The Art Deco style, with its bold geometry, rich colors, and opulent details, is making a triumphant return to interior design. First popularized in the 1920s and 1930s, Art Deco embodies sophistication, luxury, and glamour—a perfect antidote to the minimalist trends of recent years. If you’re looking to bring a touch of timeless elegance to your home, incorporating Art Deco elements can transform any room into a lavish retreat. Let’s explore how you can embrace this revival and infuse your spaces with the signature drama and charm of this iconic style.
1. Understanding the Essence of Art Deco
Before diving into specific design tips, it’s important to understand what defines Art Deco. This design movement is all about combining decorative flair with modernity. It’s bold, sophisticated, and unashamedly glamorous.
Geometric Patterns
At its core, Art Deco is defined by bold geometric shapes, from chevrons and zigzags to sunbursts and trapezoids. These patterns are often repeated in fabrics, wallpapers, and furniture designs.
Luxurious Materials
Art Deco design loves luxury and opulence. Think polished metals like brass and chrome, rich woods like ebony and mahogany, and sumptuous fabrics like velvet and silk.
Rich Color Palette
Deep jewel tones (emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red) and metallics (gold, silver, and bronze) dominate the Art Deco palette. These colors are often paired with black, white, and neutral shades for balance.
Ornamentation and Glamour
From mirrored surfaces to intricate detailing, Art Deco is unapologetically ornamental. Statement pieces and bold décor are key to achieving this look.
Symmetry and Balance
Unlike some modern styles, Art Deco thrives on symmetry and proportion. Furniture and décor are often arranged in balanced, harmonious layouts to create a sense of order and elegance.
2. Art Deco in the Living Room
The living room is the perfect space to make a bold Art Deco statement. It’s where guests gather, making it the ideal showcase for this glamorous style.
Choose Statement Furniture
Invest in furniture with clean, geometric lines and luxurious upholstery. Look for sofas and chairs with curved arms, channel tufting, or velvet fabrics in rich jewel tones.
Use Bold Wallpapers
Cover one or more walls with Art Deco-inspired wallpaper featuring bold geometric or metallic patterns. A gold-and-black design can create an instant sense of drama.
Add Metallic Accents
Incorporate metallic details through coffee tables, side tables, or lighting. Polished brass, chrome, and gold finishes are quintessentially Art Deco.
Decorate with Sculptural Pieces
Choose décor that doubles as art, such as bold sculptures, oversized vases, or ornate mirrors with sunburst frames. These pieces add drama and sophistication.
3. Art Deco in the Bedroom
Turn your bedroom into a glamorous retreat with the lush and sophisticated elements of Art Deco design.
Create a Statement Headboard
Choose a headboard with bold geometric shapes or an upholstered design in rich velvet. Think oversized, scalloped, or arched headboards for maximum impact.
Layer Luxurious Bedding
Opt for bedding in sumptuous materials like silk or velvet. Choose bold colors or Art Deco-inspired patterns, such as fans or chevrons, to tie the look together.
Incorporate Symmetrical Nightstands
Place matching nightstands on either side of the bed for a balanced look. Choose designs with mirrored surfaces, brass accents, or lacquered finishes.
Add Glamorous Lighting
Install bedside lamps with geometric bases or gold finishes. Chandeliers or pendant lights with frosted glass globes or cascading crystals can also add a touch of vintage glam.
4. Art Deco Kitchen and Dining Room
Even kitchens and dining areas can exude the glamour of the Art Deco era with the right touches.
Metallic Finishes in the Kitchen
Incorporate brass or gold hardware on cabinets and drawers. Pair these with dark, glossy surfaces like black marble or lacquer for an Art Deco-inspired kitchen.
Geometric Backsplash
Choose tiles with bold geometric patterns for the backsplash. Black-and-white designs or metallic accents work particularly well.
Elegant Dining Furniture
Select a dining table with a glossy or lacquered finish, paired with chairs upholstered in velvet or leather. Look for details like brass legs or curved frames.
Statement Lighting
Hang a bold chandelier over the dining table. Look for Art Deco-inspired designs with geometric shapes, tiered glass elements, or metallic finishes.
5. Art Deco in the Bathroom
A bathroom is a great space to embrace the opulence and glamour of Art Deco. Even small touches can make a big impact.
Install a Statement Mirror
Choose a mirror with a geometric or sunburst frame to serve as the focal point of the bathroom. Gold and silver finishes are ideal.
Use Black-and-White Tiles
A black-and-white tile scheme, whether in a checkerboard pattern or geometric design, is quintessentially Art Deco.
