Dec 01 2012 Zhuhai Factory Finds

I had a small group last Saturday to Zhuhai.  A husband and wife and a single.  It was nice because the weather had cleared most of the day and we could meander everywhere. Not much was purchased - but they found what they were after - and we had another interesting day. 

While on the visits I'm also QCing items I have on order. The factory usually gets to a point and stops knowing that I'm showing.... and we discuss how to finish the piece. 

It's an exhausting day for all - me included - but each group makes make each trip different for me - and I feel fulfilled that I was able to bring a smile to their face. 

Here were some of my finds. 

This shabby little dresser is so cute.  Think of it painted, antiqued , stripped - very french. 

I'm remembering in my childhood when we placed our dial phones on these. 

This needs another coat of stain - but it has great simple lines. 

 Petite in size but very good storage space 

Now look at this photo - I mean really - this is where they do the manufacturing.  And you wonder why "I can't get everything exactly the way you want it" in your heads.  Everything is open to interpretation - but we get pretty close. 

Not everything is antique - here are examples of updated colors and styles. This cabinet was purchased.

Does anyone have a kitchen - that needs an island?  This is so perfect - at 9 ft long and 36" high.  Of course it's not going to fit any elevator. The rustic wood on top is gorgeous. 

This is actually one of my favorite pieces.  It's been in the factory for years - tucked away in a dark corner.  They recently moved it to another dark corner. I was glad for that 'cause it would wait for me to purchase it.  But I really don't have room for it.  I could see this stripped down to the bare wood - 

A DINING ROOM TABLE - you never see these. 59 " x 29.5 x 30" high 

Here's another purchase - the pair of bedside tables.  The perfect size but not the perfect color.  For an additional minimal fee - they are being stripped and repainted the red color they're suppose to be.  Right now they are too wine. 

 Oh No - another dining room table! 

 79 x 37.5 x 31

Such a show piece.  

Check out this great Farm Table - 

FEATURED IN EXPAT LIVING, HONG KONG

As stated in the article - Claire found me while she was 'Goggling'.  I must be doing something right - because it seems that's where most of my contacts are finding me - or by word of mouth. It's actually my blog that's pulling because of all the photos and the embedded labels. 

Expat Living is a great new way to explore Hong Kong and all it's creative and diversified mix.  It's a source of updated information to find anything for your home and more. 

Did you know - you can even read it on line if you haven't found it on your magazine stands. 

http://www.expatliving.hk/online-magazine

Here's a close up so you can read it!

The article says you can do this on your own - what you can do is only 1 factory.  They're not located near each other - you need to know how to get from place to place.  We have a van that fits 7 people and room for your purchases - and believe me - we fill the van with both. 

DINING TABLE FOR BAMBOO CHAIRS

I received an email today that inspired me to write a blog.  The request was for an expandable dining room table to go with the bamboo chairs she was having made.  But she hadn't made a decision what color to make the table - or if the chairs should be black or white. 

So I went on line and sourced - then I think about the averages and what has longevity.  I also have to consider what my factories are able to interpret correctly.  Remember - these are more 3rd world techniques and not high end production complexes.  They haven't seen the internet and all it's glory. 

These are the chairs.....

So here are some of the photos I found.....

White rattan with dark leatherette seating (smart and inexpensive) with a white washed - actually what we call a lime wash  - dining table. 

I also love mixing up the table.  These slip-covered wingback chairs are a statement.  I have done this for a client. 

The two photos above are the same table setting.  Go with off white - it's easier on the eyes and same color table. First impression - not liking it. 

OK - these are not wicker - I just like the honey stain on this table and wanted to show it - contrasting with the off white chairs. 

Black wicker with a dark brown stain. 

DRAMA

In the background the chairs are white with black seats - and maybe a black table.  Or maybe a very dark brown stain. 

rattan with a dark brown simple table. 

Natural rattan under slipcovers with a honey brown stain rustic table - note the oriental rug!

White wicker with a brown rustic trestle table. 

White  washed table and colored chairs.  That's the great thing about wicker and rattan.  One can of spray paint will cover a chair.  And voila - you have new in an instant.  I've done it several times. 

What a dramatic difference with all the traditional furniture and chandelier and mixing it with the white rattan. Then notice the simple sisal rug underneath.  

I love the black with this raw wood that has a light off white glaze.  I would actually have to hand carry this glaze to China and teach them. Would this still look as dramatic with cream colored walls?  I also like the use of multiple designed mirrors - with the same color on the frames - on the wall.  I did this years and years ago. It makes a small place seem larger.  

TALL BLACK CABINETS

Did you know in good design - you should have 1 item that is BLACK in your room. Large or small.  It's a little designer secret.  But image having a large black piece anchoring a corner or an empty wall.  

WOW! factor.......

The simplicity of this room is just astonishing.  The simple green distressed trunk - sisal rugs and white slipcovers against a white wall.  The airy grouping of birdcages just pop and fill the space to the ceiling.  Then the unexpected violet chair (green and violet are secondary colors on the color wheel). 

This is great - the insert of lights and mirrors. The doors are of accordion design so they fold back to reveal the beautiful bar inside. 

These dark green jugs can be found at the market place or at one of the factories. Note the opium style coffee table. 

Come on one of my Zhuhai factory tours to find your treasures. 

Looks like there is a red stain under the black paint.  When the piece is sanded and distressed on the corners - the color shows up. 

Why have one when you can have a pair? 

I'm currently reproducing the large black wedding cabinet on the left with the ornate antique silver hardware. The one in the middle and at the end are available now in the factories.  Note the one in the middle is similar to one up the page - it's contemporary with the use of round, rectangle and square shapes.  The chinoisorie hand painting is just the icing on the cake. 

Looking for something in Hong Kong - let me help you search for it.