Blog

Art Deco has always divided designers and decorators into fans and critics, yet it has never failed to stir emotions. Throughout its existence, Art Deco has been synonymous with elegant luxury.

An eclectic mix, blending the motifs of classicism and modernism, Art Deco became the embodiment of opulence and glamour during Europe’s economic turmoil and America’s Great Depression.

 

Here are its key characteristics in interior design:

 

Geometric Patterns – Art Deco has no room for romantic or natural motifs; instead, it champions sharp lines, zigzags, and bold geometric shapes, often featuring radiating sunburst patterns.

Shimmering Surfaces – Art Deco revels in gloss, whether from mirrors, metal, lacquer, or polished wood. The more reflective the surfaces, the better, hence the decorator’s penchant for large mirrors.

Luxurious Fabrics – Silks, satins, velvets, brocades, leather, and real fur are all staples in an Art Deco interior, exuding extravagance with no room for quaint floral prints.

Ethnic Influences – Despite its aversion to romance, Art Deco embraces the grandeur of the exotic. African safaris, mysterious India, ancient Egypt, and other exotic locales influence its accessories and ornamentations.

Black and White Contrast – A true classic widely used in Art Deco, with an added impact from “glamorous” accents in gold, silver, ruby red, emerald green, sapphire blue, and pearl.

Symmetry Love – Symmetry is vital in every Art Deco interior, with a focus on harmony and deliberate placement.

Complex Lighting – Multiple layers of lighting are essential, with fixtures often made of metal or glass and designed in geometric forms.

This style requires spacious rooms in large houses, but some of its elements can be applied in apartment interiors as well. Let’s delve into the details.

 

Living Room

 

In the living room’s interior, the central composition features sofas, armchairs, and couches with quilting – a distinctive feature of the Art Deco style. Leather, velvet, satin, and other luxurious materials are used for upholstery. The color scheme of the soft furniture can be in black and white tones, or you can use sapphire, lilac, and lavender shades. As a contrasting combination, lacquered coffee tables and stools in brown shades can be applied.

Of course, what’s an Art Deco interior without a fireplace? Fireplace portals are executed in black and gray shades, following modernism trends, often against the backdrop of dark panels, harmonizing in color with the flooring.

Floors are typically made of glossy stone tiles. A preference is given to expensive building and finishing materials. If it’s a floor, then it should be marble; if it’s doors, then made of expensive wood; if it’s chandeliers, then they should be crystal.

The dining area is characterized by velvet-upholstered chairs with high backs and tables with lacquered or glass tabletops.

Silk textiles with geometric patterns are chosen for curtains and drapes.

 

Although black and white combinations dominate in the design, the abundance of silk, velvet, crystal, lacquered surfaces creates a certain eclecticism, which doesn’t hinder the harmonious perception of the interior.

Kitchen

 

It is spacious, functional, and comfortable. The simplicity of lines and silver colors in the design creates parallels with the high-tech style, but black and white decorative compositions on the walls, glass cabinet doors, and striking hardware stand out against the kitchen facades.

Even in the kitchen, alongside ceiling-mounted sophisticated lights, luxurious crystal chandeliers are suspended.

The interior’s shine is enhanced by a large lacquered work surface and silver household appliances.

As with any luxurious kitchen, there’s a distinct “cocktail area,” equipped with velvet chairs and an original table with a metal woven base and glass top.

Bedroom

 

Here too, the black and white palette predominates, but it’s “softer.” Because in the bedroom, wooden floors are more suitable. Of course, they will also be made of valuable wood species, as this is Art Deco!

Curtains are chosen to match the color of the floors, and bedside tables and lamps are executed in the dominant Art Deco style – a combination of mirrors with gold and silver.

The bed is large, with a big quilted headboard in blue leather. It looks simply amazing! And of course, there is an intricate crystal chandelier.

The vanity area contrasts with the main color scheme. Bright colors combined with gold look simply dazzling.

Another version of bedroom design is a more ascetic design, but still in the Art Deco style. Brown tones of walls and floors create a slightly muted interior, but it’s perfect for rest and relaxation. Matte monochrome walls are enlivened with white skirting boards, and a dark floor is complemented by a black and white rug.

Abstract paintings in black and white are hung on the walls. Despite using only brown and black-and-white combinations, it’s an incredibly effective design!

Bathroom

 

The bathroom is no less luxurious than other rooms. On the contrary, it features an incredibly beautiful crystal chandelier, harmonizing with the white floor and ceiling, and a black and white spectacular wall panel.

The bathtub, classic in style with silver legs, harmonizes with the taps and wallpaper pattern in the relaxation area. The relaxation zone differs in color from the main area, with bright colors and striking accessories.

The shower area is executed in the best traditions of Art Deco, using colored mosaics with shiny inclusions.

And, of course, large mirrors, because this is an Art Deco bathroom!

 

The adaptation maintains the essence of the original style, focusing on the opulence and sophistication inherent in Art Deco. The suggestion to utilize these design elements in larger houses is preserved, acknowledging that certain modifications can be made to suit apartment living.