Where do Art Deco Kitchen Cabinets Originate?
The Art Deco movement burst onto the scene in the 1920s and flourished through the 1930s. Emerging after World War I, it was a celebration of modernity, luxury, and a bold embrace of the future. Think of the roaring twenties, the jazz age, and a spirit of optimistic progress – that’s the essence of Art Deco. Bold, fun, and luxurious.
Key Style Features of Art Deco:
Art Deco is all about making a statement. Its defining characteristics include:
- Geometric Patterns: You’ll see a lot of strong lines, zigzags, chevrons, sunburst motifs, and stepped forms. These are repeated and often symmetrical, creating order and balance.
- Sleek and Streamlined Forms: Unlike the ornate details of previous eras, Art Deco favored clean, elongated shapes.
- Luxurious Materials: This style embraced the opulent. Think polished woods, lacquered finishes, chrome, brass, glass, and even exotic inlays.
- Bold Colors and Contrasts: While some pieces were in rich, dark woods, Art Deco also incorporated striking color combinations, often with black, white, gold, and jewel tones: emerald, navy, and ruby.
The Style of Art Deco Kitchen Cabinets
These cabinets embrace clean lines, cool geometric patterns, and often have a sleek, shiny finish, think sophisticated glam. Plus, you’ll often see them with stylish hardware and maybe even some elegant glass details.
Key Features of Art Deco Kitchen Cabinets:
- Symmetrical Designs: Cabinet doors and drawers often feature repeating geometric inlays or decorative hardware placed symmetrically.
- Streamlined Hardware: Handles and pulls tend to be sleek, often in chrome, brass, or black, with geometric or fan-like shapes.
- High-Gloss Finishes: Lacquered or high-sheen wood finishes enhance the sense of luxury and reflect light beautifully. Our UV Lacquer line of Zonavita products would be a great fit.
- Geometric Paneling: Cabinet fronts might feature raised or inset geometric patterns, sometimes in contrasting wood veneers or colors.
- Glass Accents: Frosted or etched glass panels with Art Deco motifs can add an elegant touch to upper cabinets.
How to Get the Art Deco Look in Your Kitchen
You can easily bring the Art Deco vibe into your kitchen without needing to go for a full period-accurate look. Whether you choose to add just a few inspired touches, like some geometric details or a sleek finish, or you decide to embrace the style more fully, it’s all about making the Art Deco era’s sophistication work for your space.
Here are some ideas from our designers that nod to the time period or capture the glamour of the era:
Embrace Art Deco Inspired Geometric Patterns
This kitchen uses a bold geometric backsplash in black, white, and warm gold, which gives the space an Art Deco feel. The sharp shapes and strong contrast create the focal point. Simple white cabinets and brass hardware keep the look balanced so the pattern stands out without overwhelming the layout.
Art Deco Kitchen Cabinets in a Beverage Center
This beverage center highlights classic Art Deco elements through brass mesh doors, structured lines, and clean cabinet framing. The warm metal finishes and symmetrical layout give the space a refined, organized look. When open, it becomes a compact station for drinks. The perfect addition to a party!
Art Deco Touches in a Bright, Open Kitchen
This kitchen brings in subtle Art Deco details through the lighting, metal finishes, and strong vertical lines on the hood and cabinetry. The island becomes the center point, with clean edges and simple forms that keep the overall look structured and balanced. While the look leans more contemporary modern, the black and gold touches add a bit of luxury to the space.
Art Deco Glam in a Bold, Open Kitchen
This kitchen brings in an Art Deco influence through the blue velvet stools, the polished brass frames, and the dramatic pendant lighting above the island. The black cabinetry adds depth and contrast, while the ornate details and curved openings introduce a structured, elegant feel. The mix of shine, color, and strong lines gives the space a glam look that still feels grounded and functional.
Art Deco Inspired Cabinets with Reflective Details
This kitchen uses mirrored panels to open up the space. Gold details on the hood, lighting, and hardware create a clear glam influence without overpowering the layout. The navy island adds depth, while the stools introduce clean lines that keep the look structured. The mix of shine, reflection, and rich color gives the kitchen a modern feel.
Art Deco Lighting and Rich Contrast in a Modern Kitchen
This kitchen introduces a subtle Art Deco vintage vibe through the bold pendant lighting with warm, gold-toned interiors. Vintage touches like the jewel tone velvet bench seating and slab front cabinets nod to the past in luxurious way.
Art Deco Shapes and Soft Glam in a Bright Kitchen
Sculptural pendant lights and the round-edged mirror with gold trim are accents that could nod to the Art Deco period. The warm wood pantry cabinet adds depth against the white finishes. The space feels bright and open, with subtle glam details that tie the whole look together.
