I love this project and thought you'd like it too: Chivasso, in conjunction with Mini and Huis van Middenmeer, have 'made-over' three Minis using various Carlucci and Chivasso designs. It looks like they had a lot of fun with the project and the results are very foxy.

Check them out...

Above: Honor CH2492/092

Above and below: Croco CA7480/020

Below: Hatice CA7575/080

Please contact us for more information on these designs.

Here's a blog post for fans of Chivasso, the popular international textile house we represent. I recently interviewed the co-founders (and husband and wife) Richard Schutte and Ellen Steentjes for Luxury Home Design and thought you'd like to read some excerpts. Accompanying the text I've included some images from their recent release 'Reflections'.

What inspired both of you to start the business?
Growing up as a young boy style, design and business sense were all intricately woven into the fabric of everyday life. My parents ran several successful fabric outlets and, as is often the case in family run businesses, I was encouraged to join in and lend a helping hand. Ellen also grew up in a commercial and industrious family. With her amazing sense of style and a knack for business and organisation she formed the perfect compliment to my drive and creativity.

What influences your design style?
As both of us are fond of traveling we get a lot of inspiration from our trips. Inspiration can be found in many different and sometimes unexpected places. We aim to travel to different European cities several times a year. And we always make sure that we visit London at least twice a year. We carefully watch trends in fashion and try and incorporate these into our own collections. And of course art, travel and photography are a constant source of inspiration! Always keep your eyes open and always carry a notebook or camera to quickly record any fabulous ideas you might have on your way.

How would you describe your design style?
Our design style of choice is contemporary with warm, pure elements and straight lines.

Where are you based - town, country?
There are two studios; one of which is located next to our family home in the Hague, the other in Zoetermeer, The Netherlands.

What does it mean for you to be able to work together as husband and wife?
Working together as husband and wife has always worked well because we work as a well oiled team. We respect each others opinion and complement each others strengths and ideas. I am present from the drawing board via the loom to the shop front. Ellen is mainly involved with collection strategy and the style and colour direction for both brands Carlucci and Chivasso. We always keep each other informed about the happenings of the day. Regardless of where we are or how busy we are, we always communicate about everything and anything.

What inspired the recent Chivasso collection 'Reflections'?
When compiling the collection Reflections we found inspiration in modern lifestyles. People are seeking balance. Classic ideas are given a second leash of life. People are reverting to traditional values. In design we are creating a fusion of the old and the new. We are reinventing old styles and mixing them with modern design and techniques, creating a new harmony. This collection is a reflection of this zeitgeist. The casual, washed and brushed cottons and linens will give your home a well loved and comforting feeling.
The inspiration for the colour-scheme was found in romantic pastels on a base of powdery white. White is around us everywhere and the ultimate design colour. White is timeless and will never be out of fashion.

What is it about fabric that you love?
The fact that everything is possible with fabrics! You can make the most exciting, luxurious and soothing surroundings just by choosing different textures, colours and patterns of fabrics. It makes it all even more exciting. We love to mix and match to eventually create that warm, comforting and lovable home that every individual searches for.

Thank you to Ellen and Richard for their participation.

There's something very special about vintage leather whether its an old flight jacket or a piece of furniture upholstered in leather. The patina of a timeworn hide is a sort-after look which makes antique pieces rare and expensive. Our new Vintage Leather collection will enable designers to reproduce this look.

Each hide has been through various processes to transform their surface providing the character of a vintage hide without the dryness and cracking often seen in old leathers. The collection has a full range of colours from ebony through to rusty tans. There are also some great browns inspired by those wonderful leather flight and bomber jackets.

Of course you don't need to use the leather on a vintage piece of furniture. Below is a fantastic contemporary piece covered in Saddlebag, colour Tan...

Masai, colour Rust

Cavalry, colour Chocolate

Call into one of our showrooms or contact us if you are interested in our new Vintage Leather Collection.

For many years we've regarded linen as our signature fibre and thought it timely that we release a collection which amalgamates exciting new designs with our classic linens (which have become design staples for many of our clients). Part 1 of our Linen Archives has now hit the market and we are chuffed with the response.

Part 1 focuses on linen and linen blended designs suitable for upholstery uses. New fabrics include plains like Blake, and Logan, and the stripes Daishi, Kendall, and Kobo. The colour palette is just as broad, with subtle watercolours, easy neutrals and saturated hues.

Linen Archives Upholstery is truly the definitive linen collection for those of you who love the fibre as much as we do.

We have a wonderful special available at the Auckland Showroom; a handsome pair of David Shaw sofas covered in a Yarwood leather. The sofa design is Wellesley (2 seater) and the leather, Utah colour Anthracite, is an incredibly luxurious waxed leather with a silky finish. The two sofas are beautifully made and feature some stylish detailing such as pieced panels and feather fill.

If you are interested in purchasing these pieces please email me and I will fill you in on the (bargain!) price and more info regarding the leather. Alternatively call in and check them out.

See you soon.