In 2015, VT is pleased to announce our entry into home. Our motto has always been image, identity, clarity, and defining your style type gives you a place to begin. Once you have reached that clarity, it is a natural evolution to translate that into your environment as an expression of your authentic self.
Designing your home based on your style type (or at least infusing the elements) allows you to create the perfect space that represents the best version of you. Join us each week as we share our point of view on the incredible world of interior design, applying our principles and philosophies to everything from art and architecture to current trends and designers.
I love the chaise because it is not only functional and comfortable, but also incredibly sculptural and can be the perfect addition to a large room or nook in your home. Early renditions of the chaise date back to the 18th century Rococo era and were more heavily embellished than these versions I am going to share with you.
The form represents a lifestyle of leisure and opulence and it is interesting to trace how our idea of leisure has evolved over the past three hundred years. Now get ready to be inspired by some of my favorite pieces by clicking through the images below.
The “Erica Chaise” (below) was named after Vladimir Kagan’s wife whom he affectionately claims was his best friend and worst enemy rolled into one. The modernist design of the piece is incredibly clean and minimalistic and appears to float on a Lucite X frame. Following the futuristic look of the 1960s this was the perfect launch into the 1970s. The lines are feminine and streamline and its modernist form is completely functional. Contrary to the traditionally feminine chaise, this is extremely masculine due to its simplicity and hard cross Lucite base.
The opposite end of the spectrum from Kagan’s clean Erica is the Pantonova Chaise by Verner Panton circa 1971. A playful execution and can be found in many “Panton” colors.
This mid-century modern piece by Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Furniture Company circa 1954 is comfortable, elegant and clean from every angle.
This Milo Baughman Chaise Longue from the 1970s is mostly found in black leather and is extremely comfortable with the tufted detail.
The concept of the chaise as we see it here dates back to Le Corbusier’s Grand Comfort piece that was a modernist reply to the basic club chair. It was constructed from a steel frame and incorporated chrome and upholstery. It was manufactured by Cassina and designed by Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand in 1928 with the aim of putting man back into the center of design of form and function.
This teakwood piece from Belgium is incredibly sculptural and may serve as the perfect chaise for our bohemian or even avant-garde style type.
This piece was referred to as a Duchesse Brisée or Broken Duchess meaning “Two pieces.”
You can find most of these beautiful pieces for purchase on 1st Dibs.