WICKER FURNITURE WITH WONDERFUL RETRO APPEAL

Photo courtesy of Sketch London

Photo courtesy of Sketch London

Wicker furniture evokes a casual, resorty feeling when used on its own. When paired with upholstered furniture, it can completely transform an interior, lending a relaxed, airy look.  The natural woven material lightens things up. Marella Agnelli and others employed this textured material to achieve a lighter look, and it doesn't have to be limited to tropical locales. Vintage pieces in rattan and wicker were bent into unique, fantastical shapes, ad great examples can be seen in The Glade, the spectacular woodland-themed tea room at Sketch in London designed by Carolyn Quartermaine. I have found some interesting wicker and rattan pieces worth taking a look at, so peruse the assortment and see how this woven material can add personality, texture and panache well beyond summer.

Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Designers and fans of the 1970's can't get enough of this bohemian staple, the Peacock Chair. You can find it where hip kids shop, at Urban Outfitters.

Photo courtesy of David Frances Furniture

Photo courtesy of David Frances Furniture

The playful retro Calla Chair from  David Frances Furniture is reminiscent of the lilly's shape and can be used indoors and out, since it is made of a durable all-weather finish.

Photo courtesy of Soane

Photo courtesy of Soane

In a collaboration with LA-based designer Mark D. Sikes, Soane recently created the Lilly Slipper chair out of woven light rattan with a charming lattice diamond patterned base. I adore slipper chairs and have added this to my list of favorites.

Photo courtesy of Frontgate

Photo courtesy of Frontgate

I discovered this great rattan furniture by Frontgate when it was used in Madcap Cottage's outdoor room at the most recent Hampton Designer Showhouse. I love the reinforced detail and the fact that you can tuck your legs under the chair.

John and Jason used this chaise from the Frontgate Bay Breeze Collection. I called it a divan, cause it is evocative of lounging's heyday in a 1960's resort setting.

Photo courtesy of Noir

Photo courtesy of Noir

Perhaps a touch of rattan is what you seek. Noir Furniture's Layton Chair is a reimagined Klismos with a rattan seat, making it a good chair for a seating area.

Photo couresy of Anthropologie

Photo couresy of Anthropologie

With a fabulous retro 1950's Italian vibe, Anthropologie's cross-hatched rattan bed with a curving headboard is sheltering and at the same time has a lightness to it.