Art Déco Interior

Born almost a century ago, between 1910 and 1920, Art Deco paintings are making a comeback. From the era of the Great Gatsby, these decadent interiors are back! Find rich purples, emerald greens and dark blue hues, with the required golden or brass accents of course. Let's not forget the patterned wallpaper and geometrical shapes. Whether you're planning on going full out or simply dabbling with an Art Deco theme, add a touch of glamour to your home with Artsper's selection of rich and colorful artworks.

Quick History Lesson: The Art Deco movement got its name from the french “art décoratif" around the time of the Universal Exposition in Paris of 1925. Mostly involving architecture and interior design, this art movement has notably given us works using goldsmith and stained glass. Yet, there's also a great deal of Art Deco sculptures and prints out there, recognizable by their timeless style. One just needs to look at the Chrysler Building or Empire State in New York for an example.

Unlike Art Nouveau, Art Deco artists reject the curved style and opt for a more classical and linear aesthetic, rich in cubist-inspired geometric patterns. Two words suffice when describing Art Deco: colorful and geometrical. 

Art Deco was one of the first interior design trends to know international popularity and fame. First exported from France towards other european countries, Art Deco was quickly present in Africa and North America. It eventually made its way to big Asian metropolises, like Tokyo with the Palace of Prince Asaka or the decadent homes of Hong Kong and Shanghai…

So, what does the Art Deco style consist of? The furniture collection that came out of this time period is quite extensive, placing comfort as a strong priority. The “club chair" for example, is usually well stuffed and covered with velvet or leather; the ideal spot after a long day. The “divan" was another featured piece of the Art Deco style, along with the “cosy corner," a hybrid between seating and bookshelves, that gained traction at this time.

Tables came in all shapes (oval, round or rectangular) typically with rounded angles, and stood on one central foot. As for the coffee tables, they were usually topped with a glass pane.  

Gold details were perfectly contrasted by the deep intensity of colors like emerald green and plum purple. Wallpapers tended to be graphic and covered the walls of living rooms and bedrooms.

In terms of materials, minimalist colors were used to highlight the different types of wood. In the 1920s, it was mostly mahogany, ebony, cedar and rosewood. Contrasts between light and dark wood were often attempted. Maple is quite versatile, and offered the artists of Art Deco a palette of reds and grays, with hints of blue and green. Back lacquered furniture was also quite prominent.

The Great Gatsby perfectly demonstrates the Art Deco spirit, since Fitzgerald himself spoke of a "movement born in the champagne of rediscovered peace". Art Deco also took the form of painting, completing the aesthetic, from large-format portrait paintings to abstract paintings with graphic motifs, such as those from Ludovic Mercher.

If you're looking for decoration ideas, consider adding a sculpture by Bernard Rives or Orlinski for example, to immediately give character to your interior. 

When we hear Art Deco, we think extraordinary chandeliers, glass decanters arranged on shelves, and stunning Art Deco paintings or prints....