When trying to design and build a home on a budget, one of the best design options is a model from the Art Deco period. Art Deco designs are stylish and timeless, but also surprisingly affordable. Not only can Art Deco homes be constructed for a fraction of the cost of other contemporary builds, but they can also be retrofitted to modern life relatively easily. Here are 10 of the best Art Deco house designs from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s for the budget-conscious homeowner.Small Budget-Friendly Home Design Ideas
One of the main advantages of Art Deco house designs is that they can be constructed from much more basic and affordable materials. Wood, brick, cement, and plaster are some of the most commonly used materials for Art Deco builds, as they are both durable and relatively inexpensive. Other materials such as glass, stone, and metal can also be used to add a modern twist to an Art Deco design with minimal impact on the cost.Affordable House Design with Low-Cost Materials
Art Deco house designs are very adaptable when it comes to maximizing the available space. With careful planning, an Art Deco build can encompass multiple levels, open plans, and multiple rooms. Rather than building a traditional two-story home, for instance, an Art Deco design can often fit two full floors into the same square footage, providing more room for living space, bedrooms, bathrooms, and extra storage areas.Low-Cost Home Design Ideas that Maximize Space
A modern twist on the classic Art Deco style is to use modern building materials instead of the traditional brick and wooden frames. Pre-fabricated materials like steel and aluminum can be used to create an interesting and effective Art Deco design that won’t break the bank. Adding insulation to these materials will also help to keep down energy costs.Modern Low-Cost House Design Using Cheap Building Materials
For buildings in areas prone to earthquakes, there are some measures which can be taken to help strengthen existing Art Deco builds. Reinforcing existing walls and floors with steel mesh and additional support columns will help to make the building more earthquake-resistant, and can often be achieved with little disruption to the existing design.Low-Cost Strengthening of Existing Houses for Improved Earthquake Resistance
One of the most eco-friendly Art Deco house designs is to use recycled materials wherever possible. Building materials such as glass, timber, stone, and metals can often be reused from existing buildings and used effectively in an Art Deco build. This can help to significantly reduce the costs of construction, as well as having environmental benefits.Low-Cost House Design with Reusable Building Materials
In today’s world, energy efficiency and environmental friendliness is essential for any new build. An Art Deco house design can be extremely energy efficient, but this doesn’t necessarily mean high costs. Reused materials and renewable energy sources can be combined with energy efficient appliances and smart building practices to create an eco-friendly, cost-effective house.Low-Cost Energy Efficient Houses Using Eco-Friendly Materials
Eco-friendly and sustainable building practices are becoming increasingly popular for all types of new builds. For Art Deco house designs, this can be achieved with a combination of energy efficient appliances, recycled materials, water saving fixtures and efficient insulation. Building designs can also be configured to reduce the need for energy-hungry air conditioning and heating systems.Low-Cost Eco-Friendly Sustainable Home Designs
One of the most cost-effective and time-efficient Art Deco house designs is to use prefabricated elements. Prefabricated building parts such as walls, ceilings and floors can be purchased at discounted rates and used to create an Art Deco house with minimal time and cost. Prefabricated elements are also easy to install and require little maintenance after installation.Affordable Prefab Designs for Low-Cost Home Building
A home in the coastal area often requires some extra design considerations. An Art Deco style house design can be adapted to suit a coastal area, with materials such as concrete, stone, and weather-resistant paint to help reduce damage from saltwater and humidity. Additional considerations may need to be made to handle extreme weather conditions, such as flooding, storms, and high winds.Low-Cost Coastal Designs for Homes Built on the Beach
Eco-friendly and sustainable living is becoming increasingly popular, with many people wanting to embrace a simpler and more natural way of life. An Art Deco Earthship design can incorporate Large amounts of recycled materials to reduce environmental impact, as well as providing a comfortable and cost-effective living space. The low-cost build, together with energy-saving appliances and insulation, make this an ideal choice for eco-friendly living.Low-Cost Earthship Designs Using Recycled Building Materials