Photo by Graham Suggs
Antiques dealer and author Tara Shaw debuts her furniture collection for Century.
FLOWER: How did the Century collaboration come about?
Tara Shaw: I’d been asked to do a signing for my book, Soul of the Home, during the High Point Furniture Market. I arrived a day early just to look around, and as I happened to be standing in front of the Century showroom, I decided to walk in and ask to speak to the president. And the rest is history.
Tell us about the inspiration behind the collection. What ties it all together for you—the common thread?
It comes from years of working in Europe and being immersed in European design. The one-of-a-kind items from Italy, France, Belgium, and Sweden will seep into your subconscious. The beauty of this new line lies in its individuality—there’s no unifying thread because every piece is inspired by a one-of-a-kind hero piece. Each tells its own story, yet together they complement and elevate a space. Some are current adaptations of the originals to better fit modern lifestyles while others were left unaltered as they were born perfect.
When does a current piece work instead of an antique?
When it’s essential for comfort or style, especially upholstery in the main seating area, or when budget considerations come into play.
Photo courtesy of Century
Handcrafted from blackened iron and topped with brass ball finials, the Dante Iron Savonarola Chair reflects mid-century craftsmanship.
Your collection has a mid-century modern element, and all the pieces have great adaptability. Do you have a favorite piece? Which ones will you be incorporating into your own home?
I love the Venetian Iron canopy bed and use it as a focal point in my own primary bedroom. In my living room, it’s a tie between the Saint Michel, which is a Belgian slope-arm sofa, and the Saint Honoré, a French track-arm sofa. I can’t decide! I also like having a banquette in the living room, so I’m going with the Swedish paw-foot Maximilian daybed to open up the space.
You’re a master at layered thoughtfulness and the ability to create interesting and inviting interiors using mostly neutral color palettes. When you want to add a bit of punch, which hue do you choose?
I often lean towards tobacco—a rich, warm hue that adds depth and character while complementing natural tones. It’s bold yet refined.
Photo courtesy of Century
The Maximilian Sandblasted Daybed is influenced by 18th-century Swedish Neoclassical style.
Quick Takes from Tara
If I were a chair, I’d be: A Savonarola. They’re as cool now as they were in the 1700s.
Antique I own that I could never sell: A large ecclesiastical painting I bought from the estate of Anne and Valéry Giscard d’Estaing
Every room needs: A hero.
Something unexpected in my handbag: Greenley from Parfums de Marly and a dog toy.
Style uniform: Crisp white blouse, a great pair of leather pants, and an interesting mule.
Favorite home scent: My “Soul of the Home” candle and diffuser. It has notes of mesquite wood, neroli, and oak moss—so fresh.
Three things I can’t live without: My husband, Robert, who is my better half; our Whippet, Sister Lucca—a love muffin and a tomboy; my spiritual connection with God.
