Ever wonder how to bring the glamour and sophistication of the 1920s into your home? Art Deco interior design is all about bold patterns, luxurious materials, and sleek geometry that make any space feel effortlessly elegant. In this guide, we’ll show you what defines the style and how to achieve the look in your own home.
What is Art Deco Interior Design?
Art Deco interior design emerged in the 1920s as a response to the industrial age’s technological strides as well as society’s craving for glamour after World War I. Answering to both, its precise symmetry was paired with elaborate ornamentation, while the machine-inspired shapes meld with luxurious finishes. Unlike the austerity of modernism, Art Deco embraced the allure of bold design, drawing from influences as varied as Cubism, Ancient Egyptian art, and the rise of skyscrapers.
A century later, Art Deco is rediscovered in a new form of adaptability. The 1920s interior decor style’s core principles—structured forms, refined materials, and an appreciation for both beauty and utility—are still there, this time aligned with contemporary interior design ideas. Daring but not chaotic, many of Art Deco’s staple features integrate seamlessly into modern layouts. A streamlined brass light fixture or a graphic, monochromatic rug, for example, echo its geometric language without recreating the full historical aesthetic.
Not sure if Art Deco is right for your home? Then, take our Free Interior Design Style Quiz to discover your unique decorating style today!
Top Art Deco Interior Design Ideas
Here are ten ways to incorporate Art Deco elements into contemporary interiors without losing the thread of modernity.
1. Accent Colors with Depth, Not Brightness
While 1920s Art Deco interior design loved bold jewel tones, modern adaptations lean toward nuanced shades. So, instead of flooding a room, focus on intentional moments that channel Art Deco’s luxurious design style in small doses. Use colors like rust, royal blue, or amber as subtle accents, or introduce them through unexpected details. Think a lacquered side table in deep green, a silk lampshade in sapphire, or custom tiles with ruby accents in a backsplash.
2. Geometry as Statement
Art Deco interior design is defined by bold geometric patterns. In the 2020s, more than ever, the imperative of modern Art Deco interior design is balance. Translated to practical language: instead of crowding spaces with repetitive motifs, focus on a single feature that commands attention. Think a sunburst mirror or a geometric sideboard thoughtfully integrated into a contemporary room, either as a central focal point or a subtle decorative addition.
3. Material Luxuries in Subtlety
Classic Art Deco interior decor leaned heavily on polished finishes and opulent materials like ebony, ivory, and chrome. Today, the essence of glamorous design can be captured with understated alternatives. A sideboard in dark-stained wood with minimalist brass pulls or a kitchen backsplash in matte-finish marble, for instance, would do a great job. Such pieces bridge the gap between the extravagance of 1920s interior decor and the streamlined contemporary homes.
4. Contemporary Art Deco Interior Prefers Muted Metallics
While Art Deco interior style once reveled in gleaming metals, the 2024 approach tempers their brilliance. An antique bronze light fixture or champagne gold hardware can add sophistication without stealing focus from other elements. Modern Art Deco design thrives on such understated metallics. What’s more, they adapt seamlessly to minimalist and maximalist spaces alike.
5. Reimagining Black-and-White
The stark black-and-white palette iconic to 1920s Art Deco interior design remains a powerful choice but can be updated for modern sensibilities. In other words, go for it if that’s your vibe. If not, reinterpret it through subtler monochrome shading. For a fresh take, consider using bold black-and-white elements as accents, namely a patterned floor, a striking chevron-tiled backsplash, or a geometric area rug. A high-gloss black feature wall contrasted with white paneling or furniture will also evoke classic drama and bring energy to the space.
6. Velvet Is Back in Modern Art Deco Interior Design
Velvet, a staple of classic Art Deco home interiors, exudes decadence and tactile richness. At the same time, restraint is advised in modern Art Deco interior design. So, how to bridge the gap? Use a sofa with clean, sculptural lines in muted jewel tones, like emerald or deep sapphire. Or a set of velvet dining chairs. Even a bench or an ottoman will offer just the right touch of luxury without subjugating a room’s design language.
7. Lighting That Commands Attention
Art Deco interiors were known for their sculptural lighting fixtures, often serving as focal points. In a modern setting, opt for chandeliers or pendants with tiered, geometric designs. Take clues from Deco skyscrapers, for instance. A frosted glass globe with brass accents or wall sconces featuring clean, angular shapes are also a good choice. It reflects the essence of Art Deco interior decor while complementing contemporary spaces.
8. Patterned Flooring Reinvented
Floors in 1920s Art Deco interior design often showcased intricate details, from bold tiles to parquet patterns. To adapt this for today, choose engineered wood in herringbone patterns or porcelain tiles with geometric prints. These provide a foundation that anchors the room in Art Deco contemporary interior design without stepping far from modern lifestyles.
9. Mirrors with Dimension, Not Just Reflection
Art Deco interiors prized mirrors not only for their utility but for their artistry. In 2024, look for pieces with beveled edges, smoked finishes, or geometric frames that echo the drama of 1920s interior decor. And don’t forget the function. Position mirrors strategically to reflect light and enhance the sense of space—a hallmark of Art Deco home decor.
10. Custom Furniture as a Bridge
Art Deco interior style was inherently bespoke, often favoring craftsmanship over mass production. In today’s homes, reflect on that aspect with a designer bar cart featuring angular metal framing and glass tiers. Or, let the craftsmanship shine through a dining table with geometric inlays. A custom headboard with fan-shaped upholstery or stepped edges can also bring the style into the bedroom without feeling “too much.”
Top Contemporary Art Deco Interior Decor Picks
Complete your home with the timeless elegance of Art Deco decor, handpicked by our designers. From geometric mirrors and sleek lighting fixtures to bold shapes and luxurious textiles, these curated pieces bring a perfect blend of glamour and sophistication to your space.
In love with the modern Art Deco interior design?
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