Delicate detail such as lace and the shimmery qualities of pearls and beads help create the look at home. Brooches can be used to decorate cushions and fabrics, while chandeliers top off the effect.
Laura Ashley’s autumn/ winter range of home goods aims to recapture the glamour of the period through mirrored furniture, glass lighting and sumptuous furnishings in soft shades. The range is called Gatsby, after the famous protagonist of F Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, The Great Gatsby, which reflects the love of rich and indulgent lifestyles of the time.
When it comes to the fairest accessory of all this season, the mirror comes out on top. Whether used as a cluster of circular shapes, a panel of rectangles on a feature wall or simply as a floor mirror in a bedroom, bevelled mirrors provide space- and light-enhancing reflection.
Ruth Kennelly, a Dublin interior designer, says there is a distinct 1920s and 1930s feeling of refinement this season, created through the use of luxurious fabrics, mirrored and metallic surfaces and pearlised light fittings.
A few pieces of art nouveau or art deco furniture from Mitofsky Antiques in Terenure, Dublin, and Louise Kennedy’s chandelier for Tipperary Crystal which draws inspiration from the art deco period, are worthwhile investments. At Mitofsky Antiques, you’ll find bronze, ivory and marble sculptures, lighting, tables, porcelain and earthenware.
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However, Kennelly says those who want to just flirt with the trend can get the look without having to splash much cash.
“Hang three mirror frames in a row down the wall in a hallway or an alcove. Silver frames will look very impressive set against red walls,” she says. “Alternatively, ask your local glass company to cut out a series of circles which can be displayed in rows using mirror glue,” she says.
Laurence Citron who, along with his wife Anne, owns Mitofsky Antiques, says the best way to introduce authentic art deco is to start by buying a centrepiece such as a dining-room suite.
“Our cheaper suites start at approximately €11,500. Or buy a pair of armchairs or a coffee table from €1,500 to €14,500 — and then slowly introduce other items. It’s very important that you build up your own taste and know what you want.”
The shops are heaving with modern interpretations of the art deco era, with reproduction Eileen Gray furniture always popular.
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The Gatsby collection uses elegant style references, such as bevelled edges, chrome handles and oriental- influenced bases to evoke the decadent 1930s. It includes a chest of drawers at €2,190; a dressing table, €965; and a Venetian side table at €525.
The Gatsby floor mirror (€790) has detachable feet or it can be hung horizontally or vertically on a large wall.
The Jeanette chandelier (€265) has a multitude of individual glass rods on a three-tier nickel framework. Also worth checking out is its Daliya Capiz chandelier (€100), a contemporary non-electric chandelier tiered with lots of individual capiz discs.
For an arty dining experience, Dunnes Stores have a glass table with four black and chrome chairs at €600. Eye-catching heart and star tablecloth clips are available at €3.50 each in Brown Thomas. The Newbridge Silverware set of six napkin rings (€25 at Kilkenny) will help to complete the look.
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Laura Ashley’s Mia Natural bedspread with beaded fringing (€175) would look great set against dusty pink walls in the bedroom. Alternatively, lace is lovely, and it is in abundance for autumn, appearing on everything from Vivienne Westwood-designed plates at Brown Thomas to bedlinen and towels.
For a treat underneath your feet, check out Amtico’s hip 3D pearlescent finishes or trawl the tile shops for mirrored tiles and use them as splashbacks.
Getting the art deco look with glass is easy, with everything from paperweights to perfume bottles, jewellery boxes, goblets, bottle vases, wall lamps, candlesticks, champagne ice buckets, mirrored tealight holders and beaded lampshades available.
A tour on the life of Eileen Gray (1878-1976) will take place at the National Musuem of Ireland, Thurs Sept 9, 3.30pm. Call 01 648 6453 for further details
Mitofsky Antiques, 8 Rathfarnham Road, Dublin 6, 01 492 0033, www.mitofskyantiques.com;
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www.rkdesigns.ie
www.newbridgesilverware.com;
www.tipperarycrystal.com