Introduction
The art deco style is making a major comeback in interior design, offering a touch of vintage glamour to modern spaces. This is especially evident in luxurious master bathroom renovations, where art deco elements blend seamlessly with contemporary features and high-end materials. The result is a space that feels fresh and current yet exudes sophistication and timeless elegance.
Incorporating art deco style into a modern bathroom renovation may seem like a challenge at first. However, with careful planning and execution, the two aesthetics can complement each other beautifully. The key is striking the right balance between nostalgic and innovative, while playing up the finest details of each. Follow these tips to help art deco style meet modern sensibility in your glamorous new master bath.
Choose Statement Pieces Over Total Theme
While it’s tempting to go full art deco, restrain yourself to featuring just a couple standout vintage-inspired pieces. Too much retro decor and you risk the bathroom feeling like a costume party. A sculptural sconce here, a graphic black and white floor pattern there is all you need to evoke the style. Concentrate the more exuberant art deco elements around the vanity, allowing the rest of the space to take on a cleaner, more contemporary look.
Seek Out Sleek Art Deco Fixtures
Fortunately art deco bathroom fixtures are back in vogue, offering chic new options to accent the space. Look for elegant curved spouts, crisply angled handles and faceted detailing on faucets and fixtures. Radiators and towel warmers with bold repeating geometric patterns also add great vintage flair. For a modern spin, choose fixtures in gleaming metals like brass, bronze and nickel. Crisp white, black or matte gold are also fitting modern options.
Use Black, White and Metallics
Nothing says art deco more than contrasting black and white. Introduce the classic color combo through a graphic floor pattern, black and white subway tile, or lacquered vanity cabinets. Brass, bronze and glossy nickel provide metallic pops that play up the glam quotient. Use sparingly as accents against crisp white tiles and cabinetry. For a thoroughly modern touch, incorporate warmer metallics like matte gold and rose gold.
Opt for Geometric Patterns
Chevrons, zigzags, starbursts – geometric patterns are an art deco hallmark that add loads of visual interest when done right. Use graphic prints and bright colors to liven up shower curtains, towels and bath mats. Custom tilework in glossy black, white and metallic hues can recreate iconic motifs like sunbursts and stepped pyramids. Keep the overall aesthetic clean to allow the bold patterns to pop.
Choose Streamlined Storage
While art deco style is known for its ornamentation, aim for a simpler look when it comes to storage and cabinetry. Shaker-style vanities with clean lines provide an ideal modern backdrop for decking out with art deco accessories. Likewise, frameless mirrored cabinets keep the focus on jewel-toned wall tiles or graphic floor patterns. Stay clear of ornate moldings and carved details on cabinet doors and drawers. Let bright nickel or bronze hardware be the accent.
Light Strategically With Sconces
Forget about flushmounts – make the most of art deco’s dramatic flair with eye-catching sconces. Look for pieces with strong geometric lines or motifs like circles and zigzags. Go big and bright with a statement vanity sconce to illuminate grooming. Choose slim, iconic torchiere styles to flank a mirror over a double vanity. Use picture lights to highlight artwork and always opt for warm bulbs to maintain a glamorous ambiance.
Add Touches of Luxe With Metallic Finishes
Art deco’s roots in luxury travel and Hollywood regency translate beautifully to high-end master bathrooms. Introduce metallic finishes and accents throughout the space for a glamorous mood. Brass and gold faucets, mirrors, sconces and hardware elements catch the eye. Deep jewel tones used sparingly on tiles or plush linens enhance the luxe vibe. Top it off with an abstract area rug with a subtle metallic sheen. The overall effect channels the posh elegance of a bygone era.
Master the Mix of Materials
While art deco leans heavily on luxurious materials like marble and exotic woods, blending in more modern textures prevents the bathroom from feeling dated. Pair a Carrara marble herringbone floor with matte black cabinetry and brass fixtures. Contrast glossy ceramic wall tiles with the organic warmth of a concrete vanity countertop. Antique bronze mirrors feel fresher alongside crisp white quartz counters. Just be sure to maintain a clean, consistent look throughout.
FAQs
How can I add art deco style on a budget?
Focus on small details like black and white geometric floor tiles, art deco cabinet hardware, a graphic shower curtain and vintage-style lighting. Splurge on one statement fixture like an ornate vanity mirror. Also, look for antique and vintage finds to keep costs down.
What contemporary elements complement an art deco design?
Clean lines, frameless cabinets, vessel sinks, stone and quartz counters, metallic finishes and muted color palettes help give art deco a modern, updated look.
How do I keep an art deco design from looking outdated?
Stick to a minimalist color palette of black, white and metallics. Blend in modern textures like wood, quartz and concrete. Use geometric patterns sparingly as accents against plain white tiles. Focus on streamlined shapes and silhouettes for storage.
What tile patterns suit an art deco style?
Classic zigzag and chevron motifs, bold diamond shapes, rounded sunbursts, starburst patterns, stepped geometrics and arrange mosaics with an art deco vibe all complement the look beautifully.
Should lighting be dramatic or understated?
Take a balanced approach – use statement sconces and picture lights to add drama while keeping ceiling lights simple and streamlined. Sculptural pendants over a bathtub are also a nice way to incorporate eye-catching vintage lighting.
How can I get the art deco look without overdoing it?
Use restraint. Choose one or two standout vintage-inspired fixtures or accents and keep everything else subdued. Focus on black and white with metallics for color. Avoid ornate cabinetry and heavily patterned fabrics. Let graphic floor and wall tiles be the accent.
Conclusion
Blending vintage elegance with modern minimalism, the art deco trend brings a touch of timeless glamour to today’s luxury bathrooms. A crisp black and white palette accented by metallics nods to the style’s iconic roots, while clean lines, geometric prints and standout lighting keep the look fresh. By artfully mixing high-contrast and streamlined elements, the art deco and contemporary aesthetics beautifully complement each other for a designs that feels both nostalgic and innovative. With careful curation and attention to detail, this striking style fusion results in master bathrooms that are dramatic, glamorous and totally unique.
