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| Art Deco Transformation |
Step back in time with this stylish home makeover.
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This Melbourne Californian bungalow, originally built in 1922, has been renovated and extended in an art deco look so authentic that you could be forgiven for thinking you were stepping back in time to that flamboyant period.
In Australia "art deco" refers to the 1930s. However in the broader sense it is known for the period between 1920-1950. The style originated in France in the 1920s, following the popular art nouveau movement. It was also known as the “P & O” look because of the charm, glamour and adventure that cruise ships symbolised. Various features such as port-hole windows and hand rails were borrowed from ship design.
Art deco involved the use of up-to-date materials, emphasising Hollywood glamour and style where possible, providing a simplicity of design. An understated elegance together with the use of geometric motifs and characteristic colours are associated with the art deco era. The furniture and features of this home are simple and elegant, but also practical and very livable.
Typical Art Deco Features
Homes were usually large, with distinctive features of curved glass windows and flat roofs. Exterior colours chosen were often jade green and cream. The Hollywood influence was apparent. Sofas and dressers were designed with curved lines, with extensive use of laminate and chrome, together with wall-to-wall carpeting and parquetry flooring.
Bedrooms included twin beds together with tailored bed spreads and satin lampshades with additional lighting provided by hanging and wall-mounted lamps. Decorative geometric plaster designs were popular, while folding or glass doors were used to separate living areas and rooms.
Why Convert To Art Deco?
1
Although it didn’t appear typical of art deco houses, the owners liked the idea of renovating the place so it would be more identifiable with the building period.
2
There were other art deco houses in the area and they wanted a house that would fit in with the surroundings. They first took photos of the houses they admired and felt an Edwardian or Victorian style house wouldn’t be suitable.
3
The owners liked the art deco style because it was uncluttered, spacious and had some feel of confidence about it. There is also the social aspect of the period that they liked, such as the idea of drinking cocktails which originated during America’s prohibition period (Alcohol spirit was disguised in the cocktails by the use of many colours and flavours of the mixes).
4
The owners’ existing furniture also had a certain symmetry that seemed to suit the art deco look.
Converting To Art Deco
1
The bricks on the exterior were demolished about one third of the way down from the roof so that the brickwork could be rebuilt with strong three-dimensional horizontal lines. Two horizontal lines (at hip and shoulder height) were formed to run around the perimeter of the house. Gentle curves were created in solid plaster.
2
Strong horizontal lines on the outside of the house were repeated in the windows. The curved glass window on the facade was specially made to match the period.
3
Horizontal lines were emphasised on the verandah and fencing.
4
To match that Hollywood feel and confidence of the period a bold entrance was added. The original pitched roof, red brick and stucco finish was replaced by a flat roof with a parapet, in keeping with the art deco style.
5
New plasterwork, based on art deco designs, was used to recreate decorative panels for the ceiling and cornices throughout the house.
6
Art deco fittings such as wall-mounted lamp shades, chrome fittings and venetian blinds were chosen.
7
The old carpet was replaced by parquetry flooring in the main sections of the home.
8
Colours for both the exterior and interior were chosen to match the period. A blue-grey was chosen on the outside and a cream on the inside of the home, which definitely succeeded in encapsulating the opulence of the 1920s.
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