Art Deco Interior Design Style: Luxury, Glamour, and Bold Geometry

The Art Deco style emerged in the early 20th century, peaking during the 1920s and 1930s. It is a glamorous, luxurious, and highly decorative design style characterised by bold geometric patterns, rich materials, and striking colours. Art Deco represents a breakaway from the more ornamental Victorian and Edwardian styles, embracing modernity, symmetry, and exoticism. This style is a celebration of luxury, opulence, and geometric perfection.

Key Features of Art Deco Interior Design

1. Bold Geometric Patterns

• One of the defining features of Art Deco is its use of sharp, angular shapes and symmetry. You’ll often see zigzags, chevrons, sunburst motifs, and step-like patterns in various elements of the design.
• Bold geometric patterns are frequently used on walls, rugs, and furniture pieces like side tables, mirrors, and even lampshades.

2. Luxurious Materials and Finishes

• Art Deco spaces are defined by the use of luxurious materials that were rare and extravagant during the period. These include:
  • Marble (often black, white, or with rich veining)
  • Lacquered wood (often in high gloss finishes)
  • Chrome, brass, and gold leaf (used in hardware, furniture detailing, and accessories)
  • Glass and mirrored surfaces (often in geometric shapes)
  • Exotic woods like macassar ebony and mahogany
  • Leather, velvet, and silk for upholstery

3. Rich, Contrasting Colour Palette

• The colour palette of Art Deco is rich, with contrasting hues that create dramatic and glamorous effects. Think of deep blues, emerald greens, rich purples, bright yellows, reds, and black and white combinations.
• Metallics play a significant role, with gold, silver, and chrome accents adding a luxurious gleam to the design.

4. Streamlined Silhouettes and Symmetry

• Art Deco embraces clean lines and streamlined shapes, moving away from overly ornate or delicate forms. Furniture has sleek, angular forms that emphasise symmetry and precision.
• Everything from chairs to tables and lamps will often have bold, defined shapes, such as round and square or step-like profiles. The goal is to create a sense of order and balance within the space.

5. Opulent and Decorative Details

• Though minimalism was on the rise during the era, Art Deco interiors were rich in decorative details. These could include:
  • Lacquered finishes and high-polish surfaces
  • Geometric and stylised motifs in wall coverings, fabrics, and floor tiles
  • Opulent accessories like crystal chandeliers, mirrored furniture, and intricate lighting fixtures
  • Sculptural elements, including decorative statues, vases, and ceramics.

6. Exotic Influences

• Art Deco was influenced by a variety of global styles, which were often fused together to create a unique blend. This includes:
  • Egyptian (popularised after the discovery of King Tut’s tomb in the 1920s)
  • Chinese, Indian, and African designs
  • Aztec and Mayan motifs also contributed to the eclectic nature of the style
• Exotic materials such as ivory, tortoiseshell, and animal skins often featured in furniture and accessories.

How to Achieve an Art Deco Look in Your Space

1. Start with Luxurious Furniture

• Sleek, angular furniture with lacquered wood or chrome accents is essential. Look for bold, statement-making pieces like a geometric coffee table, mirrored console, or a curved sofa upholstered in rich fabrics like velvet or leather.
• Art Deco armchairs often have low backs, clean lines, and metal inlays. Pair them with geometric side tables or ornate lamps.

2. Use Geometric Patterns for Impact

• Incorporate geometric patterns in rugs, throw pillows, or wall coverings. Chevron, zigzag, and sunburst motifs are particularly iconic. Art Deco wallpapers often feature these bold patterns in metallic tones, which reflect light and create a sense of drama.
• Area rugs in bold geometric patterns can define and anchor a room. Consider using black and white contrasts or deep jewel tones.

3. Create a Bold Colour Scheme

• Stick to a high-contrast colour palette. Black and white is an iconic base combination, with gold, chrome, and silver accents.
• Add deep jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, ruby, and amethyst for a touch of luxury. Metallics such as gold, brass, and chrome should be used for finishes, frames, or detailing.

4. Incorporate Mirrors and Glass

• Mirrored furniture—such as a mirrored bar cart, accent tables, or decorative mirrors—is a classic element of Art Deco design.
• Glass surfaces are also a key part of this style. Look for glass tabletops, glass lamps, and mirrored panels on furniture or walls to reflect light and add glamour.

5. Statement Lighting

• The lighting in an Art Deco home is all about drama and luxury. Choose crystal chandeliers, art deco pendant lights, or stylised sconces with geometric patterns or chrome finishes.
• Geometric floor lamps and table lamps featuring metallic or glass elements will further emphasise the glamorous, sleek aesthetic.

6. Add Sculptural Accessories

• Art Deco spaces are known for their decorative accessories that often have a sculptural quality. Think of stylised vases, ceramic sculptures, decorative trays, and stylised clocks.
• Faux animal hides or leather ottomans with metal accents are great ways to bring in the exotic influences typical of Art Deco.

Art Deco Style in Different Rooms

Living Room

• A luxurious Art Deco living room features sleek furniture, dramatic metal and mirrored accents, and bold, geometric patterns on the rug or walls. Create a focal point with a glamorous chandelier or statement coffee table. Use deep jewel tones for accents and pair with elegant metallic finishes for added sophistication.

Bedroom

• The Art Deco bedroom should feel like an elegant retreat. Look for a dramatic headboard (often upholstered in velvet or leather), sleek nightstands, and geometric patterns in bedding or wall treatments. Mirrored dressers and chandeliers add a touch of glamour, while metallic bed linens or luxurious textiles help create an opulent atmosphere.

Dining Room

• A formal Art Deco dining room features a luxurious dining table with polished wood or lacquered finishes, paired with geometric-patterned chairs. Use a bold, geometric rug underneath, and add a statement chandelier above the table to add drama. Glassware and metal serving pieces with art deco patterns elevate the overall look.

Why Choose Art Deco Style?

Art Deco is a style for those who appreciate luxury, bold design, and glamour. It’s perfect for anyone looking to create a dramatized, sophisticated space that exudes luxury, modernity, and elegance. It works well in grand, open spaces but can also make an impact in smaller rooms with the right use of decorative accents and bold statement pieces.