A renewed interest in furniture and art objects

A widespread return of the French to their homes

The health crisis that has affected us has considerably transformed our relationship with our homes . Between restrictions, lockdowns, and working from home, we are spending more time there. It has become essential to feel good in our homes, creating a warm, comfortable space that reflects our personality, which has been stifled for too long by the dictates of standardized furniture.

For several decades, interior design was driven by economic and practical considerations. The development of large brands producing standardized, ergonomic, and affordable furniture has significantly transformed our consumption habits. According to a 2019 Furniture Reuse and Recycling 4% of furniture is reused in France . " This low reuse rate is explained, among other things, by the decline in the quality of furniture placed on the market over the last 10 years, " explains the study's author, Steve Lewis.

Gallery Guest House in a green setting - Vésinet

Environmental awareness

At the same time, we are seeing a growing global awareness of environmental issues. But this collective awareness must also translate into concrete individual actions to change our consumption habits .

Since the Industrial Revolution, our economic model has relied on abundant natural resources and a linear production-consumption-waste . In a context of population growth and overconsumption, this model is no longer sustainable. It is becoming essential to transform it into a circular economy. The circular economy aims to extend the lifespan of a product through reuse and recycling, creating loops of material recovery with each use.

It is in this context of societal crisis and widespread return of the French to their homes, coupled with an environmental awareness, that we are seeing a renewed interest in antique furniture and art objects.

Corner sofa by Marco Zanuso, 1950s

Antique furniture and works of art within the circular economy

This pressing need to breathe new life and soul into our homes has indeed led to a return to antique furniture, which has the unique characteristic of carrying a story within it. Having traversed centuries, they have survived time and wear; they were here long before us, and they will pass on a part of our collective history to future generations. More than mere decorative objects, antique furniture pieces are exceptional in their singularity and quality of craftsmanship. They are the product of true excellence and ancestral know-how that remains unmatched today. The quality of the noble materials used, the perfection of the details, and the technical skill and precision employed in their creation are all elements that will lend your interior charm and character, making it truly unique.

Furthermore, we are seeing a return among younger generations to the timeless blend of modern and antique styles, and more specifically to vintage (20th-century design pieces). Given the decline in quality of furniture available on the market today, this generation has tended in recent years to turn back to the secondhand and handcrafted markets. Furniture is no longer seen as simply an everyday object, but as something to be given new meaning. Long considered inaccessible, expensive, and reserved for a clientele over 40, antique furniture now meets a societal and environmental need. It is therefore essential to facilitate consumer access to restored , ready for immediate use and at an affordable price .

Pair of velvet armchairs, 1950s

Restored furniture: ready for use.

Antique furniture, subject to the wear and tear of time, can lose its original luster. Fortunately, there are many specialist restorers in France and Europe who excel in their field and know how to restore pieces to their former glory while preserving their authenticity. Over the years, some specialists like ourselves have acquired in-depth knowledge of antique furniture restoration and have developed a network of specialized restorers, allowing us to offer our clients objects and furniture restored according to the highest standards and ready for immediate use.

Quality furniture at affordable prices.

Antique furniture and art pieces have long been more expensive than new items. However, over the last 20 years, price transparency, linked to the development of the internet, has significantly reduced the acquisition costs of these pieces , making them extremely attractive. Furthermore, the digitalization of the sector has allowed online galleries like ours to reduce their costs and thus offer more affordable prices.

Scandinavian Library

Easily accessible furniture.

Access to the antique furniture market has become more accessible with the development of the internet and the emergence of e-commerce galleries like ours, as well as specialized websites such as AnticStore, Proantic, Vinterior, and 1stdibs. The growth of these platforms has been largely due to the quality of the photographs they offer.

The circular economy should not be seen as an obstacle to economic development. Restoring antique furniture is a genuine way to create value! We are redirecting value creation while preserving our environment. Preserving our past can help preserve our future.