Art Deco is the design movement that took the Roaring ‘20s by storm. Imagine the world of Jay Gatsby and the lavish parties he hosted. One of the main characteristics of the interior design style of that particular Gilded Age is geometric shapes, patterns, and shiny objects in many finishes. Art deco has lots of gilded details on furniture and fixtures as well as bold rich colors in jewel tones such as teal, green, royal and deep blue, purple, and gold. The curved sweeping lines of chairs and sofas covered in velvet textures paired with refined table bases and legs to create the elegance of the 1920s. A trademark of the Art Deco style is revealed in decorative ceiling mold tiling and incredible graphic patterned floor tiles. These types of detailed tile floors, artwork, wallpaper in dramatic patterns and bold colors are surprisingly making a comeback.
The trend the past few years has been leaning towards minimalism including lots of beiges, white kitchens, neutrals, wood, and stone. We are beginning to see it swing towards maximalism again with richer colors and design elements. In architecture, the Art Deco style relies heavily on industrial elements such as concrete, steel and stucco. These materials aren’t just used in construction – they are also showcased as main elements in the design of a space.
Art Deco revolves around optimism and industrial design with high anticipation and confidence in the future. It can be summed up as avant-garde. Art Deco in the ‘20s wasn’t just about glamorous colors and fun patterns, it was a lifestyle; a rosy view of the world that gave everyone permission to celebrate life in the “here-and-now.”
Interior design isn’t just about making a house, lobby entrance, or common area pretty; it’s also about creating a functional, inviting, and comfortable space. The home reflects our personality. Whether it’s a reflection of an individual’s personal expression or a property owner or association portraying how people may want their community to appear and feel, our homes are an extension of who we are. How we design and decorate within our own walls shapes our mood, affects, and influences our outlook on life.
As the world dealt with isolation and numerous hours inside during the pandemic, that experience did help people identify what makes them happy in their home and gave them extra time to make changes. Homes became offices, classrooms, restaurants, and entertainment centers during this time and creating new spaces was a top priority. Design of a space directly affects your mental health. An inviting, calming, visually pleasing physical space equals a calm supported mental space. Establishing the feel of a particular room, giving a sense of fluidity with movement patterns and distance between furniture can impact how you feel in a space. The most important step to welcoming a positive vibe is to make sure nothing blocks it, so declutter to have a clean, clear space which leads to a focused mind.
Looks are important. People do look at how something appears and make judgments about appearances. A well-maintained and nicely appointed property may obtain a higher market value and contributes to a positive relationship between association and resident.
The psychology of space refers to the interaction between people and the space they inhabit and how the human brain is affected by varying elements in that space. We can sense whether a space is warm, safe, comfortable and drives social interaction, or sense the flip side when a space is cold and uninviting. Color psychology exists for a reason, and you may not even realize its subtle power. The visual experience when your home fits your favorite color pallet can delight you each time you enter the space. Color is probably the first thought many have when it comes to changing the emotional value of a room. Therefore, color is the easiest décor element to think about, choose and alter quickly. Color tones and their saturation levels can have significant effects on the emotional value of your home. Studies have shown that the way a property is decorated and painted can affect its value by up to 60%. When potential buyers walk into a home and see a well- designed interior, they automatically perceive the property as more valuable.
Everything in your home triggers an emotional response. The spaciousness of your home, the layout of the room, the lighting, the use of materials, the presence of plants and flowers, the use of color, and the use of art are all ways to improve your mood, increase your focus, and reduce anxiety. Being able to feel relaxed and calm is essential for happiness at home.
The journey towards achieving a space that positively affects your property value, mood, mind, and behavior may not always be straightforward. There are many different elements that go into the experience of a space, and they can all have a significant impact on the way we relate to our surroundings. Pay attention to your architecture, as well as the different ways that you want to feel in a space and see if you can get them to align or at least complement each other. With a little time and effort, you can create a beautiful and value enhancing area that promotes a positive mood and overall sense of well-being.
Humans are drawn to beauty even if these artistic expressions differ by culture, time, age, beliefs, types, shapes, or forms. Use design elements and décor to increase both the property value and emotional value of your space, as well as gain satisfaction when your home looks and feels good. With a considerable portion of our lives spent indoors, the spaces we choose to occupy have a massive influence on our moods, feelings, behavior, and physical well-being. They say the home is where the heart is, but to make a house a home it has to be happy. Whether you enjoy the glitz and glamour of Art Deco and Jay Gatsby or a more subtle approach, every homeowner defines happiness differently.
Your own creative expressions can make your home feel like you!
Article featured in the Spring 2023 publication of Common Interest
By Jeanette Catellier, Hammerbrush Painting & Construction