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Author Archives: Silke Berlinghof

Dolphin Motifs on Biedermeier Furniture: The Bourgeois Love of Myth

Small Biedermeier chest of drawers- dolphin motif inlay on the drawer- Styylish

Biedermeier furniture is often described as restrained, domestic, elegant, and quietly bourgeois. Yet one decorative detail surprises many collectors and design historians: dolphin motifs on Biedermeier furniture. These maritime, mythological creatures appear on drawer pulls, escutcheons, carved feet, and bronze mounts—adding a layer of symbolism to otherwise calm and polished surfaces. At first glance, dolphins […]

Why Timeless Design Is Mostly a Myth (and Why That’s Okay)

Timeless Design- Styylish

Timeless design has long been the gold standard in interior design. Designers promise it, private clients request it, and high-end furniture brands build their entire identity around it. The idea feels safe: invest in curated furniture once, avoid trends, and live with your choices forever. But in reality, timeless design is mostly a myth — […]

Antique Furniture Interior Designers Can Easily Incorporate into Contemporary Interiors

Neoclassical Game Table with Empire armchairs- example for antique furniture for interior designers- Styylish

If you are an interior designer looking to incorporate antique furniture into contemporary interiors, understanding the history, design, and versatility of certain key pieces is essential. While the world of antique furniture spans centuries, a few key forms consistently deliver timeless style, functionality, and versatility. These are the pieces that designers return to again and […]

French Directoire vs. Louis XVI Furniture: History and Design

Louis XVI vs Directoire Furniture- View of a Pair of Demilune Cabinets of the Directoire Period- Styylish

French furniture of the late eighteenth century reflects one of the most dramatic transformations in European history, and few comparisons reveal this better than Louis XVI vs Directoire furniture. From the refined salons of Versailles to the austere ideals of the French Republic, furniture design evolved rapidly as political power shifted and cultural values changed. Among […]

One Piece, Three Interiors: Styling an Antique Chest of Drawers

Directoire chest of drawers with marble top, view in an entryway with contemporary art- Styylish

Styling an antique chest of drawers begins with understanding the quiet authority of antique furniture. One well-chosen piece can anchor a room, introduce depth, and bring a sense of permanence that contemporary furniture often lacks. Among the most versatile of these pieces is the antique chest of drawers. Originally designed for practical storage, it now […]

Timeless Beginnings: Investing in Design for the Year Ahead

investment-worthy antique furniture- Biedermeier chest in living room- Styylish

A new year invites reflection — not only on how we live, but on how we shape the spaces around us. After the rush of the holidays, January offers a quieter moment to pause, reassess, and set intentions for the months ahead. At Styylish, we believe that one of the most meaningful ways to begin […]

Festive Room Decor: Styling Your Home for the Holidays with Styylish Finds

Festive Room Decor- Entryway- Styylish

The holiday season is the perfect time to transform your home into a warm, inviting retreat. Whether it’s for intimate family gatherings or lively parties with friends, the right decor can make your living space feel magical. At Styylish, we offer a curated selection of antique, vintage, and contemporary pieces that bring personality, elegance, and […]

Late 18th-Century Furniture Styles: Louis XVI, Georgian, Zopfstil & Biedermeier

Late 18th century furniture styles- Living room with a Neoclassical Chest of Drawers- Styylish

The late 18th century was a period of remarkable transformation in European furniture design. Across the continent and in Britain, styles evolved rapidly, reflecting social changes, archaeological discoveries, and shifting tastes from Rococo extravagance to Neoclassical restraint. One piece of furniture perfectly illustrates these trends: the chest of drawers. Practical yet highly decorative, it became […]

Mid-Century Credenzas and Sideboards: Function, Style, and Timeless Appeal

The mid-century era, spanning roughly from the 1940s to the 1970s, produced some of the most iconic furniture designs in modern history. Among the standout pieces from this period are credenzas and sideboards — elegant, versatile storage solutions that combine functionality with sculptural beauty. At Styylish, we celebrate these pieces not just as furniture, but […]

Hand-Polished Shellac: Timeless Techniques for Antique Furniture Restoration

Shellac Polish Furniture- Image showing the process of hand-polishing shellac to an antique table- Styylish

At Styylish, we believe that every antique tells a story—one that often comes alive through the care, craftsmanship, and restoration it receives. Among the many finishing techniques used in furniture restoration, shellac hand-polishing stands out for its timeless elegance, depth, and historical authenticity. In this post, we explore what makes the shellac hand-polish finish so […]