Transforming Art Deco to Old Money
Moving from a art deco aesthetic — which feels bold, glamorous, and dramatically luxurious — to a old money look that is understated, refined, and quietly prestigious is one of the most popular design transformations homeowners undertake. Art Deco spaces typically feature bold jewel tones — emerald, sapphire, gold — with black and cream, while Old Money design embraces muted navy, hunter green, burgundy, cream, and camel. This guide walks you through exactly what to change, what you can keep, and how to make the transition room by room — whether you're refreshing a single space or redesigning your entire home. With StagePro AI, you can visualize this exact transformation on your own rooms in seconds before spending a dollar.
Before & After: Key Changes
| Element | Art Deco (Before) | Old Money (After) |
|---|---|---|
| Color Palette | Bold jewel tones — emerald, sapphire, gold — with black and cream | Muted navy, hunter green, burgundy, cream, and camel |
| Key Materials | Lacquer, brass, marble, velvet, and geometric glass | Hardwood, leather, wool, and heirloom antiques |
| Furniture Style | Curved velvet sofas, sunburst mirrors, and lacquered cocktail bars | Chesterfield sofas, antique writing desks, and library ladders |
| Lighting | Geometric crystal chandeliers, wall sconces, and stepped pendants | Library reading lamps, traditional chandeliers, and candle sconces |
| Overall Mood | Bold, glamorous, and dramatically luxurious | Understated, refined, and quietly prestigious |
Color Palette
Bold jewel tones — emerald, sapphire, gold — with black and cream
Muted navy, hunter green, burgundy, cream, and camel
Key Materials
Lacquer, brass, marble, velvet, and geometric glass
Hardwood, leather, wool, and heirloom antiques
Furniture Style
Curved velvet sofas, sunburst mirrors, and lacquered cocktail bars
Chesterfield sofas, antique writing desks, and library ladders
Lighting
Geometric crystal chandeliers, wall sconces, and stepped pendants
Library reading lamps, traditional chandeliers, and candle sconces
Overall Mood
Bold, glamorous, and dramatically luxurious
Understated, refined, and quietly prestigious
Step-by-Step Transformation Guide
Audit Your Current Space
Walk through each room and identify the key art deco elements: the color scheme (bold jewel tones — emerald, sapphire, gold — with black and cream), the materials (lacquer, brass, marble, velvet, and geometric glass), and the signature furniture pieces. Photograph everything — or better yet, upload photos to StagePro AI to see the old money transformation instantly.
Start With Paint and Walls
The fastest way to shift from art deco to old money is through color. Repaint walls to embrace muted navy, hunter green, burgundy, cream, and camel. This single change transforms the mood from bold, glamorous, and dramatically luxurious to understated, refined, and quietly prestigious and sets the foundation for everything else.
Swap Key Textiles and Soft Furnishings
Replace curtains, throw pillows, rugs, and blankets. Art Deco textiles tend toward bold jewel tones — emerald, sapphire, gold — with black and cream, while Old Money calls for muted navy, hunter green, burgundy, cream, and camel. This is the most budget-friendly step and makes an outsized visual impact.
Update Lighting Fixtures
Lighting defines atmosphere. Transition from geometric crystal chandeliers, wall sconces, and stepped pendants to library reading lamps, traditional chandeliers, and candle sconces. This shift alone can change the entire character of a room from bold, glamorous, and dramatically luxurious to understated, refined, and quietly prestigious.
Replace or Restyle Statement Furniture
Swap the most identifiable art deco furniture pieces. Replace curved velvet sofas, sunburst mirrors, and lacquered cocktail bars with Chesterfield sofas, antique writing desks, and library ladders. You don't need to replace everything at once — start with the focal-point pieces in your living room and bedroom.
Add Signature Accessories and Materials
Layer in old money's signature materials: hardwood, leather, wool, and heirloom antiques. These finishing touches — art, decorative objects, hardware — complete the transformation and make the space feel authentically old money.
Fine-Tune the Details
Swap cabinet hardware, switch plates, and small fixtures. Update artwork and decorative objects to reflect old money sensibilities. These micro-details are what separate a styled room from a truly transformed one.
What to Keep From Your Art Deco Space
Room-by-Room Transformation Tips
Living Room
The living room anchors the transformation. Replace the sofa or add old money throw pillows and a rug. Swap the coffee table to Chesterfield sofas. Update lighting to library reading lamps and repaint walls to the old money palette.
Bedroom
Start with new bedding in muted navy. Replace the headboard or add a old money frame. Swap nightstand lamps and add old money artwork above the bed. The bedroom transformation often has the biggest emotional impact.
Kitchen
Kitchens don't require a gut renovation. Repaint cabinets, swap hardware to match hardwood, and update light fixtures. New bar stools, dish towels, and open-shelf styling in the old money aesthetic complete the look.
Dining Room
Replace or refinish the dining table, or simply change the chairs. A old money chandelier or pendant over the table creates an instant focal point. Add a old money table runner, centerpiece, and wall art.
Bathroom
Update towels, bath mat, and shower curtain to the old money palette. Replace the mirror and light fixture. Add old money accessories — soap dispensers, trays, and candles — for a surprisingly complete transformation on a small budget.
Home Office
Swap the desk lamp and chair. Add old money shelving accessories, desk organizers, and artwork. Repaint or add wallpaper on an accent wall. A new rug under the desk ties the room together.
Budget Guide
New textiles, paint, accessories, and small material swaps to begin the shift from art deco to old money.
Budget refresh plus lighting, statement furniture, and material upgrades. Covers 2-3 rooms with authentic old money pieces.
Comprehensive redesign across all rooms with hardwood, leather, wool, and heirloom antiques, custom pieces, and professional design consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
See This Transformation Instantly
Upload a photo of your art deco room and watch StagePro AI transform it into old money in seconds. No commitment, no cost to preview.