Furnishings From Art-Deco Era

The “Exposition Internationale” for the decorating arts and modern industries was actually the origin of the then controversial new style.

Characterized by heavy reliance on then modern views of the future, soft edges and bright colors were imbued into objects of all kinds from around 1925 up until 1939 when world war slowed the movement substantially, eventually diluting it into the 1950’s “mid-century modern” movement.

Art deco movement objects whetherjewelry, appliances, automobile parts, glass or trainsgave people elegant spaces and objects with sophistication and modern cutting edge materials such as plastics and exotic woods.

Artists were in part influenced by earlier Greek, roman and even Egyptian objects but stayed with more simple geometrical lines.

Buildings like the Chrysler Building in New York for instance feature sunbeams and silver spires.

Pink and blue neon and simple but elegant design continue to thrive and evoke feelings of comfort and fun today just as they did then.

Some common materials that were used in the art deco movement included shark and snake skin, gold and silver leaf, lacquers and ivory and even mother-of-pearl: most used in some form of pattern or geometric design.

As far as construction heavy use for the first time of ‘man made’ materials such as Bakelite and Lucite as well as heavy reliance on chrome and aluminum and plastic not only helped set a visual theme but reduced costs in many cases.

The bright and colorful designs of manufacturers such as farberware and chase at the time were simply elegant and inexpensive cocktail shakers and kitchenware but now are urgently sought by collectors and replicated by modern vendors to meet a growing demand for the gentler times they have come to represent.

Art was also influenced with advertising and even the design of the Coca-Cola bottle taking elements from the modern trend. It has even been argues that cubist artists such as Picasso and Braque are Art Deco examples in which reality is reduced to simple lines and shapes.

Modern Art Deco decorating trends try to take the vast amount of artwork, styles and trends and create a theme that is like cubist art reduced to simple lines and angular shapes using common art deco materials and bright colors to invoke that “50’s” art deco feel but is so popular because the extravagant and risqué roots of its design are so forgiving that it is difficult to make a mistake.In fact some decorators claim the catch phrase “anything goes” epitomizes the art deco movement.

Most modern designers however would refer to art deco as more of a pure form or design phase where unnecessary decorations and lines were melded away leaving just the essential elements of the piece in bright fun colors without the extravagant and unnecessary garnish of earlier design forms such as Victorian.

Geometric designs, bold prints and bright colors in plastics, glass and art are key to a successful art deco décor, but they need not be true art deco objects from the 20’s or 30’s which are often expensive and hard to obtain.

Finding replicas and modern equivalents is not easy but can be fun. Some elements to remember when searching for modern ‘art deco’ equivalents are that pieces should:

• Be somewhat simple in form without excessive design work but not ‘square’ like the shaker movement

• Make good use of colors, textures and materials with emphasis to ‘man made’ and unique materials such as chrome, plastic etc.

• Feature many geometric or Grecian style designs

• Not appear too costly or overbearing – simple fun comfort and playfulness is vital to art deco design

There are many examples in movies and books of existing art deco furnishings and styles, and imposing and odd sculptures in the style of the period still reside on street vendor carts and shops everywhere – as is befitting a style that drew influence from both exciting new technologies and capabilities and ancient patterns from Egypt and Greece.

Art deco is perhaps the easiest decorating scheme in the world provided you stay true to its’ roots and don’t get carried away.

Beautiful, simple, somewhat blunted or angular with bright patterns and animal prints can never go wrong in an art deco room but some backgrounds or furniture choices may turn an art deco room into some other room with art deco elements. Set the tone then stay with it and you will have a timeless masterpiece of modern design.