The Decoist: 5 Elements of Modern Art Deco Design

Art Deco design combines Avant Garde exuberance, early 20th century glamour, and luxurious craftsmanship. It’s a feast for the eyes built around ornate details, stylized forms, surprising pops of color, and sleek materials. Today’s appreciation for Art Deco interior design remains rooted in decadent finishes and a palette of jewel-toned colors. However, a contrast of lighter shades, natural elements, and a streamlined composition creates contemporary appeal.  

The Modern Art Deco aesthetic translates beautifully into any space within the home adding a sense of grandeur and luxury. Whether you envision a full Gatsby revival or just a hint of 1920s glamor, use these characteristics to guide your Modern Art Deco design.

Bold Colors
Bold colors and add excitement to the space. Saturated hues of sapphire, garnet, emerald, and plum create a striking contrast against softer, contemporary shades of gray, white, and sand. Use color to define one or two larger elements as the focal point of the room. Fabrics like velvet, silk, and jacquard and high-gloss finishes will further accentuate the rich color palette.

Metallics & Mirrors
Metallic and mirrored accents imbue a sense of sophisticated glamour in the Modern Art Deco design. Pull in gold, bronze, brass, silver, or mirrored accents but ensure each is finished in a similar style, such as matte, burnished, or polished, to maintain cohesion.

Geometric Influence
Geometric patterns can often feel busy at first glance, but the symmetrical design and repetition can actually help to create flow and rhythm within the space. Experiment by adding pattern from floor to ceiling to create the illusion of more height, or choose a large-scale pattern to create a bold statement.

Greenery & Botanicals
The Modern Art Deco aesthetic incorporates natural influences from intentionally selected plant life and materials. Large-leaf flora in deep shades of green tie into the jewel-toned palette while tropical greenery reflects the geometric influence. Accents of ratan and woven cane create a softness against the saturated color palette and connect to modern sensibilities.

Mixed Materials
The Art Deco design movement was heavily influenced by extravagant materials and fine craftsmanship. Unexpected pairings of marble, ebony, lacquer, chrome, and glass comfortably intermingle to create a uniquely stylized approach. This play between materials provides an opportunity to scale bolder choices by using them as finer details. For example, custom cabinetry takes on a glamourous appeal when paired with a polished metal inlay.

Creating a Life of Beauty
Design aesthetics are often cyclical with the newest iterations pulling influence both from historical significance and modern desires. It’s a rhythm that allows us to interpret each theme in a uniquely personal way and create spaces that feel authentically like ourselves. Inspiration can come in many forms. As you continue to create your life of beauty, explore our collection of projects and on-trend topics to spark your creativity.