So Your Style Is: Aviation Inspired
For the past few weeks, air travel has been in the news — and not in a good way. Three flights have been diverted because passengers were arguing over reclining seats, sparking what CNN has termed the “right-to-recline debate.” No matter where you land on the issue, it’s a good time to ease back into history to a time when air travel was exciting and the epitome of glamour and forward-thinking technology.
What it is: Design that’s inspired by airplanes and air travel. Everything from control towers to propellors is fair game in a vernacular that is as familiar to us as the safety videos played before takeoff (except for those cool new Virgin America spots).
Why it works: Done well, aviation-inspired interiors encapsulate the wonder of flight and air travel. Many of us can remember a time when Americans dressed up to board a plane — you did it because it was a glamorous event. Despite the many hassles of air travel today, some of us are still enamored with the wonder of flight, and these design strategies can convey that feeling.
You’ll love it if … You get excited when movies and television shows portray those Mad Men–era glory days, you love staring out over the cloudy landscape while 45,000 feet above the earth, or you have always secretly wanted to sit in the captain’s seat.
Style Secret: Aviation Architecture
Some people look to the airport for architectural inspiration, and the result is a cool look right out of the jet age. This home perched in the hills of Malibu, California, by David Hertz & Studio of Environmental Architecture, has the tapered wings of a 747 commercial airliner. “The roof structure … [allows] for an unobstructed view of the mountain range and distant views,” says the architect. “It became an ideal configuration for maximizing those views with minimal additional structural support needed.”
It’s just one piece of a salvaged airplane the architect incorporated in the home. You can read the whole story here.
In a guesthouse built by Cairn Construction, aircraft-hangar-style doors open the space completely to the outdoors.
This metal-clad home, by Mell Lawrence Architects, may not have been consciously modeled after a control tower, but the resemblance is hard to overlook.
Something different: You don’t need to make a grand, larger-than-life architectural move to create an aviation look. In this home, built by Josh Wynne Construction, an exterior railing with a propellor motif makes a statement you can see from the ground.
Style Secret: Propellors
Speaking of propellors, vintage blades have become so popular in interiors that our heads are spinning. The look is pure yesteryear industrial — as seen in this home by interior designer Jeannie Balsam.
Something different: Love the look but can’t lay your hands on an antique propellor? Don’t worry; ceiling fan manufacturers are here to help. Some modern fans have the unmistakable look of a plane’s propellor. The designers at Axis Mundi made the most of the look here with a sleek ceiling fan from Boffi.
Style Secret: Aircraft Imagery
Judging from the number of homes on Houzz featuring aircraft artwork, this is an idea that’s really taking off. The designers at Tim Barber Architecture used photos of vintage fliers to emphasize the shape and colors of a bed in a young person’s room.
This fine-art photo of a jetliner is in the perfect place in a condo by CCS Architecture, given that it’s at the end of a long, runway-like space on the 12th floor.
Something different: If you can’t locate (or can’t afford) original airplane artwork, check into reproductions of vintage airline posters.
Style Secret: Plane Parts
Nothing says plane like the glow of metal. This sculpture — called “Wing Sculpture,” by MotoArt — makes a staircase by Purple Cherry Architects soar.
Something different: A host of furniture makers have polished aluminum pieces that recall jetliners, such as this desk in Orange County, California.
Style Secret: Metal Paneling
This Tongue & Groove–built bathroom clad in riveted silver metal and graced with a porthole-like window and silver toilet has the efficient and industry-minded look of airplane design.
Something different: The industrial look of a riveted metal range hood is softened by warm wood cabinetry and a woven ceiling in this kitchen, built by GM Construction.
Style Secret: Model Behavior
A private plane might be out of reach for many of us, but that doesn’t mean you can’t own a replica of your favorite winged vehicle. In this house a single to-scale replica — probably a remote-controlled model — makes a great statement.
Something different: This image shows the power of repetition: When hung in multiples, a simple child’s toy becomes an art installation and displays the owner’s love of all things aeronautics.
Browse more decorating styles
Tell us: What aviation-inspired designs have you incorporated into your home?
