If you thought you’d seen the full extent of nostalgic design with grandma chic, you’d be very wrong. We went full circle by bringing back decor from a decade ago but now we’re going back an entire century.
Art Deco is making its way back into mainstream interiors but with a contemporary twist. Curating elements from mid-century and modern design as accents to the style, a new style has been born: Neo Deco.
Ryan Lee, Founder of Lakeland Furniture, says: “The Art Deco movement was an iconic era of interior design and Neo Deco leans into the trend but puts a more modern spin on it. While the striking silhouettes and luxurious materials are hugely important, it’s about making it liveable in modern homes.”
Five experts in design have shared their thoughts and styling tips on the new design style that will dominate 2026.
What is Neo Deco?
“Neo Deco takes the classic styling of the Art Deco movement and reinterprets it for contemporary homes,” Emily Butterill, Founder and Creative Director of Glow Lighting, says.
Perhaps its allure is in the ease of it. “The beauty of Neo Deco today is that it feels lighter and more relaxed than traditional Art Deco,” Faye Simons, Head of Interior Design at Olivia’s, says. “Mixing luxurious materials like marble or metallics with woven fabrics or muted tones keeps the look current and inviting.”
The style leans more functional than its predecessor. It opts for ergonomic furniture and softer edges to complement the geometric character of Art Deco.
“Neo Deco should feel effortless,” Faye continues. “It’s about borrowing the elegance of Art Deco and interpreting it in a way that suits modern living.”
Why Is Neo Deco So Hot Right Now?
“It allows homeowners to showcase hero elements, with lighting often acting as both a functional feature and a decorative statement,” Emily explains.
Lighting is a huge part of the Art Deco feel. Warm, moody lighting is essential for capturing the mystique of the design style.
Emily adds: “Neo Deco lighting should feel special. Whether it’s a statement pendant or a pair of wall lights, the goal is to accentuate every space.”
Another thing that makes Neo Deco so favourable is its modern, muted colourways. Whilst traditional Art Deco is bold and bright and captures opulence through rich colour, Neo Deco is happy to take the fun features of the former style and adapt it with an earthy, grounded feel, in line with the move towards soft, warm tones this year.
The biophilic and muted colourways allow for wood tones and modern backdrops like slatwalls. Charlie Farrar, Product Marketing Manager at Naturewall, says: “Sleek, linear panelling instantly introduces a sense of order and intention to a room, which is central to modern Deco styling. Used behind a sofa, bed or dining area, panels act as a strong visual anchor that allows the rest of the space to feel calm and balanced.”
How To Embody Neo Deco
While trying to achieve the look, it’s important to strike a balance between the styles so that it doesn’t feel like a parody. Faye advises taking your time incorporating different pieces to avoid this: “Neo Deco interiors are all about confident shapes and elegant proportions. Start with one or two standout pieces and let them dictate the flow of the room, rather than trying to introduce everything at once.”
“Texture plays a huge role in Neo Deco interiors,” Faye adds. She advises “Layering smooth, reflective surfaces with tactile fabrics” to prevent your space from “feeling too formal”.
“Neo Deco is a vibrant interior trend and one that I can see shaping homes for some time to come,” Ryan says. “For those homeowners who want to take their first steps into the look, updating the seating around your kitchen island or dining table is an easy way to get started.”
Neo Deco Details
Try velvet or bold prints and textures, such as animal print and high pile. They evoke the fun and zeitgeist feel that Art Deco brought about when it first emerged. Consider bar stools in a bold colourway with brass hardware. The lighting pieces and hardware in this style often sport brass, bronze or copper tones.
“There’s a real appreciation for craftsmanship within Neo Deco,” Emily adds. “People want pieces that feel considered and long-lasting—not disposable. Well-made lighting brings that sense of permanence and quality into a space.”
“Sometimes, it’s the smallest changes that can have the biggest impact,” Lucy Pascall, Co-Founder of Pushka Home, says. “And for those homeowners who love the opulence and glamour of the Neo Deco movement, but don’t want to go all out redecorating every aspect of their home, a simple switch-up of home hardware will bring a subtle, yet striking, change.”
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