Connect Furniture Blog

Lighting with a Difference

Thu, 31 May 2012 10:07:41 +1000

Lighting can be a great way to add some character to a room. The subtle addition of unique lighting can take a room from simple contemporary style, to a fun and exciting space. Lighting can even become a conversational piece such as the Romeo Lamp. This fun, cat-shaped lamp is formed from Technogel, a soft material which makes this piece not only great to look at but fun to touch. For a more familiar style of lighting, the Granny Light takes on a slightly more typical form than the Romeo Lamp and is hand knitted from pure wool in the Netherlands. This is the perfect piece to add some winter cosiness to a room.

The Jerry Lamp is another playful piece. Inspired by the humble jerry can, this light can either sit on the ground or be hung from string; out of trees or almost anywhere you can get power supply. As this product is made from silicone, it is also very sturdy which means it’s great for outdoor use. Another light that can be used either on the floor, or hung is the Svelto Floor Lamp. This contemporary lamp produces a warm glow and would look great as a feature in numerous spaces, both residential and commercial.

World Interiors Day

Mon, 28 May 2012 10:08:55 +1000

May 26 was World Interiors Day, an international day to recognise interior designers and architects globally. The event, held by the International Federation of Interior Architects and Designers involves events held globally by numerous interiors related organisations. With this year’s theme being “Finding the NEW in the OLD” there are sure to be many interesting events happening.

In the theme of this year’s World Interiors Day, we have picked out some pieces that combine both new and old. These products have been produced from recycled materials, turning old items into a completely new piece of furniture.

The Gordes Lorraine Coffee Table has been manufactured from hundred year old recycled wood that was sourced from old buildings in China. With its beginnings in China, this timber has been transformed into a French-inspired coffee table giving new life to timber that not only came from half way across the world, but was also used for a completely different application.

The Malaba Dining Table still retains its authentic appearance giving a glimpse into its previous life. This beautiful piece has been made from recycled ship wood; another example of the vastly different life timber can take when recycled. These pieces are both great examples of recycled materials and certainly show that new products can come from any number of past uses.

Recent Products

Tue, 22 May 2012 10:06:14 +1000

Check out some of the great products new to connectfurniture.com.au

French Provincial Style Armchair

Federation Outdoor Garden Bench

Hamilton Outdoor Dining Setting

Large French Style Buffet

Fashion into Furniture

Mon, 21 May 2012 09:46:46 +1000

Fashion and furniture are constantly intertwined with each other. A look at this year’s trends on the runway can certainly give us an idea of trends in furniture. One of the big trends at the moment happens to be baroque. Baroque naturally translates into furniture and can give an interior an instant touch of glamour. Think glamorous traditional pieces with a modern take such as the Carina Large Dresser. This beautiful piece is constructed from mahogany with a hand painted finish. Best of all, it can be used in so many rooms, whether it’s a bedroom dresser or a feature piece in the lounge room.

Image via Elle

Winter Comforts

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:16:09 +1000

As the cold weather starts to move in on the southern parts of Australia, it feels like it’s time to snuggle up in warm surrounds. Think: warm honey coloured timbers, comfy lounges and earthy tones. The Malmo Arm Chair, featuring a sturdy and structured side frame is perfect for comfort paired with retro style. Combine the Malmo Arm Chair with another comfy yet stylish piece, the Sterling Fabric Sofa for the ultimate cosy winter lounge room. To create a warm glow on dreary days, try a warm light such as the Poppy Pendant. With a yellow-tinted light bulb, this will create a feeling of warmth and cosiness. A coffee table is essential for resting your mug of hot chocolate or a glass of something stronger while curled up on the sofa. The Teak Essential Coffee Table carries through this warm look and has plenty of storage inside to hide all of your magazines, books and whatever else needs tucking away.

Black and White - Everlasting Style

Wed, 09 May 2012 16:09:00 +1000

Black and white continues to be a popular choice in decorating. Part of the reason for this is its suitability to so many different settings, whether it’s a formal room or outdoors. One of the great parts of a black and white theme is the abundance of pieces available to choose from. The BSO002 Lounge is an elegant piece, featuring a nail head trim which makes this a great lounge to use in entertaining areas. To avoid overdoing the look, pair eye-catching pieces with minimalist style. The Rod Drum can easily transcend from formal to more relaxed rooms of your home, or even for commercial applications. The simple design of the Rod Drum is both functional and elegant, and being Australian made, this product supports the local industry.

Black and white doesn’t have to be formal and can look great outdoors. The Mohito Day Bed is the ultimate in luxurious relaxation. Whether it’s at the beach house, or tucked under a tree in your backyard the Mohito Day Bed is the perfect place to spend lazy weekend days. For the best in outdoor style, the Safari is a fantastic sun lounge. Its simplistic form woven from wicker makes this a stunning piece. The Safari also has matching cushioning for those who simply can’t relax without.

Working from Home

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:45:12 +1000

Working from home has become increasingly popular, with 7.7% of employed people in Australia taking on the home office. While working from home requires a place to work from, it doesn’t necessarily have to mean making your home feel like a commercial office space. A key feature of a workspace needs to be comfort and useability. While working from your kitchen table may be cost effective, it may not be as productive as having your own space. Here are a few style ideas for creating a home office.

The Mazarin Desk and Porano Leather Living Room Chair are examples of how your office furniture can suit a home that has a traditional or French feel. The elegant curves of the Mazarin Desk and the beautiful shape of the Porano Leather Living Room Chair with its tufted back with nail head features will not only make a practical office space, but also become a feature within your home.

If you’re a fan of retro furniture, the Kemi Dining Chair and the Nordic Writing Desk look fantastic. The comfort of the plush, upholstered Kemi Dining Chair combined with its stunning appearance make it perfect for a home office.

Turquoise and Tan

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:35:56 +1000

Sometimes it pays off to be daring and go straight for glamorous and exciting decoration. Turquoise is everywhere at the moment from fashion to furniture, so why not try a bit of this bright colour at home. Enhance a room with a simple glimpse of turquoise using a piece such as the Glam Lounge Chair. Use stainless steel elements to blend this look into a room. The London blends in well with it’s neutral, tan leather and angled arms mirroring that of the Glam Lounge Chair. Combine these opulent pieces with sleek and uncluttered coffee tables such as the Loop Coffee Table and the Kobe Matrix Coffee Table. The simple yet unique design of these coffee tables matches the statement Glam Lounge Chair and The London with their distinctive, yet non-fussy form.

Nordic 4 Door Buffet

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:58:53 +1000

Check out the gorgeous retro-styled Nordic 4 Door Buffet

Beachside Relaxation

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:47:42 +1000

It’s drawing towards the end of the sunny season in the southern parts of Australia, but it’s not too late to make your home feel beachy. Try a range of light coloured timbers in relaxed styles accompanied by light fabrics to get this beach feel. The Cross Back Chair is a beautiful piece with its light-coloured timber and metal cross back. This chair can be dressed up with a seat cushion if you prefer the upholstered feel.

Reminiscent of old filing drawers, the Coffee Table with Drawer showcases a rustic, seaside feel through the variation in the timber.

For a sofa that can translate from the interior to the exterior, the Zulu Sofa 3 Seater has a very typical beachside feel with the woven cane structure.

For the addition of some seaside lighting, the Kris-Kros light lends itself to the form of a fisherman’s net and would look fantastic with any of these pieces. This lighting piece is both simple and unique with its net-like form.

Tiny Spaces

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:00:58 +1000

Living in smaller than usual spaces can present a new challenge when furnishing your home. To avoid cluttering rooms, it is best to put some thought into the space available and the combination of elements in the room. Here are a few simple rules to help you.

1. Go for clear

A common trick to avoid clutter in smaller spaces and apartments is to use glass and clear acrylic tables. The transparency of these tables means that they don’t create visual clutter. The Sean Dix Cross End Table is a gorgeous piece with a unique base. The Lotus Round Glass Dining Table is perfect for apartments, seating four and taking up a minimal amount of space. Both of these examples have unique and interesting bases, while at the same time minimalist, glass tops.

2. Pick one feature element

A great way to avoid clutter is to pick one element in the room to be a feature and then keep the remainder of the room low profile. Whether it is an antique coffee table, a beautiful rug or an elaborate sofa, try not to have too many features in one room. By removing visual clutter, the space will feel more open.

3. Avoid too many dark colours

It’s a well-known fact that dark colours can close in a space. If you’re going for a cosy feel, this may work however if you are trying to open up a small space, the last thing you want to do is shadow it with a lot of dark colours. Try light, neutral coloured sofas and armchairs such as the Marseille Fabric Wing Chair. These pieces can be brightened up with colourful cushions or throws and wall hangings. This also provides a fantastic base to add decorations and personality.

4. Think about smart solutions

Sometimes the biggest issue with small spaces is simply not being able to squeeze all of your belongings in there. This can be solved with fantastic storage solutions. Under-bed storage has become common, and is usually in the form of either drawers or the actual base lifting up. The Elwood Timber Bedroom Suite has two drawers at the foot of the bed, perfect for stowing away throws or the things that didn’t quite fit into your wardrobe.

5. Mirrors

Mirrors can provide the illusion that a space is larger than it actually is. There are plenty of different styles of mirrors available along with a variety of different shapes and sizes. From the contemporary Round Mirror to the Ornate Mirror, there are numerous options available to suit your interior style.

Terrazzo Rectangle Table with Benches

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:27:25 +1000

The Terrazzo Rectangle Table with Benches can bring the style of real stone into your home without the difficulties of solid stone.

Tips on Choosing Furniture

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:25:38 +1000

Hunting for furniture can be a very tedious process, especially if you don’t really know what it is you want. There are so many different styles, materials, levels of quality and price points out there; it’s not surprising that people get confused. Here are some tips on how to choose furniture and make it work.

1. Define what styles you like

It is not necessary to pick one particular style and apply it to every corner of your home, however knowing what you like and how this combination of styles will go together can be a big help in decorating a home. Don’t feel confined to following particular trends religiously. Instead, add a bit of your own personality.

2. Incorporate your personality and finds

Too many people often feel that a stylish contemporary interior means a space devoid of all personal and collected items. The most beautiful homes usually look like a home. The skill is in selecting items that suit your taste and can fit in around your current furniture. Bare rooms tend to feel cold and unlived in and don’t have a cosy feeling. Melbourne graphic designer, Zoe Murphy’s family home is a stunning example of keeping a room feeling homely, while at the same time chic. The decorations, amazing wallpaper and unique combination of different finds make this space distinctive in its own right.

Image courtesy of the Design Files

The use of fun and personal touches is obvious in the above image. While many of the furniture pieces used are quite contemporary, the combination brings the room together to feel like a warm and friendly, homely space.

3. Think about the size of the space

If you love a piece but it’s just too big for the space, unfortunately you may be better to keep looking. Nobody wants to be blocked by a large sofa in a small living room and to squeeze through tiny spaces to get to the other side of the room. Try not to select furniture that will block doorways, or otherwise see how you can move existing furniture around in order to fit in the new piece.

4. Colour

Choice of colour mostly comes down to the look you want to achieve. Whether you are looking for a bright and colourful space, a dark and formal room or something light and relaxed, there are plenty of colour options available. A lot of the pieces on connectfurniture.com.au are available in multiple colours, and some are even customisable to the extent that you can almost choose any fabric you want.

With Abigail Ahern being one of the hottest designers currently, her London home is a perfect example of incorporating colour into a space. The bright blue and lush watermelon colours are blended into the space with the use of neutral colours and a large, bright window. Bright colours are most certainly achievable; the main hurdle being making the colours work together in the space. In this example, the watermelon lounge blends with a neutral coloured sofa by the common use of suede. Aside from two blue chairs, the forms of most of the furniture in this space are reasonably simple so as not to detract from the colour itself.

Image courtesy of casasugar

5. Have fun with it

Furnishing your home is not an overnight project. The best way to create a beautiful space is to build it up over time. By doing this, your home will be filled with the things you collect from your travels and represent your memories.

Black Velvet Armchair

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:24:55 +1000

The Black Velvet Armchair is a gorgeous piece with its sculpted form and black velvet upholstery. This piece can either complement other French style pieces in your home or be used as a standout piece alongside more contemporary furniture.

Easter is here

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:54:54 +1000

Easter is on our doorstep once again. Depsite feeling as though Christmas only just ended, people are gearing up for another celebration. While there are many different views on how this long weekend should be spent, many still use this as a time to gather together with family and friends.

If you’re hosting this gathering at home, no doubt you’ll be having a meal together. The dining table has long been a central gathering place for people and continues to be a focus for Easter. The beautiful Noosa Dining Range is perfect for a family gathering. The timeless, yet up-to-date design makes this a piece you will use year after year. This is not just a functional dining table, but also a talking piece for your home.

If the weather permits, soaking up the sun in the Isla Outdoor Lounger would be the perfect way to unwind in the outdoors over the long weekend. This hybrid beanbag/sofa is extremely comfortable and also easy to move from place to place to get those extra rays of sunshine. Constructed from durable, marine grade Sunbrella® fabric, the Isla Outdoor Lounger is not only superb for home, but also fantastic in a commercial setting such as a hotel.

Product of the Day

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:28:00 +1000

The Sean Dix Leaf Small Bentwood Bookshelf is not only visually appealing, but a great solution for smaller spaces.

Product of the Day

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:25:00 +1100

A fantastic piece of Scandinavian style design, the Nordic 3 Seater Sofa is exceptionally stylish. Also available in black, the sofa is upholstered in 100% wool with a kiln dried solid wood frame.

Product of the Day

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:38:36 +1100

A gorgeous feature to any home, the Sticotti Gant Timber Dining Table is both functional and brilliantly designed. Inspired by Danish design, this dining table is both minimalist and breathtaking.

Weighing Up Different Timbers

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +1100

When on the hunt for timber furniture, you’ll probably come across a variety of different types of materials and construction techniques. Timber veneers and solid timbers are the two major contenders in timber furniture. Simply put, a veneer is a thin sheet laid over a base structure such as a reconstituted timber. The veneer is glued on top of the base structure to give the impression of being the same timber all the way through, without this actually being the case.

Solid timber refers to solid planks of timber which are usually glued together. This creates a very natural appearance and a sturdy end product. A more rare use of solid timber is when solid slabs are used to construct furniture. While solid timber is generally slightly more expensive than veneer, solid slabs are definitely the most expensive option due to their rarity. Solid timber slabs are usually one single piece of timber cut from a tree trunk. They are undeniably stunning, and if you are looking for a rustic appearance and have the budget for a solid slab, they may be worth looking at.

One of the upsides to timber veneers as opposed to solid timber is that a uniform surface can be created. Unlike the natural colour changes and holes that are often found in solid timber, timber veneers can be placed so as to avoid this change in surface. Veneers also evade the shrinking and cracking that can occur in a piece of solid timber. Some pieces of furniture will use a combination of veneer and solid timber, such as using veneer on doors and drawer fronts to avoid expansion. Veneer now makes up a large majority of timber furniture on the Australian market.

So what to choose? This questions is really of your own personal taste. Timber veneers are very durable however, one added advantage of solid timber is that it can be sanded back and re-polished. If you are looking for a dining table to last a lifetime, you may go for a solid timber, however if you generally update your furniture every ten years or so, a timber veneer product is a great choice also. Timber veneer has an added advantage if you don’t like the imperfections that come from the surface of solid timber. However, the natural appearance of solid timber furniture can be very beautiful and if you are seeking a rustic appearance, then solid timber may be suited to you. Either way, it’s all about weighing up what suits the space, style and budget that you are looking for.

Tempo Dining Table Chev Dining Table

(Timber Veneer) (Solid Timber)

Recycled Materials Take Centre Stage in Furniture Innovation

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:24:00 +1100

Sustainability is increasingly becoming more important, and leading to great changes in almost all industries. Furniture is no exception in becoming a symbol of supporting sustainability, and is ultimately turning into somewhat of a trend. With the reality of environmental concerns unlikely to disappear anytime soon, it’s not surprising that recycled furniture is on the rise.

The available materials for producing recycled furniture are breaking the traditional boundaries of furniture. Thinking outside of the square is one way to make sure materials can be recycled and reused in innovative ways. The Adirondack range of chairs pictured below, which are reminiscent of traditional beachside furniture, are in fact made from recycled HDPE bottles, meaning less bottles heading for landfill, and less timber cut to produce outdoor furniture. Check out ConnectFurniture.com.au for the wide range of options and styles to choose from.

If recycled plastic isn’t quite your thing, there are plenty of other pieces of furniture utilising recycled materials with a more traditional appearance. The Gordes Noel Dining Table is manufactured from 100 year old recycled timbers originating from China. The end result is a stunning and unique piece of furniture that is sure to make a statement in your home. The antique inspired piece could suit a variety of rooms and would look fantastic alongside both timber and contemporary furnishings.