Revisiting Opulent Design Styles

ART DECO Interior Design Style 1920s – Early 1940s

Art Deco short for Arts Décoratifs, is the first design Style of the 20th Century, born in Paris after World War II in a burst of post-war optimism. It was at its zenith between the years 1920-1940. It really evolved as an amalgamation of different styles such as Constructivism, Cubism, Modernism, Bauhaus, Art Nouveau, Industrialization and Futurism.

 The Art Deco Style is a representation of ornate and Jewel-like modernity combining everyday glamour, and elegance. It endeavours to the luxury and embodies in the exotic and primitive art combination.

The bold and clean lines of geometry, angular shapes, symmetry, bold colours, zigzag patterns and metallic with sleek and shiny staining veers us to an opulent style, which has been integrated, playfully into current design styles in the form of décor, accessories & furniture 

Famous Buildings in Art Deco Style include The Empire State Building and The Chrysler Building.

Prominent Art Deco Designers are Le Corbusier, Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann & A.M. Cassandre, Eileen Gray, Rene Lalique.

ART DECO INTERIOR DESIGN STYLE FEATURES:

MATERIALS & PATTERNS USED:

Metallic finishes:

Art Deco Style’s Slick character is derived from metallic finishes such as gold, silver; chrome and stainless steel that are used lavishly used to create an elegant and luxurious feel.

The elements had inlays or lining metallic to incorporate the shine factor.

Glass, Mirrors & Mirror Tiles:

Glass in the form of mirrors, vases, tables and sculptures is another frequently used material in an art deco design. Glass contributes to add an elegant feel to an Art Deco room. 

Wood & Marble

Wood is used for furniture and flooring. Traditional art deco patterns, which are the signifiers of the movement, are used in the Marble and Wood flooring to create flooring patterns giving it the grandeur the Art Deco Interior design style commands. Black and White patterned tiles were a prominent part of this style. Art Deco uses maple panels, ash, rosewood, palm, Madrona tree. In addition, it is supplemented with ivory, rich browns, all golden shades.

Other Materials used are bronze, ceramics, cubic patterns carpets. Especially appreciate such materials as pearl, diamonds, ivory, black ebony, shagreen, skin prints.

Geometry is predominant in an art deco design. Geometric shapes and forms, zigzag patterns fill the rooms; bursting up obviously and subtly throughout the design.

FABRICS & MOTIFS

While flowers, vines and leaves are often popular additions to any décor, art deco interior design style incorporated several natural elements into lamps, furniture and homewares.

Natural and geometric themes featured heavily in art deco interior design.

Current modern art deco interior designs are filled with designs featuring laurels of leaves, branches, feathers along with stylized animal elements whether a bird sculpture or a Chinoiserie fish. This style is all about making a statement and pushing boundaries and White or cream wallpaper with a black feather print or a tiger or zebra print rug are a perfect fit in an art deco bedroom. These are both bold statements, and Fabrics of solid bold colours with or without geometric designs are the most used textiles in Art Deco interior design style.

The sofas upholstered with fabrics in Bold block colours and accessorized with throw cushions in a geometric print or vice versa.

Windows with curtains in metallic & silk blends, add a touch of luxury and richness to any room.

Colour palette

Classic art deco Interior Design Style, Great Gatsby style look was all about black, white, silver, and gold colour themes. In addition, modern art deco has bold metallics, bright and deep yellows, reds, greens, pinks, blues and purples, accompanied by softer creams and beiges to soften up the bold colour compositions.

RUGS & WALL treatments

Rugs and Wall treatments with geometrical shapes, bold patterns or bright colours were mostly used to unify spaces.

POSTERS:

Framed posters highlighting art deco’s industrial footprint through images of aeroplanes, cars, cruise liners and skyscrapers were also a part of the décor. These posters are usually more than just a photograph. Many feature artistic representations of the wonders built and showcase the art deco era’s bold colours, straight lines and amusing patterns.

Old images of advertisements for popular products were also used.

LIGHTING

Classic lamps with a dancing lady feature holding the frosted lamps were popular in the 1920s. These retro pieces added a feminine touch and a bold artistic design. Pearled lamp bases, mirrored glass and colourful or patterned shades represented art deco’s bold designs style.

 FURNITURE :

As with every element in art deco interior design, 1920’s furniture was brutally unique. Pieces were on a large scale, with imposing sideboards in ebony and pieces, which really take up floor space. 

Unlike the geometric patterns, curvaceous furniture with smooth lines, armchairs in pink velvet in a scalloped design were used alongside the other art deco interior design ideas. Wooden furniture with wood art deco design inlays with the classic geometric and symmetrical designs and patterns are essential features of art deco features as well. 

Art deco furniture is identified for bold pieces that do not necessarily match. Large, rounded, padded armchairs and chaise lounges give cosy trait against the bold patterns and sharp lines that are typical features of Art Deco.

Art Deco Style became such a prominent and influential style that it continued to creep into a variety of elements such as décor, accessories & furniture even in current times.

We can still come across a reminiscence of Art Deco design style in current Modern designs giving the designs a bold character.

Love it or hate it but one cannot ignore it. That is Art Deco Interiors Design Style.

A style that brings sheers opulence, a style that brings in glamour, luxury, and order with symmetrical designs in exuberant shapes.

Picture Credits: Pinterest.