One amazing word

Where to begin?  It is sometimes, no always, difficult for me to know where to begin with words.  Being a ‘visual’ person, I tend to know almost instantly what I like when I see it but if I have to describe in words why I like it my brain immediately freezes.  The beautiful flowing descriptive words that seem to come so easily to others struggle to come to the surface as they are faced with a major road block in my brain.

 

Here is a perfect example of a home that I immediately liked when I saw it but to say why exactly is difficult.  Possibly it is the calm and soothing pallet of white and grey.  The white floors and bed are a perfect backdrop to the beautiful grey door, basket and wool throw.

Maybe it is the simple furnishings, sparse yet appropriately scaled for the rooms. The white painted armoire and slip-covered sofa and chairs create a comfortable space for relaxing, reading and quite possibly watching a T.V. hidden behind the armoire doors. I can almost smell the pretty lilacs on the table.

 

The charm continues out to the little balcony with an antique folding chair and luscious green herbs for the kitchen.

So, as I hang my head in discouragement because of my inability to articulate with greater detail, beauty and eloquence, I can tell you that the sum of my feelings about this space can be described in one amazing word:  pulchritudinous. (I couldn't help myself :-) )

Images via: Skona Hem

Design Talent. Are we born with it or is it learned?

It is a question that I think about often as it relates to both interior and fashion design, and have concluded that it can be both an inherent gift and a learned skill.  Recently Annie, a friend of my daughters, supported this theory.  Annie was given the task of constructing a sculptural piece out of white paper bags.  The inspiration…a skeleton. 

Here is what this fabulously creative and incredibly talented teenager created with her inherent talent and the support of her Art Studio instructor.

She should be a contestant on Project Runway don't you think!!!

Photos Courtesy of:  Patty McCarthy

Product of the Day: Waxed Pine Five Drawer Chest

Waxed Pine Five Drawer Chest of Drawers - Denmark, Mid 19th Century
A beautifully finished waxed pine five drawer chest with ivory keyholes and embellished with simple columns flanking each side. Terminating with a simple yet beautiful serpentine apron and feet.

 

To learn more about this beautiful chest of drawers please call us at 1.888.344.3777 or visit us at www.avolli.com

Beautiful Danish Design

Yesterday I shared a beautiful Wikkelsø/Eilersen arm chair with you and today I would like to continue the theme of Danish design. 

Danish design has become incredibly popular in the US over the past ten years and has played a leading role in the contemporary interiors so fervently sought after by design enthusiasts.  The pieces I am sharing with you today are unique tables that ‘speak’ in a not so subtle way, to those who chose to ‘listen’ to the special yet subtle details in Scandinavian design. Not all the pieces have been created by notable designers but that does not make them less interesting.  It simply demonstrates the prolific Danish talent; not all of which became house hold names but are special non-the-less.

Holger Georg Jensen /Barrels Furniture Works
Round coffee table ~ Teak ~ Fine condition.
Height: 54cm ~ Diameter: 76cm

Danish design ~ Coffee table with three legs

Solid teak ~ Good condition

Height: 45.5 cm ~ Width: 63cm ~ Depth: 47cm

Danish design ~ Sewing table

Mahogany / cane ~ Nice condition

Height: 54cm ~ Width: 59cm ~ Depth: 44cm

Danish design ~ Palette shaped lamp table

Teak ~ Nice condition.

Danish design ~ Coffee table
Teak / form bøjet beech ~ Nice condition

Nest of tables ~ Rosewood

Fine condition

Height: 51cm ~ Width: 80cm ~ Depth: 39cm

If you are interested in acquiring any of these pieces, or pieces like them, please contact us at info@avolli.com.

Wikkelsø/Eilersen Armstol from Denmark

Wikkelsø/Eilersen Armstol from Denmark

While searching for a mid-century modern chair for a customer,
I came across this beautiful piece.
I was immediately struck by how familiar it looked.
Does it look familiar to you? 

Maybe this will help.

Eastward Chair by Thos. Moser

Or Maybe this one:  

Temple Arm Chair by W.A. Mitchell

What are your thoughts on how unique designs from the past play such a huge role in the inspiration of current design?  Is it okay to borrow ideas when creating something of ones own? 

I would love to hear your thoughts.