Frill Seekers2/12/2019  Max Rollitt: An Upholstered Victorian Nursing Chair Max Rollitt does it, Tara Craig does it, so let’s all do it and fall in love with trims and tassels. Decorative tasselled skirt and tapestry panels are beautifully worn by Max Rollitt’s 19th century nursing chair in its original red velvet upholstery. This charming antique chair exudes materiality and although for domestic intention and grounded in tradition, it is lifted by flair and wit.  Max Rollitt: A Victorian Silk Damask Hanging embellished with fringing Passementerie was originally applied to disguise seams and edges of textile hangings and cushions but over time became more ornamental. Frills and flounces found favour in fashion. These embellishments give traditional upholstery a sense of couture. I am a forlorn sewer, but have always loved its lexicon. Pin tucks, ruffles, macramé. Fashion and furnishings cross borders easily.  Ensemblier Atelier: Montbray Headboard seen here with tasseled cushion (image by Natalie Dinham featuring Victoria Stainow Ceramique table lamps) No one makes upholstered pieces quite as beautifully as Ensemblier, a young accomplished British brand that champions craftsmanship and sustainability. The latest models give a nod to a new breed of heritage glamour with curved shapes, and interlaced with feminine frills and fringing. Ensemblier’s upholstered pieces are distinguished by Tara Craig’s hawkish eye for detail. Often based on exquisitely preserved British furniture, but heritage in her hands is tres chic.  Ensemblier Atelier: Selton (image by Natalie Dinham featuring Victoria Stainow Ceramique table lamps) The beautifully upholstered Selton sofa with its tight bodice back has a full gathered skirt. Inspired by 19th century French and mid 20th century settles and intended for a bedroom as a reading sofa or end of bed sofa, it also makes a pretty settee for a small drawing room.  Ensemblier Atelier: Twisleton (image by Natalie Dinham featuring Victoria Stainow Bamboo table lamps) The Twisleton armchair inspired by the French cocktail chairs of the 1930s. A comfortable little armchair that is a friend to posture and fit for informal film watching. To make it more fun, it has an ingenious turning circle and beautiful bespoke fringing punctuated with jewel-coloured studs. Indulge in frippery. Fringes and frills may well disguise seams but they also soften lines, offer opulence and create an air of irreverence to lighten our interior mood. We all need something to be cheerful about these days. Comments are closed.
|