Art Deco

The Art Deco style began in the 1920s as a response to the tension between functionalism and technology vs. modernism. This style broke away from these two sides of design to create a movement that was highly decorative and fashion oriented. The style featured chevron and zigzag shapes, folding screens, mirrors, prominent light fixtures, and skyscraper inspired furniture. The materials used were rich and luxurious, including ebony, zebrawood, ivory, tortoise shell, leather, polished metals, and glass.

One prominent figure of the Art Deco movement was Jean Dunand, a furniture designer who introduced the more geometric forms that became popular during this period. Jean Michael Frank was another influential designer who became known for minimalist interiors and his use of luxury materials like shagreen, mica, and straw marquetry.

Eileen Gray was also very influential in the Art Deco period. Her career began in lacquer before WWI, but moved to designing screens and furniture after the end of the war. Her furniture was known for being highly original, ingenious, and displaying cubist characteristics.

Current Examples

Also, check out this video on the history of Art Deco: