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It is enough to imagine the luxurious interiors of the era of the great Gatsby — and you will immediately understand what Art Deco style is. It seems to many that it is impossible to realize it in an ordinary city apartment, but this is not so. In the article we will tell you about where the direction came from, what are its main features and how to implement them in a modern interior if you are planning a renovation.

Art Deco style in the interior

Story
Peculiarities
Design principles
— Color spectrum
– Finishing
— Furniture
— Decor

History of occurrence

Art Deco (translated from French art deco — “decorative art”) is not just one of the design directions, but a multifaceted concept that has spread to other areas: architecture, fashion, art.

In a sense, Art Deco reflects the way of life and thinking of Western civilization after the devastating First World War. The date of his birth is called 1925 — then the famous Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts was held in Paris. More than twenty countries (including the USSR) presented their projects in the field of architecture, design and decorative arts. The abbreviation of the French name of the exhibition eventually became a household name — this is how the Art Deco style in the interior appeared.

The luxury and glamor inherent in this direction quickly gained popularity in Western countries — after the general decline and devastation, this kind of «feast during the plague» was exactly what helped to distract from the horrors of war. Interestingly, Art Deco was originally implemented not in residential buildings, but in large Parisian (and then other European and American) hotels, restaurants, concert halls and jazz clubs. Only later, after a while, he migrated to the interiors of apartments, adapting, but not losing his gloss and elegant solidity.

Peculiarities

The most striking features of the direction were formed under the influence of the time in which it appeared.

It was a period of active progress and development of industry, so broken lines and right angles, large shapes, an abundance of steel and other metals, and dark colors were in the focus of attention of designers and architects. Over time, the canons of style have not changed much, but more options for their implementation have appeared.

The main features of Art Deco today:

• Symmetry and strict geometry. First of all, these are hard lines with straight and sharp corners. There are almost no smooth rounded silhouettes, characteristic of the Art Nouveau preceding this trend. Parallel lines, zigzags, rhombuses, trapezoids, squares, rectangles are actively used in space. Patterns are almost always repetitive, symmetrical (damask is especially popular). The same applies to the arrangement of objects in the room.
• Theatricality. This direction is characterized by a certain deliberateness: like stage make-up or theatrical scenery. This manifests itself both in large, even exaggerated forms, and in contrasting combinations (especially black with white or gold, as in the old cinema).
• Gloss and shine. If natural matte textures are important for eco-style or minimalism, then in the case of Art Deco, everything is exactly the opposite. It uses as many glossy and reflective surfaces as possible, from the surface of furniture to crystal chandeliers, large mirrors and various shiny metals. There should be a lot of radiance — there is no need to be afraid of it.
• Multilevel. Stair structures, different levels of floor and ceiling, podiums, sharp height differences, complex configurations of openings. First of all, this principle is implemented in the architecture of buildings, but it must also be taken into account inside the interior — even a small apartment. You can create such an effect at the level of decoration and even furniture.
• Ethnic motifs. Unexpectedly, Art Deco loves ethnicity — at the same time, it should also be catchy, luxurious, glamorous. These are, for example, expensive exotic wood or stone, ivory, animal skins, shark or crocodile skin, mother of pearl. And, of course, the corresponding plots in the decor. Especially often inspiration is sought in the culture of ancient Egypt and Native American peoples.

Design Ideas

Consider how to design a modern apartment in the Art Deco style to make it spectacular, beautiful and comfortable at the same time.

Color spectrum

In this direction, there is no place for muted, obscure shades and halftones, restrained natural or pastel colors. The palette is always built on active contrasts, shades are chosen saturated, dense. However, they should not be acidic — luxury is emphasized by the appropriate colors.

The most popular base shades:

• Black.
• Brown.
• Cream.
• Gray metallic.
• White.

• Greige.

• Golden.

They are complemented by deep and noble colors: emerald, dark blue, burgundy, turquoise, deep purple, ocher, gray-blue. Paints are combined according to the principle of piano keys — dark with light, without smooth transitions and halftones.

Black has a special place in the Art Deco palette. But if in huge hotels with high ceilings or concert halls it can be safely used as a basis, then within the framework of a typical apartment, such a solution requires caution. If you have standard windows, modest footage and not three-meter ceilings, it is better to take a lighter color as a base shade — for example, beige or gray, and use black as an accent.

Finishing

The brightness and variety of finishes depends on whether you are decorating your home in a clean or stylized art deco.

In the first case, when choosing materials, it is worth focusing mainly on their “status” and visual qualities. In the second, choose a more calm and practical finish, only then supplementing it with details characteristic of the directions.

Walls decorate with any materials: paint, textured plaster, decorative panels, wallpaper. The latter are especially popular because contrasting patterns are welcome in the decoration. It is advisable to combine several materials: for example, wallpaper with ornaments, plain paint in a deep shade and decorative panels in marble or dark wood.

Floor it can be neutral or, conversely, accented — it depends on how active the rest of the finish is. In the first case, a monochromatic coating is suitable: solid wood, engineered board or high-quality laminate for living rooms, porcelain stoneware or quartz vinyl for wet areas. In the second option, you can use a wooden coating in a rich shade, glossy tiles with a contrasting geometric pattern or marbled.

Ceiling, as a rule, make it multi-level, often use canvases with a pronounced texture, combine different heights. If the room is small and low, you can limit yourself to a simple painted or stretch ceiling, compensating for the simplicity of decoration with decorative lighting and bright texture. For example, imitation of stone or suede will look interesting.

Art Deco furniture

Furniture in this direction is given special attention. It not only fulfills its function, but also plays a decorative role.

Products are selected according to the following principles:

• If the walls are light, the furniture should be dark — and vice versa.
• You can combine items from different collections with each other, but they must be in the same style.
• Products should be solid, even massive, but not bulky. Forms are simple, with a clear geometry, symmetrical.
• Expensive noble materials prevail. First of all, it is lacquered mahogany or dark wood and natural stone. They are complemented by precious metals and glass. Imitations are allowed, but only very high quality, with detailed textures.
• Glossy surfaces and various decorative elements are actively used: carving, figured perforation on metal parts, contrasting geometric patterns on the upholstery of sofas and armchairs.
• Furniture is complemented with accent fittings in gold, brass or other metals.

Decor

For Art Deco, visual embodiment is very important. This is a bright, catchy style with a touch of theatricality, so there is always a lot of jewelry here.

Among the variety of decor there are a few essential elements that make this direction recognizable:

• Mirrors — large and small, round and rectangular. Necessarily in massive frames for precious metals. The «Sun» model with rays diverging to the sides is especially popular.

• Vases — most often used as an independent decoration, although, if desired, you can, of course, put flowers in them. Vases can be either a strict straight silhouette or with ethnic motifs — for example, in the manner of Egyptian or Aztec ceramics.
• Paintings and posters — traditional decor has a place in art deco. Stylized portraits, posters of old films or Broadway productions, images of exotic animals and birds are popular. Pictures and posters are complemented by contrasting frames. A large format is welcome, but in any case it is better to choose wall decor based on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room.
• Screens — gilded, gold or textile coated. They are used both as a zoning tool and as a decoration.