How To Embrace Art Deco Interiors In 2025, According To Leading Designers
Art Deco interiors are trending again – from bold geometry to sculptural lighting, designers reveal how to bring this timeless style into your home with modern ease. By VICTORIA NEWTON-SYMS
Why Art Deco endures
A century after its golden age, Art Deco’s allure hasn’t faded. Its signature glamour, symmetry and sensual curves feel just as relevant in today’s interiors as they did in the 1920s. “More than anything, it’s the spirit of optimism in Art Deco that speaks to me,” says Danish designer Louise Roe. “There’s a kind of brightness and belief in beauty that I try to carry into my own work – and in life, really. I always try to keep looking at the bright side.”
Designer Andrea Larsson, the founder of Reflections Copenhagen, agrees: “I’m especially inspired by the sculptural forms, rich materials like crystal, lacquer and marble – and the meticulous attention to detail that defines Art Deco. There’s a glamour and confidence to the style that translates beautifully into modern interiors.”
Start small, but make it count
If you’re new to Art Deco, ease in with statement accessories. “Start with a single piece that has personality, something like a lamp or a fruit bowl with a strong shape or detail. It’s much easier to bring in an object than a large piece of furniture when you’re experimenting with a specific style,” says Roe. “I love when a detail is subtle but still has presence. It brings that Art Deco feeling in a way that’s elegant but never too much,” she adds.
Let lighting do the talking
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to inject Deco drama. “It’s such a powerful way to bring personality into a space,” Roe continues, “and Art Deco lighting often has the most beautiful, sculptural shapes. I love hunting for vintage pieces; they carry so much character and can completely transform a room. An Art Deco lamp is almost more of a design object than just a functional light. It’s decorative, sculptural and something that draws the eye even when it’s turned off.”
Focus on finishes and materials
It’s all about luxurious materials and bold contrasts. “We love to incorporate luxurious materials such as mirrors, lacquered surfaces and polished wood into our schemes,” says Rose Hanson, co-founder of London-based design studio Penrose Tilbury. “The Art Deco period used strong colors and bold shapes, often accented with black, and we draw on these elements to make impactful designs.”
“There’s something about a cool silver tone that feels both timeless and true to the spirit of the era,” adds Roe, who is especially drawn to metallic accents and geometric shapes.
Blend styles for a timeless look
Contemporary interpretations of Art Deco often mix vintage pieces with other styles. “Layering Art Deco pieces with other styles is a great way to create timeless and authentic spaces,” says Charlie Tilbury, co-founder of Penrose Tilbury. “For a recent bathroom, we paired Art Deco wall lights and a Murano glass chandelier with white Moroccan octagon zellige tiles. The contrasting look resulted in this beautiful, handcrafted opulence that felt fresh and modern yet also rich in history.”
Hallways are ideal spaces for adding a touch of Art Deco flair. “It’s all about making an impression,” adds Hanson. “We find that adding pieces with a little bit of theater can really elevate an entrance.” She shares one of their recent finds: “We sourced an Art Deco mirror and hung it above the most magnificent emerald-green marble shelf, which we salvaged from an old convent. The design is highly functional but also feels very glamorous and provides a sophisticated vignette.”
“It’s about striking a balance – honoring the elegance and drama of Art Deco while softening it with contemporary palettes, unexpected textures, or playful scale,” says Larsson. “It’s an aesthetic that never goes out of style, perhaps because it celebrates both artistry and craftsmanship in a way that still feels deeply relevant today.”