Art deco is an interior design trend that was extremely popular just before the start of the First World War through until the end of the Second World War. The style has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, in homes and commercial spaces, coinciding with 1920’s set films and TV shows, such as 2013’s The Great Gatsby remake and Peaky Blinders, increasing interest.
The style promotes the use of simple bold shapes, colours and patterns. It’s very distinctive with the angular styling complementing both period and modern homes.
Here at Handles at Heart, we stock a vast range of art deco lever handles, door knobs, and pull handles. Our art deco range can be used on interior doors, exterior doors, cupboards and cabinets. Helping to recreate the aesthetic throughout an entire home.
Elements of Art Deco Design
There are various design features which make up the Art Deco style, including:
Geometric Patterns
One of the things most people think of when they think of Art Deco is the use of geometric shapes, including zig zags and chevrons. This aspect of Art Deco was inspired by the rapid acceleration of technology at the time, as well as rapidly changing cityscapes, with skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building being constructed at the height of the style’s popularity. This can be recreated through the use of wallpaper, tiles, mirrors and artwork.
Black and White
The fundamental colour pallet of Art Deco, with bright colours being used in moderation to help give Art Deco it’s timeless sophistication.
Mirrors and Metals
The sparing use of metals in art deco interior design adds a touch of glamour to your room so use them in places such as your hardware, accessories and of course, ironmongery.
Another key element is mirrors to use for both functionality and design; you may want to consider metal framed ones here as well.
Glass and chrome lighting
Electric lighting was still fairly new when Art Deco was born and as such it became a key part of the movement and to show the extravagance and decadence of the period, such as creating extravagant electric powered chandeliers.
However, you can also keep lighting relatively simple and use chrome light switches instead to create the Art Deco look.
We stock the full From the Anvil pendant lighting collection.
Travel inspired
After the First World War and during the economic boom of the 1920s, travel and tourism became a bigger part of people’s lives. Also, inventions such as the aeroplane meant it was now easier and quicker to travel further afield than ever before. As a result, many people took design ideas from places they visited in Asia, Europe and Africa back home with them which became a part of the Art Deco movement using prints, fabrics and upholstery to show off where they had been too so consider what fabrics and upholstery you can use to create this look.
Large Scale Furniture
Art Deco furniture is usually large and bold, taking functionality and highlighting it. Choose furniture that could be neutral coloured or have pops of colour to enhance the design such as bold dining chairs or statement sofas.
Art Deco at Handles at Heart
Art Deco Door Handles
Handles utilising the Art Deco design can add a stunning finishing touch to period styled décor such as doors. At Handles at Heart, our art deco door handles exude style with geometric lines, striking colour choices and metal finishes which can create glamorous door furnishings.
One particular range to look at is the Heritage Brass Waldorf door handle, available in a variety of finishes and functions including lever latch, lever lock, bathroom sets and euro profile. Another option to consider is the Heritage Brass Astoria door handle, both of which take inspiration from Art Deco.
Heritage Brass was created by M. Marcus who were established in 1940 at Ironmongers Row, London and have a long 80-year history of creating durable and high-quality solid brass products in a variety of finishes.
Art Deco Door Knobs
Much like door handles, Art Deco door knobs can add a great finishing touch to period décor. Our Art Deco door knobs on backplate, as well as our cabinet hardware is available in a range of finishes to create a co-ordinated look throughout your home. Some door knobs to consider are the Heritage Brass Broadway or Heritage Brass Charlston designs.
Art Deco Cabinet Knobs
We stock several cabinet knobs to help co-ordinate the look throughout your home.
Art Deco Cabinet Pull Handles
We also stock a range of cabinet pull handles from Heritage Brass and From the Anvil
Art Deco Cabinet Pulls
Instead of cabinet knobs, we also have available cabinet pulls from Heritage Brass and From the Anvil also evoking the Art Deco style.
Art Deco External Hardware
Whilst redesigning a home, it can be easy to forget about the outside of your property but this can be used to great effect to carry through the theme of Art Deco throughout the property as well, adding grandeur for your visitors.
Examples include From the Anvil Art Deco escutcheons.
About Handles at Heart
Here at Handles at Heart, we have over 110 years’ experience within the architectural hardware industry and have been established since 1990. Provide a wide range of ironmongery products to customers and businesses, including lever handles, door knobs, door accessories such as door knockers, letters numerals & signs, letter plates. We also stock a range of locks & latches including deadlocks & deadbolts, euro cylinders, mortice locks, multi-point locks, rim cylinders, rim locks & latches and smart locks.
We provide free standard delivery o the UK Mainland on all orders over £75 and free click & collect from our Dudley shop!
