From Old Hollywood to Modern Homes: Art Deco Design Inspiration

If you’re drawn to eclectic interiors that balance glamour with retro luxury, Art Deco might just be your design soulmate. A century after its roaring twenties debut, this bold and stylish movement is making a huge comeback in modern homes. Rooted in the decorative arts and architecture of 1920s Europe and later developed in the United States during the 1930s, Art Deco is as much about lifestyle as it is about interiors - a look that signals sophistication, elegance and a timeless sense of drama.

The Glamour of Art Deco

The name itself comes from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, 1925, where the style was first showcased. From that moment, Art Deco interiors became synonymous with luxury. The look was inspired by the optimism of the modern machine age, with the design qualities of cars, aeroplanes and radios shaping its streamlined aesthetic. It combined the sleekness of new technology with the richness of high-end craftsmanship, resulting in interiors that were both innovative and decadent.

What Makes Art Deco Interiors So Iconic?

At its heart, Art Deco is theatrical. Geometric patterns, angular shapes and bold architectural motifs such as chevrons, sunbursts and stylised peacock feathers give the style its unmistakable identity. Materials are rich and unapologetically glamorous, polished wood, glossy black lacquer, chrome, mirrors, satin and even fur,  all working together to create interiors that feel indulgent and dramatic.

The colour palette leans heavily on jewel tones, with emerald green, ruby red and deep gold acting as signatures of the style. These shades were often set against darker backgrounds and outlined in black, giving the design a sense of sharpness and definition. Every element was designed to impress, whether through oversized chandeliers, reflective surfaces or lavish textiles. Art Deco interiors were not shy,  they were made to signal wealth, modernity and a bold new way of living.

Art Deco in Film: From Gatsby to Film Noir

Part of what keeps Art Deco so alive in our cultural imagination is the way it continues to star on screen. Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby (2013) brought the roaring twenties to life in dazzling fashion, with award-winning set decorator Catherine Martin creating rooms filled with chandeliers, glossy black furniture and ornate details that perfectly captured the decadence of the flapper era. It was a visual celebration of excess and aspiration, embodying the optimism of the Jazz Age.

In contrast, Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley (2021) showed us a darker side of Art Deco. Cate Blanchett’s marble and lacquer-clad office was a study in sharp lines and reflective surfaces, echoing the glossy glamour of the 1930s while setting the stage for a story steeped in deception and desire. Here, the use of authentic materials like marble and even gold leaf ceilings elevated the design into something both menacing and mesmerising. Both films demonstrate how Art Deco interiors continue to embody glamour, power and intrigue, nearly a century after their inception.

Bringing Art Deco Into Your Home Today

While Art Deco may have its roots in the 1920s and 1930s, its influence is very much alive in contemporary design. The key to styling it today lies in balancing its boldness with a touch of modern simplicity. Floors in dark polished wood or striking geometric tiles create an immediate sense of drama, while mirrors, chrome accents and metallic finishes help to layer in the reflective sheen that makes Art Deco so distinctive.

Patterns are also essential, whether in wallpaper, textiles or artwork, geometric motifs inspired by peacock feathers or sunbursts can instantly bring a Deco feel to a room. Jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue, paired with touches of gold, remain a foolproof way to add richness and warmth. And if you’re not ready to commit to the full look, small touches like statement lighting, bold artwork or a patterned rug can still nod to the style without overwhelming your space.

Why Art Deco Still Matters

What makes Art Deco so enduring is its ability to combine modernity with timeless glamour. It’s a design language that feels bold but not brash, luxurious but still liveable. Whether you’re recreating the theatrical grandeur of a Gatsby-inspired living room or simply adding a touch of geometric drama through accessories, Art Deco has a way of making spaces feel elevated and unforgettable.

In a world where pared-back minimalism often dominates, Art Deco interiors offer something different - a chance to embrace colour, drama and craftsmanship in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. A hundred years on, its allure hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s proving that glamour never really goes out of style.

Feeling Inspired?

Love Art Deco but want an autumn twist? Here are the top autumn interior trends for 2025. Or trying to find your forever piece of art but don’t know where to start? Discover the artists bringing Mala’s vision to life.