Dallas Fair Park Charms Contemporary Interior Design

Urban archaeologists, seeking the history of contemporary interior design in Dallas, Texas, only need to look a few short miles from downtown.

First of all, you may already be one of the cool kids that are in the know, but it’s major bragging rights for Dallas and worth discussing here. So while you’re deciding which day to take on the State Fair of Texas crowds, consider this: Dallas, Texas shares the limelight with historical buildings that have made a huge impact on contemporary interior design.

Entrance to the Hall of State, Fair Park, Dallas

It’s true. Big D is second only to South Beach in Miami and Dallas’ Fair Park holds a mother-lode of art deco design treasures. Visitors to the State Fair of Texas are awarded the opportunity to see, touch and walk the grand halls of Texas history. These lovely buildings were built for the Texas Centennial Exposition in November of 1936. Fair Park features more than 50 of these art deco gems with the Esplanade set as its crowning jewel.

Art deco era bas-relief on the facade of the Centennial Hall, Fair Park, Dallas

Style Moderne

First appearing in Paris, France in 1925, art deco, known as “style moderne”, was a transitional design period between art noveau and modernism. Most noteworthy are influences from art deco’s geometric shapes and bold colors. As a result, many of today’s modern interior design elements applied to furniture, upholstery, wall and floor coverings, glass, and plasticware can be traced back to the art deco era. Therefore, this movement in art and architecture continues to influence contemporary interior design in Dallas, the nation, and the world.

The Den in Columbia, MO features deco-esque bold lines and colors

All That Jazz

During art deco’s reign, American music followed along with jazz music’s swinging, bold interpretations. This is probably why many of us associate art deco design with jazz. You may notice that oftentimes, the word, “jazz” is displayed using an art deco period typeface. If you think about it, art deco is lot like jazz. It’s filled with surprises. You can imagine them as musical notes and grooves. Especially relevant are the carved curves with dramatic geometric lines accentuating form with unexpected rhythm and harmony.

Similar to the evolution of jazz, art deco remains a tremendous influence on today’s interior design furnishings. Borrowing from deco’s trendy past, some of the best furnishing and textile designers create awe-inspiring pieces with ultra-modern appeal.

Two examples of contemporary art deco influence, from Shine By S.H.O.

Art Deco’s Influence On Today’s Designers

Shine By S.H.O.

Great examples of art deco in modern interior design furnishings can be found at the California-based company, Shine By S.H.O. Their eclectic designs are fearless demonstrations of avant-garde furniture with an art deco twist.

More examples of contemporary art deco influence, from Shine By S.H.O.

Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz, Owner and Founder of Shine By S.H.O., takes designers on a journey across the globe. Her multi-faceted collections are simultaneously modern and vintage, and ignite the senses. You can learn more about Shine By S.H.O., HERE.

Modshop

Another furnishings group that is capturing art deco’s contemporary interior design elements is Modshop. You can find them in the Design District of Dallas, TX, First of all, Modshop is a family owned and operated furniture company with a background in the fashion industry. Their modish, fun furniture and accessories move forward with the trends just as you would expect to see on the fashion runway. Modshop uses a mix of recycled wood, acrylics, metallic finishes and clean lines to pay a subtle tribute to the art deco period, with a contemporary twist. If you’d like to learn more about Modshop, click HERE.

Dallas interior designer furnishings from Modshop, borrows from art deco influences

Art deco style has secured its place in design history. It’s a notable part of Dallas’ past and continues to be a source of inspiration for contemporary interior designers.

The Watermark at Katy Ranch borrows from art deco influences

It’s no surprise, the State Fair of Texas attracts over a million visitors every year. However, you can still avoid the crowds and visit Fair Park long before or after the annual exposition. This will give you the chance to soak up a little sunshine and take in some fresh air without photobombers and sticky cooties everywhere. In addition, all of the architectural details, sculptures, and water features can be just yours. As an interior designer, you’ll certainly love the inspiration. A guided tour of the park is recommended. Corny dogs are not included.

Howdy!