A Very Moser Christmas
STUDY got an invite from Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers' Chicago showroom to participate in their holiday decorating party this past Saturday. While embracing our assigned role as guest designer, we chatted with customers about holiday decorating, tied a few bows, and drank some cider.
To provide bit of inspiration to passers by, we created two contrasting table settings. With a showroom of gorgeously crafted wood furniture as a backdrop, it wasn't hard to achieve a rich and bountiful holiday feel. The first vignette utilized vintage English metal pieces, pheasant feathers, seasonal greenery and fruit to create an unfussy yet rich look.
The second vignette was a bit more holiday neutral, utilizing white, silver, orange, and blue to create a dazzling display. The rich walnut surface of the Bremen Table provided a sophisticated backdrop.
Though it feels a bit criminal to cover these gorgeously grained surfaces with stuff, we were pleased with the result. After all, these table are built to be used.
Thos. Moser has been making handcrafted wood furniture for over 35 years. The designs range from traditional Shaker forms to very sculptural and contemporary pieces. George Nakashima-inspired tables stand next to Windsor chairs. Breathtakingly beautiful, these heirloom pieces are available in a variety of American hardwoods (the signature wood being American Black Cherry) and are crafted in Auburn, Maine.
As you can probably predict, they are not inexpensive. Who likes Moser pieces? Everyone. But we noticed a lot of their customers tend to be an educated set: architects, doctors, and college professors. We could picture many of these pieces looking equally at home in the library of a psychotherapist or the dining room of an earthy-but-chic Hollywood actor. STUDY would have a hard time refusing any of their pieces, but we do have some favorites:
These classic and unfussy forms fit into almost any decor, and we can't picture them going out of style anytime soon.
Featured on the showroom walls this month is Madison-based textile artist Leah Evans. Her highly rendered map-quilts are stunning. Unexpected color palettes and meticulously planned, the craftsmanship behind these hangings is an excellent complement to perfectly constructed furniture.
STUDY would like to thank Laura and Neil of the Chicago showroom for inviting us to participate in such an enjoyable day. We had a great time and hope to be back soon.
