Bridge For Design April 2015 Bridge For Design April 2015 | Page 30

design news People: Florrie + Bill W hen you hear the name Florrie+Bill you would be forgiven in thinking that there were two designers behind this innovative brand who specialise in fantastically restored vintage and retro chairs. However, the company is the brainchild of Amy Cawson (above) who, early in 2012, armed with a love of restoring old furniture and a husband in the upholstery design industry, decided to transform tired, vintage and retro seating back into something spectacular. She turned her hobby into a business after the birth of her son, her aim “to restore tired and unloved vintage and retro chairs, with modern and exciting fabrics, to provide a new lease of life for future generations to enjoy”. Drawing on the fond memories of visiting the home of her grandparents, Florence and William, with its furnishings of retro radiograms, string pictures, teak furniture and Bakelite telephones, she decided to name her company after them. The decision to honour classic designs and quality craftsmanship before it gets destroyed means that Amy seeks out great British brand names, such as G Plan, Ercol and Parker Knoll to restore. Working with, and supporting, emerging UK textile designers such as Tamasyn Gambell, Flock Fabrics, and Bailey Hills, each chair is upholstered in British made fabrics and materials where possible. www.florrieandbill.com 30 Bridge for Design April 2015 HERE IS one of the many designer looks by Hickory White where custom is the norm. With 112 years of innovation and inspiration, the company offers over 40 custom finishes as well as hand-painted, artisan detailing. T: 001 828 322 8624 | www.hickorywhite.com A MIXTURE of Revival and Edwardian door designs adorn this stunning dressing room from The English Wardrobe Company. The mirrored fret doors bring about certain elegance to any room or reception area of the home. Hand painted with a choice of oak or walnut interiors they also offer a variety of internal fittings such as shoe shelves, chrome hanging rails and shelving and internal or external drawers. T: +44 (0)148 32 2 5500 | www.theenglishwardrobecompany.com