Furniture Shop With A Feel For The Rustic And Recycled
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday June 21, 1995
AVALON prides itself on being environmentally conscious, so it's no surprise that one of the newest shops to open sells handmade furniture and homewares from recycled timber.
Beachwood was the conception of local graphic designer Simone Keogh, a young, dynamic woman who possesses the rare combination of creativity and business sense.
"I have a keen eye for detail and I have combined my design skills with the craftsmanship of local furniture-makers to come up with some pretty interesting pieces," she said.
Some furniture is distressed, with the original paint giving it character and colour, while other pieces are stripped right back and waxed to show the natural texture and grain of the aged timbers.
"Some pieces are rustic and others are more finely finished," explained Miss Keogh.
Among the more unusual objects found in the shop are polished aluminium pieces which look like pewter.
There are also recycled glassware, bath racks and candle holders.
Simone Keogh loves being commissioned to custom make furniture for people's houses.
She has designed renovations for bathrooms and has made coffee tables and lounge units specifically tailored to individual needs. She has even outfitted a film production company with stylish recycled goods.
Miss Keogh is pleased with people's acceptance of recycled goods.
"It's great to see how many people are going recycled. It also makes the homewares more affordable."
She says there is a sense of history about every restored piece.
"Even the knobs, latches and hinges have a history," she said. "In a way, Beachwood is a gallery, each piece is unique with its own character.
"We have coffee and dining tables, hall stands, CD and spice racks, television cabinets, meat safes and old chopping blocks, mirrors and frames." The timbers used come from old houses, churches and boatsheds.
"Some people find that even if their home is modern the pieces can complement its style and even become a focal point, like a work of art or sculpture - a real conversation piece."
The idea for Beachwood grew from Miss Keogh's interest in home styling and love of old timbers.
"I lived in Hawaii a few years back and restored old plantation homes there and I gathered a lot of information and ideas for the future.
"I decided a store like this would be ideal in the Avalon Village."
Beachwood is on 13 Avalon Parade. Phone 918 7162.
© 1995 Sydney Morning Herald