Art Deco is a mixture of artistic styles, often contradictory, that sought in its style the simplicity of cubism, but sinned by the excessive use of decorative elements.
Unlike Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau, Art Deco was not inspired by any social cause or doctrine. His main concern was the decorative essence, marked by luxury and modernity.
It started in 1910, peaked in 1920 and declined in 1939, with the start of the 2nd world war.
With the Industrial Revolution, design was reinvented and began to give prominence and value to products produced in series. In response to this trend, movements like Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau emerged that tried to prove that human work was much more complete and complex than that which was developed by machines. The workers were encouraged by these movements and associations and groups were created to stimulate the hard work of these artisans. With this, new techniques, specializations and adornments have appeared, each time more detailed, aesthetic, elaborate and luxurious. But that only a few had access: who had money.
In this sense, Art Déco appears, thus, as an artistic style that leaves its marks even in architecture, around the world, see the case of Miami in the USA.
The movement has quite eclectic references. After all, it was influenced by movements such as cubism, represented by geometrization and its abstract forms, by futurism, fauvism and constructivism.
Thus, we can see that Art Déco has influences from movements that preceded it, but it also has an avant-garde character, focused on contemporaneity and the future.
It is also interesting to note that some designers have incorporated exotic cultural elements in their work. Thus, they inserted components in their pieces full of cultural motives, such as ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and Africa.
This artistic style combines different trends, materials such as jade, silver and ivory and uses improved techniques that exhibit luxury, glamor, social and technological progress.
It should be noted that this style is often compared with the Bauhaus aesthetic. However, it should be mentioned that the two movements represented important oppositions. After all, Art Deco was characterized by luxury and extravagant ornamentation, Bauhaus brought purist geometric shapes, functionalism and simplicity.
In its beginning, Art Deco used many colors, sparkles, floral prints, geometric shapes and abstract designs. It continued with a cubist style but with more simplistic forms, where cylindrical shapes were particularly valued. He ended his cycle with a slightly different style: more modest, but with still very marked lines of extravagance.
Understanding the characteristics and influences of artistic styles is essential when we want to use it in interior decoration. With this there is a better understanding and contextualization of the style in order to adapt it to the tastes and interests of the owners.
In recent years, the Art Deco style has revived the world of decoration, and with it many elements linked to the retro and vintage style have come to the fore. For this reason, architecture and decoration professionals increasingly use this style, with straight lines and geometric shapes, as the result of a strong and impactful architecture and design.
Art Deco has influenced countless artistic manifestations, mainly due to its beauty, sophistication and exacerbated luxury.
This style is described as the style of geometric shapes, elongated lines, noble elements, such as wood and decorative solutions that provide shine and aesthetic richness.
In general, be aware of the geometric shapes that stand out in their context, spherical lines, elongated lines, abstract designs and elements that refer to sophistication and luxury, such as gold, veneers, bronze and other valuable metals.
If you want to use this style in your home decor choose: metallic materials, stainless steel, mirrors with worked frames, light glass, hardwood, stones and marbles with different variations, light and smooth fabrics, with strong chromatic tones and other elements that denote rarity.
Lighting should prioritize well-worked lamps, with etched or frosted glass. It is recommended to avoid fabrics with floral elements, tropical pieces and strong contrasts between colors.
Bet on elegant lamps, wallpapers, fresh flowers and, mainly, elements with geometric shapes that stand out in the middle of the other elements.
The furniture should be prominent elements in the Art Deco decoration. Use and abuse chaise long and pieces with creativity and ergonomics. Curved armchairs, dressers, solid wood buffets and metal lamps are among the best known elements of this style.
Never forget: ALWAYS value luxury and elegance when decorating your home according to this style.