Art Deco: Jazz era-inspired details bring a frisson of excitement in 2021
True Edge finished in matt black, with satin brass Contemporary toggle switches.
Ready to swing into the “roaring” Twenties?
Over the last few years, Art Deco design has been gaining momentum, and it is now planting a firm footing in 2021.
The Scandinavian minimalist mindset has been dominant for so long, say interior design experts, that the pendulum is now swinging away towards opulence – and perhaps even decadence – as a maximalist design aesthetic takes over.
Anticipate a rebound from the muted colour palettes of the past, as these give way to expressions of playfulness and indulgence. Hotel and restaurant settings in particular are pegged to become hotbeds of bold design risks as interior stylists experiment in extravagant colour and generous texture.
“People are wanting some magic, some stagecraft, some theatricality. To just have their spirits lifted. They want to feel that excitement, and to be able to cut it in the air with a knife,” Ian Schrager, creative director of the Edition and owner of Public hotels told Conde Nast Traveller. “People will reject sameness. They will want to try and have a real unique experience. They will want to be made to feel good.”
Crafting your post-Covid travel list shouldn’t be too arduous, with newly completed Art Deco refurbishments at renowned hotels – from the iconic La Mamounia in Marrakech to the Grade II-listed Grand Hotel in Birmingham, which reopens to much fanfare this month – practically begging you to cross their thresholds.
Its patterns, colours and moods are visible in the world’s most iconic hospitality venues, however Art Deco as an influence is perhaps nowhere more prevalent than in London’s restaurant and bar scene. A spectacularly immersive example is the Bassoon Bar at the Corinthia London, designed by award-winning luxury interior architecture practice David Collins Studio. With a Parisian-influenced design style, it is described by Forbes as blending “modern lines with traditional touches and dramatic patterns” while GQ simply brands it a “super-luxe speakeasy”.
Experts in toeing the line between bold design and effortless luxury, G.A Group partnered with Focus SB to develop unique electrical faceplates for key spaces within the Corinthia including its suites and spa. Corinthia’s “craftsmanship of care” philosophy created unmistakable synergy with Focus SB’s commitment to precision and the provision of bespoke solutions affording design and finish continuity. It remains one of Focus SB’s most memorable projects to date.
For more Art Deco inspiration look no further than the Belmond Cadogan, London. In 2019 its lobby and guest rooms were revitalised in an extensive refurbishment conceptualised by interior designers GA Design International and architects Blair Associates. It was a delight to partner with the design team to create a custom finish, the exclusive ‘Cadogan brass’, which was teamed with Focus SB’s elegant Sheraton decorative faceplate style.
How the Art Deco trend will play out in high-end residential
When it comes to residential spaces, homeowners will demonstrate a new appreciation for grandeur as they incorporate sumptuous fabrics and majestic accessories into their interior settings.
Art Deco first emerged from Paris more than 100 years ago, and like its previous iteration the 21st century comeback features grand curves, dynamic geometric detailing and organic shapes such as the classic fan motif. These are complemented by a sophisticated modern colour palette and luxe metallics.
Art Deco should be incorporated sparingly in the residential context, Emma Sims Hilditch, founder and creative director of Sims Hilditch Interior Designs, tells thespruce.com. Immersive Art Deco design can be tricky to get right, so elements “should be used minimally rather than overwhelming a room.”
Patterned wallpaper or fluted piece of furniture? Absolutely.
Full-on Gatsby? Well… There’s no need to skip on the Art Deco accent piece, but the most eye-catching spaces offer “a careful blend of eclectic pieces, considered fabrics, and functional design solutions.”
A carefully curated clutch of accessories, such as artisan lighting and complementary electrical switches and sockets are perhaps the ideal way to inject Art Deco into residential spaces…
Lighting and faceplates aligned with 2021’s big trend
Gwyn Carless at The Light Yard has released an all new Collection which puts a contemporary twist on jazz-era opulence. Teaming up with renowned artisan glass brand LSA International, Gwyn and his team have incorporated stunning Art-Nouveau inspired glass vases from LSA’s popular Epoque range to create distinctive luminaires – complete with lustrous brass fittings.
Channelling the timeless beauty of Fin de Siecle opulence becomes effortless when the exceptional Epoque luminaires are paired with hand-finished faceplates from Focus SB.
Together the luminaires and plates deliver dynamic and sophisticated styling, while time-honoured artisan techniques and precision manufacturing ensure the aesthetic and functional requirements of architects, consulting engineers and interior designers are met.
Even when Smart Home, av/data and security functionality is required, a seamless blending of the ultra-modern with the nostalgic is made possible.
Enchanting luminaires and high-end accessories, which afford better flexibility and design continuity than ever before possible, make the Art Deco trend easy to incorporate into existing designs.
It is an ideal design solution for those ready to say farewell to minimalism, and let the opulent “roaring” Twenties really take hold.
Huge thanks to The Light Yard for contributing this colourful guest blog post and sharing its exciting new mouth blown glass lighting collection in partnership with LSA International!
To discover the entire Epoque Collection of handcrafted luminaires, please visit The Light Yard.
For more lighting commentary, design news and advice, follow Gwyn Carless at The Light Yard on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and/or LinkedIn. To speak directly with a member of the Gwyn Carless at The Light Yard team, call + 44 (0)330 223 3940.
Focus SB's products were specified throughout the Corinthia London in 2011 and 2018 refurbishments, including residencies and spa, with luxury guest accommodation featuring bespoke bed head panels, matching metal cover plates for bedroom media centres as well as custom ‘do not disturb’ units with external bell pushes, featuring the decorative Sheraton faceplate style. A unique 'Corinthia bronze' finish was developed with the designers to complement the beautifully reimagined guest suite interiors designed by the G.A Group.
Please contact us to discuss your hospitality project.
