Art deco interior design | A modern take on a timeless London style
Image Source: https://www.luxurylifestylemag.co.uk/
We work on projects where period influence plays a significant role in shaping the interior. Art deco is one of the styles we see clients return to consistently, not as a nostalgic exercise but as a design language that still feels relevant when applied with restraint.
We explored the history of the movement in our article on 100 years of art deco. This piece takes a more practical approach. It covers how to incorporate art deco elements into modern interiors, from geometric detailing and bold colour to metallic accents and statement furniture.
If you’re considering an art deco style interior for a London property, the question is rarely whether the style works. It's how much of it to use and how to keep it feeling contemporary.
What defines art deco interior design?
Art deco emerged in the 1920s and reached its peak in the 1930s. It drew from a wide range of influences, including Egyptian motifs, industrial materials, Cubism and the decorative arts of Paris. The result was a style defined by symmetry, geometry, rich materials and a sense of glamour that felt both modern and luxurious.
In interior design, art deco is recognisable through its use of bold geometric patterns, lacquered surfaces, polished metals, deep colour palettes and streamlined furniture forms. It is a style that rewards confidence. Subtle references can work, but art deco tends to be most effective when it is given permission to be expressive.
Geometric patterns and architectural detailing
Geometry is the backbone of art deco interior design. Chevrons, sunbursts, stepped forms and repeating angular patterns appear across floors, walls, ceilings and joinery.
In a modern interior, these patterns can be introduced through flooring layouts, inlaid stone or timber borders, panelled walls and bespoke joinery detailing. A geometric floor pattern in marble or terrazzo can anchor a hallway. A stepped ceiling detail can add depth to a reception room.
The key is precision. Art deco geometry relies on symmetry and repetition, which means the detailing has to be accurate. This is where bespoke fabrication becomes essential. Off-the-shelf solutions rarely deliver the crispness the style demands.
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Bold colour palettes with modern restraint
Art deco colour is unapologetically rich. Deep teals, emerald greens, midnight blues, burgundy and black were all prominent in the original period. Gold and brass tones provided warmth and contrast.
In a modern art deco interior, the approach is usually to select one or two signature tones and let them define the scheme rather than applying the full palette everywhere. A deep green lacquered wall in a study, a teal upholstered headboard in a bedroom or a black marble vanity in a bathroom can each carry enough art deco character without overwhelming the space.
Balancing these tones with neutral backgrounds and natural materials keeps the scheme feeling current. Our article on what is modern luxury interior design explores how period influences can be filtered through a contemporary lens.
Metallic accents and reflective surfaces
Metals are central to the art deco aesthetic. Polished brass, brushed gold, chrome and nickel all featured heavily in the original period, applied to hardware, lighting, mirrors and decorative objects.
In a modern context, metallic accents work best when they feel integrated rather than applied. Brass inlays in joinery, brushed gold bathroom fittings, a polished chrome pendant light or a metal-framed mirror can each introduce the metallic warmth the style relies on without tipping into pastiche.
Reflective surfaces also play an important role. Lacquered panels, mirrored furniture and polished stone all contribute to the sense of depth and light that defines a strong art deco interior.
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Statement furniture and bespoke pieces
Art deco furniture is defined by its silhouette. Curved backs, fluted legs, streamlined forms and rich upholstery fabrics in velvet or silk are all characteristic. The furniture is designed to be seen, not to disappear into the background.
For modern art deco interiors, we often recommend a mix of period-influenced statement pieces alongside more restrained contemporary items. A curved velvet sofa or a lacquered drinks cabinet can set the tone for a room without every piece needing to follow the same language.
Bespoke commissions are particularly effective here. A custom console table with fluted brass legs or a freestanding bar unit in lacquered walnut can carry the art deco reference precisely and become the centrepiece of a space. Our article on high-end interior designs that deliver inspiration features examples of how statement pieces can define a scheme.
How to blend art deco with contemporary interiors
The most successful modern art deco interiors are the ones that treat the style as a layer rather than a total commitment. They use art deco elements selectively, allowing them to sit alongside clean contemporary lines and natural materials.
A London apartment with a strong architectural shell, high ceilings, large windows and generous proportions is an ideal canvas. The proportions that suit Edwardian and Georgian properties also lend themselves to art deco detailing.
An interior design consultation is a good starting point if you’re drawn to the style but unsure how far to take it. We help define the right balance between reference and restraint so the finished interior feels deliberate rather than themed.
Final thoughts on art deco interior design
Art deco endures because it is a style built on craftsmanship, material quality and confidence. Those are values that translate directly into modern luxury interiors. The movement's emphasis on geometry, bold colour and metallic warmth gives designers a rich vocabulary to draw from, provided it is applied with discipline.
If you're interested in knowing more about how SP3 London can support you across your project when it comes to Interior Design and more, get in touch with us today.
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