Welcome to the 1920s, a time of great change and new beginnings.
This was reflected in the interior design of the time, with a shift away from traditional styles towards a more modern and glamorous look. I love the styles from this time, particularly Art Deco and Bauhaus, which were both at their height during the roaring 20s.
Let's take a look at some of the standout features of 1920s interior design and how you can bring these styles into your home.
Art Deco
Art Deco was one of the most popular styles of the 1920s. If you're unfamiliar with the style, the glitz and glam of The Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is an excellent example of Art Deco in action. This style is all about opulence and luxury, with rich colors, bold patterns, and some truly extravagant details. Here are some of the most notable features:
Geometric Patterns
One of the most defining features of Art Deco design is the use of geometric patterns. These can be seen on everything from wallpaper and fabric to furniture and flooring.
Rich Colors
Another key element of Art Deco style is the use of rich jewel tones. Think deep blues, gold yellows, pinks, reds, and greens.
Extravagant Light Fixtures
Lighting was a big deal in the 1920s, and Art Deco fixtures are some of the most beautiful and iconic of the era. They often feature bold geometric shapes and luxurious materials like glass, crystal, and fine metals.
Bauhaus
While Art Deco was all about luxury, Bauhaus was its polar opposite. This style was born out of the German Bauhaus school of art and design, which emphasized functionality and simplicity above all else. The look is clean, minimal, and often a little bit quirky. Here are some key features:
Minimalist Furniture
Bauhaus furniture is all about simplicity and functionality. The idea was to keep the pieces practical with clean lines and no unnecessary details or embellishments. The industrial materials used, like plywood, plastic, glass, and tubular steel, all helped contribute to the simple, streamlined look.
Quirky Details
While the overall aesthetic of Bauhaus design is fairly minimal, there's often one quirky detail that makes each piece unique. It might be an asymmetrical shape, a pop of color, or an unexpected combination of materials, such as suede and chrome.
Lack of Color
Bauhaus design is often quite monochromatic, with a focus on blacks, neutrals, whites, grays, and very muted colors.
How to Get the 1920's Look
Art Deco
Try adding some geometric patterns with wallpaper, fabric, or even a piece of furniture. Rich colors are also key, so don't be afraid to go bold with your color scheme. And finally, don't forget the light fixtures! A beautiful Art Deco chandelier can really make a space feel luxurious.
Bauhaus
To get the Bauhaus look, start with some simple and functional furniture pieces. IKEA is heavily influenced by Bauhaus in its designs, so you can find some great pieces there. Then add in a few quirky details, like an asymmetrical lamp or a colorful piece of art. Take a look at this list of iconic Bauhaus pieces for some inspiration!
Stick Around!
I'll be diving into the modernism of the 1930s next. Subscribe to the blog to make sure you don't miss a thing!
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