This Old-School Dining Room Trend Is Suddenly Coming Back In Style

When it comes to fashion, architecture, and interior design, trends are cyclical — if you've seen it once, you'll probably see it again in your lifetime. We have already seen the resurgence of styles like mid-century modern and Y2K, but the latest blast from the past seems to be art deco.

As interior designers explore inventive ways to beautify dining rooms, they are taking a page from the art deco stylebook, which blossomed in the early 20^th century. Characterized by strong lines, geometric shapes, and gleaming metal, the art deco movement shaped the European and American approach to design from roughly 1925 to 1940 and can be seen in the costuming and sets of films like "The Great Gatsby." Though the movement found its strongest footing in architecture, birthing monuments such as New York City's famed Empire State Building, it didn't stop at the building's exterior, bringing a distinct neoclassical ornamentation to interior design. Now, as we progress further into the 21^st century, designers are incorporating the art deco movement into modern dining rooms using details like brass finishes and sculptural light fixtures.

Art deco interiors feature a few repeating qualities. The movement appreciates natural materials like metals, glass, and stone, but only in their processed, polished forms, so interior designers borrowing from the architect's toolbox when approaching art deco spaces. To capture the strength of art deco architecture, interior designers utilize industrial features like smooth stone and brick alongside brass or gold for a touch of elegance. The dining room is the perfect place for those features to combine, with geometric stone plates sitting alongside gold silverware.

Rich color and light are also important as a part of art deco style, making lighting essential to an art deco room. In a dining room, this can mean placing a geometric chandelier or pendant light above the dining table, establishing a moody focal point. Color can be added through the upholstery of dining chairs or dark wallpaper that pulls the space in to create an intimate, sophisticated experience. By utilizing art deco style, you can make a statement with your dining room, rather than leaving it as a forgotten or boring part of your house.

While there are a variety of modern furniture pieces made in an art deco style, you can also find antiques to lend your space more character and give you a new talking point for your next dinner party. When searching for an art deco antique, keep an eye out for valuable glass items at thrift stores and estate sales, as these can add the perfect geometric touch. In particular, look for fluted glass and crystal cut goblets, which express high-society elegance without clashing with the colorful accents in the room.

Art deco style is bold and glamorous, emphasizing shape and form. Don't be afraid to play with the shape of the room itself, as arched doorways are a great way to give your dining room that sculptural art deco aesthetic. Arches can also be incorporated through mirrors and even curved candle stands — or curved candles. Geometry and symmetry should always be on your mind when trying to capture an art deco look, but you can also add in natural forms like leafy green plants to keep the space warm and inviting.