Painterly pieces

From the dreamy to the quirky to the sophisticated, painted furniture adds just the right stroke to a room.With as much charm as a treasured family heirloom, a scene of colonial life in America, from Hamptons Antique Galleries through 1stdibs.

The surprise of brilliant blue makes the Armoire from David Michael Furniture striking indeed.

Imagine a pair of Patina's Loire Tables as nightstands; simply sweet.

The Harlequin Hall Cabinet from Grange, also available in pink and black!

Beautiful posies ring the Floral Mirror from Julia Gray, Ltd.

Witty to a fault and extraordinarily detailed, the Piccadilly Table by MacKenzie-Childs.

No sunnier way to start the day than breakfast at this happy Pedestal Table by Brighton Pavilion/Jane Keltner Collection.

A recamier by any other name...

...and actually, known by many other names; fainting couch, dormeuse, day bed, chaise longues. From the sleek to the fantastical, all are wonderfully functional, decorative and can be used in a variety of settings.

The classic Barcelona Couch by Mies van der Rohe, manufactured by Knoll in accordance with the exacting specifications of the 1930 original, through Design Within Reach.

Cleverly adjustable bolster cushions highlight the contemporary beauty of the chaise by Kevin Walz for Ralph Pucci.

With skirt or without, with button tufting or without, the Andante by Kravet offers almost limitless choices with 60,000 fabric options, or COM.

The sinuous curves of the one of a kind Boudoir Chaise in wool challis with chenille lumbar pillow at Irwin Feld Design.

The unusual Root Wood Recamier, c. 1890, at George N. Antiques through 1st dibs.

Thomas Pheasant brings classic style to his Paris Chaise Lounge for Baker.

A Louis XVI style dormeuse by David Michael.

Louis, Louis, Louis

Thought I might share a couple of words and examples to highlight the differences of the fabulous French periods known as Louis XIV, XV, and XVI.

Though it was originally brought to France by Catherine de Medici, the Italian bride of King Henri II, it was Louis XIV (reign 1643-1715), the Sun King, that made the Baroque style blossom into the first of the great court styles, with the Palace of Versailles being the greatest example. Exemplified by magnificence, majesty, monumental scale, gilding and over-the-top opulence. The colors were lush and saturated, the textiles richly patterned and sumptuous. This period was the first true expression of French decorative style.

Carved and gilded Center Table, offered by East & Orient Company through 1stdibs.com

Exposed wood Arm Chair by Taylor King.

The young Louis XV (reign 1715-1774) moved the court from Versailles to Paris, and the Rococo period began with a flourish of curves, cabrioles and a more intimate scale. As Baroque was a style of the court, Rococo belonged to the nobility, and the royal mistress, Madame Pompadour, was the gracious and elegant leading lady. Charm, luxury, the naturalistic motifs of shells, fish and foliage, and a more restrained color palette of warm pastels marked this period. The textiles were luxurious, but light.

Louis XV Sofa by Louis J. Solomon

Rosewood Writing Desk with brass ormolus and leather top by David Michael

Marking a return to classic traditions and styles, Neoclassicism coincided with the reign of Louis XVI (1774-1793) and his queen, Marie Antoinette. Gracious elegance, symmetry, straight lines, classical motifs and generous scale were the hallmarks. Case pieces saw intricate marquetry and reeded or fluted legs. The colors were a livelier version of the ice-cream palette of the Rococo, with beautiful silks, damasks and velvets providing lush formality.

Parcel Gilt Dining Table by DessinFournir

Celine Medallion Back Chair by French Heritage

There is really nothing quite like French style, no matter what century!