Thursday 16 August 2007

Modern Colonial?

I found this image on 1st Dibs a few months ago and it got me thinking about colonial/campaign style furniture, architecture and decor. As a rule, I'm a big fan of the style, so I spend most days here in Hong Kong lamenting that more of the colonial era architecture was not kept (there is barely any left now), in place of modern skyscrapers.

I've seen a few modern pieces in this style lately, and it got me to thinking if there was a bit of a resurgence of this style. It looks a bit Kelly Wearstler -ish to me. What does everyone else think?


Campaign style chair from a Hong Kong based store, Hamptons Furniture. Very similar to the style of chair in Emma Jane Pilkington's living room.


Image of a sketch by Andre Arbus from 1963, from the book by Yvonne Brunhammer.



Lobby of the West Chamberlain Hotel, in West Hollywood.

Black lacquered campaign chest at top, image from 1st Dibs.

8 comments:

katiedid said...

I think you may be right! I am seeing alot of lacquered campaign style peices lately.

Unknown said...

I am not a fan of Campaign chests, I guess it is a tie back to college dorm days. But I do love the Campaign chair. And the floor in the West Chamberlain Hotel is fab! And I do totally agree with you in lamenting the loss of beautiful old architecture in Hong Kong in lieu of the sterile, impersonal skyscraper. We have laws in place in Vancouver to protect Heritage sites.

Suzy said...

Patricia, that's interesting that you used campaign style chests in dorm rooms - how stylish! I agree with you about the floor in the WC Hotel, it is pretty fab. I think most developed western cities have laws to protect heritage architecture. It's unfortunate that Asia has been in such a development rush trying to catch up to the rest of the world, that they didn't stop to think about saving any of the character buildings. It is such a loss.

Suzy said...

Thanks Katiedid, glad its not just me!

Maryam in Marrakesh said...

I absolutely adored campaign chairs (and safari chairs). I want one so!

Suzy said...

Hi Maryam, glad it's not just me that is a fan of these. Do you see much of that style in Morocco?

Brilliant Asylum said...

What a spectacular floor! I love these zig zag pattern that are popping up everywhere, but this is the first time I have seen it on the diagonal.

Suzy said...

Hi brilliant asylum - I know, that floor is pretty amazing. I love it!