Tuesday 9 October 2012

Greenapple - Steele Table Collection


LYCHEE is a exciting brand extension of GREENAPPLE - conceived to concentrate on combining aspects of glass with an eclectric mix of other materials.

Everything about LYCHEE is intrinsically linked to its parent brand - from high production values through to GREENAPPLE's well - won reputation for attention to detail and customer care. With stunning design and creative awareness of symmetry and proportion, LYCHEE furniture is sure to create an impression.

Thursday 20 September 2012

Teknik Office - Chelsea Bar Stool - OFFER Collection

 


  • Stylish RETRO Bar Stools on Polished Chrome and moulded plywood with a Dark Walnut Finish.
  • SAVE MONEY. Available in sets of 2 or 4.
  • Comfortable and strong, with an adjustable variable height Gas Lift. Seat Height from 61cm to 83cm high.
  • Swivels 360 degrees with large base.
  • Seat and back to give that added assurance when sitting, plus a Footrest which swivels with the seat.
  • Light CONTEMPORARY look gives an elegant touch to any Kitchen Breakfast Bar or Living Room Bar.
  • Easy assembly.
  • Stools lined up against the Breakfast Bar do look COOL.
  • 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty. Teknik Office comply with Britsh Standards for Strength & Stability.
  • FREE HOME DELIVERY.
  • OFFER ONLY OCTOBER.

Tuesday 11 September 2012

100% Design Show

100% Design was established in 1995 as the original Interiors show. The new show will continue the tradition through the 100% Interiors section of the show.  This high-profile show will deliver the latest in design products and thinking by some of the world’s leading contemporary furniture and interiors companies.
Earls Court 19 - 22 September 2012.


Monday 3 September 2012

The Balans Chair

1983, in homage to Peter Opsvik. Peter Opsvik is a Norwegian industrial designer best known for his innovative and ergonomic chairs and was one of three designers who developed chairs based on the kneeling posture.
Thus encouraging a more ergonomic posture and distributing the users weight across the body more evenly than a standard chair.
It was of primary importance for Opsvik that kneeling should be one of many different sitting postures.

Saturday 1 September 2012

Teknik - Tek Stool Collection - Some Industrial Chic





In the 1950's, Famous Italian Designers - The Castiglioni Brothers used a genuine metal Tractor Seat and designed the Tractor Seat Chair called the Mezzadro. It has been imitated ever since.
  • Industrial Chic Bar Stool with a Silver Moulded Polypropylene Seat, finished with polished steel.
  • SAVE MONEY. Available in a Sets of 2 & 4.
  • Ergonomic Tractor Seat and Sprung Back support at rear to give that added assurance when sitting and a combined Chrome Footring in the design.
  • Comfortable and strong, with an Adjustable Variable Height Gas Lift. Seat Height from 57cm to 83cm high.
  • Swivels 360 degrees with a polished 5 Star Base.
  • Easy assembly.
  • 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty. Teknik Office comply with Britsh Standards for Strength & Stability.
  • FREE HOME DELIVERY. 

Sunday 26 August 2012

Sandringham Collection

My latest collection for CSL. CSL is a major high street furniture retailer. I design for one of it's few suppliers. They are progressive and willing to try out new ideas. This Tradtional collection is brand new for 2012. Like the way you can rotate the sofas on CSL's website.
Main picture on website - Large Pillowback Sofa
Knole Sofa - Black & Chrome with supporting Tassles
Original sketch for Supplier

Thursday 23 August 2012

Country House Style


  • Traditional Country House Style in Solid Wood Painted & Antique Finish.
  • SAVE MONEY- 2 & 4 Chair Sets available. Ideal for that small Dining Room or Kitchen.
  • Compact Drop Leaf Dining Table is 90cm x 90 x 77cms in Sage or Buttermilk Painted Finish.
  • Folded Table reduces in width to 52cms.
  • Solid Windsor Dining Chairs are 46 x 49 x 94cms. Seat height 46cms, in Sage or Buttermilk Painted Finish.
  • Table requires assembly.
  • 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty from Wilkinson Furniture who supply luxurious quality products at affordable prices.
  • FREE HOME DELIVERY. With larger items our 2 Person Delivery Team will place in the room of your choice. 

