Antique Inspiration: Bergere Chairs

Antique chairs often contain the key characteristics of various styles and periods of furniture manufacture. The particular style of Bergere chairs are one that I love! The definition of a Bergere: a type of upholstered armchair with closed sides; the sides are usually upholstered, but can also be made of cane; built for comfort, it has a long, wide cushioned seat; the back can be high or low, and in shape square, round, curved or conical (flowing without a break into the arms); developed in France ca. 1725, at the end of the Régence period, it flourished throughout the 18th century; characteristic of Louis XV, Louis XVI and other Rococo styles. It is also known as a "wing chair."

I have seen many of our customers find old bergeres and rescue them using the Amy Howard At Home One Step Paint®. It is inspiring to see such creativity.

Inspiration:

A French Empire bergère by Pierre-Antoine Bellange, c. 1815, of gessoed and gilded beech, in the Blue Room of the White House.

Rescue, Restore, Redecorate™

www.AmyHowardAtHome.com

Art Designs on Furniture

A great addition to a piece of furniture may be an art design. It really does depend on the piece that you are finishing but many pieces look beautiful with the addition of art designs. A good place to reference is classical antiques. 

As seen in this Before and After table, 

the customer was inspired by an art design on the floor. 

The art design work adds to the table 

as opposed to as if it was simply left painted Dunavant Green One Step Paint.

I am often inspired by classical antiques so I wanted to share pieces that I have been inspired by.

Inspiration:

Notice the detail on the column pedestal. 

The Greek Key detail on the floor is repeated on the column. 

The base of the column is completely gilded and then the urn and acanthus detail is painted on top of the gold leaf .

This design on this screen adds a whole new dimension to the piece

I love the gilded art detail painted onto the table legs and around the base

This beautiful classical antique truly shows how decorative pieces may be with art designs

The simple addition of the center design adds a focal point to this mantel

The large art painted design on this demilune is beautiful

The subtle use of tone on tone color works well here with the large geometric design on this bench.

Rescue, Restore, Redecorate™

www.AmyHowardAtHome.com

Painted Furniture from Italy

Often when I am looking for inspiration, I like to look back to reflect and enjoy furniture when it was crafted as an art form not just for utility.  Each year, I fear that me move further and further away from art, in exchange for expeditious efficiency. Our homes are a reflection of ourselves and I believe that incorporating decadence into design is not an option, but a priority.  The time we take to enjoy life to the fullest is in the details.  In honor of detailed decadence, I have elected to share with you some of the finest pieces representing 18th and 19th century Italian furniture.

from the book Antiques in Italian Interiors, Vol. I

I love how each surfaces has its own unique intricacies and that these are employed throughout the entire room.  The walls are frescoed, the Urns are painted and the yellow fabric is textured and divine.

This Dresser is so elegant. I adore the hand carved details in conjunction with the beautifully hand painted facade.  I love the how the glass looks like lace and how the whole piece works delicately as a whole.

Painted Italian Chest of Drawers from 1st Dibs

Price: $7,500

from Christie's

A North Italian Polychrome-Decorated Console Table

mid-18th century, probably piedmont

the serpentine-fronted simulated Breche D'Alep marble top, above a shaped pierced frieze carved with foliate trails, flowerheads and rockwork, the shaped sides carved conformingly, on cabriole legs headed by stylized acanthus, with scrolled feet, partially redecorated and top later

Price: $6,400 - $9,700

from Kevin Stone Antiques & Interiors

19th Century Painted Italian Commode

Price: $12,500

from Sotheby's

A pair of Italian Rococo Mecca and White-painted commodes

Mid-18th century

Price: $25,000 - $35,000

From Sotheby's

A set of four Italian Painted Chairs

Roman, Third-Quarter 18th Century

Each back decorated with floral sprays, the pierced top-and seat-rail carved with rocaille and foliage on cabriole legs joined by stretchers

Price: $9,300 - $12,000

Each of these pieces that I have shared with you can be recreated at home using the Amy Howard at Home® line.  I hope that this look back helps you to look forward with your home design aesthetic.  I hope you are inspired and feel encouraged to incorporate some detailed decadence into your surroundings.  Let these beautiful historical pieces serve as the backdrop for your next creative inclination.