Six Art Deco Color Palettes for Today's Quilter -

Encompassing the 1920s and 30s, the Art Deco period represented luxury and glamour. It permeated design in architecture, furniture, fashion and beyond. It is one of my absolute favorite design styles and yours too according to recent poll I did. I asked Instagram what their favorite design period is. Choices included: 1920s Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, 1950s Atomic, and 1970s Retro. Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern were the two front runners by a long shot. And it’s no surprise. These two iconic design styles have been making a comeback. And if there’s anything I love more than historic design, it’s a good comeback story.

When it comes to quilt design, I find so much design inspiration from history — this is true for both the quilt pattern and the color choices. If you’re like me, and crave a modern spin on a classic, then this post is for you.

Using the 1920s and 1930s for inspiration, I put together some Art Deco color palettes using both Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids and Kona Cotton Solids. With the exception of the first fabric pull, each palette features four solids. I also included a mock-up using the Carbide quilt pattern, which is available in my shop.

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Black & Gold

Black, ivory and gold is a classic roaring 20s color combination. I just had to kick it off with this one! It is ultra glam, ultra chic, and I just love this fabric combination.

Fabrics Featured in 1920s Color Palettes

Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids: Honey, Deep Black, and White Linen

Kona Cotton Solids: Yarrow, Black, and Bone

Ivory black and gold modern Art Deco quilt pattern mock-up

Emerald & Gold

Inspired by the Carbon and Carbide building in Chicago (and the namesake for the Carbide quilt pattern), this Art Deco color palette consists of black, emerald, gold and ivory. I feel like these are iconic 1920s colors. You have the high contrast between the cream and the black fabrics, which is gorgeous next to the emerald green. Plus, I think these gold fabrics perfectly capture the decadence of the Art Deco period.

Fabrics Featured in Art Deco Color Palettes

Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids: Deep Black, Evergreen, Aurus, and Creme de la Creme

Kona Cotton Solids: Black, Spruce, Curry, and Bone

Emerald, black, gold and irony modern Art Deco quilt pattern mock-up

Dusty Pink

Pinks were very popular in the 1920s, for both fashion and interior design. I love this fabric pull using ivory, peachy pinks (in two different shades )and black. The pinks are sweet and girly, but really pop next to the black. It’s a striking palette and would look gorgeous with a modern vintage quilt pattern.

Fabrics Featured in 1920s Color Scheme

Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids: White Linen, Blushing, Blossomed, and Caviar

Kona Cotton Solids: Bone, Peach, Salmon, and Black

Dusty blush pink, ivory and black Art Deco quilt top modern quilt pattern

Peacock

Honestly… Is there any animal more glamorous than the peacock? This bird had a moment in the Art Deco period and he inspired this jewel-toned color palette. I love this mix of jewel-tones with the saphire blue, emerald green and gold (swoon). And they all shine next to the creamy white.

Fabrics Featured in Art Deco Color Scheme

Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids: White Linen, Honey, Nocturnal, and Zambia Stone

Kona Cotton Solids: Bone, Yarrow, Indigo, and Everglade

Art Deco design quilt pattern with solid modern fabrics

Pink & Teal

This Art Deco color palette captures some of the softer colors of the period. Creamy white, two shades of teal and this warm cinnamon blend together gorgeously. The greens really mirror the patina you might find on old copper and bronze fixtures and the coral pink is a lovely contrast to the cool teals.

Fabrics Featured in 1920s Color Palettes

Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids: Creme de la Creme, Ocean Fog, Cinnamon, and Swimming Pool

Kona Cotton Solids: Bone, Seafoam, Salmon, and Sage

Mint & Terracotta

This color palette is a little wild, but stick with me… Art Deco design typically featured precious metals like gold and silver as well as materials like coral and jade. I think the Art Gallery Fabrics have a slightly softer, dustier feel that I love; while the Kona Cotton palette is a bit bolder, but definitely on par with the extravagant style of the 1920s.