Dr. Decorator Examines The Timeless Appeal of Art Deco Design
Designing a room or space is similar to crafting a painting. The designer makes a picture in his or her head and then works to bring this creative vision to reality. The difference between painting and designing is that that the painter works with colors and brushes and the designer works with furniture, fabrics, and decorative objects. The other difference is that a painting has no functional requirements. It hangs on a wall as a thing of beauty to be admired. A room or decorative space has to be both functional and beautiful.
Before – The room was devoid of any architectural interest or character.
Another important factor in design is that the space should be visually and historically consistent. Designers strive to create spaces that are historically correct. When creating a room which derives from a particular era, designers are usually careful to choose elements that are consistent with the period that is being recreated. This is important regardless of whether the designer is crafting a classical French salon, an English country house sitting room, or a Tuscan villa. Decorative elements derive from history and they should be utilized with historic accuracy. The opposite of this rule is often utilized for decorative “shock” value. For example, if a primitive African sculpture is placed on a heavily carved French pedestal, the inconsistency catches the eye because the viewer perceives that this is historically incorrect. There is one style era, however, in which there are so many decorative elements that it almost seems like “anything goes.” This decorative style is called Art Deco.
Art Deco utilizes a number of disparate motifs. It is both modern and traditional, sleek and primitive, sophisticated and innovative. The multifaceted Art Deco style developed during the years between 1910 and 1939. The name is derived from the 1925 Paris World’s Fair called “Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes. This great exhibition was the debut of a new style which heralded modernism, the jazz age, ocean liners, cinema, skyscrapers, flappers and all the exciting elements which came to define the 20th century. The introduction of the Art Deco style and its ensuing popularity were the hallmark of change. It was symbolic of the changing of times in the Post World War 1 era to an economy of technological development and mass production. Many things of beauty were translated from expensive materials to the newly popular plastics and being introduced to a populace which was anxious for change.
From its rich Parisian beginnings, Art Deco has come to be viewed as the most exciting and diverse decorative style of the century. It includes Oriental and African influences, cubism and geometrics, tubular steel, decorative iron work, rich lacquered woods and ebony veneers, and a vast variety of decorative elements. There were a multitude of influences in the Art Deco movement. The exoticism of the Ballet Russes, Jazz Age performers such as Josephine Baker, and Egyptian and Asian styling motifs were all combined with an emphasis on sleek and innovative design.
Art Deco remains an immensely popular style in today’s décor. Art Deco design bridges the gap between traditional and modern design. The use of the art deco motif in today’s homes will help to create a space which features the clean lines of contemporary design yet still maintains an aura of classical elegance. Just a few touches of Art Deco styling will give a room an aura of instant sophistication.
After – The glamorous space created by Ziering Interiors features Art Deco styling. The color scheme is a classical black and crème mix with a flash or red for drama.
The room photographed here utilizes Art Deco motifs to create a space where the emphasis is on color and form. The sitting room created by Ziering Interiors shows how the use of moldings and color and furnishings can take a space from barren to beautiful. The designers first worked on the shell of the room. Custom moldings were installed. The ceiling crown molding features a step motif crafted to complement the geometric lines of deco styling. The wall covering is a tone on tone rendition of the swirling lines of deco décor. The square cut carpet from Stanton Carpet adds another geometric motif to the decorative mix. The concept of the space was to create an intricate geometric medley in the combination of furniture, fabrics, window, wall and floor coverings. The objective was to craft a background which is subtle in tone but richly textured in pattern.
Art Deco furniture runs the gamut from severe clean and geometric lines to swirling and richly textured motifs. The elements used in this room illustrate this diversity. The mix of materials contrasts richly polished woods with glass and metal craftsmanship. Fabrics from Kravet Fabrics feature a textural mix in the combination of silk draperies, swirling geometric on the chair and window valances, and nubby textured circles on the chaise.
The color mix of classical black and cream with a strong dose of red for drama are featured in the graceful chaise and rope motif chair and ottoman from Andre Originals.
Art work in the room adds a definite touch of drama. Over the chaise hangs a painting in the style of Tamara de Lempica, a famous artist whose work depicted the glamorous figures of the Deco era of the Roaring Twenties. Oriental art is another popular option for Deco spaces. According to Michael Ayervais, a well known collector and dealer of Asian art, the rich colorations and undulating movements of Chinese and Japanese screens are a perfect complement to Deco décor. “A beautiful wall hung kimono,” says Michael, “is the perfect way to enrich the tailored lines of Deco furnishings.”
The Deco era was the catalyst of the concept of the “total look” in interior design. It was the goal of Deco design that an interior and its furnishings work together to create a cohesive unit which was also meant for functional living. The designers and artisans of that era have created timeless designs and concepts that will enrich the design world forever.
Ziering Interiors – 57 Hillside Avenue, Manhasset, NY 11030 tel 516-869-1049
Email jziering1@yahoo.com website www.zieringinteriors.com
