Bright Emmanuel AWSOME

Paul D'Amico - Period Design Art deco is a difficult style - it ranges from the absurdly ostentatious to the corny. And yet there are some gems, some beautiful patterns and erotic atmospheres. I have compiled an ideabook and its taken a lot of research. I have had to wade through endless pinks and greens, schematic symmetries and over stylised geometries. I have no regrets I have understood what I like in Art Deco. I find Art Nouveau easier to appreciate - its less of a punch in the eye.

Lauren Elyse I love this article, more than you know!

Paul D'Amico - Period Design i like the kitchen floor tiles by Volz&associates

patricia beharry Did anybody else get a dizzy feeling with the floor tile in the kitchen? But I do like the light fixture in the dining area

Elizabeth Hagins Interior Design How about the softer side of Art Deco?

Elizabeth Hagins Interior Design This apartment is also very much in the style of French Deco. The sofa is a reproduction of a Jean Michel Frank two-seater and the club chairs are also very much in the style of Frank. The dining room table and chairs are 1930s Jean Pascaud.

Elizabeth Hagins Interior Design And one more...this apartment is very Deco with its Macassar ebony sidechairs, parchment screen, and stunning Jules Leleu ebony sideboard.

While Mr. D'Amico makes some valid points, I have to respectfully disagree with him. Deco is very approachable and easy to live with.

Casart Coverings Julia, finally!, my favorite style! Thank you! Agree with Paul that Art Deco can be difficult, sometimes overwhelming. In my own life, I incorporate it in Chinese export Art Deco rugs, which are very distinctive in design and coloration yet blend with my traditional furnishings. But my favorite Art Deco pieces are an Erte serigraph, titled Arctic Sea and the corresponding jewelry he designed called Sophistication. The central piece of the necklace can be removed and used as a brooch while the two stylized "sides" can be joined together to be worn as a simpler geometric piece. Perhaps Casart's Faux Satinwood wallcovering design reminds me of the Art Deco period. It works well with contemporary decor and you can easily remove it without damaging your walls. In fact, it's reusable, affording you the flexibility of changing whenever the mood suits you!

Carolyn Zone9alady Art Deco was highly influenced by the discovery of King Tuts tomb in 1922. Just looking at the design in the first photo is evidence of that. The fashion and architectural world was so excited about the found treasures they incorporated the designs into everything. When I see Art Deco I see ancient Egypt.

Paramount

Paul D'Amico - Period Design Dear Elisabeth seeing the photos you added I doubt we disagree on the essence of creating a desirable home. The Deco you propose is very approachable and I like it. I'm also glad this discussion has received so many helpful contributions. That Chinese carpet posted by Casart Coverings has attracted my attention too. Carolyn brings yet another dimension with the 'Egyptian' input. Art Deco like Holywood seems too have many sides too it.

Elizabeth Hagins Interior Design Good afternoon, Paul. Thank you and I agree with you, but first: where did you find that fabulous motorcycle? It's just brilliant! And it makes an important point, reiterated by you, that Art Deco has glorious diversity.

I suspect that the comments are just beginning for Julia Pockett's wonderful feauture (thank you, Julia!) Christies New York had an amazing Art Deco preview in the beginning of December. If you can look back through their past sales (Dec. 13?) I think you'll enjoy seeing the collection they assembled.

I also want to remark on your comment about Art Nouveau, a style/movement that is vastly under-appreciated. I think houzz has explored it some...perhaps they can dig more deeply in this beautiful and whimsical style.

Houzz and its readers are lucky to have erudite contributors like you, Carolyn and Casart Coverings. Keep it up!!

Paul D'Amico - Period Design Good evening Elisabeth, Im very happy for Julia that the discussions she introduced has received these quality contributions from us all. I think the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco is that the latter had all these new objects entering the consumer market. The new objects and means of expression created by the Machine Age required styling and designing. I have started a file on my computer - Art Nouveau and will post in my ideabooks soon. I really should introduce it as a discussion...

Carolyn Zone9alady Paul, that motorcycle with it's curvaceous lines is definitely "Bugatti-esque"!

Paul D'Amico - Period Design Carolyn the motorcycle is a Henderson but i have posted an Art Deco Bugatti car, 1937
You can admire the Henderson in all sorts of poses at -
http://www.retronaut.com/2012/03/art-deco-k-j-henderson-motorbike-1936/

Elizabeth Hagins Interior Design I hope that you will do that. You clearly have knowledge and insights into the history and style.

Casart Coverings Thank you, Elizabeth, for your kind words. I find that Houzz offers a platform where ideas and opinions can be freely exchanged between both pros and amateurs about many subjects in addition to design. I always learn something new and meet new friends from all over the globe. I particularly enjoy seeing illustrations of how readers have implemented design concepts presented. It makes the experience "real". It gives you that, "Wow! Why didn't I think of that?" or "I can do that!" feeling.

