Architecture News

In the expansive realm of interior design, certain figures leave an indelible mark, shaping aesthetics and inspiring generations. Andrée Putman, often affectionately known as the "Queen of the Checkerboard," is undoubtedly one such visionary. As the design world commemorates the centennial of her birth, there's a renewed appreciation for her singular style—a captivating blend of minimalism, elegance, and unexpected charm. Her journey, from transforming a New York hotel's bathrooms with simple black-and-white tiles to curating the refined interiors of the Concorde, reveals a designer who masterfully transcended convention. Her reissued pieces, now brought back into the spotlight by her daughter Olivia and CEO Aurélie Laure, serve as a vivid testament to a legacy that remains as potent and relevant today as it was decades ago, solidifying her place as a true pioneer whose work continues to resonate deeply within the design community.

A Century of Style: Reimagining Andrée Putman's Iconic Designs

In 1984, the renowned Studio 54 owners, Ian Schrager and Steve Rubell, famously approached Parisian designer Andrée Putman with a challenge: to design the bathrooms for their new venture, Morgans Hotel, without relying on luxurious marble. Putman, known for her innovative and understated aesthetic, rose to the occasion. She famously adorned every guest bathroom in bold, inexpensive black-and-white tiles, a striking choice that not only defined the hotel's style but also earned her the moniker "La Reine du Damier"—the Queen of the Checkerboard. This pioneering project cemented Morgans Hotel's reputation as the world's first boutique hotel and became a cornerstone of Putman's distinguished career.

Beyond Morgans, Putman’s influence extended to diverse projects throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Her minimalist touch transformed the interiors of the Concorde's cabins into havens of quiet luxury. She also revitalized classic Art Deco pieces by designers like Eileen Gray and Jean-Michel Frank through her company, Ecart International, which she eventually sold in 1994, with its legacy now overseen by Pierre Yovanovitch. Rafael de Cárdenas, a contemporary designer, aptly describes Putman as more than an interior designer, seeing her as a creator of immersive atmospheres. Her approach was characterized by a classical reduction of decoration to its most essential elements, yielding a subtle yet profoundly captivating allure.

In recent times, Aurélie Laure, CEO of the Andrée Putman brand since last year, alongside the designer’s daughter, Olivia Putman, has been diligently reintroducing her mother's timeless legacy to the world. Their efforts have focused on launching re-editions and collector's pieces that pay homage to Putman's prolific output. Recognizing the brand's dual heritage, they have established showrooms in both Paris and Manhattan, the latter a city where Putman once shared creative spaces with luminaries such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Andy Warhol.

Now operating as Andrée Putman Studio, the interiors and furniture label has unveiled over 60 designs this year alone. This impressive collection serves as a retrospective of her most celebrated works, including the "Compas Dans L’Oeil" floor lamp, which originally graced the guest rooms of Morgans Hotel, and the "Agenda de Ministre" chair, designed in 1984 for France’s Ministry of Culture. Also featured is the distinctive white-tile table crafted for graphic designer Jean-Paul Goude’s Paris residence in 1992, now available in a limited-edition silver leaf, showcasing her signature embrace of high-low material contrasts. Interior designer Elliott Barnes, who worked with Putman for 17 years, recalls her ability to reinterpret everyday objects, transforming them into fresh, timeless statements—a quality that continues to define her enduring work.

Andrée Putman's unwavering commitment to elegant simplicity and her daring use of materials continue to serve as a beacon for aspiring and established designers alike. Her work reminds us that true artistry lies not in extravagance, but in the intelligent and soulful arrangement of elements that evoke emotion and stand the test of time. Her legacy teaches us that an innovative spirit, combined with a profound understanding of design principles, can create environments that are both functional and deeply moving. As her iconic pieces find new life through reissues, they invite a fresh generation to appreciate the quiet power and enduring relevance of her vision, proving that good design is indeed timeless.

Finding the right dresser is a highly personal journey, especially for an item used daily. While essential factors like room dimensions might dictate whether a tall, narrow piece or a lower, wider option is suitable, individual taste plays a crucial role. Whether your preference leans towards a classic wooden chest with timeless appeal or a sleek, modern design with a glossy finish, the perfect dresser should resonate with your personal aesthetic.

Selecting the Ideal Bedroom Dresser

This guide highlights a selection of exemplary dressers, each celebrated for its unique attributes, catering to diverse preferences and spatial requirements.

