JOIN USIt is not uncommon to experience a strong urge to give your home a makeover. Just as time changes one’s personality, the need to reflect that mood in one’s living space also becomes apparent. And the festive season is the best time for a complete home makeover.
There are several ways to redo the interiors of a home, and one of the most trending style is the art deco theme, which is bold, glamorous, modern and elegant. “Art deco design emerged way back in the early 20th century, and it has been evolving to suit the current trends and has stayed up-to-date with what contemporary designers would call ‘modern’. Geometric patterns, bold shapes, angular forms and linear decoration form the basis of art deco,” says Cynthia D’costa, freelance interior designer.
If art deco resonates with your style, then Cynthia has a few tips to transform your home completely and spruce it up to make it look all the more glamorous. Since redoing the flooring and making too many architectural changes may not be feasible for everybody, she suggests smaller design and décor changes, that seem minute, but will create a perception of a larger change.
According to Bengaluru-based freelance interior designer Aishwarya Gowda, soft furnishings, lighting and fixtures can be customised to suit the art deco theme. “Leaves, branches, zig-zag patterns, stylised animal prints and geometric shapes are the few recurring art deco themes that can be included in any space to give it a distinct modern makeover,” says Aishwarya.
Colour scheme
Once you have chosen your preferred theme, turn to the colours to add drama. Cynthia states that for those who already have good furniture and don’t want to throw them away, playing with colours is the best. Art deco is all about bold contrasts. You can throw complementary elements like cushions on a sofa. A stark contrast of colours between the walls and the rugs in the house or the curtains also creates an art deco charm, she states.
Moreover, Aishwarya explains that the characteristic colours of this modern style is bright and deep yellows, blues, pinks, greens and reds. Since these colours go well with the glitz and glam of metallic silver, gold, black and white, they can be paired accordingly.
“If you are fond of subtle colours, taupe, beige, creams and browns will also work. However, make sure to contrast them well. You can add darker or lighter shades of curtains depending on what brings out the contrast. If changing the flooring is not an option, look out for matching rugs to go with your curtain,” Aishwarya says.
She also throws light on the checker-board style of rugs, though they are not easily available they are a treat to the eye she states. Having just two contrasting colours in the room, with complementing checker-board style rugs can spruce up the space all the more.
Rugs are extremely important in styling a space. The look of any room can be enhanced with just a good choice of rug. “I prefer Flokati rugs. They are nothing but handmade shag wool rugs that can add a lot of oomph to a space.” Zig zags and stripes are popular motifs and go well in contrasting settings to either complement or break a pattern. Aishwarya suggests putting a lot of thought
into choosing a rug, as it not only has to match the furniture, but it also needs to go with the flooring and lighting as well.
Lighting
Lighting typical of the art deco period may not be available today. However, there are many that follow the same theme and design, with an incorporation of what is currently considered fad. “Go in for full-glass lighting fixtures that can be white or coloured. Lighting choices can make a beautiful room look either mediocre or out of the world,” says Aishwarya.
Furniture
Choose furniture pieces that are distinct and have a futuristic look with strong angles and streamlined curves. The modernity of the space is brought out through the choice of furniture. Cynthia has clients who are usually nature lovers and don’t like a metallic or techno look. While that sort of emotion towards one’s personal space is justifiable, she suggests making small amends to give a futuristic feel. “Using more mirrors, glass with a touch of metallic finish to the furniture, will do the trick,” she explains.
Keeping certain elements similar creates harmony, and without harmony, a room does not look appealing. “Don’t go all out and pick up only metallic items. Choose elements that have a metallic finish. Having metallic accents in furniture will give a stylish edge,” Aishwarya opines.
For the upholstery, she prefers leather or satin and in bold colours. “While choosing jarring colours and going in for solid hues, make sure you have a common theme running across your home that will bring unity to the decor,” she says.
Going online
Cynthia points out that this sort of furniture is popular and available on several online portals. However, if you are someone who wants to be able to touch and feel the furniture, try an actual store. She also states that shopping at streets that have vintage, thrown away furniture and getting them customised to your taste is a good option, as it is comparatively cheaper and you have more control over the design.
Redecorating is not about picking a hot-seller or going with what someone says is right for you, but it is all about experiencing the space and choosing exactly what would make it look great and reflect your personality.
Try an art deco makeover of a room this festive season and bring modernity in with all the tradition.