Art Deco is known for its all-out maximalist look, with interiors sporting bold colors and sleek, defining lines. And luckily for those who love a daring design, Art Deco decor is coming back in style. This 1920s-era statement look is getting a 21st-century refresh, and inspiring designers to adopt its defining features – and small, ornate details are only the beginning.
To get a better sense for why designers are loving Art Deco interiors at the moment, we spoke with several, who shared their favorite '20s features – plus how they're giving them a refresh in 2024.
Here's what the experts had to say, and how you can bring the Art Deco trend home without dating your space.
Is Art Deco still in style?
Interior designers often turn to Art Deco, and for good reason. Its iconic look is comprised of geometric patterns and all things gold, with oversized artwork and intricate wallpaper. Interior designer Marie Flanigan says she loves Art Deco 'for its sleek lines and slightly curved silhouettes, along with the stylized symmetry of the period.'
'Further, the saturated color palette is beautiful to layer into a space while keeping the overall feel relatively neutral. I think the aesthetics of Art Deco are absolutely still applicable today across many design aesthetics – I love incorporating touches of Art Deco style when it suits the homeowner,' says Marie.
Art Deco's bold patterns and shapes have made it a distinctive, unmistakable style. Marie adds that the look's use of symmetry 'will always be paramount to how interiors look, feel and live.'
Why are people drawn to art deco design features?
Many elements of Art Deco design, from its noticeable use of color and pattern to its nostalgic look, resonate with homeowners and designers today. Katie Paulsen, director of interior design at Dallas-based Maestri Studio, says that Art Deco's 'bold pattern and strong color' have contributed to the style's recent re-emergence.
'In the early 2000s, spaces leaned heavily toward the minimalist style and everyone wanted white on white. Luckily, clients have learned to embrace unique spaces again and they want their homes to reflect more of who they are,' says Katie.
Now, she says, very few spaces are all-out neutral, and 'most are undoubtedly authentic.' People are embracing their personal design styles, and historic looks are creeping in once more. Art Deco's strong lines and shapes, 'never-before-seen cabinet front styles' and fireplace surrounds are personal favorites from these '20s-inspired spaces, Katie adds.
Jill Steinberg, co-founder and COO of Fine & Dandy Co., says that 'Art Deco never really went away,' calling it a 'classic design genre that works beautifully with both traditional and modern aesthetics.' A perfect match with this year's trending transitional style, Art Deco can easily be adapted for the modern day. By being thoughtful about which aspects of the aesthetic you introduce to your space, you can achieve a nostalgic feeling while still steering clear of a museum-like look.
'The style embodies a vintage feel with clean, elegant lines and we think of it as wonderfully glamorous, which is why it’s one of our favorites. I think what we’re seeing is that more people are starting to appreciate the versatility and elevated look this genre offers. It can instantly transform a space into something special and impactful,' says Jill.
Wallpaper ideas are one of the easiest ways you can enhance a room with an Art Deco refresh. In this vintage bathroom, Fine & Dandy Co.'s Tangier wallcovering brings a touch of glamor and class to the space, blending bold gold detailing with a moody color scheme. Other Art Deco-style features, like a stunning light fixture and defining architectural elements tie the space together for an overall sophisticated look.
'Art Deco style can be incorporated more boldly as wallcoverings – like Fine & Dandy Co.’s Paramour, Plume, and Tangier designs, to name a few – or through architectural details, but certain accessories, such as mirrors, wall art, lighting or other decorative objects, can also be very effective in capturing the look,' adds Jill.
'While Art Deco never truly went out of style, its popularity has certainly waxed and waned over the decades. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed appreciation for its timeless appeal and distinctive design elements,' says Niko Rasides, design director at Nicholas Anthony.
Now, Art Deco appeals to homeowners and designers for the 'sense of escapism and luxury' that's often associated with its 'emphasis on opulence and glamor,' he adds. With a stunning combination of statement architectural features and personality-driven design choices, the style is making a comeback during a maximalist decor renaissance. Your home is a statement, reflecting your design style, personality and lifestyle, and Art Deco resonates with many homeowners seeking a refresh in 2024.
'Whether it's through sleek metallic finishes, geometric patterns or sumptuous velvet upholstery, Art Deco adds a touch of old-world charm and sophistication to modern interiors, making it a perennial favorite among design enthusiasts,' says Niko.
How to keep Art Deco fresh for modern interiors
All-out Art Deco spaces can be overwhelming to the eye, especially in the context of 2024 design trends. But there are certainly considered ways to integrate Art Deco into your space without taking to a time machine. Marie Flanigan suggests paying special attention to the 'lines of furniture' when picking out pieces for a '20s-inspired space.
'Clean lines and curves, along with sleek silhouettes are typically very easy ways to incorporate Art Deco into different spaces,' she says.
Light fixtures in Art Deco style are also quite easy to track down, she adds. Ultimately, when decorating with vintage – whether it's lighting, streamlined furniture, or other design elements – the key to mastering Art Deco for 2024 is keeping the overall style relatively simple. Marie says she tries to 'be very intentional about what goes into the room.'
'Look for ways to add geometric shapes, whether it’s a round mirror, square pavers or even sofas that create clean rectangles. I also love the pops of color that Art Deco interiors bring to a space and I typically gravitate toward the saturated neutral color palette that’s reminiscent of the time period. Look for inspiration images and see what pieces would translate well to your interior scheme,' Marie adds.
Some rooms capture the Art Deco allure with ease more than others. Lauren Kavanagh, art director at Hovia, says that 'dining rooms provide an excellent canvas for Art Deco style.'
'These spaces are often associated with hosting and entertaining, making them ideal for showcasing the opulence of Art Deco design. Items like decorative glassware, elegant bar carts, and statement lighting can all evoke the spirit of Art Deco, adding that touch of sophistication and flair,' she says.
Art Deco decor also looks stunning for bathroom ideas, especially in a powder room where you're looking to go bold with the design. Lauren adds that, 'decadent lighting reminiscent of the era and decorative tiles in geometric patterns and bold finishes are making styling an Art Deco bathroom easier than ever.'
Art Deco certainly isn't for everyone, but its timeless appeal and defining elements have made it a standout trend for 2024. Go bold with your home's color palette and experiment with patterns for a decidedly maximalist look that'll never truly go out of style.
