Art Deco Design – The Evergeen Architecture Style You Should Know About

No matter how modern architecture may get, there’s just something enchanting about old architectural designs. It’s hard not to stand in awe of iconic historical masterpieces like Mexico City’s Palacio de Bellas Artes, Paris’ Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, or New York’s Chrysler Building.

Lan Paris | The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris is the first-ever art deco structure built

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next project or even just wondering about these works of art, note that the structures follow a form of architecture called Art Deco design.

What is Art Deco Design?

Also known as Deco, this style of architecture first appeared in Pre-World War I France. Quite visually striking in an obvious manner, the style largely borrows from Impressionism, Modernism, and Neoclassicism. At the time of its inception, these movements influenced designers and architects to quite an extent. The style employs a combination of classical design, industrial design, and modern technology, all while maintaining its functional aesthetic.

Pexels | Art deco buildings with geometric streamlined forms came into existence in the 1950s

Key Features of Art Deco

On a structure’s exterior, key art deco characteristics include:

• Clean, rectangular design
• Geometric shapes and patterns
• Straight lines

On a structure’s interior, key art deco characteristics include:

• A dome
• Paintings
• Curtains
• Sculptures

Other characteristics include:

• Chevron arrangements (inverted V-shape motifs)
• Exaggerated curves
• Floral patterns
• Hard edges
• Hefty geometric influences
• Low reliefs
• Sleek and streamlined forms
• Smooth and straight lines
• Stepped forms
• Sunrise or sunburst motifs
• Trapezoidal shapes
• Triangular shapes
• Vibrant, bright, and often kitschy colors
• Ziggurat patterns
• Zigzags

Interesting History and Facts About Art Deco

1. Credit for the architecture doesn’t go to one person, rather to many people across the globe. Upon close inspection, it is noticeable that the style features representations of everyday objects using geometric forms, bright colors, and bold shapes.

2. The design is not only applied to architecture but also to clothing, jewelry, furniture, and even automobiles. The style’s defining feature is the unique geometric patterns it boasts.

3. Before it became the evergreen influence it is today, it once went completely out of fashion. Its revival came about in the late 60s.

4. Highlights of this style are widely available in ads and posters of this era. The most distinctive part of art deco font is a balance in thinness and thickness in between letters.

5. The walls come with punctured openings and windows are always either round or square.

Unsplash | Light-filled spaces are always incorporated elegantly into art deco architecture

Summing It Up

There’s no other art movement quite like Art Deco. Experts state that its strengthening feature is definitely that it borrows elements from a wide array of movements. Its designs make for a visually memorable experience, offering the ideal blend between modern and ancient.