware that gold will be more showy than brass, so it must be used carefully so as not to overwhelm the space.
Brass finishes in Art Deco design should be polished. Think of it as the jewellery of the room. A touch of brass can lift a space and pull the whole design together.
Jewel tones
While many Art Deco designs revolve around black, white, and gold, many deep jewel tones are also used. These tones become much more vibrant when paired with a toned-down palette and feel more luxurious. Rich greens, deep purple, and royal blue are excellent choices and will work well with the brass accents used in the detailing.
However, if a bright colour is not for you, omitting the jewel tones from your design is possible. Black, white, and gold paired with the other features of Art Deco will still give you a stunning interior.
Fluting or a ribbed texture
Art Deco interior design is all about the details. Most of the surfaces used are either polished or textured. This all helps to add to the luxury and glamour of the space. A fluted or ribbed texture is one of the most common details used after brass. This can be added to an interior in many ways, such as fluted glass on a cabinet door, which is an easy way to add detail. A more expensive but beautiful option is to add a ribbed texture to your cabinetry; this could be the end panels of your kitchen island or the back of a bookshelf. Ribbing and fluting can be added in much simpler ways, such as a ribbed vase or lighting fixture. Adding in this detail will give your space a thought-through and well-designed look and add to the Art Deco styling of the room.
Luxurious textures and fabrics
Fabrics are essential in creating the glamour of Art Deco. Silks, satins, and velvets are all used to create the layered effect that makes Art Deco recognisable. While the velvet used in the original Art Deco styling would have been made from silk, many modern velvets made from polycotton will work in modern-day life. You are looking for a velvet or silk with a light sheen. This will bounce the light around and help to give the room a more glamorous feel.
Any furniture upholstered in plush velvet will create a focal point within the room, while a silk curtain will help to add to the glamour of the space.
Arches
Although many patterns used in Art Deco design are geometric, arches were still widely used. Including them in your interior is an easy way to give your home an Art Deco feel. Although they can be used in doorways and cabinetry, this can be costly, and there are several other ways to use them that cost less. Mirrors, curved dining chairs, and vintage sofas with curved backs are all ways to include an arch in your interior.
Another way is to use a different paint colour to create an arch on the wall. This will give you a much more modern look, so you must use many other elements to create an Art Deco look.
Statement lighting
Lighting, whether ceiling pendants, wall lights, or table lamps, is a focal point of Art Deco design. It makes a statement within the room while also adding to the atmosphere. It is also a chance to add some glamour to the room. Glass, polished brass, and antique glass are all great options to use within the light fitting.
You will need to look for lighting fittings that have strong lines. Spherical and arched designs will add to the look of an Art Deco interior and work well for pendant lights. Linear lines and stepped details will work better in a wall light. Table lights can be more fun, and sculptural ones with a silk lampshade will give a luxurious feel.
This post has been all about modern Art Deco interior design and ways to create this style in your home.
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