Most people who are decorating a home don’t necessarily choose a historical art style to follow. You might have ideas like, “I’m looking for a certain color scheme,” or “I like clean lines and bold designs.” Little do you know, you may be following an Art Deco design style.
Art Deco is a specific style of design from the earlier 20th century and it’s seeing a strong resurgence today. Want to learn more? Our design experts are breaking down Art Deco and why it’s so popular today.
What is Art Deco?
Art Deco comes from a French term that means “decorative art.” The term is used to describe an art style that begun in France and spread to Europe and the United States in the 1920s and 1930s.
Art Deco’s calling cards are geometric designs, usually with bold colors. The style was primarily applied to decorative items, such as furniture, interior lighting, architecture, and fashion.
The style varies based on the medium. For instance, Art Deco architecture has smooth walls, strong, streamlined lines, and vertical interest. Art Deco fashion, on the other hand, uses unique, bold shapes and eye-catching geometric patterns.
Why is Art Deco Design So Popular Today?
As beautiful of a style as Art Deco is, why has it suddenly had a resurgence? There are many different theories, but here are just a few:
Harking Back for a Retro Look and Stability
Even with today’s emphasis on technology and smart devices, there is a sense of comfort and warmth in harking back to a simpler time. This is evident in the resurgence of Art Deco décor in many homes, including those of the millennial generation.
The bold, structured style of Art Deco design is captivating and nostalgic. The simple, clean geometric shapes offer a streamlined look that people love to work in their homes.
Additionally, some designers are attributing today’s political climate as a reason for Art Deco’s resurgence. They say a sense of uncertainty drives people to seek structure and stability in other aspects of life, including design.
Similarity to Recent Modern Styles
Another possible reason for Art Deco’s revival is that it feels like a natural next step from our mainstream modern design. The modern style uses clean lines, like Art Deco, but tends to use fewer colors and put more emphasis on texture.
Art Deco is an interesting twist because it marries the structure and cleanliness of modern design with bolder colors.
Associated with Prosperity
Art Deco is from the “Roaring 20s,” a time remembered by many for its economic boom. The wealthy and the middle class flourished during this time and often expressed their wealth with elaborate Art Deco furniture and other ornate pieces.
You don’t need to spend much time on social media to realize that the glamour of wealth is at the front of today’s society. People want to appear successful and wealthy. It’s not surprising that we would be drawn to a style we associate with prosperity.
Bringing Art Deco Design into Your Home
Art Deco is a beautiful style that countless homeowners are using to bring a historical time into the modern era. To learn more about Art Deco design, browse our selection of pieces online. For answers to your questions or if you’re looking for a more specific piece, contact our Art Deco experts.
Paul Stamati Gallery specializes in 20th Century decorative arts and is the world’s leading source for Art Deco lighting by Lalique.