CHARLES DUDOUYT: CARVED, CHUNKY AND COOL

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.

Chair and table by French designer Charles Dudouyt

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.

Art Deco cabinet by French designer Charles Dudouyt

This showstopping Art Deco cabinet by Charles Dudouyt highlights his furniture designs’ graphic, brutalist style. Manufactured in the 1940s in beautiful oak wood with copper and glass details, this Streamline Moderne style case piece celebrates the classic influences of the era, strong horizontal lines and circular nautical-influenced handles. As the perfect companion, the Kelly Wearstler Crescent Wallpaper makes a bold statement in the background, creating movement and visual interest. This opulent, slightly metallic hand-printed wallcovering in the gold and ivory colorway adds a modern luxe vibe to the coveted designer piece.     

A | Dudouyt Oak Cabinet c.1940s B | Abstract Painting by Luca Brandi
C | Dudouyt Brutalist Coat Rack c.1940s D | Stillwater Floral Quilt E | Sunflower Velvet Fabric
F | Contemporary Bustle Sofa G | Dudouyt Carved Side Table c.1940s H | Dudouyt Side Chair c.1930s
I | Vintage Kilim Rug J | African Basket-Ghana

Dudouyt: Past Meets Present, It’s All in the Mix

Imagine a room that seamlessly blends the charm of vintage pieces from Dudouyt’s collection with contemporary pieces, bringing together the best of both worlds. A plush copper velvet sofa, minimalist artwork, a modern quilt and graphic baskets all combine to create a visually stunning space. The carved side table shows the designer’s influence from traditional African tribal arts. The warm colors of ivory, taupe and henna complement Dudouyt’s warm oak furniture pieces, adding to the narrative and enduring visual appeal.

Do you love homes with unique character and style? Are you passionate about design and architecture? Beyond Shelter would love to help you find a classic Los Angeles home to showcase these Distinctive Designer pieces by French designer Charles Dudouyt. LA is home to many Architect-Designed, Mid-Century Modern, Spanish and Luxury Estate properties. Our passion is connecting buyers and sellers of these classic properties. We believe in helping our clients live well, live beautifully and live beyond!

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