It is believed that the 30s of the XX century were one of the most fruitful periods in the history of design. The interior styles that arose at this time masterfully combined the solid ideas of the 18th century with modern messages. One of them is the art deco style in the interior, which has remained relevant for almost a century and fits perfectly into our reality. Quality and naturalness, elegance and glamour. A real revelation in the age of plastic and synthetics can be an art deco living room as the epicenter of the life of every home.
Important! Art Deco design favors spacious areas and high ceilings. But if you correctly capture the main principles of style, then in the conditions of an apartment it is quite possible to embody modern classics with art deco elements.
Characteristic features of Art Deco style
The art deco style arose during a short respite between the world wars, and therefore its luxury and chic is a protest against the shocks experienced, the desire to live beautifully here and now.
The high standard of style requirements is set by its features:
- The deliberate high cost of materials used in the repair. Rare woods, bronze, brass, aluminum, steel, reptile skin, ivory, fur, velvet, silk, brocade - Art Deco design is distinguished by ostentatious beauty and a craving for the exotic. Yes, you need to have a considerable amount in your wallet to decide to renovate an apartment in the Art Deco style. But it is precisely the underlined sophistication and deliberate high cost that most closely correspond to the original design of Art Deco. Minimalism and synthetic practicality have no place here.
- The external effect is more important than the internal idea. The creators and consumers of the Art Deco style did not make far-reaching plans for the future and enjoyed a brief flowering of their financial capabilities. Therefore, each element of Art Deco design proclaims the fullness and joy of being: embellishments and inlays, decorative excesses and cultivated refinement, idleness and effeminacy.
- Geometric completeness and symmetry. Art Deco style loves strict verticals and clear horizontals in layout and furnishings. Smooth, rounded shapes of furniture, streamlined, zigzag lines are also welcome.
Important! Art Deco style combines clean lines and streamlined silhouettes in a bold way. Thanks to this "happy" contradiction of straightness and asymmetry, this style only enhances its charm.
- Exotic motifs and ethnic ornaments in Art Deco design. Greek, Egyptian, African, oriental decorative moods are actively used.
- An abundance of gloss, brilliance and radiance. The feeling of a celebration of life in Art Deco style is enhanced by the use of shiny and reflective surfaces in the design: stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, lacquered wood, crystal, polished marble.
- Use of the symbolism of the sun. The Art Deco theme of sunbeams can be seen in the frames of round mirrors, decoration of wall clocks, fireplace lining, chair backs, decor and accessories.
- Color contrast. The main color technique of the style is the monochrome contrast of white and black, brown and light beige, black and gold.
- Arches, niches, frames. When planning a space in the Art Deco style, arches are often used, wardrobes and beds are comfortably recessed into niches, and furnishings are decorated with decorative frames.
Important! Art Deco style denies mass and accessibility. The status of a person living in such an interior has the right to confirm only unique pieces of piece work.
Color in Art Deco interior
The leading color formula in art deco design is black and white, accompanied by noble gold, silver, cream, chocolate, beige, gray.In general, the colors are calm and neutral. A very dosed style allows green, blue, red.
An art deco living room can be designed mainly in dark colors with the addition of lighter shades of the main range. The design does not allow bold transitions from one color range to another. Color expressiveness is achieved with the help of a contrasting pattern: Greek ornaments, Egyptian patterns, cubist drawings, automotive themes. The use of linear motifs and simple shapes in the patterns allows you to visually adjust the space of the hall, create the illusion of the desired direction.
What finish to choose when renovating the living room?
All materials used in the renovation of an Art Deco apartment are necessarily natural and expensive, high-quality and solid. Precious wood, shiny metal surfaces, marble and granite, ivory, animal and reptile skin, bronze and brass are present in all pieces of furniture and decor.
Art deco wallpaper imitating lace or expensive fabric can be pasted on the walls of the living room. The patterns on such wallpaper are large, voluminous, repeat spherical shapes, have zigzag and broken lines, curlicues and monograms. Drawings within the same color range are contrasting and intelligible, have a clear visual texture. Wallpaper theme can combine design features in style empire, baroque and even high-tech.
On the floor in the living room, parquet with a pattern in the form of a circle, rhombus, triangle, square or natural stone slabs will look relevant for the Art Deco style. The color scheme of such a floor should be pronounced, saturated, with a rich ornament. Modular parquet in different types of wood, artistic parquet with a custom pattern, marble or granite perfectly emphasize the overall luxurious direction. In some places, a carpet of soothing tones with natural pile will be appropriate.
The ceiling during the repair can be made in a multi-stage shape, with ledges and borders or smooth, tension. Desirable contour drawing of geometric shapes using moldings or skirting boards.
Art Deco furniture
When choosing furniture in the Art Deco style, the focus should be on individuality. The main requirements for furniture are:
- Absence of sharp corners, smooth lines, convex, voluminous forms.
- Natural materials for upholstery: velor, velvet, silk, leather, suede, satin.
- Expensive expressive accessories.
- Trapezoidal silhouettes of sofas, armchairs, chairs.
- Aerodynamically shaped objects inspired by the popular shapes of stylish Rolls-Royce cars.
- Stepping and broken lines of secretaries and shelving.
- The predominance of varnished surfaces.
- Curved legs of tables, chairs, armchairs, sofas.
- Inlay, metal lining, mirrors.
- Carefully crafted details that decorate furniture in the form of circles, rhombuses, sunbeams, etc.
Traditional interior items of the Art Deco living room are a chest of drawers with rounded shapes, sideboards, deep armchairs, leather roomy sofas, chairs with carved backs, soft pouffes, elegant couches, artsy banquettes. A plasma panel that has already become traditional can be decorated in a niche under a mirror or a picture.
A special highlight of the Art Deco living room interior can be a fireplace. Of course, in a city apartment, this will be a false fireplace. Immersed in a niche, with a beautifully designed mirror on top, it will become the focus of exquisite comfort.
What kind of lighting to choose for an art deco living room?
multi-layered, complex lighting, used in Art Deco design, is designed to emphasize the mysterious and promising atmosphere of the style.The main role is played by a crystal chandelier with numerous pendants that create gentle light overflows. A table lamp on a coffee table, floor lamps and sconces next to the sofa will add depth to the living room space and emphasize light and shade transitions. Spotlights decorate tiered transitions on the ceiling, niches and arches, illuminate wall contour frames - paintings, decorative baguettes, mirrors.
Art Deco decor and accessories
Art Deco decor items are plentiful and varied. These are vases in the Egyptian or Greek spirit, wall decorations in the form of the sun, bronze figurines, paintings, clocks, magazine racks, napkin rings, decorative fountains.
Of particular importance in the interior of Art Deco are mirrors. In addition to their practical purpose, they enhance the "brilliant" effect, deepen and expand the space, richly shimmer and glare.
Heavy curtains of complex drapery made of natural materials with gilded tassels and deep pleats will give the living room extra comfort. A lot of decorative pillows on a wide sofa are an indispensable attribute of bliss and luxury.
Tiered stands for fruits, cakes and pastries, similar to the silhouettes of New York skyscrapers, look quite in the Art Deco style and will decorate the festively laid table in the living room.
Art Deco in a city apartment
Reproducing the Art Deco style in the living room of a city apartment is not an easy task, requiring extraordinary imagination and creative flair. Bourgeoisism without philistinism, luxury without pomposity, gloss without pop and bad taste make serious claims to the designer's skill. But as a reward - a personal piece of Hollywood in your own apartment, the height of interior hedonism as a vivid confirmation of your success.
