Get the Look Decor: Boudoirs of Yore

hedykiesler

Story by hedykiesler

Published on Jan 22, 2012 in Shop

Photo by happeemonkee

Get the Look isn’t just about real homes; it can also be pure fantasy. This week, guest writer Gabriella Cetrulo imagines where ladies of yesteryear have rested their heads.

Whenever I visit my parents’ house, I feel as though I’m transported to another century. The halls are painted in deep, muted tones of burgundy and olive. Every room is filled with elaborate patterns and turn-of-the-century antiques. It makes me wonder if my mom could have been Queen Victoria in a past life.

As I enter my old bedroom, associations with Marie Antoinette wash over me: the walls are a pastel pink, the floor is covered with an antique floral rug, and the furniture is a pale yellow with golden accents. In fact, my friends have asked me if an arsenal of tiaras and chandeliers is hiding inside my closet. (The answer is yes.)

Being in a home so influenced by women of centuries gone got me to thinking: what if I could create bedrooms inspired by iconic women from the past? What would they look like?


The Queen of France

[1. Maitresse-en-titre (print) from Ybryksenkova 2. Dressing table set from Lacroixrosion 3. Handmade smocked pillows from Millsdesignco 4. Vintage jewelry box from Nocarnationshome 5. Vintage crystal chandelier from Thepetitemarket 6. Vintage jewelry box from Jojosvintagecupboard]

France’s former queen Marie Antoinette was not the most admired monarch, but her influence on art and design is undeniable. She represented decadence, femininity and style, and these qualities were reflected in her surroundings.  Rococo elements like pastel colors, floral patterns, and gilded accents would cover her walls.


The Queen of the Nile

[1. Wood pyramid lamp from Longroadtonowhere 2. Tissue garland backdrop from Thimbleweddings 3. Black and white cat painting from Tushtush 4. Metal jewelry box from Wickedarling 5. Ceramic vase from Portalsandprisims 6. Black and white pillow from Oceanswept]

Cleopatra claimed to be the reincarnation of a goddess; the woman clearly had confidence. I imagine her bedroom as an earthy space with bold, geometric patterns. The color scheme would include warm muted tones, gold, and rich black accents.


The Lady With the Lamp

[1. Vintage oil lamp from Monsoonlove 2. Nurse photomanipulation from Karith 3. Swiss cross pillow from Peacelovesweater 4. First aid pillow from Pillowhappy 5. Solo pendant lamp from Typewriterboneyard 6. Wire bulb cage from Fleamarketrx 7. Linen blanket from Lovelyhomeidea]

Nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale was a woman of self-sacrifice. Her bedroom would be simple and utilitarian, with plain industrial furnishings and clean white linen sheets.


The Maid of Orleans

[1. Handmade thisbe's chair from Brandmojointeriors 2. Verre eglomise mirrorfrom Theframeandmirror 3. Small urban chandelier from Urbanchandy 4. Vintage Soldered cross bottle from Mysoulfulhome 5. Antique wood end tablefrom 86home 6. Swiss cross pillowfrom Peacelovesweater]

Joan of Arc was born a French peasant, but she died a saint. I imagine her in a fit of spiritual visions in a dark and dramatic room populated by wooden Gothic-style furniture and Catholic iconography. Dark wood and heavy iron are suited for this national heroine.


The Artist

[1. Frida Kahlo nesting dolls from Imaginarystars 2. Pom pom mobile from Mauilustre 3. Mexican clay pot from Tearinguphouses 4. Red antique end table from 86home 5. Folk art embroidery pillow from Winkingowl 6. Parrot pillow peep from Lotusinteriors]

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter who eventually became known for her surreal self-portraiture and fiery personality. I envision her bold painting style permeating her walls with splashes of audacious color and nature-inspired imagery.

 


Looking for more styles and interiors? Check out our video series, There’s No Place Like Here, where creative types show us their unique spaces — infused with their aesthetic and filled with the treasures they collect. Get involved and show us your amazing space in this Flickr pool.

More Get the Look: Home Decor Editions.

Housewares Category | Vintage Housewares

Gabriella Cetrulo is a freelance illustrator with a BFA in illustration from Parsons the New School for Design. She is also the shop owner of vintage oasis Tomorrow Is Forever. She is in the process of opening a second online shop featuring her illustration work.

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