Art Deco house designs bring to life a small architectural movement that dates back to the 1920s-1930s. This style has roots in both classical and modernist elements, and it has been played out in everything from buildings to furniture. When styling an art deco house, one should think about how to maximize the theatrical and imaginative movement without sacrificing the practical elements of modern house design. Many of the most popular Art Deco houses decorated feature large formats, curved lines, glass, bold color schemes, but at the same time exude a modern day feel. When making design decisions for an art deco house, consider the guidelines such as incorporating a classic Chicago 32-story building style, preserve symmetrical lines and proportions, utilize external architectural elements, include finishes and furniture with streamlined shapes. These guidelines will help ensure that the home is as much of a timeless classic as it is a modern piece of architecture. Additionally, pay special attention to colors, metallics, shapes, and texture as these elements are all key components to creating the perfect art deco house design. House Design Guidelines
When designing an interior space for an art deco house, focus should be on the lighting and furniture selections. Lighting should be bold and modern, while the furniture should be ostentatious with curved lines and shapes. Choose one color to dominate the overall color scheme and then create suitable contrasts with the furniture. Opt for durable and luxurious materials like marble, glass, brass, and glass for furniture pieces such as a dining table, chairs, and accent pieces. Incorporating geometric patterns, strong lines, and warm color palettes into the design scheme can help balance the modern and classic styles. To bring the entire look of the art deco house together, hang wallpapers, moldings, and light fixtures that are in keeping with the classic look of the house. Stick to bold colors that contrast the wall paper and moldings, as well as smaller art-deco accents such as lamps, mirrors, and other decorative pieces. If possible, make sure that at least some of the furniture and accessories are vintage, as these pieces will help to bring the overall look of the art deco house together. Interior Design Basics
When designing the exterior of an art-deco house, keep in mind the classic silhouettes that are associated with art-deco styling. This means sticking to a symmetric layout, incorporating large geometric shapes, and utilizing dramatic textures. Large windows and doors will also help give the house an open feel, adding to its classic look. Working with an architect to design the exterior of the home is the best way to optimize the style for the given location and budget. Depending on the style of the owner, door moldings, window frames, and other accents can be used to help accentuate the look of the art-deco house. Using external materials, such as brick, stone, and stucco can also help to create the look of an art-deco house. When selecting colors, think about the palette used in classic art deco buildings, such as black and white, and try to use these colors in the design. Additionally, incorporating colors such as pink, turquoise, and teal as accent colors can add a bit of drama to the look. Exterior Design Basics
When selecting a structure, there are a few options available to an art-deco house design. The first option is a conventional house type with a wood frame. This type is typically popular due to its cost-effectiveness, but be aware that it is not ideal for climates with extreme weather, such as extreme heat and cold. The second option is a concrete block type, which offers better structural stability and is better-suited to extreme weather conditions. Finally, consider a steel structure, which offers excellent stability and durability but is more expensive than the other two options. The foundation type is also an important part of an art-deco home design. Typically, a full-perimeter basement is the most popular option for an art-deco house, as it offers a classic look and plenty of room for storage and living space. If budget is an issue, a crawl space, slab, or pier and beam foundation are all viable options too. House Structures and Foundation Types
The roof style for an art-deco house should reflect the overall design scheme. For example, consider a steeply-pitched roof with copper or terracotta tiles. This type of roofing style will give the house a classic look while covering it properly and efficiently. Additionally, consider roof covering types such as shingles or slate tiles. These types of roofing materials are more durable and stylistic in comparison to concrete or wood shingle options. If budget isn’t an issue, consider installing a modern flat roof to add drama to the classic structure. Finally, incorporate elements such as skylights, cupolas, and ventilation systems to the roof design to help maximize efficiency and achieve an even better look. Remember to balance the roof style with decorative elements such as gables or cornices to complete the outdoor aesthetic. Roof Styles and Types
When designing the floor plans for an art-deco house, there are a few key elements to keep in mind. Firstly, consider symmetry when designing the layout as this will create a sense of harmony. Further, think about utilizing curved lines and open spaces throughout the home to emphasize the geometric style of the architecture. Decorative arches, half walls, friezes, and columns can also help to emphasize the style of the design. Additionally, consider adding a fireplace or an entertainment center as focal points of the home. When it comes to the rooms themselves, it is best to stick to a few design elements, such as wood, stone, and glass. These materials will provide an overall classic look to the home and can be used in both the living and dining areas. Lastly, when it comes to flooring, think about installing a hardwood floor in the main living areas such as the living room and kitchen, with carpeting being used in bedrooms. Basic Floor Plans
When constructing the ceilings for an art deco house, focus on the classic beveled edge, decorative ceiling medallions, and other ornate features. The ceiling should also incorporate rich tones such as gold and bronze to invoke the classic art-deco look. Additionally, incorporate decorative lighting features such as chandeliers or pendant lights to add an air of glamour to the space. Finally, when it comes to trim and skirting boards, consider using classic art deco styles, such as geometric patterns, curved lines, and smooth transitions. In order to create an optimal aesthetic, use a large base-trim such as a two inch capped trim and create a dome-like finish to the molding. This will provide a more finished, classic look to the interior. Ceiling and Trim Basic Ideas
When it comes to windows and doors, the design should reflect the same symmetrical and geometric look that is associated with the classic art-deco style. Therefore, think about incorporating streamlined window and door frames, oversized glass panels, and door knobs with intricate designs. Additionally, for windows, opt for large openings for more natural lighting and opt for windows with arched, circular, or rectangular tops for a dramatic feel. Furthermore, when choosing door panels, opt for collections that feature larger panels with glass insertions. Choose doors with decorative fixtures, such as copper and brass knobs and handles, to enhance the overall look. In terms of color, consider picking doors and windows that contrast against the walls and the existing trim elements. Windows and Doors for House Design
As nighttime typically brings out the more dramatic elements of a house design, consider installing night lighting features. This can be anything from an ornamental garden feature to light feature walls to landscaping elements such as fountains or sculptures. Using strategically-placed lighting can help to define outdoor spaces, enhance the outdoor design, and create a more sophisticated atmosphere. When installing lights, remember to leave gaps between outdoor fixtures to ensure a good level of contrast and definition. Additionally, opt for more subtle lighting colors like blues, greens, and purples as these will help bring out the classic art-deco look for an edgy, but still classic look. Night Lighting Ideas
When designing an art deco home with a focus on sustainability, there are a few steps that can be taken to ensure that the house meets environmentally-friendly standards. Firstly, consider incorporating energy-saving features into the design of the home. For example, install appliances that have a high Energy Star rating, or incorporate geothermal heating systems in the design. In terms of materials, focus on utilizing recycled materials and those that are sourced locally. Additionally, opt for solar panels and other renewable energy sources. Finally, whenever possible, try to install fixtures that are low water and high efficiency settings. Sustainability Guidelines
In order to maintain the look of the art-deco house, consider incorporating the same symmetrical and geometric lines into the landscape. This means staying away from organic shapes and instead opting for linear pathways, terraces, and sharp angles. Additionally, consider adding larger plantings and topiary trees as focal points in the garden. When it comes to colors, opt for neutral tones and bright accents such as pinks, purples, and teals. This will help to bring a more eclectic look to the outdoor design. Additionally, think about adding lawn furniture and other outdoor accessories to the space, such as statues, planters, and outdoor lighting. Landscaping Basics for House Design Goals