Behind the Style: Art Deco

Art Deco is a striking and versatile style that has influenced worldwide architecture, design, and art.

Art Deco is adored in contemporary design for its vintage yet contemporary feel, which lends itself to modern and traditional design schemes. An Art Deco design scheme can incorporate the style in subtle ways, such as through Art Deco furniture pieces and art. Alternatively, Art Deco principles can be woven into every aspect of the environment, encompassing the architecture, fitted furniture, soft furnishings and accessories.

This article delves into the origins of the Art Deco design style and its iconic features. Our designers share their curation of outstanding examples of Art Deco design to inspire you to incorporate the style authentically into your own home.

THE ORIGINS OF THE ART DECO STYLE

Art Deco, derived from the word Arts Decoratifs, is the name given to a visual style that was born in Europe before World War I. The origins of the Art Deco movement date back to the late 19th century. In 1875, designers of furniture, textiles and other objects – who were previously known simply as artisans – were given a new name, arts décoratifs. This new term gave these designers an official status and helped to raise the profile of the decorative arts. In 1901, the Société des artistes décorateurs (Society of Decorative Artists) or SAD, was founded and decorative artists received the same rights of authorship as sculptors and painters.

Throughout the next decade, the decorative arts movement grew. In 1902, the first international design exhibition devoted solely to decorative arts, Esposizione Internazionale d’Arte Decorativa Moderna, took place in Turin. The yearly salons of the Sociéte des artistes français and the Salon d’Automne introduced decorative arts sections, and several new magazines emerged in Pairs devoted solely to the decorative arts.

In 1911, the SAD proposed a new major international exposition of decorative arts would take place in 1912. However, the exhibition was postponed partly due to the war until 1925, when it was launched under the name International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts. The exhibition did not permit old styles; only new works could be exhibited, creating the setting for design creativity and innovation. At this exhibition, emerging artists and designers displayed a new, modern style featuring geometric shapes, sleek décor and multi-level structures that would become known as ‘Deco’. This style was disruptive and showcased a design direction unlike any seen before. 

This new style and its principles differed from the whimsical, asymmetrical lines and organic shapes of the Art Nouveau movement, as designers experimented with new ways to interpret traditional styles and shapes. Symmetry, geometric shapes, bold patterns and sharp angles became iconic features of the style and gave birth to a new and exciting design language.

Although Art Deco designs and objects were usually the result of fine craftsmanship rather than mass production, the style captured an admiration for the inherent qualities of symmetry, repetition, and simplicity attributed to machine-made objects. The Art Deco movement intended to symbolise wealth and sophistication through a sleek and anti-traditional elegance.

ICONIC FEATURES OF ART DECO DESIGN

As with all design movements, Art Deco was a response to styles that predated it. Influences from Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, and Cubism, as well as Egyptian, American Indian, and Classical art, are present in Art Deco design.

In contrast to the organic and fluid shapes of Art Nouveau, Art Deco designs favour linearity, featuring geometric shapes, stepped details and radiating forms such as sunbursts. These geometric mathematical shapes were influenced by Greco-Roman classicism, Ancient Egypt, Assyria, Aztec Mexico, and Babylon.

Below, we highlight the most recognisable Art Deco design features, each of which can be incorporated into an interior scheme through architectural details, furniture design, interior design and art.

ART DECO ARCHITECTURE

The influence of the Art Deco style was present in various industries, including fashion, furniture design, art and transportation. However, the movement is most recognised for its influence on architecture, and American buildings built during the 20s and 30s are some of the most recognised monuments of the style.

The Art Deco movement brought a contemporary glamour to buildings as the intricate designs, often wrapped in gold, were much admired. Art Deco features and motifs were present in buildings’ exterior and interior, creating a prominent and cohesive style.

Architecture offers a wealth of design inspiration for any interior project, particularly for Art Deco-inspired design schemes.

ART DECO INTERIORS

Traditionally, Art Deco schemes feature glossy and reflective finishes such as mirrors, glass, metal, and polished or lacquered wood.

Mirrored panels and details reflect light and epitomise the glamour and opulence of the Art Deco style. Integrating a mirrored wall panel or feature panel within the fitted furniture for a kitchen, bedroom or living area infuses Art Deco influence into the fabric of a building itself. Adorning a mirrored feature with geometric or sunburst motifs enhances the luxury Art Deco aesthetic.

Highly polished or lacquered timber is quintessentially Art Deco. For a classic interpretation, furniture is lacquered in black or white, while deep or pastel-toned lacquer adds a contemporary twist to create a personal rendition of the style.

Art Deco interiors incorporate metallic accents and details with various metal finishes such as chrome, brass and silver. Naturally, lighting, handles and accessories can furnish a room with Art Deco style. However, applying metal finishes to fitted furniture and interior joinery integrates the Art Deco principles into the surrounding space and architecture. The application of metal inlays can create custom kitchens and fitted furniture that embody the Art Deco style, whether by framing door details or the application of geometric patterns.

The Art Deco style offers tremendous versatility, particularly regarding colour schemes. The iconic features of Art Deco, such as the geometric forms, patterns, and mixed materials, can be curated for all manner of colour palettes, whether dark and dramatic, light and neutral, or vibrant and colourful.

The Extreme team created the Art Deco kitchen above for a client in Hertfordshire. Our clients wished to draw inspiration from the elegance and sophistication of an Art Deco bar, to create an individual, timeless kitchen. Learn more about this art deco kitchen.

At Extreme, we’re passionate about creating spaces with an authentic sense of style that transcends trends. To learn how we can help you with your project, contact a designer today.