Leafing through the pages of Barbara’s apartment in Architectural Digest and it’s clear that her New York home is a labour of love. Every square foot of the beautiful interior was planned and designed by Barabara. The sceptacular views across the East River of Manhatten might be breath taking but it’s Barabara’s collection of Biedermeier and Art Deco furniture that instantly catches the eye. The elegant and simple lines of the pieces, dotted throughout the many rooms of the apartment, may have been created for another era but their brilliance lies in the fact that the pieces look completely at ease in a modern setting. It is a design and style that is utterly timeless, a true classic which makes them such collectable and prized items.
Below is a quick fact file of all you need to know about Beiedermeier and Art Deco.
BIEDERMEIER
- Created in Germany and Austria between 1815 and 1848
- It’s blond wood designs, clean lines, intricate carvings and classical motifs are key characteristics
- Originally made for the emerging middle classes of the industrial revolution. The pieces are made for modest sized dwellings rather than the grand palaces of the aristocracy making them all the more appealing to the modern collector.
- Its popularity took off two decades ago but it has often been mistaken for Art Deco
ART DECO
- More an art movement rather than just a design of furniture
- It started as a reaction to the stark times of World War I and continued into the roaring twenties through to 1939
- Its style was heavily influenced by modern aviation, the ocean liner, the skyscraper, radio, the arts of Africa, Egypt and Mexico
- Its elegant modernity had an impact across the arts including architecture, interior design, film, fashion and painting
- Furniture was designed to fit into the new, sleek, modern interiors of skyscrapers and apartment blocks. Wood paneling, blond and dark woods, lacquer, geometric patterns, angular lines and inlaid detail became the signature of Art Deco furniture design.
- Lost its popularity when mass production brought gaudy knock offs onto the market. The arrival of World War II also accelerated its decline bringing an end to extravagant living.
Names to watch: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Jacques- Emile Ruhlmann and the company Sue & Mare.
Where to shop: Paris the flea markets at Clignancourt, London Alfie’s Market www.alfiesantiques.com, Brussels the antique shops of the Sablon neighbourhood