Monday 20 August 2012

Top Tip of the Day

Colour

Colour - Make it warm & cosy.
Hot colours associated with fire and warmth are Red, Orange and Brown.
AVOID using Red in a child's bedroom or living room, as it can be too stimulating.
AVOID using Orange in small dark rooms.
AVOID using too much Brown without an accent colour - it will feel flat and depressing.

Color - Make it fresh & airy.
Energising colours are Yellow, Sky Blue and Green.
AVOID using Yellow in the bedroom, as they don't encourage a restful mood. Too much can be over stimulating.
AVOID using Blue in the dining room as it can feel a bit chilly and unwelcoming.
Green is an easy going shade, it can be used antwhere.

Colour - Make it calm & relaxing.
Lilac, Pink, Pale Blue and Stone which are soft and subtle and create harmony and relaxation.
AVOID using Lilac as it reflects a lot of light and can appear insipid or even sickly if used in sunny rooms or over large areas.
AVOID using Pink as it can appear sickly in a warm light.
AVOID using Plae Blue as it might appear too cold and unwelcomimg.
AVOID using Stone in busy active areas such as kitchen diners or hallways as it can leave you feeling lethargic.

Colour - Make it mysterious and dramatic.
Purple, Chocolate, Teal and Black evoke a strong sense of drama and emotion.
AVOID using Purple as too much may become overpowering.
AVOID using Chocolate and very small rooms with a lot of natural light.
AVOID using Teal in large areas - it's best used in small amounts.
AVOID using Black as too much will be overpowering.


Thursday 16 August 2012

Wilkinson Furniture - Chairs

We are pleased to announce the addition of Wilkinson Furniture as a supplier.

Their Mission Statement:
"We are committed to providing our clients with a service that is above expectations and supplying affordable, market leading products, which satisfy their needs.”

Vintage Armchair Collection in Antique Tan & Chocolate Brown

Tuesday 14 August 2012

The Games

A lot of praise and credit has gone to the thousands of volunteers and rightly so, but are there any thanks for the TORCHBEARERS! The BBC in it's final tribute has forgotten them.







Monday 13 August 2012

Top Tip of the Day

Upholstery questions

What should I consider before I buy ?
How many people do you need to seat?
How much space do you have and can you accept large items?
The style of room being furnished

How many people do you need to seat ?
Our upholstery comes in four widths and will comfortably seat one to four people
Arm chair (1 person) or a Snuggler Chair (1-2 people)
Small or 2 seater sofa (1-2 people)
Large or 3 seater sofa (2-3 people)
Corner Sofa or Chaise end Sofa (3-4 people)
Carlo - Large & Small Sofas

Sunday 12 August 2012

NEXT HOME



I must congratulate NEXT HOME stores.
On visiting one of their stores last week, I was so impressed with the quality and style of display.
Colours were muted on the display stands in sympathy with the items they were selling.
Their furniture is young, bright and bold, designed and displayed and tested at their design HQ in Leicestershire first.
Not surprising that their group results are £600m profits.
Other retailers take note, that design is everything.

Comments please.

Friday 10 August 2012

PCI Security Standards Council

Sofa & Home Limited are compliant with the PCI DSS Standard. Certificate of Compliance Number: 037A-9720-D445-260B.

PCI security standards are technical and operational requirements set by the PCI Security Standards Council to protect cardholder data.
The standards apply to all organizations that store, process or transmit cardholder data.
The Council is responsible for managing security standards, while compliance with the PCI set of standards enforced by the founding members
of the Council, American Express, Discover Financial, JCB International, Mastercard Worldwide and Visa Inc.

Proud to be British

24 Golds and counting!!

Wednesday 8 August 2012

Top Tip of the Day

How to clean Chrome Furniture

Soap and water. Sounds too good to be true. But oftentimes, if the need to clean chrome isn't bad, this is all you need.
If soap and water didn't quite do the trick? You may need to move on to something a little stronger.
Continue to use your soft rag, but this time use vinegar as a chrome cleaner.
Because White vinegar is slightly acidic, it works well for taking tarnish off of chrome.
Just remember to use different parts of the rag as you go along so you're always using a clean section.
If you need a little extra umph, sprinkle a little baking soda on the vinegar-dampened rag.