First, the Thuma Nest Dresser stands out as an all-around favorite, lauded by commerce writer Julia Harrison for its versatility and modular design. Boasting over 350 five-star reviews, its sleek, minimalist silhouette and construction from 100% upcycled wood make it a sustainable and stylish choice. The modularity allows for various configurations, accommodating different storage needs and room layouts, with some lower setups even serving as tabletops. Its soft-close drawers and straightforward assembly further enhance its appeal, blending Scandinavian, mid-century, and 70s California aesthetics seamlessly.

For those who appreciate simplicity, the Article Lenia 4-Drawer Chest is an excellent minimalist option. Despite its understated appearance, this dresser offers remarkable storage capacity, as noted by senior entertainment editor Rachel Wallace. Its spacious, soft-close drawers can comfortably house a substantial wardrobe, with room to spare. Available in six- and nine-drawer versions, and even as a nightstand, its elegant design, featuring solid wood legs and handles, provides a versatile foundation for any decorating scheme. Wallace emphasizes its ability to inspire a clearer design direction, making it ideal for those starting afresh.

City dwellers with limited space will find the West Elm Mid-Century 5-Drawer Dresser particularly appealing. Commerce producer Lauren Arzbaecher praises this tall, sturdy dresser for its compact footprint and robust construction. Despite its narrow profile, it offers ample storage without overwhelming a room, making it a perfect solution for tight urban living. Its vintage-inspired design, complete with kiln-dried solid wood and a choice of finishes, ensures durability and heirloom quality. White glove delivery and sustainable materials further add to its value.

The Lulu and Georgia Suzette Tall Dresser, favored by senior commerce editor Nashia Baker, combines timeless design with practical features. Its soft-close drawers, a welcome departure from noisy conventional options, and delicate brass knobs add a touch of sophistication. The grasscloth paneling provides unique texture, and its imposing height offers significant storage. However, potential buyers should consider their own stature to ensure comfortable daily use.

Additional Dresser Recommendations

• IKEA HEMNES Dresser: A consistent bestseller, this dresser offers extensive storage with six drawers of varying depths, including shallow ones for accessories. Its vertical orientation maximizes space, making it a practical choice despite a potentially involved assembly process.
• Lulu and Georgia Hanson Dresser: For an architecture-inspired piece, this dresser introduces depth and drama with intricate millwork and a gridded design. Crafted from Sungkai Wood, its push-open drawers and rich grain variations make it a striking focal point for any bedroom or even a dining area.
• Crate & Barrel Anneli 9-Drawer Dresser: Featuring a softer, curvaceous design, this dresser offers a gentle aesthetic with its rounded edges and burnished brass knobs. Available in natural oak, it provides substantial storage with either nine or six drawers, adding a subtle yet sophisticated touch to the bedroom.
• Greenrow Verbena Cane Wide Dresser: This piece brings an airy, coastal feel with its handwoven cane drawer fronts and mango wood frame. Antique bronze hardware and turned wood legs give it a graceful presence, perfect for creating a light and relaxed interior.
• West Elm x Emma Chamberlain 6-Drawer Dresser: A collaboration that marries playful design with modern functionality, this dresser boasts a high-gloss lacquer finish, rounded corners, and oversized wood knobs. It offers a fresh, contemporary look with a hint of retro charm, ideal for eclectic spaces.
• CB2 Dover 6-Drawer Dresser: This contemporary design showcases a unique blend of materials, pairing a warm white lacquered case with a Turkish travertine top. Its clean lines and handle-free drawers emphasize minimalism while providing generous storage and textural contrast.
• Arhaus Conrad Six-Drawer Dresser: For those seeking an heirloom-style piece, this dresser features traditional joinery, hand-carved textures, and vintage-inspired pulls. Handcrafted in Indonesia, its reeded facade and aged patina finish ensure each piece is distinct and timeless.

When selecting a dresser, it's essential to consider material durability, hardware quality, and drawer functionality. Solid wood offers longevity and character, while engineered wood and veneers can achieve stable, sculptural designs. Features like soft-close drawers and anti-tip kits enhance safety and user experience. Ultimately, the best dresser seamlessly integrates with your lifestyle and decor, providing both practical storage and aesthetic pleasure.

The journey of furnishing a home is deeply intertwined with personal expression. Choosing a dresser, while seemingly a utilitarian task, becomes an act of curation, reflecting one’s taste and functional needs. The array of options available today—from the modular adaptability of Thuma to the minimalist elegance of Article, the space-saving ingenuity of West Elm, and the artistic flair of Lulu and Georgia and CB2—underscores the idea that furniture can and should be both practical and beautiful. Each piece discussed not only offers storage but also contributes to the narrative and atmosphere of a living space. It’s a reminder that even the most functional items can be sources of joy and inspiration in our daily lives.