While wicker is a humble material, mixing it into an interior with high-design items or precious antiques creates an effect that is counterintuitively cosmopolitan.
Charming wicker chairs at Ain Kassimou, Design Alberto Pinto. (Photo: habituallychic.luxury)
Do you want to second guess Marella?
Marella Agnelli offers a lesson to us all. One of the wealthiest women in the world chose wicker to be in her homes. She had numerous homes, fabulous houses all over the world. Each one, to my knowledge, featured wicker. She repeatedly used a chair by Bonacina. She famously said about Mercedes Bass that “it will take her another lifetime to understand wicker”. It seems counterintuitive that the wealthiest people who could afford anything would choose something so simple. It takes confidence to desire an environment that is more welcoming than awe-inspiring. Design magazines feature homes of the elite to wow us. And we often are. The pedigree of the furniture and art can be amazing yet often they are too much. Too much edge, too much flash, too much pretense.
A design so good it can be used again and again.
Marella Agnelli’s bedroom at Ain Kassimou. (Photo: Eric Boman)
Mrs. Agnelli bedroom in her Rome apartment. (Photo: Oberto Gili)
A passage room in Agnelli’s Turin home. Design by Renzo Mongiardino. (Photo: Oberto Gili)
The living room of Ain Kassimou. (Photo: Eric Boman)
A particular chair by Bonacina appears throughout many of Mrs. Agnelli’s homes. While distinctive with its three openings along the base, the style is understated. This subtlety allows it to blend in without dominating the design. The various fabrics used further differentiate the chair from interior to interior.
Priorities.
Choosing comfort does not preclude refinement. In fact, it is the more informed approach to first create an atmosphere for repose. There are endless ways one can fashion an interior to be sophisticated. Having said that, not everyone can pull off this feat. In fact, most people cannot. It sounds simple…”buy what you like” is often heard. “Mix high and low”. It is a talent that a select few have in their arsenal. It isn’t something that can be easily explained or a recipe given for anyone to follow. If you are not one of those creative types who can pull together this type of interior, then hire a knowledgable designer. The finished result will bring great reward.
Britain and France can provide the touch of humility your home needs.
Several companies specialize in humble wicker and rattan. Soane Britain is one such company. They bought a suffering rattan company and created a resurgence of desire for this simple material. They have many products that have people lusting. (I would be one such person.)
This vase filled with a just-picked wildflower bouquet adds vitality loosening rigidity.
The Rattan Leighton table, painted green, seen in founder Lulu Lytle’s own home.
In the same vein is the French company, Atelier Vime. Their pedestal vases are popular. They are wonderfully aristocratic while remaining humble. Someday I hope to have a spot for these.
Their fabulous wicker wall treatment reminds me of the dining room belonging to Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in Morocco, seen below. Such understated chic.
Villa Mabrouka, Tangier. (Photo: François Halard)
In addition, Atelier Vime sells vintage pieces.
House and Garden produced some wonderful videos featuring designers’ homes. Their feature on Atelier Vime was particularly inspiring. To learn more about wicker see this NY Times article.
Casa V Interiors can incorporate a touch of humility into your home to create an intelligent sophistication.