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Author Archives: Silke Berlinghof

The Language of Flowers: Symbolism in Antique Furniture and Art

Louis XVI Style Chest of Drawers- marquetry detail front flowers- Styylish

Before emojis or love letters, people turned to flowers to express feelings that words often couldn’t—especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. Known as floriography, the symbolic language of flowers influenced not just literature and fashion, but also interior design and the decorative arts. Nowhere is this more poetically expressed than in flower symbolism in […]

Summer in Style: Antique Furniture for Vacation Homes

Antique Furniture for Vacation Homes- Styylish

Antique Furniture and Decor for Vacation Homes When the warm months arrive, our minds drift to sunny getaways, lazy afternoons, and interiors that reflect a slower, more thoughtful pace. Vacation homes and retreats—whether by the lake, nestled in the countryside, or perched along the coast—offer a sanctuary from daily life. But creating a space that […]

The Art and History of Murano Glass Chandeliers

Few objects in the world of decorative arts capture the imagination quite like a Murano glass chandelier. These luminous masterpieces are more than lighting fixtures—they are the embodiment of Italian artistry, innovation, and centuries-old tradition. Handcrafted on the island of Murano near Venice, these chandeliers have graced palaces, villas, and contemporary homes for generations. In […]

Grain and Grace: The Exquisite Biedermeier Wood Veneers

Biedermeier wood veneer - Table top- Styylish

When you look closely at an authentic Biedermeier wood veneer piece, something extraordinary happens: the light dances across the surface, revealing a subtle shimmer, a flame-like pattern, or even a mirror-like symmetry. That magic lies not just in the design—but in the wood veneer. The Biedermeier period (1815–1848) was a golden age of refined simplicity […]

The Bergère Chair: Origins, Name, and Enduring Elegance

Few chairs capture the grace and comfort of 18th-century French design like the Bergère. With its deep upholstered seat, enclosed arms, and exposed wood frame, the Bergère blends form and function in timeless style. But where did this elegant chair come from, and what does its name actually mean? In this post, we explore the […]

European Antique Furniture – From Paris to Vienna

European Antique Furniture- Styylish

How Regional Styles Shaped European Antique Furniture European antique furniture is not just about age or craftsmanship—it’s about identity. Each region developed its own distinctive style, shaped by cultural values, political power, artistic trends, and available materials. From the grandeur of Parisian Empire pieces to the elegant restraint of Viennese Biedermeier design, regional styles tell […]

Antique Lighting Design- Chandeliers, Mirrors and Candlelight

Antique lighting design- Styylish

Antique Lighting Design- Chandeliers, Mirrors and Candlelight Light has always played a central role in interior design, but in the world of antique interiors, it holds a deeper, more poetic significance. Before electricity transformed our homes, the dance of candlelight, the shimmer of gilded mirrors, and the drama of ornate chandeliers defined how people experienced […]

The Evolution of Antique Seating Arrangements

From Salon to Living Room: The Evolution of Antique Seating Arrangements The way we arrange our furniture speaks volumes about how we live—and how we connect. Today’s open-plan living rooms, built for conversation and comfort, owe a surprising debt to antique seating traditions that began in European salons centuries ago. In this article, we explore […]

How Architecture Shaped Antique Furniture Design

Antique Furniture Design- Styylish

Antique furniture design is more than craftsmanship and patina—it’s a reflection of the architecture, politics, and aesthetics of its time. Just as cities were transformed by sweeping arches, soaring domes, or clean classical lines, so too were the interiors and the furniture within them. Understanding how architecture influenced antique furniture design offers a richer appreciation […]

The Evolution of Antique Secretary Desks 1730-1880

Antique Secretary Desks- Styylish

The Evolution of Antique Secretary Desks For centuries, the secretary desk has served as a symbol of refinement, intellect, and personal organization. Blending practical storage with aesthetic grace, these desks evolved significantly between the 18th and 19th centuries. From the opulent curves of Baroque craftsmanship to the understated elegance of Biedermeier design, antique secretary desks […]