In April 1925, 15,000 exhibitors from 20 different countries gathered in Paris for the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. The aim was to highlight the modern architecture and decorative arts that had sprung up in Europe after the First World War, which reflected the forward-looking attitudes and industrial progress of the age.
During the next seven months, 16 million people visited, and a new design style was crowned, named after the expo itself: art deco. Thanks to its emphasis on luxury, high-quality materials and simple pared-back forms, it still resonates with many designers today – and design brands, including the Design Centre’s showrooms, follow suit with beautiful products that distil the essence of the age.
Art deco isn’t one aesthetic though, but rather a multitude of looks that can suit many environments. Whether you’re a classic deco person or prefer a more contemporary, colourful or opulent interpretation, the showrooms have got you covered. Explore the products below.
With a pared-back, largely neutral palette and some classic deco motifs – from the classical Greek key pattern to fan shapes and architecturally inspired stepped designs – this scheme will take you straight back to the Roaring Twenties.
Clockwise from top left: ‘Gatsby’ table lamp, Simpsons. ‘Labirinto II’ wall panels, Alexander Lamont. ‘Athina’ border, onyx, Samuel & Sons. ‘Costello’ table, Arteriors. ‘Annees Folles’ fabric, Camengo at Casamance. ‘Amuleto’ fabric, occhio di tigre, Dedar. ‘Les Gazelles Au Bois’ fabric, chocolate, Schumacher. ‘Danika’ rug, pearl. Stark Carpet. 3-gang dolly switch, matte brass, Forbes & Lomax. ‘Bassot’ dining table, Oficina Inglesa. ‘Sunshine’ wall light, Bella Figura
Today’s designers are endlessly influenced by art deco’s shapes, colours, materials and motifs, whether that’s using glossy lacquer, globe-shaped light shades, streamlined curves or a touch of animal print. Keep it contemporary – but add a deco-inspired nod.
Clockwise from top left: ‘Cruz’ accent chairs, Shepel’. ‘Noctis Loer’ pendant, Tom Raffield. Chair upholstered in ‘Féline’ fabric (3248-06), havane, Lelièvre Paris. ‘Quartz’ wallcovering (107/8039), Cole & Son. ‘Selas’ wallcovering (97780), Arte. ‘Tylsa’ bar, Porada. ‘Necce II’ wall lights, Frato. Chair upholstered in ‘Analogie’ fabric (10570253), noir, Casamance. ‘Grove’ bench, Loom Furniture.
A vibrant palette was essential to art deco architecture’s identity in cities such as Miami and Mumbai, with many landmark buildings surviving to inspire designers today. From ice-cream pastels to vibrant jewel-tones, this is where deco gets even more daring.
Clockwise from top left: banquette upholstered in ‘Nouvelles Vagues’ fabric, malachite, Dedar. ‘Deco Palm’ wallcovering (105/8038), Cole & Son. ‘William’ armchair, Porta Romana. ‘Mexique’ wallcovering (FP944002), caraibes, Pierre Frey. ‘Key’ fabric, canary yellow, Gainsborough at George Spencer Designs. ‘Fanfare’ wallcovering (with painted effects), Lincrusta. ‘Vienna’ table lamp (VIE4303), pink, with ‘Swan’ shade (TAP4016), David Hunt Lighting. ‘Waldorf’ wallcovering (WP20356), emerald, MindTheGap. ‘Rigord’ daybed, Oficina Inglesa Furniture
The dawn of art deco happened to coincide with the wider adoption of better plumbing – and so the bathroom went from purely functional to a luxurious room that incorporated the latest technology. Traditional bathrooms are still in style, with period details that bring a decorative flourish and elevated materials – an aesthetic that never seems to date, and makes a splash every time.
Clockwise from top left: ‘Art Deco’ basin mixer, THG Paris. ‘Mini Globe’ wall light, polished chrome, Original BTC. ‘Ashi’ vanity unit, Frato. ‘Deco’ wall-mounted basin mixer, Perrin & Rowe at House of Rohl. ‘Stacked Norton Recess’ cabinet knob, Turnstyle Designs. ‘Greenwich’ mirror, Simpsons. ‘Conway’ wallcovering (312744), antique bronze, Zoffany. ‘East Village’ tile, bianco, Ca’ Pietra Artisans.
More than anything, art deco is a style synonymous with luxury: a combination of beautiful (often rare) materials and some exquisite craftsmanship created interiors that symbolised the very pinnacle of design. It’s something at which the Design Centre’s showrooms continue to excel, including customisation and bespoke options that can create something completely unique. Be inspired by these products, with their rich palette, gilded highlights and attention to detail.
Clockwise from top left: ‘Art Deco Fountain’ mural, Iksel Decorative Arts. ‘GIlded Cloth’ wallcovering, Maya Romanoff at Altfield. ‘Salon Deco’ rug, The Rug Company. Cushion in ‘Mellar’ fabric, Colefax and Fowler. ‘Massaï’ coffee table, palm wood with bronze feet, Philippe Hurel. ‘Ikat Spot’ fabric (333255), ink, Zoffany. ‘Beauséjour Wall’ wallcovering (M476402), terre d’ombre, Misia at Casamance. ‘Deco Hemp’ wallcovering (5028), Phillip Jeffries. ‘Pegasus’ wall light (WL96), Hector Finch.
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