As well as designing and installing new office environments one of our key roles is sourcing furniture to fit the new space. It’s one of our most interesting challenges because we often have to secure fairly large numbers of items taking into consideration the design brief and the manufacturers lead in times to meet our construction program; after all a newly refurbished office with no task chairs is not what the client wants……..

So our task is to source great furniture at a good price which fits the space perfectly and is deliverable within the right timescale. No pressure then. But we’ve always managed to keep our promises.

A lot of the furniture we do source is modern and contemporary because that’s the look that most clients are aiming for as you can see from our gallery….

However before starting Blue Fig I was a fine art and chattels auctioneer regularly taking the rostrum to sell off some beautiful items of antique and vintage furniture. I have a good eye for furnishings from a broad range of design periods and was awarded the Antiques Trade Gazette National Prize in my final year examinations by the Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioneers now the RICS.

So it may not come as a surprise to learn that one of the things I’m always keen to inject into our design schemes for offices is an accent piece or two; this could be a piece with an upcycled industrial feel, a 20th century design classic from Van de Rohe or a Victorian mahogany dining table to use as a boardroom table – there really are no limits and these items just add a bit of contrast. In a contemporary setting they can create impact and interest and sometimes a bit of focus on a key area. So a concierge point might have an old post office desk as his/her work station for example…..

or a hip-high stationery storage area (often in white) might have an old vintage typewriter placed on top just to signal its heritage…

Behind the shiny new desk that the MD chooses it might be interesting to have a real retro desk chair that just oozes style and quality…

 Imagine pairing this with an old restored desk…

Finally I love to suggest some great lighting options in the right location like these cool pendant and glass shades…

and these lovely desk lights…

and on the walls a beautiful retro clock perhaps which adds a character touch…

Finally how about a beautifully stylish old scooter from the 1950’s to allow people to scoot around the place and have a bit of fun…

Whilst this accent style isn’t for every work environment, used discreetly it can be very effective and really engaging and we know from experience that the vintage industrial look in particular is becoming increasingly popular.

Encouraged by sourcing items on an occasional basis for certain clients, I am pleased and excited to announce that Blue Fig is now offering an Antique and vintage furnishings finding service covering furniture, lighting, art work, decorative pieces and vintage upcycled items. If you like the concept and have some particular items in mind just get in touch and we’ll be delighted to discuss sourcing and supplying items for you through our network of antiques dealers and suppliers.

Peter