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"French Neoclassical Styles: A Basis For the Right Mix" with text by Cynthia and Jean-Marc Fray.
Featured in the March-April 2007 issue of Texas Home and Living magazine.

Neoclassical Styles:  A Basis for the Right Mix

by Cynthia and Jean-Marc Fray

In the middle of the 18th century, as the Rococo style of the Louis XV period reaches its pinnacle (and thus begins its decline ...), Herculaneum and Pompeii are discovered and the art world is forever changed. These incredible archaeological finds become a tremendous source of inspiration for authors, poets and architects alike. The architecture alone reveals something of the character of the interiors of the time, but the furnishings depicted in the frescoes as well as the bronze furniture that survived the catastrophe clearly indicate that the ancient classical civilizations of Rome and Greece were societies of the most refined taste.

After 20 years of curves, arabesques and sinuous lines pushed to extremes, the intellectual elite are by now looking for something drastically different. This desire for change, at this particular time in history, leads to the rebirth of classical décor marked by pure, straight lines with many references to Roman and Greek design and architecture. As a result, a new form of furniture design-the neoclassical style-comes to dominate the world of French furniture.

As Louis XVI ascends the throne, eager to make his mark on his reign as well as a stylistic and regal statement, he takes advantage of this extraordinary movement and time in the history of the arts by adopting the lines of this newly emerging style as the official style of his court. And for the next 100 years, all furniture styles, including Directoire, Empire, Restoration and Louis Philippe, follow the rules of proportions and design defined during this time.

The spirit of this exciting period will not only shape 19th-century furniture design, but also project its influence well into the 20th century where French Art Deco, "the genesis of all modern furniture," is the best example.

It is no wonder then that all of the aforementioned styles, including Art Deco (and to a certain extent all clean-lined modern furniture) work so well together. This harmonious juxtaposition of styles, energized by more contemporary pieces and decorative arts, creates a very comfortable yet sophisticated look that is often referred to today as "The French Mix."

Quick Facts

Louis XVI: 1775 to 1790

The purest stylistic interpretation of Roman and Greek architecture and design, applied to 18thcentury furniture. Clean lines, fluted columns, carved friezes, oak and laurel leaf wreaths. Pieces to collect: painted armchairs and chairs, bergères, commodes, mirrors.

Directoire: 1780 to 1810

Louis XVI has lost his throne (his head, too) the country is now governed by a "Directory" of bloody revolutionaries. The lines are still very pure; functionality is predominant, with less detail and a more exotic influences coming from recent expeditions to Egypt. Pieces to collect: "guéridons" (pedestal tables), settees, day beds, oval dining tables and chairs

Empire: 1800 to 1820

Napoleon thinks he is Caesar ... and incorporates all the previous styles in an emphatic, bold, version of its own. Detached or engaged columns, bronzes, sphinx, goddesses, eagles, swans. ... We are in a megalomaniac Neoclassical "pantheon." The pieces are beautiful lots of mahogany coming to Paris via the Seine river from Central America. Pieces to collect: we will prefer pieces made of indigenous woods from the provinces of France (walnut, cherry wood, and other burled fruitwoods).

Restoration/Louis Philippe: 1815 to 1850

Napoleon has ruined the country and the Bourbons are back (the royal family is "restored"). The proportions of furniture are identical to the Empire period and the references are still very much influenced by the pure aesthetics of the Romans and the Greeks. Pieces to collect: chests of drawers (with or without marble tops), buffets, sideboards, mirrors, secretaries. (Note: although ideal, period pieces will be more expensive and harder to find; well made 19th century replicas are a good compromise as well as a good investment.)

Other Continental Neoclassical Styles

In the 18th and 19th century the French greatly influenced their neighbors. The Italians for example created beautiful classic pieces that integrate the "mix" beautifully. Some pieces made in Austria labeled under the Biedermeier style work equally well.

Materials

The Louis XVI and Empire periods display extensive use of mahogany, rosewood, tulipwood, satinwood and all exotic variations that prevail in the 18th century. But again, outside of Paris, pieces made of local woods are usually easier to mix for a more relaxed look. Walnut, cherry wood and light oak pieces that you will find more commonly come from the Directoire, Restoration, and Louis Philippe periods.

Finishes

For a more sophisticated and formal look, favor the sheen of French polish. If you prefer antiques a softer more relaxed approach, patined, waxed solid woods will be your favorites.

Creating Your Own Mix

After you've stretched your French neoclassical "canvas" with these main neoclassical pieces, you will have defined a certain style, displayed your knowledge of antiques and given your home an invaluable sense of luxury and soul in the foundation of its décor. Then you can bring in the personal touches that directly reflect you, your experiences, your persona (accent pieces, art, collections, accessories, textiles, etc.). Forged and gilded iron from Spain (floor lamps, chandeliers, side tables), Murano glass from Italy (vases, lamps, chandeliers) and French 1930s brass and glass side tables and other French Art Deco guéridons and nesting tables are favorites of ours.

Ultimately, you will define for yourself what pleases you most in accessorizing your French neoclassical interior. The important thing to remember, as world-renowned hotel entrepreneur and designer Ian Schraeger points out in a recent Architectural Digest review, is that "luxury is not a brand name with an expensive price tag, or a logo on a handbag, it is your own experience."