Art deco is a visual arts style that emerged in the 1920s and is classified by its use of sleek geometric shapes, bold colors, and ornamentation. When you think of the extravagance of the 1920s, you can clearly see the style at work. Think flappers, movies like The Great Gatsby, the architecture of the Empire State Building, and the poster advertising for the 1993 Chicago World’s Fair. With the millennium decade of the twenties, art deco has made a nostalgic comeback. Read on to discover tips on how to incorporate this vintage style into your modern home.
Bring in bold colors
If you want to incorporate the style of art deco into your home, a great way to do it is with color. Use black bathroom tile as the backdrop for a gold-framed mirror or brass furnishings. Upholster your bed frame with a piece of luxurious green fabric and add silver buttons. Add red appliances into your black and white kitchen. The contrast in color is sure to evoke a vintage feel.
Play with polished metals
Metallics are a prominent feature of art deco design. You can incorporate these polished metals through your accents and fixtures. Frame photographs and art in an ornate brass frame. Switch out your modern lamps and sconces for vintage metal ones, like chrome. Hang a golden framed mirror above your fireplace. There are endless ways to add polished metals to your home, and all are sure to give it an art deco feel.
Find furniture that inspires
The furniture of the art deco style is characterized by distinct lines and sharp, streamlined shapes. When choosing furniture, gravitate towards pieces that lack frills and use exotic woods, says a Randolph, NJ, interior decorator. Art deco furniture is also characterized by the use of animal prints, due to the rise in popularity of travel and tourism, particularly to Africa. If your space and tastes allow it, don’t be afraid to add in animal prints in the form of an entire couch, an area rug, or a few decorative pillows.
Seeing sunbursts
A frequent motif found in art deco design is sunbursts. A mirror surrounded by a metallic sunburst would make an excellent statement piece on a wall. Alternatively, a sunburst-inspired chandelier would work beautifully in a dining area. You can also incorporate the sunburst motif via hanging wall art. However you use it, the sunburst is sure to impress.
Accentuate with art
An easy way to add art deco design into your home is through art. If you don’t already have an art deco inspired piece, consider frequenting flea markets or looking on websites such as Etsy. Old movie posters and advertisements framed in an art deco approved polished metal will add a vintage feel to your home without any hassle. If you are a fan of sculptures, try to choose pieces with bold, smooth lines (think of Atlas, the statue outside the Rockefeller Center).
Art deco is a bold, opulent art style that is making a comeback in the modern home. Use these tips and you’ll be able to incorporate the art deco style into your home effortlessly.
