Want to transform your home into one filled with timeless elegance and luxury without breaking the bank? What if we told you that there’s an interior design style that can help you live in splendor effortlessly?
Enter the art deco interior design style; one that first emerged in France in the 1910s and reached its peak popularity between the 1920s and 1930s. In this article, we’ll explore the art deco interior design style to learn more about its defining features and guide you towards recreating it in your home.
1. Geometric Shapes
Shapes like squares, circles, triangles, and zig-zag lines were used extensively in the art deco style to create modernity and elegance. Here’s how you can incorporate them:
Lay your flooring material in a geometric pattern. For example, in chevron, herringbone, or checkerboard designs.
Paint murals on your wall or hang wall art featuring bold geometric shapes. Large-scale ones can make a statement.
Accessorize your space with decorations in geometric shapes. For instance, circular mirrors, hexagonal sculptures, or rectangular display vases.
2. Rich Materials
As the art deco style was associated with wealth and modernism, opulent materials that exude glamor and sophistication were often used to elevate interiors. To create the same atmosphere, consider the following:
Choose furniture made with exotic woods boasting a deep, lustrous finish, such as mahogany, ebony, or rosewood. These can add warmth and luxury to the space.
Add an elegant touch through the use of stained glass or frosted glass. Pick those with geometric designs to enhance the art deco aesthetic.
Use luxurious fabrics such as velvet, silk, or satin for your upholstery, drapes, or throw pillows to complete the look and add a classy and timeless appeal.
3. Streamlined Forms
Sleek and streamlined elements were also spotted during the art deco era due to the influence of technological advancements then. They promote a more efficient and clutter-free lifestyle. Here are ways to include them:
Look for pieces featuring simple designs and avoid those with excessive ornamentation. For instance, handleless cabinets, plainly-designed chairs with slim legs, or sofas with rounded corners and gentle curves.
Opt for multi-functional pieces to reduce the number of furniture in your home. For example, a sectional sofa that can be rearranged or separated to seat more people, a TV console that can serve as a huge storage unit, or a dining table with built-in storage.
Choose natural materials, such as wood and stone, instead of manmade ones like terrazzo. They are more low-profile and can add visual appeal without attracting too much attention.
4. Bold Colors
Bold colors play a significant role in creating a visually striking and dynamic space. If you’re not sure what colors to use, here are some suggestions to inspire you:
Rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red and amethyst purple were often used during the art deco era. Consider recreating this color palette.
Alternatively, use these jewel shades as accent colors against a neutral background. For example, coral-coloured pillows on white sofas, a royal blue armchair against a cream-colored wall, or a gold bed frame against a black wall.
Create contrasts with different rich hues for more visual interest. For instance, mustard yellow armchairs against an emerald green background, navy blue sofas next to soft yellow curtains, or painting adjacent walls in blush pink and dark green respectively.
If you prefer a streamlined and more minimal interior but wish to stick to the art deco style, you can add visual interest and elevate your home with simple and intricate decorative details. Here are some interior design ideas:
Consider adding furniture pieces with simple, inlaid woodwork. This keeps the interior sleek but prevents it from looking too plain and boring by adding an element of design.
Utilize decorative screens or room dividers with geometric patterns or intricate carvings as standalone decorations or to divide spaces.
Add finishing touches with art deco-inspired accessories like vintage art deco posters or statues.
6. Exotic Influences
When international travel became more accessible and cultural exchanges flourished, art deco designers began drawing inspiration from diverse sources, such as Ancient Egypt, Africa, and East Asia, to incorporate their distinct aesthetics into their creations. If you’d like to create a similar look, consider these:
Add an exotic flair to your decor by incorporating animal prints like zebra, leopard, or tiger prints. Use them sparingly on upholstery, cushions, or rugs to avoid overwhelming the space.
Draw inspiration from East Asian cultures by using elements such as screens, bamboo furniture, or Chinese porcelain vases.
Bring in tropical influences through lush plants. If you’re not a fan of real plants, consider using wallpaper or fabric with palm prints, bold leaf patterns or floral designs.
7. Lighting
The art deco style’s elegance and dramatic atmosphere are influenced by the lighting used. Here’s what you can do:
Art deco interiors often feature grand and eye-catching chandeliers as focal points. Look for chandeliers with geometric patterns, tiered designs, or ones that incorporate crystal elements for a touch of opulence.
Create a soft, diffused glow rather than harsh direct light using frosted glass shades or diffusers; this helps to achieve a gentle and elegant lighting effect. Consider table lamps, floor lamps, or wall sconces with frosted or etched glass shades. The soft, diffused glow can also be achieved by installing light fixtures behind decorative panels, glass accents, or mirrored surfaces to create a backlit effect.
Art deco lighting fixtures often direct light upwards to create an indirect and atmospheric illumination. Choose wall sconces or floor lamps that have upward-facing shades or bulbs to achieve this effect.
Art deco effortlessly brings a sense of sophistication and glamor to any space. Whether incorporated into a grand hotel lobby or a cozy living room, this iconic style celebrates the spirit of the Roaring Twenties while remaining relevant and influential in the world of design today. By embracing art deco’s sleek lines, opulent finishes, and striking contrasts, one can create a truly mesmerizing environment that pays homage to the past while embracing the future. So, let your imagination soar and embark on a journey through the golden age of design with the art deco style as your guide.
Fineline Design is an interior designer company in Singapore with a team of gifted designers who possess an extraordinary knack for crafting avant-garde yet functional spaces. Let us help you achieve a life of unparalleled luxury and fulfillment with our innovative designs and residential interior design services.
