Understanding the Art Deco Movement
The Art Deco movement began in the early 20th century and continued on through the 1930s. It is a visual arts style that is characterized by its use of bold colors, lavish ornamentation, and geometric forms. The designers of the time sought to create a modern, glamorous style, reflecting the changing world around them. Art Deco has been influenced by different cultures, including Mesopotamia, Ancient Egyptian, and Mayan cultures.Key Elements of Gatsby Style
The Gatsby style, which references the popular novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a subgenre of Art Deco. It is characterized by its luxurious, opulent, and extravagant look. Some key elements of Gatsby style include: • Exotic woods: Art Deco designers favored materials like zebrawood, macassar ebony, and bird’s eye maple, which were often used in their luxury furniture. • Geometric patterns: Symmetrical geometric shapes like squares, triangles, circles, and hexagons were used as design motifs in architecture, furniture, and decorative objects. • Sleek lines and curves: Art Deco design featured smooth, clean lines and curves, which gave a streamlined and sophisticated look.Fabrics and Textiles for a Gatsby-Inspired Look
When it comes to fabrics and textiles, Art Deco designers favored textured materials like silk, velvet, and brocade. Bold, geometric patterns were also popular in fabrics, often pairing them with metallic threads and Lurex. Fringe, tassels, and beads were also used to add a touch of luxury and opulence to curtains, upholstery, and linens.- Textured fabrics like silk, velvet, and brocade.
- Bold, geometric patterns.
- Metallic threads and Lurex.
- Fringe, tassels, and beads for added luxury.
Furniture Choices for an Art Deco-Inspired Space
Art Deco furniture is known for being luxurious, functional, and sleek. Furniture pieces often featured exotic wood finishes, inlaid metal, and high-gloss lacquers. Chairs and sofas had curved lines, tapered legs, and soft edges, while coffee tables and end tables had geometric shapes. Mirrored surfaces were also a popular design element used to add depth, glamour, and sparkle to a room.- Exotic wood finishes, inlaid metal, and high-gloss lacquers.
- Curved lines and tapered legs.
- Geometric shaped tables.
- Mirrored surfaces for added glamour.
Incorporating Geometric Patterns into Your Decor
If you’re looking to add a touch of glamour and sophistication to your decor, consider incorporating geometric patterns. You can start by adding throw pillows with bold patterns, combining different geometric patterns in fabrics and wallpaper, or playing with different shapes when choosing your furniture pieces. Geometric mirrors, vases, and sculptures can also add a touch of Art Deco luxury to your space.- Add throw pillows with bold patterns.
- Combine different geometric patterns in fabrics and wallpaper.
- Play with different shapes when choosing your furniture pieces.
- Include geometric mirrors, vases, and sculptures in your decor.
Lighting Ideas for a Luxurious, Gatsby-Inspired Ambiance
Lighting is a key element in creating the perfect Gatsby-inspired ambiance. Rather than using harsh, fluorescent light, opt for warm, soft lighting that adds a touch of luxury to your space. Chandeliers and pendant lights with crystal beads or glass baubles are perfect for adding a touch of glamour and opulence. Wall sconces and table lamps with metallic finishes or geometric shapes can also double as decor pieces.- Use warm, soft lighting rather than harsh fluorescent light.
- Add crystal-beaded or glass bauble chandeliers and pendant lights.
- Incorporate metallic finishes or geometric shapes in your wall sconces and table lamps.