I recently had the pleasure of spending two days at High Point Market, the largest furniture market in the world! As I recently shared with Business of Home, visiting trade shows is one of the best ways to have a finger on the pulse of the design world and get a preview of the top home decor trends you'll see from designers and retailers 6-12 months down the line. There were three major themes I noticed that I'll be sharing in this series of blog posts, so stay tuned for my 2024 design trend predictions direct from the top design brands on the Design Influencer Tour.

Home design, like fashion, is very referential, and I love finding historical ties in design elements. The period having a major moment in the design world is Art Deco, right around 100 years later. A great example of this style is the designer Jacques Adnet, who exemplifies the clean silhouettes, luxe materials, and rounded edges of Art Deco. This style tends to feature curves and arch motifs, rich wood finishes like burl, and inlaid details on case goods. I saw many examples of this in the furniture showrooms at High Point Market – see some of my favorite finds below.

What is the Art Deco style?

The term "Art Deco" originated from the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, where the world was introduced to a bold new design movement. This international exhibition showcased the modern decorative arts that would define the Art Deco era—characterized by symmetry, geometry, and sleek, streamlined forms. What set Art Deco apart was its innovative use of luxury materials such as lacquer, exotic woods, chrome, glass, and marble. These design elements combined simplicity with opulence, resulting in a sophisticated visual language that elevated everything from furniture and lighting to architecture and fashion. The clean lines and striking motifs that debuted at the 1925 exposition continue to influence interior design and furniture trends nearly a century later.

What design styles inspired Art Deco?

Art Deco didn't emerge in a vacuum. This iconic design style drew inspiration from multiple movements—most notably Art Nouveau, the Bauhaus, and Cubism—resulting in a streamlined, geometric aesthetic that defined an era. While New York City is home to some of the most recognized examples of Art Deco architecture, including the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, and Radio City Music Hall, the style's influence extends far beyond the five boroughs.

Cities across the U.S. boast their own impressive Art Deco landmarks: Tulsa, Oklahoma is often considered a hidden gem for its rich collection of oil boom-era buildings, including the Boston Avenue Methodist Church and the Philcade Building. Detroit’s Guardian Building and Fisher Building are prime examples of ornate Deco design infused with regional flair. Down in Miami Beach, the pastel-hued Historic Art Deco District offers the world’s largest collection of preserved Deco buildings, blending tropical motifs with signature symmetry. And out west, Los Angeles brings a bold West Coast interpretation with standouts like the Eastern Columbia Building.

Today, designers continue to draw on this legacy, translating the sleek silhouettes and luxurious materials of Art Deco into contemporary furniture, lighting, and interiors—proving that the style’s glamorous spirit is as relevant in 2024 as it was a century ago.

A curved velvet tight-back sofa and a graphic, arched console table topped with stone by Universal Furniture

Art Deco furniture continues to captivate designers and homeowners alike with its blend of luxury, geometry, and craftsmanship. Whether you're incorporating a curved burl wood credenza, a lacquered console with inlaid detail, or a velvet club chair with fluted legs, Art Deco pieces bring an undeniable sense of elegance and history to a space. As trends shift toward refined glamour and sculptural forms, it’s no surprise that the legacy of 1920s and 1930s design is seeing a revival in today’s interiors.

From New York’s iconic skyline to quiet corners of homes across the world, Art Deco design proves that bold style and timeless sophistication can go hand in hand. For those seeking to create a curated, collected space with depth and character, Art Deco-inspired furniture offers a striking foundation.

xoko