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Jazz hums in the background. The soft perfume of musk, lavender and leather envelopes you. Welcome to the roaring twenties, where Art Deco and Art Nouveau reign supreme.
It is 2023, but in this article, we will take you through the origins and history of the aforementioned styles, how they influenced interior design then and now, and how you can achieve their look with the beautifully crafted collections of luxury hardware and interior experts, Armac Martin. From the wild patterns to the extravagant metal work in joinery and architectural hardware, the 20's are back, baby. Sit back, relax, and let us transport you to an era of glamour and opulence.
Art Deco and Art Nouveau: origins and history
What is Art Deco and Art nouveau interior design?
Characterised by its embrace of nature-inspired aesthetics, Art Nouveau interiors bring the enchanting beauty of the outdoors into living spaces. Curvilinear lines, reminiscent of the graceful contours found in plants and flowers, define the essence of this design. Stained glass windows and panels adorned with intricate depictions of nature scenes or abstract patterns are a hallmark of the style's interiors. Ornate detailing graces furniture pieces, light fixtures, and architectural elements, embodying the movement's dedication to meticulous craftsmanship. With materials ranging from wood and glass to wrought iron and textiles, the style's interiors boast a rich tapestry of textures.
Art Deco interiors exude a sense of luxury and glamour, in full celebration of technological advancements and cultural dynamism. Geometric precision takes center stage, with bold zigzags, chevrons, and stepped forms defining furniture, architectural details, and wall coverings. A lavish array of materials including marble, chrome, glass, and lacquered surfaces contributes to the opulent ambiance. The streamlined contours of the style's furnishings evoke efficiency and sleekness, harmonizing form with function. The colour palettes in this movement feature deep jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and ruby, as well as contrasting black, gold, and silver. Symmetry and repetition are common motifs, while sunburst and fan elements convey a sense of energy and movement.
When did these movements start?
Art Nouveau emerged in the late 19th century, around the 1890s, and reached its peak popularity during the Belle Époque period (1871-1914), but continued into the 1920's and post-war period. It was a reaction against the academic art of the 19th century and was influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain and was a response to the industrialization and mass production of the time.
On the other hand, Art Deco emerged in the early 20th century, roughly between the 1920s and 1930s. It reached its height of popularity during the Roaring Twenties and continued into the 1930s before being influenced by the onset of World War II.
How have Art Deco and Art Nouveau influenced interior design today?
The enduring influence of thee styles is palpable in contemporary interior design. From the vibrant colour palettes to the bold patterns and intricate metal motifs, these iconic styles continue to inspire modern spaces.
The Art Nouveau and Art Deco interior design: the ultimate colour palette
The 1920s characterized by bold, vibrant colour choices. Rich blues, greens, and shades of gold and bronze were popular, and black and white with bold geometric patterns was a common scheme.
Art Nouveau and Deco’s wildest patterns
Art Nouveau patterns are characterized by their organic and flowing nature, often drawing inspiration from the natural world, including plants, flowers, and animals. These patterns seek to capture the sense of growth, movement, and asymmetry found in nature. On the other hand, Art Deco patterns are characterized by their bold, geometric shapes, symmetry, and a sense of modernity. Influenced by industrialization, the machine age, and diverse cultural sources, the characteristic patterns exude a dynamic and sophisticated visual language.
The opulence of styling
The Roaring Twenties' styling taste exuded opulence and luxury through intricate carvings, gilded accents, and sumptuous fabrics. Excess and indulgence were the hallmarks of this era, with a focus on rare and luxurious materials taking centre-stage.
What does vintage and contemporary Art Deco hardware look like?
Elaborate and intricate metalwork in joinery and hardware was a signature feature of the 1920s and both mentioned styles. Interior doors were adorned with ornate door handles, knobs, and hinges, crafted from metals like copper, brass, and stainless steel. Artdeco hardware often includes a focus on form and maximalism.
How to achieve the look with Armac Martin's Art Deco interior hardware
Armac Martin is a renowned manufacturer of luxury hardware and interior accessories, known for producing the finest quality pieces that elevate furniture and interiors. The British heritage brand specializes in crafting a wide range of hardware items, including knobs, pulls, handles, hinges, and other decorative accessories, such as decorative grilles and mirrors, that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of cabinets, drawers, doors, and furniture pieces. You can source their products on Portaire, or learn more about Armac Martin.
Gaumont collection
Drawing geometry's intrinsic beauty, the Gaumont collection features cabinet pull handles with a slight stepped edge. Crafted from solid brass in a two-piece design, they suit bedroom and dressing room storage, can be displayed horizontally or vertically, and come in a portfolio of finishes. Choose burnished brass for tradition, satin antique for sophistication, or polished chrome for modernity.
Crossways collection
Crossway presents a chic assortment of cabinet pulls, handles, and knobs, boasting captivating geometric designs reminiscent of the twenties. Crafted and conceived in England, this premium brass hardware collection is a captivating choice for enhancing bedroom and living room furnishings alike. Combining aesthetics with utility, the versatile ten-piece selection offers an array of variations to harmonize with your style.
Jefferson collection
Jefferson draws its inspiration from 1920's glamour, offering a resolute brass cabinet hardware collection handcrafted in England. Linear pulls and raised square knobs grace parallel platforms, yielding a versatile handle assortment that seamlessly harmonizes with diverse interior arrangements. With a spectrum ranging from sleek polished nickel plate for modern bathrooms to rugged matte black for an industrial kitchen ambiance, uncover a selection of over 20 flawless finishes designed to enhance the allure of your cabinets.
Dougan Collection
Derived from the deco design era, Dougan embodies a striking ensemble of opulent cabinet hardware meticulously crafted from top-tier solid brass. Exuding an aura of elegance and refinement, the Dougan collection showcases discreet ridges that bestow a nuanced character upon each handle. Custom-crafted to perfection, every item within this range accommodates a variety of interior aesthetics. With a spectrum spanning from chocolate bronze to polished nickel plate, explore a repertoire of over 20 distinctive finishes to embellish your kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
Thank you so much for reading this article. You can find Armac Martin's collections on Portaire, or on Armac Martin's site. If you enjoy professional interiors content, subscribe to our newsletter.
