Why We're Loving Antiquity-Inspired Finds Right Now
Ancient motifs rendered in luxurious materials using cutting-edge production methods make for a super-chic blend of old and new.
By Dayle Wood
These trending picks were chosen by VERANDA's editors for Style Report.
For centuries, the world has looked to the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, and Egypt for design inspiration. Just think of the Renaissance and the rediscovery of classical antiquity, or the unearthing of first century cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum and height of Neoclassicism in the 18th century, or even all the way to the 1930s and the design of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings’s now-iconic klismos chair derived from ancient models. Indeed, the artistry and craft of antiquity has had major staying power over the years and it’s no wonder—the ancients were the original arbiters of style, after all.
Whether you examine the classical orders devised in ancient Greece or the jaw-dropping architecture of the Romans, the ancient world has defined so much of our design lexicon. Continuing this tradition, today, a host of newly designed introductions—from fabrics and wallpapers to tables and tile—are once again looking to the ancient past as a source of inspiration, but in a decidedly 2.0 sort of way.
For the first time, we're seeing digital reproductions of ancient art adorn decorative textiles, while modern techniques such as laser cutting give new dimension to classically minded furniture. Scenes and motifs inspired by ancient hieroglyphs or Greek mythology take center stage and unexpected materials like porcelain and silk lend a hint of luxury to it all. Read on to discover a few of these modern wonders that caught our eye.
Pierre Frey Hatchepsout Wallpaper
In collaboration with the Louvre's Department of Egyptian Antiquities, Pierre Frey has introduced a collection of fabric and wallpapers that explores the decorative legacy of the Ancient Egyptians. The Hatchepsout wallpaper, which has a coordinating fabric, reproduces the decorations of a coffin found in the museum's collection.
Arte Mythologie Grecque Wallcovering
For their rustic, woven jute Mythologie Grecque wallcovering, Arte plays with the tradition of French toile de jouy by updating the pattern with scenes from Greek mythology.
The striking laser-cut base of the Colosseum dining table by Milling Road recalls the iconic arches of its Ancient Roman monument namesake.
With its sculptural silhouette and distinctive handles, the textural white porcelain Myla vase by Arteriors takes its cues from Ancient Grecian water jugs.
Balineum partnered with Cairo-based artist Louis Barthélemy on a collection of whimsical hand-painted ceramic tiles that pay homage to the frescoes and hieroglyphics that decorate Egyptian temples.
Reminiscent of Ancient Greek and Roman tesserae and mosaics, the Soloman stool by Made Goods features thousands of swirling beads encased in a layer of resin.
Bunny Williams Home Tristan Console
The elegant Tristan console by Bunny Williams Home features carved wing and scrolls, common motifs in the Ancient Greek decorative arts. We also love its faux-painted marble top.
Scalamandré Cairo Toile Fabric
Charmingly hand-drawn with pen and ink, famous scenes of Egypt, from the pyramids to the ancient temples, come alive on Scalamandre's printed cotton Cairo Toile fabric.
The stately pediment top and Greek key border of Mark D. Sikes for Chaddock's Saffron mirror harkens back to the grandeur of ancient Greek architecture.
Taken from a limestone stele in the Louvre collection, this bas-relief finely woven damask fabric, Abkaou by Pierre Frey, depicts a cattle chief and his wife receiving offerings.
Watch Next
8 Heirloom-Worthy Finds from Field + Supply
Trends We Love from the Kips Bay New York
The 6 Hottest Antiques to Collect Right Now
These Are the 7 Biggest Design Trends for Spring
