The central figure symbolizing Art Deco is unquestionably the hero of Scott Fitzgerald’s novel: The Great Gatsby. In the aftermath of the dark years of the First World War, France and the world are waking up claiming lightness and elegance. With his love for sumptuous atmospheres, for excessive luxury and atmospheres that herald the Roaring Twenties, Gatsby is the most representative character.
Over the years, Art Deco has found its expression in all media, from graphic design to furniture and the digital world, especially in the world of video games. Although its peak is long gone, the movement has left many monuments and works such as the Chrysler building in New York. It is in any case a singular style, not to be missed!
What exactly is the Art Deco style?
Art Deco is a style of decoration that appeared in France in the 1900s. It is a term that emerged during the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris. From 1920, this style, also called the art of decoration, flourished in society. But its fame did not stop there, it developed until the 1950s. Art Deco can be applied both inside and outside homes since it also concerns the ‘landscaping. It is a decoration that highlights colors and patterns. For example, the use of patterned wallpaper, whether floral or geometric, is often appropriate.
Question form, the principle in Art Deco is to avoid anything that can lead to rounded corners or curves. Quite the opposite of Art Nouveau, in short. A rule which mainly affects architecture but which also applies to interior decoration since Art Deco is characterized by its style with geometric patterns. It should be everywhere! Adorn your walls, both inside and outside!
What is Art Deco furniture?
In the 1900s, aviation had not yet emerged. Ocean liners were a popular form of transportation. It was they who began to be decorated in the Art Deco style. At that time, an ocean liner adorned with luxurious decor inspired progress and opulence. The Art Deco revolution had an impact on furniture, on seats for example, especially chairs or sofas, or on chests of drawers and consoles. Although it was a highly criticized art at the time, Art Deco still occupies an important place in society today. Especially in decoration and painting. Many people want to bathe in the luxurious environment conveyed by Art Deco. They embrace this style and some are even looking for original versions of Art Deco furniture.
What are the characteristics of the Art Deco style?
Order, color, geometry are the three words that best define the world of Art Deco. Play on different colors as well as lines to give an atmosphere that inspires elegance. Contrast the rounded with straight and geometric.
Art Deco wallpapers
Let it be said: a dark colored wallpaper with golden shapes has a good chance of being an Art Deco wallpaper. As these wallpapers have strong characters, there are now some in lighter colors which will undoubtedly better suit your interior. But you don’t need to live in a private mansion to adopt one. If you do, stick to small touches.
Noble Art Deco materials
The Art Deco style is characterized by noble materials such as wood, marble, alabaster, glass, etc. But you can also use wood such as ebony or mahogany or metal, especially steel or chrome. When it comes to fabric, velvet is a very popular textile. Choose it dark in blue, green, yellow or plum and pair it with gold, it will look great. For example, play the card of golden metals such as copper or brass. Reserve them for your table and chair legs and your lighting fixtures.
Highly designer Art Deco lighting fixtures
Keep noble materials even in the lighting of your room. Lamps in bronze, ceramic, brass or blown glass will make your space shine beautifully. Multiply them, in addition to your main lighting, to bring warmth to your home. Combine a table lamp and a lamp with a tripod. Accessorize your lampshades by adorning them with long necklaces of small pearls. Luxury, opulence, exaggerate the amount of light sources so you can modulate and sift the overall mood of your room. Similarly, to amplify natural light, install mirrors.
Flashy Art Deco colors
Even though the elegant Art Deco style features colors like gold and silver, it often makes very good use of neutral colors like gray, white, and black. Gray, for example, goes well with geometric shapes or with materials such as steel or glass. Blue like gray also has a softening effect. Despite the opulence and luxuriance, Art Deco remains a minimalist style in the sense that the fewer colors the better. Most associations are therefore made with black: green and black, white and black. You can, sparingly, add touches of gold.