There was a time when craftsmanship and artistic talent graced everything, from buildings and vehicles to interior design and fashion. That movement was called Art Deco, and it swept through Europe and America throughout the 20s and 30s.
Sleek and sophisticated may define wealth and elegance today, but in those days, the intricate patterns of art deco were the highlight of glitz and luxury.
While art deco is long past its time, it remains one of the most iconic design styles cemented in history.
We may not witness a comeback, but if anything is true about the free-spirited generations of the 21st century, nothing is really out of style. It’s a thing these days to play with all kinds of ideas to come up with modern takes.
One thing is for sure.
You don’t need rich materials to bring art deco into your home. Home improvement with a touch of creativity will get your space looking like a glimpse back in time.
Try these easy ways to bring art deco into your home:
- Experiment with Shapes
Art deco is about being artistic and letting the world know your intentions. If it’s too subtle to notice, then it’s missing the mark. You want your space to be bold and deliberate.
For that reason, you may want to work with shapes. Remember, art deco borrowed a lot from the cubism movement, making geometric designs a huge part of the style.
You don’t necessarily need furniture that is influenced by these shapes, as that can be a huge undertaking. A wallpaper in these bold patterns would do the trick.
It’s important that you at least have an accent wall displaying the symmetrical designs characteristic of the art deco style.
- Embrace Patterns
Modern styles favor minimalist ideas and subtle features. And while patterns play a vital role in emphasizing texture, less is generally ideal.
When pulling off art deco, do the exact opposite. More is perfect as it makes the craftsmanship more visual. Keep the patterns, especially when it comes to tiles, kitchen island, upholstery, and curtains.
As chaotic as the look may appear, patterns mean art but also allow you to balance things out with additional decor styles you like.
- Create a Rug Statement
An area rug would make a fantastic statement piece for your living room, just like pieces of furniture would.
The idea is to overpower any other modern style in your home with a loud and evocative item. For your area rug, consider a shade that creates better contrast and go for a bold symmetrical pattern.
In the bedrooms, use fabrics with strong lines and match the look with a loud item such as a mirror or dresser with geometric shapes.
- Use Vibrant Colors
Art deco embraces intensity when it comes to colors, but you have to play it right to add depth without creating a mess. That can be a challenge for ordinary individuals.
Experts suggest using vibrant versions of primary and secondary colors to bring out the boldness of the style.
Alternatively, you could hire a professional to work with the main bold colors like blue, red, black, and green. The outcome would be an intense and high-contrast look, but that’s what you’re going for.
- Bring in Artwork
Pieces of art would do your space a lot of good. You want to start with obvious ones like wall art, which are some of the first things people notice.
Abstract paintings, especially those in the cubism style, are perfect for art deco. But any painting that creates lots of noise will do. Elegant mirror wall art in zigzag or brick shapes is also a must-have for a modern look.
You could install a large sculpture as well or play things down with various tiny pieces of art around the home, such as vases, trophies, framed pictures, etc.
- Add the Luxury
In its heyday, art deco enjoyed the position of a glamorous style that graced architectural and interior designs. The air of luxury and saturation are dominant aspects of the style.
You can pull off the glamorous features through intricate light fixtures and brass items.
Get your hands on lighting fixtures such as chandeliers and wall sconces that incorporate crystals and metallic elements, specifically brass.
Remember, little captures the opulence of the era more than metallic elements on lighting fixtures, cabinets, and furniture.
Conclusion
Designing your home in the art deco style is an alternative way of creating sophistication without resorting to modern, sleek elements. But that doesn’t also mean you can’t mix things up to get a unique take on this old but very relevant style.
