Art Deco is a style of visual arts, architecture and design that first appeared as an identifiable movement at the end of the 1920s. The name ‘Art Deco’ comes from the 1925 Paris exhibition called ‘Exposition des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes’; it was a shortened English version of this name that stuck. Meaning ‘art deco’ literally translates to ‘modern decorative art’, which reflects its emphasis on new technology and streamlined designs. Art Deco reached its peak in the 1920s and 1930s before falling out of favor for the more austere aesthetic of World War II, but many examples still exist today. Art Deco is a style that emerged in France in 1925. This style is also referred to as “Modernist” or “New Objectivity”, although these names also cover other historical periods and movements. This period lasted from 1919 to 1939 – until World War II – but its influence can be felt even today. During this time period, designers began looking towards nature for inspiration.

Art Deco Stylistic Elements

Art Deco is a style that emerged in France in 1925. This style is also referred to as “Modernist” or “New Objectivity”, although these names also cover other historical periods and movements. This period lasted from 1919 to 1939 – until World War II – but its influence can be felt even today. During this time period, designers began looking towards nature for inspiration. One of the key elements of Art Deco design is the use of geometric shapes and patterns. There are often repeating patterns and asymmetrical designs which give it a feeling of movement. Often there are a combination of two or more different materials which are combined to create an interesting texture or pattern. Asymmetry was a strong theme as well, with many objects being made with mismatched proportions.

Art Deco Architecture

The Art Deco style was originally an architectural style, but later it was adapted to different mediums. The most notable aspect of this period in architecture is the emphasis on steel and concrete. This can be seen in the Eiffel Tower, which was built during this time period. This focus on steel and linear designs lead to a stark contrast with Art Nouveau, which emphasizes curves and organic shapes.

Art Deco Interior Design

Art Deco became popular for interior design in the 1920s. This period of time was notable for its use of bold and geometric shapes, metallic finishes, and abstract designs that were often asymmetrical or off-centered. A common feature of an Art Deco interior was a feature wall with an unusual shape or texture. Typically, these walls would be painted in deep colors like red, green or purple to contrast against a white background. An example is the lobby of the Chrysler Building by William Van Alen which features a large zigzag pattern on its walls. Another popular design element would be furniture with metal legs and metal drawer pulls in contrasting colors as seen in this example from Jean Royère. There are many ways you can incorporate Art Deco into your home today: such as using black and white patterns on a couch or chair upholstery, adding geometric prints to your walls, or incorporating vintage pieces from the 1920s into your room décor.

Read our guide to Art Deco interior design to learn how you can incorporate Art Deco elements in your home.

Art Deco Fashion

Designers of the Art Deco period incorporated natural elements such as flowers, leaves, and other organic shapes into their designs. In addition to these natural elements, they also chose to use geometric shapes like circles and triangles. Furthermore, many of the designs featured vibrant colors that were often paired with black or white backgrounds. Art Deco Fashion is a style that emerged in France in 1925. This style is also referred to as “Modernist” or “New Objectivity”, although these names also cover other historical periods and movements. This period lasted from 1919 to 1939 – until World War II – but its influence can be felt even today. During this time period, designers began looking towards nature for inspiration. Designers of the Art Deco period incorporated natural elements such as flowers, leaves, and other organic shapes into their designs. In addition to these natural elements, they also chose to use geometric shapes like circles and triangles. Furthermore, many of the designs featured vibrant colors that were often paired with black or white backgrounds.

Other Examples of Art Deco Design

Art Deco is a style that has many interpretations and examples. One example of this is the Chrysler Building in New York City. This building is commonly thought of as the quintessential Art Deco building. There are many other examples of this style, such as buildings, furniture and lighting fixtures, but these three stand out as iconic representations of the style.

Art Deco in Modern times

Art Deco is not just a style of visual arts, architecture and design that first appeared in the 1920s. It is also a type of interior design that can be seen in modern homes. In fact, there are many ways to bring Art Deco into your home today. One way is to choose a more traditional look with black and white details, geometric patterns and brass accents. Another way to incorporate this style into the home is to use bold colors, like orange and yellow, with an emphasis on 3D shapes. There are also many furniture pieces that are reminiscent of this style, such as streamlined sofas or shaggy rugs for the floors. Today, Art Deco can be used as both a design aesthetic or as a symbol for personalization in one's home; it has never gone out of style!