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8 Art Deco-Inspired Bathrooms — And the Lessons to Learn From Them to Make This Style Work for Now
The article explores how to integrate Art Deco style into modern bathroom design, offering eight key lessons based on insights from interior designers. Art Deco, characterized by its glitzy and glamorous aesthetic, is particularly well-suited for bathrooms due to elements such as tiles, brassware, and mirrors. The style aligns with broader contemporary bathroom trends, allowing for a thematic approach without appearing overly dated or literal.
One significant lesson is the importance of mixing styles. For example, an Art Deco-inspired apartment bathroom designed by Atelier Bond demonstrates that while clear Art Deco references exist in brassware, lighting, and mirrors, other elements can provide contrast. Textured wall finishes, such as Venetian plaster, can effectively complement glamorous fixtures like brass faucets, ensuring the Art Deco style integrates seamlessly into a modern scheme rather than dominating it.
The choice of metals also presents a nuanced approach. While brass is often immediately associated with Art Deco, the style historically embraced cutting-edge materials. Jacu Strauss of Lore Group highlights that polished stainless steel was widely used during the Art Deco era, as seen in structures like the Chrysler Building. This suggests that designers are not limited to golden brass finishes and can incorporate cooler metals, such as polished stainless steel, to achieve an authentic Art Deco feel. An example is a neutral bathroom with a polished metal bath as the centerpiece, allowing the strong geometry of the design to stand out.
Shower screens offer another opportunity to infuse Art Deco elements. Decorative styles, including reeded glass, arches, curves, and brass enclosures, can instantly evoke the period. A London-based design by Maddux Creative features a steel-framed shower enclosure that draws on Crittall windows, a hallmark of Art Deco architecture, demonstrating how custom elements can provide both elegant function and thematic consistency.
Art Deco-inspired wallpaper is presented as an accessible way to make an immediate impact. When using wallpaper in a bathroom, it is practical to apply it to the upper half of walls, pairing it with more durable materials like tiles or paneling on the lower half. To ensure a cohesive design, designers recommend choosing a wallpaper with a color palette that can be tied into other elements of the room. Jamie Watkins, co-founder of Divine Savages, suggests complementing the wallpaper with geometric mirrors, metallic fixtures in brushed brass or polished chrome, and classic checkered or scallop-shaped tiles.
Mirrors with Art Deco motifs are another critical design element. While there is a risk of being overly literal, a well-chosen mirror can significantly enhance the style. A powder room inspired by Villa Necchi in Milan uses a bespoke mirror as a central feature, alongside stacked black tiles with subtle texture, an Art Deco silhouette vanity, and Deco-style wall lights, all contributing to a cohesive and dramatic aesthetic.
Bathroom flooring also plays a role in establishing the Art Deco theme. Michael Sinclair and Maddux Creative incorporated Jean Cocteau-inspired mosaic floors, which feature strong graphic linework and surrealist influences, alongside polished plaster walls. Soft color palettes for sanitary ware and curved arches further enhance the 1920s glamour, reflecting the building's original architectural fabric.
Lastly, Art Deco-style lighting and the combination of angular and curved forms are highlighted. Wall sconces with frosted shades and symmetrical placement around a mirror can reinforce the Deco look without overwhelming the space. Reeded glass, brass, opal domes, and geometric light forms are characteristic choices. The Memphis movement, which draws inspiration from Art Deco's use of shape and color, demonstrates how combining angular and curved elements creates vibrant and theatrical palettes, as seen in a hotel bathroom design with asymmetrical pink ceramics, custom basins, and yellow accents. This approach emphasizes bold expression over minimalism, showcasing Art Deco's enduring appeal in bathroom design.
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