10 Ways To Incorporate Art Deco Art In Your Home
If you're looking for an artistic way to bring glamor into your home, then you might be looking for an art deco aesthetic. Many people are familiar with art deco architecture. But the same artists who brought the art deco architecture into play were also part of the art deco movement. For example, Tamara de Lempicka used bold colors and angular designs that portrayed artistic glamor, says Widewalls.
You can try to source original art deco pieces. But sourcing those pieces can be time-consuming and buying them can be expensive. Instead, take inspiration from art deco artists and incorporate the themes into your home.
1. Vibrant colors
Art deco art and architecture loved using striking colors in their designs. Vibrant blues and greens were popular, as seen in the works of Tamara de Lempicka. As were reds, yellows, and pinks. But decorating with brighter colors isn't always easy. When done incorrectly, bright colors can look juvenile. Interior Design Info suggests using unique shades and staying away from the true primary and secondary colors. This falls perfectly in line with art deco art, which preferred more saturated shades. Saturation adds a depth and intensity to the color that will make the space look more grown-up.
2. Geometric tiles
When many people think of art deco, they think of geometric shapes. Architecture is one of the best examples of this, where geometric lines were used to decorate a building's exterior. Incorporate this into your home with geometric tiles in the kitchen, bathroom, or entryway. A unique place to use tile is a fireplace surround, which is a pretty easy DIY, per Thrifty Decor Chick. Some tiles, when put together, form graphic hexagons and diamonds. You can also use unique tile shapes to bring the geometric element into your home. Fish scales, arabesques, and elongated hexagons are all great options.
3. Glamorous lighting fixtures
Glamor is one of the defining features of art deco. The movement embraced luxury design and materials. Take inspiration by adding glamorous and sculptural lighting fixtures throughout your home. When decorating with glam, you should be dramatic, says Signature Hardware. Look for light fixtures that use crystals and metallic elements to add that touch of luxury. Interesting shapes also make art deco glamorous. So look for light fixtures that could double as sculptures. Stars, globes, geometric shapes, and tiers all have the art deco look. Glass lampshades are also reminiscent of the era.
4. Gold accents
Another way to add art deco luxury to your home is with gold accents, which were used in art deco architecture like in the Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles and the Bryan Park Hotel in New York City. Use gold throughout your home from the decor to hardware. Sink faucets in the kitchen and bathroom, drawer pulls, and cabinet knobs are all places people can swap for the gold version. Of course, you can also find gold decorative items. Harris at Home suggests accent tables, curtain rods, and mirrors. Even the legs of side chairs can be gold.
5. Fluted details
Fluting is an older trend that's currently making a comeback. It didn't originate within the art deco movement, but it was popular during this era. This technique adds shallow grooves into a flat surface, according to Living with Lolo. Fluting adds a luxurious texture and a bit of vintage charm. Side tables, coffee tables, and sideboards are popular furniture options. Fluting has become so popular that it's easy to DIY. Attach rods cut to size or fluted molding to the piece of furniture to get the fluted look on a budget. You can even paint or stain the DIY fluting.
6. Inlay furniture
French furniture designer, Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, was renowned for his designs that incorporate sleek lines, fine craftsmanship, luxury exotic materials, and inlay details. Inlay using contrasting colored materials — often wood, bone, or ivory — to create a design or image, according to Dutch Crafters. For an authentic art deco style, look for wood inlay furniture. But if you want to add a little color, you can look for inlay pieces that use painted wood or resin. For vintage pieces, check out thrift stores and flea markets. There are also furniture makers who can make custom pieces.
7. Strong lines
Geometrical lines and streamlined curves are hallmarks of art deco. Lines are an important part of creating a cohesive design because, according to Hoskins Interior Design, lines create movement, pattern, and texture. Vertical lines can make ceilings appear larger or wider. Using only straight lines can create a static design, so use curved and geometric shapes. Incorporate this into your home with murals, art pieces, floor tiles, and wainscoting or other wall textures. Use your textured pieces like area rugs and curtains to show off a simple geometric pattern. Choose furniture that plays with lines and curves.
8. Mirrors with interesting shapes
Authentic art deco interiors often had mirrored surfaces, according to The Art of Bespoke. But to get the full effect of the art deco style, you can't just choose a simple mirror. Interesting shapes like sunbeams, arches, diamonds, and geometric fans all evoke an art deco aesthetic. Look for mirrors with metallic frames, especially gold and silver, to create that art deco look. A wall of mirrors is another way to use mirrors to create an art deco interior, creating an elegant yet functional detail that the style is known for.
9. Arches
Arches are synonymous with art deco decor. Arched doorways, windows, and wall cutouts are all beautiful structural changes you can make. Of course, this isn't possible for every home. There are cosmetic changes you can make to incorporate arches in your home. Painted arches can be a great way to highlight art, create a cozy reading nook, or make a feature wall behind a bed or sofa. You can also paint an arch over your doors to mimic arch doorways. If you're willing to DIY, you can create arched bookshelves that add character to basic bookshelves, says Home with Hay.
10. High contrast wallpaper
Lots of contrast was a characteristic in most art deco works no matter the medium. So you can incorporate this into your home using high-contrast wallpaper. Hadley Court recommends using a waterproof option for bathrooms and kitchens. You can also use wallpaper in unexpected places like behind shelves, in closets, and even on the ceiling. Choose a wallpaper that has lots of contrast with a design that features a dark background and plenty of color. Make it art deco with a pop of metallic gold or geometrical shapes. Or choose a wallpaper that contrasts with your furniture.