It’s no secret that I adore French furniture. My two favorite styles are from the Louis XV and Louis XVI time of reign. Recently I have been having a moment of adoration with Louis XVI commodes.
A French commode is a low cabinet or chest of drawers. The word commode literally translates to “convenient” Which is probably why American’s butchered the word to describe certain indoor plumbing.
I really love commodes with painted finishes.
Commodes were often placed between two windows with a large ornate mirror hung above the prized piece to reflect the light. The ébéniste (cabinet maker) often used ormolu (gilt-bronze) mounts (hardware).
It was also popular to create a set of commodes and place them on either side of a fireplace. Marble tops were made to match the mantle. A truly fine commode might feature parquetry which is inlaid designs made from a variety of exotic woods.
Back in December I noticed a grand giveaway sponsored by Liz of Dovecote Décor. The prize was a commode made of solid walnut and oak with brass mounts. It featured a tortoiseshell finish. I of course entered.
Unbelievably I won. I am still in shock. The chest was delivered late last week. The finish is even more beautiful in person.
As the chest is made from solid wood it is quite heavy. Here you can see the thickness of the drawers.
Whenever you purchase casegoods (meaning a piece of furniture made from hard materials) there are certain features you should look for such as dovetail joinery. Dovetail joints are desired as they increase the strength of a piece.
Also, if you have ever dealt with a wonky dresser drawer you will appreciate the addition of a wonderful drawer slide. The underside of each drawer on the tortoiseshell chest has a metal slide which will hold up well and insure a smooth pull each and every time a drawer is opened.
Liz truly has a beautiful eye and is the consummate professional. Her online store, Dovecote Décor, is filled with beautiful things. Indeed I could design an entire home with what she offers. Here are a few of my favorite picks and how I would use them in a space.
Iron Venetian Canopy Bed with Upholstered Headboard Queen
Juelle Salon Chair In Ecru Linen
Guilded Wood Open-Work Screen by Arteriors
Blueberry River Drop Front Desk
Thank you Liz for gifting me with such a lovely showcase piece. Indeed I now find myself wanting to design an entire room around the tortoiseshell chest.
I am thinking how lovely it would be surround by gold and turquoise.
Oh I can see it! Can you?
Laura
Images from Dovecote Décor, 1st Dibs and Pinterest.
Thank you to Karena who hosted the giveaway.
i can haz gold & turquoise house?
I absolutely can imagine it. What an AWESOME giveaway to win and how generous. I'm giving away some chocolate right now, seems a little underwhelming all of a sudden 🙂
The beautiful piece couldn't have gone to a more deserving person who will obviously appreciate it. It does deserve a room to be designed around it! Congratulations.
Congratulations on your lovely commode prize! If anyone deserves a lovely piece like that you do for sure. I can't wait to see how you use it for inspiration to decorate. 🙂
Wow, what a beautiful piece to have! How lucky you are. I could totally see it mixed up with a little turquoise. I am already looking forward to seeing how you will use it.
Jen
Thank you, Laura for your kind words about our giveaway with Karena. We are so delighted here at Dovecote Decor that you love our tortoise shell chest. Turquoise and gold are my favorites as well. I'm wearing it now in fact. I am glad our chest has a happy home!
Best,
Liz
What a beautiful piece and I cannot imagine a more divine colour palette to go with it! Congratulations on your win! I must agree I love the style from that era, it was just so classic, beautiful, and luxurious.
Congratulations – a deserving recipient of this elegant piece. I love Louis XV & Louis XVI styles which can add instant charm to a room. Warm wishes
Oh Girlfriend…..how wondrous for you!!!!! I agree it couldn't have happened to a better person. Please call me when you can.
Love ya'
Meri
Love your piece on the French Commodes. The french style suits you to a t. Elegant with a touch of detail, yet tailored
Congrats on winning!! That is AMAZING!!! Just BEAUTIFUL!
Congratulations!! How fun! I have actually won a few giveaways in the years I've been blogging. I think one was one of yours!!!
I love that last photo in this post. I'm a white lover but if I were to go color I love this look!
Laura thank you so much for this feature on the fabulous chest you received through the sponsored giveaway by Dovecote Decor on my site!
I loved seeing some of the additional details of the commode and the designs you would choose to go with it!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Congrats on winning that gorgeous piece! You must be in tortoise shell heaven!
Lucky Laura! Can't wait to see where and how you will use this beautiful piece!
Congratulations on winning such a stunning piece! Can't wait to see where it ends up :o)
~Des
PS. I am now following you on Google…hope you will follow me back :o)