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Classic & luxurious

Art Deco

Art Déco, Deco style

Glamour and geometry: fans, stripes, symmetry, black-and-gold contrast and polished materials.

IvoryBrass goldEmeraldMidnight navyGloss black

Origin: 1920s–1930s, starting in Paris and spreading to New York and worldwide

Art Deco was born in 1920s Paris, popularised by the 1925 decorative arts exhibition, and spread to New York’s skyscrapers. It celebrates the machine age, speed and prosperity, in contrast to the organic curves of Art Nouveau. Expect sunbursts, fans, stepped forms and stripes, strong symmetry and high contrast between black, brass, emerald and navy, in marble, brass, mirror, lacquer and velvet. In Vietnamese homes it works best as accents rather than a whole-house theme.

Illustration drawn by HICONIQUE from the style’s palette and signature details.

Materials

  • Geometric marble inlay and terrazzo
  • Brass and gold-plated stainless steel
  • Mirror, smoked glass and bevelled glass
  • Velvet and polished leather
  • Lacquer and high-gloss timber veneer
  • Fan, hexagon and herringbone patterned tiles

Furniture & forms

  • Velvet sofas and chairs with fan or shell-shaped backs
  • Channel-tufted velvet headboard
  • Lacquered consoles and cabinets with brass trims
  • Stone-topped coffee table on geometric brass legs
  • Mirrored bar counter and drinks cabinet

Lighting

  • Stepped or fan-shaped brass and frosted-glass chandeliers and sconces
  • Brass table lamps with geometric glass shades
  • Linear light following stripes and geometric borders

How it differs from similar styles

Art Deco vs Neoclassical

Art Deco is geometric, sharp-edged and high-contrast; neoclassical is soft, with mouldings and cream tones.
Art Deco vs Classic

Art Deco uses machine-age geometry; classic uses organic florals, scrolls and carving.
Art Deco vs Modern luxury

Art Deco is bold in pattern and colour; modern luxury is neutral and calm.

Best for

  • Owners who enjoy standing out with glamour and personality
  • Premium apartments, villas and penthouses
  • Living, dining and bar areas used for entertaining
  • Hotels, restaurants and lounges

Home types

ApartmentVilla

Typical finishing level

Luxury

Estimate building cost at this level

Common mistakes

  • Geometric pattern on every surface, which is tiring to live with
  • Fake or poorly plated brass that tarnishes and peels
  • Too many deep colours in a small, dark room
  • Adding floral neoclassical mouldings that muddle the style

Care & northern Vietnam climate

Solid brass patinates over time and tarnishes faster in salty coastal air, so choose lacquered brass or PVD-plated steel. Dehumidify in the humid season to keep velvet from mould and mirrors from clouding.

Styles in the same family

Classic & luxurious

Neoclassical

Classicism simplified: symmetry, mouldings and balanced proportion, without the excess.
Classic & luxurious

Classic

Grand and intricate: dense carving, gilding, strict symmetry and precious materials.
Modern

Modern

Function first: straight lines, clean planes and honestly used materials.

Want a home in the Art Deco style?

HICONIQUE balances style with function, orientation, climate and your real budget.

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