Short for Arts Décoratifs and with the height of its popularity stemming from the 1920s to '40s. Art Deco is an interior style that defies the passage of time with glam and style. Great for those who like to make a statement, this iconic style is known for its symmetry and use of linear geometric patterns and luxurious materials. It’s a big, bold and glam style that has a bit of a vintage flair and creates a sense of luxury that is uncommon with other interior design styles. Before we get started, it's important to understand the common motifs associated with Art Deco styles.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ART DECO
- Trapezoidal shapes
- Zigzag patterns
- Chevron patterns
- Stepped forms
- Sweeping curves
- Sunburst shapes
- Triangular shapes
- Stylized wildlife
Art Deco is an ornate design style, and will often feel very masculine due to its heavy use of geometric angles, repetitive shapes and patterns. The use of plush materials such as velvet assist in balancing everything out and softening its shapes. Now that you understand what to look for in Art Deco styles, you can start the planning process of your space.
START WITH A STATEMENT
Typically larger in scale, art deco designs feature streamlined styles that lack frills and intricate detailing. Trapezoidal shapes and curved forms are key elements in Art Deco styles and can be incorporated easily using upholstery to create unique and eye catching pieces that boost the overall appearance to create a cohesive look.
STYLING ART DECO COLOURS
Often associated with saturated rich colours such as deep yellow, reds, greens, blues, and pinks. Art Deco styles commonly include a variety of patterns that can be included to add texture to a space. Colours are often paired with silver, black, chrome or gold accents that give it a luxurious look.
DECORATE WITH LUXURY
As expected, art deco designs celebrates grandeur and drama through its thoughtful incorporations of art. Despite the fact that the Art Deco styles flourished during harsh economic times, Art Deco embodies luxury that you can imitate through the use of patterns and shapes.
With patterns being warmly embraced in Art Deco interior design, they can be incorporated in your space through a variety of ways such as nature, trapezoids, chevrons and zigzags; stylized animals and nudes; sunbursts, and jagged, stepped or pointed edges that are reminiscent of skyscrapers.
INCORPORATE THE RIGHT LIGHTING
Perhaps one of the simplest and most prominent ways to bring art deco into your home is with light fixtures that characterize by the era such as with the use of geometric shapes and symmetrical patterns. Some design elements also include:
- Fixtures with clean aerodynamic modern lines and silhouettes with minimal detailing
- Shades with fanned-out shapes obscuring the bulbs
