Please help us extend a very warm and Southern welcome to Anne of The City Sage! We were absolutely thrilled when this busy and talented blogger agreed to be a part of our guest series. (Hop on over to her popular blog and you’ll see why!) With At Home in Arkansas’ readers in mind, she styled three brilliant rooms around one of our favorite pieces of furniture: the classic Louis XV! It just goes to show what you can do design-wise when you’re working with a classic. Keep her tips in mind as you spruce up your homes for the ensuing holiday parties… your guests will be thoroughly impressed.
Over to you, Anne!
You know how some women have a thing for shoes, or a thing for purses? Well, I have a thing for chairs; I cannot pass a furniture store without pressing my nose against the windows and drooling over the lovely seating within. And the style that holds a special place in my heart is the Louis XV chair. Known for its graceful curves and delicate scale, it boasts versatility, comfort, and enduring good looks. No matter what your existing decor, you can’t go wrong with a Louis XV!
This dignified Louis XV feels right at home in a dining room with traditional leanings. A sturdy yet graceful pedestal table has heirloom potential, while wood and wrought iron shelving looks borrowed from a Parisian atelier. The black shades on this chandelier inject a touch of sophisticated drama, and accessories like framed nature prints and a classical statue add to the polished effect. Stock up on unique tableware–linens and dishes in buttery yellow, brass candlesticks, horn serving spoons, and a bunny salt and pepper set–to create a setting that is at once elegant and inviting. When can I come for dinner?
This oak and red linen Louis XV couldn’t be more fabulous if it tried! Let it take center stage by pairing it with a quietly sultry sofa. Gilt tripod tables and a Greek key lamp reference Hollywood’s golden era, while bright ikat pillows complement the chair’s whimsical sensibility. Cheeky storage boxes in juicy fruit punch hues are both practical and pretty. But watch out–that crocodile candle seems to be eyeing the zebra ottoman rather hungrily!
With its cane back and cream upholstery, this sweetly neutral Louis XV sets the tone for a welcoming entryway. A show-stopping console is sure to get noticed; top it with a shimmering mirror for those out-the-door lipstick checks. Swirling wall scones, mauve curtains and a plush floral rug further the ladylike mood. Indulge in girly luxe pieces such as a jeweled clock, pink bud vases, and a decoupage tray for storing odds ‘n’ ends. Finally, a vintage toast rack gets a new life as a letter sorter. Isn’t it romantic?
Image Credits: 1, 3. Gemma Commas 2. Shabby Chic 4. Domino 5. Mary McGee 6. House Beautiful 7. This Is Glamorous 8. Atlanta Bartlett
