I love to buy interesting-looking furniture that has a story, history or is from an era back in time.
Although I like older things I tend to veer toward modern lines, which can be hard to find when you love vintage and antique furnishings.
Enter my new best friend: the Art Deco era.
The furniture was simple in design and glamourous to look at. Exotic woods, shagreen, ebony and ivory were just a few of the exotic elements that made Art Deco furnishings so special.
Clean lines, unfussy style and patterns make for an easy to live with aesthetic for anyone who wants a bit of history and a modern look in their space.
Get the look:
– Art Deco is a minimalist, uncluttered look.
– Use streamlined furniture, geometric patterns and sweeping curves.
– Decorate with rich red, black or any dark lacquered wood, table trays and serving platters.
– Upholster furniture in solid colour fabric, or use geometric patterned fabrics for cushions or chairs.
– Animal printed carpets and accessories are a perfect choice.
– Use curvaceous accessories like vases and sculptures to break up all the clean, straight lines.
– Inject a stylized sunburst shape — nowadays often as a decorative mirror.
Characteristics of the Art Deco style:
- Simple, clean lines
- Slight arched tops, light brass or gold accents
- Masculine colours like black, brown or grey
- Walnut brown wood stains, high-gloss finishes
A little history:
- Although Hollywood made the Art Deco look famous, the clean-lined luxurious era was invented in Paris.
- Art Deco has influenced fashion, interior design, architecture, industrial design and visual arts. It resurged in the 1980s with black lacquered furnishings.