As my first blog post for PROPBOX I would like to introduce you to the way in which I will be posting topics and images for your viewing pleasure. Film sets have been a lifelong passion of mine and I am always fascinated by the way set designers are able to recreating a historically accurate interior or create a futuristic space station from thin air. Being fascinated by these things is one thing, but I'm interested in the application of fantastic theatrical interiors to real everyday interiors and lives for normal people like us. So here for you today I have one of my favorite areas of design, Art Deco.
Art Deco is synonymous with the decadence and glamor of the 1920's and early 30's. It was a golden age of marvelous architecture, fashion, music and culture and a style that even in it's most minimalist form evokes luxury and elegance. The first images I have posted are from a favorite TV series called "Jeeves and Wooster" based off of the P.G. Wodehouse ( same as my name!) novels. The show features Hugh Laurie as the titular character of the bumbling rich boy Bertie Wooster and his uber smart valet Jeeves played by Stephen Fry. The sets from this show, as it was set in the 1920's are some of the best examples of simple art deco interiors on film. Nothing too grand or ostentatious, but elegant and unique...
Art deco ironwork and elaborate geometric woodwork was very common of the times and provided exterior and interior entry ways with rich decoration and design. The elevator doors of the Chrysler building are a particularly fine example of this type of ornamentation.
A simple collage of how you can incorporate Art Deco into your life. Although original pieces of furniture can range in the thousands, there are always alternatives for you to select from. Keep in mind bold structural pieces of furniture, geometric pattern textiles, lots of white and black with combination's of either muted colors or singularly bold colors will create that deco mood. Watch films set in that time era, The Great Gatsby comes to mind...
Even adding a bit of Deco into your own personal style can bring back that glamor that seems to have been lost with a lot of today's modern fashion. Simple cut shift dresses and jewelery and shoes that have added geometric structure are a beautiful and a great way to spruce up your wardrobe. Think Louise Brooks and Coco Chanel!
