Style Guide: Klismos Chair

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I have been reading a lot about ancient furniture lately, and it’s fascinating to trace iconic furniture designs to their roots in antiquity. Take for example the klismos chair, an Ancient Greek design circa the mid-fifth century BC. The klismos has a concave upper backrest and tapered legs that curve outwards. The seat was usually woven leather or some other cording, upon which sat a cushion or animal pelt. Our knowledge about klismoi has mostly been gleaned from depictions in carvings and other artwork. Depictions of klismoi in antiquity. Source: House Appeal.   The klismos fell out of style during the Hellenistic period, in part due to a design flaw: without the support of stretchers, the outward curving legs eventually splay too far and break. Nevertheless European Neoclassicism returned the klismos to favor. Painter Jacques Louis-David commissioned klismoi as set props for his historical paintings. British-born Neoclassicist Benjamin Henry Latrobe helped insinuate this chair into American culture. Latrobe built a set of klismos chairs– with reinforcing stretchers– for the White …

Trendcasting: Scottish Style

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Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of Scottish influence in interior design. The iconic Scottish style is of course plaid, but Scottish influence comes in many other forms: pheasant motifs, needlepoint hunting scenes, rich velvet sofas, and (faux!) mounted taxidermy. Here’s how to add a wee bit of Scotland to your home! Sources: 1) Braemore Phaesant Hunt Leather Fabric 2) Dark Green Tapestry Hunt Scene Pillow 3) Off-White Belgian Hunting Pillow 4) Lyre Chesterfield Sofa 5) 5th Avenue Throw in Breslin Plaid 6) Resin Stag Head 7) Cooper Navy Plaid Rug 8) Rustic Saltire Flag Pillow 9) Thomas Kay Weaver’s Plaid Pillow in Cedar Bark  Sources: The Gifts of Life, Betsy Speert  Sources: The Enchanted Home, Apartment Therapy  Source: House Beautiful via Tartanscot 

Cover It with Cork

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Cork is a natural material culled from the bark of Quercus suber (Cork Oak). Cork’s unusual set of characteristics– buoyancy, impermeability, elasticity, low density, and fire retardancy– make it the perfect material for many products. I particularly love cork flooring and wall coverings. It’s environmentally friendly, highly durable, and sound absorbent. Not to mention, cork is available in countless styles and designs. Elegenat cork wallpaper. Source: Pierre Yovanovitch via The D Pages. A traditional, natural cork wall covering lends itself well to mid-century modern decor. Source: Hartmann & Forbes.  Anna French’s white cork wallpaper resembles birch bark. Thibaut’s Palm Springs Cork is stamped with a metallic gold overlay.  Cork flooring comes in an endless array of colors. This pistachio sample via APC Cork. BBS-AG produces this chic white plank flooring.