Coffee plus!

Designers know only too well how important it is to incorporate design ideas and pieces of furniture that accommodate daily living and help keep clutter such as magazines tucked away while creating a beautiful room: a coffee table suits this purpose. 

They are practical and versatile pieces of furniture and are found in most living rooms irrespective of the décor of the house.

The design and type of coffee tables should match the rest of the interior features. If you're just decorating your house, it's best to look at all sorts of coffee tables: classic or ultra modern design? Then wood, glass or metal?

When choosing remember to have all the dimensions of the room clear; sometimes even the rest of the items of furniture are important for the matter. 

For instance, coffee tables are usually placed near sofas and armchairs. Try to buy these elements together; otherwise you'll have to consider the way they match in the eventuality of a combination. 

Material and colour are very important; beware off too daring colours! Although they look innovative and modern, it must be taken into account how well do such coffee tables match with the rest of the objects in the room?

Placing coffee tables directly on the floor or on the carpet is another element to consider. Transparent glass tables usually work great with wood polished floors as they leave an amazing impression of spatiality and for those who are dealing with smaller spaces, modern Lucite coffee tables will provide a perfect match. 

They are attractive and serviceable, and their translucent appearance doesn’t take up any room visually. 

If you are not convinced by the coffee tables offers available in shops; have a model made on special order or there are plenty of companies that design unique coffee tables according to the client's requirements.

Coffee tables became popular in the United States in the 1920s during Prohibition when a great deal of entertaining was done in the privacy of one’s home. These low tables were given the name “coffee tables,” even though at times equipped with secret compartments to hide illegal liquor bottles. After Prohibition, these became more appropriately known as cocktail tables. Although both terms are still recognized, coffee table is the name most commonly known. 

Some of the hottest looks are ottomans and benches upholstered in tufted leather which are used in place of coffee tables. I love the flexibility of these pieces that can play so many different roles; with the help of a tray for stability, they make great tables with plenty of room for cups, glasses and even snacks. They provide extra seating for a house full of guests at party time. If you choose a large and heavy then look for those that are on rollers for maximum manoeuvrability.

Large puffy ottomans upholstered in all kinds of fabrics are also popular and they make comfy spare seating and footrests, but don’t display more than books and magazines. And speaking of books, a great one to add is the new book of interviews from Katie Treggiden; it’s an absolute must for a coffee table.

There are so many choices now and something to suit everyone’s taste and situation — from the really expensive to utterly affordable. So go for it: Shop, look and listen! You’ll find just the right piece to take centre stage in your living room.

www.aguilarinteriors.com

Pictures via Casatreschic, cdlworkshop.com, Fiona Barratt and Katie

East meets West - Trading Boundaries

If you haven't heard of them then you should!

And yes i did think of keeping them to myself, just my little secret!

I decided against it so let me tell you about this hidden gem. Trading Boundaries is Michael Clifford and Tracy Thomson's baby, or rather a grown up 15 year old. Far from resting on their laurels it's been year on year incremental growth and diversification from on a core product of ethnic furniture from India and the Far East.

From what G.M. Kristan Fawcus told me their vision is far reaching and as yet to be fully realised. This is a business (that feels like a big family) that reinvests and involves its staff and clientele in many aspects of decision making. It's become a day/evening out for a large number of Sussex folk.

But let me start from the beginning, Michael's Grandparents were missionaries in India so he visited them quite often and so a love for the country started. Michael tells me that one day seeing two men carrying some tables - which he fell in love immediately - he suddenly had an idea and so that's how it started.

In 1996 Michael ended up sending his first container back to England and started selling furniture sourced in the far east from a converted barn in Dormansland, Surrey where people would buy and carry their purchases home; the furniture had to be small as a result. By then Tracy had joined the business and so a great partnership begins.

In 1998 the business partners saw and fell in love with stunning grade two listed building named the Sheffield Park, near Fletching. They decided it was to be their new base so as the saying goes "they begged, stole and borrowed" and put every penny into transforming the then pub into a unique furniture showroom and I am sure today they feel proud of their achievement.

