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The Art deco style celebrated the advent of the modern age like no other expression of design. It rejoiced the birth of the automobile, the plane and the movie star with its streamlined designs. It used marble, gold and brass and was not afraid to be gaudy or monumental. Though an obvious symbol of national pride in America, the Art Deco style wasn’t above taking influence from other cultures and ethnic motifs and almost Egyptian murals were easily adapted. Made universally famous by cities such as New York and Miami, Art Deco has continued to evolve since its introduction over eighty years ago. Today it is more popular than ever amongst those who wish to introduce a little nostalgia and pizzazz into their homes whilst retaining a sophisticated air.

Choosing an Art Deco theme as the basis of a new look for your home actually makes life a little easier than if you had chosen a style from any other iconic period. This is because of two things, firstly, the Art Deco look has a tendency to be a little eclectic meaning you don’t have to worry about sticking to any make or break guidelines. Secondly, a huge amount of furniture on sale today is actually based on the principles of Art Deco. The main principles to adhere to are the inclusion of geometric patterns and smooth clean edges. Art Deco was all about celebrating the birth of a new modern age so the goal should be to achieve quite a sleek ambience. Furniture should be covered in piped velvet ideally in muted tones of red or plum to evoke a feeling of 1930’s Hollywood, red carpet glamour.

In terms of a general colour scheme choose either a typically New York palette of burgundy, black, white or gold or opt for the more playful Miami approach and choose aqua blue, pastel pink, orange or yellow. It is best not to mix the two colour schemes as this will result in an unconvincing finish- in order to pull off the Art Deco look convincingly you must show conviction. Generally, the living room, bedrooms and studies are suited to the rich and classy tones of the New York style whereas the fresh and vibrant colours of Miami work very well in the kitchen, bathroom and patio areas.

Really crank up the drama stakes when dressing window areas. Include thick draped curtains and tie them back into a seductive arch with some beaded or tasselled tie-backs.

As I said earlier don’t be afraid to introduce anything new you might find on your travels such as an exotic lamp or Persian rug. Such objects easily conform to Art Deco ideals in the way they use pattern and create drama.

Overall Art Deco was about embracing the new, therefore it is a style that appreciates and indeed flatters contemporary style and also one which will grow with you and learn to adapt to your tastes as they develop and change. Your Art Deco home will not need dramatic over-halls every few years, it will bend and bow and invite new ideas and fresh perspective. It is very much a home for life.

Terry Henman
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/art-deco-at-home-698659.html

Indian interior design is fast becoming one of the most popular international themes in British homes. The highly decorative and opulent nature of Indian style means it offers the very unique opportunity to add both glamour and timeless tradition to a room. A very definite and clearly defined style, it is also a very straight forward and easy style to adopt.

Above all else, the mainstay in Indian décor is imagery of the Sun, which has been worshipped by Hindus for many years. Doors, window dressings, ceilings, and fabric patterns all contain many elements that symbolize the sun. Circles that symbolize the heavenly body itself are prevalent, as are radiating lines that stand for its rays and areas of great colour which symbolize the sun’s light. Incorporate this important element through soft furnishings and fabrics, or if your room is large enough, design a simple abstract mural for your wall for a modern twist. Use light and airy shades of lemon and off white- which will prevent the mural form overpowering the space. A more traditional way to include such imagery is through the other constant in Indian interiors, the beautifully carved wooden decoration. Carved columns and plate traceries are common, as are figurines of respected animals such as cows, horses and antelopes.

Lacquered furniture is hugely popular in India due to its richness of resins of all types. Furniture is typically low in stature and made of Indian Oak, nut wood or pink wood and has a real solid functionality about it. Unusually, Indian furniture frequently has a double use. A former saddle or cart might be used as a coffee table or an elegantly carved door may be used as a table top in the dining room, such is the whimsical nature of Indian style. Not only does this give a real opportunity to add great character to a room when recreating the look, it could also save a lot of money as you may already own old items that could be reused. If not a trip to an old junk yard or salvage shop is sure to inspire some creative thought. A common feature of Indian design that we have already adopted is the nest of tables. Available in most furniture shops, a nest of three wooden tables which fit together like a Russian doll, would add a really typical feature to a room. Other items of furniture to look out for are delicately carved and encrusted cabinets used to store bed linen called “damchis” and maharajas style wardrobes made of Indian oak with fortress gate style doors.

Finally, soften the look with silk curtains and window dressings. India is famous for its silk saris which are used regularly to not only create beautiful clothing but also to add sumptuousness and decadence to homes. Colours to look out for are turquoise, burnt orange and raspberry. For added spice, use beaded tie-backs and tassels to draw back your curtains into an effortlessly elegant arch that will really show of the sheen of the silk to its full potential.

Terry Henman
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/indian-interiors-675574.html