More than zoo years after art deco’s heyday, it’s back: playful yet sophisticated, and doing a lot more with a lot less. Here are eight exquisite ways to do it (without overdoing it) in your home.
Although art deco is associated with the glitz and glamour of 1920s and 1930s USA, it started life as the arts decoratifs (decorative arts) movement in 1910 France. Inspired by the new age of machines and modernity, art deco interiors celebrated simple designs with smooth surfaces, embellished with symmetrical and repeating geometric details in rich jewel tones. It was meant to evoke sophistication, opulence and individuality and as a result, expensive materials (think ivory, animal skins, mirror and marble) were preferable.
This resonates with a contemporary world that is also on the constant cusp of change -but with some refinements here and there. Gone are the days of valuing extravagance over all else, in the wake of a new generation of homemakers who want their decadence to come in a much simpler (and more affordable) forms. The bold tones, plush textures, streamlined shapes, patterns and intricate details still make sense today – and that’s where the modern art of art deco truly lies.
Also read: Four Savvy Home Decorating Ideas for a Tight Budget
1. Geometric shapes
From teapots to wallpaper, there’s a spot in every contemporary home for geometric patterns. Much-coveted patterns include repeating chevrons, zigzags and sunbursts, and favoured shapes include anything from squares to circles. A little goes a long way, so cover an occasional chair or lampshade in a fantastic fabric, or wallpaper an alcove. Geometric wallpaper will give a room a sense of extra height – another key style trick from the original era. Use tessellating tiles to create a bold pattern in a shower, on a kitchen backsplash or an entranceway floor. Terrazzo was a mainstay of art deco and is back on almost everything, so embrace the new colour combinations for some retro cool.
2. Streamlined simplicity
When it comes to furniture, detail doesn’t define art deco. Piec s are large and lain with smooth li es and minimal d tailing. In moder lingo, this means new minimalism. Bring it into your home with lush oversized occasional chairs or a minimal st coffee table, side able or dining roo table. Emphasis angles over curves, smooth over textured and pared-back over bells and whistles.
3. Lavish lighting
Art deco has a certain atmosphere: mystery and opulence through a slight haze. Create the right mood by layering soft light with lamps scattered across tables, in corners and even on the walls. This is one element where intricate detail is encouraged, so splash out on fluted or ribbed glass shades in light colours, or on intricate lamp bases that incorporate geometric shapes or jewel tones. High shine is welcome here, so opt for chrome or any other lacquered finish.
4. Glam accessories
All of art deco’s best bits can be captured in a single accessory: a Gatsby-esque print in a gold frame, a marble nude sculpture or a mirrored sunburst platter. Find art deco originals at flea markets and second-hand stores, and give them new life by combining them with antiques from other eras. And if they come in pairs, all the better for creating that signature symmetrical style trick.
5. Bold tones
Any colour and combo goes, as long as it’s super-saturated. Be playful by mixing warm and cold jewel tones (and even rich pastels) to create contrast. Mix in slick black or neutrals, such as cream or chocolate, to ground the colour scheme and create continuity. Add a touch of gold and silver for glam, and try the favoured shades of the season: jade, deep blue, lilac and magenta.
6. Muted gold
Gold embellishment is a defining element of art deco style… but it’s more muted than you’d expect. Seek out brushed or matte gold against black or dark jewel tones. If gold is not your style, incorporate rich yellow tones or even brass as a nod to this signature style move.
7. Rich materials
Upholster everything! Think solid-colour velvets, leather and animal skins. If you aren’t keen to go the whole hog on your only couch, incorporate these fabrics in scatter cushions, dining room chairs or an ottoman. Drapes will add texture in droves, plus they will add to the moody A lighting and atmosphere. Embrace contrasts in texture and colour to pull off this look like a pro.
8. Smooth surfaces
Art deco’s roots are lavish: marble, granite, metallics and high-polish wood were used on scale and in combination. These materials weren’t cheap back then, and even less so now. Luckily, technology has created good-looking look-alikes in everything from vases to coffee tables. Embrace high-gloss in everything from kitchen appliances to original wood flooring, and keep an eye out for second-hand finds from yester-year. Incorporate glass for an easy, subtle way to bring in smooth, shiny light with a touch of sophistication.
Words: Christi Nortier
Photography: Bureaux, Future Publishing
Also read: Express Your Decor Style With Pastels
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