Transforming Mid Century to Art Deco
Moving from a mid century aesthetic — which feels retro-cool, warm, and timelessly stylish — to a art deco look that is bold, glamorous, and dramatically luxurious is one of the most popular design transformations homeowners undertake. Mid Century spaces typically feature warm earth tones, mustard yellow, olive green, and burnt orange, while Art Deco design embraces bold jewel tones — emerald, sapphire, gold — with black and cream. 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 | Mid Century (Before) | Art Deco (After) |
|---|---|---|
| Color Palette | Warm earth tones, mustard yellow, olive green, and burnt orange | Bold jewel tones — emerald, sapphire, gold — with black and cream |
| Key Materials | Teak, walnut, molded plywood, and fiberglass | Lacquer, brass, marble, velvet, and geometric glass |
| Furniture Style | Eames-style chairs, teak credenzas, and tulip tables | Curved velvet sofas, sunburst mirrors, and lacquered cocktail bars |
| Lighting | Sputnik chandeliers, arc floor lamps, and globe pendants | Geometric crystal chandeliers, wall sconces, and stepped pendants |
| Overall Mood | Retro-cool, warm, and timelessly stylish | Bold, glamorous, and dramatically luxurious |
Color Palette
Warm earth tones, mustard yellow, olive green, and burnt orange
Bold jewel tones — emerald, sapphire, gold — with black and cream
Key Materials
Teak, walnut, molded plywood, and fiberglass
Lacquer, brass, marble, velvet, and geometric glass
Furniture Style
Eames-style chairs, teak credenzas, and tulip tables
Curved velvet sofas, sunburst mirrors, and lacquered cocktail bars
Lighting
Sputnik chandeliers, arc floor lamps, and globe pendants
Geometric crystal chandeliers, wall sconces, and stepped pendants
Overall Mood
Retro-cool, warm, and timelessly stylish
Bold, glamorous, and dramatically luxurious
Step-by-Step Transformation Guide
Audit Your Current Space
Walk through each room and identify the key mid century elements: the color scheme (warm earth tones, mustard yellow, olive green, and burnt orange), the materials (teak, walnut, molded plywood, and fiberglass), and the signature furniture pieces. Photograph everything — or better yet, upload photos to StagePro AI to see the art deco transformation instantly.
Start With Paint and Walls
The fastest way to shift from mid century to art deco is through color. Repaint walls to embrace bold jewel tones — emerald, sapphire, gold — with black and cream. This single change transforms the mood from retro-cool, warm, and timelessly stylish to bold, glamorous, and dramatically luxurious and sets the foundation for everything else.
Swap Key Textiles and Soft Furnishings
Replace curtains, throw pillows, rugs, and blankets. Mid Century textiles tend toward warm earth tones, mustard yellow, olive green, and burnt orange, while Art Deco calls for bold jewel tones — emerald, sapphire, gold — with black and cream. This is the most budget-friendly step and makes an outsized visual impact.
Update Lighting Fixtures
Lighting defines atmosphere. Transition from Sputnik chandeliers, arc floor lamps, and globe pendants to geometric crystal chandeliers, wall sconces, and stepped pendants. This shift alone can change the entire character of a room from retro-cool, warm, and timelessly stylish to bold, glamorous, and dramatically luxurious.
Replace or Restyle Statement Furniture
Swap the most identifiable mid century furniture pieces. Replace Eames-style chairs, teak credenzas, and tulip tables with curved velvet sofas, sunburst mirrors, and lacquered cocktail bars. 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 art deco's signature materials: lacquer, brass, marble, velvet, and geometric glass. These finishing touches — art, decorative objects, hardware — complete the transformation and make the space feel authentically art deco.
Fine-Tune the Details
Swap cabinet hardware, switch plates, and small fixtures. Update artwork and decorative objects to reflect art deco sensibilities. These micro-details are what separate a styled room from a truly transformed one.
What to Keep From Your Mid Century Space
Room-by-Room Transformation Tips
Living Room
The living room anchors the transformation. Replace the sofa or add art deco throw pillows and a rug. Swap the coffee table to curved velvet sofas. Update lighting to geometric crystal chandeliers and repaint walls to the art deco palette.
Bedroom
Start with new bedding in bold jewel tones — emerald. Replace the headboard or add a art deco frame. Swap nightstand lamps and add art deco 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 lacquer, and update light fixtures. New bar stools, dish towels, and open-shelf styling in the art deco aesthetic complete the look.
Dining Room
Replace or refinish the dining table, or simply change the chairs. A art deco chandelier or pendant over the table creates an instant focal point. Add a art deco table runner, centerpiece, and wall art.
Bathroom
Update towels, bath mat, and shower curtain to the art deco palette. Replace the mirror and light fixture. Add art deco accessories — soap dispensers, trays, and candles — for a surprisingly complete transformation on a small budget.
Home Office
Swap the desk lamp and chair. Add art deco 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 mid century to art deco.
Budget refresh plus lighting, statement furniture, and material upgrades. Covers 2-3 rooms with authentic art deco pieces.
Comprehensive redesign across all rooms with lacquer, brass, marble, velvet, and geometric glass, custom pieces, and professional design consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
See This Transformation Instantly
Upload a photo of your mid century room and watch StagePro AI transform it into art deco in seconds. No commitment, no cost to preview.