French designer Charles Dudouyt (1885-1946) is celebrated for his organic, beautifully crafted approach to furniture design. Working during the luxurious Art Deco and Modernist eras, Dudouyt created some incredible pieces from natural and organic materials. Wood was his material of choice, designing casepieces, tables and chairs from beech, oak and walnut. This master of organic simplicity had a bold vision for furniture design. Bulbous, geometric, yet functionally elegant, Dudouyt’s statement-making furniture pieces are the perfect fit for your Los Angeles historic home. These focal point furniture designs look particularly at home in one of Los Angeles’ period revival styles, English Tudor, French Normandy, or the rustic yet refined look of a classic Spanish Revival.

A | Dudouyt Oak Dresser c.1940s B | William Morris and Co Wallpaper-Fruit
C | Dudouyt Oak Armchair

Charles Dudouyt: Background, Influence and Inspiration

Dudouyt was born in 1885; he studied at the Germain Pilon school, where he honed his drawing, painting and illustration skills. Upon completing his education, Dudouyt began creating illustrations for some of the most well-known French publications. After returning home from WWI in 1918, Dudouyt and his wife began designing decorative objects, eventually opening a furniture factory, L’Abeillée, in 1920. The designer moved to Paris in 1933, opening a workshop, The Gentilhommière. Dudouyt’s style shifted from the designs typical of the Art Deco era to more abstract geometric forms. The designer became heavily influenced by African, Tribal and Folk art and the geometric, abstract work of Picasso. As a contemporary of Alexandre Noll, Dudouyt was a key figure in reimagining France’s furniture and interior design movement towards a more Modernist sensibility, a movement he significantly influenced with his organic, beautifully crafted approach to furniture design.

A | Hounds Cement Tile by Lili Tile B | French Ceramic Vase c.1920
C | Dudouyt Oak Side Table c.1940s D | Dudouyt Rush Seated Chair c.1950

Dudouyt’s Artful Approach to Furniture Design

Charles Dudouyt’s furniture pieces are warm, welcoming and authentic, making them a true showstopping addition to any room. The designer’s furniture echoes a sophisticated era of the past with bold bravado. His iconic designs continue to resonate with homeowners and collectors alike for their enduring beauty and detailed craftsmanship.

If you’re lucky enough to live in one of Los Angeles’ classic or historic houses or dream of living in one, there is no better addition to your interior space than a piece or two of Charles Dudouyt’s furniture. With organic, striking simplicity, his furniture designs bring something unexpected to an interior space. From buffets and sideboards to chairs, tables and lamps, his pieces tell a story we want to be part of.

Architect-designer Gianfranco Frattini was born in 1926 in Padua, Italy. Frattini graduated from the Politecnico di Milano with a degree in architecture, studying under the iconic Gio Ponti. Although he began his career focusing on architecture, his interest soon shifted towards interior and furniture design. This move would make him one of the most influential Italian designers of the mid-20th century. Frattini became a member of the generation forging the Italian design identity post World War II, known for its dedication to craftsmanship, functionality, and beauty. Frattini’s design career soared in the 1950s, propelling him to the pinnacle of the design world. His collaborations with luminaries like Gio Ponti and Osvaldo Borsani defined an era and showcased his unique design philosophy. Frattini believed that ‘form follows function,’ a principle evident in his designs, which boast clean lines, practical utility, and a keen sense of proportion. Frattini states, “There is no decoration; the structure becomes the object.”

Gianfrano Frattini’s Design Philosophy

Frattini’s designs are marked by their subtlety, functionality and meticulous attention to detail. He had a particular affinity for working with wood, often experimenting with new techniques and forms to better express its natural beauty and warmth. Unlike many designers of his time, Frattini preferred soft, rounded forms, creating pieces that were visually appealing and incredibly comfortable. He didn’t believe in drawing attention to his works unnecessarily, preferring that his designs speak through their use and sculptural elegance.