How to Adapt the Art Deco Style to 2022

Art deco is a name that resonates with the 1902s. However, the art deco style can be accommodated in any 2022 interiors, and you’ll love it.

Arts Décoratifs is well known for its vibrant colours, vertical lines, angular geometry and decadent detail work. It originates from France, where it gained popularity before World War I.

The style is all about glamour and symmetrical order. How do you bring that to 2022?

Well, you can take all the high aesthetics of straight, sleek lines and streamlined forms and leave some of the glamour at the door. But first, let’s take a look at art deco in all its grandeur!

Art deco style furniture

You can recognise art deco furniture from miles away. It’s so symmetrical, aerodynamic, streamlined, geometrical and well-proportioned that you can’t take your eyes off it.

Woods of naturally-beautiful grain such as walnut, maple, ebony or ash were frequently used in art deco.

Moreover, all art deco style furniture is lacquered for a shiny, light-reflecting, opulent finish.

If you want to sit at an art deco style desk, you need a deep, angular seat. Apart from lacquered wood, there are a lot of steel frames and rods with industrial edges peppered with gold plating and upholstery. You see, it’s in these strange combinations that art deco survived to this day. You just can’t let it go.

Art deco wall art

Art deco really makes an entrance with its repetitive geometric shapes, zigzags, and triangular forms. You just can’t go wrong with an art deco wallpaper or print. It’s all about patterns.

So, what patterns? Leaves, branches, feathers, chevrons, trapezoids, and zigzags are just some of them. If you want to go wild with your prints and sculptures, try stylised animals or nudes.

As you can see, the art deco style is all about elegance and decadence. If you think this style does not fit into this day and age, you can limit the use of patterns and motifs. Keep them to some clearly-defined areas, and you’ll create a subdued, minimalist look with just a slight hint of art deco.  

However, if you want to go all-in for this strange combination of grandeur, drama, and incredible detail, consider high-contrast prints and grand, sleek sculptures. With an art deco style wallpaper paired with some chairs and art deco style lamps, you can make even the most modest room look like a chamber from a palace. Remember black photo frames are key!

Use a high-contrast palette in everything, be it an art deco wall mural or an art deco style sofa. The devil is in the details, and the details make it pop art deco style.

Art deco wall lights

The most common choice is wrought iron and glass with a high-shine chrome finish. Geometric, angular shapes and a bold colour scheme complete the package of art deco style wall lights.

The Art Deco Main Interior Design Elements

Typically, art deco is all about architecture, furniture and fine art. The Chrysler Building and the Rockerfeller Centre in New York are fine examples of art deco architecture.

Structurally, the art deco style stands on the grounds of mathematics. Trapezoidal zigzagged, and triangular shapes are everywhere in an art deco style.

Materials such as silver, crystal, ivory or jade are also used. High shine and affluence are the prerequisites of art deco.

However, as with any interior design style, the art deco style progressed. New materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, plastics and inlaid wood veneers were added to the style panoply.

How to Bring Art Deco Style into your 2022 Home

If you like the principles of art deco but cannot really come to terms with its grandeur and luxury, you can still adapt it to your liking. Here’s how!

1. Blend patterns

Do you live in a house with patterned tiles in the bathroom or kitchen? Play that tune and add more patterns. Trust us, it works. You will create a unique room with a great geometric pattern balance.

2. Go brass

A few brass elements can make a room seem more expensive than it really is. Go for chairs, light fixtures or cabinet hardware with tiny metallic accents and additions. They’ll change the atmosphere of a room in an instant.

3. Focus on lighting fixtures

They are essential in art deco. Think about incorporating mirrors into your interiors. Chandeliers or floor lamps are also a must. Play with the mirrors and reflections to create the illusion of space and the image of abundance. It will really make your space shine.

4. Go back to geometry class

You know those rooms where everything seems to come together nicely. That’s because it relies heavily on geometry. You can do that too.

Choose wall art, furniture, and fabrics with bold geometric shapes and fine-cut edges. That will make your room look right out of a Great Gatsby movie.

The art deco style is all about symmetry. Consider composition when decorating your room. Every nook and cranny should be perfectly balanced in the room.

5. Contemporary Art

Add a little splash of contemporary art to your interiors. It will make the space feel complementary and cohesive.

Don’t worry; it doesn’t matter too much what kind of contemporary art you choose. What makes a difference is the frame design. The fine-cut edges and texture, patterns and style of the print frame can really change an interior. So, be mindful of what frame you choose!

So, are you ready to bring some geometric wonder and eclectic glamour to your spaces? Go art deco style!