Reviving Glamour: How to Bring Art Deco Style into Your Bathroom and Kitchen

Art Deco never truly went out of style, it simply evolved. Born in the 1920s, this design movement celebrated luxury, craftsmanship, and optimism, marked by bold geometry, metallic accents, and rich materials. A century later, Art Deco is experiencing a resurgence in Australian interiors, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, where statement tapware, lighting, and surfaces bring a touch of golden-era glamour to modern life.

At Cook & Bathe, embracing Art Deco doesn’t mean replicating a bygone era; it’s about reinterpreting its spirit, where craftsmanship meets opulence, and every detail feels deliberate.

The Art of Modern Glamour

The modern Art Deco revival blends symmetry and drama with contemporary restraint. In bathrooms, this means refined silhouettes and metallic finishes that feel timeless rather than showy. The Ikon Clasico Gooseneck Basin Mixer in Brushed Gold captures that ethos beautifully. Its sweeping curve and brushed finish evoke old-world sophistication while maintaining the practicality of modern design.

Pair this with geometric tiles or a fluted vanity, and you create the perfect stage for the basin mixer’s warm metallic glow. Add soft lighting and a round mirror for balance, and the space becomes a sanctuary that nods to the past without feeling trapped in it.

The Allure of Brushed Gold

Nothing says Art Deco quite like gold. But today’s brushed gold finishes are subtler, more champagne than brass, more glow than glare. The Phoenix Vivid Slimline Plus Lever Basin Set in Brushed Gold is a shining example of this evolution. Its slim profile and clean lines reinterpret 1930s glamour through a contemporary lens.

This finish works beautifully against darker palettes, think deep navy, forest green, or charcoal stone, creating a sense of depth and indulgence. The brushed texture diffuses light softly, making it ideal for bathrooms or powder rooms where natural light plays across surfaces throughout the day.

For a cohesive aesthetic, echo the same tone in your towel rails or accessories. Brushed gold tapware pairs perfectly with frosted glass, terrazzo, and glossy tile - all hallmarks of Deco-era interiors.

Geometry Meets Function

Art Deco design thrives on geometry, from arches and scallops to strong vertical lines. Translating that into kitchens and bathrooms is all about balance: a structured foundation softened by refined finishes.

The Phoenix Nostalgia Wall Top Assemblies in Chrome demonstrate how classical design language can coexist with contemporary function. Their polished finish and symmetrical levers recall the precision and symmetry of 1920s fittings, yet their construction meets modern expectations for performance and ease.

Use them alongside wall hung basins or freestanding baths to reinforce that Deco geometry - elegant, organised, and timeless.

Monochrome and Contrast

While gold and chrome define the metallic side of Art Deco, the movement also celebrated contrast, particularly black and white. This interplay brings drama and definition to a space, especially in kitchens where cabinetry and benchtops often set the tone.

The Ikon Clasico Sink Mixer in Matte Black with Ceramic Handle bridges that divide perfectly. The matte finish offers a striking modern twist, while the white ceramic handle introduces a classic touch reminiscent of vintage bathroom fittings. Together, they form a sophisticated contrast that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking.

Pair this sink mixer with crisp white tiles, marble benchtops, or black cabinetry for a kitchen that channels Deco drama without overwhelming the eye. The key lies in restraint, letting each element breathe while maintaining visual balance.

The Return of the Butler’s Sink

Few fixtures capture the spirit of vintage craftsmanship like a classic butler’s sink. Originally found in heritage homes, it’s making a comeback as a centrepiece in modern kitchens and laundries alike. The Otti Boston Butler Sink brings that charm into the 21st century with clean edges, generous depth, and a refined ceramic finish.

Its timeless profile pairs beautifully with Art Deco-inspired tapware, particularly brushed gold or matte black designs. Together, they create a juxtaposition of textures, the matte surface of tapware against the glossy white ceramic of the sink, that feels both tactile and luxurious.

Style the surrounding space with fluted cabinetry or terrazzo benchtops, and you’ll achieve that classic Deco layering of texture, form, and tone.

Lighting and Layered Detail

No Art Deco-inspired kitchen or bathroom is complete without the right lighting. Frosted glass globes, ribbed pendants, and warm-toned LEDs enhance the gleam of gold and chrome while highlighting architectural shapes.

Think of your lighting as jewellery, it shouldn’t compete with your tapware but rather complement it. In a bathroom featuring the Ikon Clasico Gooseneck Basin Mixer, soft ambient lighting accentuates its elegant curvature. In the kitchen, pendant lights above the Otti Boston Butler Sink draw attention to the symmetry and balance that define Deco design.

Layered lighting, ambient, task, and accent reinforces depth and sophistication, much like the layered materials of the era itself.

Bringing Deco to Life

Reviving Art Deco style isn’t about excess; it’s about composition. Choose a few statement pieces, let them shine, and surround them with materials that echo their luxury. Think marble benchtops, polished chrome, brushed gold accents, and geometric tilework.

When every line, finish, and fixture feels intentional, your kitchen or bathroom becomes more than functional, it becomes an homage to the timeless allure of Art Deco design.

A Touch of Yesterday, Designed for Today

Art Deco has always celebrated confidence and creativity, and its revival speaks to a desire for spaces that feel personal and enduring. By mixing the warmth of brushed gold with the contrast of matte black and the shine of chrome, you can craft interiors that are unmistakably modern yet rooted in history.

At Cook & Bathe, the Art Deco revival isn’t about nostalgia, it’s about reimagining glamour for today’s lifestyles, where every fixture tells a story of elegance, craft, and timeless design.