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Fanciful Features By Amanda Merchant
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Sanderson Capuchin Fabric
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Fanciful Features
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By Amanda Merchant
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eature walling may seem a thing of the past to many, or perhaps a design tool used only for hotel rooms or retail outlets. However, every room has its very own focal point, even if it has not been created intentionally; a large plasma television perhaps, or a fireplace and surround, maybe a large pair of striking curtains framing your favourite view.
A feature wall is not confined to the use of a bold wallpaper print or paint effect, but can involve the use of any colour/pattern/fabric or installation which draws the eye to an area of interest, setting a grounding for the rest of the space. Fireplaces, the traditional focal point of any room, became irrelevant during the second half of the 20th century. This was partly to do with
fewer domestic staff to remove the ashes, and also the introduction of smokeless zones. Central heating took over as a source for warmth, and fireplaces were being boarded up, thrown away or plastered over. These days however, fireplaces can add up to anything from ÂŁ5000 to ÂŁ10,000 house value. The traditional urge to gather around a fire is still within us all, especially
during times such as Christmas. The soaring cost of heating bills have also played a part in why we have decided to start installing, restoring and refurbing the fingerprint of our houses.
were introduced, creating a larger market for purchasing fireplaces. The Victorians were passionate about tiling, and then fireplaces had disappeared almost completely by the end of the 19th century, with the invention of the gas fire.
Fireplaces are hugely back in fashion now, with many designs and fuel options to choose from
In Tudor times, the wealth of the owner would be demonstrated by the number of chimneys, whilst the fireplaces became elaborate and flamboyant. The Elizabethan era saw the use of coal increase as a fuel, as wood was requisitioned for sailing ships. During the Georgian period pattern books
Fireplaces are hugely back in fashion now, with many designs and fuel options to choose from. It is even possible to purchase gas fires which have a programmable thermostatic remote control, which can allow you to control everything
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from ignition to extinguish, including thermostatic and timer programming functions to ensure that the home is always warm. One such fire which operates like this is the Gazco Riva2 800, which is available to buy from local suppliers and fitters such as Faraday Stoves, Exeter Stoves & Chimneys and Sidmouth Design. Bespoke cabinetry is a great way to utilise alcoves either side of a fireplace, and to house any television or other entertainment technologies. David Lloyd Cabinet Maker is a craftsman local to the area, and has created many such pieces over the past twelve years. One such bespoke project had very particular specifications; the clients wanted to create a pair of shelves with drawers underneath, and space to house the television,
incredible designs to choose from, including 3D images of vintage bookshelves, Georgian panelling and old rustic brickwork. Emma Bridgwater has designed a range for Sanderson, featuring iconic patterns such as Polka Dot, Sweet Pea and Splatter, together with one exciting statement design, ‘The Dresser`. This bespoke design is digitally printed, and every inch the focal point of any room, not looking out of place in any room or area of the house. Other interesting designs from Sanderson are ‘The Voyage of Discovery` range, which pay homage to our pioneering ancestors and natural historians, who collected memoirs of their
There are many new ways to embrace a feature wall Hi-Fi and extensive CD collection. The pieces were to be set inside the alcoves either side of the fireplace, and needed to be made using a light coloured wood as it was a dark room. The existing furniture was made from a dark stained wood, so there was a huge transformation in terms of reflected light back into the room (see advert for image). Cabinetry tailored to a client’s specifications can be extremely rewarding, and can solve awkward problems in older properties where regular furniture cannot be fit due to sloping ceilings or uneven walling. It can also be helpful in newer properties, when the “perfect” piece of furniture just cannot be found, matching existing timbers and styles, and built to specific measurements or to fit in awkward spaces. If you are unable to have a fire in your home, then a less costly option of creating a feature wall would be to use some exciting wallpaper. There are some
Farrow & Ball painted headboard
parrots and exotic plants and flowers, just bursting with colour and life. A pair of curtains made from this fabric is sure to attract attention in the best of forms. The wallpapers and fabrics from Sanderson can all be ordered through local suppliers in Devon such as Sidmouth Design, Sidmouth or Soft Options in Honiton.
Sidmouth Design journeys with which to decorate their homes. This range includes a fabulous fabric design called ‘Capuchins`, featuring monkeys,
Other ideas for feature walls are created by using mirrors, which reflect light and expand an area to at least twice its size, and also look fantastic covering an entire
wall surrounding a fire mantel. Paint can also be used to form trompe l’oaeil illusions and interest; a dramatic headboard painted on the wall above a bed in a statement colour can look really impressive. There are many new ways to embrace a feature wall, and lots of ideas to enjoy and be creative with, whether it be a fire to huddle around in the depth of winter, or a wall which screams “Wow”, a room simply cannot be a room without one. By Amanda Merchant
Farrow & Ball Whimborne White
Exeter Stoves & Chimneys
FEATURES
FANCIFUL