Alas, we’ve arrived at the moment we’ve all been awaiting: the month’s blog post! This time, we journey back to a golden age in architectural history, revel in its divine decadence, and then welcome it right here, in our beloved New York City! Can you guess which iconic style I’m referring to? You got it—Art Deco!
As someone who can’t get enough of architecture and design, it’s been thrilling to spot the revival of Art Deco grace our urban landscape. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s talk all things Deco in the city that never sleeps!
Art Deco
But first, a little history lesson. The term Art Deco was derived from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, held in Paris in 1925. This movement epitomized luxury, glamor, exuberance, and faith in social and technological progress. The style flourished in the ’20s and ’30s and quickly made its way to the Big Apple. Iconic skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Rockefeller Center all proudly sport their Art Deco flair.
Now, you might be wondering, «why are we seeing a resurgence in Art Deco now?» Well, there’s just something about the charm and nostalgia of the past that captivates our hearts. And with the roaring ’20s a century behind us, our creative souls are yearning to revisit and revive those grandiose days of long-lost splendor.
One prime example of Art Deco’s comeback is the Walker Tower, located in the heart of Chelsea. This Ralph Thomas Walker-designed building, built in the late 1920s, has been exquisitely restored and transformed into luxury condominiums. Its prewar sophistication and elegance, paired with modern amenities, grant residents a taste of both worlds—old and new.
And it’s not just residential buildings that are getting the Deco treatment! The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) recently acquired a new look thanks to architects from H3. They’ve created an Art Deco-inspired performance space, the BAM Strong, that smoothly blends with the existing 19th-century architectural ensemble. Isn’t it fabulous to see the theatrical world embracing Art Deco?
Of course, I’m aware that not all of you are New Yorkers, so even if you’re not in the city, you can still join in on this monumental revival. Art Deco-inspired wallpapers, furnishings, and lighting fixtures are making waves in the interior design world, and just a few of these eye-catching pieces can turn your home into a stylish sanctuary. Who wouldn’t want that, right?
So, there you have it! The Art Deco renaissance is here and thriving in the ever-evolving architectural scene of New York City. I, for one, am excited to see how this nostalgia-infused movement continues to take hold, shaping our concrete jungle in the time to come.
Stay curious and keep exploring!
