The Etagere

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, defines an etagere as "a piece of light furniture very similar to the English 'what-not', which was extensively made in France during the latter part of the 18th century. It consists of a series of stages or shelves for the reception of ornaments or other small articles. Like the what-not it was very often cornerwise in shape, and the best Louis XVI examples in exotic woods are exceedingly graceful and elegant.

In modern usage, an etagere often refers specifically to a long-legged shelf unit that fits over a bathroom toilet, also known as a space saver. Recently, I was commissioned to find an affordable etagere for a living room corner. The piece needed to be of a certain size and shape and not too fussy. The more modern etageres can be found in utilitarian versions and at very low prices in places like IKEA; but my client wasn't interested; she'd found a very expensive one in a magazine, so the quest was on.

While looking for the special etagere, I found another piece for a different client, as often is the case, but no etagere. As I searched, however, I was fascinated to see the many versions of this serviceable furniture and its many manifestations. Naturally looking for something someone has seen or imagined is a more difficult process, but as long as the client is patient, it is usually successful.

My own etagere, given to me by an elderly neighbor nearly 40 years ago, is similar to the piece pictured above. It used to hold delicate tea cups from great-grandmother; but recently, in an effort to simplify my life and household chores, such as dusting, I have filled my curly-cued etagere with simple serving pieces. The larger pieces occupy the lower, wider shelves and smaller pieces near the top. While before the piece looked quite at home with all of great grandmother's tea cups-- reminding me of a by-gone era--I am rather enjoying the simplicity of the serving pieces, and they are ever so much more handy for daily or special occasion use. The simplicity of the pieces allows for the delicate turned posts to stand out and can be admired for their craftsmanship, while the simple, but elegant serving pieces also get top billing.

There is never just one solution to a decorating problem and repurposing is the name of the game today as we all attempt to incorporate family heirlooms within our own personal aesthetic. I am always interested to see what my own family does with pieces they have inherited.

If you have a new piece and want to make it look more interesting, add moldings and new hardware; if you have an old piece and want to freshen it up, do the same, but go bold or go home! Paint is the easiest and most dramatic change you can make to an old or new piece.

http://www.designsrefined.net/

Santa Clarita resident Linda Hammond, a certified member of the Interior Redecorators Network is an experienced decorator specializing in one-day room makeovers. My company, Designs Refined works with you in your home to economically achieve a comfortable environment for you and your family. I am also available for the design of professional and home offices.

View the original article here

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.