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The iconic Polar Bear Armchair by Royère is one of a kind piece of art

Polar Bear Armchair - Classic Boucle-Snow White

Jean Royere – The celebrity architect

Did you know that Royere’s designs were a favorite among Hollywood celebrities in the 1950s and 60s. Actresses like Marilyn Monroe and Doris Day were often photographed in his furniture, and his pieces were featured in iconic films like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “Singin’ in the Rain.”

And one more thing about Royere before we get into this affiliate post: He was known for his innovative and luxurious use of materials. He wasn’t afraid to combine unexpected elements like plush velvet upholstery with sleek chrome or brass accents, creating a unique and visually striking aesthetic.

The Polar Bear Collection

Emerging from the post-war period’s spirit of optimism, Jean Royere’s Polar Bear furniture collection debuted in the late 1940s.  This iconic range, known as “Ours Polaire” in French, captured the imagination with its plush white velvet upholstery, resembling a polar bear’s fur. 

These luxurious and undeniably comfortable pieces, particularly the sofa and armchairs, have transcended trends to become coveted collector’s items, fetching hundreds of thousands of dollars today. The Polar Bear collection’s enduring legacy lies in its perfect marriage of comfort, timeless design, and luxurious materials.

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Luxurious Comfort:

Just like its lounge chair counterpart, the Royere Polar Bear armcChair features plush, ivory-colored upholstery that brings to mind a polar bear’s thick fur. This isn’t just for aesthetics, though. The high-quality material provides exceptional comfort, ensuring enjoyable meals and lingering conversations around the table.

Organic Elegance:

The chair’s backrest takes a unique curved form, deviating from the typical straight lines often found in armchairs. This organic shape adds a touch of whimsy and visual interest to the design, reflecting Royere’s affinity for biomorphic forms found in nature.

Warm Contrast:

Grounding the chair’s luxurious upholstery is a solid teak wood frame. This warm wood tone creates a beautiful contrast with the ivory fabric, adding a touch of mid-century modern flair and ensuring long-lasting durability.

 

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Royere Polar Bear armchair

Royere’s Design Legacy

The Visionary: Jean Royere, A Fusion of Elegance and Nature

Jean Royere wasn’t just a designer, he was an artist who translated his vision into functional pieces. His design philosophy revolved around two key influences:

Art Deco Grandeur:

The Art Deco movement, with its emphasis on geometric shapes, luxurious materials, and a touch of theatricality, played a significant role in shaping Royere’s aesthetic. This is evident in his use of bold, clean lines, often seen in the silhouettes of his furniture pieces. Additionally, his penchant for high-quality materials like chrome, brass, and plush fabrics echoes the Art Deco love for luxury and opulence.

Biomorphic Inspiration:

 Royere wasn’t confined by rigid geometry. He was deeply inspired by the organic forms found in nature, a concept known as biomorphism. This influence manifests in his use of curved lines, mimicking the fluidity of leaves or animal shapes. The iconic Polar Bear collection, with its plush upholstery and curved backrests, perfectly exemplifies this fusion of Art Deco elegance with biomorphic inspiration.

Royere’s design philosophy wasn’t just about aesthetics; it aimed to create a sense of comfort and luxury in everyday living spaces. He believed that furniture should be both beautiful and functional, a philosophy that continues to resonate with design enthusiasts today.

Diversity of designs

While the Royere Polar Bear collection is certainly a highlight, it’s important not to overshadow the breadth of Royere’s design talent.  Beyond the iconic furniture pieces, Royere possessed a versatile design mind that extended to various creative domains:

Furniture Finesse: 

Of course, furniture remained Royere’s primary focus.  He produced a wide range of pieces beyond the Polar Bear collection, including sofas, armchairs, console tables, and coffee tables. Each piece showcased his signature blend of luxury, comfort, and biomorphic influences.

Illuminating Designs:

Royere wasn’t limited to furniture. He also designed lighting fixtures that complemented his furniture collections. These lamps often incorporated similar materials like brass and teak, and sometimes featured playful organic shapes, creating a cohesive design aesthetic throughout a living space.

Interior Visionary:

Royere’s design expertise wasn’t confined to individual pieces. He also ventured into interior design, taking on complete room projects for discerning clients.  His interiors showcased his ability to create a harmonious and luxurious environment, seamlessly integrating his furniture and lighting designs with other design elements.

Royere Polar Bear Armchair

In A Spotlight: The Royere Polar Bear Armchair

A Design Icon

The Polar Bear collection by Royere draws its inspiration from nature, particularly focusing on the majestic polar bear and its habitat. The collection embodies the essence of the Arctic landscape through its design elements, incorporating nature motifs and organic shapes reminiscent of icebergs, snowdrifts, and the graceful movement of polar bears.

The unique characteristics of the Royere Polar Bear Armchair contribute to its distinctiveness and appeal:

Frame made from naturally rot-resistant Merbau wood:

Merbau wood is known for its durability and resistance to rot, making it an excellent choice for furniture exposed to varying environmental conditions. Its natural properties add to the eco-friendliness and longevity of the chair.

Constructed from shaped polyurethane foam with 3 distinct dense layers:

The innovative use of polyurethane foam in three distinct layers ensures optimal comfort and support. This multi-layered construction allows for the molding of organic shapes reminiscent of polar bear forms while maintaining structural integrity.

