Art Deco Style Interior Design

Many designs of furniture used industrial materials such as bent chrome base that gives the piece a rocking effect. Wood pieces are highly lacquered in black, with woods used including exotic Brazilian rosewood, ebony, birds-eye maple, and light maple veneers. Upholstery is typically of velour, making the rigid structural form more comfortable.

Because Art Deco interiors were relatively minimalist for the time, colours are used sparingly. Most colour schemes include black, combined with another colour such as green, red or white while accent colours are usually chrome and/or gold. Pale blue or dove grey were also commonly used to provide a softening effect against the harsh black.

Art Deco lighting is extensive including ceiling lights, floor lamps, table lamps and wall lamps. Floor lamps include tall torchieres in wrought iron or chrome with hand blown glass shades. Some are also of black wrought iron. Table lamps of bright nickel with white, clear, frosted, or colourful glass shades are common. Wall lamps can be bronze, aluminum, steel, or silver plated base metal with opaque white or colourful glass shades. All this lighting is warm, usually orange or yellow in colour.

Surfaces in the Art Deco style are generally sleek and clean, lacking any texture in order to contrast the more decorative and ornate objects and furniture within the space. Mirrors made of nickel, chrome, or silver are decorated with motifs of deer, peacocks, roses, and geometric shapes. Bronze sculptures are sleek covered with coloured or pearl beads. Desk sets of pen and pencil on a base are streamlined in design. Door handles and candlesticks molded of nickel, chrome, or silver have woodsy or chevron shapes. Frosted glass or black and white marble are used for vases. Inlay is common and adds colour and design. Cameo glass vases show under layers of colour exposed by etching away top layers of white or clear glass. All these decorative and slightly over the top objects were a show of renewed wealth and prosperity after the harsh rationing endured during the war.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the art deco interior design style are...

• Glamorous and elegant style.
• Industrial metals and lacquered wood.
• Black as a main or background colour.
• Numerous light sources used.
• Bold, colourful patterns.
• Intentionally, overly decorative.