What is Art Deco style?
Art Deco, also known as Arts Decoratifs or just Deco, is a style of art and design that originated in France in 1910 and flourished in the US and Europe over a hundred years ago. This style is characterized by rich, jewel-like colors, strong geometric shapes, and opulent decorative details. In its heyday, this style heavily influenced not just fashion and furnishings, but also the industrial design of skyscrapers, theatres, trains, cars, trucks, buses, boats, and smaller everyday objects.
Art deco furnishings tend to be unique, large-scale statement pieces...a black upholstered sofa, a marble sideboard, a gold velvet scalloped chair. Gatsby-esque metallics, glass, and other reflective materials play a large role in art deco interiors. Gold, silver, stainless steel, and chrome are used liberally because they can be used anywhere to add sleek glamour to the home. A gold-edged coffee table, chrome lamps, plentiful mirrors, sculptural shapes, and ornate, reflective vases are just a few examples of how easily this style can be incorporated. Rare, dark woods as well as inlaid wood tend to be seen in art deco furniture because they add elegant opulence to any interior. Fabrics in rich solid colors and bold geometric patterns in black, white and gold are used in upholstery, rugs, or window treatments. Bold block colors can be accessorized with pink, red, or yellow accents.
In today’s homes, art deco style rarely plays center stage, but its influences are often incorporated into other styles to bring in touches of glamour and symmetry. A century after the height of its popularity, art deco accents fit seamlessly with contemporary-designed space as well as eclectic spaces. For example: a dramatic mirror with art deco shapes can be used to add striking detail and expand a room, especially if it is opposite a window to bring in light; choosing vivid colors in a high-contrast color palette; shapely details like scallops, fluting and geometric patterns; and boldly shaped furniture and art pieces in rich materials, are all samples of art deco touches that can be added into your existing style.
To learn how we can add some art deco touches to your home, schedule a consultation below.
