The project and the designer’s vision
A prestigious interior design studio based in Chelsea, London, asked us to source an antique fireplace that could become the visual focal point of the main living room in a historic residence. The project centered on a dialogue between different periods and design languages: the room’s Neoclassical paneling was paired with contemporary artwork and furnishings in bold colors, while the fireplace introduced an antique element with a strong, monumental presence.
The selected piece was a Louis XIV style fireplace, Boudin – Salvator Rosa model, carved from black marble with striking white veining. The mantel was completed with a custom-made contemporary inner surround, designed to give greater definition to the geometry of the fireplace opening and create a balanced transition between the firebox and the dark marble.
A modern marble fireplace: a natural dialogue
Although the Louis XIV style has its roots in the grandeur of French Baroque, its strong geometry allows an antique mantel to work remarkably well as a modern marble fireplace. The restrained, austere lines, substantial proportions, and well-defined volumes of these fireplaces create a natural balance within minimalist and contemporary interior designprojects, where the contrast between a historic piece and a clean, understated setting can become one of the defining features of the space.
The art of restoration in our workshop: our specialty
Our approach to restoration is very specific: we do not carry out on-site restoration or work on pieces owned by third parties. Every project begins and is carried out exclusively on unique pieces from our private collection.
Once the Louis XIV fireplace was selected, our master craftsmen began the restoration process in our workshops. Given the piece’s strong architectural character, the work focused first on preserving its original patina and bringing out the depth of the black marble. Each surface was carefully worked by hand to retain its original character and finish. A traditional treatment using natural waxes gently revived the marble and enhanced the contrast of its veining, while preserving the soft, subtle sheen characteristic of antique marble.
The restoration also included a custom-made inner surround, carefully designed in both proportion and finish to complement the fireplace naturally. This discreet, contemporary, and functional element was integrated into the antique structure, allowing the fireplace to meet modern requirements without altering its aesthetic or architectural balance.
International shipping: the fireplace arrives ready for installation
A major advantage for the London design studio was receiving a piece that had already been fully restored and prepared for installation.
After being carefully packed, the Louis XIV fireplace left our workshops for London. Each marble element was individually protected with multiple layers of cushioning material and carefully secured inside custom-built wooden crates, specifically designed to protect the fireplace and its surfaces throughout transit.
Because the restoration was completed entirely in our workshops before shipping, only assembly and installation were required at the London property. Once installed in the room, the fireplace revealed the full impact of its proportions and black marble, becoming one of the focal points of the project and creating a natural dialogue between the architectural rigor of the Louis XIV style and the contemporary character of the interior.
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