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There's no need to scour the world
for exotic interior ideas - from lacquered screens
to sushi bowls, London has everything you need on your doorstep. |
Long gone are the days when mass-produced throws and wall hangings
were our notion of global style. Now the capital's selection
of imported furniture and accessories is offering a slice of
exotica on sleeker styles that are better suited to contemporary
interiors. Lombok, for example, produces much more design-led
contemporary pieces, such as furniture made from reclaimed teak,
using traditional techniques and traditions, but with a Western
twist.
Clever buyers and well designed shops display how effective
it can be to choose just one or two individual items, and mix
them with existing furniture to get a look that's unique. When
shopping for antique ethnic furniture, ask about the piece's
history, as a good importer will know how, if, where or when
it has been restored. If this global style is new to you, start
small and add pretty accessories, such as carved decorative
balls, leather in-trays, translucent ceramic sushi dishes or
bamboo tea-lighters to add a finishing touch to your room's
decor. |
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OPIUM
414 Kings Road, SW10 0LJ,
(020) 7795 0700; www.opiumshop.co.uk
Everything in this treasure trove of a shop has been sourced
from India, with a particular emphasis on pieces from Rajasthan.
There is a varied collection of furniture, including dining
tables, from £750, coffee tables and chests. For the garden
or conservatory there is a good choice of planters, made from
marble, stone, brass, copper and iron: an iron planter costs
around £80. Other items include carved stone panels or
pillars, as well as accessories such as stone plates and marble
"lotus" bowls. Lovers of wood will be happy with wooden
platters, from £20, or for a more dramatic statement,
a wooden pillar. Textiles include embriodered silk bedspreads,
from £75, kaftans, throws and stoles. |
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