The Settee'

The settee' is a really versatile piece of furniture. It's defined as a "long bench with a back and arms" but that can take so many forms. I kind of define it as a wing back chair, stretched. Some shapes are very traditional- such as the one below that has a gold leaf finish- and others are more modern with fully clean lines. Depending upon how you upholster or slip cover a settee', it can be casual or formal. I particularly like the use of the two small settee's to make a breakfast area in the Manhattan apartment. All images courtesy of Traditional Home and Hickory Chair.



Above: slip covered and used as comfy seating at this informal arrangement.




Above: A pair of settee's frame up this cozy breakfast area.



Above: A more traditional approach with carving and gold leafing packs a punch with colorful stripes. A nice mix of the formal and informal...

A few of my favorites from Hickory Chair:

The next time you're wondering "what could we use in this spot?", think of a settee'. I've seen them in entry ways and even on sun porches. Most of all, take your time to find the right one and make it your own.

Suzanne Kasler

Suzanne Kasler




Of everything that I saw at the recent High Point Market, the collection I love the most is Hickory Chair's new furniture collection designed by Suzanne Kasler. I'm dying to get my hands on the catalog for this group, which is not yet on their web site. Here is a quick peak from the Designer Preview magazine from Market. What I love about this collection the most is that almost everything is available in 42 finishes. You can't believe the difference that finish and hardware have on the very same piece of furniture. I can't wait to use this collection!






I had admired Kasler's designs before and had even clipped an article on a French themed dinner party she gave for an Atlanta museum collaboration with the Louvre. I love the attention to detail, and of course, the overall elegant luxury of it all. The clencher for me was when I read that the event was catered by Blackberry Farm, one of my all time favorites.





Her style is both classic and French- she says her inspirations are architecture, antiques, fashion, Paris- all of which are evident in her designs. In addition to her layered yet not over decorated look, Kasler has an amazing sense of color. Check out this image from her web site of a tabletop.





If you don't yet know the work of Suzanne Kasler, take a closer look the next time you peruse your shelter mags. She's everywhere and her work is really beautiful.