Era Inspirations: The Grandeur of Gatsby

To pay homage to the late Fitzgerald in conjunction with the new film interpretation of “The Great Gatsby,” we wanted to reacquaint you with the classic design era of the Jazz Age and give you some fresh ideas for adding a little bit of the Roaring 20’s into your home.

Art Deco affected all areas of the decorative arts during the 1920’s and 1930’s and was considered very dazzling, sophisticated and modern. The style featured shapes and materials that were very contemporary for their time: bold geometric prints, streamlined shapes, lacquered an inlaid wood pieces, mirrors, glass and polished metal detailing. Because Art Deco utilized expensive materials such as ebony, marble and rare woods, most homes designed in this style were accessible only to the wealthy. But not today. We’d like to show you a few concepts and elements that will incorporate this glamorous style into your home without having to be a millionaire on Long Island.

The greatest thing about Art Deco design is that you can incorporate it into your existing style flawlessly if done correctly. It’s very simple to add one or two pieces, if you’re looking to bring a fresh look into your existing space, or to decorate a whole home in the characteristic style.

Color

The colors used in Art Deco are usually bold and striking with a lot of contrasts. Vivid and deep reds, purples, greens, blues, yellows and pinks mix seamlessly with silver, black and chrome. Color is probably the easiest element to incorporate into a room. If you’re on the color-shy side, start small, add color with throw pillows or blankets, accessories and artwork. If you’re looking for a more dramatic approach, try a blue or red sofa, accent chairs or an area rug with a bold pattern. Painting your walls, ceiling or both can change the energy and ambiance of a room with little effort. But make sure you choose your colors wisely (pick a shade that speaks to you), accessories are painless to change over time, but wall color requires a little more effort.

Fabric

Try incorporating elegant fabrics, such as velvets, silks and satins. Try to stick with solid colors, color-blocking or geometric shapes.

Artwork

Nowadays it’s simple to find artwork in any style you prefer. If you’re looking to frame your own artwork, Etsy.com and art.com offer great Art Deco prints, including artwork by Mrs. Zelda Fitzgerald herself. Artwork is a more expensive element, and people tend to skimp when it comes to decorating their walls, but you must always remember that your walls are the first to speak. If you prefer, use wallpaper as an art expression on your walls, or try metal elements if you don’t feel confident in picking out prints to put on display. But my favorite rule: always hang something on your wall that speaks to you, even if it contrasts your decorating style. Artwork doesn't have to follow style; it can be the most eclectic décor in your home.

Zelda Fitzgerald Prints on Art.com

Furniture

Art Deco furniture was known for clean lines and strong shapes. Mirrored or metal pieces are a great accent element as well as dark lacquered or black wood pieces. The best Art Deco accent pieces are sideboards, armoires, chairs and chaise lounges.

Lighting

Add some sparkle to your lighting. Dazzling crystal chandeliers with elegant curves are the staple of an Art Deco room. It is still possible to find lighting original to the period, but there are many reproductions out there that will flow gracefully with any Art Deco style of today. The glitzy-er the better!

FYI

Graham & Brown make an entire line of wallpaper dedicated to Art Deco in beautiful designs and patterns.

Restoration Hardware makes an iPhone Gramophone! Perfect for blaring early jazz music.

Always remember that there are no rules to decorating your own home! Make it yours! If you love the fun and freedom of the Jazz Age and want to bring that energy into your home, you can do it with a lot or a little. You be the judge. Let the Gatsby inside you run wild and hang that flashy chandelier in your living room. Bring in a blue or red chair into an otherwise neutral room. Hang an unexpected painting over your bed. Put a bold geometric-patterned throw pillow on your sofa. And make sure you're playing Van & Schenck's "Ain't We Got Fun" while you do it.