The Art Deco movement, which gained prominence in the early 20th century, continues to influence modern interior design with its bold geometry, luxurious materials, and timeless glamour. Inspired by the opulence and sophistication of the Jazz Age, Art Deco design brings an element of luxury and elegance into any home. Today, this iconic style is being reinterpreted and fused with modern design elements, creating spaces that feel both vintage and contemporary.
At Scale & Structure, we love blending classic and modern design principles to create stunning interiors. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can incorporate Art Deco inspirations into your home design, bringing glamour, elegance, and a sense of timeless luxury to your space.
What is Art Deco?
Art Deco, short for “Arts Décoratifs,” emerged in the 1920s and 1930s as a response to the elaborate designs of the Victorian era and the flowing organic forms of the Art Nouveau movement. Characterized by bold lines, geometric shapes, and the use of luxurious materials, Art Deco reflects a sense of modernity, wealth, and sophistication.Key elements of Art Deco design include:
- Geometric Shapes: Angular lines, chevrons, zigzags, and sunburst motifsLuxurious Materials: Rich materials such as marble, lacquer, glass, and polished metals like chrome and goldBold Colors: A mix of contrasting hues, such as black and gold, or deep jewel tones like emerald green, ruby red, and sapphire blueDecorative Patterns: Intricate detailing, including stepped patterns, fluted designs, and symmetrical arrangements Bringing Art Deco to Modern Homes
Incorporating Art Deco elements into your modern home doesn’t mean you need to transform your entire space into a period piece. Instead, subtle touches of Art Deco design can add a sense of grandeur and drama to any room. Here’s how you can bring the glamour and elegance of Art Deco into your contemporary interiors.
1. Art Deco Furniture: Bold and Luxurious
Art Deco furniture is known for its sleek lines, angular shapes, and luxurious finishes. These pieces often feature glossy surfaces, lacquered finishes, and rich materials like leather, velvet, and wood. When selecting furniture for your space, look for:
- Mirrored Furniture: Art Deco furniture often features reflective surfaces, such as mirrors or glass, to create a sense of opulence and lightness. Consider adding a mirrored coffee table, sideboard, or console table to enhance your living room or entryway.Geometric Shapes: Look for furniture with clean, angular lines and geometric patterns. For example, opt for a hexagonal coffee table or a fluted armchair to capture the geometric elegance of Art Deco.Luxurious Upholstery: Choose velvet, leather, or satin fabrics to upholster your furniture. These materials offer the plush texture and glamour associated with Art Deco interiors. 2. Statement Lighting: Glamour in Every Corner
Lighting is a central feature of Art Deco interiors, often acting as both functional and decorative elements. To bring Art Deco style into your modern home, consider investing in statement light fixtures that combine glamour with function.
- Chandeliers: An Art Deco chandelier, particularly one with geometric patterns, crystal accents, or chrome finishes, can become the focal point of any room. Look for fixtures that incorporate mirrored or glass elements for a luxurious feel.Table Lamps: Choose table lamps with sleek, geometric bases and elegant shades. Brass or gold finishes with art deco-inspired designs will give your living room or bedroom an instant touch of elegance.Wall Sconces: For a more subtle Art Deco influence, opt for elegant wall sconces with symmetrical, geometric patterns and rich metallic finishes like gold or chrome. 3. Art Deco Colors: Bold and Elegant Palettes
Art Deco color schemes are known for their luxurious combinations of contrasting shades. Rich, bold colors paired with metallic accents create an atmosphere of sophistication and refinement.
- Black and Gold: One of the most iconic Art Deco color combinations, black and gold exude luxury and elegance. Use black as the base color for walls, furniture, or accents, and incorporate gold through lighting fixtures, accessories, or framed art.Jewel Tones: Incorporate deep jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red into your décor. These colors work well in velvet upholstery, area rugs, or throw pillows, adding a luxurious, rich feel to your space.Neutrals with Metallic Accents: For a modern take on Art Deco, you can use neutral tones like white, gray, and beige as the backdrop for metallic details. Gold, chrome, or brass can be incorporated through mirrors, frames, and furniture pieces. 4. Patterns and Textures: Luxurious Details
Art Deco is all about intricate detailing and visual interest. Incorporating patterns and textures is essential to bringing this style into your home.
- Geometric Patterns: Art Deco design loves bold geometric patterns. Consider using chevron, zigzag, or sunburst motifs on wallpapers, rugs, or throw pillows. These patterns add drama and sophistication to any room.Fluted Textures: Another hallmark of Art Deco is the use of fluted patterns on furniture, walls, and accessories. Fluted textures create a sense of movement and rhythm that enhances the elegance of a room.Lacquered Finishes: The glossy, polished finishes of lacquered furniture and accessories are key to achieving the Art Deco look. Opt for high-gloss surfaces in furniture or decorative accents to add a touch of shine to your space. 5. Artwork and Accessories: Adding a Touch of Glamour
Art Deco-inspired art and accessories can elevate your home’s design with subtle references to the past while still feeling fresh and modern. Here are some ways to bring Art Deco influences into your home:
- Framed Art: Look for framed prints or paintings that feature Art Deco motifs, such as stylized geometric designs, figures, or abstract shapes. Framed art with gold or metallic frames can tie the design together.Decorative Mirrors: Mirrors in Art Deco style often have bold geometric frames, sometimes with inlaid materials like wood, glass, or metal. These mirrors serve as both functional and decorative elements in your home.Accessories: Incorporate Art Deco-inspired accessories, like decorative vases, sculptures, or clocks. Opt for pieces with clean lines, bold shapes, and rich materials, such as brass, chrome, or lacquered wood. Why Choose Scale & Structure for Your Art Deco Interior Design?
At Scale & Structure, we specialize in creating spaces that blend classic design with modern sensibilities. If you’re drawn to the glamour and elegance of Art Deco, we can help you incorporate this iconic style into your home with a contemporary twist. Our expert designers will work with you to craft an interior that reflects your taste and enhances your lifestyle.
Why Work with Scale & Structure?
Ready to bring the glamour and elegance of Art Deco into your home? Contact Scale & Structure today, and let us help you design a sophisticated, luxurious space that blends the best of classic style with modern living.
