#HTE

Midcentury Modern Furniture… In Miniature

Next time you’re looking for a thoughtful yet whimsical gift for a designer who has literally everything, remember this. Emily Boutard makes miniature furniture that’s nicer than the real stuff most of us own. Scandi, Regency, Victorian, there’s something for all types of era-enamored snob. To top it off, she makes these historically accurate pieces for fun, while teaching law and studying architecture–two disciplines (three really) not known for their casual ease. 

“Drafting board comes with plans for a Palladian Villa”

Her site, aptly named Little Architecture, features historical architectural designs, elegant furniture sets, intricate facades, and inviting interiors that I would happily hang out in for more than a couple mini martinis.

In a recent interview with Lost at E Minor, she notes that though her interest in dollhouses and miniatures is lifelong, the influence of her post-law architectural education has been profound. 

The chance to develop a modeling technique around a period of historical architecture, and fully explore its scale and methods and materials, has clearly paid off. She has made stuffed baroque seating and Painted Lady trim work by hand, all beautifully scaled and highly believable.

One of her projects (tagged as the 1833 House Project on Instagram) shows her careful historical work on subjects from foundation to roofing to a violin.

Though Boutard describes the practice largely as a personal escape, rather than a career, many pieces are available on her site. (The 1:24 scale drafting table is on there now!) There are a few simple tutorials, and basic kits might be on their way.  

And aside from well-appointed designers and architects, chic mini furnishings could make a nice gesture for those of us with unappointably small apartments, or millennials with more design taste than personal space. 

You can see more of Emily Boutard’s Little Architecture work, and how it’s made, on Instagram. Including this helpful demonstration on discomfort and Le Corbusier’s legacy.