Out of Europe

We miss you, Europe! It seems like an age since we Kiwis could fly over to the other side of the world. However, we can still style our homes with some tasteful (and, in some cases, strange) furniture created by en-vogue, on trend European designers.

We will define our island!

BESIDE THE SEASIDE: If you do like to be beside the seaside, or poolside at least, during summer, London-based designer, Timothy Oulton, is ready to prove why Britannia still rules the ‘waves’. Appearing to be more modern and light than many of his other furniture designs, Tim’s Coastal ranges also seem to connect modern living with England’s culture and history. Handcrafted using traditional techniques, weathered timber, white marble, light fabrics and soft leather, pieces in this range are intended to reflect a serene, laid-back experience of holiday living. Suited for use indoors or out, the Coastal range is sure to appeal to inhabitants of our islands too. Timothy Oulton furniture can be ordered direct – contact via www.timothyoulton.com. However, pieces are also available in New Zealand exclusively through Dawson & Co’s Auckland showrooms in Parnell and Rosedale.

Best bar none?

CHAIRS? CHEERS! Pulling up a pew and parking one’s ‘derriere’ around a kitchen island or a home bar is a common practice in Kiwi homes. However, not all perches are created equal. Standing (or should that be sitting?) in testament to Mezzo Collection’s bar chairs, is its nod to fine mid-century furniture design. This eclectic range recalls an age of rat packs, playboys and soup cans and, yet, it combines this past era with the shape of things to come. Effectively, it’s a modern take on a muchadmired, bygone age. Although chairs by this Portugal-based designer may not be available in New Zealand stores, they can be ordered and shipped here by arrangement – contact via www.mezzocollection.com.

Business as unusual...

EU IN UNION: It may be a one room project but this Luxury and Contemporary Office has required many hands to make light work. Created by acclaimed interior designer, Sicilia Shine (from Cyprus-based Finesse Art & Design Bureau), in collaboration with Greek furniture retailer, Deloudis, this range includes feature pieces from Italy and Portugal. While the impressive conference table (from Italy’s i4 Mariani s.r.l) dominates the main office area, the Lapiaz center table and Imperfecto armchair and sofa (from Portugal’s Boca do Lobo) are equally important in the development of a room that lends space for leisure as well as business. Seeming to draw the eye to deliberate flaws, these pieces contrast with the symmetry and clean lines of the boardroom area, giving the impression that corporates should incorporate space in their offices for relaxation after the day’s work is done. While pieces in this project may not be available from New Zealand outlets, they can be ordered online. Contact the companies via www. i4mariani.com or www.bocadolobo.com to make arrangements.

Pablo Picasso & MC Escher, pull up a pew

CUBIST SURREALIST: When is a cube not a cube? When it’s a Picasso of course! However, thinking outside the box is not a characteristic limited to cubist painters, as the Not a Cube range from Portugal’s Insidherland demonstrates. Inspired by the work of acclaimed American furniture designer, Donald Judd, the Not a Cube stool is intended to stimulate the mind as well as rest the posterior. Revealing how reality and perception can work in harmony and discord, it delivers a functional optical illusion also reminiscent of the works of the surrealists. Is it a cube? Sometimes. Is it a stool or a table or a chair? Sometimes. Is it available in New Zealand? Yes. Contact Insidherland via www. insidherland.com to purchase and arrange shipping.

What lies within...

OUTSIDE THE BOX: When it comes to his cabinets in particular, French furniture designer Erwan Boulloud is not afraid to colour outside the lines; way, way, way outside! Testament to the fact that furniture design need not be purely fixated on functionality, but can be an inspiring and inspired art form as well, Monsieur Boulloud’s cabinets open our minds as much as making for an eye-opening experience. Although these pieces (and others from Erwan Boulloud) are not available in New Zealand stores, readers keen to purchase any of his work should contact the company (via www.erwanboulloud.com) to discuss orders and shipping.