1920s
In the home, modernism was taking off in Europe with the setting up of the Bauhaus, and shocking the world with its pared-down austere look. Architects began designing objects for the home, such as coffee sets and radios, as well as buildings. In the middle of the decade, art deco was showcased in Paris and became the major new style.
The decade known for its decadence ended with the Wall Street Crash, which plunged America and consequently much of Europe into economic depression.
Style
glamorous and sophisticated
geometric and angular shapes
chrome, glass, shiny fabrics, mirrors and mirror tiles
stylised images of aeroplanes, cars, cruise liners and skyscrapers
nature motifs
exotic touches from the Orient, Africa and Egypt
Influences
art deco and modernism.
early Hollywood - the glamorous world of the silver screen filtered through to design. Cocktail cabinets and smoking paraphernalia became highly fashionable.
travel - African safaris were all the rage, especially animal skins, ivory, mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell.