DESIGNER’S IDEAS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21210, 3 December 1938, Page 14

DESIGNER’S IDEAS

EUROPEAN FURNITURE ' INTRODUCES SOMETHING NEW. Every country in Europe has different ideas about furniture designs. Here are some of the latest and best ideas: In Sweden designers are using thin strips of metal to form curved legs of wood chairs and wood or glass tables. This metal can be painted in soft pastel shades, or left in the natural steel or copper to contrast with the wood or glass used. In Holland designers are staging a revival of the old-fashioned marquetry, but utilising metal as well as wood, and they are producing exquisite pieces of furniture in satin-smooth wood inlaid with bands of copper, pewter, gold or silver. One dining table has a the edge; one sideboard has door panels scalloped border of metal inlaid round inlaid with pewter, and old pewter plates hang on the wall above to complete the scheme. Gay rugs with a long shaggy pile are Finland’s idea for your hearth. They are inspired by peasant craft. In design they slightly resemble Persian rugs, and are carried out in lovely colour combinations, vivid shades contrasting with pale pastel tones. Warsaw, -with a thought to its bitter winter weather, has introduced armchairs in which you can curl up warmly. Fur upholstery which resembles sheepskin gives them a delightfully cosy look. Sometimes the fur is used in natural colour, sometimes it is dyed in bright tints to match the colour-scheme of the room. Fur cushions are also made to match, and for the bedroom fur bedspreads. In London winter sports have provided one popular designer—Mr Bird Iles—with the inspiration for an amusing and practical idea—chairs on skis. The “skis” consist of broad bands of polished wood or metal, shaped like real skis, which are fitted to easy chairs instead of castors, enabling the chairs to slie easily across the room without damaging the carpet.