As a reaction to the ornate and highly decorative styles of the past, Art Deco interior design emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, following World War I. It was distinguished by using geometric shapes, bright colours, and luxurious materials.The Art Deco period followed both the Arts & Crafts Movement and the Art Nouveau era around 1908 up until the outbreak of the war. After WWII, the emphasis shifted to more functional and minimalist styles, and Art Deco interior design fell out of favour. However, it has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with designers and homeowners rediscovering the beauty and elegance of this iconic style.
The wealthy elite of the time popularised Art Deco interior design, often associated with luxury and glamour. It had highly polished surfaces like lacquered wood and shiny metals, as well as sumptuous materials like velvet and silk. Solid and clean lines were frequently used in furniture and decor, emphasising symmetry and repetition.
Art Deco maintained elements and motifs of nature from its predecessor and discarded the organic flowing forms and muted colours. Art Deco originated in Paris, followed by Great Britain and Europe, and then later spread to the rest of the world. During this period, known as the “machine age”, travelling had become ever so popular. New aircraft, ships (Titanic being one of them) and faster trains had become the latest craze, therefore, having a strong influence on more geometric forms with streamlined curves.
During this time, there were major archaeological discoveries, such as the Mayan temples with their zig-zag forms. In the Egyptian pyramids, the Tutankhamun tomb was discovered, which had a major influence on the way of geometry, shape, colour and form. The glitz, glamour and popularity of Hollywood movies that began infiltrating the home together with the influence of the “machine age” are all fundamental contributors and the basis of Art Deco Style. The work of artists and designers such as Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, and Jean Dunand heavily influenced the Art Deco movement. The sleek lines and abstract shapes found in modern technology and architecture captivated these artists, and they incorporated these elements into their work.
Art Deco is all about geometry and angular forms, bling and reflective materials and surfaces with influences of streamlined curves of aviation, cars, skyscrapers and cruise liners, natural geometric forms such as shells, flowers, sunrise, zig-zag and streamlined geometric forms in gold, chrome and bright colours. For a more modern take on Art Deco, muted colours and neutrals allow for a classier, elegant feel. For a professional interior design consultation on creating the perfect Art Deco scheme to compliment your existing interior space, please get in touch.
Colours used in Art Deco interiors included bold and contrasting hues like black and white, as well as rich jewel tones like emerald green, ruby red, and sapphire blue. To create a sense of opulence and luxury, this was frequently combined with metallic accents such as gold, silver, or copper.
interior architecture surrey, interior architects, interior design surrey, interior designers surrey, interior design surrey, interior designers surrey england uk