Clive Daniel: Chair by Faith Ashley
Gulfshore Life’s Chairs for Charity spotlights Clive Daniel’s refined contribution by designer Faith Ashley, who revived a circa 1940 French Louis XVI armchair that had been quietly collecting dust in the brand’s Paris Shop. Originally sourced on a vintage buying trip through France, the piece carries the charm of European craftsmanship and design heritage. Ashley’s restoration gives the forgotten chair new life, blending history with a fresh, modern sensibility for an elegant one-of-a-kind showpiece.
DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Where did you find the vintage chair?
I wanted to give new life to a forgotten piece that had been quietly collecting dust in our Paris Shop—a space that celebrates European elegance and design heritage. This one-of-a-kind, circa 1940 French Louis XVI armchair was originally discovered by one of our merchants on a vintage shopping trip through France, where craftsmanship and history intertwine. Its weathered off-white finish, softened by time, reveals hints of natural wood beneath a dark patina. Linear carvings trace the frame, while delicate floral medallions crown its fluted, tapered legs. The burlap upholstery with its rustic authenticity—an honest contrast to its refined silhouette really need to be reimagined. The moment I saw its graceful lines, I knew it had a story to tell. It felt like the perfect canvas to reimagine through a modern lens while honoring the timeless soul of its classic past.
What were the materials used to redesign the chair?
This chair became a canvas for texture, color, and whimsy. I layered black paint in a satin finish with gilded touches of gold and silver to create a luminous base. Blue Jacobean flowers bloom across the frame, complemented by cheetah patterned fabrics in blue, black, and gold that bring a touch of daring sophistication. Tiny fur pillows and golden key tassels add playful luxury, while crushed blue quartz trim, beaded hearts, and crystal accents infuse a hint of sparkle and storytelling. Every element—from the fur trim to the blue beads—was chosen to evoke artistry, opulence, and a touch of fantasy.
Where did you find the inspiration for your chair design?
It all began with a striking blue French Jacobean fabric I discovered. Its rich pattern and timeless charm immediately spoke to me, setting the tone for the entire piece. From there, I layered in unexpected textiles and finishes that would push the design into avant-garde territory—melding classic elegance with a modern, daring spirit. The goal was to create something that felt both storied and forward-thinking, a chair that celebrates artistry through contrast and imagination.
What was the process of designing and putting together the chair?
The process began the way all good design stories do—with a spark of curiosity and a bit of treasure hunting. I scouted a few of my favorite fabric shops, called in a couple of favors from trusted vendors, and gathered an array of materials that felt as bold as they were beautiful. Once everything arrived, the transformation began. I hand-painted the exposed wood in a deep black satin finish—before layering on gilded touches, luxe textures, and unexpected details. Every brushstroke and bead placement became part of a creative dialogue between vintage charm and modern artistry.
How would you incorporate your chair into a space?
This chair was never meant to simply fill a corner—it was designed to command one. More art than accent, it carries an energy that transforms any setting it enters. I imagine it nestled in a glamorous dressing room, adding a whisper of drama beside a vanity, or positioned in a space where it invites admiration more than use. While you can sit in it, the chair’s true purpose is to be adored—to spark conversation, inspire curiosity, and remind us that great design often straddles the line between function and fantasy.
Photography by Anastasia Walborn
clive daniel chairs for charity preview
faith ashley clive daniel chairs for charity
DESIGNER BIOGRAPHY: Faith Ashley
“I believe that architecture, nature and balance play a huge role in the outcome of an ideal space. There is always something new to learn and admire.”
Faith Ashley is an award-winning interior designer with more than 35 years of experience in the design field—20 of which have been spent creating extraordinary spaces throughout Southwest Florida. A 2023 Aurora Award and Sand Dollar Award winner, Faith’s design philosophy is rooted in timeless elegance, layered craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for how beauty and functionality coexist.
Originally from Hanover, Massachusetts, Faith earned her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from the University of Honolulu in 1987 before traveling to Italy to further her studies in European architecture and design. Upon returning to the U.S., she founded Faith Ashley Interiors in the greater Boston area, blending classic New England sensibilities with European sophistication. Over the next 15 years, her firm became known for its distinctive interiors, custom window treatments and decorative painting techniques. Her work has been featured in Traditional Home, Bon Appétit, Good Housekeeping, This Old House, and Food & Wine and she was honored as the 2005 Winner of Best Home Office – Top Show Houses in America Book/Publication.
In 2005, Faith relocated to Southwest Florida, continuing her career under several of the area’s premier design firms, where she contributed to numerous luxury residential projects. During the economic downturn of 2008, she broadened her expertise to include the lighting industry—earning top sales honors and later achieving certification as an American Lighting Association (ALA) Certified Lighting Consultant in 2018.
Deeply influenced by her mother’s passion for art, antiques and home décor, Faith brings that lifelong inspiration into every project she touches, creating spaces that are as personal as they are polished.
When she isn’t designing, Faith enjoys painting furniture, biking and swimming with her husband Kevin and their two yorkies. She also enjoys volunteering for the Shelter for Abused Women & Children.