Paul D'Amico - Period Design Thank you Elisabeth for your encouragement I will assemble the material. I liked your 'Urban Luxe in Historic Charleston' project. You are very rigorous at achieving an aesthetic unity.

Elizabeth Hagins Interior Design Well, I must say that you both have made my day! What a splendid way to start the new year. And let's thank Julia for starting it all. Cheers!

Paul D'Amico - Period Design hip hip hurray Julia and happy New Year to you all

writerly Thanks Julia for discussing my favorite era and starting such an interesting conversation. Also thank you to Elizabeth for showing in your work, much better than I could ever explain, what I love about art deco style.

Elizabeth Hagins Interior Design Glad you could join the conversation, writerly. You should also visit Paul D'Amico/Period Design as well as Casart Coverings.

Julia Pockett Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments and contributions! Elizabeth, I love the work you have posted - some really beautiful interpretations of the era (I am lusting after the ebony sideboard!!). Paul, as always your comments are really insightful and I can't wait to read your ideabook. The link to the Henderson was amazing - I have never seen a machine like it but it's so evocative of the era. I sense I am in the shadow of more knowledgeable experts than I but I'm very happy to have inspired such great conversations.

Happy New Year to you all.
Julia :-)

Elizabeth Hagins Interior Design Thank you for your lovely comments, Julia. They are much appreciated.

I have a feeling you can hold your own, Julia, although I, too, am in the shadows. I merely interpret. My feeling is that Paul is the visionary. And let's not forget about Carolyn. Her comments added yet another astute dimension, once again rooted in both history and the tenor of the times. (And her description of the Henderson motorcycle as Bugati-esque nailed it!! I loved it!) Ditto for Casart, also clearly passionate and knowledgeable about the period.

It was such a fascinating period, not only in architecture and the decorative arts, but also in art, poetry, ballet and the theatre.

Thank you for reminding all of us of the joy of a new way of looking at this beloved discipline.

gracie60 COULD YOU PLEASE SEND ME PICTURES OF CATHDRAL OPEN FLOOR PLAN, KITCHEN OPENS TO GREAT ROOM. WE HAD THE CABINETS REFACED & COUNTERS REDONE. I LET THEM TALK ME OUT OF REMOVING THE SOFFITS. I AM NOT THRILLED WITH THE FINISH PRODUCT. I AM VERY VISUAL, IF YOU HAVE PICS THAT I MIGHT CHOSE FROM TO DO SOMETHING WITH THE SOFFITS, THAT WOULD BE GREAT!!!!!!!

writerly I will definitely follow up with all the knowledgable participants in this discussion. I am so pleased to have found a wealth of knowledge here of the era I enjoy.

wantsideas I have always been drawn to the Art Deco style. There are many aspects of it. I prefer the stepped, geometric and zigzag designs as opposed to the Egyptian style or what I consider slightly busy patterns. I think that black and white bathroom is gorgeous and timeless. I started out collecting compacts, water pitchers and small accessories from that era. As far as larger pieces I don’t have a lot but they work well in my transitional/modern home. Favorites include simple framed Earl Moran prints, a large cobalt mirror and a dark wood dental cabinet that I use in my dining room.

mmsalg That kitchen floor looks amazing. If you're looking for makers to help you create a statement art deco piece, check this out http://custm.co/hz/122

sued3247 Art Deco and Erte are so pleasing to me. Had a condo in Miami area and did it up in Art Deco style. Had to sell condo but still have Erte pieces and am using them in my Naples FL foyer. BUT I am wondering if this is inappropriate in an otherwise contemporary decor in a typical 1990's Florida home

Casart Coverings Absolutely, sued3247! It's your home and your art and both reflect you and your decor should be what pleases YOU. I always mix periods when decorating. I think Art Deco can lend itself very nicely to contemporary.as well as other periods. Look at the Satinwood wallcovering with the contemporary furniture in the photo with my earlier comment. Here are 2 more photos of pieces from different periods used together. In the first, the Chinese Export Art Deco rug is in front of a French buffet, circa 1800. In the second, you can just see the Erte above the settee and Louis Phillipe table, both from the 1800s. Framed Harper's Weekly newspapers (late 1800s) surround the Erte. That's another art deco rug in front of the settee.

Casart Coverings Sorry about that second picture. Can't rotate it. Just turn your head!

writerly Casart - Beautiful photos. Thanks for showing great examples of Art Deco mixed in.

Elizabeth - I LOVE the French Deco apartment that you shared 3 photos of but I didnt see the project included in your profile. Do you have more photos that you might be able to share? It would be VERY much appreciated.

Best,
Writerly

Elizabeth Hagins Interior Design Thanks, and I will get to it soon.

ngorogiani what is Art Nouveau

Julia Pockett Hi Ngorogiani

Take a look at the ideabook below and laso type in 'art nouveau' on Houzz search for more info:

bfscott77 An Art Deco server I refinished - I am still working on polishing up the brass handles and trying to replace (remake with epoxy) 3 of the Bakelite pieces that go on the handles.

writerly Bfscott77 - love the buffet!