Art Deco ~ 1920's
Art Deco & Decorators
1920's
Art Deco grew out of a real clash of ideas about what design should be. On one side were the functionalists, who believed interiors should be simple, practical, and easy to produce for everyday people. They cared about clean lines, efficiency, and designs that could be made on a larger scale. On the other side were the decorators, who were much more focused on beauty, detail, and craftsmanship. They created rich, highly designed spaces for an elite audience, often using time intensive techniques and luxurious materials, without worrying much about accessibility or social impact. This push and pull between practicality and luxury gave Art Deco its unique energy, allowing it to feel both modern and expressive at the same time.
A major moment for the style came in 1925 at the World’s Fair in Paris, where interior design took center stage and helped define what Art Deco would become. The spaces on display were bold and glamorous, filled with strong geometric patterns like chevrons and zigzags, along with statement pieces such as oversized mirrors and folding screens that added depth and drama. Materials played a huge role in creating this look. Designers leaned into rich finishes like ebony, leather, and zebrawood to give interiors a sense of warmth and luxury. Even today, Art Deco interiors stand out for how they blend structure with decoration, creating spaces that feel both polished and inviting rather than overly rigid or purely ornamental.
Michel Roux-Spitz
CURRENT APPLICATIONS
ONE STEP FURTHER
Over spring break, I visited Puerto Rico, and while walking down the street with my mom, we came across a building that immediately stood out (it practically screamed Art Deco). Right in the center, it had the word “Miami” boldly displayed, which instantly took me back to a trip I took a year ago to Miami, where entire streets are lined with Art Deco buildings. What makes these structures so recognizable is their distinct style. Smooth, stuccoed facades, rounded corners, and strong vertical lines that draw your eye upward. Many also feature geometric detailing, pastel colors, and decorative elements like horizontal banding or stepped rooflines that give them a sleek, almost futuristic feel.
Seeing that building in Puerto Rico made me realize how far the influence of Art Deco spread, especially in coastal cities, where the style often takes on a slightly tropical twist with lighter colors and an airy, relaxed vibe. It felt like a small but vivid reminder of how design connects places and memories in unexpected ways.
Bianca!! I love the story you shared in your one step further section. The fact that you're able to identify these specific styles in your everyday life is exactly why we do these studies!! Also, the words and terms you used in your description of the art deco building in Puerto Rico perfectly defined the whole era! Love it Bianca.
ReplyDeleteYour puerto rico example is awesome!! I love the coastal vibe to the building and the art deco movement has definitely spread far!
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you explained the contrast between functionalists and decorators, especially how that tension shaped the identity of Art Deco. Your description of materials and geometric patterns helped make the style feel very vivid and easy to visualize. I also found your personal example from Puerto Rico really interesting, since it shows how Art Deco continues to exist and connect different places.
ReplyDeleteBianca,
ReplyDeleteThis Blog is excellent. You provided a rich summary of the evolution of Art Deco historically. Your images were strong examples of Art Deco. I love- love that you shared about your discovery of Art Deco in Puerto Rico and Miami! So exciting! 50/50 points