How to create a contemporary Art Deco home in Australia

There’s something undeniably glamorous about Art Deco. The style that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, with its bold geometry and emphasis on craftsmanship, is experiencing a renaissance in Australian homes. From heritage suburbs to coastal new builds, Deco’s drama is being reimagined for contemporary living.

So, how do you bring a touch of this timeless style into your own home, without feeling like you’re stepping back in time?

Blending Modern Design with Art Deco Architecture

Art Deco design is instantly recognisable with it’s intentional ornamentation and strong symmetry of geometric patterns and a palette that moves from high-contrast black and white to rich tones paired with metallic detailing.

In contemporary interiors, the trick is to use Deco with restraint. Curved sofas, bold lighting, and geometric plaster mouldings can introduce the character without overwhelming a space. Think of Deco less as a theme and more as a layer of refinement or an elegant detail that catches the eye.

Incorporating Art Deco influences into your home through rich tones paired with metallic detailing.  Light and mirror from Cult Design, Rug from Designer Rugs, Couch from Living by Design, Bar Cart from Williams Sonoma.

Art Deco Bathroom Renovation Ideas

For those looking to bring Art Deco glamour into the bathroom, Phoenix has launched Wiltern. A complete collection of tapware, mixers, showers and accessories designed to balance heritage inspiration with modern practicality.

With refined fluted lines, faceted handles and stepped geometric profiles, Wiltern nods to the architectural elegance of the 1930s while remaining understated enough for a pared-back Australian home.

Available in four finishes (Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Brushed Gold and Brushed Carbon) the collection adapts beautifully to different palettes, whether you’re pairing Brushed Gold with stone for old-world opulence or opting for Brushed Carbon in a more minimal setting.

With refined fluted lines, faceted handles and stepped geometric profiles, Wiltern nods to the architectural elegance of the 1930s while remaining understated enough for a pared-back Australian home.

And while the design draws from Deco, the innovation is firmly contemporary. Wiltern is SwitchMix® compatible, meaning homeowners can update finishes in the future without major renovations. It’s also Lead Free, aligning with updated regulations in Australia and New Zealand and adding another layer of sustainability to its design story.

The collection takes its name from the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, a 1931 Art Deco landmark celebrated for its turquoise terracotta façade and intricate detailing. Just as the theatre has become a cultural icon, Wiltern is designed to stand the test of time—bringing Deco’s optimism and extravagance into Australian bathrooms in a way that feels both premium and liveable.

The Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, a 1931 Art Deco landmark celebrated for its intricate detailing, inspired the Wiltern collection name.

Updating an Art Deco house without losing character

Part of the reason Art Deco resonates so strongly right now is its versatility. It works just as well in a restored heritage apartment as it does in a new coastal build. Deco is glamorous, yes, but it’s also enduring, rooted in symmetry, proportion, and craftsmanship.

Phoenix’s Wiltern collection embodies this balance. For those looking for the best Art Deco bathroom tapware for Australian homes, Wiltern offers a design language that feels rich and characterful, but with enough restraint to sit comfortably in modern Australian homes.

Wiltern offers a design language that feels rich and characterful, but with enough restraint to sit comfortably in modern Australian homes.  This powder room mood board features the Wiltern SwitchMix Wall Basin / Bath Mixer Set and the Wiltern Hand Towel Holder.  Mirror by Rachel Donath, Stone by Surface Spectrum, Tiles by Academy Tiles, Hand Towel by Aura Home.

Modern art deco renovation inspiration

If you’re looking to create a contemporary Art Deco home, start with geometry, luxury finishes, and one or two statement details. The rest is about balance and layering heritage inspiration with clean lines and modern innovation.

With Wiltern, Phoenix has delivered just that: a collection that feels glamorous yet grounded, timeless yet adaptable. It’s Art Deco for now, and it’s available in showrooms across Australia from mid November 2025.

Wiltern is a collection that feels glamorous yet grounded, timeless yet adaptable.  Featured here are the Wiltern Heated Towel Ladder, Wiltern SwitchMix Shower / Wall Mixer, Wiltern Twin Shower

Where to buy Art Deco bathroom tapware in Australia

Explore the collection here.
Find your closest stockist here