This week, we explore the bold glamour of Art Deco interior design, a striking aesthetic that has surged back into popularity with a modern twist. Whether you're looking to add drama to your space or infuse your home with vintage elegance, discover how this iconic style combines geometric precision with luxurious materials for a truly timeless look.
Background: Art Deco, short for Arts Décoratifs, emerged in the 1920s and 1930s to celebrate progress, luxury, and modernity. Born in Paris and quickly embraced across Europe and America, it was a response to the austerity of World War I—an expression of opulence, innovation, and confidence. The style draws from various influences, including Cubism, Egyptian motifs, and even the Machine Age, resulting in a uniquely eclectic yet cohesive aesthetic.
Today’s resurgence of Art Deco embraces the spirit of its origin—glamour and boldness—while integrating contemporary materials and forms. The modern version strips away some of the ornate excess in favor of sleeker finishes and more restrained detailing, allowing the style to feel fresh and relevant in today’s interiors.
What makes it unique: Art Deco design is characterized by its use of geometric shapes, symmetry, and stylized motifs—think sunbursts, zigzags, chevrons, and stepped forms. It features high-contrast color palettes, often combining rich jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and ruby with deep blacks, crisp whites, or gleaming metallics. Textures are equally important—glossy lacquers, smooth velvets, mirror finishes, and polished woods all play a role in creating a rich and dramatic space.
A key hallmark of Art Deco is its attention to form and silhouette—furniture often has curved edges, bold contours, and a sculptural quality that commands attention. Decorative elements such as brass inlays, marble, chrome accents, and etched glass elevate the sense of sophistication.
In its modern revival, Art Deco has taken on a slightly more minimalist approach, focusing on statement pieces and curated touches rather than overwhelming the space. You'll see this in clean-lined furniture with Deco-inspired details, simplified patterns, and a more subtle use of glitz. This balance allows the design to feel luxurious without becoming overindulgent.
How to implement in your own home: To bring Art Deco style into your space, begin with a bold color palette—deep hues like navy, burgundy, or forest green paired with contrasting tones in gold, silver, or ivory. Choose furniture with sleek profiles, rounded corners, and sumptuous materials like velvet or leather. Look for pieces with inlay work, lacquered finishes, or fluted detailing to nod to the period’s craftsmanship.
Layer in geometric patterns through rugs, wallpaper, or decorative pillows. Lighting is key in Art Deco—opt for statement chandeliers, sconces with geometric designs, or lighting fixtures with chrome or brass finishes. Incorporate mirrored surfaces, marble accents, and glossy woods to enhance the luxurious vibe.
To modernize the look, consider paring down the number of accessories, choosing just a few sculptural vases, abstract art pieces, or vintage finds that evoke the era. Also, consider creating a less contrasted color palette. The goal is to strike a balance between glamour and refinement.
Art Deco isn’t just a design style—it’s a celebration of artistry, craftsmanship, and bold expression. With its distinctive geometry, luxurious textures, and rich color palettes, this aesthetic brings a sense of drama and sophistication that’s hard to match. Whether you fully embrace the glamour or weave in subtle Deco touches, this style offers endless ways to make your space feel elevated and unique. As we continue our design style series, we hope Art Deco inspires you to think big, be bold, and let your home reflect your most stylish self. Join us next week as we dive into another stunning design direction to keep your creativity flowing.
