Art Deco interior design: A guide to mastering this '20s style
Art Deco interior design: A guide to mastering this '20s style
From colour palette ideas to the best materials, get to know more about this bold and timeless style which defined the 1920s.
Luxurious, dramatic, sophisticated – Art Deco design’s continued popularity reflects its timeless style. What began in the 1920s as a movement in architecture, visual art and design, Art Deco interior design has become one of the go-to décor styles when you want to make your home feel more glamorous.
Since it’s an interior design style that’s all about making a grand statement, you might be wondering how difficult it is to translate this style into a modern home. From colour palette ideas to the best textures, discover how you can bring Art Deco’s unique touch to any part of the home.
After you’ve read our styling tips, browse our range of traditional sofas to get started on decorating your modern Art Deco living room.
What is Art Deco design?
Art Deco is a design movement that became the defining style of the 1920s and 30s. Known for its glamour and decadence, Art Deco is a style that’s both chic and distinctive. Characterised by an eye-catching colour palette, geometric patterns, streamlined shapes and luxurious finishes it’s an interior design style that’s all about making a grand statement.
The history and origin of art deco design
Art Deco has its roots in pre-World War I in Paris, France. It gained popularity at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts for its new modern aesthetic of clean, symmetrical, geometric shapes that were pleasing to the eye. This was seen as a reaction towards Art Nouveau which is known for more romantic and whimsical motifs.
Art Deco design has since been embraced in architecture, interior design, modern art and fashion. Notable figures from this movement include American architect and interior designer Frank Lloyd Wright, German textile artist Gunta Stölzl and artist Sonia Delaunay.
what are the key elements of art deco design?
Art Deco design is an unabashedly bold and striking style. A few of the common themes include:
— a bold colour palette
— use of luxe materials
— decorative patterns
— luxe lighting
Art Deco is known for its clever use of geometric patterns and symmetrical motifs incorporated into the interior and architecture. Common geometric designs include:
— chevrons
— zigzags
— trapezoids
— sunbursts
— triangular shapes
— scalloped shapes
what is the difference between Art Deco and Art Nouveau?
Art Nouveau is an international art design that was popular between 1890 to World War I. The key difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco is that it takes inspiration from the natural world with its whimsical and intricate floral and animal motifs. Art Deco meanwhile is inspired by aerodynamic modern lines and silhouettes with minimal detailing.
Art Deco interiors are known for their show stopping style which often favours a bright colour palette. As the saying goes ‘fortune favours the bold’, so go all out with a jewel tone palette when choosing your sofa. Pick a bright and glamorous colour like deep blue, rose pink, mustard yellow or emerald green. You can complement the sofa colour with lighter hues on the wall such as sky blue or neutral accessories to soften the room.
Art Deco design incorporates geometric patterns and symmetrical motifs into interiors and architecture. The great thing about these motifs is that you can experiment with how you want to integrate them into your interior. You can start by elevating your living room with scalloped-shaped wallpaper as a feature wall. Or you can give your flooring a designer-worthy update with beautiful ceramic tiles in a geometric motif. Go for a black and white palette to match the tiling and to make the room look symmetrical.
Classic Art Deco interiors are known for their emphasis on flashy materials such as gold, brass, chrome and marble highlighting the new wealth of the 1920s and 30s. One way to pay homage to the era is with a stand out dining set in the dining room.
Choosing a marble dining table sets the room's vibe especially if you enjoy entertaining. Stylishly contrast the table with equally glamorous dining chairs in velvet or plush fabric upholstery. Round off the look with sophisticated accessories like a chic fabric rug and framed artwork.
Capture the glitz and opulent mood of the Art Deco era with the right lighting. Channel the Great Gatsby vibe (but with a modern touch) with the help of an eclectic chandelier that has a cascading effect. Or you can opt for sparkly lighting fixtures with geometric or symmetrical patterns to bring out Art Deco’s signature touch.
If you prefer a more contemporary and pared-back version, focus on sleek lighting fixtures with streamlined shapes or simple curves, another characteristic of Art Deco interior style.
Aside from geometric motifs, mirrors bring a shiny Art Deco touch. Choose a round or starburst mirror to break up the linear lines of the room. Opt for a mirror with a gold or brass frame for extra shine. Or you can choose side or coffee tables with mirror surfaces for a sparkly touch.
Bring in curved or rounded accents in small touches for the added luxe factor. For example, introduce a round coffee table with a marble top for its circular shape and luxe texture.
Since geometric shapes and curves play a big role in Art Deco interiors, arches are a key way to play up this aspect. Arched mirrors are a good way to start and can be hung up in any room at home from the living room to bathrooms. If you want to go all out, you can incorporate it into the room’s architecture such as curved alcoves or built-in shelving. For a more subtle approach, you can bring in the arch motif through dining chairs with a rounded back or the stylish curves of a side table.
Besides the flashy metallics, you can lean into Art Deco’s dark, dramatic side with wood flooring and a wood slat feature wall. Match the rich, moody vibe with a chic walnut coffee table and swanky velvet textures. Play up the glamour with sleek amber lighting and smoked glass accents.
If you feel Art Deco is too over the top for every part of your home, introduce its distinctive style into select corners of your home. This could be creating a relaxing reading corner using luxe textures like gold and velvet, styling a bar counter with ribbed or fluted details or transforming your hallway with arches. Artwork is another simple way to elevate a corner - choose geometric motifs or cubist-inspired art as an ode to Art Deco interiors.
FAQS
How to make a room Art Deco? Style an Art Deco room by embracing bold interior design like luxe materials, geometric motifs and a rich colour palette.
What are the four features of Art Deco? Art Deco design uses a bold colour palette, geometric and symmetrical patterns, luxe materials and glamorous lighting.
What are the colours for Art Deco interior design? A jewel tone-inspired palette like deep blues, emerald green, burgundy or ruby reds are ideal picks. You can contrast these bold colours with neutrals like beige or greys and chic black accents.
Can you mix Art Deco with modern interiors? Yes, you can. Choose a sofa with a contemporary silhouette alongside geometric motif wallpaper and glamorous lighting to set the mood.
We hope these Art Deco living room ideas inspire you to incorporate this classic style into your home. Want to learn more Read our guide to mid-century décor for more décor ideas and styling tips.
