Art Deco was a popular design style of the 1920s and 1930s characterized especially by bold outlines, geometric and zigzag forms, and the use of new materials such as plastic.

The phrase Art Deco was established by Bevis Hiller, a historian in the late 60’s. He’s intention was to describe the modern 20th century design.  The French are believed to have started this arts and crafts industrial modernization from the 1925 Paris Exposition “des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes”.

Art Deco combines smooth finishes,  sharp curves and a distinctive modern look. Heavy ornamentation around the distinctive lines was seen up until the Great Depression at which time sharp curves were replaced with rounded corners and  heavy ornamentation was replaced with subdued heavy outlines.