Napoleon's Empire Inspiration for Design

There was no shortage of hubris in Napoleon's entourage, and looking to the greatest empires the world had ever known for design inspiration betrays a typical lack of modesty by the megalomaniacal dictator. As does the conspicuous use of the letter "N" as a motif. But there was more than just ego at work. Napoleon felt that architecture and design using these themes would have the effect of strengthening his claim as Emperor in the eyes of his countryman and the peoples of the territories he conquered.

So what were the essential Empire motifs? The color palette is bold, made up of dramatic reds, blacks and golds. The wood of choice for furniture is mahogany, and many of the pieces are large and heavy, often with brass inlay and covered with polished veneer. The use of curves was extensive, in day beds, chairs and chests. Floor plans tended to the symmetrical, often mimicking military campaign arrangements. The obvious effort to promote his political agenda contributed to the heavy use of symbols. Laurel wreaths, eagles, torches and the Egyptian Sphinx, frequently mounted in ormolu, were all used to emphasize the connections to classical greatness.

The importance of Egyptian themes was a result of one of Napoleon's less successful adventures, his attempted conquest of Cleopatra's kingdom. This coincided with a rise in archeological interest in antiquity, and there were significant finds by the archeologists that accompanied the soldiers. This sparked a renewed interest in Egyptian art and artifacts that made its way into the Empire Style.

So how can Empire style work today? Choosing a dramatic Empire chest or day bed can be a wonderful addition to an existing design. Or you can more ambitious. I designed a room for a show house several years ago that offered a good example of how Empire motifs can create a wonderfully atmospheric space. The room was relatively small, and the inspiration was Napoleon on a military campaign. The result was an intimate office/dressing area, with a writing table, day bed, and an Empire chest. I even used a Napoleonic military cocked hat that I'd recently purchased in France, as a decorative accent. So you don't need a large space, and Empire needn't be overly serious or smug. You can have fun with it, adding a touch of color and romance to your space. I certainly thought my Napoleon room was fun, and one of my favorite long-term clients agreed, purchasing the room in its entirety.