Timeless quality to styles

Press, 6 September 1989, Page 29

Timeless quality to styles

Simple, uncluttered lines in classical, traditional styles are the distinguishing features of David Shaw Furniture. Rolled arms and no buttoning are used in many of the designs.

The furniture is designed and made in Christchurch. The factory produces mostly lounge furniture, but also some dining and occasional furniture.

David Shaw perceives furniture as a quality item, something which is separate from fashion. His styles have a timeless quality and look at home in traditional or contemporary settings. He describes them as readaptations of European ideas. Along with traditional

styling goes good quality materials to guarantee long-life furniture. Frames are made from Southland beech and deep padding ensures comfort. Lounge suites can be made according to customers’ requirements. A suite can consist of any combination of chairs, two seaters, two-and-a-half seaters — a popular choice — three seaters or a day bed. Consumers are no longer dictated to by what is available on the floor, David Shaw says.

Choice of fabric transforms the look of a suite. The same suite can be made in ticking stripe, linen or leather and look dramatically different.

Leather has become increasingly popular during the last two years. Previ-

ously the local product was not selling because imported furniture was more popular. But the trend has now reversed as people have become more aware of quality, he says. New Zealand is following the overseas trend to spend more money on homes and entertaining at home, so consumers have become more conscious of quality. Price is not the deciding factor in buying furniture if consumers want it to last for a long time, David Shaw’s furniture carries a five-year guarantee.

He makes 16 styles of suite, five of which will be on show at Furnishing ’B9. Two are new releases.

“Nottingham,” a threepiece suite with rolled

arms, will be shown in three different fabrics — cotton, leather and Sanderson linen.

“Boston,” a new release, will be shown in cotton and Indian cotton, this suite has smaller arms on the chairs and larger arms on the settee. “Lexington,” the other new release, consisting of a two-and-a-half seater and two chairs, is being shown in cotton.

“Baylis” is a new interpretation of an old popular style. It has been made up in plain, modern leather.

“Jasmine,” made in snakeskin cotton, has a contemporary look and consists of a two-and-a-half seater settee and two chairs.