My roommate: "Uh, did you just moan over a piece of furniture?"
Me: "Well... yeah... but just LOOK at it!"
Ok, so some people just don't understand how a piece of furniture is sexy. And that's okay ~ it's the reason why us design crazy people are here in this world. To explain why on earth a piece of furniture might provide such delight.
Sexy is personal. What's sexy to me isn't going to be sexy to you. It's like when I look at a guy and think "Wow, he'd be perfect for my friend Erin, but there's no WAY I'd ever date him." (Erin, you know what I'm talking about.) Furniture is the same. So what's sexy to me? Well, since you asked...
Sexy #1: Lacquer
More specifically - black lacquer. It's shiny, it's sleek, it's sophisticated... what's not sexy about this dresser from Dorothy Draper on 1stdibs? The gold detailing in a curvy shape also adds to the appeal ... but we'll talk more about that in a minute.
For those of us who live in the real world - bring sexy back to your entryway or living room with this black lacquer console from Horchow
Sexy #2: White Leather
Ok, so white in general is pretty hot, but white leather is like the Angelina Jolie (when she still had curves) of white. Whether it's tufted on a couch...
Or contrasted on a chair like this Versace version...
You've gotta admit that a bit of white goes a long way in the sexy department. (both images via 1st dibs)
Sexy #3: Gold
Gold = Glam and Glam = Sexy. The best part about gold is that is can be very organic, like in these pots from Gervasoni
Or luxe like these lamps found on Vintage Modern
Sexy #4: Shape
Sexy doesn't have to be over-the-top. The shape of a piece is what adds sex appeal.
The silhouettes of Eboniste's tables are the perfect example of how shape can create the kind of drama that makes a piece sexy.
Or try an unexpected shape in a sumptious fabric like this chair from one of my favorite shops, Pieces in Atlanta.
Sexy #5: Composition
Why do you think it is that we are so drawn to the interiors of designers like Kelly Wearstler or Jonathan Adler? Because they know how good composition can be incredibly attractive. I once read that when Kelly designs a room she actually thinks of how it will look when photographed - this comes from a background in graphic design, and I have to admit that I tend to do the same thing. Although their homes may look a bit staged (an unfortunate side effect) they are always inspirational. Case in point...
A Jonathan Adler bedroom.
A Kelly Wearstler sitting area (I mean really, who else could get away with that?)
The Woodson & Rummerfield showroom.
Because I am a slightly neurotic perfectionist, this is what I like to call organized sexy. Clean designs with graphic pops... yeah, it's hot. What's hot to you?
