Welcome to the first of several blogs where we’ll be diving into a coveted interior design style. Whether you’re creating a space from scratch or refreshing your current home, we hope you’ll find some inspiration in our Designing Interiors series!

HISTORY

Art Deco officially leapt into the world in 1925 at The Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes, an international design show in Paris. The new style was influenced by Art Nouveau, Cubism, and Bauhaus – and was a movement against anything traditional. From the 20’s until World War II, architecture, furniture, art, and fashion were affected by art deco, with interest in the style renewing in the late 60’s.

The Marine Building in Vancouver is the most recognizable demonstration of Art Deco in the city.

Dwell - Marine Building

Photo: Dwell

THE LOOK

Embellishments on simplicity: geometric patterns, chevrons, ziggurats, hieroglyphics, starbursts, female forms, smooth curves, hard edges.

Art Deco collage

Photos: ThinkNoir, Dwell Studio, Akdo, Yellow Owl Workshop, 24 Cottonwood Lane, Pinterest

THE FEEL

If you love jazz, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Paris, and elegance, this is the style for you. It’s a subtle nod to the past, without fussiness (or stuffiness). Art Deco is undoubtedly sophisticated.

Art Deco Feel