Art Deco Color Palette
We hear the word vintage more often than not because we are frequently inquiring about the past. We wonder about the times before us and marvel at what was "in" and what amount it had influenced us in how we are today. As adults we love to talk to our children about the good old days and our parents and grandparents lived in even better days than ourselves, or so they say. As time goes on, the past can become more of a good thing.
Since we can't step into a time machine and explore the past, we can integrate design from the past with modern elements of today. There are different ways to incorporate different style decades into design. Furniture style, lighting fixtures and color can all help this process. Color can be very nostalgic. Certain colors and patterns can immediately identify a certain decade or era. Here we have different time periods of design to help you better design your home around a particular influential era.
Art Deco (1925-1939)
During the "Roaring Twenties" the United States was heavily influenced by Europe after World War I. There was a time of great discoveries, new technologies and an awakening of expression. Some say it was a way of coping during a post war time. Everything from music, dancing, fashion and design were all changed and altered. Visual arts were particularly affected, film, art and graphic design, to name a few. This exploratory time seemed to go on up until the late twenties. But it was in 1929 when Wall Street Crashed, followed by the great depression, that ended this Era of Art Nouveau and Modernism. In the 1980's it seemed to be resurrected for a time and seems to be making yet another awakening in the Twenty First Century.
What made this era stand out was its use in materials and patterns in design. Metallics, stainless steel, inlaid wood and lacquer were all integrated in the design of Art Deco. Patterns that seem to make the era stand out were sunburst motifs, chevron patterns and the use of aerodynamic designs of planes, automobiles and ballistics.
Examples of Art Deco are still visible today. The Chrysler building which was built in the 20’s was heavily influenced. Radio City Music Hall is like walking into the Jazz Era itself, preserved and sealed to exact condition of that time. Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles still reflects the sunburst motif of the age.
Colors of this era include cooler colors, like grays, blues and greens. Materials in the home were chrome, glass, shiny fabrics, mirrors and mirror tiles, lots of Asian and African influence in rugs and bedding. How can you incorporate slight touches of these aesthetics in your home without seeming like you’ve taken a time capsule into the past?
Start with your color palette. There are several combinations of fabric colors that can pull this era off. Cooler Colors are usually mixed with grays and blacks. Think of metallics like, chrome, copper and silver. If you need help determining how cooler colors differ from warmer colors, here is an example.
Here are the colors black and gray. These are your base colors for any Art Deco palette.In other words, various shades of gray or black tones can be seen in the color which makes the colors cooler.
Here are two shades of red. If you compare the colors to black you will notice that the one on the right has a black base tone which makes it cooler and the other has a warmer tone which makes it brighter:
Silvery metallics and navy blues paired with a bright coral can work as a great combo. When you think of purchasing fabrics, you'll want to consider shiny materials like silks.
Patterns that were popular in this era were chevron shapes and animal prints. Aerodynamics was also a huge influence on design.
The Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles has beautiful presence. This sun burst motif is one of the unique designs of this era. Think cool minty colors, with silvers and bright golden yellow. Art Deco is sometimes referred to as sleek and clean lines but it also is known for its complicated, intricate details.
Here are the colors inspired by this building that you could incorporate in your own design.
Dupione Galaxy #8016, Spa #5413 and Sunflower Yellow #5457
Muted neutral colors were also very "in", especially in clothing. Soft palettes like this were sophisticated and chic. You'll notice that with this type of era you always had a monochromatic palette set off by one or two colors that added a little contrast, like this coral pink.
Now that you have an idea on the color palette of this Era try to remember that lighting, furniture, draperies and accessories will give a more unified Art Deco look to your space. But, if you want just a taste of modernism, than go for small hints. Instead of pieces throughout your room, settle for one great big piece; large graphic artwork, modern sleek furniture pieces or a beautiful art deco inspired rug.
Anita Winter
