Art Deco was first presented to a large audience in 1925 at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris and lasted until 1939.  The style was at its peak during the roaring 20's. The style saw a resurgence in the 40's and 50's.  More recently, it was blended with the industrial style architecture at the beginning of the 21st century. The Art Deco period reflected what was happening in history at the time and was most influenced by the shapes of modern transportation - automobiles, streamlined trains, ocean liners, and airplanes. Round windows that resembled port holes from ships were commonly used. The new transportation era opened the world up to everyone, making travel to exciting foreign places such as Egypt, India, South America and Africa more available to everyone. Foreign influence is very evident in the linear, angular designs with sunburst ornamentation being used most frequently. Art Deco also reflected the futuristic style used in early science fiction. Linear in style Art Deco was usually highly decorative and the façade of zigzag buildings was usually adorned with geometric ornamentation from which it gets its name.  This style is perceived as being modernistic, artsy, frivolous, breaking with traditional classical architecture of the period. Building materials and characteristics of Art Deco include: Metal alloy ornamentation, glass blocks, light colored building materials such as stucco and limestone contrasted with darker materials such as black granite, inlaid wood, shark skin, zebra skin, and brightly colored panels,  Straight front elevations rising to flat roofs, sharply geometric door surrounds, tall windows as well as convex curves of lower metal roof lines and corner windows were typical.

EXAMPLES







If you see yourself in an Art Deco home, call me (512.261.7887) and
 I'll help you find the home of your dreams.