It spans a range of styles from classic Art Deco sharp, metallic brutalist squares to Art Nouveau floral arts and crafts and I am instantly attracted to its chic Parisian mode. My preference is for the short period that sits in between the hard lines and ornate curves which shouts luxury but doesn’t overdo it. The style works with modern and old and is best with the soft curves of wooden panelled furniture. Art Deco was the start of the interest in Asian and Egyptian decor so don’t ignore a Chinese cabinet you can update to look Belle Epoque.
Revitalise Furniture
Find your local flea markets, brocantes or flohmarkts – depending on where you live. There are some amazing tables, bureaus and other furniture to revitalise. Look for rounded edges, possibly some ornate woodwork and don’t forget you can replace door handles. Check out the doors and drawers to make sure they work. Don’t laugh – smell inside. You want to avoid anything damp or smelling of cigarette smoke. You can change legs – IKEA has a range or visit your DIY shop such as Bunnings in Australia, Home Depot in the USA, Bahaus in Germany or Leroy Merlin in France. They have table stands as well. Don’t be frightened to take off or even cut off the legs, it is not a high-end antique.
Paint It
Then off to the paint shop for some chalk paint. This is our latest find! It covers everything, doesn’t need primer and can be slapped on. Then followed by wax to seal it with a hard finish. If you are braver than I am, you can put dark wax on a pale paint and rub off to accentuate the woodwork and edges. Art Deco style also loved the high gloss and mirrored look. This is easily achieved with enamel paints which come in pots or spray cans. I recommend you use a mask with this, as the smell is intoxicating.
Lights & Mirrors
This was the start of the movies and metallic lights, mirrors and picture frames were in vogue. This was also the start of air and train travel, manufacturing and the influence of these areas can be seen in metal trunks, mirrored side tables and silver and gold picture frames. These can be expensive but you can find some cheaper versions in craft stores and if you are clever with a glue gun and mirrors, you can quickly achieve the look inexpensively. Black and white architectural photos look chic in a silver frame.
Textiles
Furs, new linens and silks were coming in from what was called the Far East. Being anti-fur, I recommend going to Zara Home or other homeware stores and pick up a faux fur rug in ivory. It will make any room look chic regardless of colour. Visit your Chinese shops who often have lovely silks you can use for cushions and a silk dressing gown adds that luxurious touch.
Accessories
It was also the cocktail era! If, like me, you love a cocktail, you can pick up shakers and glasses in party shops. If your budget is higher, source antique markets. I bought a lovely 1930s Swedish silver shaker with a slight dent in it for a song. Match this with some cocktail glasses, a good bottle of gin and a silver metal tray and you are in the era!
