Blog

This month we profile Chinoiserie, an enduring design aesthetic adds whimsy and softness to interiors. late 19th Century Queen Anne Style Black/Green Chinoiserie Commode The name seemingly insinuating that it originated in the Far East, however this particular style was created in Europe. The word itself, pronounced (shen-wah-she-ree) coming from the French word “chinois” meaning Chinese. An interpretation of what Asian art and design would have been. Chinoiserie was made prominent in the 17th and 18th century, however, its influence began in the earlier 14th century when trade routes between China and Europe began. The rise of imported Chinese goods heavily...

Sitting behind a wooden table outside a café in arguably one of Sydney’s most charming neighborhoods-Balmain, Jon awaits my arrival with his two dogs Hendrix and Bridget by his side. A quiet and introvert being, peering behind the lens of his simplistic metal frame glasses, a soft hello follows. I was pleasantly surprised to hear a fellow American accent in a place worlds apart. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Jon Setter is a photographer who is currently based in Sydney, Australia where he is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts from the National Art School. His photography primarily focuses on...

The emergence of Neo-Classicalism in France came during Louis XVI reign from 1774 - 1789, it offered a more refined style following the heavier, grandeurs curves of the early 1700’s Rococo style. Neo classical designs were influenced by the themes of the ancient Roman villas in Pompeii and Herculaneum. This prompted architectural style to focus on the principal of symmetry-clean lines and geometric designs resembling that of classical motifs. Artisans used thin pieces of wood and arranged them in geometric designs, chair backs were rectangular or oval with tapered fluted legs as seen below with our Louis XVI Style Side Chairs. Pair...