If you don’t already know who I’m talking about when I say “Fred and Ginger” then let me inform you that I am talking about Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers – two of the most popular movie stars during the 1930′s. The other night I was watching one of their films, The Gay Divorcee (1934), and I just couldn’t take my eyes off of the gorgeous art deco sets. Like many Depression-era musicals, Fred and Ginger’s films are light-hearted and the settings tend to be very luxurious. In The Gay Divorcee, most of the film takes place in a new luxury hotel.

The Origins of Art Deco

Art deco is a style that was popular in the 1920′s and 1930′s that was derived from avant-garde painting styles like Cubism and Russian Constructivism. It also drew inspiration from new technologies like aerodynamics. The result is a look that is geometric, abstract, colorful but also luxurious. In many ways Art Deco was a celebration of living in the fast-paced modern world of the roaring 20′s, and the style pervaded practically all areas of design. For instance, the Chrysler Building in Manhattan and the work of Frank Lloyd Wright are two examples of Art Deco architecture. To see more images of original Art Deco designs check out Architonic.com

Making Art Deco Work In Your Home

To inexpensively create an Art Deco look in your home can be a little tricky because the style is not as widely manufactured or should I say…um, overexposed, as other styles like mid-century modern. But if you look for things like tufted velvet chairs, mirrored or lucite tables and lamps, and geometric shapes you will at least get a hint of Art Deco.

1. Lucite Lamp in Black and White
2. Hourglass Bella Spice Chair – $179.99
3. Smoked Mirror Table Lamp -  $136.99
4. Hand-tufted Brown Zebra Wool Rug – $154
5. Mirror Block Side Table – $299
6. Lana Velvet Pouf in Spring Green – $89
7. Dolce Chair in Charcoal – $200
8. Butler Tray and Stand – $149