Gatsby fever is upon us. There was evidence of this even before the movie’s release last week. In the world of fashion, Tiffany & Company and Brooks Brothers have launched their lavish Gatsby campaigns. In Vogue we saw the prolific costumes by Miuccia Prada. In Architectural Digest a tour of Jay Gatsby’s home on the fictitious West Egg shows us a controlled union of the Jazz Age’s nearly over the top opulence with today’s controlled sensibility.
Above we look down onto the grand entry of Jay Gatsby’s house. Notice the clearly defined lines, the symmetry, the rich ornamentation and the grand and the distinctive Art Deco influence.
In Jay Gatsby’s bedroom we see the strong and heavy influence of the modern Art Deco design style – the same clean and distinct lines, the rich color of the wood, the symmetry.
In the above photo of Daisy Buchanan’s living room we see a more feminine version of Art Deco. We see the same geometric patterns at play. A close look at the furniture shows us that the incredible detail plays up the symmetry. The addition of gold, the intricate design and inlays in wood make each piece feel more luxurious, glamorous and exuberant.
In furniture showrooms today, and in the pages of popular shelter magazines you will notice more of this Grand Gatsby influence. Furniture is becoming, leaner – more streamlined and masculine with less fluff. We are noticing lots of nailheads, tufting, and rolled arms. Today’s pieces seem to be scaled down slightly from those of the past two decades, with more controlled modern lines. You will also notice lots of bright colors and luxurious fabrics and patterns, as well as an increase in the use of gold. With the returning popularity of chandeliers, we are also seeing a renewed interest and the growing popularity of glass and crystal.
What do you think of modern Art Deco design in furniture? Is it your style? Do you welcome it? Might you take some of the elements and infuse them with your own style?
