Tamsen Hopkinson for to say the least
14.10.09
how to build:
i
If you really want to know someone, STEP INSIDE their home.
Browse the books on the shelves, peer into the picture frames on
the wall and snoop around the medicine cabinet if you’re so
bold. This is our home. An area known for its poor soil, thrifty
attitude and HARD WORKING PEOPLE. Stubborn, even.
Because you can’t farm thin soils the same way you can a fertile
field. YOU HAVE TO WORK HARDER, ADAPT YOUR
IDEAS AND DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY. And, well, that’s
not so different from making FLAT-PACKED, SELF-
ASSEMBLED furniture in an industry long known for
‘CUSTOM MADE’ and ‘HIGH END’. We’ve come a long way
from being a one-store company in the stony fields. And, at the
same time, it feels like nothing at all has changed. It’s still about
doing more with less, challenging convention, being careful
with MONEY and not letting a single thing go to waste (GOOD
FOR PRICES AND THE PLANET).
ii
We’ve never lost sight of our dream to give everyone the chance
to have a better everyday life at home. That’s why we pack
things in flat boxes, and ask you to LEND A HAND by driving
your own purchases home and ASSEMBLING them yourself.
And why we design our products from SAWMILLS and DOOR
FACTORIES and anywhere else you wouldn’t expect HIGH-
QUALITY home furnishings to be produced – all in order to get
prices lower. We’ve found people all over the world who, deep
down, are at heart, JUST LIKE US. People who hate to throw
money down the drain. People who know the value of money
and are prepared to WORK A LITTLE HARDER for what they
believe in. TOGETHER WE ARE. Transformations can be
QUICK AND SIMPLE. Change the covers on your sofa for an
easy update. Or create your very own carpet from layers of rugs
– you get A NEW LOOK EVERYTIME you rearrange them.
And why not show off your creative side. Just GRAB A
FRAME and head for the textile department – and let your
guests (and your wallet) admire your creative talents.
iii
Play with textiles, lighting and rugs to create room within a
room – and everyone gets to enjoy their own space. Luckily,
budgets don’t dictate creativity, and a great bedroom can spring
from a thin wallet. START WITH THE BASE in simple white
and then paint the place with textiles. They’re an easy way to
liven up a room without killing your budget. And since textiles
are a snap to change, that basic white bedroom can end up
GIVING YOU HUNDREDS OF OPTIONS. Just because you
want to cut the clutter, doesn’t mean you want to toss the stuff.
With boxes up high and storage below the bed you get to keep
every soppy love letter and holiday souvenir, while keeping
your room UNDER CONTROL. Why STICK WITH
TRADITION when you can make it better- and brighter? Start
with black or white and then give your bedroom a burst of
colour. Mix the pieces and finishes for a bedroom that’s
practical but never dull. WE ALL NEED OUR SPACE. Shelf
space. Sink space. Breathing space. The double sink solution
helps make your bathroom a functional and harmonious
workspace. TWO LANES, NO WAITING and plenty of
organised storage space at your fingertips.
iv
For a professional quality office at home, start with a desk in a
shape that suits how you work. Add legs which can be adjusted
to the height you like to sit at, and some smart storage for the
things you need nearby. AS YOUR NEEDS GROW JUST
KEEP ADDING. Choosing the right work chair is easier than
you think. Although it does require a little thought. Think about
the ACTIVITIES YOU WILL DO in the chair- work, drawing,
etc – and how much time you’ll sit in it. A basic height-
adjustable chair offers all the comfort you’ll need for shorter
periods of time. But for full-time work you may want to vary
sitting positions. Make sure you MAKE THE PERFECT
CHOICE. Let’s face it, kid’s don’t exactly love shopping.
They’ve got FAR MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO. Like
playing. Let your room work for you 24/7. Mix it. Match it.
Who knew storage could be this fun?
Tamsen Hopkinson 2009
