Few interior styles are as instantly recognisable as Art Deco. Defined by luxurious finishes, bold geometry and a confident use of colour, this iconic design movement continues to inspire homeowners nearly a century after its heyday. From rich jewel tones and elegant neutrals to dramatic contrasts and metallic accents, Art Deco interiors strike the perfect balance between sophistication and statement-making style.
Whether you're renovating a period property or looking to bring a touch of vintage glamour to a contemporary space, choosing the right colour palette is key. Here, we explore the bold colour palette and defining design features of the Art Deco era, helping you recreate its unmistakable elegance with our carefully curated Art Deco colours.
Art Deco properties
Emerging during the 1920s and 1930s, Art Deco reflected a new era of innovation, luxury and modern living. Inspired by advances in technology, travel and architecture, the style embraced clean lines, geometric forms and striking symmetry.
Unlike earlier periods that often looked to nature for inspiration, Art Deco celebrated modernity. Interiors became more dramatic, with glossy finishes, luxurious materials and carefully balanced colour schemes that evoked a sense of elegance, confidence and sophistication.
Art Deco paint colours
Art Deco interiors were characterised by bold colour choices and striking contrasts. Rich jewel tones such as deep teal, emerald green, sapphire blue and powerful purples were paired with warm neutrals, charcoal and black to create depth and drama. Metallic accents in brass, chrome and gold reflected light beautifully, enhancing the luxurious feel synonymous with the era.
Our carefully curated Art Deco palette captures this distinctive aesthetic while feeling equally at home in contemporary interiors. Whether you're restoring a 1930s property or simply taking inspiration from the period, these colours make it easy to recreate its timeless glamour.
Understated neutrals
The key to an authentic Art Deco scheme is balancing bold statement shades with warm, understated neutrals. Soft, earthy tones provide a sophisticated backdrop that allows richer colours to take centre stage, creating the luxurious, high-contrast interiors the era is known for.
Hopscotch, a warm, chalky off-white, creates the perfect foundation for an Art Deco-inspired interior. Its subtle warmth complements both vibrant and muted tones, making it ideal for walls where you want furniture, lighting and decorative details to shine. For a softer, slightly colourful alternative, Ballet Shoe introduces delicate pink undertones that bring warmth and refinement while maintaining a neutral backdrop.
Jewel tones
Once your foundation is in place, it's time to dial up the drama. Rich jewel tones are the hallmark of Art Deco interiors, bringing depth, confidence and a sense of unapologetic luxury. Think glamorous cocktail parties, polished brass, mirrored furniture and dancing well into the night, this was an era that knew how to celebrate in style!
Toy Soldier, a deep midnight blue with rich teal undertones, adds instant drama and sophistication. Whether used across an entire room for a cocooning effect or on fitted furniture and cabinetry, it creates a striking backdrop reminiscent of luxurious 1930s interiors. Bobble Hat offers another beautiful blue-green option, adding richness and depth while complementing brass fittings and geometric patterns.
Purple was another defining colour of the era, bringing a sense of luxury and theatricality to interiors. Trumpet, with its deep blue-purple tones, is perfect for creating feature walls or highlighting architectural details such as alcoves, fireplaces or built-in shelving. For a softer interpretation, Gosh Golly offers a sophisticated mauve-toned pink that feels both playful and refined. Its versatility makes it an excellent accent colour, pairing beautifully with warm neutrals or darker statement shades.
No Art Deco palette would be complete without a rich emerald green. Hobgoblin captures this iconic look perfectly, combining green with subtle blue undertones to create a confident yet calming colour. Used on walls, panelling or furniture, it brings the elegance and glamour associated with classic Art Deco interiors while remaining effortlessly liveable in modern homes.
A pop of vibrancy
To introduce warmth and vibrancy, Flower Pot provides a rich terracotta-inspired orange that echoes the earthy tones often used alongside jewel colours during the period. It works particularly well with deeper shades in the palette or against lighter neutrals, adding warmth and personality without overwhelming the space.
For those looking to embrace the more playful side of Art Deco, The Lido offers the brightest and boldest shade in the palette. Full of energy and optimism, it's ideal for injecting personality through smaller areas such as a painted drinks cabinet, interior door, shelving or decorative accessories, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the Roaring Twenties.
Grounding the scheme
Finally, ground the scheme with Hidey-Hole, a deep charcoal grey that provides dramatic contrast without the harshness of black. Perfect for fireplaces, woodwork, panelling or statement architectural features, it helps define the clean lines and geometric shapes that are synonymous with Art Deco design while allowing brighter colours to truly stand out.
Timeless glamour for modern homes
Whether you're embracing the glamour of the Roaring Twenties or simply borrowing a little of its bold confidence, this palette invites you to celebrate colour. Layer rich jewel tones with warm neutrals, introduce luxurious textures and metallic finishes, and create interiors worthy of a champagne toast. After all, Art Deco was never about blending in, it was about making an entrance!
Want to see these colours in your own home? Our Art Deco Swatch Stack includes all 10 colours, and costs less than buying the swatches individually. Save on the stack. Sample at home.
