THE JOURNAL
perspective of classic bathroom design: “I think there is something about the geometric perfection of a perfect deco design that reflects elements of nature, and speaks deeply to us,” he says. “As designers at Perrin & Rowe we continue to be influenced by the art deco movement, and we’re working on a collection at the moment which has very distinct deco touches.” Some showrooms and brands were at the heart of the action 100 years ago.
Gainsborough (available at George Spencer Designs) supplied fabrics to the big ships from 1910 onwards and has an archive-inspired fabric, ‘Cunard’, that pays homage to these golden years. Maison Pouenat (available at August + Co), founded in 1880, continues to create astonishing designs for luxury clients (find its lacquer and straw marquetry panel at the recently redesigned Cartier boutique at 13 Rue de la Paix in Paris, designed by Studio Parisien). Others have incredible archives to draw on, notably Pierre Frey, whose treasures include drawings and photographs of original deco interiors as well as fragments of fabrics and wallcoverings. These are regularly reinterpreted for new collections, such as ‘Vitali’, based on a constructivist-influenced fabric from the 1920s. Many of London’s deco landmarks have recently been given sparkling makeovers
by designers who adeptly tread the line between honouring the past and embracing the future. Whiteleys in Bayswater – “London’s first department store”, whose frontage dates from the mid-1920s – is now luxury development The Whiteley, with apartments designed by Linda Boronkay and Joyce Wang Studio that feature art deco touches among an eclectic mix of influences. At The Georgian, Harrods’ Grade-II listed afternoon tea salon, David Collins Studio lovingly restored late-1920s chandeliers and ornamental wrought ironwork, and introduced a new decorative scheme including a theatrical curtain in a Gastón y Daniela fabric, finished with an opulent Samuel & Sons tieback. “It was fascinating to take influences directly from the era in terms of form and colour, for example the art deco-inspired stained-glass screens and the monochromatic marble radial polka dot floor that extends from the arrival into the restaurant,” says the studio’s chief creative officer Simon Rawlings. Then there is 60 Curzon, a brand-new Mayfair development designed by the late
Thierry Despont with many nods to art deco. Charu Gandhi of Elicyon took this as her cue for the “new deco” style of one of the residences, where opulent materials such as onyx and marble are softened by a more layered look: there are subtly textured wallcoverings including Schumacher’s ‘Hand Combed Plaster’ and Kirkby Design’s ‘Solid’ and plenty of deco-era antiques, from chandeliers to the maple baby grand piano. “Art deco has always been synonymous with sophistication and craftsmanship,
OPPOSITE, TOP TO BOTTOM: At The Georgian at Harrods, David Collins Studio revived a listed 1920s interior; Elicyon’s “new deco” scheme for 60 Curzon ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Zoffany’s ‘Conway’ wallcovering, a faithful interpretation of a 1930s archive document; Perrin & Rowe’s ‘Deco’ basin mixer with lever handles, from House of Rohl - 57-
but our approach today is about tempering boldness with subtlety,” says Gandhi. “New deco isn’t about recreating The Great Gatsby –
it’s about injecting spaces with personality through rich materials, soft curves and curated vintage accents.” She also loves how the original aesthetic was seamlessly international: “The
stunning art deco palaces in India don’t seem out of place because of the style’s adaptability and the range of decorative motifs. They look entirely appropriate within their settings. This flexibility in scale, location and decorative depth is one of the reasons the movement continues to have such longevity.” Art deco’s focus on exceptional quality meant that it was built to last and be
celebrated by successive generations – and that is the real thread that connects past and present. Or as Perrin & Rowe’s Umesh Thakur puts it: “I think art deco principles will be adapted and reinterpreted for as long as people want luxury, opulence and craftsmanship in their homes.”
‘Flamengo’ screen, Alexander Lamont. ‘Sunshine’ wall light, Bella Figura. ‘Detour’ wallcovering, Arte. ‘Gatsby’ lamp, Simpsons
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