FABULOUS FACES OF FURNITURE

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THE FABULOUS FACES OF FURNITURE

The team on Ponsonby News loves all types of design… so we asked six local furniture entrepreneurs, on this month’s issue front cover to select one favourite current piece available in their showroom. Here are their favourites...

Angus Dawson, DAWSON & CO As a teenager I was fortunate enough to spend over 15 months living in Finland and this experience opened my eyes, not only to the raw beauty of this part of the world, but also to the graceful simplicity that is inherent in Scandinavian design.

The Pensive Sofa by Tolv, with its ultra thin arms that bookend the generous seat and back cushions is a perfect statement of mid-century minimalism and functionality. The handsome oak base underlines and contrasts the upholstery with cylindrical legs that soften and add visual interest. A timeless design that is fit for any beautiful living space, it is designed by Cameron Foggo, a very talented Kiwi furniture designer which makes it even more of a compelling favourite for me.

DAWSON & CO., Northshore Showroom, 38 Constellation Drive, Rosedale T: 09 476 1121; Parnell Showroom, 115 The Strand, Parnell www.dawsonandco.nz

Dale Clothier, HOMAGE GREY LYNN One of my favourite mid century chairs would definitely have to be the Poul Kjaerholm’s PK31 Lounge Chair.

Kjaerholm, unlike many of his fellow Danish designers, who typically chose wood as their primary furniture construction material, chose steel.

He was drawn to the refraction of light from the metal’s surface, but always combined it with other materials such as wood, marble, cane or leather.

The PK31 (1958) is incredibly elegant and understated with an overt sense of strength from the steel frame. The clean lines of this chair almost disguise the incredible comfort factor experienced from the feather filled leather cushions.

The boy in me loves the thought of these chairs playing vital roles in the 50’s and 60’s in smoke-filled offices of establishments such as the FBI with Hoover and his G-Men in their black suits, scheming ways of capturing those on the ‘most wanted’ list.

HOMAGE, 254 Richmond Road, T: 09 360 0616, www.homage.co.nz

Meredith Lee, EUROPEAN ANTIQUES There is nothing like a beautifully engineered piece to make my heart sing!

This Belgian antique dental cabinet (c.1900) screams quality and character which is why it is my current favourite in the store. It has a wonderful steel superstructure with four glass doors opening to internal shelving and eight industrial style draws.

These cabinets are rare survivors and are highly sort after, so I rarely see them available to buy. They are incredibly versatile and can work anywhere, for bathroom storage, hallways, kitchens or for a home office.

This statement piece is priced at: $9,500.

EUROPEAN ANTIQUES, 21 Ariki Street, Grey Lynn, T: 09 360 9858, M: 027 414 0081, www.europeanantiques.co.nz

MaryJane Bell, ROSE + HEATHER Even though we have always continued to evolve our furniture pieces, the Tumblehome coffee table is still my favourite. It is that classic crafted piece, beautifully constructed from ancient kauri with structural elements forming the design.

Everybody has their favourite treasures which they’ve collected or inherited. Like the butterfly and insect drawers we all love at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, the Tumblehome invites you to display your treasures under a bevelled glass top.

So, it becomes more than just a coffee table as it is designed to celebrate those special keepsakes that have significance in the lives of the owners which gives it a unique personality. Just by swapping out the items under the glass, you can easily create a whole new look.

Reinforced glass makes it tough enough to dance on (just don’t tell the kids!) and pull-out drawers with lovely handles underneath for those things we don’t need to display.

A beautiful, unique and highly functional piece of design. Priced at $3580.

ROSE + HEATHER, 366 Great North Road, T: 09 376 2895, www.roseandheather.com

Ron Redel - BOB & FRIENDS The Balzac chair and ottoman designed in 1991 by Mathew Hilton for SCP has become the iconic club chair.

It is just beautiful. I’ve had mine for about 22 years and it never fails to produce that wonderful feeling of relaxed luxury. It has made its way into most books on the best chairs in the world and has a special place in the Design Museum in London.

Still being produced today at the same factory, it looks great in the tan leather, but also works beautifully in all manner of fabrics - a true classic.

Certainly one of my favourite pieces of furniture at BOB.

BOB AND FRIENDS, 231 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 7350, www.bobandfriends.co.nz

Stuart Bowman, APARTMENTO It’s exciting to have something new in the showroom and we always love our latest piece the most!

