Finding items for the home that have a unique style and quality about them is always a joy. For me this sense of pleasure is even greater when discovering a source of gifts that will make a change from the usual dull offerings dutifully proferred and politely received. I offer the following as sources of inspiration and would be pleased to hear of any others.
Big Boys Toys
A few years ago I was visiting a trade exhibition and discovered this company selling a charming range of models, lighting and furniture. The company is American and their main site is to be found at authenticmodels.com but they now appear to have a UK agent with the web address
http://www.authenticmodels.co.uk/. Although not the cheapest of gifts, they do stock some lovely items and are at the very least a source of inspiration. I think the closest thing I have seen in shops in this country is either Past Times or Nauticalia (
http://www.nauticalia.com/)
Thru the Looking Glass
Whilst visiting Chichester earlier this year we discovered this excellent furniture and accessories shop located at 55 North Street, telephone 01243 538133. They included an intriguing mixture of chrome and glass items juxtaposed with rough, natural materials such as driftwood. Unfortunately they do not appear to have a working website but if you're in the area, they're well worth a visit.
