Dwellings on Madison

Lillian August is an artist, a painter, an interior designer, a textile designer and a furniture designer. The collections exemplify Lillian’s attention to a sophisticated, vibrant and engaging lifestyle. From a classic European style to the handcrafted antique reproductions entitled Antiquaire, a cosmopolitan vision is realized… perfect for the distinguished collector of fine furniture.

Lillian scripts her lifestyles with color and comfort in mind, and as she says, “Color is what gets me out of bed in the mornings… the opportunity to work with pure color is inspiring! I find my customers are more courageous and individualistic in the color choices today. I am passionate about seeking out influences that constantly keep my collections exactly where the client wants to go visually.”

The Lillian August team understands today’s consumer from a unique perspective. “My designs reflect the individuality of my clients.” said Lillian. “We create a vision that embodies the spirit of our clients; they are confident consumers that embrace fashion in all areas of their lives.

I visited the PALACE OF VERSAILLES in the spring time several years ago.
It is like no other place on earth.

The Palace of Versailles was the official residence of the Kings of France from 1682 until 1790. It was originally a hunting lodge, built in 1624, by Louis XIII. It was expanded by Louis XIV beginning in 1669. He used it as a little lodge as a secret refuge for his amorous trysts with the lovely Louise de la Valliere and built a fairy tale park around it. Jules Hardouin Mansart, the king’s principal architect, drew the plans to enlarge what was turning more and more into a palace from A Thousand and One Nights. The terrace that overlooked the gardens was removed to make way for the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, the Galarie de Glaces. It is here from which the king radiated his power and where the destiny of Europe was decided over a century. The French classical architecture was complemented by extensive gardens. The Baroque era was born
Taking root in Rome and then spreading throughout Europe between 1600 and 1750, the Baroque style aimed to inspire and rouse the emotions through dramatic and flamboyant design. Expressing the ornate and theatrical character of the style, interiors were laden with rich velvet and damask textiles and gilt-wood and marquetry furniture. The furnishings were marked by a profusion of plant life such as scrolling foliage and floral garlands and ‘Putti’ (chubby infant boys). The decorative use of monograms, usually people’s initials, and heraldic crests were also incorporated into designs as symbols of ownership and status.

French Baroque is distinguished by the use of marquetry and gold covered bronze ormolu, creating the most elegant of styles. To create movement, French craftsman used a combination of woods in one furniture piece, often using Marble as accents.

Sinful indulgences……..

Here are samples of Baroque in the 2000’s, just as lavish but with a twist.

In the late 80’s and through out most of the nineties we went wild with Faux Finishing.

Often perceived as simply using a sponge, a rolled-up rag, wadded plastic wrap or crumpled newspaper with a paint and glaze, everyone was giving it a try.

I have been informed that those days are long gone.

My dear friend, Michele Watts, owner of Fine Art Finishes, kindly explained to me that the term Faux finishing is so passé . It is now called Decorative Painting, a much more sophisticated and complex process which requires years of training and certification.

It is not just limited to walls but now it involves floors, ceilings, moldings, furniture, kitchen cabinets, mirrors and much more.

Soooo…I did my research and I present to you the fascinating world of Decorative Painting, where there is no limit to what can be done. Click on each photo to enlarge….I promise…it is worth it!