Furniture Revivals: A Surprising New Trend at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Show

Art Deco Revival piece created by Virginia Blanchard

Furniture revivals, perhaps undeservingly, often have a negative connotation.  Some folks recall with distaste the overblown styles of  Renaissance Revival, Rococo Revival and Gothicl Revival furniture that appeared during the late Victorian period.   Then there is at the rife amount of Duncan Phyfe look-alikes which muddy the waters for some who are trying to purchase a true federal period antique. These pieces, now known as Centennial furniture, first surfaced to celebrate our nation's centennial anniversary which occurred around the same time as the Victorian Revivals.

Victorian parlor installed at the Brooklyn Museum of Art

A tour around the aisles at this year's Architectural Digest Home Show indicates that we are in the midst of a new period of revivals.   Handcrafted furniture in the  Biedermeier,  Art Nouveau,  Art Deco, and even Victorian style were all on display.  

Woodworker Virginia Blanchard, who happens to hail from my town of Pelham, showed a striking Art Nouveau screen, complete with whiplash curve decoration. (If you need a refresher course on furniture from the Art Nouveau period, head over to this Design Dictionary).

Screen in the Art Nouveau Style created by Virginia Blanchard

Detail showing whiplash curve from an Art Nouveau style screen created by Virginia Blanchard

Virginia also showed this gorgeous jewelry box with inlays and a stepping detail characteristic of the Art Deco period.

Art Deco Revival jewelry box created by Virginia Blanchard (top) compared to a period Art Deco jewelry box (bottom)

A visit to Virginia's website unearthed more  stunning Art Deco revival pieces like the  vanity and stool seen above.  Look closely at the roofline of this building from the Art Deco period found in the Bronx, NY  for an example of  Art Deco stepping and see how it directly relates to Virginia's stool.

Art Deco building in the Bronx showing a stepped detail

virginia blanchard art deco revival stool

There's more.  Take the furniture created by Gaisbauer   They have been in business in Austria since 1888, about 40 years after the end of the original Biedermeier period.  Their furniture bears all of the  hallmarks of the period, including a sculptural form sometimes framed by architectural elements, highly polished lighter woods,  veneers used to create bold pattern such as a  sunburst and references to the Empire period which include ebonized columns and gilt ornaments in classical motifs.  Gaisbauer uses high quality woods like walnut, cherry and birds eye maple.  You can have their furniture handcrafted in 6-8 weeks.

Biedermeier Revival sofa made by Gaisbauer

Biedermeier revival furniture by Gaisbauer

Compare Gaisbauer's stuff to the real deal.  What do you think?? Awfully close.

Biedermeier

Coming full circle, I even spotted a large, tufted chair that  had a whiff of Victoriana at Victoria and Son's booth.  It would be perfectly at home in a Victorian-style parlor.

Barroux chair by Victoria 7 Son

Would you incorporate these revival pieces into your home?  Designer friends--please do tell me what you think of this trend.   I am most curious.

Photo credits: product photos from the vendors, Biedermeier antiques,Art deco jewelry box, Bronx building, Victorian parlor