Art Deco Coming Back Around

I was recently surprised to find out that the art deco movement literally had its hand in everything for a brief period of history. From simple floor rugs, mirrors, and bedroom furniture, all the way up to huge skyscrapers, the most notable of which is the Chrysler Building started in 1928. The 20's and 30's in general were a very fascinating time in US history, and I find it surprising that art was so dominant a theme during that time.

Most of us think of the late 20's and 30's as the time during the depression and the dust bowls. National unemployment reached record highs and shanty towns abounded in public parks. Such a situation surely was one of the main contributing factors to the art deco movement fizzling out during that time period. I can't imagine that any art movement could sustain itself during a time of such difficult economic and social pressures. People don't care about art when they're out of work and starving.

It really is a shame though. If it hadn't been for the difficult economic times, I wouldn't be surprised if art deco was still the dominant style in America. It's such a beautiful style, signified by geometric angles and stylized lines, and it's even finally beginning to make a comeback. Art Deco furniture is starting to pop up in bedrooms and family rooms all across America. Although it will probably be a while yet before any huge skyscrapers are erected in art deco fashion, I wouldn't put it beyond some of the creative minds of this generation.

One of the trends that goes perfect with art deco is furniture. Why is that? More and more, people are starting to hate cheap furniture made from particle board. It's great until you have to move, and then it literally falls apart on you inside the moving van. In today's culture, with people hardly ever staying put for long in any given house or condo, I think that people are going to start investing a lot more money in good solid furniture. And if a person is already spending the money on something a bit more pricey, I would expect that they'll naturally also want something that has an artistic side to it as well. There are some absolutely beautiful examples of dressers, mirrors and the like out there, many of them handmade.

There's an old saying I've come to love: "Don't buy anything unless you absolutely need it, and then buy the best." I've adopted that as a motto for the things that I purchase. Because of the frugal times that have hit this nation, I think that many people are adopting similar concepts. People are so frustrated with poorly made goods from China and elsewhere that I think they're just crying out for a change. I think that that change is going to come particularly in the field of sturdier, handmade, artistic crafts. I could be wrong, but I wouldn't be surprised one bit if places like Ikea and Walmart had to shut down some of their stores in the near future in lieu of the market shifting toward handmade quality goods. I hope I see the day.