Calderone's crate & barrel: decoding the art deco revival
Athena Calderone, the name synonymous with a refined, moody Art Deco aesthetic, isn't just designing interiors; she's curating a lifestyle. A revisitation of her Crate & Barrel collections, initially launched in 2022 and refreshed in 2024, reveals a designer whose influence extends far beyond Instagram and into the realm of enduring design appeal.
The evolution of a signature style
Calderone’s initial foray with Crate & Barrel established her as a force to be reckoned with. The collections, drawing heavily from Art Deco and Beaux-Arts inspirations, weren't mere stylistic exercises; they were a distilled version of her personal aesthetic, meticulously crafted with organic materials like white limestone, travertine, and inviting fabrics such as shearling and rattan. But the 2024 iteration marked a significant shift, revealing a deeper understanding of design history. Influences from the Vienna Secession became palpable—burl wood, alabaster, and geometric lighting fixtures replaced softer textures, signaling a deliberate move towards a more assertive, yet equally elegant, presentation.
The shift is evident in pieces like the Le Tuco Grande Accent Chair, a bouclé armchair that has become a bestseller, and the Trésor Tiered Pendant Light, a final-sale steal that belies its elevated design. These aren't just furniture pieces; they're statements—a testament to Calderone's ability to synthesize historical references with contemporary sensibilities.
But what truly distinguishes Calderone’s work is the distinctive use of color. The wine-colored velvet upholstery, now a trademark, echoes throughout her Tribeca home, a Gilded Age relic formerly occupied by architect Thierry Despont. It's a subtle, yet impactful detail that elevates the collections beyond mere replication of a style. The <Onirique Table Lamp>, with its alabaster base, is a prime example, evoking the opulent interiors of museum lobbies and libraries.
Consider the Ceremonie Dresden Dining Chair. Visuals editor Shani Kravetz aptly describes the chair's lush green mohair upholstery as “a subtle pop of color that blends seamlessly with my colorful objects.” It's this ability to create pieces that are both assertive and adaptable that makes Calderone’s designs so compelling.
The Honore Media Console, a bestseller across both collections, exemplifies Calderone’s synthesis of Brutalism and Art Deco. The light-washed, dimensional design features vertical pulls that seamlessly integrate with the adjustable shelves, creating a piece that is both functional and visually striking. A few bottles of Chartreuse adorning its surface, as the designer might suggest, complete the picture.
Beyond the collection: a tribeca influence
The enduring appeal of Calderone's Crate & Barrel collections isn't solely rooted in the pieces themselves, but in the broader context of her Tribeca home. This residence, a Gilded Age landmark, serves as a living laboratory for her design philosophy, blurring the lines between personal space and public inspiration. It’s a testament to the fact that design, at its best, is not merely about aesthetics but about creating an environment that reflects a deeply considered worldview.
The numbers speak for themselves: these pieces aren’t just trending; they’re building a legacy. A legacy predicated on an understanding that true style transcends fleeting fads and speaks to a timeless appreciation for craftsmanship and detail.