Step Aside Art Deco: There's A New Aesthetic Trend For 2026

It's almost impossible for a design style to disappear forever, especially with younger generations regularly embracing a mesh of nostalgic home decor trends. This is usually done by putting a twist on a former aesthetic or integrating more modern elements into an outdated style. That is exactly what is happening with the bold and glamorous design trend currently taking over homes. Art Deco, the beloved style that was first popular in the 20s, is getting an upgrade as it dominates interior design trends once again. Art Deco originated in France in the early 19th century, gaining in popularity throughout the 1920s and 30s. It reached international appeal in 1925 through a government funded exposition that took place in Paris — showcasing new art, architecture, and design that was emerging in Western Europe.

Art Deco remained popular until the end of the 1930s, and has made several revivals since. Now it's integrating into interior styling with the Neo Deco trend. Neo Deco is Art Deco's young and hip relative, taking hints of what came before and seamlessly blending it to work for a modern home. It still demands the glamorous staples that defined the Art Deco era — geometric shapes, luxurious fabrics, lacquered wood, and moody, rich color hues — but it is more interested in how that blends with contemporary styles. It brings in sleek marble inlays and metallic trims to existing architecture. It focuses on muted versions of the emerald color palettes that dominated Art Deco — blending minimalism, mid-century modern, and most importantly industrial design to make a room feel curated instead of overwhelming.

You can start adding Neo Deco design into your home in several ways, even if you aren't ready to commit fully to the aesthetic. Starting with the key element of geometric patterns, you can incorporate chevron prints, zig zags, starbursts, and triangles into your home with throw pillows, area rugs, and art to honor one of the biggest staples of the Art Deco aesthetic. Another big element of Neo Deco style is rich fabrics and dramatic drapery. Consider adding floor-to-ceiling curtains in every room — yes, even walk-in closets and bathrooms — and add fringe or tassels to bring in more Neo Deco flare. This design loves to blend color palettes, taking muted versions of the bold Art Deco hues like sapphire, emerald, and gold, and contrasting them with soft, neutral colors like light grey and ivory. This is a great way to bring in bursts of color without completely invading your home with bold colors and being overwhelming for the eye.

Anther one of the big characteristics of Art Deco is the materials used. When it was first popular in the post-World War I era, designers were heavily experimenting with manufacturing materials like aluminum and chrome-plated steel. This led to the creation of sleek interior furniture and art, like mirrors and lighting fixtures. Try incorporating these materials by bringing in a statement chandelier or oversized mirror. The key to embracing this design trend without making your home outdated is to find a statement piece to build your room around. Then bring in light touches of Art Deco to subtly integrate it into your space.