Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Sitting with the King of France

 
Modern chairs clear backs

Photography and text by Corey Amaro

What happens when you take an old piece and give it a modern twist? What happens when the old things you love invite you to see them in a new way. What happens when creativity guides you, and history allows itself to be reinvented?

What happens?

These Louis Sixteenth style chairs have had the back medallion removed and Plexiglass added. The seats are reupholstered in silk-velvet, bold colored stripe fabric.

 

Re-purposing, Restoring, Re-inventing equals Recycling at its finest.

Genius creativity.

 

Chair modern

 

Louis sixteenth style: "Louis XVI, or Neoclassical style began to take root before the death of Louis XV in 1774. Madame de Pompadour and her brother, the Marquis de Marigny, were among the first to be attracted by the new classical style in the 1750s. From 1748 onward the characteristically French regard for formality was stimulated by the archaeological discoveries at the sites of the ancient Roman…" From the Britannica.

Imagine Madame de Pompadour, sitting with the King of France reinventing the chair of their time, with reflections of ancient Rome.

Is there anything new under the sun, or are we simply influenced by the beauty and creativity around us?

 

 

  Louis sixteenth style chairs

The other day at an antique shop in Barjols I saw these Louis sixteeth style chairs with their twist of modernity. Isn't it intriguing when we can see something in a new way which allows our creative wheels to turn?

 

 

 

Comments

32 responses to “Sitting with the King of France”

  1. Shelley Noble

    Super successful design that. Bravo.

    Reply
  2. Gina

    Now there’s a new idea, I think. Plexiglass. I have the same chairs only mine are covered in hand block printed chintz.

    Reply
  3. Di Overton

    A French version of Ghost Furniture?
    Di
    xx

    Reply
  4. Amanda May

    Fabulous chairs! Those stripes with the scrolls and tacks of the formal chair are absolutely perfect. It would take some guts to think of doing this, though. I think I would be discouraged by the possibility of ruining the chairs, but these are a good reminder of what is possible!

    Reply
  5. Kathie B

    Please forgive an ignorant question: Are these chairs sturdy enough for regular daily use, or are they strictly for art (not that there’s anything wrong with that)?
    Corey, how do you celebrate Thanksgiving Day in France? Or do you? Do you gather with other US expats? Or host a few local friends so you can share our custom with them? In any event, have a great day tomorrow!
    °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
    Hi Kathie,
    Amazingly so, the chairs are sturdy. Things of quality last.
    Regarding Thanksgiving: We don’t eat turkey, not tofurky.
    We usually celebrate Thanksgiving with a family friend. But tomorrow, without Chelsea nor Sacha, nor Yann (due to a meeting.) I will be celebrating alone… if this were my first or second year in France I would be sad. But after all this time, Thanksgiving doesn’t have the same pull on my heartstrings. That doesn’t mean I don’t care, because I do… but the emotional pull isn’t as strong. Thanksgiving will be in my heart and mind and in my prayers.
    While I type this Yann is on the phone talking to Chelsea and Sacha who are at my Mother’s preparing for tomorrow… they are tasting the JOY, the LOVE, the BLESSING of Thanksgiving in Willows. What a feast, and that makes me happily thankful!
    C

    Reply
  6. Alan

    Awesome and bold design

    Reply
  7. Penny

    Love it! Why not make a new use out of an old one? Better than not using it at all. I love the contrast in Louis’ chairs and the bold statement the upholstery and plexiglass make. Fit for a king or a queen – or a humble commoner like me!

    Reply
  8. Brenda L from TN

    Nothing that is beautiful and tasteful EVER goes out of style….NOT EVER!!!

    Reply
  9. Laura

    Oh, wow. Part of me loves them and part of me is ashamed to say so!

    Reply
  10. Judi

    Love it! couldn’t live with it, but love it nonetheless…

    Reply
  11. Jo

    Super cool twist on a classic chair! Love how the nail head trim frames the plexiglass.

    Reply
  12. Kiki

    chairs telling a story – and you, the Godmother of story telling – do it even better… 😉 I love this idea – what a brilliant design brainwave!
    I have a number of chairs telling stories; and I re-tell them later after I have re-upholstered and beautified them… – in UK I was once called by a friend ‘Kiki is God’s waiting room for unloved chairs’… I can’t let them be when they look so sad and unloved – but later I have to pass them on because if you can’t sit anymore for all the chairs standing about… the fun ends quickly!

    Reply
  13. Sharon, Morrison Mercantile

    Not a fan of this restoration. I am just not a modern girl. Give me tradition any day. I do love the fabric though.

    Reply
  14. Franca Bollo

    Je like ’em, beaucoup.

    Reply
  15. naomi

    I think they are surprising and lovely.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you!

    Reply
  16. Laurie SF

    Plexiglass? Guillotine! Charmed by the fabric. Beautiful.

    Reply
  17. christine

    Could it be that someone has a backless dress to show off?
    °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
    Hi Christine,
    LOL, Now there is a thought that didn’t enter my mind about these chairs!
    C

    Reply
  18. Liz

    I generally like repurposing, but this doesn’t work for me. Nice fabric though.

    Reply
  19. Vickie

    I’d like to twist a few old things if ya know what I mean!

    Reply
  20. Kathie B.

    Aw, Corey, I’m glad your kids are with you Mom for Thanksgiving — will this be their first in America? We’ll all be here for you virtually tomorrow 🙂

    Reply
  21. Jenna

    Beautiful fabric, like Joseph’s coat.

    Reply
  22. Limner

    I would faint on cue if it would get me five yards of that fabric! 🙂 Is gorgeous. Not in love with the plexiglas back though. It’s a novelty but . . . And daring. Daring! That’s the word. Love those colors in that fabric too-too much. Reminds me of the ribbons caftan I dream about. Thanks for proving such fabrics exist.

    Reply
  23. littlebadwolf

    peek-a-boo, and tres chic!

    Reply
  24. jend’isère

    Intriguing plexiglass. It is framed like a mirror, adapting to each guest.
    PS. Would they be a sitter or sitée?

    Reply
  25. Irina

    well, not for me though, still prefer original.

    Reply
  26. heurebleu

    Ha!
    Thanks for the interesting reminder of historical significance…I find it amusing to think that Madame de Pompadour may have considered it a venture into a new erotic expression if she did this to her chairs. My comments very late after a lovely glass of wine. :-}

    Reply
  27. heurebleu

    By the way Corey, I have not been with beloved family for years…even with children for holidays…I celebrate on days that I do see them and don’t let calendars dictate when I can be happy or grateful. Hope to see you in February.

    Reply
  28. michelleb.

    I love them.

    Reply
  29. Brenda

    That is my love of old things! The past re-purposed! These are things you se in Kindred Hearts Antiques and Gifts, Walker, LA 70785, Plan a visit! I’d love it!

    Reply
  30. Hasmin Cannon

    Modern twist…loving the rich colors, and the plexiglass…cool idea.

    Reply
  31. ellen cassilly

    Love the fabric. Not wild about the plexi. Ellen

    Reply
  32. Alexis

    oh!! I love those chairs! Great idea!

    Reply

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