The Art Deco kitchen: cooking and baking in glittering sophistication

Art Deco is a visual arts and architecture style that appeared for the first time in Paris right before the start of the First World War. It gained further popularity between the 20s and 30s, with applications ranging from small interior design features to large structures and buildings. Apparel, accessories, and tiny miscellaneous objects have been designed in the Art Deco style as well, and influences persist to this day and can be seen in many different structures from all over the world, including bridges, skyscrapers, trains, furniture, cars, and many more.

Its primary influences are Fauvism, a painting style that also has its birthplace in France and got its name from a group of modern artists that called themselves les Fauves and who focused on chromatics and artistic characteristics in their artworks much more than on creating realistic images, and the Ballets Russes, an itinerant ballet company that performed for two decades between 1909 and 1929. However, Art Deco also drew inspiration from and adapted elements from the art styles of Japan, ancient Egypt, and China, as well as those of the Persians and the Maya.

The style has become synonymous with glamour, luxury, and technological growth, with rare and expensive materials used on a larger scale than ever before, as the focus on craftsmanship and quality grew as well. Chrome plating, stainless steel, and plastic, all of which are very common nowadays, became popular as a result of Art Deco. Given all these innovations and developments, it should come as no surprise that many people want to recreate it in their homes nowadays as well, especially now that vintage designs are back in style once more. One of the home areas that will look most impressive with art deco additions is, perhaps surprisingly to some, the kitchen.

An overview

Recreating your kitchen in the Art Deco style can sound simple enough in theory, but given how complex this aesthetic is and how many different elements it includes, it can be just as easy for you to end up feeling overwhelmed. Wood kitchens are a great way to keep things simple yet effective as the material is luxurious and will look perpetually timeless. While the style is luxurious it is important to avoid making things too crowded, as you could end up including so many new elements to the mix that the place looks cramped and a far cry from the elegant interiors that defined Art Deco.

That’s why it’s important to have a few key characteristics in mind and start planning from there. Luxurious materials are one of the most common features of this style, so look into marble worktops, polished finishes, and glossy tiles. Art deco is also good news for the homeowners who have tinier, more compact kitchens, as it lends itself well to this style. You should emphasise colour with this look as well, especially rich and deep tones such as emerald green, midnight blue, and even black if you don’t think that it will cause the space to feel cramped.

However, the thing that makes Art Deco different from other styles that use jewel tones and dramatic hues is the addition of gold or brass hardware. The idea with art deco is to create a kitchen that feels like an applied arts project in that it looks good and has a timeless appeal, but is also functional and allows you to carry out your activities and tasks.

Geometry

Geometric patterns and prints are heavily correlated with Art Deco, so make sure to include them somewhere in the design. The best spot for this is undoubtedly the splashback, which you can achieve either with tiles or wallpaper, depending on which one you prefer. A daring splashback will serve as a contrasting piece that can nonetheless fit right in with the rest of the design. If you want to add geometric details in other areas as well, you can enhance them with metallic accents. Both gold and copper work just as well.

The geometry of Art Deco can be integrated in less direct ways, too, such as by choosing furniture styles which are more angular or opting for hexagonal tiles. Curved lines are common in Art Deco as well and fit perfectly with the sharper designs, with the fluid movements making your kitchen seem much warmer and inviting.

Unique colours

Minimalism has become increasingly popular over the last few years, with a growing number of homeowners preferring neutrals instead of something more daring. There’s no denying the fact that beige, ecru, grey, and white are safe options that are easy to combine with each other, but for some, they can also end up feeling quite stale. On top of that, many people feel the need to make their households a little more vibrant as well. The surest way to achieve that is by adding colour.

Emerald, sapphire, ruby, burgundy, gold, turquoise, navy, and orange are foundational for Art Deco. This doesn’t mean that you need to have all of them at once, but you should definitely feel at ease to mix and match them however you see fit. Metallic accents reign supreme and should be added throughout the design. Gold and bronze are the more classic options that bring a little warmth and softness, while silver brings modernity to the mix. The patterns they create develop into luxury statements in this case.

Focus on the details

Art Deco is an intricate and maximalist style that focuses on opulence and luxury. Having dramatic details isn’t something you should shy away from. Wood in hues such as deep mahogany and dark espresso brown will make the space feel more aligned, especially if the space is modern otherwise. The ceiling is important as well, and you should make it into a statement. Decorative plaster can be used to achieve a plethora of geometric designs that fit right in with the style.

If you want to recreate art deco in your kitchen, you should know that you’re definitely not alone. More and more homeowners have been convinced to give this style a try and integrate it into their homes. To achieve it, don’t be afraid to be bold and focus on striking colours and designs.