The French have been known for their penchant for detail in furniture and decorating.
There is something so distinct in the development of taste in furniture, marked out by the three styles to which the three monarchs have given the names of “Louis Quatorze,” “Louis Quinze,” and “Louis Seize,” that it affords a fitting point for a new departure.The influence of Louis XIV in French Style
In the seventeenth century, Louis XIV and his visionary finance mainister, Jean-Baptist Colbert, established a strictly controlled guild system that regulated the work of artisans, raising the specialties at which they excelled to even higher standards.
Beauty is in the detail
According to Betty Lou Phillips, this king’s perfectionism remains his extraordinary gift to Franch. The subsequent ‘King Louis’ each contributed their perspective on beauty to styles attributed to them today.
Louis XV was but a child when he bacame king.
Due to the effect of the extravagance of the previous monarchs, during the reign of King Louis XV, the boudoir in society grew in importance rather than the grand receptions and ‘pompous and gorgeous’ entertainment in the stately salons.
Elegance and Craftsmanship remained…although an a lesser scale.
“The furniture was made to agree with this decorative treatment: couches and easy chairs were designed in more sweeping curves and on a smaller scale, the woodwork wholly or partially gilt and upholstered, not only with the tapestry of Gobelins or Beauvais, but with soft colored silk brocades and brocatelles; light occasional chairs were enriched with mother-of-pearl or marqueterie…” (Illustrated History of Furniture)Adding French Flavor
The Louis XV fauteuil chairs, designed to be ranged against walls, echo the doecoration of the boiseries (highly ornaented wooden paneled walls…these quintessential chairs (fauteuils and bergeres with their curving lines, carved detail, and decorative flourishes add a distinctly French Flavor to an interior so that other pieces in a room can afford simpler, cleaner lines. (Josephine Ryan)I have seen in many lovely homes these beautiful chairs.
Whether sitting in a boudoir, alongside a farmhouse style table or along a wall, these sweet little chairs add grace and elegance to a room’s decor.
A Chair of My Own
I have long appreciated French style. In decor, in gardening, in gourmet, and in living. There’s something quite distinct in the French way of life.
Adding a little bit of French style.
This is one of my goals. Yet, I still want to retain my personal take on French style as well as incorporate what I do love about various other styles.
A Gradual Transition.
As I am contemplating making a few changes around the house – paint colors and furniture choices, I plan to take my time. I hope to select those pieces that will continue to become family treasures.
I love having a sense of place and of time.
Living in an older home has given me a perspective of the connectivity of time. These windows, these walls and rooms have seen a lot of living, have had a great deal of personal taste imposed upon them.
Creating a place of one’s own.
Being an collector, I love to surround myself with things that have a story, that have unique style and character.
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful” William MorrisSelecting Pieces for their beauty and for their function
Adopting William Morris’ dictum on bringing things to our home – I am at the same time taking a second look at the things that fill my home and bringing things to my home that do bring beauty and wonderful function.
We can thoroughly enjoy our homes..
By adopting the philosophy of beauty and function, I believe we can begin to thoroughly enjoy our homes, make them more welcoming, make them a reflection of ourselves. Adding a little bit of French style reflects my admiration for their savoir fair, their bon vivant, esprit de corps, je ne sais quoi – their élan.
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