From extravagant architectural choices to visionary uses of antiques, at Jean-Marc Fray Antiques we are always searching for inspiration. Instructing how we style and collect pieces, we love finding unexpected ways of using furniture and pairing items. Especially when our sources for inspiration are connected with an aesthete such as Jacques Garcia!
Sicilian Palace by Jacques Garcia in AD
Renowned for his splendid designs and luxurious haute decoration, Jacques Garcia‘s portfolio ranges from famous palaces to splendid hotels and beyond. Bringing vision to the hotel industry, his work brings excess to private clients and the world. His new palace built near Noto, Sicily is no different. Hidden behind the facade of a Roman temple, his holiday resort is a sanctuary dedicated to the blending of French and Italian style. AD describes it as “blurring the lines and traveling through space and time.”
As Garcia describes it – “What I like above all are the superimposed layers, the antique and the classical, the collision of genres, the disorder between personal objects and masterpieces…”
At Jean-Marc Fray, we are especially inspired by Garcia’s use of antique stone, classical furniture, and Roman themes. The surprising layering of styles brings out the best of the space and showcases who he is as a designer and person. The layered patterns on stuccoes and fabrics give the space one-of-a-kind character. Many of the moments within the home can be replicated to create rooms that invite one to live as royalty. From marble elements to antique wood items, you can find many of these pieces at our gallery in Austin. Please enjoy the beautiful Jean-Marc Fray Antiques vintage and antique pieces that perfectly bring the texture, history, and gravitas of the Sicilian palace into your own home.
The Sicilian Palace Inspiration
Inspired by the exterior and pool room, we are moved by the use of ancient Roman details. While at the palace, Garcia uses remnants of reconstructed ancient Roman colonnades and capitals, at our gallery we find these stylized details in our furniture. The striking Etruscan style buffet displays the “à L’Etrusque” style waves in the bronze frieze decorating the case piece. Imitating the gargoyles found at the palace, we love the elaborate detail of these holy water basins showcasing stylized dolphin bases. These hand-painted console tables bring to mind the patina and craftsmanship of antique marble.
Taking cue from the Empire style details throughout Garcia’s rooms, we love the dark woods in contrast with the lush fabrics and wall finishes. As the Empire style combines classical Roman details with French craftsmanship and materials, these striking pieces can be found throughout our gallery. This beautiful Empire console mirrors the vanity used by Garcia. Likewise, the floor lamp and Louis style chair bring more of the French touch. The lovely detail of each emphasizes the antique quality so essential to Empire items.
Inspired by the appearance of antique accessories and patterns within the bedrooms, we love the looking of mixing and layering throughout a space. At our gallery we regularly bring in bronze classical sculptures, including this elegant version of La Diane de Gabies’ by Praxitele. Likewise, antique artwork with extravagant gold leafed frames bring drama to the room. The onyx top of this coffee table is a lovely way to add color and pattern in a natural, organic material.
Drawing on details throughout the space, we love the urn motif found in our Italian “coralino” table lamp. Likewise, the bronze detailing on the bookcase and side table match those found within the palace. For more inspiration from Jacques Garcia, please find a video below of other homes he has expertly decorated.
How would you bring this layered, antique style into your home? Please reach out to our gallery with any questions about these available pieces or if there is anything else we can help you find.
@ad_france Dans un appartement parisien maximaliste et empli de traditions… #jacquesgarcia #hometour #appartementparisien
♬ son original – Architectural Digest France – Architectural Digest France