• Home
  • About White Webb
  • Portfolio
    • Private Residences
    • Public Spaces
  • Books
    • Italy of My Dreams
    • Books by Others
  • Press
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

White Webb

Casing the Joint—Antique Cabinets with Charisma

Design Log

15 Jan
antique-cabinets
antique-cabinets

Photo: Art Gray

In centuries past, storage pieces were often elaborate masterworks of furniture design. The term coined for these pieces was Case Goods. In 18th century Europe, the demand for cabinet-makers of great skill reached its zenith, resulting in armoires, bookcases, writing desks and collector’s cabinets of incredible beauty. Not only did these pieces serve necessary functions, but their artistry and workmanship conveyed the social status of their owners. Today, pieces from the Renaissance to the 19th century continue to bring pleasure and practical service to modern domestic life.

For a sprawling house in California, we found this Renaissance cabinet loaded with drawers and a drop-down writing surface. Imposing and architectural, this carved walnut piece makes a strong statement for the rather masculine master bedroom that we designed to hold it. The refined, yet rustic feel of the cabinet suited the house perfectly.

antique-cabinets

Photo: David Phelps

In this living room in a very different house, we placed a lacquered credenza beneath a large eighteenth century oil painting. This room is undeniably traditional and boasts several pieces of good French furniture, yet this piece is a reproduction. Since the room’s colors range from celadon to watermelon, this black-lacquered, chinoiserie cabinet gives the room a bit of weight while keeping a sound system elegantly out of view.

For a living room in a superb Spanish-revival house, we found an important Portuguese-colonial cabinet from Brazil. This massive piece was created as an altar for a grand house in the eighteenth century. Called an oratorio, the upper cabinet features an elaborately painted and gilded niche for a saint, complete with little interior brackets to hold candles. An impressively carved base contains several drawers, which could be used to hold items pertaining to religious ceremony or everyday household goods.

antique-cabinetsAntique cabinets can be as practical today as when they were built, yet they provide a unique historical view into domestic life of the past. Often designed with architectural details fitting to past fashions, periods, and regions, they give today’s home a grounding effect while remaining objects of great beauty and interest.

Previous Post: « White Webb Sponsors and Designs Event Benefiting The School of American Ballet
Next Post: Bathing Beauties—Ultimate Bathrooms »
Design can be thought of as a dialogue between the Design can be thought of as a dialogue between the different elements of a room, and we’re loving the conversation that’s happening in this vibrant den we designed in upstate New York.  The abstract geometries in a wallpaper design by @pascalerisbourg engage in a playful repartee with an Anthropomorphora vase by @maxwellmustardo .  📸 by @readmckendree  #whitewebbinteriors #interiordesign #wallpaper #colorfulinteriors #cultureobject #colorfulwallpaper
For those who simply can’t get close enough to t For those who simply can’t get close enough to the beach, this yacht design concept from AMK Architecture and Design literally brings the beach on board.  Repost from @designetal
Seeing stars. For this library we designed in ups Seeing stars.  For this library we designed in upstate New York, a mural wallpaper from @wallanddeco invites readers and loungers to ponder the universe.  📸 by @readmckendree
Classic, confident, and cool. For this sun room w Classic, confident, and cool.  For this sun room we designed in an Italianate villa in upstate New York, beautiful proportions, classical details, and a spring-like palette make for the perfect room to while away the hours.  📸 by @artgrayphoto  #whitewebbinteriors #interiordesign #gardenroom #nyinteriors #nycinteriordesigner #upstateny #countryinteriors #hudsonvalleyinteriordesigner
Mesmerized by the subtle detailing of these inlays Mesmerized by the subtle detailing of these inlays in this wood flooring from @ivassalletti .
May your holiday be festive and filled with the gr May your holiday be festive and filled with the great outdoors.  Happy 4th!  📸 by @phillip_ennis_photo  #fourthofjuly #summervibes #outdoorentertaining #interiordesign #designdetails #outdoordining
New paper art from our perennial favorite, Matthew New paper art from our perennial favorite, Matthew Shlian.  Vault in Amazon Blue.
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
AD Badge: Pro Directory | 2024 Featured Designer

Copyright © 2025 White Webb · About · Contact