Decor vs. Deco — What's the Difference?

Decor encompasses the selection and organization of furnishings, color schemes, and accessories to create a cohesive and visually appealing interior environment. It's about personalizing a space to reflect the tastes and needs of its inhabitants. Deco, or Art Deco, on the other hand, is a specific design movement that originated in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by its emphasis on modernity, symmetry, and luxury, often incorporating bold geometric patterns, metallic finishes, and exotic materials.

While decor is a general term applicable to any style or era of interior design, from minimalist to bohemian, Deco refers specifically to a period that celebrated technological progress and modernity through its design language. Deco pieces can be part of a room's decor if they align with the overall aesthetic vision and style the decorator is aiming for. Conversely, a space designed with a Deco influence would prominently feature the signature characteristics of the Art Deco movement.

The process of decorating involves considering both the functionality and the visual aspects of a space, ensuring that it is not only beautiful but also livable and tailored to the needs of those using it. In contrast, adopting a Deco approach to design focuses on embedding the distinct Art Deco aesthetics into the space, making strong statements through streamlined forms and opulent materials.

Decor evolves with trends, personal tastes, and the functional needs of a space, reflecting a wide range of styles and periods. Art Deco, while it was a trend in its time, has become a defined historical style that designers and decorators may draw inspiration from or emulate in contemporary settings. It represents a snapshot of the design ethos of its era, with a focus on sophistication, elegance, and a blend of traditional craftsmanship with machine-age imagery.

Both decor and Deco play significant roles in shaping the environments we live in, but they do so from different perspectives. Decor is about the overall aesthetic and functional arrangement of spaces, adaptable and encompassing a broad spectrum of styles, while Deco is a historic design style with specific visual and philosophical attributes.