Roaring Retro: Art Deco Interior Design

The term “art deco” is ambiguous to say the least. It is a style generally associated with the roaring twenties that took a dive in popularity during WWII. Art deco has its roots in Cubism, Modernism, and Art Nouveau. It is characterized by repetition on a theme, and a look that appeared “modern” during its heyday.

Art Deco Interior Design

Art deco has enjoyed small periods of renewed popularity since its decline in the 40s. People today like it for its retro look and often its kitsch value. Art deco interior design has once again risen in desirability in the new millennium, and can be seen in new buildings as well as the ones it originally graced. This rebirth of interest in art deco has given rise to many new products featuring its stylized and geometrically heavy designs, as well as prompting renewed interest in vintage wall paper, furniture, and the like.

Art Deco Furniture

Art deco furniture is very simple in design. It features bold straight and curved lines and uses little embellishment, save for a geometric or animal print here and there. It’s simplistic approach is often accentuated by its look of sturdy construction, and elegance.

Purchasing authentic art deco furniture can be a bit expensive as it is difficult to come by and most decidedly vintage. There are many places, however, that sell pieces not unlike the originals that are significantly less expensive. IKEA sells furniture that, though a heavy European influence is hard to miss, is definitely art deco-ish.

The leopard, zebra, and tiger prints that are sometimes found in authentic art deco furniture are also gaining popularity today. While these pieces, authentic or not, can cost more than some would like to spend, the fabric to reupholster your existing furniture is cheap.

The Art Deco Room

What better way to compliment your art deco furniture than with some retro lamps or vintage wallpaper. Art deco wallpaper can be found either in specialty shops, if you want the real thing, or in many home improvement stores if you just want the look. The nice thing about the vintage stuff is that it costs less than some other vintage wallpaper because there’s a fair amount left over from when the bubble burst. Retro art deco lamps are characterized by their very straight lines and solid looking frames. The shades are usually a solid color, though they may contain some geometric or other print.

It’s interesting to note that this style (that’s quickly pushing 100 years old) goes very well with what is considered “modern” room decoration. The bold lines and lack of superficial adornment give a room the look of functionality, while the materials the pieces are constructed from (hardwood and solid metal) are reminiscent of times past. Art deco furniture and design was originally about looking toward the future. The way the style appeals to generation after generation assures that it, itself, will have a long one.

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