Is the new Veneto Hall Chair by Thomas O'Brien traditional or modern? One might argue that it is both. This striking design combines an unlikely pair of modern and ancient inspirations. The narrow, exaggerated high-back seat is based on the form of 1960s-era hall chairs that O’Brien has long wanted to add to his Hickory Chair collection. The legs were drawn from a much-admired image of a bronze Roman tripod table with classical paw feet. The feet are carved in intricate detail, adding to the opulent proportion and exotic historical drama of the chair.
The fabric, 3414-88, was introduced at the spring market. It is a beautiful velvet stripe in chocolate tones. The pile is chocolate and the base cloth is a golden tone with a herringbone design. The finish over the hand carved mahogany is Dark Walnut. The nail head trim is NS-08 Old Antique. The mix of finish, fabric, nail over this newly created timeless form has created a modern classic!
Durning the market Thomas spoke to us at Hickory Chair about how he plans a room or a piece that he is designing for one of his licensees. He likes contrasts and suggested that "I likes mixing tall pieces (like the Veneto Chair) with short pieces, formal and casual, masculine and feminine, light and dark, modern and traditional - these contrasts create balance. These contrasts make it feel fresh and new. These contrasts keep it modern over time as trendy things go in and out of style."
I think the room scene below illustrates this idea perfectly! Want to learn more from Thomas? His new book American Modern is a beautiful book filled with Thomas' thoughts on design, collecting and creating modern traditional spaces that are beautiful, personal, livable and timeless.
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