Crosley Dining Table & Matching Coffee Table, Lamp Table & Console

Tuesday 7 August 2012

Pinterest

We are now on Pinterest adding old and new pics.

Top Tip of the Day

Cushion Fillings.

Foam/fibre wrap - foam is sandwiched between layers of hollow fibre. Low maintainance and initially firm, foam furniture softens with use and will become softer over the fisrst couple of months of use, after which it shouldn't soften any more.
This gives a softer look and feel to the sofa or chair. Cushions need to be plumped and turned occasionally.

Fibre filled - pocketed fibre in a calico casing which is hypoallergenic and gives furniture a softer more relaxed feel. It's light and resilient and needs very little maintenance other than an occasional plump, mostly used in back cushions.

Monday 6 August 2012

Top Tip of the Day

Creating the illusion of space
A small room needn't stop you creating a bright and airy space to relax in.
There are simple interior design 'tricks' that you can use to create the impression of extra space and light.
A light and bright colour scheme can really open up a room. If white is too much for you, go warmer with creams, or other pastels.
These will all act to bounce light around the space. Cleverly placed mirrors are doubly useful. Not only do they reflect huge amounts of light, they can appear to push the walls out on which they are hanging.
Glass tables create that transparent look which looks fab.
The impression of extra height in the room can be created by keeping the ceiling very plain and very white.
Low upholstery can also enhance space. Try a Cuddler Chair (oversized chair) instead of a sofa, very cozy and compact.
Vertical striped wallpaper can also draw the eye upwards and away from the walls, whilst horizontal stripes will have the opposite effect.

Fiocco Occasional Table - note shape to hold newspapers & magazines

Friday 3 August 2012

Top Tip of the Day

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam is polyurethane with additional chemicals increasing its viscosity and density. It is often referred to as "visco-elastic" polyurethane foam, or low-resilience polyurethane foam.
Higher-density memory foam softens in reaction to body heat, allowing it to mold to a warm body in a few minutes.
A lower-density memory foam is pressure-sensitive and molds quickly to the shape of a body pressing against it, returning to its original shape once the pressure is removed.
Faster speed of recovery of a foam to its original shape after a weight is removed is sometimes claimed as an advantage by memory-foam mattress producers.
A memory foam mattress is usually denser than other foam mattresses, making it both more supportive, and heavier. Memory foam mattresses are often sold for higher prices than traditional mattresses.

Thursday 2 August 2012

Offer - Bentley Leather Executive Office Chair

  • Stylish High Back Leather Faced Executive Chair with a generously proportioned seat.
  • Quality 'Soft Feel' Cream Leather.
  • Contemporary Padded Armrests for additional user comfort.
  • Co-ordinated stitching to Seat & Back.
  • Heavy Duty Satin Finish 5 Star Base with twin wheel hooded castors.
  • Fully reclining tilt mechanism, adjustable for individual body weight in the upright position - including Knee Tilt.
  • Lockable gas operated lift, tested to 154kg / 25 Stones.
  • Seat height from 48 - 60cms.
  • High Inside back height 79cms.
  • Pronounced lumbar & headrest support.
  • Requires basic assembly. Fully Boxed.
  • 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty. Alphason Designs comply with Britsh Standards for Strength, Flammability & Stability.
  • FREE HOME DELIVERY.
  • To Register for an additional 12 months Free Warranty from the Manufacturer contact Sofa & Home for details.
  • AUGUST OFFER

Offer - Houston Leather Executive Office Chair

  • Stylish Leather Faced High Back Executive Chair. Choice of Black or Cream Leather.
  • Contemporary chrome armrests with leather pads for additional user comfort.
  • Ideal for Desks & Computer Workstations.
  • Heavy Duty Polished Chrome 5 Star Base with twin wheel hooded castors.
  • Fully reclining tilt mechanism, adjustable for individual body weight in the upright position.
  • Lockable gas operated lift, tested to 154kg / 25 Stones.
  • Seat height from 48 - 58cms.
  • High Inside back height 67cms.
  • Pronounced lunbar & headrest support.
  • Requires basic assembly. Fully Boxed.
  • Desk shown is the BUTLER HOME OFFICE DESK.
  • 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty. Alphason Designs comply with Britsh Standards for Strength, Flammability & Stability.
  • FREE HOME DELIVERY.
  • To Register for an additional 12 months Free Warranty from the Manufacturer contact Sofa & Home for details.
  • AUGUST OFFER - BLACK ONLY

