The Art Deco style is a design aesthetic that has long been associated with elegance and sophistication in interior design. Let’s explore the contemporary and colourful take on this iconic style in a Miami home created by designers Rafael Kalichstein and Joshua Rose from the brand Citizen Artist to see how this design expression is brought to life.
Crafted around the skeleton of an existing 1950s Miami waterfront building, the new version, stylised by the professionals features elements of Art Deco and mid-century modernity, with inspiration from the Golden Girls. All, however, filtered through a contemporary lens with the goal of “creating something genuinely new.”
The Art Deco style is characterised by geometric shapes, angular lines, colour patterns, curves, and lots of glamour – as exemplified by the home’s vibrant furnishing choices. This particular interpretation of the style features a kaleidoscopic colour palette that reflects the boldness and creativity of the design team. Materials such as plaster, leather, marble, metals, and vaulted ceilings are common elements to bring out the style’s unique aesthetic.
Each room in the house has its own unique sense of place, with handcrafted decoratives, custom designs, and furniture from various periods. The living room, for example, is equipped with a custom long sofa, a Murano glass coffee table, and a beautifully textured rug. A palm tree-shaped floor lamp complements the room, while a panel of leather-wrapped sliding doors with marble, quartzite, and brass inlays opens to a television.
The kitchen and dining room offer more Art Deco details, with curved island furniture and ornamental shaped cabinets. Gold-tone details on the stools convey sophistication, while a ceiling light hovers over a 1970s brass and marble table in the dining area. The highlight is a sconce decorated with a hand-silvered mirror, quartzite cladding, and patinated brass cabinets in the bar area.
The guest bedroom features peach hues, while the bathroom has a carved sodalite sink and flamingo-themed wallpaper on grasscloth. A 24k gold leaf mural on plaster and fabric, the ultimate symbol of jazz-era glamour, highlights the master bedroom. The art deco style decor is completed with a breathtaking custom chandelier of brass palm fronds. The primary bath is furnished with a bathtub and sconces, doors, and mirrors in soft curves, adding a touch of sophistication.