Art Deco Period and Styling.....

The Great Gatsby film being released in its 3D version May 10th, is bringing back the sparkle and dazzle of the Roaring 20's in fashion, home decor known as Art Deco and creating an overall glamorous appeal.  I read the book way long ago and saw the remake of the original in 1974 with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, and now I am looking forward to seeing the newest version with Leonardo and Carey.  This movie has been made previously in 1926 and 1949 and each time gets more glitzy.   In looking at trailers on line, it promises to be an interior decorator and former fashion designer's candy store. This movie is rumoured to be another Baz Luhrmann over the top creation and a visual feast.   Wonder if I should get out my long pearls??

I have written an article on this style of decorating, which is being published in the on-line version of Reno & Decor Magazine, so if you like this style,  you can check out at www.renoanddecor.com,  under Articles.

Below I thought I would post some of the photos of the sets from the movie followed by some inspiration photos of this iconic Art Deco Decor Style and how you can get the 'look'.

I love this

Gatsby's Grand Ballroom

Gatsby's Bedroom

Nick Carraway's Cottage

Daisy Buchanan's Sitting Room

If you are interested in 'getting the look' of this period, here are some examples and some are quick similar to those found in the movie.  During this period smooth surfaces, exotic materials and repeated geometric forms were found in Interior Design & Decor.  We see straight and curvy lines, geometric and abstracted shapes  as well as decorative details.  Art Deco is bold, colorful, showy and dramatic. (much like the movie).  In general look for geometric and abstract shapes & patterns, sun motifs, chevron.  Colours were intense and strong, like dark brown, beige, red, black, green, gold, silver, and my favourite white on white.

 Sun Motif used in clocks and mirrors

Animal skin area rugs were seen and placed over a plain broadloom carpet or directly on hardwood flooring which found parquet to be popular at the time.

Animal print with the glitz and sunburst motif popular at this time

 
Abstract/Geometric patterned carpet

Animal Print area rug

Black and white tiles were commonly used in this era and below are seen in a washroom

Furniture was made with straight (sometimes curved) clean lines. We also saw the addition of Glass and Chrome; as well as Lacquered furniture which creates an elegant style.  Exotic wood, veneers and inlays were  used to create bold statements and rooms with a sense of drama. Upholstery was anything from plain to geometric patterns in dark, strong dramatic colours.   Tassels were an added trim on cushions. 

Lacquered Tables

Ornamentation was kept minimal in order to create this modern look, however when used, it was bronze or other metals.

Another treatment was the stepped profile seen above in the metal sconce and below in this chair

Wallpaper used during this time would have been dramatic and may have been geometric pattern, chevron or the ever popular stripes.

 This curved mid tone wood inlay bed is similar to that in 
Jay Gatsby's bedroom

To end my Art /Deco post, I am adding this photo which incorporates many of the elements described above.  I love this space.  I hope you enjoyed reading this post on the Art Deco period and now,   off to the movie.......

Designing with Animal Print

I think everybody loves a little animal now and again.... I mean animal print but of course we all love animals too so I am talking about 'faux' animal print.  We see it in Fashion and of course Interior Decor and Design follow fashion.  It never really goes out of 'fashion' whether clothing or home decor.  Too much can be overwhelming and a little tacky but done correctly it can really add the Wow to any decor.  

Animal print can be found in a variety of decor items such as upholstery, area rugs, stair runners, toss cushions, bedding, towels, wall coverings,  accessories, case goods, lighting, sinks and vanity tops and even outdoor products.

If you are a little unsure, try a very small item like a toss cushion.  Below are some photos I found of the many ways we can decorate our spaces with animal print.  Browse through them and perhaps you will become inspired to add a little 'animal' to your home.  Enjoy!

 

Bersgma's Paint and Decor in Milton

Tuesday evening many CDECA GTA West Chapter Decorators attended our monthly event at Bergsma's Paint and Decor www.bergsmaspaint.ca in Milton.  Jeff Bergsma, owner has a  fantastic showroom with everything you could imagine for home decor - paint, wallpaper, furniture, casegoods, lighting, accessories, etc., Jeff has been in this business for many years and knows this business inside/out.  He carries PPG and his 'specialty' paint C2.  Jeff provided an information night and gave us the scoop about the newest in C2 Paint which will be of interest to all of us undertaking paint projects.  C2 has the best pigments of all paint and they use anywhere from 5 - 8 different pigments in varying amounts to create incredible saturated paint colours.  This paint has a built in primer which speeds up the labour time, thus lessens the cost.  One of the interesting details about C2 paint is that they do not use black colorant, since it absorbs rather than reflects light.  By using many different colorants to create their colours they are able to produce luxurious and pure colour.  Currently they have 496 colours in their palette, and will be rolling out 56 new colours within the next month.  Of course this paint qualifies for LEED credits and has 0 VOC.

Of particular interest to me is the newest collection which is their Cabinet & Trim paint which can also be used on Floors.  This can be tinted to any colour.  The technology is amazing in that is provides an 'oil' like finish with the smooth and silky hand, which levels and is water based.  Now that is Great!!  My kitchen cabinetry is in need of a little refreshing, so I am going to give this newest Cabinet Paint a whirl.  Will let you know how it works out.

The second portion of our evening was devoted to lighting. Phillip Todoroff, a Lighting Representative, Designer and Educator shared the latest in LED technology and the most up to date in bulb innovations from Phillips.  We learned everything new on the market in lighting products and how far we have come.  Phillip demonstrated the different bulbs and how they gave off different 'colour' as in warm, blue, yellow, pure, etc.  My brain is not digesting all of this information.   Bergsmas is as a must visit location!  

Thanks to all for providing us with a fabulous and educational evening.