Bringing Back Art Deco Homes
In this series of blogs, it's our goal to outline the most influential and popular vintage design styles, which is why it’s only natural that the elaborate glitz and glam of the 1920s Art Deco should be the next on our list. The captivating style is unmistakable and drums up entrancing images of be-fringed dresses and feather headbands, dancing and champagne, and, of course, Gatsby tuxedos. But how to incorporate such a larger-than-lifestyle in an everyday home? Well, in today's post, we hope to give you some background information on what makes Art Deco Art Deco and how to incorporate touches of the design into your style without turning your home into a period piece.
History
The drama of Art Deco is among the most recognizable eras of interior fashion and it’s easy to understand why. The glamour of the roaring 20s left an incredibly lasting impression on the art world. Following mass industrialization and increasing prosperity as well as the advancement of women’s suffrage, the world was bursting with artistic vitality and the desire for something new and fantastical. Something that reflected their unbelievable success. Thus arose Art Deco, in all its dazzling glory.
Key Traits
The striking quality of Art Deco is its ability to be simultaneously simple and elaborate. The style had a limited color pallet and minimal furniture style, however, every surface from floor to ceiling was touched with the fairy dust of opulence. Metallic accents and gold and silver ornamentation were added to practically every surface. Fashion favored geometric shapes that caught the eye and paid homage to the future as new textiles were continually entering the market. Dark and moody colors characterized the alluring nightlife of the times and were brought into the daytime through interior design. Aside from the use of gold and silver from the light fixtures to the wallpaper, other rich and opulent materials like velvet and lacquer were prevalent, giving an air of luxurious comfort to every space.
Modern Appeal
Even if you aren't inclined toward extravagance, it isn’t hard to understand what makes Art Deco appealing to this day. Its glamour is undeniable, and who doesn’t dream about a Gatsby lifestyle at least once in a while? Sophistication is hard to beat, and, combined with the rebellious flavor of the roaring twenties, you can’t do much better than Art Deco at making a statement. Additionally, the style is quite customizable. It is so recognizable that personal preference can be allowed to run wild without compromising the feeling of the style. Finally, the popularity of Gatsby fashion remains so popular that it can be passed off as both Modern and vintage. Clean lines and symmetry remain stylish, and luxury never goes out of fashion.
Getting the Look
When looking to incorporate Art Deco into an everyday home, the goal is to preserve sophistication while not infringing upon practicality or your wallet. It is neither practicable nor cheap to bedeck your home with velvet and lacquer and make every possible surface metallic. To achieve the spirit of Art Deco without breaking the bank, it’s best to begin by focusing on the big picture as opposed to the details. First, look out for ways to incorporate geometrical lines into your home (no math homework required), preferably in gold or silver. Look for thin, clean shapes that reflect the futuristic quality of the style. Light fixtures, coffee tables, and wall art are all places this can easily make its way into your home. Focus your budget on a few ‘money pieces'. A velvet chair, a lacquer bench, or a statement work of art (all of which can be thrifted) will go a long way in bringing the style to life. You'll read it more than once on this site, but peel and stick is your best friend. Find some Art Deco peel-and-stick wallpaper and go to town. It doesn’t even need to be directly on your walls. Cover side tables, line a tray, or even frame a bit of it, and you’ve achieved a milestone on your Art Deco journey. As you get into the more intricate touches, any metallic or velvet accents and knick-knacks will help bring the touch of glamour you need into the space. Mirrors are a great way to bring sophistication to any interior design look. But we can't stress enough in our series that thrifting is the key to all your interior design endeavors. If you have a good thrifting routine, then no design choice needs to drain your bank account, and the Gatsby home of your dreams is within your reach!
In conclusion, we hope you have fun exploring the Art Deco interior design style. The glitz and glam of the twenties are mesmerizing, and we can't wait to see what you cook up! We hope this blog post was helpful, and if you want to explore other vintage design styles and find out how to make them work in your home, we encourage you to check out the other articles in this series!
