Furniture selection is essential to creating a truly elegant home, just as important as architectural details and color palettes. Careful selection can transform a space from functional to exquisite; selecting just the right pieces can transform it from utilitarian to exquisite, with each element feeling both purposeful and artfully chosen.
Just as iconic wallpaper designs from Brunschwig & Fils serve as sophisticated backdrops, iconic designer furniture from celebrated designers can elevate any room into works of art; furniture by such masterminds enliven any room while telling its own unique story of craftsmanship, history, and style that exudes elegance throughout every inch.
Brunschwig and Fils wallpaper brands have long set the standard for luxurious interiors, often mixing historic motifs with contemporary flair. Designer furniture follows suit; whether mixing mid-century modern pieces by Eames with classic French designs by Christian Liaigre or mixing minimalist Knoll with Kelly Wearstler pieces as the cornerstones of an elegant home is paramount - and in this blog we'll look at how curating iconic designer furniture that speaks both to your personal aesthetic as well as creating an enduring sense of luxury and sophistication will.
Understanding the Value of Iconic Designer Furniture
Before delving into curating, it's crucial to understand what makes iconic designer furniture valuable. Designer furniture transcends aesthetics; its value lies in craftsmanship, quality materials and innovation. Iconic pieces transcend trends while remaining timeless due to their exceptional design and function; often representing turning points in design history while becoming collectible works of art themselves.
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's iconic Barcelona Chair first seen at the 1929 International Exposition of Barcelona is still one of the most recognized pieces of modern furniture, while Hans Wegner's Wishbone Chair symbolizes the Danish Modern movement through its combination of organic form with exceptional craftsmanship.
By curating these pieces for your home, you are not just choosing furniture--you are creating an ode to history of design and your individual taste.
Tip 1: Anchor with Statement Pieces
Every elegant home requires some focal pieces that instantly grab attention, setting the scene and inspiring other decor decisions. These standout pieces should anchor each room and can serve as inspiration when curating iconic designer furniture - make sure they have both strong presence and an element of timelessness!
For example, when designing a formal living room, one way to begin designing is with an iconic piece like Vladimir Kagan's serpentine sofa - known for its organic yet sculptural form and luxurious seating as well as art in itself - from which all other elements will gravitate. A Saarinen Tulip table featuring its classic pedestal form would also serve as a statement piece in any dining room setting.
Brunschwig & Fils' vibrant botanical patterns or de Gournay's hand-painted murals add depth and texture to walls, making these iconic pieces even more prominent.
Tip #2: Open to Different Eras and Styles
A key to creating an elegant home lies in mixing various design styles from across time periods and aesthetics. A well-curated home embraces diversity as much as it does one aesthetic; juxtaposing mid century modern pieces with antique or even contemporary furniture results in an eclectic yet refined appearance.
Mixing old with new is key to creating stylish interiors; whether it's pairing an Eames Lounge Chair from mid-century modern times with a Louis XVI gilded mirror from Louis XVI France or pairing a sleek Jean Prouve daybed with two classic Knoll Platner armchairs from Knoll Platner series from Knoll. Combining both old and new items can help create an eclectic and layered effect which defines sophisticated interiors.
Luxury wallpaper from Cole & Son or Farrow & Ball can be the ideal way to achieve this aesthetic combination. Their modern interpretations of classic patterns provide continuity across different eras, enabling you to mix iconic furniture pieces without creating discordant visuals in the room.
Tip 3: Emphasize Craftsmanship and Material
At the core of luxury lies craftsmanship, so when selecting iconic designer furniture pieces it's crucial to prioritize those crafted from superior materials. Iconic pieces often earn their status thanks to both design and superior materials used during production.
Well-crafted pieces like Angelo Mangiarotti's marble table or Le Corbusier LC4 chaise longue will hold their beauty and functionality over time. Luxury brands such as Poltrona Frau, B&B Italia or Minotti often showcase exquisite materials like Italian leather, fine wood veneers or handwoven textiles in their furniture collections.
Textiles and wallcoverings add another layer of texture and richness to enhance the beauty of these materials. Brunschwig & Fils offer luxury fabrics and wallpapers used to upholster or accent designer furniture further elevating its luxuriousness in any given space.
Tip 4: Select Furniture That Suits the Scale of the Room
One of the most frequent mistakes in interior design is choosing furniture that doesn't complement the scale of its surroundings. Iconic designer pieces often boast bold forms; therefore it is crucial that their dimensions interact well with those of your space.
For large open plan living areas, Mario Bellini modular sofas could make an excellent combination of comfort and visual impact in a living area. But in smaller, more intimate spaces they may overpower the room - alternatively opt for smaller yet equally iconic pieces such as Pierre Jeanneret chairs or Fritz Hansen Egg Chairs instead.
Scale also applies to wallpaper and textiles, where larger spaces could benefit from bolder wallcoverings like Zuber's panoramic wallpapers with their breathtaking landscapes. Meanwhile, smaller rooms might prefer subtle patterns, like Brunschwig & Fils' delicate chinoiserie designs to bring elegance without overshadowing a space.
Tip 5: Prioritize Functional Elegance
While aesthetics is certainly essential to furniture design, its primary purpose should always be used. Iconic designer pieces feature both beauty and functionality in their pieces that not only look striking but are also comfortable and useful.
Eames Lounge Chair's ergonomic design makes it both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, making it a fantastic addition to any reading nook or media room. Meanwhile, Ligne Roset Togo sofa's soft inviting form makes for casual yet luxurious seating that fits seamlessly into both modern and eclectic environments.
As you select furniture for your home, take into consideration how each piece will be utilized on a daily basis. Select items which combine elegance and function to ensure that your space becomes an inviting retreat where people can unwind in comfort.
Tip 6: Pay Attention to Details
Incorporating iconic designer furniture is all about attention to the small details; accessories, lighting, and accent pieces all play an integral part in creating a distinctive space.
Pairing an Isamu Noguchi coffee table with accessories by Tom Dixon such as metal vases or Georg Jensen silverware adds an additional level of sophistication to any room in your home. Furthermore, adding statement lighting such as Flos Arco lamps or chandeliers by Lindsey Adelman further emphasizes its luxurious atmosphere.
Utilizing high-end wallpaper from designer Brunschwig & Fils or Phillip Jeffries specializing in textured and woven wall coverings can add the final touches to your room design while providing the ideal setting for your furniture collection.
Final Thoughts
Curating iconic designer furniture for an elegant home is an engaging process that blends craftsmanship, style, and personal taste. By carefully selecting statement pieces from different eras and valuing quality materials over quantity when prioritizing functional items you can craft an opulent home that feels timeless yet luxurious. Remember it's not about filling rooms with expensive objects - rather creating cohesive, sophisticated spaces where each piece feels purposefully placed for optimal enjoyment of their environment.
