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What's Your Style: Art Deco for Interiors
Move over mid-century modern and make way for the sharp and glossy lines of Art Deco
Niki Bruce
19 December 2018
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my inner-homeowner run free!
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my... More
Tired of the simple lines and pale timber of Scandinavian style? Can’t upkeep the harshness of minimalism? Swamped by the timber refinement of mid-century modern?
If you answered ‘yes’, then you need to discover the glamorous and glossy style of Art Deco.
If you answered ‘yes’, then you need to discover the glamorous and glossy style of Art Deco.
Taking its name from the French – Arts Décoratifs – where it first emerged, Art Deco is a style of art, design, architecture and interiors that began just before World War I.
It was a combination of the early modernist movement, industrial development, and a return to luxurious materials and exquisite craftsmanship.
It was a combination of the early modernist movement, industrial development, and a return to luxurious materials and exquisite craftsmanship.
At its peak, Art Deco style was seen on everything from buildings and cars, to radios and vacuum cleaners. It was a style that was glamorous and exuberant and embraced technology. While it could be wildly luxurious and expensive, it also filtered down to be accessible for ordinary folk.
Although there is an overall Art Deco scheme that’s come to define the era, it was actually composed of a wide range of influences and cultures from China and Japan to Africa and Mesoamerica.
While the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building typically come to mind where Art Deco architecture is mentioned, there are excellent examples closer to us, right here in Singapore – Asia Insurance Building (now the Ascott Raffles Place Singapore), Cathay Building, Capitol Building, Clifford Pier and the Tiong Bahru HDB walk-up units.
The early period of Art Deco is sometimes referred to as the ‘Ocean Liner’ era with its curved walls, circular windows and interiors with curved, streamlined edges and laminated timbers.
The later period of the Art Deco Style in the 1930s saw the production of more of the shiny and glossy versions that we now think of as fitting the period, with materials like plastic, chrome and stainless steel coming into use.
This was also the time when what is now described as the ‘Streamline Moderne’ version of Art Deco arrived. This is the source of the classic American Diner look and Airstream trailers. It is also the style that had a mini resurgence in the Miami look of the 1980s.
Art Deco eventually ran out of steam at the beginning of World War II when glamour seemed too frivolous and more functional modernism started to take over.
Art Deco for modern homes
So, how does the Art Deco theme translate into modern interiors today? As an antidote to current trends for natural, neutral and practical styles, Art Deco can bring touches of glamour and luxury.
Read more about this home
So, how does the Art Deco theme translate into modern interiors today? As an antidote to current trends for natural, neutral and practical styles, Art Deco can bring touches of glamour and luxury.
Read more about this home
Get the look: Mirrored bedside tables, a velvet headboard and strongly-highlighted moulding can lift a bedroom to Art Deco heaven.
Get the look: The addition of a large round mirror above a glossy sideboard gives the impression of an Art Deco pothole window.
Get the look: The curved shapes of this vanity table combined with glossy finishes and velvet is Hollywood-ready.
Get the look: This cage chair epitomises the elegant, indulgent side of Art Deco.
Get the look: Fretted gold screens and the geometric lines of the lamp and chairs gives off a strong Art Deco vibe.
Get the look: Create a glamorous Art Deco bar under your stairs.
Get the look: Even your HDB grill and gate can have a touch of Art Deco flair.
Get the look: If you are lucky enough to live in one of the classic 1920s apartment buildings in Singapore, make the utmost of its metal framed windows.
Read about this home
Read about this home
Get the look: Curved edges in your interior spaces will give an Art Deco vibe to your look.
Get the look: The motifs in the headboard are reminiscent of the period while the colours and materials used are modern.
TELL US
Is Art Deco your new interior style? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
MORE
How to – and Why You Should – Select Asian Art Deco Furniture
Is Art Deco your new interior style? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
MORE
How to – and Why You Should – Select Asian Art Deco Furniture
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