The Culture, Innovation, and Prosperity of the Art Deco Era
Art Deco (c.1908 to 1935)
Emerging in Paris in the early 20th century, the Art Deco movement flourished during the tumultuous period following World War I and persisted until the outbreak of World War II. This era, marked by significant historical events and cultural shifts, fostered a nostalgic atmosphere, likely due to the remarkable creativity it inspired and the multitude of transformative moments it witnessed.
The genesis of Art Deco traces back to France, gaining momentum during the 1920s and 1930s, as a reaction against the intricate styles of Art Nouveau. Named after the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, this design movement epitomized a new aesthetic characterized by modernity and sophistication.
Though originating in France, Art Deco swiftly gained global traction, influencing architecture, interior design, fashion, and industrial design across nations. In the United States, cities like New York, Miami, and Chicago became hotbeds of Art Deco, with its influence evident in skyscrapers, theaters, and residential buildings. Beyond Europe and North America, regions such as South America, Asia, and Australia embraced Art Deco, infusing it with local traditions and cultural elements.
Art Deco’s enduring legacy transcends borders and cultural divides, celebrated for its timeless elegance and innovative fusion of art and industry. Its impact continues to resonate in contemporary design, serving as a testament to its enduring appeal. [Read more…] about The Culture, Innovation, and Prosperity of the Art Deco Era
Anouska Hempel’s Record Breaking Auction
DESIGNER ANOUSKA HEMPEL’S PRIVATE COLLECTION
SELLS FOR FOUR TIMES ITS ESTIMATE AT AUCTION
Sale sets a new record for the artist Harrington Mann
Dreweatts was chosen to sell the private collection of the contents of the family home of world-renowned interior and garden designer Anouska Hempel. Shaw House, located in Wiltshire, showcases Hempel’s theatrical flair and mix of contemporary style with historical nuances, clever design, and phenomenal taste. The sale titled: Anouska Hempel: Designer At Large, which took place on Tuesday (August 15th), achieved a total of £653,000 which was over four times is pre-sale estimate of £150,000.
Today I am sharing major luxury design eye candy- images of Shaw House and gardens, as well as some of the top items on the block from the recent auction. [Read more…] about Anouska Hempel’s Record Breaking Auction
French Furniture: Three Desks, Three Styles
DO YOU KNOW YOUR FRENCH ANTIQUE DESK STYLES?
Step into the world of French Furniture as we embark on a decorative arts refresher. Instead of delving into the entirety of French furniture, we’ll focus on just desks. By doing so, we can truly grasp the distinct style differences and the fascinating historical influences that shaped their designs.
Our spotlight will be on three remarkable styles – Regency, Louis XV, and Louis XVI desks, or as the French call them, “bureau plats.” Each of these styles hails from consecutive periods in French decorative history, offering us a unique glimpse into the evolution of artistic expression and design.
Many individuals find it challenging to differentiate between the Louis styles, and as a designer, it’s crucial to avoid this major faux pas. We’ll weave a rich tapestry of stories that unravel the broader context of each decorative style, effectively serving as a comprehensive glossary of decorative arts terms with juicy backstories, intricate decorative elements, and the exquisite creations that epitomize each era. Moreover, we’ll indulge in a bit of gossip about the intriguing players and shenanigans that shaped French history during these times. Believe me, French history is far from dull –
So, join us on this enthralling journey through the ages, as we explore the fascinating world of French Furniture and the stories behind some of its most iconic desks. [Read more…] about French Furniture: Three Desks, Three Styles
The Evolution of Kitchen Design, How COVID-19 shaped the way we live
-Laurie Haefele, Architect, Haefele Design
The Evolution of Kitchen Design- How COVID-19 shaped the way we live
COVID made us redefine how we use our homes. During the increased time spent at home we rediscovered the value of our kitchens and gained confidence in our culinary skills. Now that the world has reopened for dining experiences, we are met with inflationary pricing, supply chain and staffing issues, and the feeling that the dining experience is not what it used to be.
These challenges reinforce that we can do better at home, fueling the demand for kitchen updates to personalize the right spaces for us, equipped with the right materials, appliances, and capabilities. Is this a renaissance moment for kitchens? This new era of kitchen confidence is inspiring better than ever kitchens that function on a higher level. I polled some incredibly talented, nationally recognized industry experts and architect/designers for their thoughts on how kitchens are evolving. Unsurprisingly, there was some common ground to the answers I received. If you are considering a kitchen remodel, be sure to read what these nationally recognized pros have to say about the evolution of kitchen design: [Read more…] about The Evolution of Kitchen Design, How COVID-19 shaped the way we live
