Marian Mahler Curtain Space:Lauren Thore

The Art Deco style was mainly based on mathematical geometric shapes and was built off of prior periods such as Neoclassical and Cubism, which focused more on natural ornamentation and abstract qualities. Art Deco was characterized by the strong use of stepped forms, sweeping curves and chevron patterns. The Mahler curtain was designed in 1950 around the new concepts and inventions of the 1920’s that include aviation, lighting and skyscrapers. The swinging mobile pattern exemplifies the functionality of the Machine Age. Recently on Design On A Dime, designer Lee Snjiders updated a newlywed couple’s bedroom to fit more their personal taste of Art Deco style. Before being redesigned their bedroom was full of mish-mashed furnishings and a blank color palette. Snjider chose a soft yellow wall color that complemented the new art deco style furnishings and fabrics. The 1920 style furnishings created the much-needed romantic, sophisticated setting for their new bedroom. I chose to put the curtain in this setting because the vibrant red stands out against the dark stained dresser and two nightstands, and ties the room back to the beginning of the Machine Age. To enhance the setting Snjider added cosmopolitan style hardware to the dressers, which gave the once mundane furniture complementary characteristics to the desired style.

A movement also occurring in the 1930’s, which related back to Art Deco, was called Streamline. Streamline was influenced by modern aerodynamic designs such as aviation, ballistics and the automobile. It was incorporated into everyday, mundane items like pencil sharpeners and refrigerators. Like the Art Deco style, Streamline was practical and simple but at the same time made a huge impact on future designs.

Sources:
http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/art-deco-bedroom/index.html