The Casa is a nod to Hollywood regency but with a contemporary edge. Clean yet traditional lines with a smart black interior...this cabinet can be fully customised to suit your space and requirements.

Casa Sideboard H860 x L2060 x D400 Price $5658.

APARTMENTO, 8 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 9963, www.apartmento.co.nz

Top: Preston bookshelf by Tolv $4,859, Portobello armchair by Tolv $2,639, Calibre side table by Wendelbo $919, Native coffee table by Tolv from $1,399

Bottom: Pensive sofa by Tolv as shown $3,589

Available at DAWSON & CO.

As an avid collector from a young age, on returning from the UK, Meredith Lee decided to pursue a career in antiques. Sixteen years on, and now well established, European Antiques is a must visit local destination for a mix of unique decorative objects, furniture and lighting.

European Antiques operates out of Meredith’s home in Grey Lynn, Auckland. She also sells smaller decorative antiques through the WORLD stores both in Auckland and Wellington while customers can also shop online through the website www.europeanantiques.co.nz.

Stock is hand-selected by Meredith from all over Europe and covers a broad range of tastes from mid-century, industrial furniture, to the more traditional antique chandeliers and mirrors. Her speciality is decorative antiques, those pieces that give a room great personality and charm and that add a real point of difference.

EA is open by appointment only (due to council regulations of operating in a residential street), but don’t let that deter a visit. Customers are welcome to browse. Open between the hours of 10am - 6pm Monday to Friday and 10am - 2pm on Saturdays. Just give them a call prior to your visit to make sure they are in and not out on a delivery.

EUROPEAN ANTIQUES, 21 Ariki Street, Grey Lynn, T: 09 360 9858, M: 027 414 0081 E: info@europeanantiques.co.nz www.europeanantiques.co.nz

On the Market

The centre of it all - 102/134 Halsey St, Wynyard Quarter.

Perfectly appointed and beautifully finished, this fantastic double bedroom apartment (62m2 plus 37m2 of courtyard/landscaping) is one of only ten in this boutique “WEST” block of the premier 132 Halsey apartment building located in the very heart of the cool vibe of the Wynyard Quarter. The stunning water features by renowned artist Lisa Reihana, and the web of lights suspended above Tiramarama Way, the buzz, the cafes, boutique shopping, world-class restaurants, the ASB Waterfront Theatre and Americas Cup, are all at your doorstep.

Every aspect of this stunning apartment has been meticulously fashioned by Athfield Architects. With razor sharp attention to detail and cutting-edge design, the seamless fusion of elements feature throughout this fabulous apartment, boasting an entertainer’s kitchen, Meile appliances, deluxe bathroom with Italian tiling and light-filled open plan living.

Slide back the bank of expansive glass doors to the huge north-facing courtyard and private lush garden - a fabulous spot to entertain or to just kick back and relax away from the bustle of city life.

Add to all this a secure carpark, plenty of cleverly concealed storage, security, privacy and exclusive access to the 16 seat theatrette, gymnasium and business centre. This is an irresistible bespoke pad you will be incredibly proud to show off. PN

Call Carl Madsen for an exclusive viewing 021 953 152.

Get it while you can. Our Tumblehome nine drawer and cabinets end this year - $4980

Tumblehome coffee table, double the size 180cm x 90cm - $5980

The Vintage Range by Bovi. Beautiful Portuguese linen with an embroidered edge. Available in flax, white or Grey.

ROSE & HEATHER, 366 Great North Road, T: 09 376 2895, www.roseandheather.com

W E H A V E A N E W H O M E..

We’re now at 366 Great North Rd. Greylynn

w w w. r o s e a n d h e a t h e r. c o. n z

String shelving

The Askel Kjersgaard collection

The Mavis sofa

String for home or office

BOB & FRIENDS, 231 Ponsonby Road, www.bobandfriends.co.nz

Tala Voronoi lights

www.bobandfriends.co.nz or call Ron on 022 021 0455 231 Ponsonby Road

DISPLAY SALE

COME IN AND BUY DIRECTLY OFF THE FLOOR

Sofa’s carpets and rugs as well as String display units all reduced by between 15-40% Plus 15% off all orders Online and instore….14 to 22 August

With its design inspiration taken from the American East Coast, the vintage and Vermont writing desks by Artwood are timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched to suit your personal style.

Delivered using high quality craftsmanship, they are available in weathered oak and vintage wood respectively. The sleek dimensions of this desk make it perfect to fit into smaller home offices.