More Art Deco Kitchen Ideas for Your Home

The Art Deco movement, which took the country by storm in the 1920s when everything was Great Gatsby-esque and about as opulent as you can get, still has a hearty following today. There are many aficionados of Art Deco architecture and more, and it’s easy to see why it’s so attractive, especially if you’re a fan of symmetry, glitz, glamor, and rich color.

In our first article about Art Deco kitchens, we spoke about the importance of some of those elements. Symmetry, for example, is super essential in kitchens that want to include Art Deco touches. Shapes, lines, corners, etc. should be proportional and related to each other. Mirrors are a tool to help that symmetry but also add to the lavishness of the Art Deco kitchen. Use small mirrors where needed or line an entire wall with one large or several smaller mirrors for an amazing effect.

Geometric shapes, we pointed out, are paramount in Art Deco kitchen designs. Arches, squares, spires, straight lines – they all play a role in such designs and often these geometric patterns repeat again and again. The result is stunning!

We also mentioned that the colors of an Art Deco kitchen are generally deep and rich, like jewel tones taken from the color of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and more. They look great on their own but especially stunning when mixed with metallic accents.

What else should you consider as you design your Art Deco kitchen?

• Nature re-interpreted – Experts in architecture are quick to point out that the movement present before Art Deco – known as Art Nouveau – was very literal. For example, if the Art Nouveau movement wanted to include a lion in a design, it would look like a lion. However, in Art Deco design, animals look more like icons than the actual animal. Same goes for plants or trees. If you want to represent those in your Art Deco kitchen, chances are you can find Art Deco pieces where the blooms are represented by geometric shapes. However, the most popular representations of nature in Art Deco buildings and designs are of the sun, moon, and stars. Do a little research and see if you can include these depictions of heavenly bodies in your Art Deco kitchen design.
• Multiple sources of light – Electricity was all the rage in the 1920s, and before the Depression, everyone took advantage of the bright light it offered. As such, you’ll find that Art Deco buildings are very well lit and the same should be true for your Art Deco kitchen. So, consider multiple sources of light like a large fixture over your kitchen table and some very opulent pendant lights over your island. Another reason for bright lighting is the colors most often used in Art Deco kitchens. These rich jewel tones tend to make the room look very dark, so extra lighting is essential. Furthermore, good lighting also adds a little extra sparkle to the metallic accents and mirrors so prevalent in an Art Deco kitchen.
• Diversity – Kitchen design experts suggest that your Art Deco kitchen also be a portrait of diversity as far as textures, finishes, and accents are concerned. It’s okay, for example, to pair lush velvet window treatments with hard metal fixtures, put comfy seating pads on very geometrically-shaped angular chairs, or include open shelving on one wall. It makes the kitchen more texturally interesting and brings in some touches of other design trends you might enjoy, like rustic or vintage.
• Accessorize, accessorize – Glamour is a big part of Art Deco designs and, as such, Art Deco kitchens. Hollywood played a huge role in the Art Deco movement and the lavishness of that industry added to the glitz of this architectural movement. To capture the glory of Old Hollywood, look for accessories that harken back to that era like reproductions of theater signs and so forth. If that’s too kitschy for you, look online or at local antique shops for other Art Deco kitchen accessories including clocks, vases and other glassware, salt and pepper shakers, and other items that scream “glamorous”.

Are you a huge Art Deco fan? Have you always dreamed of an Art Deco kitchen that features elements of the marvelous 1920s? The design experts at Mr. Cabinet Care can help you get started as you begin to imagine your new kitchen. For more information on crafting an Art Deco kitchen design, call us to schedule an appointment with one of our design professionals.