Solid wood legs with walnut stain:

The solid wood legs provide stability and strength to the chair while the walnut stain adds a touch of sophistication and complements the natural tones of the Merbau wood frame.

Fabric upholstery:

The choice of fabric upholstery enhances the tactile appeal of the chair, providing a soft and luxurious seating experience. The fabric options include Classic Boucle and velvet, each offering a unique texture and visual aesthetic.

Non-toxic and fire-resistant materials:

All upholstery materials and fill content used in the chair are non-toxic and fire-resistant, ensuring safety and peace of mind for users.

Fully assembled:

The chair comes fully assembled, offering convenience to the buyer and eliminating the need for additional assembly time or effort.

Variety of colors and material choices: With more than 20 different colors available in two material options, the Polar Bear Armchair allows for customization to suit individual preferences and interior design schemes. Whether opting for the cozy texture of Classic Boucle or the luxurious sheen of velvet, customers have ample choices to personalize their chairs according to their tastes.

So as you can see, the Royere Polar Bear Armchair combines innovative design, premium materials, and eco-conscious construction to create a stylish and comfortable seating option inspired by the beauty of nature.

Royere Polar Bear Armchair
Royere Polar Bear Armchair

Royere Polar Bear Armchair: Enhancing Your Modern Space

 

A Statement Piece for the Living Room:

Mid-Century Modern Living Room:

 

Focus on Organic Shapes:

Mid-Century Modern design often emphasizes organic shapes and natural materials, making the Polar Bear Armchair a perfect fit. Pair it with other furniture pieces featuring curved lines and tapered legs for a cohesive look.

 

Mix Textures:

Incorporate textured elements like shaggy rugs, wool throws, and wooden accents to enhance the cozy and inviting feel of the chair. Opt for upholstery in warm, earthy tones to complement the natural wood frame.

 

Iconic Lighting:

Choose statement lighting fixtures with clean lines and geometric shapes, such as Sputnik chandeliers or tripod floor lamps, to enhance the Mid-Century Modern vibe. The juxtaposition of sleek lighting with the soft curves of the chair creates visual interest.

 

Bold Patterns:

Introduce pops of color and bold patterns through accent pillows, artwork, or area rugs. Consider geometric patterns or abstract prints to add visual intrigue while maintaining the retro-inspired aesthetic.

 

Minimalist Accents:

 Keep clutter to a minimum and focus on a few carefully curated accessories that reflect the Mid-Century Modern style, such as ceramic vases, brass sculptures, or teakwood trays. Less is often more in this design approach.

Contemporary Living Room:

Sleek Silhouettes:

 Contemporary design favors clean lines and minimalistic forms, making the Polar Bear Armchair a striking addition. Choose upholstery in neutral tones or monochromatic colors for a sophisticated look that effortlessly blends with the modern aesthetic.

Metallic Accents:

 Incorporate metallic finishes like brushed stainless steel, chrome, or brass to add a touch of glamour to the space. Consider side tables, floor lamps, or decorative accents with sleek metallic frames to complement the chair’s contemporary style.

Statement Artwork:

Create a focal point in the room with bold and abstract artwork or oversized wall mirrors. The juxtaposition of the chair’s soft curves against bold, modern art adds visual interest and drama to the space.

Layered Textures:

Experiment with different textures to add depth and dimension to the room. Mix materials like smooth leather, plush velvet, and polished marble for a luxurious yet contemporary feel. Incorporate throw blankets, faux fur rugs, or textured accent pillows for added comfort and visual appeal.

Open Space:

Embrace the concept of open space and minimalism by allowing the Polar Bear Armchair to stand out against a backdrop of clean, uncluttered surfaces. Opt for sleek, low-profile furniture pieces and minimalist decor accessories to create a sense of airiness and sophistication.

By following these tips and incorporating the Royere Polar Bear Armchair into your Mid-Century Modern or Contemporary living room, you can create a cohesive and stylish space that showcases the chair’s unique design while complementing your chosen aesthetic.

Polar Bear Armchair
Polar Bear Armchair

Where to buy this beautiful armchair?

The designs of Jean Royere continue to captivate and inspire, showcasing a timeless appeal that transcends decades. Royere’s innovative use of organic forms, playful motifs, and luxurious materials has left an enduring legacy in the world of furniture design, influencing generations of designers and enthusiasts alike. His creations effortlessly blend elegance with functionality, offering pieces that are as relevant today as they were when first conceived.

Among Royere’s iconic designs, the Polar Bear collection stands out for its whimsical yet sophisticated aesthetic, embodying the beauty of nature in every curve and detail. The Royere Polar Bear Armchair, with its sculptural silhouette and premium craftsmanship, exemplifies the designer’s commitment to excellence.

For those looking to experience the timeless allure of Royere’s designs, the Royere Polar Bear Armchair can be discovered at ethernitymodern.com, an online destination for exquisite furniture pieces that celebrate the best of mid-century modern and contemporary design.

Take the opportunity to explore the legacy of Jean Royere and discover more about his iconic creations. Visit ethernitymodern.com to learn more about Royere’s designs or to explore other exquisite pieces from the collection. Embrace the timeless elegance of Royere’s vision and elevate your living space with furniture piece like the Royere Polar Bear Armchair that transcends time and trends.

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