I wrote a post called Architecture in Real Estate some time back that did not get much attention from the Active Rain Community.  But from there Dave Rosenmarkle suggested the idea of offering “a series of short blogs about types of architecture”.  So thank you Dave, here is my first attempt at enlightening our AR friends, with a style that hits close to home, since we have the largest compilation of Art Deco Architecture worldwide, right here in The Historic Miami Beach Art Deco District.  Hope you find this helpful and let me know if any of you would like to hear about other “styles”, and I promise that if I don’t know enough, I will not mind doing the research.  Also please keep in mind that I am truly simplifying and hope not to do injustice to the historical period represented.

Modern Architects’ desire for a new language, together with the need to rebel against traditional architecture and excessive decoration, lead to the ART DECO movement, which not only is visible in architecture, but also fashion, art, graphics, furniture, transportation and even household items.

The style is mainly characterized by simple, clean, geometric lines.  As Art Deco arrived in The United States, so did the images of sleek cars and trains.  Angular shapes like zig-zags, and lightning-bolts became popular. Visible in Miami Beach, buildings were streamlined to look like ocean liners and a clear nautical theme can be discerned. 

Some features to expect in Art Deco Architecture are:  flat roofs, combinations of flat and curved walls, use of glass block, circular windows, steel frames, vertical emphasis, rectangular framing, horizontal articulation like eyebrows over windows and doors, low relief ornamentation around door and window openings, metal windows, metal railings, stucco walls with some plaster ornamentation (stylized and abstracted floral motifs and sunrise patterns), colored glazed bricks, mosaic tiles, and most of all SIMPLICITY!

How to you use this in real estate property descriptions:  If you see any of the elements above, you can make mention of Art Deco influence.  Please make sure you do not call a structure Art Deco if the roof is not flat.  Also, if there are other non-Deco elements in the property, don’t be afraid to call the structure eclectic.   I always look for the most striking elements first to make mention.  Example:  you may have a Non-descript home with a beautiful Art Deco Mantle or an exterior ornamental plaster grill.  Take advantage of these elements to make  homes sound like they have some kind of architectural significance, it may make the difference to the buyer. 

Hmmmm........which style will I do next?