Choose Luxurious Fixtures
Incorporate brass, chrome, or gold finishes for faucets, towel bars, and other fixtures. These metallic accents add instant glamour.
Add Opulent Décor
Introduce Art Deco-inspired details like frosted glass vases, crystal soap dishes, or small metallic sculptures to elevate the bathroom’s aesthetic.
6. Accessories and Décor
The right accessories and décor tie the Art Deco look together. These finishing touches are where you can really lean into the opulence of the style.
Mirrors and Glass
Mirrors are a staple of Art Deco design. Choose oversized, geometric designs or pieces with intricate etching. Mirrored furniture, such as side tables or dressers, can also add sparkle.
Bold Artwork
Display bold, graphic artwork with geometric patterns, abstract designs, or depictions of 1920s fashion and architecture. Black frames with metallic accents enhance the theme.
Luxurious Fabrics
Incorporate soft furnishings like velvet cushions, silk curtains, or patterned rugs to add layers of texture and richness.
Decorative Objects
Select objects like crystal vases, gold figurines, or sculptural candle holders to complete the look. Don’t be afraid to embrace over-the-top details!
7. Art Deco Lighting
Lighting is a crucial element in Art Deco design, setting the mood and adding drama to the space.
Chandeliers
Install a dramatic chandelier in your living room, dining room, or bedroom. Look for cascading crystal designs or geometric fixtures in gold or chrome.
Table and Floor Lamps
Choose lamps with geometric bases, frosted glass shades, or metallic finishes. Tiered or stacked designs are especially fitting for this style.
Wall Sconces
Add wall sconces with fluted glass or metallic detailing. These are ideal for hallways, bathrooms, or beside mirrors in the living room or bedroom.
Edison Bulbs
For a vintage touch, use Edison bulbs in exposed or semi-exposed fixtures. These add warmth and a subtle nod to the 1920s.
8. Modernizing Art Deco for Today
While Art Deco is rooted in the past, it can easily be updated for modern interiors. The key is to strike a balance between vintage-inspired elements and contemporary sensibilities.
Mix Old and New
Combine Art Deco furniture or décor with modern pieces for a curated, eclectic look. For example, pair a vintage bar cart with a sleek, contemporary sofa.
Keep It Minimal
Art Deco is naturally bold, so avoid overloading the space with too many patterns or details. A few statement pieces can go a long way.
Focus on Functionality
While Art Deco celebrates ornamentation, prioritize functionality. Choose furniture and décor that not only look great but also serve a purpose.
Use Modern Materials
Incorporate contemporary materials like acrylic, LED lighting, or high-gloss finishes while sticking to the geometric and symmetrical principles of Art Deco.
10 FAQs About Art Deco Revival
1. What is Art Deco design?
Art Deco is a design style that emerged in the 1920s, characterized by bold geometry, rich colors, and luxurious materials. It celebrates glamour, symmetry, and intricate detailing.
2. How can I incorporate Art Deco without a full makeover?
Start small by adding Art Deco-inspired accessories, such as mirrors, lamps, or cushions. You can also use wallpaper with bold geometric patterns or switch to metallic hardware.
3. What colors are associated with Art Deco?
Jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and ruby are key. Metallics like gold, silver, and bronze are also central, often paired with black, white, or neutral shades.
4. Can Art Deco work in small spaces?
Yes! Focus on a few statement pieces like a bold mirror, a velvet chair, or geometric lighting. Keep the space uncluttered to avoid overwhelming the room.
5. What materials are common in Art Deco design?
Polished metals, mirrored surfaces, rich woods, velvet, silk, and marble are staples of Art Deco.
6. How do I modernize Art Deco?
Pair vintage-inspired pieces with sleek, modern designs. For instance, combine a brass Art Deco chandelier with a minimalist black dining table.
7. What kind of lighting works best for Art Deco?
Chandeliers, geometric pendant lights, and sconces with metallic finishes or frosted glass shades are ideal.
8. Can I DIY Art Deco décor?
Absolutely! Consider stenciling geometric patterns on walls, refurbishing furniture with metallic paint, or creating custom art with bold shapes.
9. Is Art Deco expensive to implement?
While some elements can be pricey, there are budget-friendly ways to incorporate Art Deco. Opt for affordable reproductions, DIY projects, or secondhand finds.
10. What makes Art Deco timeless?
Its combination of bold geometry, luxurious materials, and symmetrical balance makes it a classic style that feels both vintage and modern at the same time.