Some common design elements for Art Deco-style house exteriors include:
1. Geometric shapes: Art Deco is known for its emphasis on geometric forms such as straight lines, circles, triangles, and zigzags. These shapes can be found in architectural elements like windows, doors, and decorative motifs.
2. Smooth surfaces: Art Deco houses often feature smooth, sleek finishes such as stucco, concrete, or polished stone. These materials contribute to the clean and sophisticated appearance of the exterior.
3. Symmetry and balance: Art Deco architecture tends to have symmetrical façades, featuring balanced arrangements of windows, doors, and other elements. This creates a sense of order and harmony in the design.
4. Ornamental details: Despite the focus on geometric shapes and simplicity, Art Deco exteriors can also incorporate ornate details and decoration. These may include decorative friezes, elaborate cornices, balconies, and stylized motifs such as sunbursts or stylized animals.
5. Streamlined and aerodynamic forms: Inspired by the era of technological advancements, Art Deco often incorporates streamlined and aerodynamic shapes into its designs. This can be seen in curved or rounded corners, nautical influences, and motifs resembling speed and movement.
6. Decorative metalwork: Art Deco frequently features decorative metalwork in exterior elements like railings, gates, and window grilles. These elements are often made of wrought iron or chrome and feature intricate patterns or geometric designs.
7. Contrasting colors: Art Deco exteriors often use contrasting color schemes to create bold visual statements. Black, white, and metallic colors like silver and gold are commonly used in combination with vibrant hues such as red, blue, or yellow.
8. Horizontal emphasis: Art Deco architecture often emphasizes horizontal lines, giving a sense of elongation and elegance to the building. Horizontal banding, decorative elements, or patterns are employed to enhance the length and width of the structure.
9. Tower-like features: Some Art Deco buildings incorporate tower-like features, such as stepped or setback forms, to create vertical interest and visual impact. These towers can house stairwells, lobbies, or penthouses, adding a vertical element to an otherwise horizontal design.
10. Large windows: Art Deco houses typically feature large, often steel-framed, windows that allow abundant natural light into the interior. These windows are usually characterized by rectangular or other geometric shapes and may be grouped together to create a sense of rhythm and pattern on the exterior.
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