I have never not found the perfect piece at Orient House…..and I look forward to fossicking amongst the new arrivals this week.  Whether it is a cute side table, decorative piece or lavish armoire there is always something beautiful that you fall in love with.

I think that why I am always so successful in my search is that there is plenty of choice or at times too much choice.  More often than not you will have to either go back to check your requirements….. visualizing the pieces or at the very least, just go and have a cup ofcoffee and mull over it.

Asian pieces work really well with both the slick contemporary interior as a feature piece or blending with other antique furniture.

Radford Furnishings has introduced a new range of bags by Designers Guild of fabric fame. Their ‘Weekender’ Bag – the perfect size and shape for a night away or a stylishly larger size bag for everyday use. The perfect accessory for the modern woman, this fabulous stylish ‘Overnight’ bag is available in 2 great designs.

The second design which has a slightly younger feel is the  Designers Guild Tote Bag… this seasons ‘must-have’ accessory. Perfect for a trip to the shops or with kids to the park, to carry a laptop and other essentials to work or for stylish students to carry their books to lectures.

To complete the look Radford introduce both a Designers Guild Washbag and Make-up Bag, both in their signature ‘Franchini’ Black and White Stripe design to coordinate with both ‘Weekender’ Bags.

Radford Furnishings

(03) 9818 7799

www.radfordfurnishings.com

sales@radfordaus.com

I stumbled across this exquisite collection of fabrics on a day I was browsing in Transvaal Avenue, Double Bay.  The very stylish black and white window display including the perfect little black ballet flats, handbags etc on display are what initially tempted me inside where I ventured further to find the bolts of precious fabric.  The colours are very different and the quality and designs of the fine linens, cottons and wool are breathtaking. I was quite surprised that the fabric is woven 3 metre wide. Busatti is a company immensely proud of their eight generation Italian fabric house crafting fabrics for the table, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and nursery along with ballet flats and handbags designed by Nathalie George (designer for Hermes, Dior and Christofle.)

I have just received news of these beautiful rustic yet somehow so refined American Oak tables.  Manufactured by Master Craftsman Andrew Farquahar in the Southern Highlands.  These gorgeous country kitchen tables, at home in either a rustic or very contemporary interior are available through Cotswold Furniture and will soon be on show in their Sydney Showroom.  Cotswold’s John Jessop declares them antiques of the future.  Already featuring in Melbourne, they are designed to seat 8 or 10.

Andrew Farquahar is well known for his handcrafted furniture and his wife is the very talented stylist Coty Farquahar.cotyfarquahar.blogspot.com

Liberty in London are currently featuring a selection of one of a kind products by Britains best loved icons in a silent auction in aid of British charities.  My very favourite piece is the Paul Smith Sofa.  Fashion Designer Paul Smith has combined his love of 19^th century English country house sofas with original Liberty print colour swatches (chosen from their early silk swatch books) printed onto beautiful pure linen.

This sofa style is itself classic in every sense of the word.  I have seen it placed in both traditional and extremely contemporary settings.  The choice of fabric is the key!! It is a style that translates well into any size from a neat two seater to an oversized three seater or larger.  I had this style made to order to fit the full length of wall in our television room/study and because of its size it looks rather opulent.  It is actually covered in a fine wool which is, if anything, smart casual and very inviting to curl up on.

http://www.liberty.co.uk/

http://www.paulsmith.co.uk/

This little bolt hole (yes literally) Bev’s Remnant House is such a find.  It is a must when searching for fabric both because it is a treasure trove of fabrics and also because the pricing is fabulous.

There is fabric by the piece or roll depending on the amount you need. Bev offers tremendous assistance often beyond the call of duty. I was thrilled when in there last searching for a crisp wide black and white stripe to cover a bed bench – unfortunately nothing like that to be found, however Bev knew exactly what I was after and told me that in fact Ikea had that fabric.  Sure enough they did.  Now that is service with a smile The real advantage I feel is that she is open 7 days a week but in my case it’s the location. I have driven for miles in the past to find “the discount fabric outlet”.  I pop in here on my way to Dank Street and as it is next to Anibou furniture I get to do the rounds and view the latest.

It is worth seeing Anibou’s Gervasoni collection of furniture from Italy and in particular the Ghost sofas and armchairs covered in magnificent linen loose covers……oh for that  beach holiday  !!!!

http://www.bevsremnanthouse.com.au/online-store#!

http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/90160027/

http://www.anibou.com.au/intro.html

Riding House Café in London, the third of their local brasseries for Adam White and Clive Watson has its own distinct feel along with quirky lighting that probably isn’t for everyone.  These eateries are positioned to serve existing neighbourhoods and seem to do that extremely well.