Versailles - furniture

Some of the most beautiful examples of French furniture can be found in the Versailles apartments. 

This incredible bench with sun king motif tapestry in crimson, gold and green. The gilded frame with harp stretchers makes this piece fit for a king ... I could see this at the end of a client's bed.

We'll take one of these too please.

This incredible tapestry screen and elegant aubusson rug could easily fit into a master suite today.

Care for a nap?

No need for a sofa when one has such a lovely grouping of Louis chairs... and that blue green silk... incredible.

This gilded framed settee is ready for guests and tea.

Versailles - frescoes and paintings

Perhaps the best example of 17th century French art with its magnificent frescoes and paintings. Some of the most beautiful works are in Les Grands Appartements du Roi (the King’s Great Apartments).

Battles scenes abound.

Mercury... the sun god

Beautiful allegories... is this Summer?

Louis as Mercury.

Colin, Romain and Sarah take in the portrait gallery. 

Versailles - chandeliers

Within the Palace is the The Hall of Mirrors, a symmetrical space with 17 arches containing mirrored doors that open to the adjoining room. The outer wall has 17 arches and French windows that open to the garden. Luxurious crystal chandeliers hang from gold tassels. One can imagine Louis and his court enjoying luxurious dance parties. The Versailles treaty was signed in this hall in 1919.

Love the lavender crystals in this piece

Another room another crystal chandelier.

Versailles - gilded arrival

When one arrives at Versailles your struck by the gilded gates. 

Created for the Sun King the the warm metal is fitting.

Everything gilded even the rooftops. Like a jewel box... can't wait to see what's inside.

Louis IV himself... lovely cameo in a gilded frame

The window hardware... again gold.

Love these gates with the sun motif.

Off to France

Tomorrow we leave for France.
First a trip to Versailles... the Hall of Mirrors, the Battles Gallery, the King's Grand Apartment. Will it turn my British bones that drive my aesthetic to love all things French? We'll see.

Hall of Mirrors

Louis XIV

Marie Antoinette

On Friday we will be attending the largest international home-fashion show... Mason et Objet.

Sunday, we will have a guided tour through the Antique Markets... sourcing one-of-a-kind pieces for our clients.

Stay tuned.

Setting the shop for the holidays

31 Westgate warms up for Holiday shopping.

McGUIRE captures the essence of luxurious comfort.

McGuire is unpretentious, optimistic, relaxed, warm and engaging. These images were taken recently at the McGuire showroom in High Point. Many of the new introductions will be arriving at 31 Westgate in the coming months.