Art Deco, a design movement that originated in the 1920s, is celebrated for its bold geometric patterns, luxurious materials, and vibrant colors. It brings a touch of glamour and sophistication to any living space, making it a timeless choice for interior design. If you’re looking to style your living room with an Art Deco flair, this guide will walk you through the essential elements—colors, furniture, flooring, and wall art—to create a cohesive and stunning look.
Choosing the Perfect Colours
The colour palette is a crucial starting point for any Art Deco-inspired room. The movement is known for its use of rich, saturated colours combined with metallics and neutrals. Here are some colour combinations that work beautifully:
Deep Jewel Tones: Think emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red. These colours create a luxurious and moody atmosphere, perfect for an Art Deco space.
Gold and Brass Accents: To enhance the opulence, incorporate gold or brass accents, whether through paint or metallic finishes in furniture and décor. These tones can be paired with deep jewel tones or with black for a dramatic effect.
Monochrome with a Pop: Black and white, a classic Art Deco combination, provides a striking contrast. Adding a single pop of colour, like a bold red or royal blue, can make the space feel dynamic.
Muted Pastels: For a softer approach, consider muted pastels like blush pink, soft lavender, or pale turquoise, combined with metallic accents. This option maintains the elegance of Art Deco while offering a lighter, more modern touch.
Selecting the Right Furniture
Art Deco furniture is characterized by its strong lines, rich materials, and bold forms. When selecting pieces for your living space, keep the following in mind:
Bold Geometric Shapes: Look for furniture with clean, angular lines or curvaceous forms that make a statement. Think armchairs with scalloped edges, side tables with mirrored surfaces, or sofas with rounded backs.
Luxurious Materials: Velvet, leather, and lacquered wood are quintessential Art Deco materials. A velvet sofa in a deep jewel tone or a lacquered sideboard with brass handles adds an instant touch of luxury.
Metallic Finishes: Incorporate furniture with metallic details, such as gold, brass, or chrome. A coffee table with a brass base or a mirror with a gilded frame can add that necessary touch of glamour.
Inlay and Marquetry: Furniture featuring inlay or marquetry designs, especially in wood or mother-of-pearl, is a hallmark of Art Deco. A console table with intricate inlay patterns can be a stunning focal point.
Flooring: The Foundation of Art Deco Elegance
The flooring in an Art Deco living space should complement the overall design while adding its own flair. Here are some options to consider:
Parquet Flooring: Parquet flooring, especially in a herringbone or chevron pattern, is a classic choice that adds visual interest and elegance. Dark-stained wood provides a rich, warm foundation, while lighter stains offer a modern twist.
Black and White Tiles: A checkerboard floor with black and white tiles is a bold and graphic choice, perfectly suited to an Art Deco aesthetic. This option works especially well in smaller spaces or to define areas within a larger room.
Plush Carpeting: For a more luxurious feel, opt for a plush carpet in a solid color or with a subtle geometric pattern. Deep pile carpets in jewel tones or soft neutrals can make the space feel warm and inviting.
Marble Flooring: If your budget allows, marble flooring adds undeniable glamour. Choose a bold pattern, such as a black and white diamond design, or go for a more subtle veining effect for understated elegance.
Wall Art and Décor: Bringing the Space to Life
Wall art and décor are the finishing touches that tie your Art Deco living space together. Focus on pieces that echo the themes of the movement:
Geometric Patterns: Incorporate geometric shapes and patterns through wallpaper, artwork, or decorative screens. A large piece of wall art featuring bold, abstract designs in metallic colors can be a showstopper.
Mirrors: Mirrors are a must in an Art Deco space. Choose those with ornate, sunburst designs, or with bevelled, geometric frames. Not only do they enhance the sense of space, but they also reflect light, adding to the room’s brightness and allure.
Sculptural Elements: Include sculptures or sculptural furniture that reflect the Art Deco love for form and design. Bronze figurines, ceramic vases with stylized motifs, or a statement chandelier can add a touch of artistry to the room.
Wall Panels and Moulding: Decorative wall panels with wood or metal inlays can create depth and texture. Consider adding moulding to your walls, painted in a contrasting colour or finished in gold to highlight the geometric patterns often associated with Art Deco.
Styling an Art Deco living space is about embracing boldness, luxury, and sophistication. By carefully selecting a color palette, incorporating iconic furniture pieces, choosing the right flooring, and adding distinctive wall art and décor, you can create a living room that is both timeless and visually captivating. Whether you opt for rich jewel tones, sleek metallics, or classic black and white contrasts, the key is to balance opulence with elegance, ensuring your space feels as inviting as it is glamorous.