Offer - Portland Executive Office Chair


  • Full Back Fabric Executive Office Chair with Adjustable Height Armrests.
  • Ideal for Desks & Computer Workstations.
  • Designer Black Nylon Mesh backrest.
  • Generously proportioned seat with posture curvature to side and pronounced waterfall front.
  • Heavy Duty Alloy 5 Star Base for stability, with twin wheel hooded castors.
  • Fully reclining tilt mechanism, tension control, adjustable for individual body weight in the upright position.
  • Lockable Heavy Duty gas operated lift. Seat height from 46 - 55cms.
  • Adjustable Lumbar Support & Headrest, Inside back height from 65 - 85cms.
  • Armrests included for additional support.
  • Requires basic assembly. Fully Boxed.
  • 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty. Alphason Designs comply with Britsh Standards for Strength, Flammability & Stability.
  • FREE HOME DELIVERY. 
  • To Register for an additional 12 months Free Warranty from the Manufacturer contact Sofa & Home for details.
  • AUGUST OFFER

Top Tip of the Day

Useful Tabs - Accessibility
Press F11 when using your Internet Browser to make it full screen. Press again to return to your existing size.
Press F5 to refresh your Internet browser, for example when opening a news channel, refresh to see the up to date text and pictures.
Press Ctrl & P to print something.
When in your Internet Brower, if the page is very long, Press Home to get you to the top of the page. Press End to get you to the bottom of the page.
Press Ctrl & S to save something.
Internet Browser meaning: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome etc.

Wednesday 1 August 2012

Top Tip of the Day

Safety advice for Recliners and Reclining Furniture.

To prevent cuts and lacerations, do not put your hands or fingers under the mechanism to operate the chair. Only the occupant should operate the chair, and never attempt to open the chair by pulling on the footrest.
Sit down in the chair slowly. To avoid tip-over, do not throw your weight against the back of the chair. Move the chair into the reclining position slowly, making sure that no children or pets are in close proximity.
Do not allow children to play on or around a recliner, particularly if it is in an open position.
Close the recliner completely before getting out of it.
Never sit on the footrest when it is open, or allow children to do so.
To eliminate the risk of tip-over, do not sit on the arms or footrest of the recliner.
Only one adult should sit in a recliner at a time.
Watch for pets who may choose to lie down underneath the chair.
When moving your recliner, be sure it is completely closed. Pick the chair up by the arms; never pick up the chair from underneath.
Be sure the chair is constructed so there is no more than 5 inches opening between the seat and the leg rest to eliminate the possibility of a child becoming trapped in the opening.

From Today we have FREE Delivery on all items of Furniture

Tuesday 31 July 2012

Top Tip of the Day


Leather comes in different grades. Some leathers retain the natural markings and variations that a natural hide has with the result that each piece of furniture is unique and it's these marks that distinguish real leather from man made substitutes. Other leathers are treated to give a more uniform appearance and colour and generally, the softer the leather the higher the grade.
Aniline – this is a leather which has been dyed using aniline dyes and has little or no protective coating applied. It is the most expensive type available and is subject to scars, bites, differences in grain and shade variation. Soft with a luxurious feel which will mould itself to your body shape.
Semi Aniline - this type of leather retains some of the unique features and characteristics of the animal hide. It’s dyed through and then given a light protective coating, these small amounts of pigment in the surface coating offer some degree of protection, but expect some shade variation as this is a beautiful natural product and every hide is unique.
Corrected - with this leather the hide is corrected by buffing the outer surface.  The correction removes some of the imperfections before modern production techniques are used to emboss the leathers surface. This type of leather has a more uniform appearance, has a protective coating to provide protection and enhance durability and is available in many colours.

