Get a Pop of Miami Beach Style with These Art Deco Colors

Until two months ago, I admit that when I heard the term “Art Deco” I pictured a scene from The Great Gatsby. Strong lines that team up to form geometric designs, metallic accents, luxe materials like marble and velvet, and eye-catching ornamentation are certainly part of the style’s foundation, true. But I didn’t really think much about the core colors of the aesthetic until I took an architecture tour of Miami Beach.

While walking along Ocean Drive and listening to an architectural audio tour by the Miami Design and Preservation League, I looked around and couldn’t help but be swept away with a sense of optimism. Whether they were home to a restaurant, a hotel, or even a convenience store, the buildings were coated in a splash of color that instantly said “spring.” Bright and cheery, they practically welcome you to lower your shoulders, relax, and stay a while. The entire landscape felt so fresh—and different from the Gatsby Art Deco vibe I used to envision.

Turns out, this was by design—and the color choices even helped the city bounce back from some extremely hard times. Ahead, learn more about the story behind this impactful palette, then score some pro tips from designers on how to incorporate some of these vibrant hues into your home for an instant dose of possibility and perkiness.

Art Deco’s Influence on Miami Beach

Art Deco was introduced in Paris 100 years ago during the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes. Soon after, the cutting-edge aesthetic made its way to Miami Beach, “which was becoming a new vacation wonderland and quickly adopted the philosophy that became known as ‘Art Deco,’” explains George Neary, vice chairman of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority and former director of the Miami Design Preservation League.  

Many of the signature colors and shapes are inspired by travel—including ocean liners, trains and planes—which was considered extremely progressive at the time.

“The Art Deco approach introduced a modern style to the idea of a Mediterranean revival that was future-driven,” Neary says. “When you look back at the popular movies of the 1930s (think: Greta Garbo era), emerging cities wanted to incorporate the style into their design as a symbol of being a forward-thinking city.”

Miami Beach was at the epicenter, aiming to attract a new wave of travelers who were open to experiencing a modern metropolis with global influence. City planners and designers expressed this by adding Art Deco elements, complete with nods to ocean liners and the aviation industry (including oval windows and aerodynamic “eyebrows” on building corners). Curved accents broke up rigid, harsh lines. The goal: Evoke a sense of wonder. 

The History of the Pastel Paradise Color Palette

Initially, Miami Beach was painted in various shades of white, beige, and off-white, and over time, it all started looking a little gray. By the 1970s, the remaining buildings and population were both aging, and other parts of Miami were viewed as the “It” vacation spot. The neighborhood was in need of a renaissance, and designer Leonard Horowitz swept in to paint the city back to life.

“With the color palette, which is now named Pastel Paradise, Horowitz had a vision of saving the Art Deco District by showing through color,” Neary says. “He wanted to show the uniqueness and highlight the architectural handiwork and Art Deco design in 20 shades that attracted the eye. At the time, Miami Vice was popular and became a perfect way to raise awareness around the newly-painted buildings among locals and a new audience of viewers and potential visitors.”

Miami Vice was a relevant hook, but the hues are inspired by other timeless elements: At the time, Horowitz said, “I formulated my palette on the basis of sunset, sunrise, the summer and winter oceans and the sand on the beach.”

When I showed the pastel paradise to Alex Thies, owner of Adelyn Charles Interiors, she echoed the feeling I had well up while walking along Ocean Avenue: “It’s fun, fresh, and whimsical, with a youthfulness that naturally makes me energized.”

It energized Miami Beach, too, which regained its popularity among locals and visitors alike who began to flock—and still do—to the waterfront area to soak up the optimistic energy and enjoy all of the area’s diversity.

4 Ways to Incorporate Pastel Paradise Colors Into Your Home Decor

About 50 years ago, the pastel paradise palette revived Miami Beach. Fast-forward to today, and it can still offer inspiration to help you rejuvenate your home—even if you’re hundreds of miles from the coast.

“These hues are perfect for spring—a season that’s all about fresh blooms, the brightness of sunshine and a feeling of re-birth,” Thies says. “These colors evoke those same vibes and are a welcomed burst of color coming out of a darker winter palette.”

Both Thies and Adrianne Bugg, principal designer for Pillar & Peacock interior design, agree that Art Deco can feel timeless… if you don’t overdo it. 

“A touch here and there mixed with other styles can be strategically beautiful, depending on the design,” Bugg says. “This preppy and fun color palette feels like a terrific way to dip your toe into Art Deco.”

Sprinkled into otherwise more contemporary or transitional spaces, Thies says that these colors welcome “a sense of playfulness that can be a memorable moment and true conversation-starter.”

Keep in mind that it’s not just about picking a pretty color and working it in haphazardly, Bugg says. A vibrant hue weaves in beautifully if it’s balanced by other elements, “whether that’s through repetition, texture, scale, or where it’s placed in the room. Otherwise, it can feel random.”

According to Thies and Bugg, these are the easiest, most versatile, and adjustable-by-the-seasons ways to add a hint of Art Deco pastel energy to your space.

1. Throw Blankets and Accent Pillows

“It’s always a cozy way to snuggle up and change your look for each season,” Thies says. “For spring, go for lighter-weight fabrics in fresh light colors, and get playful with it with tassels, contrast trims and open weaves for texture.”

2. Rugs

Indoor or outdoor rugs infuse any room with energy from the ground up, Thies notes. To help them blend into your space, consider adding a blanket or some pillows that pull out a color from the rug and another element from the room’s current design.

3. Flowers

Thies believes that a floral element is one of the most natural and budget-friendly ways to bring spring vibes into any room. “From tulips to hydrangeas, fresh-cut florals bring a sense of liveliness and color to the home. My tip? Don’t buy pre-arranged florals from the grocery store,” she says. “Go to your local farmers market or even a Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, and opt for individual cuts where you can mix and match your favorite flowers and greens in a handmade creation.”

4. Paint

If you’re feeling bold, “paint is always easy to change and a great way to make an update with impact—especially if you’re ready to embrace color,” Bugg says. “This will brighten a space and give the house a fresh look.” For something that requires a bit less commitment than an accent wall or ceiling, try a splash of color with a framed piece of art.