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The world of interiors is always evolving. In this day and age, there is a focus on practical, technical, modern living. However, trends come and go, then come back again. For example, we’re beginning to see more and more Art Deco elements being re-introduced into our homes. Art Deco styling is an elegant way to bring a welcome collaboration of modern day living and the timeless style of the bygone era.
We’ve teamed up with Good Homes magazine Editor, Karen Walker, to discuss this Art Deco resurrection and to show you how to bring Art Deco Glamor into your Modern Home.
What Defines Art Deco Style?
Art Deco Style is “the predominant decorative art style of the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by precise and boldly delineated geometric shapes and strong colours”.
Think striking colours with considered details, like a rich red day bench with dark wood details and rounded cushioned arms that double as a head rest. Or marble geometric floor tiles with gold inlays rather than typical grout. Art Deco is a distinctive style oozing glamour, a muted colour palette and striking shapes and silhouettes. To bring Art Deco into your home, these are the 5 key features you’ll want to include:
- Focus on Shapes: Be it curves, geometric shapes, or a combination of the two, Art Deco is all about the structure of shapes.
- Metallic Details: With pops of brass in tiles, lamps and hardware and wallpapers, Art Deco is incomplete without a touch of metallic.
- Soft, Muted Colour Palette: Combine muted pinks, blues, greens and balance with bold blacks or navy.
- Oversized Details: Oversized lamps, artwork and furniture is a key sign of Art Deco Interiors.
- Luxury Textures: Velvets, leathers, feathers and furs are all seen in Art Deco interiors, bringing an air of luxury to your home.
Look 1: Bold silhouettes
Our first Art Deco look is focused on bold silhouettes and details. Take our Malin table for example. The unique sculptural fluted base brings a sense of artistry to your space, and the dark wood gives you the freedom to colour-match to your existing interior style, or match other warmer tones for an inviting dining space.
In keeping with the curved and sculptural silhouette, pair the Malin with the Asher dining chairs. These effortlessly elegant chairs features a tripod leg design with tapered arms for a unique, yet practical design that supports you. The shape is soften by the soft fabric and cushioned comfort padding.
A great way of styling this look is by off setting striking shapes with soft fabrics.
Stylist Top Tip: Be sure to introduce extra colour and finishes into your soft furnishings, such as wooden details and a pop of colour.
Look 2: Neutral Art Deco, by Karen Walker
When putting together Neutral Art Deco, I had in mind a restful and sophisticated scheme, perfect for unwinding on a quiet evening or a relaxing setting for entertaining guests. Serene colours are combined with an interesting mix of materials, from gloss and natural wood to linen and natural fibres like on the Florence fabric mocha sofa.
Cream and rich mocha shades are great colour choices for walls, as they act as both a nature-inspired neutral and an injection of colour. Combine with a subtle pattern, like a small scale geometric wallpaper – it has hints of metallic, adding a touch of glamour without overpowering the scheme.
Karen’s Top Tip: Mixed metallics are set to be a big trend in 2024, with metallic paint becoming increasingly popular. So why not complete this look by painting picture rails and architrave details gold to match the wallpaper?
Create visual impact by contrasting materials; textured fabric works surprisingly well against gloss furniture, as it helps the eye to travel around the room. Use warm oranges and reds as your accent colour by pulling out a few accessories and soft, tactile furnishings to complete the look. Opt for olive green linen upholstery that, when offset against the calm background, will set a relaxing mood.
For the finishing touches, consider bringing in accessories with reflective surfaces, as these will bounce light around the room. When used in careful moderation, glass, metallics and mirrors will combine for a luxe finish.
Look 3: Subtle Art Deco
Our final Art Deco look is one more suited to rented accommodation or those after a quick home update. Rather than focusing on the glitz and glamour of Art Deco, this story takes on a subtle, modern look, with a nod to Art Deco styling. The focus is on texture and a simple colour palette with the odd hint of metallic and shape, through the use of lighting or mirrors. This makes it an ideal look for homes which cannot be easily updated with current interior trends.
Subtle Art Deco plays off the muted colour palette of greys, creams and a touch of brushed brass. Brushed brass is much softer than those with a reflective finish. In turn, this offers a more subtle look with all the class and warmth of classic brass. Mixing velvets with textured leathers is a key feature of Art Deco styling and can be done with smaller pieces of furniture like dining chairs or accent chairs to give a light touch of this style. However, keeping the colours more complementary keeps this look more commercial for everyday modern homes.
Ground the pastel shades with a hint of black to keep this look modern. Choose a high gloss extending dining table, such as the Metro, with a simple silhouette. Using colourful chairs will bring in a more playful touch, too. Try the Heath Dining Chair in ivory to keep this Art Deco colour palette clean. What’s more, balancing matt and gloss finishes with soft leathers will make your home look as though it’s had an interior designer’s touch.
