Thu 29 Oct 2009
Daily, on the DesignQuotient™ blog, DesignCoach™ Designer James Swan tests your knowledge about the worlds of decorating and design.
We’re always looking for Good-Design-Daily
Today on the DesignCoach: Viva la France
While we dig deep into French terminology it’s a good time to brush up on our French history (just the high points). So let’s jump in when things kick into high gear; with The Sun King himself, Louis XIV. Ascended to the throne as a child of five he reigned for seventy-two years (1643-1715) first under the considerable control of Mazarin (regent) and later as absolute monarch. And what years they were! Under Louis XIV’s continuous influence the arts flourished to an extraordinary degree. The decorative arts, fueled by Louis vast wealth and his love of pomp and splendor elevated all things visual to a magnificence unknown since the days of the Roman Empire. Viva la France, indeed.
Bombe’- A swelling curve; when applied to the front of a piece of furniture, it swells outward toward the center, at which point it recedes again.
Bonheur-du-jour- A small desk with a cabinet top.
Bonnetière- Hat cabinet.
Bouillotte- A small table with gallery edge also a foot-warmer (Louis XVI)
Boiserie- Carved woodwork.
Bronze-dore- Gilded bronze.
Buffet- Sideboard or cupboard (Gothic and later).
Bureau- Desk
Bureau-a-cylindre- Roll-top desk.
Bureau-a-pente- Folding slant-lid desk.
Always look for Good-Design-Daily
