Week 8-Art Deco & Rise of the Interior Decorator

 INT 232-History of Interiors

 By: Nicol Valeria Torres Villamil
 Week 8 – Art Deco & Rise of the Interior Decorator

This week we studied Art Deco and the rise of the interior decorator, a period that contrasts strongly with modernism. While modernists focused on function and simplicity, Art Deco designers embraced decoration, luxury, and style.

Art Deco originated in France in the 1920s and quickly spread internationally. It was influenced by modern technology, cubism, and even African art, but instead of focusing on function, it emphasized glamour, craftsmanship, and visual impact.

At the same time, the role of the interior decorator became more important. Designers were no longer just focused on structure, but also on creating complete interiors that reflected personality, status, and lifestyle. 

Historical Images

Chrysler Building – New York



A classic example of Art Deco architecture with geometric forms and a strong vertical emphasis inspired by skyscrapers.

Art Deco Lacquered Screen – Jean Dunand



Shows the use of rich materials and geometric patterns, reflecting luxury and craftsmanship.

Ruhlmann Armchair



An elegant chair made with exotic materials like ebony and ivory, representing the glamour of Art Deco furniture.

Radio City Music Hall Interior – Donald Deskey



A highly decorative interior using geometric patterns, lighting, and modern materials.

Normandie Ocean Liner Interior



Demonstrates how Art Deco spread globally through transportation design, featuring luxurious materials and bold decoration. 

Current Applications

Modern Art Deco Inspired Interior



Contemporary spaces still use geometric patterns and bold materials inspired by Art Deco.

Mirrored Furniture and Large Lighting Fixtures




Modern interiors often use mirrors and statement lighting to reflect light and create drama.

Luxury Hotel Interiors




Many hotels use Art Deco elements like rich materials and symmetry to create a glamorous atmosphere.

Geometric Pattern Wallpapers




Zig-zags and chevron patterns continue to be used in modern interior design.

Modern Bathroom with Chrome and Glass



Use of reflective materials and clean geometry shows the continued influence of Art Deco design. 

One Step Further – Elsie de Wolfe


 

Elsie de Wolfe is considered one of the first professional interior decorators. She rejected the heavy and dark Victorian style and introduced light, bright, and comfortable interiors.


Her designs used white walls, mirrors, soft colors, and French furniture to create elegant and inviting spaces. She believed that interiors should reflect the personality of the person living in them, which helped establish interior design as its own profession.

What I found most interesting is how she changed the role of design, shifting it from just architecture to a more personal and lifestyle-focused approach.

Reflection

This period feels very different from modernism because instead of removing decoration, Art Deco celebrates it. I found it interesting how designers balanced modern materials with luxury and style.

What stood out to me the most is how interior design became more personal during this time. The rise of decorators shows that design is not just about structure, but also about how people experience and live in a space.

Overall, this week helped me understand that design can follow different paths at the same time, some focused on function, and others on expression and beauty.









 

 

Comentarios

  1. Makayla Olar21 de marzo de 2026 a las 9:39 a.m.

    Nicol, I loved how you described art deco as an era where interiors "reflected personality, status, and lifestyle." This was so insightful and true! I also loved your images this week!!

    ResponderBorrar
  2. Professor VanderNoordaa23 de marzo de 2026 a las 7:10 a.m.

    Nicol,
    This was a comprehensive and interesting Blog post. I enjoyed you you included both Art Deco and The rise of the Decorators. Your descriptions that showed the importance of this period were well done. The examples you chose were excellent. I appreciated the beautiful furniture you highlighted.
    Elsie de Wolfe was such an inspiration to me also! 50/50 points

    ResponderBorrar

Publicar un comentario

Entradas más populares de este blog

Week 1 – Arts and Crafts Movement

Imagen
 INT 232- History of Interiors By: Nicol Valeria Torres Villamil Week 1 – Arts and Crafts Movement This week, we learned about the Arts and Crafts Movement, which started towards the end of the 19th century and was practically a counter-movement to the Industrial Revolution with its reliance on mass production and mechanization. The increasing use of machines for making things led to the decline of quality, craftsmanship, and personal expression. The Arts and Crafts movement to the opposing side, wanting, in materials, to bolster human craft and creativity in upholstery, furniture, and the decorative arts urging the design to be honest with us again. What this movement did was to focus on simplicity, functionality, and beauty of the structure and materials rather than being extravagant with ornaments or doing everything the same way. Arts and Crafts homes were intended to be warm, practical, and in harmony with nature so they frequently had exposed wood, built-in furniture, a lot ...
Leer más

Week 3 – Japan and Japonisme

Imagen
   INT 232- History of Interiors   By: Nicol Valeria Torres Villamil  Week 3 – Japan and Japonisme    This week we studied Japanese architecture, interiors, and decorative arts, along with the concept of Japonisme and its influence on Western design. Japanese design uses simple designs together with natural materials to create spaces that function as one continuous area between their inside and outside sections. Japanese design preferred asymmetrical designs which included different elements instead of European design which sought to achieve balanced appearances through symmetrical arrangements. Zen Buddhism, which Buddhism and Japanese religious practices, established the Buddhist principles which created Japanese interior design standards through its practice of creating spaces that brought people closer to their spiritual path. The values created areas which maintained peacefulness while serving specific purposes and allowed people to use the space for v...
Leer más

Week 2 – Africa

Imagen
   INT 232- History of Interiors   By: Nicol Valeria Torres Villamil  Week 2 – Africa This week we studied African interiors, architecture, and furnishings, focusing on how design objects are deeply connected to culture, family life, spirituality, and social structure. Unlike Western design traditions that often separate art from daily life, African design integrates function, symbolism, and craftsmanship. Furniture, architecture, textiles, and decorative objects are not only practical but also carry cultural meaning and reflect identity, power, and community values. African design traditions demonstrate that meaningful and sophisticated design does not always require state power or great wealth. Instead, many objects were created using local materials, traditional techniques, and collective knowledge passed down through generations. Historical Images Great Mosque of Djenné – Mali A powerful example of Saharan mud architecture, featuring adobe construction and wood...
Leer más