Are you sitting uncomfortably?

When there are so many things in life that can be irksome, it is of course important to have chairs that are comfortable. I can't think that any of these seating options would fit the bill.

When I designed and had my furniture maker construct the sofas, armchairs and daybeds, they first drew life size images so that I could see the pieces in situ, and how they might fit in plan form. They then constructed the wooden frame of each piece, so I could get a better understanding of the dimensions in 3D. This step involved changing one set of armchairs because the width was incorrect. Finally the cushioning was installed and each piece tried for comfort, and pitch. Once approved, the last stage involved the fabric upholstery.

Each piece, although visually formal, is extremely comfortable. Seven years on they still look good, even if closer examination shows the effects of sun damage on fabric. Subdued lighting at night masks that completely, and as it's uniform, it is only noticeable to me.

Showcase

If this room looks like a showroom that's because it partly is. The owner is a dealer in essentially neoclassical pieces, displayed enticingly on the Mies van der Rohe table, which is paired with Le Corbusier armchairs. Bathed in the light afforded by the loft's large windows is a Biedermeier daybed, which mixes so easily with the modernity of the armchairs. And then another favourite, the architectural prints hanging above the dark lacquered Chinese screen, with its gold painting, capturing the golden hues of the entire room.

My only complaint, (and yes, I do have one), is that it would all come together much better with a rug of some description, which would define the sitting area and the dining area, (the latter with its Knoll 'Saarinen" table and Hoffman dining chairs).

Oh, and I would hang the blinds in a linear row, because I like things to be symmetrical. Of course.

Really old China

After the less than interesting pieces of furniture in Friday's post, I thought it only appropriate that there should be a treat.

In the top picture an elegant wooden settee with rattan-covered headrests is surrounded by exquisite fabrics from Fadini Borghi, with suitably regal colouring, although red was in fact the designated colour for the emperor; the lattice screens are backed in a perhaps more appropriate yellow.

The huanghuali latticework square-corner cabinet c. C17th-18th was offered for sale at Christies in Park Avenue in 1997 at USD60-80,000 although today it would certainly fetch considerably more.

Huanghuali (yellow flowering pearwood, a member of the rosewood family) is extremely rare and prices for pieces have risen considerably. In many cases the style and simplicity of the design is the joy of much of the work using this wood.