Do you want a home that’s full of luxurious colours and elegant lines? Then you have to check out art deco.
One of the most exciting interior designs out there, art deco spaces are full of exciting tones and beautiful furnishings. If you want to achieve this classic look, check out our ideas below.
Discover our guide to every interior design style to inspire your next project.
What is Art Deco?
Art deco refers to a design style that rose to popularity during the 1920 and 1930s. The name comes from arts décoratifs, which itself is taken from the world fair in Paris in 1925, but the term wasn’t officially used until the 1960s.
Taking elements from various art movements at the time, decorations and interiors seen as ‘art deco’ are usually defined by these characteristics:
- Bold or bright colours
- Geometric or streamlined shapes
- Luxurious materials, including varnished wood, metal and glass
Sleek Edison Wall Light - Brass, by Industville (Image supplied by @my_fantasy_extension)
Highlight Your Bold Lines
Being bold is something that’s mentioned a lot with regards to interiors. However, for an art deco design, it is by far the most important aspect.
Everything about your art deco interior needs to be bold, and that starts with the use of lines. An art deco space should have plenty of clear, definable lines in its space. These could be contrasting door frames, shelving or exposed table and chair legs, for example.
Consider the geometry of your space - so much about art deco is how it looks at first glance, so work on positioning your lines to create a striking yet cohesive interior.
If you’re concerned about your space becoming too rigid, swap some of the straight lines for curves for a similarly luxurious effect.
Brooklyn Step Pendant - 16 Inch - Pewter, by Industville (Image supplied by @sheps_athome)
Focus on Statement Pieces
Originally, art deco only referred to furniture and decorations, so it’s no surprise that the trend puts a lot of focus on furnishings.
If you want to create a luxurious, 20th-century atmosphere in your space, opt for fewer big items of furniture rather than lots of regular items. A handful of vibrant, eye-catching statement pieces is all it takes to create a space that feels truly art deco.
When it comes to statement furniture, you have a lot of options. Consider big and bold floor lamps, statement mirrors or retro lights in an otherwise minimalist interior and you’ll be along the right lines.
The Globe Collection Pendant - Brass, by Industville (Image supplied by @thewandefullife)
Use Smooth Textures
The Great Gatsby inspired a lot of people to embrace the art deco trend. Art deco interiors can epitomise luxury, not just through stunning furnishings but also through the use of texture.
Contrast the big and bold lines of art deco furniture with soft, subtle textures for a truly opulent space.
Glossy woods, clean metals and rich velvets all contribute to the sense of traditional luxury seen in Art deco interiors. Industrial lights in particular are a great way to evoke that sense of 20th-century luxury in your space.
Swan Neck Dome Wall Light - 8 Inch - Brass, by Industville (Image supplied by Fresh Start Living)
Opt for Deep-Coloured Walls
Continuing the theme of 20th-century luxury, art deco is also well known for incorporating vibrant colour contrasts.
Dark walls are the perfect way to bring depth to an art deco design. Pick a colour that allows your furnishings to stand out, creating energetic contrasts while still evoking the richness of art deco.
Sleek Edison Pendant - 1 Wire - Brass, by Industville (Image supplied by @thelittleouthouse)
Use Big Geometrical Patterns
Geometry is a popular part of art deco, but this doesn’t just need to come from pieces of furniture. A great way of adding colour and energy to art deco interiors is through the use of patterned tiles or wallpapers.
Adding a luxurious pattern is a quick and easy way to add character to a room. It’s a particularly effective tool for small rooms like the bathroom, but can also be used in larger spaces to create a really striking interior.
Contrast your pattern with a dark wall colour and highlight it with bright art deco furnishings to create a dynamic, cohesive design that’s full of depth.
Sleek Edison Wall Light - Brass, by Industville (Image supplied by @victoriaaldersonart)
Add Little Bursts of Energy
Sometimes, art deco can be seen as a little cold, with its preference towards straight lines and dark walls. However, it’s easy to add bright touches to transform a space while keeping that luxurious feel.
Play with contrasting colours to add energy to your space. For example, a 20th-century living room can be given a modern twist with bright pinks, or greens can be used for a calming presence. Small photographs also make wonderful additions to an art deco interior, adding a sense of character and comfort.
Art deco is open to all manner of colours and accessories; add your own preferences to create a truly unique space.
Brooklyn Outdoor & Bathroom Wall Light - Brass, by Industville (Image supplied by @dovecotebarns)
Art deco design is a wonderful way to add luxury to your space, and we hope these ideas will inspire you to add some 1920s style to your interior!
For more interior inspiration, check out our Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest pages, where we post stunning designs every day.
Header image supplied by @renovationfoxton