Want a room that is sweet, soft and delicate as whipped lavender cream? The rich details of French, 18 th century style, composed of light, delicate colours, accentuated by gold or silver patterns, make for a delightfully opulent summer look. The subtle pastel hues so typical of the period are prevented from being insipid by the contrasting textures or metallic designs, which often reflect nature. This look is very chic; playful, bright yet rather polished. It’s perfect if your front room is high ceilinged and benefits from plenty of light.
To start, re-upholster your chaise longue in a luxurious vanilla cream, with the archetypal foliage pattern of the era executed in a soft, textured velvet – try our beautiful Eleganza fabric. Next, heavy, rough silk drapes in the same hue as the sofa’s pattern, and sweet metallic cream swirls. Tie them with a braided silk golden tie, embellished with semi-precious tiger’s eye beads. An elegant pouffe in matching or similar fabric can finish your selection of furniture.
Why not pair your new curtains and upholstery with a vintage bird cage? Or else buy a cheap reproduction and use a plastic based spray paint to match it with the rest of your décor – a matte, duck egg blue would work perfectly. It’s better to be a little matchy matchy with this look; keep décor and accessories in the same colour, or style – or keep accessories very neutral, or better yet, metallic.
Picture via http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3A-_Bugia_candlestick_-.jpg
Candlesticks are another hot accessory, and surprisingly lovely ones are available everywhere – even mass emporiums like Ikea – bargain central for home wares. You have to wade through the brittle off white dinner plates and cheap waffle tea towels, but once there you’ll find exquisite lamps, beautifully cosy throws, armfuls o0f scented tea lights for a pound and affordable accessories which are absolutely ideal if you like to customise your home (if need ideas, check out Apartment Therapy, Martha Stewart or A Beautiful Mess, for easy yet ‘grown-up’ DIY projects).
So if you want to explore your inner Marie Antoinette, get in touch and we can give you a free no obligation quote for new upholstery.
