Understanding Art Deco
Art Deco (short for Arts Decoratifs) emerged at the 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs and quickly spread worldwide. It represented a dramatic break from the flowing organic forms of Art Nouveau, instead celebrating machine-age geometry, speed, and luxury. The style drew inspiration from Egyptian art (following the 1922 discovery of King Tut's tomb), Aztec architecture, Cubism, and the Bauhaus movement. Art Deco defined the golden age of skyscrapers — the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Rockefeller Center are all Art Deco landmarks. The style fell out of mainstream fashion after World War II but has experienced multiple revivals, with the current one being driven by the HBO Gatsby aesthetic and a renewed appreciation for glamorous interiors.
Art Deco in Interior Design
Art Deco interiors are unmistakably glamorous. Signature elements include geometric patterns (chevrons, sunbursts, stepped forms), luxurious materials (marble, lacquer, velvet, brass, gold leaf), jewel-tone colors (emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red against black or cream), and statement furniture with bold silhouettes. Mirrors are used extensively — often with geometric frames or sunburst shapes. Lighting is dramatic, with crystal chandeliers or streamlined chrome fixtures. Art Deco works best in living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms where its glamorous personality can shine. The key is balancing opulence with structure — every lavish element is contained within crisp geometric lines.