The building dates back to the 1800's and was originally a busy coaching inn, situated on the main thoroughfare between London and the County Town of Lewes. The outer buildings in the courtyard were used as stables which now have been converted into shops.

Not only had the building been a coaching house, it had also served as a pub, a dairy farm and in the 1970's and 1980's as a very trendy night club.

Little did they know, then, that they hadn't just acquired the property but all that came with it too, and by that I mean the ghosts! The locals have told them that there are two currently residing in the building - albeit they think there are more! But don't worry they are a friendly bunch and the ghosts too.

One of the spirits is believed to be that of "Mary", an old lady who used to be a maid. Now and then they find a small table on top of a bed and other items in strange places. I think Mary does that when she is cleaning the floor and forgets to put it back, that's old age for you; either that or she has got a sense of humour!

So now that you have the buildings history let me tell about what they sell. Due to a plethora of contacts in India, China and Indonesia Michael & Tracy handpick every piece, so the showroom is mostly filled with this ethnic furniture and a smaller quantity of contemporary ranges coming from Europe. Michael & Tracy are trendsetters and cleverly manage to anticipate public tastes.

Because they go straight to the source - be it artisan or factory - they manage to sell their furniture at a fraction of what it would cost you in London. What I like is if you are looking for a particular piece then just tell them what you need and they will do their best to source it.

For me, this came in handy when I was creating a fusion of "east meets west" for a client I managed to get just what the client wanted.

Trading Boundaries is looking to work with other interior designers. If you want a piece for your house or client I'd recommend you go and take a look.

Their Chinese pieces are just wonderful and what I love about them is that the etching on them tells a story, so not only you get an amazing piece of furniture but you get your own piece of history.

There is an exotic feel about it and when you go into Trading Boundaries, is almost like steeping back in time in old Asia. The shop itself combined with the friendliness of the staff transforms your visit into an amazing experience and that is exactly what Michael & Tracy have tried to achieve.

Have you been to Trading Boundaries? Then do let me know what you most liked!

www.aguilarinteriors.com

Pictures via Trading Boundaries and my own.

Extra! Extra! Distressed and decoupage!

At a networking event in Lewes a few weeks ago I met Laura Diez a bright, bubbly young lady who is extremely passionate about what she does. Over a glass of wine Laura ends up telling me her story.

And that is what I want to share with you; the story of a talented young lady who I think will definitely be one to watch.

Working as a school secretary a few years back Laura began to feel there should be more to life than spending a large chunk of her life doing something that didn't make her happy (I for one couldn't agree more).

From an early age her life revolved around  interior decoration and fashion; at the age of 14 she re-decorated her mum's house and Laura realised that's when she was the happiest. After her mum's house she moved on to decorating friends' houses until it became apparent that a life in interiors beckoned and she should follow her dream.

 

In 2009 Laura decided to study Interior Design at the National Design Academy where she graduated top of her class. As Laura says "Making things look pretty and working on a budget have always been my strong points", so using her interior skills to re-vamp vintage and un-loved furniture, soon turned into a business - Lollipop and Pepper was born!

Laura began trading at craft fairs during he school holidays and frantically sourcing, painting, distressing furniture after school and at weekends. In July 2010 the website www.lollipopandpepper.co.uk went live and so Laura began to think that getting a premise to showcase and sell her furniture was probably the next step. December of that year Laura opened a shop in the Needlemakers in Lewes where she sells her furniture and a selection of vintage interior accessories.
 

 

Laura now does what she enjoys everyday, and loves the fact that in a small way she is helping the environment by recycling (or up-cycle as it's become known) old furniture, and encourage others to do the same by offering her Furniture Make-Over Service.

"What comes next is still an exciting avenue that I am looking forward to walking down" says Laura.

So if you want a piece for your house or a client I'd recommend you get in touch.

I find her passion and dedication a breath of fresh air; have no doubt that she will succeed and hope to use her pieces in a future project.

www.aguilarinteriors.com

Picures via www.lollipopandpepper.co.uk