A couple weekends ago I traveled with some friends to Nashville Tennessee. It was a bit of a spur-of-the-moment trip, as I’m not much of a country music fan. But I had heard it was a fun place to visit- lots of bars, lots of bands and believe it or not, lots of interesting architecture! The picture below shows the main foyer of the Frist Centre for the Visual Arts, which displays Art Deco at its best!
The Frist Center for the Visual Arts
Art Deco is an elegant geometric style, characterized by mirrored accents, symmetry, straight lines, wood furniture, glass tops, chrome hardware accents and vibrant colors. It’s an artistic and design style that began in Paris in the 1920s and flourished internationally throughout the 1930s and into the World War II era. At its best, Art Deco represented elegance, glamour, functionality and modernity. Its linear symmetry was a distinct departure from the flowing asymmetrical organic curves of its predecessor style Art Nouveau. It embraced influences from many different styles of the early twentieth century, including neoclassical, cubism and modernism. Art Deco is considered to be an eclectic style, and a spirited aesthetic.
One of the oldest and most posh hotels in Nashville is called Union Station, a former train station, circa 1900. This building oozes with character; as well as Art Deco architecture and furniture. It was glorious to look at (and have a drink at the bar!) and I couldn’t help but take many snapshots during my visit.
Have a look at the fantastic Art-Deco-inspired lobby and bar areas:
Lobby of Union Station
I love the hits of pink in this room…. I never thought I would say that! If a pink chair is too much for you, how about a pink lamp and some pink cushions?!
Check out the fantastic lime green leather chairs and delicate side table.
.Look to the Bar for some more inspiration!
Sitting area in bar
I LOVE that swirly mirror- which, however, is more in line with the asymmetrical organic curves of a predecessor style Art Nouveau.
A Fantastic bar!
The bar was something to behold- from the faux croc seats to the bold black/white fabric on top, to the padded lime-green bar front. If all three put together is a bit too crazy, how about trying just one?
And how about these lights? If you can’t use 6 feet tall cube lights, try using them as inspiration and pick up a small lantern instead 🙂
Art Deco lamps
Looking for inspiration but don’t have the time or budget to travel? Spend some time with travel sites, books and blogs. Incorporate the ideas into your home by interpreting them in ways that works for you- no matter how big or small!
Here’s a few contemporary takes on Art Deco style:
Art Deco-inspired console table
Bedside table
An example of an Art Deco living room
SET For Design 
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