Dear ATNY: These chairs have been sitting for a few months in my favorite local second-hand furniture shop. Yep, brass Wassily chairs with grey leather (knock-offs, to be sure). Maybe they should be called Wasilly chairs, because they sure are. Anyway, any ideas on how to decorate with these? I have a clean slate (white walls, light-colored wall-to-wall carpet. I haven't purchased them (yet), because frankly I'm blank on decorating with brass. Thanks, Susan
These could definitely be put to good use! They'd be a great fit for an 80s inspired design like the latest from Kelly Wearstler or an inexpensive alternative to the designs found at Manhattan dealer Lobel Modern.
Anyone have ideas for Susan?
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Comments (10)
These could be replated in chrome.
You could strip these chairs down to shiny steel in just a few hours: http://stylenorth.ca/blog/2008/06/do-it-yourself-electroplate-stripping/
Here's another post on the same process: http://stylenorth.ca/blog/2009/01/cheap-thrills-just-add-elbow-grease/
mixing metals can look great, if the price is right and they are comfortable then go for it!
Leave the brass alone! And bring in some teal. Mix in some marble finishes. I think it will look extremely classy.
I just saw this combo at Club 50 at the new Viceroy Hotel in Miami. The place is stunning with no chrome in sight. Hollywood Regency with a modern twist.
I think there are definitely ways to pay homage to the design without seeming dated (by the brass). And, I totally agree with Donald in P-town that mixing metals can be cool.
I am a designer and recently finished a room where I mixed old antiques (with gold leafing) and more modern chrome pieces, then married them in framing my artwork in a very simple, clean-lined gold and silver frame. I think its all about balance. As far as the rest of the room, the wall to wall carpet makes it tricky, but if its not a plush then try throwing down a smaller area rug to create the conversational area (almost ignoring the carpet as if it were hardwoods.) Then use the Wassily chairs to help frame out the seating area. When working with the grey, try to steer clear of color palettes that are "totally 80's" and choose colors and other peices of furniture that are not trying to necessarily make an impact. The Europeans have such a cool way of throwing together antiques, modern pieces and ikea, so that the end result looks so effortlessly cool, yet chic. These chairs could be the beginning of a beautiful room.
Did you know that the inspiration for this 1930's design came from a bicycle? I have one (my brother gave me one of his pair - the real deal) in my small studio. It keeps the room from looking heavy as I have mostly brown wood furniture. It is also surprisingly comfortable. A few years ago Knoll reissued the chair in different colors. It is a classic design. Enjoy.
I love these! We have several of the "real" Wassily chairs in my family, and they've always felt a little... "dominant" to me. I think the warm gray and brass combination would be much easier to introduce to a comfortable living space. Don't do anything to the brass just yet- live with them for a while and THEN make your decision.
And I would stay away from going matchy-matchy with your other furnishings. Don't imagine that because these are brass you'll be stuck "decorating with brass." Use these as a point of contrast for softer furniture and other metallics. These would look gorgeous paired with wood tones. Maybe a rich purple as your accent color?
Seriously though, snap these up.
I don't know... if you're ambivalent about them now, why waste the money and space in your home? I think of it like buying a sweater that looks cool on the hanger, but isn't especially flattering and doesn't go with anything else in your closet. You'll probably never wear it, and it'll just sit there, getting in your way and making you feel bad every time you look at it.
Hmmm. I think I might like these more than real Wassily chairs!
I'd love to see them in a B&W room with lots of natural textures (chunky wools, bleached linen, etc.) and wood tones. Anything that contrasts the softness of the gray/brass.
Imagine them in a room like this!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/doorsixteen/2806275013/
I agree. These are very cool and unique, possibly better than "real" Wassily chairs. You really can't go wrong with these. Definitely do a mix of textures and don't add any more brass to the room. Black and white would look great and I love the idea of playing them up with a Hollywood Regency bent too.