Friday 27 July 2012

Top Tip of the Day

Blending contemporary and classic styles
Few people would care to live in a property that's a museum-like representation of a single design style.
What makes a home a home is when a living space reflects the many sides of someone's personal experiences, loves and tastes.
So don't be afraid to let your rooms reflect this and create your own individual style. Remember less is more, avoid clutter.
Adding a storage stool can hold books, TV journals, DVD's, TV remotes and throws.
Classic elegance never looks out of place, so you can safely mix timeless style with more contemporary living room furniture and know that they will work together.
Alternatively, one of our more modern sofas could work well in a living room populated with more aged items. Antique mirrors can look stunning in a minimal setting.
Glass accessories and furniture always enhance a room and sleek modern designs are a fantastic way to give a contemporary blend to traditional rooms.

Thursday 26 July 2012

Top Tip of the Day



 Wicker and Rattan Styles are usually associated with the conservatory, but is also a great choice for the Living Room. It is very durable and easy to maintain and gives a light and airy atmosphere to a room.
Lighter weave finishes look better in contemporary rooms, while darker finishes look better in traditional spaces.
Occasional pieces can add a distinctive touch to your room and give it a unique character, look at our Cane Ranges.

Wednesday 25 July 2012

Top Tip of the Day

How much space do I have ? Making a newspaper template of the area that will be covered by the new furniture or mark out your floor with masking tape.
This will help you check if you have enough room to move freely round the furniture once in position.
It will also help you make sure the furniture is in proportion and won't dwarf other furnishings. 

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Top Tip of the Day

All you need is to mix a solution of equal parts of Water and White Vinegar in a spray bottle and you have a solution that will clean glass furniture.
Vinegar is a great natural cleaning product as well as a disinfectant and deodorizer.
And, don't worry about your home smelling like vinegar, the smell disappears when it dries.

Monday 23 July 2012

Top Tip of the Day

Unless otherwise advised by the manufacturer, turning your mattress over from side and side and end to end every few
months (every week for the first three months) helps upholstery fillings to settle down more evenly. Some more luxurious
mattresses, with much thicker layers of fillings designed to mould themselves to the contours of your body, may retain
signs of these impressions, despite turning.

Friday 20 July 2012

Top Tip of the Day

With quality sofas & chairs the seat and back cushions are usually loose and reversible, that is they should have fabric on both sides. On a weekly basis always plump up fibre filled seat cushions and reverse them. You should do the same with Foam filled cushions. This reduces wear on the cover and also maintains the shape of the cushion filling.

Friday 13 July 2012

To Keswick Island in the Whitsundays - OZ

Full Spinnaker
Returning to see Sunset over Mackay
On the Catamaran "Catch My Drift"
The Whitsundays




On board "Catch My Drift" with friends Glynis and Laurie and family. Sailing from Mackay to Keswick Island - Queensland. A perfect day.

Friday 6 July 2012

Rotary News from Queensland Australia



Laurie Mayer of Mackay Rotary Club invited along Julian Thompson and Sue to a Rotary meeting in Mackay, Queensland, Australia on Tuesday 12th June 2012. They were made very welcome by all there and had a very nice evening as their guests.

Julian exchanged banners with the president Greg Sutherland, he enjoyed it so much that he is going along to the next meeting before returning home.

Friday 22 June 2012

Juo Walnut Designer Desk & Pedestal Collection - OFFER

 


  • Clean Designer Look Desk with a Chrome Tubular Frame. Walnut effect finish to Desk & 2 Drawer Pedestal with Gloss Black Drawer Fronts.
  • Desk has 2 Top Level Pull Out Stationery Compartments. Pedestal has 1 Drawer and 1 Filing Drawer.
  • Mobile Pedestal on Lockable castors.
  • Ideal Workstation for Laptops.
  • Requires basic assembly. Fully Boxed.
  • 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty. Alphason Designs comply with Britsh Standards for Strength & Stability.
  • FREE HOME DELIVERY.
  • To Register for an additional 12 months Free Warranty from the Manufacturer contact Sofa & Home for details.

Saturday 2 June 2012

The sofa you can dance to

As well as owning this website, I also design upholstery for manufacturers. This Cosmos Collection is for the High street Retailer CSL. It is the first piece of furniture to have a built in music system. CSL have cleverly named it 'the sofa you can dance to'.


It uses either an Ipod, Iphone dock, memory card, SD card. USB or connection via bluetooth . This is built into the centre corner section  with three built in 2.1 Stereo speakers.