Australian_House_&_Garden_2017_02

HG DECORATING

42 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

A well-chosen stool can

pack a visual punch.

Ask an expert

KITCHEN

STOOLS

Interiors editorKate Nixon’s guide to finding

just the right seat to anchor the kitchen island.

Form favourites

T

he kitchen stool is arguably the most-used seat in the

house, and striking a balance between comfort and

a visually pleasing design can be tricky. Explore timber,

linen, leather or wicker for a Scandi-Mod look; mid-century,

industrial, classic are other favoured styles. Consider using

outdoor fabric for upholstery, and seek higher-backed stools

for the very young and older diners. Manoeuvrability should

also be weighed up.

Send decor questions (with name and address) to H&G Advice, GPO

Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028 or email [email protected].

Fresh ideas and easy updates

✚Reupholster tired stools and, where quality warrants, have

the springs and padding replaced. Support is key!

✚Paint or stain a hardwood frame – think dark (japan black),

light (lime wash) or a special finish from Porter’s Paints (www.

porterspaints.com) or Annie Sloan (www.anniesloan.com).

✚Metal frames can also be sprayed – whether your

preference is for a flat colour, metallic, matt or gloss.

OR TRY THESE...

Great Dane Mid-century classics in steel, timber, leather,

cork and paper-cord finishes; http://www.greatdanefurniture.com.

Naturally Cane Quintessential cane stools in bistro and regency

styles; http://www.naturallycane.com.au. Early Settler Affordable

industrial styles, many in stock for immediate delivery; http://www.

earlysettler.com.au. James Said A touch of glam, from leather

to metallics; http://www.jamessaid.com.au.

Photography by Derek Swalwell/bauersyndication.com.au (main image) & Maree Homer/bauersyndication.com.au.

d

(

)

&

M

Warwick

Fabrics

Le Monde

leather

American

oak

No Chintz

Crackle

poly-cotton

in Finch

FROM LEFT Dowel stool, from $890, Mr Fräg Studios; http://www.mrfrag.

com. Afteroom bar stool, $850, Top3 by Design; top3.com.au. Alba

bar stool, $219, Schots Home Emporium; http://www.schots.com.au.