Timothy Corrigan’s tag line “A World of Comfortable Elegance” tidily sums up his distinctive design ethos. Known for his fusion of European elegance with California comfort, he is a master at incorporating elements from all eras. A consistent fixture on the AD100 list, with luxury projects around the world, Corrigan is known for his extensive use and knowledge of antiques, hence the perfect person to consult for a primer on acquiring and living with antiques. While I had originally intended this post as a follow up to the Winter Antiques Show, the mix of old and new is a frequent topic in these parts and a timeless theme.
photo by Michael McCreary
Although Corrigan’s projects are always laden with antiques, his designs discourage using them in a precious way. His rooms frequently feature unexpected matches like the Sam Francis painting over an 18th century Irish table, above. And while the table most likely has a pedigree, Corrigan promotes buying antiques at all price points for use as is or to suit your needs. Think of how often we’ve seen a dresser repurposed as a bathroom vanity or antique ceramics used as lamps. He stresses that antiques can be affordable as well as a good investment especially when sourced at auctions and flea markets.
photo by Lee Manning
Corrigan’s entry at Luxe Magazine‘s show house at the historic Greystone estate, above, illustrates again how antiques can work so well with contemporary art, in this case photographs. It’s such a thoughtful design, with the black and white photos relating to the floor tiles and the giant roundel taking your eye up to the spectacular ceiling, unifying the entire gigantic space. Corrigan explained, “The secret is to find good objects (from whatever period) and be willing to place them together either as a way of showing the similarity between periods and styles or to deliberately contrast them so that you see them each in a new way.”
photo by Michael McCreary
In fact, Corrigan frequently uses roundels. “I love using large roundels in rooms (whether they be marble, carved wood, zinc, plaster or even resin) because they provide a wonderful three dimensionality to the wall in a way that paintings cannot. The relief sculpture on roundels provide a subtle almost grisaille-like effect to a room that does not fight with anything else that is going on in the room.” And I love how in the room above they function as almost an architectural entity. Yet below, they become more decorative in this noteworthy office, mixed with other significant objets.
photo by Lee Manning
“The cabinet was a gift from the King of Holland for Catherine the Great’s private apartments. The porcelain roundels depict all of the great Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses…and note that Catherine is placed at the very top, above all of the rest. On top of the cabinet are terra-cotta busts depicting the Four Seasons.” Quite the collection!
photo by Lee Manning
Like the busts in the formal library or garden above, sculpture is a sometimes overlooked antique source that Corrigan frequently incorporates into his designs. I particularly like how the white marble of the bust below bridges the gap between the modern white upholstery and the antique boiserie.
photo by Marina Faust
“I like sculptures of all kinds (not just busts) because of the way that they bring movement and force to any space. Whether they are placed on a table, resting on a pedestal or just sitting on the floor, they provide a nice reflective and dimensional break to the space. I don’t have any rules about what they need to look like—it’s fun to mix traditional and more contemporary sculptures into a space. I really like placing sculptures in garden flower beds because they serve as a wonderful “hard” contrast to all of the foliage and always come as somewhat of a surprise when you come upon them.”
photo by Marina Faust
Large antique textiles are even less frequently seen these days. I asked Timothy why he thought that was so when they can be used to such great effect as he did above. “Tapestries are much overlooked because people associate them with old baronial halls or castles. They provide beautiful and very subtle color and textures that can bring a space interest and they don’t just need to be hung on the wall. I use them as tablecloths and even use one as a bedspread in my house in LA.”
Stop by tomorrow as we continue our conversation with Timothy Corrigan about designing and living with antiques.
After my parents divorced, my mother began collecting and incorporating contemporary art into her antique laden home. She say’s, “It livens up the old joint!” Or as Corrigan states, “deliberately contrast them so that you see them each in a new way.”
BTW, her antiques are happier too!
xo Lisa
I have always loved Timothy’s work! Absolutely stunning!
Thank you for sharing, Stacey.
Happy Tuesday.
Teresa
xoxo
Thank you Teresa!
Mercy! How lovely!! franki
What a feast for the senses.
That is an art to add such depth and layers to those grand spaces.
pve
Thank you. Glad you are able to appreciate the layering I try to impart in all of my projects.
Adore such successful mixes of modern abstract art and gorgeous antiques like that Irish hall table! Bravo to Timothy Corrigan and Quintessence for posting!
Thank you Lisa. I like mixing disparate elements, I think the tension brings a room to life.
Love this posting! Gorgeous photos and inspirational text.
So glad we have more to look forward to tomorrow.
Thank you Quintessence!
Beautiful! And that tapestry… to die for!
LOVE these photos and find them very inspiring
This is a great interview. Corrigan has remained true to his rich aesthetic. Can’t wait for tomorrow.
Mary
Timothy Corrigan’s style makes the most modest or the most grand space look as though it was always luxurious and hospitable.
And his interviews echo his style–no pretense! Here is a designer who loves what he does and wants you to thoroughly enjoy your home–with your feet up ! Fabulous! More!!!!
Wow – thank you Annie!
Timothy is brilliant. His style is timeless. He loves his work and we love him!
Timothy Corrigan is a master! He is superb at what he does and he is an absolute joy to work with. The homes he creates are exquisite, livable works of art. His taste is sublime. I look forward to having him turn my new apartment into a heavenly, gorgeous home.
It’s great to see antiques used in rooms that aren’t complete period pieces. Those kinds of rooms have their place, but for most of us, it’s about finding a way to include beautiful things of the past with beautiful things of the present—and in a way that’s comfortable and livable! Corrigan does a great job of it. Thanks for sharing this—looking forward to part II !
As usual, Tim continues to inspire and create the most stunningly beautiful interiors that we all aspire to be surrounded by.
Thank you Charlotte for your very generous words.
Tim’s a gem! I adore working with him on his Midwest projects. His taste is exquisite. We’ll be using Grand Luce , his fabulous chateau in France ,as home base for our design tour this Fall. We can’t wait!
Thanks Deb – looking forward to your visit!
Grand Luce is such a wonderful showcase for Tim’s work–this elegant chateau is at once comfortable, welcoming and an absolute delight as new treats of color, texture and history peek from every corner. We stayed there with a large group once, and we cannot wait to go again. It has to be the best site I’ve ever seen for a wedding or large family gathering. As the pictures show, it’s absolutely enchanting.
Thank you Jim. Hope you’ll return soon!
Wow..Love the juxtaposition of the old and new..so vibrant, yet elegant..great ideas here..
Thanks Alex. Hope you’ll put the ideas to use in your own home!
Hi Tim – good ideas- ! So much more that one can do- using a tapestry as your bedspread is kind of cool :) I just emailed you on facebook btw- pls check that
Timothy I am anxiously waiting to see what you have done with your new Chateau de la Chevallerie.
Hope it is going well but please hurry I am getting impatient as your spin on everything is absolutely magic
Regards
Priscilla from Australia