Style Spotlight: Art Deco

Art Deco is a style of decor popularized in the 1920s and ‘30s. Its distinguishing features are bold colors, geometric shapes, clean lines, polished surfaces, and luxurious designs. We need only look as far as the Chrysler building and the Empire State Building in New York City to find examples of art deco-influenced architecture.

Although it came into fashion during a time of economic hardship, art deco style exudes glamour. It is common to see gold, steel, and other materials considered to be expensive, and even some which were new at the time, like chrome. Reflective surfaces like mirrors, highly polished flooring, and wood surfaces continued this theme.

When it comes to color, art deco decor is not afraid to be bold. Bright, contrasting colors, and even black and white are very common. But perhaps most exemplary of art deco design is repetitive use of geometric shapes and patterns.

Whether you wish to create an entire room in art deco design or add just a few elements to your space, there are many ways to bring this design style into your home.

Flooring

To choose flooring for an art deco-themed room, consider finished flooring of almost any material. An abstract design would be on point or perhaps a black and white tile pattern. Floors should be highly polished and smooth, as the art deco period was highly celebratory of the machine age.

Bath

Choose a tub in an unexpected shape or even an unusual color. Accent it with a gold, matte black, or silver faucet and accessories like towel bars and robe hooks.

For the vanity area, choose an ornate cabinet, a unique shape for the sink, or an interesting tile pattern for the countertop and backsplash.

Perhaps look to the vanity mirror to add the polished surface or quintessential sunburst for which the art deco period is known.

Take advantage of the opportunity to add interesting sconces as lighting options.

Kitchen

There are so many opportunities in the kitchen to incorporate art deco design. Start with large appliances like the stove and refrigerator.

Add luxurious chandeliers and pendant lighting to set a tone of sophistication.

An easy way to add a touch of glamour is with polished gold or chrome hardware on your cabinets and drawers.

And of course, the flooring can be anything from an abstract pattern to ornate wood, but should always be polished.

Living Area

The living space is your opportunity to get a little more abstract with your art deco redesign. Zebra and other animal prints in upholstery are very art deco-esque. Keep in mind that art deco style does not include frills, florals, or lace. Choose furniture that celebrates curves and sudden edges. Don’t forget to incorporate those polished metals like gold, steel, and chrome.

Consider a highly-patterned wallpaper and decor inspired by animal skins. Or choose a rug in a pattern of this type.

Ceiling Fans

Add a ceiling fan that is a bit more ornamental than usual to contribute to the extravagant feel of the art deco style.

Whether you are redesigning an entire house, one space, or just adding a few elements, art deco pieces always contribute a touch of class and sophistication to a home.