Modern Art Deco home designs typically involve classic colors, shapes and finishes. Kitchens in Art Deco designs are usually dramatically different from traditional kitchens, often featuring glossy cabinets, brightly colored walls, and fixtures that reflect the architectural style of the building. Sleek stainless steel appliances, glossy lacquered white cabinets, and dramatic accents like gold fixtures, pendant lighting, and edgy, black tiling complete the look. Popular kitchen finishes also include mosaics, bold colored brick, and marble countertops. When choosing finishes and fixtures for the kitchen, it’s important to keep the design style in mind. Art Deco kitchens that are redolent of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s include widgets and fixtures in glossy black, chrome and silver finishes as well as whites, blacks, and grays. Cabinets may have a shiny lacquered finish, and handles should be streamlined. For a modern interpretation of the style, add glass drawer fronts, mirrored doors, or stainless steel accents.House Designs for Kitchen Finishes
While traditional hardwood may be used as the base style for many Art Deco floor designs, other popular choices include notable geometric patterns such as chevrons and chevron-style parquetry designs. For a warm feel, choose chevrons of different woods, such as walnut and mahogany, along with lustrous inlays, which add blue, yellow and white modern mosaic shades to the look. To keep the floor exciting, add geometric rugs in organic shapes. Marble, limestone, and granite flooring are also common flooring choices for Art Deco home designs. These materials come in a variety of colors and shades and can be used in a variety of ways. Marble specifically is often used as a monochromatic material, while other options such as limestone and granite can be used to make the floor look more intricate and interesting. Furthermore, using marble or limestone tiles as a backsplash in certain areas can help to further bring the Art Deco style alive in your kitchen.Floor Finishing Options
When it comes to bathroom fixtures, Art Deco fans may opt for a modern theme featuring black, white, and gray tile walls and glossy chrome or stainless steel fixtures. Wall-mounted sink basins and return faucets are also popular, combining with classic clawfoot tubs and chic white tile. Accents like a panel behind the vanity or glass mosaic behind the bathtub add visual interest. For the bathtub, many Art Deco lovers choose a walk-in or alcove tub with a polished stainless steel or chrome finish. These also serve as a great backdrop for colorful vessels or surface mount faucets. Additionally, Art Deco bathtubs often feature unique shapes and textures, such as travertine for a more dramatic look. Mirrors with metal trim and LED lights installed in the walls for added drama are also a common choice.Bathroom Finishes and Fixtures
The classic Art Deco colors such as black, white, and gray serve as the base for most wall paint finishes. Accenting walls with metallic finishes, deep reds, golden yellows, blues, or even greens in combination with a neutral base, will help bring out the modern elegance of the style. Popular choices also include monochrome color palettes with grays and whites for a more contemporary vibe. For the walls, smooth surfaces like polished plaster and suede putty work well to keep the finished look as silky and unified as possible. High-gloss finishes can add visual depth and accentuate the contours of Art Deco style wall decorations while emphasizing the intricate details of door and window trims. To keep the look consistent and avoid textural clashes, make sure all the wall paint finishes are coordinated.Wall Paint Finish Options
Art Deco lighting and electrical fixtures are often what really set the tone for the entire home design. They serve as a way to bring the decor and architecture up to modern standards and as a way to punctuate the style with punches of metallic colors. Geometric shapes are commonplace in Art Deco lighting and electrical fixtures – such as square, diamond, or cylinder – and range from small handheld lamps to wall-mounted lights, light switches, and even doorknobs. The fixtures should also have a glossy finish and be of a modern shape. Many opt for contemporary interpretations of classic Art Deco fixtures, such as glossy black, white, or gold light fixtures that are accented with geometric patterns or even fauxVersions of animal and plant motifs. Additionally, more elaborate fixtures above and around doorways and windows can offer a dramatic flair.Lighting and Electrical Fixtures
Interior trim finishes are a great way to bring an Art Deco home to life. Many popular finishes have a warm, lustrous sheen that provide an opening for aesthetic elements, such as the chevrons or mosaics that are common with these designs. Trim can be chosen to fit either a modern or retro look, depending on the other decorative accents. For a modern look, opt for smooth white or black trim, or select a paintable trim in warm tones of yellow, orange, or green. For traditional designs, cherry, walnut, and mahogany may be used for wood trim and Corian can substitute for glass or ceramic. Furthermore, decorative molding and wainscoting create a classic, formal look and can help to break up open wall space or accentuate furniture designs.Interior Trim Finishes
Kitchen cabinets in an Art Deco design should feature a modern silhouette, such as basic door and drawer fronts, all framed in glossy black, white, or silver. Glass fronts and built-in accents are popular for Art Deco kitchens, as are updated stainless steel appliances. Bold edges, angles, and edges add a distinct contrast to the monochromatic palette. It’s also important to keep glass, tile, and stone accents in check. Glass is commonly used in accent areas for backsplashes and countertops, yet too many glass surfaces can interrupt the sleekness of the design. Instead, complemented the cabinetry with marble, granite, and concrete countertops, and install slim drawer and cabinet fronts.Kitchen Cabinetry
An Art Deco fireplace is an essential part of a home’s overall design, and generally can be found with intricate marble designs. Fireplaces are often the centerpiece of a room, and feature widely in many luxury homes. Traditional designs include opulent tiles with art deco motifs, curved arches, and sculpted fireboxes or mantles that create a focal point. For a more modern touch, opt for sleek and contemporary fireplace surrounds that feature brightly colored tiles with geometric shapes. Countertops and backsplashes can also be used to bring in a modern and classic flair. Marble is a popular choice and can be used to accentuate the contrast colors in the room. Additionally, herringbone patterns, bold accents, and intricate tile designs are commonly found in Art Deco kitchens, adding a slight hint of traditional style without making the design feel outdated.Fireplace, Countertop, and Backsplash
Appliances in an Art Deco style home should have a sleek, contemporary look. Stainless steel finishes are common in these designs, as are bold accent colors like red, yellow, and blue. Additionally, monochrome shades of white, gray, and black are always popular choices. For a modern twist, opt for appliances with sleek, glossy edges that feature long, curved lines. To bring an Art Deco design together, opt for appliances with Art Deco designs, such as streamline fridges with elongated curves that reflect the look of the 20s and 30s. Contactless ovens and dishwashers with a digital interface are also popular, and can help round out the look of the kitchen.Appliance Finishes
Windows should be chosen to match the exterior trims of the home. The classic geometric detailing of Art Deco designs often feature prominent arched windows and trims in black or white, with subtle frames and sashes to emphasize the curved angles. Additionally, beveled and arched glazing, along with French or Louvered windows can add a two-dimensional effect to the home’s exterior. For an additional Art Deco touch, opt for metal trims and windows, which can be painted to match the home’s exterior. Doors can also be customized to achieve a modern or retro look. Pocket doors are a classic style and can be accented with brushed steel or painted wood designs to match the exterior trims. Also go for raised-panel doors, or opt for glass-paneled or French doors for the perfect entrance.Exterior Trim, Windows, and Doors
Exterior finishes should also reflect the Art Deco style of the home. For a modern look, try sleek metal siding and angular accents. If opting for a more traditional design, limestone, stucco, and brick can be used to give the home an aged look. Additionally, adding curved details to the exterior of the house provides a unique contrast that helps define the shapes of the house. For a more contemporary finish, opt for subtle details such as arched windows, decorative accents, and embossed wooden or metal designs. Additionally, a combination of metal and wood siding can be used to create a unique texture and a sleek contrast to the harsher shapes of the Art Deco style. No matter which finish you choose, adding texture helps to bring the style to life.Exterior Finish Options