Let’s be honest—when was the last time you walked into a kitchen and thought, “Wow, this place has personality?” Not often, right?
Most kitchens today are minimal, grey, and a bit sterile.
But what if I told you there’s a way to add sass, style, and statement to your kitchen? Enter: Art Deco kitchens—the glam stars of interior design. 😎
I’ve loved the Art Deco style since I first saw The Great Gatsby (yes, DiCaprio played a role).
Bold geometry, luxe materials, and unapologetic glam speak to my soul—and my countertops.
So, if you’re tired of bland and ready for bold, you’re in the right place.
What Exactly Is Art Deco Style?
Let’s clear this up before we go all out.
Art Deco is basically the diva of design movements. Born in the 1920s and 30s, it’s all about glamour, bold geometry, symmetry, and shiny finishes.
Think The Great Gatsby meets Mad Men… but in your kitchen.
Key Features of Art Deco:
- Bold geometric patterns (we’re talkin’ zigzags, chevrons, and sunbursts)
- High-shine materials like chrome, brass, and lacquer
- Rich colors—deep emeralds, navy blues, and black with gold accents
- Statement lighting (chandeliers in a kitchen? Absolutely.)
FYI: Art Deco is not for minimalists. If you want “quiet luxury,” this ain’t it. This is loud luxury, and it loves attention.
Color Schemes That Scream Deco Drama
You can’t do Art Deco without getting the color palette right. It’s the foundation of the vibe, people.
Bold and Boujee:
- Black + Gold: Nothing says drama like this combo. It’s moody, glam, and straight-up boss energy.
- Emerald + Brass: Rich and regal. Add velvet bar stools for extra flair.
- Navy + Chrome: Sleek and sophisticated with a cool-toned edge.
Want something more playful? Try:
- Blush + Black: Soft with a punch—like a martini with a cherry on top.
- Teal + White: Retro but refined.
Pro tip: Keep one or two colors dominant. You don’t want a kitchen that looks like a Crayola explosion.
Cabinets That Demand Attention
Let’s be real: cabinets are like the face of your kitchen. And in the Art Deco world, we don’t do boring faces.
Art Deco Cabinet Must-Haves:
- Lacquered Finishes: Shiny, high-gloss surfaces that scream elegance.
- Geometric Inlays: Think in gold, brass, or even stained wood.
- Bold Hardware: Ditch those basic knobs. Go for oversized pulls in gold, chrome, or glass.
IMO, black cabinets with gold handles = instant glam. Add some fluted glass or mirrored fronts if you really want to show off. (You do, trust me.)
Statement Lighting—Because Why the Heck Not?
Ever walked into a room and thought, “Wow, that light fixture is a total show-off?” That’s the exact energy you want here.
Lighting Ideas That Slap:
- Geometric chandeliers with metallic finishes
- Sconces with frosted glass and chrome (yes, sconces belong in kitchens too)
- Pendant lights in art deco shapes—sunbursts, fans, or stepped layers
Hot tip: Don’t settle for just one light source. Layer them. Let your ceiling, walls, and counters all glow like the diva they are.
Backsplashes That Pop (Literally)
Let’s talk tile. The backsplash is prime real estate for Art Deco expression, and you better believe we’re gonna use it.
Killer Deco Tile Ideas:
- Chevron or herringbone patterns
- Mirrored or metallic tiles (so extra, but sooo worth it)
- Bold marble veining for that luxurious edge
You can even go for custom mosaic designs if you’re feelin’ fancy (and flush). Just avoid the blah white subway tiles unless you’re adding some serious Deco drama elsewhere.
Ever wondered why backsplashes make such a difference? Because they’re basically the eyeliner of your kitchen—just enough glam to pull the whole look together. 😉
Art Deco Flooring? Yes, It’s a Thing.
Most people totally forget about the floor when styling a kitchen. But in an Art Deco space, the floor is part of the drama.
Deco-Worthy Flooring Ideas:
- Black and white checkered tiles—classic, graphic, and timeless.
- Dark hardwood with a glossy finish
- Geometric patterned cement tiles (yes, they’re a commitment—but wow, they deliver)
I once installed black and white hex tiles in a rental kitchen (don’t ask how). Was it worth the weird landlord convo? Absolutely. That floor turned heads.
Appliances: Hide ‘Em or Make ‘Em Shine
You’ve got two routes here, and both can be fab:
Option 1: Hide Them
- Use panel-ready appliances with custom cabinetry fronts.
- Keep everything sleek and cohesive, like a secret kitchen lair. 🕵️
Option 2: Make Them Part of the Show
- Choose retro-style appliances in bold colors or metallic finishes.
- Go for chrome or brass finishes to match your fixtures.
Whatever you do, don’t settle for a boring white fridge unless you’re going full-on minimalist (and we both know you’re not here for that).
Accessories & Décor – The Cherry on Top
You’ve nailed the bones of the kitchen, now it’s time to add the glitter. Not literal glitter (unless you’re into that—no judgment).
Must-Have Deco Accessories:
- Bar carts with mirrored surfaces and gold trim
- Deco-style vases or sculpture (think geometric and sleek)
- Velvet stools—yes, velvet in the kitchen. Trust me.
- Framed prints with sunburst or skyline motifs
Little things go a long way here. Even your utensil holder can be a statement if you pick the right one.
Mixing Old & New: Can You Do It?
Short answer: Heck yes.
In fact, some of the best Art Deco kitchens mix vintage style with modern convenience. It’s all about balance. You want that 1920s glamour with 2025 functionality.
How to Nail the Mix:
- Combine vintage hardware with sleek quartz countertops
- Add modern appliances but dress them up with Deco cabinetry
- Use classic materials like marble and brass in new ways
Ever seen a smart fridge in a Gatsby-inspired kitchen? It works—when you plan the space right. Just don’t let Alexa ruin the mood, okay?
Budget-Friendly Art Deco Tips (Yes, You Can)
Look, not all of us can drop $30k on a kitchen redo. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get the vibe.
Quick Fixes for Big Deco Impact:
- Swap out hardware for brass or chrome
- Add a bold backsplash peel-and-stick (seriously, they’ve come a long way)
- Paint your cabinets a deep navy or black
- Install statement pendant lights over your island
Even just changing your bar stools can upgrade your look by a mile. Style is all in the details, my friend.
Final Thoughts: Go Bold or Go Back to Beige
Let’s be real—Art Deco isn’t subtle, and that’s exactly why we love it. It’s the design equivalent of red lipstick and sky-high heels: bold, unapologetic, and totally fabulous.
So, if you’re craving a kitchen that turns heads, start channeling your inner Gatsby and bring some serious Deco glam into your space.
Play with bold shapes, shiny textures, and rich colors. Don’t be afraid to stand out—your kitchen deserves to be the life of the party. 🎉
And hey, if someone tells you it’s “too much”? Just smile, pour yourself a martini, and remember: too much is never enough when it comes to style. 😉