A splash of colour in a classic setting

I'm going to get into the subject of this article by telling you a story from 2001. You will immediately understand the connection. At that time I was working with a large furniture factory in Focșani which had an important customer in the USA. The client's representative, a very nice American, came to see me shortly after the attack on the Twin Towers on September 11 and told me that he needed 12 very bright, very strong colors. The colors had names like "red lipstik", "red tomato" or "froggy green". Just to give you an idea of what kind of colors they were. I asked him if the company was really going to order such colorful furniture. He replied that they were planning a collection of small brightly colored furniture. I asked him if he was convinced that the furniture, solid wood, classically designed but brightly colored, would be a success. His answer was that Americans need a splash of color in their homes to lift their spirits.

The furniture that helped boost American morale after 9/11

At first it seemed to me an idea, if not absurd, at least exaggerated. What possible connection could there be between people's low morale and a dressing table the color of bright red lipstick? I was skeptical throughout the preparation of the samples, thinking that we might be working for nothing. He told me at one point that the samples had been approved and placed the first order. It was hundreds of gallons of varnish per month of each color. I couldn't believe it. We worked like this for more than 2 years, during which time an impressive number of these small furniture items were sold.

Since then, I have remained convinced that no matter the style in which the room is arrangedA splash of color - a brightly colored coffee table, for example - will bring a touch of optimism, hope and even cheerfulness.

Example of pete of colour

Lately this practice of mixing styles is quite common. We have featured one such mix between modern furniture and an old wooden piece, full of memories. This time I'm going to show you how classic and modern styles can be happily intertwined with color.

A bright pink coffee table in a room with gray-toned sofas, walls and bookshelves doesn't seem like a good fit. And yet...

What do you think would look best in a 'nice', bright room with classic parquet floors, blinds and a classic sofa? Exactly, a pink desk.

And the round solid-wood table with carved legs has a playful air surrounded by brightly colored bentwood chairs.

The chairs also brighten up this rustic kitchen, with antiqued wooden beams, a solid oak table and reclaimed wood cabinets.

A window colored in a bright yellow will certainly not go unnoticed.

I don't know if that American customer of the Focsani factory found this simple recipe of happiness, of hope, or borrowed it from others. But I do know that I learned something from him.