The modern wingback chair {above} with it’s sculptural shape, refined arm and nailhead detail was instantly one of my favourite pieces, and it sits like a dream. This is a piece that could be upholstered a thousand ways that would all be nothing short of gorgeous. As I’ve said before, if you get the lines right on a piece, you can really do anything with it, and this brilliant design from Bernhardt is a perfect example of that design lesson. This chair could easily be taken in a more contemporary Dwell kind of direction with a bright orange velvet and no nailheads, but it would be equally at home in the pages of Traditional Home upholstered in dove grey mohair or a sumptuous leather as it is shown above.

In a moment of “Mad Men meets JayZ” magic, this furniture grouping {above} had me swooning and singing along to a Sinatra/Justin Timberlake mash-up in a New York minute. The brass edging on that coffee table is so irresistibly precise yet so sexy and modern, and the warmth of all that chocolate brown makes me feel like I’ve just been dipped in a visual fondue. The brass frame on the armless chairs feels as though it has an aviator reference, and this is one furniture set I could buy off the showroom floor. As you know, that is saying a lot coming from me. Major kudos to the design team at Bernhardt for this sexy stroke of genius.

I also fell in love with this horn rimmed arm chair, shown here upholstered in hair-on-hide leather {and below in an elegant and refined warm white}. The “horn” is actually moulded resin, but the patina and finish are so realistic I found myself wondering for a brief moment how on earth Bernhardt could reproduce this chair out of natural horn so consistently!

Speaking of hair-on-hide, these next two pieces {below} had me biting my palm and creating my own personal wish list. The warmth and sophistication that these pieces illicit are an intelligent juxtaposition to the often rustic feel of hair-on-hide, and the elegant simplicity of their lines elevates them entirely. They offer the perfect rustic modern statement for a myriad of spaces, all of which I want to design.

I can’t begin to showcase the vastness of the lines offered by Bernhardt {all executed with exquisite craftsmanship}, but this next vignette should give you some idea of the diversity and beauty of their offerings.

The bone inlay marquetry is stunning, isn’t it? The coffee table {below} is such a gorgeous statement piece in the striking blue that I predict will be the colour of the year for 2014. And those creamy faux fur “Wooly Mammoth” stools? Well they just feel fresh, hip, fun and fabulous in their simplicity, like a pair of Gorusch Mia Paris Boots.

Bernhardt definitely presented one of my favourite showrooms, marrying quality, design and craftsmanship into incredible lines to suit almost any interior. Thank you to Stephanie and her amazing team for such gracious hospitality and endless inspiration!

xo
s.