Orange

November means orange for us! We are kicking off with two images below of how stunning orange can look in any room. Enjoy.

Louis, Louis, and Louis

The furniture made during the reign of French kings Louis XIV, XV, and XVI is considered to be the royalty furniture of the world, but how can you tell the difference from one Louis to another?

Louis XIV's furniture was the Baroque era, rather grand and had rounded forms and curved lines, and included motifs like cornucopias, sphinxes, and architectural elements. Most of the woods used under his reign were ebony, walnut, and oak.

Louis XV's furniture was the Rococo era, much softer and feminine, and
included curves and chinoiserie, flowers, seashells, and gilt-bronze
ornaments. Many woods were used during this time and included beech,
walnut, and cherry.

Louis XVI furniture was the neoclassical era, light and simple, and included straight lines and fluted legs and was much less ornate. The furniture was typically finished in natural wood with mahogany.

Oxford Castle

Happy Halloween! In honor of Halloween today, here is a scary fact for you . . .

Oxford Castle is a very large and slightly damaged Norman medieval castle located in Oxfordshire, England. This castle was used as a place of incarceration from 1071 until the closure of HM Prison in 1996. The buildings have been preserved and are now open to the public. It is thought to be one of Britain’s most haunted buildings, and therefore frightening events, including Ghost Fest during the month of October, are offered.

Aubergine

Celebrating Aubergine...

Oyster Veneer

Have you ever wondered what Oyster Veneer means? Well, it is a labor intensive technique that was used to enhance exquisite furniture during the 17th Century. The technique resembles the cross cut wafers of a whole oyster shell, and therefore it is called Oyster Veneer. Oyster Veneer is produced by cross slicing or sawing wooden twigs or stems. The slices of this sewn veneer, show the year rings of the wood. By placing these slim stems in a uniform way, interesting patterns can be formed.

Fashionably Aubergine

We have two things to share this Friday. One, is if you are not familiar with the wonderful fashion blog, The Sartorialist, you should check it out! And, two, this amazing photograph came from this blog and highlights well our color of the month. Enjoy!

High Point, North Carolina

Ever wonder why you hear so many people in the interior design / furniture world speaking of traveling to High Point, NC . . . . . well, here is a little history behind why.

High Point, North Carolina, often called the “Furniture Capital of the World” is located in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina. High Point’s first furniture factory began in 1889 and in 1905 the High Point Furniture Exposition Company was created. Today, the High Point Market is the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world and measures over 11 million square feet in about 180 buildings. As of 2010, approximately 115,000 people reside in High Point. When the market is held, close to an additional 100,000 buyers and exhibitors from around the world arrive and visit the city. Amazing!