Art Deco Style is Glitzy and Elegant

Art Deco style gets its name from the "Exposition des Arts Decoratifs" which took place in Paris in 1925. The purpose of this exposition was to show the world that French taste would once again lead the way in evolving a new international style

This style was most popular between 1920 and 1940. Although many people are familiar with the term Art Deco style, most people would find it difficult to describe exactly what this style is. This style was made very popular due the the glamour that was attached to it through the movies made in the 30's. It’s a culmination of exotic cultures, geometric shapes and the modern attitudes of the jazz age that resulted in an enduring legacy that still influences designers today.

Art deco was directly influenced by the cubism style of painting. Cubism was a 20th century avant-garde art movement, pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, that revolutionized European painting, sculpture, and architecture. One of the greatest and most popular examples of art deco architecture can be seen in Miami and South Beach, Fla. Here the art deco style flourished in all it's glory. In 1979 Miami Beach's Art Deco Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearly all the buildings have been meticulously restored and painted in their original pastel colors

Art Deco Style Interiors

The Art Deco period started during the Roaring 20's when the economy was expanding and hope was at a high level. This style reflected that period with it's bright cheerful colors and light open interiors. It was a streamlined, modern style where shape and form took center stage. It is a very sophisticated, glitzy and elegant style.

Walls:

Walls were often painted with a glossy finish to highlight the brightness of the Art Deco style. They were usually painted in plain colors. Cream and brown were the favored color schemes. Often however, bold, stylized patterns were painted on the walls. These were often zigzig or chevron patterns. Stenciled borders at the ceiling line were also used. Wallpaper with geometric patterns was also a favorite.

Flooring:

Hardwood floors laid in geometric patterns was popular as flooring in the Art Deco style. These were kept waxed and polished to a high sheen. Linoleum was new at the time and could often be found in an Art Deco home.

When area rugs were used, they most often had bold geometic patterns. However, African safaris were very much in vogue at this time. Many homeowners brought home rugs and animal pelts and these were used as floor coverings, throws and wall art. Because black and white was a favored choice for a color scheme, zebra skins were a highly prized accessory in the art deco interior.

Because black and white was so popular as a color choice, this is also the time that alternating black and white checkerboard flooring was installed in many Art Deco homes.

Colors:

Art Deco style color schemes started out with neutral colors such as beige, cream and brown, along with black and white. As the style developed, bright vibrant colors became popular. The jewel colors of emerald green, royal purple and bright ruby red became common choices. Bright oranges, yellows and lavenders were also used.

Metallic colors were an important part of the Art Deco color scheme. Gold, silver, and metallic shades of blue and gray were very popular. These colors reflected the glitz and shine of the Art Deco style and era.

How to Recognize Art Deco Furniture

The Art Deco era also has it's own furniture style. The French furniture designer, Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann, designed the most recognizable furniture of the time.

The furniture was sleek and luxurious. The wood was laid out in geometric patterns. In keeping with the Art Deco style, the finish was shiny and glossy. Metallic inlays were often part of the Art Deco furniture design. Mirrors were a large part of the design in Art Deco furniture.

Because of the Chinese influence that was prevalent at the time, black laquered furniture was incorporated into this style. Ebony veneer furniture was also popular. Chrome and glass accents added to the glitz of Art Deco interiors.

Additional Details to Art Deco Interiors

Window dressings were very simple. Because of their love of light, window treatments were often non-existant. If you do wish some privace, ventian blinds were often used. Draperies were very simple and sometimes consisted only of fabric draped over a pole.

Mirrors had no frames at all. They were often simple geometic shapes such as circles or ovals. Often they had lovely geometic designs or beautiful women etched on them. As with other glass, mirror glass was often colored.

Art Deco became a very popular style for bars at that era. Prohibition was over and the cocktail hour became popular. Cocktail carts became the new "in" accessory and could be found in many homes of that period.

Palm trees and flamingos were a favored motif of that era. A large palm tree in the living room would not be out of place.

Lighting in the Art Deco Style

Lighting in the Art Deco style followed the other design elements listed about. Fixtures were very dramatic and elegant in design.

Art Deco lighting kept to the metallic and shiny theme. Most fixtures were made from polished bronze, chrome or steel. This created that shiny, sleek look that is most associated with art deco. A typical feature was the wall light, in a fan or bowl shape. The light shade was constructed of glass or porcelin.

Lighting fixtures were designed in geometric angular patterns such as chevrons and zigzags. They were often designed on an overly large scale to add to the drama and elegance of Art Deco lighting. Even though the fixtures were over-sized, because of the futuristic design, the appear streamlined and elegant.

Chandeliers were very popular and often the focal point of the room. Often the larger and more dramatic the chandelier, the better it fit into the Art Deco style. The glass in the chandelier was often colored in the bright bold colors loved by the followers of the Art Deco style.

For great selection of Art Deco lighting visit Bellacor Lighting.

A Perfect Style for Modern Homes

If you have a modern home and are looking for a sophisticated, elegant style, this may be just what you are looking for. For more information type "Art Deco" into the Google Search box above.