Newmarket Magazine - April 2019
Located on Railway Street, Consignment Furniture offers an eclectic range of interior furnishings and is a treasure trove of unique finds. We sat down with owner, Wendy Francis-Ching to find out more…
What led you to open Consignment?
It was an idea I had for a number of years as I knew a lot of people had high quality furniture and wondered what became of it when they changed their décor or moved into a new space.
Can you tell us more about the store and the concept behind it?
The concept is based on consignment stores overseas, but instead of just recycling furniture of all sorts we have a focus on high profile contemporary European brands and well known designers. So we have created a space that allows people to buy very expensive and beautifully made established European designs for often less than half the original price. And as these pieces were loved, they have been beautifully looked after.
How do you source your products?
We have a great relationship with several interior designers that point clients in our direction when they have investment pieces to sell, and we are getting a lot of our stock through word of mouth. We also place brand new pieces from designers that are end of line or out of production. There really are very few options if you have quality furniture that you want
to sell, so we provide a way of showcasing these and create the opportunity for buyers to purchase some very special pieces at extremely reasonable prices.
What is it that interests you about furniture and design?
I have travelled a lot in the past and was always intrigued as to how furniture can make a space sing…or not. You get a certain feeling when you are in a room that has been thoughtfully curated that you don’t pick up on when there is no attachment to the space or the things within it. And furniture that has been crafted by a clever designer reflects something special in its design; soft curves, elegant detailing, choice of materials, sleek lines, or sometimes a hint of whimsy.
How do you think furniture and homeware trends have shifted over the past few years? Have you noticed a difference in how people are shopping when it comes to furniture?
We are unique in this country as we are open to a lot of different international styles, from antiques to ultra-modern, mid-century to Asian influences, Scandinavian minimalism to luxurious European etc. I think people are more aware of this now and shop around before they decide which one suits their lifestyle.
We have noticed quite a resurgence in retro styles and old glamour coming through in furniture trends this year, as well as a mix of old and new pieces. Do you think this will continue?
Yes that’s true and I think it will continue, but not as a total interior theme, more as a feature piece that adds to the overall décor. It’s great when you can have something that is functional yet glamorous at the same time.
How would you describe your style when it comes to interiors?
I like very straight lines and sleek surfaces, nothing too fussy or outrageous, and yet nothing drab. We tend to have furniture in the showroom that we really like and that we have an interest in, which also makes it easier to sell.
Name 3 furniture items in your home that you can’t live without.
I don’t know if I could name just 3, but I always keep a quote from William Morris tucked away in my head…”Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” William Morris, Designer 1834-1896.
Favourite spot in Newmarket for a coffee?
I’m not really a coffee drinker…I don’t like it too strong…so Alice at The Bean has created a decaf mocha that is the best…it’s called the Wendy Coffee.
2a Railway Street | consignmentfurniture.co.nz | @consignmentfurniture
- Glenn Peters