Inspiration Central

Last week we visited with Frédéric Lazare at Bourgeois Bohème's new location on Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles. It's a massive space, and filled with an eclectic ensemble of antiques and modernist pieces. There's also a growing collection of African art. One newly acquired mask will make curators swoon -- the only similar example known is at The Met.

As Frédéric talked about some of the pieces on view, I tried to take a few pictures of the overall space... but apparently my subconscious took over and I only shot chairs. For months I've been dreaming about a good pair of big comfy armchairs for our new apartment, and Frédéric's got them in spades.

A pair of 1920s English wing-back chairs (yep, that's the original leather) and a Louis Philippe walnut chest of drawers.

The Rive Gauche armchairs are part of the store's Atelier line. They're beautifully proportioned for lounging but the trim Regency-style legs and castors keep them refined. The chandelier was also incredible. The globes are blown glass but they look a bit like ostrich eggs, and the whole design (they offer several variations) really distills the shop's quirky historical -- but entirely modern -- aesthetic.

And my most favorite: an 1890s French wing-back chair and ottoman. I love the devil-may-care spirit of revival styles... this one's a little bit Charles II, a little bit Flemish, a little bit Portuguese, and completely wonderful.

For more, check out Bourgeois Bohème's 1stdibs page, too.