When you buy a new home or decide to embark on a decorating scheme it can be tempting to invest in all modern fixtures and fittings for your abode like contemporary door handles.
However, before you deck out your house or flat in all of the most cutting edge items, why not cast your eyes back and take a moment to consider some of the popular interior design styles that have been favourites in years gone by, like art deco?
The simple and clean image of this movement is never far from enjoying another comeback, as it is so easy to achieve in the home and manages to appear both modern and timeless simultaneously.
This look was a firm favourite with people during the early 20th century and was also widely available due to the development of mass production.
Although it peaked around World War II, it is a craze that continues to be inspirational today, with some homeowners choosing to introduce small elements of it into their rooms, while others faithfully recreate the style throughout their entire property.
Perhaps the reason art deco has endured for all these years is because it is so classic.
After the fussy decor of the Victorian years, this design scheme was all about keeping things simple and stripping interiors down to an uncluttered minimum.
Originating in Paris in the 1920s, the style was soon crossing oceans and influencing everything from door knobs to entire buildings.
Indeed, the iconic Chrysler Building in New York is one structure that was completely designed in keeping with art deco principles, from its gleaming crescent shaped spire and steel eagle gargoyles to the shining marble floor depicting cubic patterns.
Angular and geometric shapes are one of the most important components of the look, while gleaming metals began to replace wood as the interior material of choice.
When timber was used, it was frequently lacquered in an extremely dark polish that made it look almost black and ensured it shone as though it was metallic.
And don’t make the mistake of thinking only straight lines and corners are acceptable if you are trying your hand at recreating this scheme – shells and arches were also incredibly popular, as you can see by some fan-shaped windows in the buildings from the era that still stand today.
Because industrial materials like chrome were such favourites during the original art deco movement, you could find that investing in a few pieces made from this is a good way to subtly introduce the look to your property.
Take Aero Deck door handles – these fixtures are far from flamboyant and boast both the functionality and simplicity that are such key factors in art deco.
Made from polished or satin chrome and mounted on a matching rose, these fittings could be just what you need to add some period styling to your home.
And there are many other features like this available today, which offer the technology you expect from a newly manufactured item, along with the classic appearance.
Mariani door handles are another great example, as you can choose between curved, cubic levers and softer sweeping models – or even those with shapes cut out.
And although they are all different, each plays homage in some way to the art deco movement – so why not check out what is available today?
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