Tunnel vision is design's worst enemy. Accordingly, the chicest people have never been beholden to a singular era or aesthetic; they prefer to take inspiration from a variety of periods and styles.
Images of Yves St. Laurent's Paris Apartment in 1971 shows this has been true for at least 55 years. The iconic fashion designer's transitional living room is an eclectic masterclass in pulling together different periods.
His furniture hails mostly from the Art Deco decor period. The space features a pair of vintage couches, a mirrored coffee table, and a pair of glass torcheres, all from the 1930s. An angular portrait of the dancer Josephine Baker by Paul Colin, a tulip floor lamp, and a pair of Jean Dunand metal vases are further nods to the early 20th century.
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Potentially one of my favorite couches, this distressed faux-leather sofa is ultra-premium. It's crafted from solid oak with angled dowels and rolled arms, cultivating a vintage, minimalist aesthetic.
Highlight the natural beauty of your fireplace with these stunning iron vases. Leave them empty, as we see in Yves St. Laurent's home, or add flowers for a fresh touch.
This beautiful mid-20s century bronze crane is the perfect antique piece to transform your home. It will look all the more elevated mixed with pictures from a variety of eras.
However, though the 70s space is grounded in the 30s, the designer takes other decor much further back in history. Yves St. Laurent decorates with antiques by integrating a 17th-century Chinese bronze statue of a gander on top of the fireplace and an antique-style Persian rug. These make the room feel full of history and personality.
At the same time, the wooden walls, cream carpet, and simple mirror over the fireplace reflect the 70s trend that is popular today, making the home feel distinctly of its time. Thus, though St. Laurent included vintage and antique pieces, it does not feel like he is running away from the period he's currently in. Instead, he creates something completely original by combining eras.
To emulate this look, I recommend starting by making a mood board that includes rooms you love from all across time.
When you visualize your design based on your personal taste rather than a set aesthetic, you are on the right track to create something original. Start with your favorite styles from the 2020s as the base, choose furniture from a time in the past, and then embellish with antique decorative objects. Your home will look like YSL's living room in no time.
This space is a much needed reminder that the best design isn't prescriptive, but expansive. When your vision looks at boundaries and boldly crosses them, you'll know you're heading in the right direction.
