Opulence, power, luxury – these are the words that can be used to describe Art Deco, a design style that captured the period from the 1920s to the 1940s. Shaped by Art Nouveau and the tumult of WWI (among other factors), Art Deco emerged in France and brought with it a new method for artistic expression, heavily reflecting the optimistic approach and a sense of progress that existed in the period between the two wars.
This design style relies heavily on the use of embellished, over-the-top statement pieces that capture the luxurious note of the interiors while also emphasizing its eccentricity. Decadent detailing is another important feature, as well as symmetrical design, rich, Fauve color palette, and exuberant geometric shapes. Eclectic in nature, Art Deco design style or style moderne can easily be incorporated into contemporary homes by employing the five key design elements listed below.
Use geometric shapes and patterns as a bold statement
Starting with one of the most prominent characteristics of this design style, adding geometric shapes and patterns into your living space is one of the easiest ways to incorporate a dash of Art Deco into your interiors. Use a wallpaper with a loud pattern and cover your walls or even closet doors to bring a touch of glamour. You can do the same with your tabletops and drawers on your dressers and make them look like new. Make a statement with a patterned accent chair or sofa, go bold and lay down a busy rug, or play it safe with patterned throw pillows you can swap up as the seasons change.
Add accents with gold touches and embellished elements
Another Art Deco feature that makes an impact in contemporary spaces is the use of golden accents and embellished decor pieces. Golds and silvers can be incorporated through the use of metallic picture frames and coffee tables in the living room, while dressers and nightstands in your bedroom can easily be transformed with gold leaf if you consider yourself crafty enough. Embellished elements can find a place in your home in the form of a glamorous Art Deco chandelier above your dining table or an embellished mirror above your bathroom sink. These are all great ways to jazz things up, but make sure you don’t go overboard and stick with three to four metallic/embellished pieces per room.
Rely on Art Deco upholstery fabrics to give a nod to the era
Another way to replicate the Art Deco look in your interiors is to use luxurious-looking fabrics. This design style was a symbol of luxury and wealth in the years when it flourished, and designers relied on lavish, expensive-looking materials and fabrics to achieve the desired appeal. Upholstery fabrics such as velvet are easy to incorporate into interiors. For the dining room, choose velvet armchairs or try reupholstering them yourself to create a vibe of opulence and decadence. For the living room, go with plush velvet curtains and throws to get the look. Don’t forget your bedroom either – look for upholstered beds online and choose the one that corresponds with your bedroom’s color palette.
Utilizing stunning wall decor as a tool for artistic expression
Walls covered in bold colors or wallpapers are a staple in Art Deco style, but what you decorate them with can also be seen as a tool for artistic expression. Amazing wall art can make quite a difference in your interiors without breaking the bank, and the same goes for statement wall decor pieces such as sunburst mirrors. Browse online to see whether there are pieces you can incorporate into your space or go to a local art shop to check if there’s something you can use to replicate the era in an easy way and at an affordable price.
Incorporate exotic motifs to add drama to your living space
The perfect way to wrap up the room’s design and transform it into a retro haven is to add a couple of exotic motifs. Tropical foliage is a no-fuss, effortless and rather inexpensive way to bring an exotic feel to your interiors, and so are animal prints. A leopard or tiger print rug can make all the difference in an otherwise neutral bedroom, while zebra print throw pillows on your sofa will elevate your living room design. As with embellishments, incorporate this design element in small doses, as it can be rather busy and distracting. Finally, contrast your metallic pieces with the look of natural, rich wood such as ebony and mahogany to add drama to your living space and enhance its visual interest.
Eclectic, refined, and mold-breaking, Art Deco is a movement that originated a century ago. Its refined characteristics are perfectly reflective of its status as a style that was at first reserved only for society’s elite. A design style that drew inspiration from nature but also movements like Bauhaus and Cubism, Art Deco design style symbolizes wealth, elegance, and sophistication, and as such, it’s guaranteed to elevate any contemporary living space and transform it into a sleek yet timeless dwelling. With the help of these five design elements listed above, your space can act as an ode to the past times and this classic design style that is sure to steal the attention of anyone who comes to visit.