Art Deco: Interior Features, Accessories, Lighting, Furniture
Art Deco style, known as “decorative art,” is an innovative form of retro style from the 1930s. Elegant, original, and without excessive informativeness, Art Deco resembles both Art Nouveau and Neoclassicism, combining utility and artistic value, grandeur, and refinement. This style, which emerged after World War I, aimed to move away from the emptiness and disorientation, the austerity of the war years. It revived the desire for a peaceful, luxurious life free from the burdens and horrors of war. This era of reinterpreting traditions, intense exploration of innovative technologies, and the emergence of new creative forms gave birth to the individualism of Art Deco style.
ART DECO INTERIOR
Art Deco style displaced the graceful and delicate interiors of the past. War taught a lesson: life is fleeting, and one must seize the moment to enjoy it. The modern pace of life cannot be compared to the previous slowness that extolled refinement and capriciousness.
One characteristic of Art Deco style is its eclecticism, especially during its formation. This style is characterized by the blending of design ideas and perspectives drawn from both the natural world and undefined, contradictory boundaries and principles. The worldview of the post-war generation combined dynamism and sensuality, frivolity and straightforwardness.
Art Deco style is well-suited for the design of bars, restaurants, cafes, and similar establishments. You’ll be amazed by the exquisite luxury of Art Deco interiors, the mirror-like shine, and the meticulous perfection of every detail.
STYLE FEATURES
Considering the inherent stylistic characteristics, we can outline the distinctive features of Art Deco interior design:
- Aphoristic and concise design.
- High functionality.
- Expensive and rare materials.
- Bold geometric shapes and patterns.
- Eclecticism: a combination of the refinement of ancient Greek art, the primitivism of Africa and Egypt, and the tradition and austerity of China and Japan.
- Technological design, complexity of decorative solutions.
Author’s Interior Design in this style direction focuses on unique objects that seem to come from different cultures and eras. It is also called the Imperial style, the Star style, as it exudes regality, shine, and grandeur.
COLOR SCHEME, ACCESSORIES
Art Deco style is characterized by a richness of colors, using more than three shades. The color palette of the style prefers strict cool tones, shades of gray, brown, the sheen of metal, and the matte finish of leather. One popular combination is black and gold. Fragmentary accents can include rich burgundy, green, and crimson.
Art Deco style captivates with luxury and surprises with the combination of glamour and technological progress. The interior of this style welcomes glossy lacquered surfaces, exotic finishing materials such as reptile leather. Wood and glass, metal, ceramic or stone tiles are widely used in the finishes. Floors can be made of polished marble or parquet. Wall finishes are done in a single tone, with wallpapers with patterns being almost absent.
LIGHTING
Mirrors and glass, abundant in Art Deco, create optical effects, so lighting plays an important role in the interior.
To create the stylistic atmosphere of Art Deco, a multi-level lighting system is used. Preference is given to original chandeliers and light fixtures that cascade with crystal, hanging from the ceiling almost to the floor. Wall and floor lamps, unique sconces, and torchieres illuminate the interior, giving it a festive sparkle.
FURNITURE
Art Deco furniture is comfortable, highly functional, and characterized by simple, streamlined forms. Made from precious woods such as rosewood and ebony, the exquisite and exclusive furniture is distributed throughout the zones. The high-tech finish involves the use of ash, rosewood, and other expensive and exotic woods. Wooden details feature intricate craftsmanship and delicate carvings. Hardware is made of polished chrome-plated steel. Upholstery is diverse, but light shades with subtle ornaments are preferred. Floors are covered with large rugs that harmonize perfectly with the rest of the interior details.