Art Deco Style
Like most design movements through the years Art Deco Style is back “in” with its eclectic look that’s loved by many!
Our blog highlights key information about this style and provides you with some great inspiration for your home.
Its History
Art Deco started from a style conscious middle class wanting to display new tastes for everything modern and exotic. Think rich colours, bold geometric shapes and lavish ornamentation.
During the period between 1910-1939 the Art Deco style blossomed and flourished.
However, it was a stark contract to its predecessor the more minimalist, nature-inspired Art Nouveau. It was the first style to break from the dull nineteen-century contemporaries.
Art Deco style is one of the most exciting decoratives of the century, introducing and utilising many diverse elements. These were things such as the richly lacquered oriental screen, the tubular steel chair and the stylised ceramic polar bear. As well as the ebony veneered ivory dotted writing desk, the vivid geometric angular ceiling and the classically draped glass figurine.
It also ushered in the era of the ‘total interior’, which dominated the thinking of both designers and clients.
It was the first modern style of Interior Decoration in its use of new technologies and materials. The combination of traditional craftsmans and industrial designers made more simpler and practical furniture for smaller rooms.
Art Deco was a popular style around the world and affected many areas of design. For example, it was used in furniture, cars, textiles and jewellery. But also on clocks and electronic items such as radios, telephones, and jukeboxes.
It heavily influenced architecture, interior & industrial design, fashion, graphic arts and cinema.
Art Deco Around the world
Parisian
High-style Art Deco can be seen in the elegant Parisian Interiors of the 1920s. These were often a collaboration of furniture and textile designers, painters and many other artists and craftsmen. It was represented as luxury in many public works.
In Paris, there are some true architectural gems. Such as Art Deco palaces at the Trocadéro to modernist constructions by Le Corbusier. Stunning swimming pools and Art Deco landscaped parks and gardens.
England
London, England has many examples of Art Deco. The Commercial Daily Express building has one of the most famous Art Deco interiors. The reception hall in Fleet Street has wonderful rippling confections of metal, lighting fixtures and balustrades.
English homes also boasted splendid decors. With cheerful overstuffed settee and chairs, geometric throw rugs and brightly patterned curtains.
United States
Art Deco in the US reflection of high style Paris – with lacquered surfaces, puffy chairs, and floral motifs.
Many lavish Art deco public spaces were built for wealthy clientele. Such as hotel and restaurant interiors, lobbies and waiting rooms.
The Chrysler building is one of Manhattans most famous Art Deco buildings. It has a stunning lobby with red marble walls and ornamental metalwork. As well as a beautiful ceiling fresco and elevator doors inlaid with Japanese ash and American walnut.
The ornate metal and marble lobby of Madison Avenue also contains many Art Deco touches. For example, the chevron pattern on the floor, the light fixtures along the lifts and the huge metal fluted column.
Art Deco in your home
So now you have a bit of history and some examples of Art Deco interiors why not see how some Art Deco style can transform your home. Dare to be bold with geometric patterns and luxurious furniture and textiles. And have fun!