The Ultimate Guide to Designing an Art Deco Kitchen

Are you a fan of geometric tiles, glitzy lights, or the glamour of the twenties and thirties? If you’ve ever dreamed of hosting a party at Gatsby’s mansion, why not bring a touch of vintage glamour to your own kitchen with an art deco design? Art Deco style has a timeless appeal that can elevate any space, including your cooking area. Monica Breese, the founder of NYC-based home design firm The Designed Domicilio and a real estate broker with Compass, is a big fan of Art Deco design. According to Breese, “This period has so much character. Think of the Empire State Building — take it apart and reconstruct its elements in your kitchen and voila, Art Deco style is here.”

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to transform your kitchen into a stunning Art Deco masterpiece. Let’s explore how to infuse your cooking space with the elegance and sophistication of the Art Deco era.

Reflect Curves and Fluting Throughout

One key element of Art Deco design is the use of curves and fluting. To create an authentic Art Deco look in your kitchen, consider incorporating these elements into various aspects of the space:

Add fluting to glass cabinet windows, an island, or a peninsula.
Use rounded edges on hardware, countertops, and glass panes.
Ensure that curved elements are seen in multiple areas to create a cohesive Art Deco aesthetic.

Amplify Glam Details

Art Deco is all about glamour and luxury. To infuse your kitchen with this opulent style, consider incorporating the following elements:

Use velvet and metallic finishes for a luxurious touch.
Opt for leather or faux leather stools.
Add gold trim around appliances or beneath an island.
Choose shiny accessories and vessels such as food storage containers or salt and pepper shakers.

Go for Gold Herringbone Kitchens

Gold accents can add a touch of luxury to an Art Deco kitchen. Consider the following tips:

Pair gold accents with dark marble or stone countertops and backsplashes.
Balance the richness of gold with white cabinetry for a light and airy feel.

Keep the Theme Going

For a cohesive look, ensure that your Art Deco theme is carried throughout the entire space. Consider the following:

Incorporate the same shapes from your backsplash into the cabinets or hardware.
Pay attention to small details that tie the space together.

Retain Elements of Original Kitchens

If you’re renovating an existing kitchen, consider retaining some original elements while adding Art Deco touches. Take inspiration from the following example:

Retain Art Deco details while updating the overall look of the kitchen.
Incorporate ’20s-inspired elements such as wall-mounted lights.

Spin Art Deco Through a Unique Color Palette

While rich jewel tones are common in Art Deco design, don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional color palettes. Consider the following tips:

Experiment with pastel tones or unconventional color combinations.
Make the design your own by choosing colors that speak to you.

Bring in Dark Wood

Dark wood can add warmth and sophistication to an Art Deco kitchen. Consider the following:

Incorporate deep mahogany or espresso brown finishes.
Use dark wood for cabinets, islands, or hutches to create a vintage feel.

Don’t Forget the Ceiling

The ceiling is often an overlooked element in kitchen design. Consider the following tips to add a glamorous touch to your space:

Create a statement ceiling with molding, paint, or wallpaper.
Pay attention to details like lighting fixtures to tie the room together.

Go for a Deeper Palette

To create a swanky, speakeasy-inspired kitchen, opt for a deeper color palette. Consider the following tips:

Use deep brown and black tones for a rich, luxurious feel.
Incorporate warm lighting and metallic finishes for added drama.

Make a White Kitchen Pop

Even if your kitchen is predominantly white, you can still infuse it with Art Deco style. Consider the following:

Add warm metallic accents to create a Deco-inspired look.
Incorporate fluted elements or geometric shapes for added visual interest.

Think Geometrically

Geometric shapes are a hallmark of Art Deco design. Consider incorporating the following elements:

Use perfectly laid square tiles for a classic Art Deco look.
Choose hardware in semi-circular shapes for a balanced aesthetic.

Add Just One or Two Features

You don’t need to overhaul your entire kitchen to achieve an Art Deco look. Consider the following tips:

Add a few key Art Deco elements such as a unique light fixture or tiles.
Incorporate small touches like antique French posters for a touch of glamour.

Choose a Statement Color

To make a bold statement in your Art Deco kitchen, consider incorporating a standout color. Consider the following:

Opt for a bold hue like teal or aqua as a focal point.
Use the statement color on key elements like the island or window frames.

Focus on the Bar Area

A glamorous bar area is a quintessential feature of Art Deco design. Consider the following tips:

Create a stylish bar area with the right lighting, symmetry, and materials.
Illuminate bottles and glassware with soft, glowing lights for a sophisticated look.

Embrace Rich Moody Shades

Jewel tones are a hallmark of Art Deco design. Consider the following tips for incorporating rich, moody shades:

Use jewel-toned colors like emerald green or sapphire blue for a luxurious feel.
Incorporate leather upholstery, artwork, and other elements in complementary shades.

Infuse Art Deco Elements

If you already have Art Deco pieces, consider incorporating them into your kitchen design. Take inspiration from the following example:

Display Art Deco pieces in a shelving unit or display area.
Mix Art Deco elements with other design styles for a unique look.

Balance a Kitchen with Dark and Light Tones

To create a harmonious balance in your kitchen design, consider mixing dark and light tones. Consider the following tips:

Combine white cabinets with dark wood finishes for contrast.
Add intricate crown molding and Art Deco-inspired lighting for a cohesive look.

Mix Two Styles

Art Deco design can be blended with other design styles for a unique aesthetic. Consider the following tips:

Combine Art Deco elements with Spanish Colonial Revival colors and shapes for a distinctive look.
Experiment with bold colors and pastels to create a standout design.

Combine Deco and Minimalism

For a streamlined, modern take on Art Deco design, consider combining Deco elements with minimalism. Consider the following tips:

Add fluting to cabinets in neutral shades like gray or beige.
Use geometric tiles in quiet hues for a subtle Art Deco touch.

Spin Art Deco in a Modern Way

To give Art Deco design a modern twist, consider incorporating contemporary elements. Consider the following tips:

Use bubbly pendant lighting or rounded countertops for a modern Deco look.
Experiment with materials like spackled travertine floors for a unique touch.

Embrace Other Designs From the Era

If the glamor of Art Deco isn’t your style, consider incorporating other design styles from the twenties and thirties. Consider the following tips:

Mix stainless steel textures and flat-faced cabinets for a more understated look.
Experiment with geometric fixtures and neutral color palettes for a vintage-modern aesthetic.

Nail Down Fluting Elements

Fluting is a signature architectural detail in Art Deco design. Consider incorporating fluting into various elements of your kitchen. Consider the following tips:

Add fluting to a dining table, island, cabinet faces, or lighting fixtures.
Experiment with ribbed textures for added visual interest.

By following these tips and incorporating Art Deco elements into your kitchen design, you can create a space that exudes elegance and sophistication. Whether you choose to go all-in with a full Art Deco aesthetic or simply add a few key elements, your kitchen is sure to become a stunning showcase of vintage glamour.