Rustic And Royal

Indecision has always been a failing of mine. So often I can see the benefits or downfalls of multiple options when given a choice, I remain frozen in the flurry of complexity and grey areas, completely unable to make a firm decision. The final act of making the decision can feel more like the toss of a coin rather than a deliberate preference as I am forced to choose from the depths of overwhelm with crowds of competing and viable possibilities. Preparing this newsletter was one of those moments and I have decided to trial a novel solution and use both options.

Perhaps a choice is often influenced by mood rather than a singular abiding conviction. I find that I am drawn to both rusticity and refinement when choosing pieces for Haunt and home. Some days I am completely charmed by the primitive, honest lines and craft of a rustic table or chair, the simplicity, imperfection and natural warmth of the wood somehow adding up to a curious and comforting perfection - a lesson in sublimity lying in simplicity.  At other times my head will be turned and my imagination ignited by the exquisite detailing, luxury materials and exemplary workmanship of a prestige piece.  It’s magnificence reminds us of the hours spent and the remarkable skill employed to create such a piece - it’s existence and safe passage through time is a tribute to the astonishing splendour and creativity of human endeavour and expresses our collective yearning for beauty.

I am reminded of the Hameau de la Reine at Versailles, Marie Antoinette’s rustic, pastoral retreat where she wore simple clothes, tended animals and entertained close friends - a treasured refuge from her gilt encrusted and responsibility laden existence at the palace of Versailles. Even a queen it seems, can wake up in a velvet draped, feather plumped bed with the morning sunlight dancing on the gilded mirrors, delicate boiserie and rosewood commodes surrounded by courtiers ready to tend to her every whim and know that she needs an antidote - the scrunch of mud, the bleat of a sheep, the simple, grubby earthiness of it all that reassures us that we are indeed alive.

I am sure that I will spend my life oscillating between both rustic and refined, finding an idiosyncratic way of combining the two - like the Yin and Yang of interiors, two very different styles but together they form an aesthetic harmony which satisfies the dichotomy inherent in my own predilection. A conflict that I suspect, is not that uncommon.
So, I choose not to choose and I have featured both an elegant French, bureau plat and a humble housekeeper’s cupboard.

This beautiful desk exhibits formidable 19th century workmanship - the desk sits lightly on Louis 15 style serpentine legs, it is finished in ebony veneer and decorated with excellent quality ormolu. The desk top is inlaid with original tooled leather in a jewel like aquamarine colouring and there is a secret drawer in which to hide one’s billets doux. Working at this desk you would be constantly reminded of the lofty ideals of the past which would perhaps gently influence any contemporary project or pursuit.

The provenance of the 19th century housekeeper’s cupboard is in Lyon. It came from a school where it was used by the housekeeper - his or her timetable is still pinned to an inside door. The terracotta painted finish provides a superb palette to play with colour in a modern interior - the paint is time worn and charming.  Utilitarian, honest and beautiful - a wonderfully useable and decorative storage solution for a kitchen, dining room, studio or study.Indecision has always been a failing of mine. So often I can see the benefits or downfalls of multiple options when given a choice, I remain frozen in the flurry of complexity and grey areas, completely unable to make a firm decision. The final act of making the decision can feel more like the toss of a coin rather than a deliberate preference as I am forced to choose from the depths of overwhelm with crowds of competing and viable possibilities. Preparing this newsletter was one of those moments and I have decided to trial a novel solution and use both options.

Perhaps a choice is often influenced by mood rather than a singular abiding conviction. I find that I am drawn to both rusticity and refinement when choosing pieces for Haunt and home. Some days I am completely charmed by the primitive, honest lines and craft of a rustic table or chair, the simplicity, imperfection and natural warmth of the wood somehow adding up to a curious and comforting perfection - a lesson in sublimity lying in simplicity.  At other times my head will be turned and my imagination ignited by the exquisite detailing, luxury materials and exemplary workmanship of a prestige piece.  It’s magnificence reminds us of the hours spent and the remarkable skill employed to create such a piece - it’s existence and safe passage through time is a tribute to the astonishing splendour and creativity of human endeavour and expresses our collective yearning for beauty.

I am reminded of the Hameau de la Reine at Versailles, Marie Antoinette’s rustic, pastoral retreat where she wore simple clothes, tended animals and entertained close friends - a treasured refuge from her gilt encrusted and responsibility laden existence at the palace of Versailles. Even a queen it seems, can wake up in a velvet draped, feather plumped bed with the morning sunlight dancing on the gilded mirrors, delicate boiserie and rosewood commodes surrounded by courtiers ready to tend to her every whim and know that she needs an antidote - the scrunch of mud, the bleat of a sheep, the simple, grubby earthiness of it all that reassures us that we are indeed alive.

I am sure that I will spend my life oscillating between both rustic and refined, finding an idiosyncratic way of combining the two - like the Yin and Yang of interiors, two very different styles but together they form an aesthetic harmony which satisfies the dichotomy inherent in my own predilection. A conflict that I suspect, is not that uncommon.
So, I choose not to choose and I have featured both an elegant French, bureau plat and a humble housekeeper’s cupboard.

This beautiful desk exhibits formidable 19th century workmanship - the desk sits lightly on Louis 15 style serpentine legs, it is finished in ebony veneer and decorated with excellent quality ormolu. The desk top is inlaid with original tooled leather in a jewel like aquamarine colouring and there is a secret drawer in which to hide one’s billets doux. Working at this desk you would be constantly reminded of the lofty ideals of the past which would perhaps gently influence any contemporary project or pursuit.

The provenance of the 19th century housekeeper’s cupboard is in Lyon. It came from a school where it was used by the housekeeper - his or her timetable is still pinned to an inside door. The terracotta painted finish provides a superb palette to play with colour in a modern interior - the paint is time worn and charming.  Utilitarian, honest and beautiful - a wonderfully useable and decorative storage solution for a kitchen, dining room, studio or study.

To read the full version of the newsletter Rustic And Royal please follow this link https://mailchi.mp/7a5f8ce07a7d/rustic-and-royal