3rd December 2020 1920s Interior Design: Exploring Art Deco Glamour The 1920s was a decade defined by glamour and luxury, and was undeniably the birth of modern culture and interior design. Modernism, Bauhaus, and Art Deco styles began to dominate design in all aspects, where geometric shapes, rich colour schemes, luxurious fabrics, and stylised imagery soared in popularity. These diverse design philosophies introduced innovative ideas and approaches that revolutionised interior design styles like never before. Art Deco designers experimented with shapely contours and bold colours. The discovery of Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s Egyptian tomb in 1922 led to a new fascination with exotic worlds, and designers began combining motifs from ancient civilisations with the prismatic forms of cubist art. Modern Art Deco inspired 1920s architecture and design celebrated ornamentation while conveying wealth and optimism. Meanwhile, designers trained by the Bauhaus school in Germany worked with clean, simple lines, industrial materials, primary colours, and black and white. They encouraged pieces that were stylishly simple, highly functional, and capable of fast and efficient production. Astina Suites Creative developments and design movements heavily influenced 1920s interior design styles, and it’s no surprise that some of the era’s most notable trends are still evident in design-savvy interiors today. Read on to discover more about the bewitching glamour of 1920s interior design in Australia. 1920s Interior Design Colours 1920s decor featured bold, dramatic colour schemes that emanated luxury and opulence. Dark rose, jade green and taupe hues were prominently used, while elaborate ornamentation – such as silver and gold effects painted onto ceilings – was incorporated to add a touch of glamour. Renata Meins Luxury Home 1920 Interior Walls Of all aspects of 1920s interior design, internal walls were often the most understated feature. A bold colour, a coat of varnish, and some accentuating wainscoting, skirting boards, and architraves were applied to add the perfect amount of elegance to each room. The Highline Venue Popular Flooring for Houses in the 1920s Both plain and patterned floors are standout characteristics of Art Deco design, and are the perfect touch for replicating 20s home decor. Parquet wood flooring (a stunning, geometric mosaic of wood pieces) and patterned rugs are the perfect choice to enliven a space using a 1920s design style. For kitchens and bathrooms, checkered floors are a timeless option to add old-world charm and character to a modern interior. Modern Styling City Highrises Classic Georgian Residence Adding the Finishing Touches to 1920s Home Decor To complete the look, adorn your walls and add striking decor. A dramatic painting, a glass chandelier, opulent ornaments, and luxurious mirrors are more than enough to create a stunning interior reminiscent of that Roaring Twenties aesthetic. Fabulously French Influenced 1920s Style Living Rooms & Bedrooms Inspired by the beginning of Hollywood and the silent movie culture, living areas in the 1920s  were sophisticated, with a touch of the exotic. Similarly to fashion and art at the time, the primary trend in 1920s home design was Art Deco and Bauhaus inspired, which was materialized through high-sheen metals, geometric shapes and patterns and tiles. Art Deco Inner City Renovation 1920s furniture styles embodied bold, geometric pieces and prints. Living areas were adorned with magnificent designs, large-scale rugs, and oversized mirrors. The setting was elegant, glamorous, and luxurious, with every aspect of design and style pointing to wealth and status. Living areas were illuminated with art deco-inpsired chandeliers composed of beautiful cut glass and warm, ambient light. These glamorous centrepieces lit up the room, highlighting metallic features with a luminous grace. Soft shadows from meticulously placed timber mouldings, which embellished walls, doors, and windows, speckled the interior with enchanting silhouettes and varying illumination. 1920s Kitchen and Bathroom Design Australia The 1920s marked the beginning of the modern kitchen era. Social changes and new technology led to a shift in spending more time in the kitchen and less time seeking outside help with domestic duties. 1920s-style kitchens transformed the domestic space from being a workshop to a setting for enjoying shared meals and family gatherings, becoming increasingly stylised. Wainscoting gained popularity as an elegant feature that was not only stunning, but also protected walls from the constant movement of furniture in dining areas. Mosaic tiles and checkered floors added dimension and character, while bar cabinets were beautiful feature pieces that lit brilliantly to make barware sparkle. Small Space Big Personality 1920s interior design styles can also be seen within the bathroom. Common features included clawfoot tubs, checkered floors, and wainscoting that created a bathroom interior that dazzled. In 1920s style bathrooms, wainscoting added warmth, unified decor, and protected walls from the likelihood of water damage from the freestanding, clawfoot tub. Colonial Chic How to Bring 1920s Glamour into a Modern Australian House If you’re wondering, ‘Can I mix Art Deco with contemporary interiors?’, then the answer is a resounding ‘yes!’ The Art Deco period itself was a celebration of modernity, so incorporating 1920s design elements into contemporary homes is a match made in interior heaven. To create the perfect blend of modern styling and 1920 decor, consider: Geometric shapes and clean lines Bold colours and luxurious fabrics Decorative and ornate panelling Metallic or mirrored accents Ready to take on a 1920s-style home renovation in Australia? Contact us today to learn more about Art Deco interior mouldings that can bring your 1920s home decor ideas to life. How Can I Incorporate 1920s Mouldings Into a Modern Home? Adding 1920s-style mouldings, such as stepped skirtings, geometric cornices, and architraves around doors, is a simple way of bringing the interior design of the 1920s into the present day. Pair with neutral walls and statement lighting fixtures for the perfect balance of vintage and modern styles. What Defines 1920s Art Deco Interior Design in Australia? An iconic 1920 house style in Australia featured bold geometry, luxurious materials like marble and brass, stylised symmetry, and decorative mouldings. Common in heritage homes, these elevated interiors reflected the glamour, optimism, and prosperity epitomised by many in the post-war era. Is 1920s Style Suitable for Small Spaces? Yes—the Art Deco 1920s interior design style is ideal for all spaces. If you have a smaller room, use streamlined mouldings, vertical lines, and mirrored finishes to capture the style of the 1920s while adding height and light. A statement detail, like a patterned ceiling or Art Deco light fitting, is an excellent way of incorporating 1920s elegance without cluttering your space.
