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Though the house was contemporary,
the client brief for this room (opposite
page) was to create a collection of
international pieces from the 1950s, so
when it came time to select accessories,
we started first with historical research.
Since all of the furniture used either
gently curvilinear forms or strong pure
geometry, we also tried to select pieces
to repeat these shapes.
The table lamp is Italian, Salviati,
whose blown glass teardrop geometry
appears to curve with the ombre
coloration. A pair of serpentine
Marion Anderson Noyes silver
candlesticks for Towle 1955 contrast
with the flat plane of the dining table
top. Conversely, the amber Paul Kedelv
Flygsfor Coquille bowl seems to repeat
the exact shape of the flanking lounge
chairs. The period glass bottles and
vases were chosen for their strong
geometry and matching coloration.
When considering a contemporary
space and the scale of that space, a few
bold pieces used sparingly ensure a
modern feeling through contrast and
impact, even if the items are hundreds
of years old. Accessories do not have to
be modern to support a modern décor.
This family room bookcase in a
midcentury restoration is new but is
based on the details of the period
architecture. The homeowner had a
tiny collection of pottery that she had
collected. Building on her three or
four interesting “studio” pieces, we
expanded the collection with both
valuable collectibles and “funky finds.”
All are of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s
era. A single turquoise vase adds a jolt
to the otherwise neutral palette.
–
Photos by George Dzharistos