When it comes to choosing a design style, it can be difficult to strike a good balance between new and old, traditional and modern, subdued and ostentatious. You may be turned off by the gaudy frill of rococo and romantic decor, but at the same time you may not be ready to commit to the sleek severity of contemporary urban chic. Consider a compromise of utility and style. Go classic–or rather, go neoclassic.
Simple Harmony
The neoclassical movement began in the mid eighteenth century as an about-face from the noisy complexity of the baroque and rococo styles. It values simplicity and symmetry, beauty built on structure rather than ornamentation. The word ‘neoclassical’ comes from the fact that the movement itself was a revival–a resurgence of ancient classical ideals. In art, architecture, and philosophy, Greek and Roman culture valued harmony and unity, and that is obvious in the works they produced. Neoclassic is great if you’re going for decor that won’t stand out overwhelmingly as ‘old-fashioned’ or ‘vintage’. There is a timeless quality to this style.
The Touch of a Master
One of the most famous furniture manufacturers of the neoclassic era was Duncan Phyfe, a Scottish cabinetmaker who immigrated to the United States in the late eighteenth century. His signature furniture centered around sturdy quality and simplicity, and adhered to many of the rules of neoclassic style, although he wasn’t trying to copy it in any official capacity. It was more a style that filtered out into the general aesthetic of the time period than a set of bullet points. Duncan Phyfe’s furniture is now in many museums and personal antique collections, but you can see the influence of his work in many modern American styles.
Desert Chic
Technically, ancient Egyptian-inspired furniture doesn’t fall under the heading of ‘classical revival’ because the kingdom of Egypt wasn’t part of the classical period–that extends from the Persian wars to the rule of Alexander the Great–but neoclassical was a style that borrowed from a variety of different cultures and artistic movements, and if the great masters could do it, I give you permission to do it in your own living room. Despite the cultural confusion, this chair is a great example of the style–the scrolled legs, simple design, and perfect symmetry.
Lounge Like a King
Obviously this isn’t a Duncan Phyfe original, because those are populate museums, antique collections, and the White House. But it has some definite neoclassical elements. The scrolled arms, the symmetry in the decoration, the ridged upholstery. To me it calls to mind both a throne and a reclining couch. The delicate little feet are an especially nice touch.
Motion and Music
A recurring theme in neoclassical furniture are the elegant curves of the ‘Sheraton’ style chair, or the double-Saber curve of this end-table’s legs. Many of Phyfe’s pieces, as well as other furniture that emulate the period’s style, call to mind the elegance of a musical instruments–the subtle curve of the harp or simplicity of the lute. These shapes give a touch of old-world feel without ever calling too much attention to themselves. Toscano is a great manufacturer for this style.
Whether you’re going for a motif throughout your entire home, or just trying to make a statement with a few accent pieces, the neoclassialc style is clean, simple, and easy on the eyes. The traditional feel of dark wood and elegant lines bring a hint of sophistication, while never going over the top.
