What Are the Main Characteristics of the Art Deco Style?

Do you need help finding a unique style that brings glamour and modernity into your home?

Are you yearning for a touch of luxury that doesn't compromise on functionality?

If yes, then the Art Deco style is your answer. Its main characteristics are the emphasis on bold geometric forms, rich colours, and lavish ornamentation.

An excellent example of this is the Art Deco Bed Frame. It's not just a piece of furniture; it's a statement of your bedroom. With its sleek lines, symmetrical patterns, and high-gloss finishes, an Art Deco bed frame encapsulates the very essence of this design philosophy - a celebration of modernity and a nod to the luxury of the past.

In this guide, we'll delve into the main characteristics of the Art Deco style and explore how you can incorporate it into your home for a touch of timeless elegance. So, Let's Start!

Origins and Influences of Art Deco

The Art Deco movement emerged in the early 20th century and quickly spread across Europe. With its roots deeply embedded in Paris, this innovative decorative arts style was a breath of fresh air in design.

The Art Deco style was characterised by its symmetrical, geometric forms, reflecting the time's intense aesthetic experimentation. The Art Deco period was when art movements such as the Bauhaus, Constructivism, Cubism, and De Stijl flourished, all of which profoundly influenced Deco.

The ziggurat, or stepped pyramid form, a common Mesoamerican influence, became a defining feature in Art Deco architecture. This architectural style was further enriched by the bold geometric shapes of Cubism and the Vienna Secession, along with the vibrant colours of Fauvism and the Ballets Russes.

Furthermore, ancient Egyptian art, Aztec, and other ancient Central American art served as inspiration, adding to the rich tapestry of influences that shaped the Deco movement.

From fine arts to visual arts, the Deco style left an indelible mark, with numerous examples of Deco still admired today.

Defining Characteristics of Art Deco

Art deco style originated in the 1920s and remained popular until the early 1940s. Its distinctive aesthetic is characterised mainly by its emphasis on geometry and symmetry, bold colour schemes, and an overarching sense of luxury and glamour.

Deco design celebrates the modern and the fashionable, combining a fascination with geometry, abstract forms, and fragmented shapes to create visually striking and symmetrical designs. These design elements can be observed in numerous Art Deco buildings and furniture, which feature a sleek, linear appearance with stylised, often geometric ornamentation.

Moreover, bold colour schemes are another defining characteristic of Art Deco. This style did not shy away from the vibrant and dramatic, using contrasting and intense hues to create visually striking, luxurious, and glamorous designs. 

In short, Art Deco was more than just a decorative style; it represented modernism turned into fashion. Its products included individually crafted luxury items and mass-produced wares, making it a manner of cheap and chic ideas.

Art Deco in Architecture

Art Deco architecture was the successor to, and reaction against, Art Nouveau, coexisting with this earlier style for a time. It brought a fresh, bold aesthetic to the architectural landscape, featuring smooth finish building materials such as stucco, concrete block, glazed brick or mosaic tile.

The Art Deco design movement extended beyond architecture, influencing the movie industry and the decorative arts. It was an ornamental and beautifying style, characterising buildings, hotels, cinemas, and even railway stations with its unique aesthetic.

Art Deco in Interior Design

Regarding interior design styles, Art Deco is a classic that has stood the test of time. The style came to prominence in the period between the two World Wars. Its bold, geometric shapes and symmetrical forms continue to influence contemporary design.

Art Deco architecture, with its streamlined designs and emphasis on ornamentation, encapsulates the confidence and optimism of the era.

Furthermore, the Art Deco aesthetic is characterised by high contrast combinations, bold, deep colours balanced by softer nudes, and luxurious materials like shark skin, zebra skin, velvets and leathers. Natural themes feature heavily, and the style is infused with motifs from the traditional Art Deco style, making it a rich and diverse approach to interior design.

The machine age inspired art Deco artists, reflected in the iconic angular lines and geometric patterns. The influence of Art Nouveau can also be seen in the decorative art aspects of Art Deco design, adding a layer of visual interest.

Additionally, despite being one of the most challenging interior design styles. Art Deco remains a popular choice for those seeking to add glamour and sophistication to their spaces.

Art Deco's Impact on Modern Design

Now you are fully versed in the history and defining characteristics of Art Deco, it's time to discuss its impact on modern design.

• Art Deco's Resurgence: The Art Deco style is known for its bold geometric patterns and luxurious materials. It has seen a resurgence in contemporary design, influencing disciplines from interior design to graphic arts. This includes the revival of Art Deco painting, with many modern artists adopting the movement's distinctive aesthetic..

• Influence on Modern Architecture: Art Deco architecture, characterised by streamlined shapes and ornamentation, has significantly influenced modern design. The Empire State Building in New York is a notable example of the grandeur of the Art Deco style.

• Impact on Decorative Arts: The Art Deco movement's influence is evident in today's decorative arts. Its motifs and designs are incorporated into objects ranging from furniture and lighting fixtures to jewellery and fashion accessories.

• Modern Interpretations of Art Deco: Designers create modern interpretations of the Art Deco style that blend the old with the new.

• Art Deco and Graphics: Art Deco's distinctive geometric patterns and bold colours continue to inspire contemporary artists and designers in the graphics field.

• Art Deco in Furniture: Modern furniture design often features Art Deco's signature elements such as bold geometric patterns, luxurious materials like velvet and brass, and a blend of glamour and sophistication. You can observe the sleek look yourself by clicking here.

Final words

That's all you have about characteristics of the Art Deco style. Now, you can start incorporating these decorative elements into your designs and create stunning, stylish, timeless art pieces.

If you're looking for an affordable art deco bedroom, then Crafted Bed can be your perfect choice.

Crafted Bed offers high-quality, handcrafted Art Deco beds that combine modern style with the timeless elegance of this iconic design movement.

So, let's experience luxury and sophistication with Crafted Beds' Art Deco pieces and elevate your bedroom's aesthetic on a budget.

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