Discover the beautiful symmetry and opulent interiors of properties from the Art Deco period
Opulence.
Elegance.
Glamour.
These are all things that come to mind whenever you think of Art Deco.
Find out more about properties from this glamorous period.
Opulence.
Elegance.
Glamour.
These are all things that come to mind whenever you think of Art Deco.
The Art Deco period was the dawn of the 20th Century.
In the late 1800s, the French decorative artists, famed for their modern style, were named 'Arts Decoratif'.
They took inspiration from geometric patterns, chevrons, zigzags and perhaps the most famous sunburst motif. The style grew in popularity in France and spread quickly across Europe.
The inter-war years were a time for celebrating life.
A time for rebuilding and coming back stronger.
At the same time, in an attempt to reduce crime and corruption, the US Government banned alcohol in their Prohibition Order. They thought it would solve social problems, reduce the tax burden created by prisons and poorhouses, and improve health and hygiene in America.
But, as with most things, if you're told you can't do something, you usually want to do it more. Think of any toddler being told no. Or when you have started a diet but really, really want a bar of chocolate! As soon as something is banned, you want it more than ever.
And so, the people of the USA began making and distributing their own liquor, named 'Moonshine'. And they opened speakeasies - secret bars - to sell and consume the liquor.
Speakeasies received their name from police officers who had trouble locating the bars because people tended to speak quietly while inside.
Parties became illicit and mysterious. Which really only served to make people want to go out more!
And, really, for the first time, women were allowed to attend these parties, and they drank alcohol, too. Although the taste of whisky, or Moonshine, was much too strong, they preferred a sweeter taste. And so cocktails were created to sweeten the flavour and make it more palatable.
The speakeasies were decorated and adorned to make them more inviting. Many opted for interiors in the Art Deco style. They needed to have low lighting to keep them secret, so candlelight was often used, which glittered and glinted off the gold finishings beautifully.
And this style carried through into private homes, interior design and construction.
Gold edged drinks cabinets, and fancy cocktail glasses became commonplace in the home, not just those of the rich and famous or the speakeasies and bars.
The dark, dingy little terraces of the Victorian period were soon a distant memory.
Unfortunately, with the start of WW2, the Art Deco movement saw an abrupt and early demise.
Although the period was short, it had a huge impact.
This style influenced almost everything, from textiles and interior design to jewellery. Even signage, graphic design, and fonts were heavily influenced by the famous sleek lines and geometric shapes.
Much of the influence in Art Deco design came from Cubism in the 1910s. Art Deco designs clearly show the straight lines and geometry of this art movement.
The influence in architecture was really set in stone, so to speak, when The Cubist House (La Maison Cubiste) was unveiled.
A collaboration between sculptors, painters and designers created La Maison Cubiste. It was an architectural installation in the Art Décoratif section of the 1912 Paris Salon d'Automne, which presented a Cubist vision of architecture and design.
In 1925, inspired by the installation, Le Corbusier designed the Esprit Nouveau Pavillion for the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and industrial arts. Perhaps one of the most famous examples of Art Deco architecture globally.
In the UK, the architecture from this period is relatively rare. However, some great examples can be found in Frinton Park Estate, possibly the most significant cluster of Art Deco properties in the UK.
The sleek lines, exaggerated curves and interior flourishes of Art Deco properties are still in high demand today. We can see references from this period in our everyday lives.
Do you live in an Art Deco home? We would love to hear about it!