SCLgram -- Design Fact -- Tete-a-Tete

"Tete-a-tete" means a private conversation between two people.  It stems from the French word "tete" which means "head".  So think of two people facing each other, with their heads close in private conversation.  Now imagine a piece of furniture perfectly suited for this situation and you will grasp the concept of the "tete-a-tete" sofa or chair.

The "tete-a-tete" sofa or chair is designed for two people to sit comfortably on the same piece of furniture and is shaped so that a back cushion supports each person.  The design allows them to face each other while still being engaged with the rest of the room...if they choose.

Tete-a-tete sofa from Currey & Co.

Social sofa from Wesley Hall

Tete-a-tete chair

Modern tete-a-tete chair

Associated Posts:
French Lessons -- Demi-Lune
French Lessons -- Chinoiserie

SCLgram -- Design Fact -- Demi-Lune

Traditional style

Demi-Lune is a French term and literally means "half moon".  In the world of interior design, Demi-Lune is also a term used to describe a category of small, delicate tables that look like a round table cut in half.  The back is flat so it can fit snugly against a wall, while the front is round.  Demi-Lune tables are versatile and have stood the test of time on their beautifully tapered legs.

Metallic flair

Contemporary style

Modern style

Associated Posts:
French Lessons -- Tete-a-Tete
French Lessons -- Chinoiserie

SCLgram -- Design Fact -- Chinoiserie

Chinoiserie stems from the French word Chinois that means Chinese. Chinoiserie or "in the Chinese taste" is a category of decorative arts that became very popular during the 17th and 18th century as Europeans explored trade routes to Asia.  The Chinoiserie style is recognized by its beautiful and detailed scenes of life in the Orient.

There is also a significant emphasis on decorative painting and lacquers.  Chinoiserie is still incredibly popular today and can be seen in the world of interior design as well as fashion.

Modern representation

Collage of Chinoiserie style

Associated Posts:
French Lessons - Demi-Lune
French Lessons - Tete-a-Tete

SCLgram -- Sunrooms

Is there any room more appealing in a house than a beautiful, bright sunroom...especially in February?

We recently put the finishing touches on a sunroom for clients who wanted a space for entertaining, dining, relaxing and enjoying the natural light all day long.

This was a large room with lots of windows and a tile floor.  Even though it was a sunroom, it felt cold and unwelcoming.  We solved that by defining the space with two distinct areas that worked well together--a comfortable seating area for gathering and conversation, and a dining area with a round table and upholstered chairs.  The table and chairs are also perfect for playing games, working on a laptop or having a book discussion.

Beautiful, bright sunroom!

We went with a simple and sophisticated palette of neutral fabrics with pops of color in navy and chocolate.  We layered texture by using natural fabrics, a grass cloth console table and a natural sisal rug.

Versatile dining area!

The result is a warm, sophisticated and comfortable room that invites its owners to relax and soak up the sun.


Associated Posts:
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