Super Model Rooms

Whenever I visit antiques shows, my attention is captured by all kinds of booths and displays.  But the booths that remain most memorable to me, even years after attending a show, are those where some amazing, unbelievable, one-of-a-kind find was displayed or those that were decorated to resemble chic living spaces.  I think that for those of us with a yen for decorating, we can't help but be drawn to exhibit spaces with strong decorative appeal, even if the wares being displayed aren't anything special.  True connoisseurs might cringe, but I think it's the truth.

Had I attended the fifth Biennale des antiquaires in Paris back in 1970, the rooms seen here, which I believe were part of the show, would have been etched into my memory.  If my English translation is correct, these model rooms were decorated by Jean Dive of Galerie Maison et Jardin.  I'm not familiar with this show, so I don't know if model rooms were/are a regular feature.  No matter, because there is much to look at, namely richly upholstered seating mixed with sleek, contemporary brushed steel and lots of Chinese pieces thrown in for good measure.  It might be a bit much to absorb, but this cocktail of furnishings does require one to linger over these photos, just as the show's guests must have lingered in these super model spaces.

All photos from Decoration- Tradition et Renouveau