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YOUR QUESTIONS
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Q: We have just moved into a
turn of the century house and are looking for some furniture that would
suit that period.
A: There were several styles of houses built around the turn of the
century, some still reflecting the past and some quite cutting edge for
their time. A lot of these houses used the vernacular in their construction
and the interiors reflected that. There were strong design movements too
at that time, one of which was the Arts and Crafts movement, headed up
by people like William Morris and wonderful furniture makers. The
furniture, ceramics and textiles from this movement all respected the
materials and craftsmanship going into the creation of quite a
distinctive, yet simple look.
If you apply the same ethos behind your
choice of furniture, you can't go wrong. By doing this you can combine
original pieces and modern day classics, the two can work well side by
side. Most of the furniture was predominantly oak, although it's not a sin
to mix it.
There are two wonderful rotating bookcases by Galimberti (1) in
walnut or cherry, on our book case page. They are very similar to those in
Standen, (a Philip Webb house.) They incorporate a lovely use of wood
and provide excellent book storage, freeing up wall space for cabinets and
dressers.
Have a look at the cabinets and sideboards, like the
Abacus (2) pieces by Giorgetti. They are crisp and modern with an arts and crafts feel of less is
more.
It's often hard to find a decent dinning table, that either seats enough people or is sturdy enough if you are looking for an classic design. I think the cherry wood table (3), which
is a Frank Lloyd Wright design, would look in
place with any other original pieces. The form and function of all of
these work well with both old and new, proving the quality of their design.
Even modern lighting and objects, if well chosen do not compromise the
look. Enjoy browsing! |
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Q: I would like to update
the lighting in my hall. There is just a pendant light there at the moment.
A: Pendants do give off quite a hard, over head light. Try something
softer like up-lighters or wall lights. Some of these wall lights can be
quite unobtrusive, with some amazing textures. Very now!
Have a look at the Stoneage (4) range by Targetti. They can become almost part
of the wall. Or simple but stylish lights like Fiorenza
(5) by Slamp.
If it's 'wow' you want, look at some of our amazing, modern candelabras. Put a
bit of colour impact into your hall with one of Carlo Nason's coloured glass
hanging lamps (6). It will be the first thing you see when you walk into your
house, quite a conversation piece!
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Q: I am about to refurbish my kitchen, but have drawn a blank as far as a sink. I was
hoping to find something out of the ordinary to form a focal point of the
kitchen without coming up against compatibility problems as far as
plumbing is concerned. Can you recommend anything?
A: There are several solutions, depending on the look you want to
achieve. A free standing sink unit allows it to stand out in its own
space, treating it as a separate piece of furniture. It does not even have
to look same as your existing kitchen. A bench and sink unit like the Bulthaup System 20 (7), a German design classic, would be quite striking on its own.
Alternatively recess a simple sink into the work-top and create an impact with the taps, go for something with a bit of style. The Profumi-Aria by Gessi (8) is quite funky.
The essence of creating a focal point is keeping things simple, clearing away
day to day clutter and keeping items on display to a minimum. The
Particolare tap (9) has a built in washing up liquid dispenser, no more squeeze bottles on view! All these ranges are are
continental but are compatible with British fittings and a plumber will
have no problem installing them.
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Page 3 of 3
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Our team at Europe by Net can help you find items to
complement what you already have or would like to have. We will source items
for you either on or off the site. Give us a brief and we will come up with
some solutions. What will complete your look? Maybe you have seen something
you like somewhere and want to recreate it. Remember you will pay less
through our site and have none of the hassle of trawling through the shops!
If you have a question or would like some suggestions from our designer,
email us at DesignersCorner@europebynet.com.
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