Classic Design | Modern Interiors
After nearly a decade of pervasive stark, white rooms, trendsetters are newly interested in classic design, this time with surprising twists. As witnessed in the AD100 2017 list released in Architectural Digest’s February issue, honorees are quoted as such:
“High-voltage French style – think Régence chests showcased against stainless-steel walls and a backlit floor are the next big thing.” -Jean-Louis Denoit
“Rooms should be comfortable, layered, and appointed with furnishings and details that acknowledge the past, albeit with a fresh and clear approach.”-Richard Keith Langham
A new generation of buyers are outfitting homes for the first time and have matured beyond wanting the ubiquitous molded wood and leather lounge chair. They are ready for objects that imbue their surroundings with personality. At the same time, minimalism is highly valued. Many interior designers are blending clean, contemporary interiors with historical furniture and decorative items, giving modern rooms a classic twist.
Corbin Horn, Fine Furniture and Decorative Arts specialist, admires the use of historical furniture in Jean-Louis Deniot’s designs. One example is this monochrome dining room with sleek upholstery and neutral accents.
“A classic chandelier hung with faceted prisms reflects light from all directions. Candlesticks are easily moved from surface to surface, but their gilt bronze glows in every room. A historical portrait presides vigilantly over it all.”
Horn also follows interior designer Garrow Kedigian, who leans toward classic elegance but with bold, modern colors and layouts that reflect contemporary lifestyles, as seen in the sitting room below.
“French bureaux plat not only anchor a room visually, they can also serve as room dividers to separate distinct arrangements of seating furniture, be used as surfaces on which to display art objects and can even function as a desk when the occasion calls for one. Comfortable bergères like the 18th century pair in our January 24-25 auction can easily be moved around a room as needed; their upholstery can be changed every 5 or 10 years as tastes change, and for thousands less than replacing them with new chairs from a designer showroom.”
Here are a few additional items from the upcoming January 24 – 25 Fine Furniture and Decorative Arts auction that would blend into a modern room. Browse our full online catalogue and register to bid here.
Furniture and Decorative Arts
Tuesday, January 24, 10am CT
Wednesday, January 25, 10am CT
Preview Times:
Friday, January 20 | 10am – 5pm
Saturday, January 21 | 10am – 3pm
Sunday, January 22 | 12pm – 4pm
Monday, January 23 | 10am – 5pm
Preview Location:
1338 West Lake Street
Chicago, Illinois 60607