Art Deco Style: The Epitome of Retro
This trend has been establishing itself in our interiors for several years now and is making a strong comeback this winter: the Art Deco style. In contrast to Art Nouveau, which it succeeded, this emblematic style of the 1920s breaks with frills to give pride of place to clean, geometric, and chic decorations. With rounded furniture, metallic finishes, graphic patterns, and velvet materials, the Roaring Twenties style reintroduces glamour into the home. But in decor, as in many other areas, elegance will be found in subtle touches and combinations rather than in a total look. The idea is to respect the main concept of this decorative movement: forms reduced to their purest expression for a minimalist atmosphere – an updated Art Deco style, in short! To bring your home into an era of refinement, we have gathered some tips and tricks for you:
Art Deco Essentials
There's a desire for beauty and comfort in the air of that era, in response to the world's turmoil – a need that is more relevant than ever today. In furniture (especially seating), shapes become rounded and gently envelop us. Sophistication is introduced through small details (like metal piping on the corners and edges of furniture) or, conversely, highly decorative marquetry (provided the background remains sober, so as not to overwhelm the atmosphere).
On the wall, simple patterns are endlessly repeated and sometimes adorned with golden lines to emphasize their preciousness. The flagship motif of the era is the fan (or "peacock feather"), of which only the outlines and major lines are retained for a very graphic touch. This motif evokes another characteristic ornament of Japanese decoration: the Seigaiha – or a series of endlessly repeated waves. In 2019, these geometric patterns can be combined with pastel shades for a chic and feminine interior that is very much in keeping with the times.
As for accessories, bronze and gilded brass are common, but it's possible to add a touch of lightness by choosing objects with iridescent, metallic, or brushed reflections (we know your fondness for rose gold!). Whatever its form, gilded metal is everywhere: in furniture, fabrics, and even in the smallest decorative elements. Materials are also fundamental: to inspire relaxation, velvet materials (still very much in vogue) are caressing and combine with wood, marble, and wrought iron for a cozy and timeless space.
Green and yellow: the favorite colors of this end of year
After a long period of blue's dominance, its longtime companion is now receiving accolades from decorators: autumn-winter 2019-2020 will be green, or it won't be. Whether it recalls elements of nature with forest, sage, or khaki hues – or becomes elegant as it darkens, green takes pride of place in our interiors, adorning furniture, textiles, and walls in turn. This color will bring calm or refinement depending on its lightness and will be unanimously appreciated by your guests. It will perfectly combine with black and white for a "cubist" style, with taupe gray for a muted decor, or with the unbeatable mustard yellow for a very trendy colorful space!
Indeed, mustard yellow, bold and warm, pairs wonderfully with vintage style. But also with a modern country house feel thanks to its dynamism and the beautiful contrasts it offers to decorating adventurers. This slightly spicy variation will warm you during the winter months and revitalize the often-forgotten areas like walls behind furniture and wooden floors. The former will be brought back to life and attention by creating color-delimited spaces within rooms, such as a desk area or a headboard. For the latter, the emerging trend of the year will be applied: painted floors with graphic patterns. Enough to combine the basics of good taste with the freshness of novelty. Everything we love!
And for the scented atmosphere, what about it?
To give a particular imprint to a room, there's nothing like a gentle fragrance floating in the air. A well-chosen perfume will have as much impact on interior decoration as explicit visual elements. Beyond a simple olfactory personality, specific supports such as scented candles, scented diffusers and electric diffusers contribute to the aesthetic edifice by offering harmonious materials and assertive decors to the eye.
For this end of the year, marked by Art Deco, bet on French elegance with Estéban's Collector collection: geometric patterns with gilded finishes combine with cozy fragrances for a "So 20s" living space. The final touch to treat yourself or to share, for a moment of conviviality without borders or temporality.
