Art deco still popular design style today

A recent newspaper headline that read “Less lavish, more modern, art deco is returning” caught my attention and had me thinking back to a time growing up in New York City and the wonder and pride I felt (and still do) about the great art deco buildings such as the Chrysler, the Empire State and, of course, the fabulous Radio City Music Hall. The thrill I felt about visiting these world-class architectural wonders remains with me to this day. Such is the power of the art deco style.

What exactly is it about art deco to have exerted such an influence and lasting impression on a designer like myself? To start with, it was the most fashionable international design movement in modern art from 1925 until the 1940s, and it embraced all types of art, including crafts and fine arts. It was applied to interior design, furniture, jewelry, textiles, fashion and industrial design, and architecture.

Basically, art deco is a streamlined, geometric style that often includes furniture pieces with curved fronts, mirrors, clean lines, chrome hardware and glass — and it’s elegant in its use of angular, balanced geometric shapes.

But, add to the mix eclectic influences coming from the primal arts of Aztec Mexico, Africa and Egypt executed with materials such as aluminum, inlaid wood, lacquer, shagreen, stainless steel and zebra skin in zigzagged and stepped patterns, sweeping curves and lines, chevron patterns and sunburst shapes and what designer’s heart wouldn’t be stirred? Certainly, all are characteristics of a design style appealing to my own aesthetic sensibilities and to countless aficionados around the world.

And as a designer with deep roots in contemporary design, it just may be that art deco holds a special appeal to me because the style and modern design truly complement each other. Art deco lends a touch of sophistication to the simplicity that’s inherent in contemporary design with its emphasis on clean lines, minimalist furnishings and accessories, and generally simple color palettes with neutrals and earth tones being the most popular along with white or beige.

Should you be interested in incorporating an art deco theme in your home’s design, the following basics should be considered:

n Color. Be sure to include as many neutrals as possible in your color palette such as beige, tan, taupe, brown, black, gray, silver and white because of the minimalist nature of this design style. Use muted or bold colors sparingly such as green, red, maroon and blue.

n Flooring. Sleek materials and colors are the way to go with flooring choices. Think black and white checkered tile, marble or glossy hardwood floors. You can complement the look with an art deco style area rug featuring geometric designs.

n Furniture. Again, sleek is the key word with highly lacquered finishes and elegant curves. Furniture should be comfortable and yet glamorous. Wood furniture should be of rosewood, walnut, maple, teak or zebra wood. Chrome, stainless steel, glass and vinyl can be combined with upscale upholstery such as leather or exotic zebra print. Finally, large scale pieces such as armoires, sideboards and oversized chairs, lounges and sofas are often used with this style.

n Lighting. Again, streamlined, ultra-modern, zig-zag and geometric designs are best for ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, table and floor lamps. Lamp bases are typically made of brass, nickel, bronze, aluminum, wrought iron, ceramic or chrome with glass shades in white, clear, frosted, etched or colored. Adding long fringe, tassels or even beads to lampshades is a great way to achieve this look.

n Window coverings. Be sure to keep them simple and understated.

n Mirrors. Mirrors and more mirrors, geometric or not, with or without shiny silver or chrome frames in addition to mirrored furniture, when possible. They’re a key element in the art deco design scheme along with lighting.

n Accessories. Vintage French deco clocks, vintage radios and phonographs, vintage ceramic vases, art deco posters and vintage framed art prints from artists such as Pablo Picasso, Pierre Bonnard, Henri Matisse and Paul Klee are great additions for this look. You might also include an elegant floral display.

n Fabrics. Try to use luxurious fabrics such as silk and velvet (often with bold geometric designs) that will add texture and interest to your home, even though they may be similar colors of your overall palette. Be sure to avoid any kind of flowery or floral prints on upholstery and fabrics. Art deco-style furniture is generally characterized by solid color fabrics in neutral colors or patterns along with richly colored leather, vinyl, suede and mohair.

Yes, art deco truly is experiencing a resurgence. Perhaps because, as the newspaper article said, “a sense of uncertainty tends to drive people to seek structure and stability.” At the same time, period pieces and reproductions in this iconic style are becoming highly sought after.

Art deco will give you a look that is at once retro, simple and, yet, very up to date. It’s bold and innovative but also inviting and comfortable at the same time, which is exactly why its influence is still with us after all these years. And whether it’s a total art deco look you’re after or just elements to be blended with your existing contemporary home, I encourage you to go for it because there are no hard guidelines or rules to follow when it comes to this style and a great deal of room for interpretation.

Stephen Leon is a licensed interior designer and president of Soleil Design (www.soleildezine.com); he has been designing and manufacturing custom furniture and cabinetry for more than 25 years. He is past president of the Central California/Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers and is a certified professional in green residential design. Questions can be sent to soleildesign@cox.net.