Your Ultimate Guide to Art Deco Interior Design

Imagine a world of glamour, sophistication, and geometric precision. This is the essence of Art Deco interior design, a style that emerged in the 1920s and flourished through the 1930s. Born from a desire for opulence and modernity after the austerity of World War I, Art Deco quickly became synonymous with luxury, progress, and the jazz age. It's a style that evokes images of grand ocean liners, dazzling skyscrapers, and Hollywood's golden age—think “Great Gatsby” vibes. 

This guide will show you how to master the Art Deco aesthetic in your home in classic and unexpected ways, from typical color schemes to how a thoughtfully chosen barn door can add a contemporary, functional twist.

Defining characteristics of Art Deco style

Art Deco design is instantly recognizable by its distinct visual language. To truly capture its spirit, focus on these key characteristics:

• Geometric patterns & symmetry. Look for zigzags, chevrons, sunburst motifs, stepped forms (like ziggurats), and stylized floral or animal patterns. Symmetry is employed to create a sense of grandeur and balance. 
• Rich, luxurious materials. Opulence is paramount, so embrace materials that exude wealth and sophistication. Think highly polished woods, gleaming metals, lacquer, glass, marble, exotic leathers, and even ivory or mother-of-pearl inlays. 
• Glamorous color palettes. Art Deco palettes are bold and dramatic. Deep jewel tones like emerald green and ruby red are frequently paired with striking metallics such as gold and chrome. Black and cream provide a sophisticated backdrop, allowing the richer colors to pop.
• Streamlined forms & curves. The geometric is often balanced with sleek, elongated forms and graceful curves. Furniture often features rounded corners, sweeping lines, and an essence of dynamic movement, reflecting the era's fascination with speed and machinery.
• Statement lighting. Lighting isn't just functional; it's a piece of art. They frequently showcase geometric designs or stepped profiles, casting a warm, inviting glow.

Incorporating Art Deco elements into your home

To infuse your home with Art Deco flair, consider these elements:

• Furniture. Choose Art Deco furniture with sleek, lacquered finishes, often in deep colors. Look for geometric detailing, chrome accents, and streamlined silhouettes and plush upholstery. Dining tables with polished wood or glass tops, chairs with chrome frames, and armoires with mirrored panels are quintessential.
• Lighting. Invest in statement fixtures. A multi-tiered chandelier, a pair of symmetrical wall sconces, or a sculptural table lamp can instantly elevate a room. Look for chrome, brass, or nickel finishes combined with frosted or clear glass.
• Accessories. Sculptural objects, often made from the standard Art Deco materials, add a touch of artistic flair. Consider geometric mirrors with ornate frames, vintage clocks, and stylized figurines, along with vases in bold colours or with metallic accents to house dramatic floral arrangements.
• Walls and floors. Art Deco wallpaper takes on geometric patterns in metallic or high-contrast colors, creating a stunning backdrop. Polished hardwood floors, black and white checkerboard tiles, or large-format marble tiles are ideal for flooring.

Integrating Barn Doors into Your Art Deco Design: A Surprising Harmony

At first glance, the rusticity of a barn door might seem at odds with the grandeur of Art Deco. However, with thoughtful selection and design, a barn door can become an Art Deco door! The key lies in material choices, finishes, and hardware that echo the Deco aesthetic.

Material choices that shine

Frosted glass barn door installations with metal frames are the most natural fit. Imagine a sliding door with multiple frosted glass panes set within a sleek chrome, polished brass, or nickel frame. The grid-like pattern of the panes lends itself to Art Deco's geometric sensibilities. Opt for clear glass if you really want to maximize light flow and maintain visual continuity. 

Other material options for a barn door in an Art Deco interior design scheme include lacquered or high-gloss painted doors, capturing a rich emerald green or jet black colour scheme. Natural wood can work but you should choose nice veneers to maintain the luxurious feel. 

Picking the right barn door hardware 

The hardware you choose is paramount in making a barn door fit an Art Deco scheme. The right move is to ditch the rustic black iron. Instead, opt for hardware in highly polished chrome, gleaming brass, or brushed nickel. The track system should be streamlined and minimalist, allowing the door itself to be the star. 

In terms of more functional parts, opt for handles and pulls with clean lines, stepped designs, or angular shapes. 

Consider the placement

Where you place the barn door will make a huge difference in how it fits into an Art Deco scheme. For example, double Art Deco-inspired grand entrances with double frosted glass barn doors are great for enhancing a dining room, living area, or home theatre. They can also be used for concealed home bars, entertainment nooks, wardrobes or pantries.

Begin your journey through Art Deco interior design

Art Deco continues to captivate with its blend of grandeur and modernism. It's about embracing luxury, bold forms, and a sense of timeless glamour that transforms a house into a sophisticated home. While its aesthetic might seem far removed from the barn door, the beauty of design lies in unexpected harmonies.

By carefully selecting materials like glass with metallic frames, high-gloss lacquered finishes, or polished exotic woods, and pairing them with sleek hardware, a barn door can become a surprising yet seamless fit for an Art Deco house interior. 

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