Art Deco architecture took hold in Europe – particularly Paris – after World War I, quickly spreading across the world. During the 1920s, 30s and 40s it influenced cities across the globe, from the US to China and New Zealand.
Vastly eclectic in style, Art Deco architecture is characterised by craft motifs combined with Machine Age imagery and materials. Buildings came embellished with geometric shapes – including chevrons and ziggurats – while black lacquer, polished wood and tiling were some of the hallmarks of their interiors. Patterns inspired by everything from Native American artwork to Egyptian pyramids entered the Art Deco lexicon.
Many fine Art Deco landmarks are still standing proud across the world. Here we look at five homes for sale, from sea-side villas to country houses.
Plaidy, Cornwall, UK
£3m
Gradna House is said to have been built for the Wills tobacco family in the 1930s. Sited on a terraced plot atop a cliff in Plaidy – close to Looe – the house underwent a decade of restoration work by architect Stan Bolt in the 1990s. Entered by a huge oak pivot door, the house includes 5 bedrooms.
Via Savills
Plaidy, Cornwall, UK
£3m
Via Savills
Plaidy, Cornwall, UK
£3m
Via Savills
Millfield Lane, London, UK
£899,950
West Hill Court was designed in 1933 by architect William Bryce Binnie – the man behind Arsenal Stadium’s Grade II-listed Art Deco East Stand. This two-bedroom apartment on the first floor has original parquet floors and large Crittall windows throughout. It comes with access to beautifully manicured gardens, a private tennis and a squash court.
Via The Modern House
Millfield Lane, London, UK
£899,950
Via The Modern House
Millfield Lane, London, UK
£899,950
Via The Modern House
Millfield Lane, London, UK
£899,950
Via The Modern House
Rhode Saint Genese, Brussels, Belgium
Price upon request
Designed by Belgian architect Marcel Leborgne, this voluminous 4-storey, 5-bedroom home was built between 1928 and 1932, and sits within 4.94 acres of parkland. Recently renovated, it retains many of its original Art Deco features including a distinctive corkscrew staircase.
Via Sotherby’s International
Rhode Saint Genese, Brussels, Belgium
Price upon request
Via Sotherby’s International
Rhode Saint Genese, Brussels, Belgium
Price upon request
Via Sotherby’s International
Avenue Henri Martin, Paris, France
€2.35m
This 2,330 sq ft, 3-bedroom apartment in Paris’ 16th arrondissement is in need of some renovation, but it’s rich with Art Deco features such as moulded columns, porthole windows and monochromatic tiled floors. The building was designed by architect Michel Roux Spitz in 1928, and is among his most notable work.
Via Daniel Fēau Passy
Avenue Henri Martin, Paris, France
€2.35m
Via Daniel Fēau Passy
Avenue Henri Martin, Paris, France
€2.35m
Via Daniel Fēau Passy
517 N 6th St, Tacoma, WA, USA
$850,000
This International Style brick home in Tacoma was built in 1937, with Art Deco embellishments. Step through doors of the 4-5 bedroom home – in the Stadium/Seminary District – and you are greeted by a sweeping spiral staircase.
Via Luxury Portfolio
517 N 6th St, Tacoma, WA, USA
$850,000
Via Luxury Portfolio
517 N 6th St, Tacoma, WA, USA
$850,000
Via Luxury Portfolio