By Melissa Penfold
LINEN
Damask never goes out of style, which makes Georg Jensen Damask, the award-winning household linen range first introduced to the Danish textile mill in the 1930s, a wise buy. Purveyor to the Queen of Denmark since 2000, Jensen offers a collection that includes damask tablecloths, placemats, napkins, runners, duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases, bath towels and tea towels in two-thread, long-fibre American cotton.
Bottom line Georg Jensen Damask tea towel, $28.50, queen-size duvet cover, $699
Accoutrement, 611 Military Road, Mosman, 9969 1031; Leura Whisk; Shop 1, 166 The Mall, Leura, 4784 3412; Peppertree Kitchen, 90 Magellan Street, Lismore, 6622 0180
FURNITURE
One of Melbourne's most chic cabinetmakers, Mortice & Tenon, opens its first Sydney shop next week. Competing against the Italian and Spanish imports, owners Norman Paul, Raphael and Dianne Picker are anti-mass production. "We have a passionate team of furnituremakers working with the latest Italian technology," Raphael says. The range includes tables, chairs, cabinetry, beds, fitted cupboards - even kitchens. "Our aim is to offer quality pieces finished to perfection. We want to change the way people live in their spaces," Raphael says.
Bottom line Dream queen-size bed in American walnut, $7420, king size $7850; Swell king bed in American walnut or oak, $7350
222 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, 9357 2446
ART
A new name in art circles is Acoustic Art, which is producing more than 200 different digital artworks that can significantly reduce the noise levels in your interiors. Printed onto fabric, the 7cm thick designs are made using fire¿retardant foam. A 1200mm x 1800mm work can help stop echoes in your glass-walled and concrete¿floored rooms. A row of three 1200mm x 1000mm panels will cosy up the bare-floorboard-and minimal-furniture effect. Acoustic Art can even help silence noisy neighbours and busy roads. You can create your own groovy artwork to fit into your environment, but we reckon you will find something to suit (check Shadows and Our Place).
Bottom line $500 a square metre
Inquiries, 9310 3438, www.acousticart.com.au
GRIND
Peugeot, which launches the Zephir salt and pepper mills (above) this month, can teach us a thing or two about grinding based on its 100-year-old French engineering system. Designed and manufactured in France, the battery-powered mills deliver your sea salt and peppercorns to pretty much any degree of coarseness you fancy, using steel grooves that have a lifetime guarantee. Zephir comes in a variety of shapes, finishes and sizes that are for keeps.
Bottom line $179 a rubber pair
Inquiries, 1800 808 971
RECYCLE
Home Furnishings on Consignment has opened a second shop twice the size of its original showroom. Find second-hand designer pieces, such as an Artek dining table and chairs by Alvar Aalto, (ex-Anibou), a walnut queen-size bed (ex-Spence & Lyda). If you if no longer have the space for a piece of furniture owners Scott Faso (pictured) and Charles Hardingham or manager Heather Stott (pictured) will be happy to consign the item for sale.
Bottom line Alvar Aalto table $975; matching chairs, $750 each; vintage Danish teak desk, $1200; Danish chest of drawers, $850
5 Bourke Road, Alexandria, 9310 4660
BARGAIN
These are bountiful days for Ikea. Some of the best sellers in Sydney are cheaper today than they were 15 years ago thanks to advances in technology. A good example is the Lack side table which sells today for $29.95, nearly half what we paid when it was launched in 1982. For less than $50 you can get its sibling shelf, a 110cm bracket-free sleek plank of timber that appears to float. And for less than $200 you can get the 190cm shelving unit (right) that borrows heavily from the B & B Italia versions.
Bottom line Lack side table, $29.95; wall shelf, 110cm x 26cm, $49; shelving units, 35cm x 38cm x 190cm, $199
Ikea, South Dowling Street, Moore Park; Homebush Bay Drive, Rhodes, 9313 6400
TABLES
Decorating goddesses note: these kauri cabinetmaker's benches (above) and trestle tables can solve two problems at once. Not only will they add instant pedigree to a space but well-worn wooden things can also help you add to your personal style (you don't want a house that looks like a chainstore catalogue). Major & Tom has a selection of restored army kauri trestle tables and cabinetmaker workbenches that will do the job.
Bottom line shoe lasts, $95; cabinetmaker workbenches, from $2850; kauri trestle tables, $1650; bleached kauri chest of drawers, $2750
Major & Tom, 45 Barwon Park Road, St Peters, 9557 8380
TEXTILES
We've had a run on cushions and throws lately. But who can resist these colours, designs and shapes? They will flatter whatever you put them with - even if you aren't the greatest decorator on earth. Who needs a designer when you can throw an alpine-inspired cushion on your favourite Chesterfield wingback or a couple of striped knit cushions on your stone-coloured linen sofa?
Bottom line Sophie knit rib throw, $199; patterned cushion, $69.90; mohair throw, $179; striped cushion, $69.95; ribbed cushion, $29.95; velvet cushion, $69.95
Country Road stores, 1800 801 911, www.countryroad.com.au