In the Market for Something Different

Dec. 9, 2012 - PRLog -- It is only a small market that demands furniture which is used and bespoke or rare and un peu différent with a little je ne sais quoi thrown in, and is proud to display it with its’ inherited imperfections. In general, this clientele has emerged from the shabby chic era, and is here to stay.

This is the market that Château Rustique services. Which is why it can retain its personal service and remain a small, caring business. Delighting in sourcing and supplying vintage and vintage style French, English and European furniture, co-founder Gail Marsh buzzes ‘We absolutely love what we do. If we don’t love it, we know it won’t sell. Our existing client base and a discerning type of future customer are the sort who would fall in love with a piece just as quickly and as deeply as we do’.

‘Our range isn’t everyone’s cup of tea,’ Gail stated hesitantly, ‘but the comments we get from our customers such as ‘we absolutely love what you do’, or ‘I want everything you have in stock !’ are confirmation that we must be doing something right.’

Château Rustique stock usually stocks only one of something, and that something is usually at item such as an original French Rococo Bed that admittedly may be found elsewhere, but is very hard to find in that style, genre or ornate decoration. Although they might come across many a chest or chair, for example, they are looking for something that shouts ‘I am special!’ Stock turnaround is fast, which can sometimes leave them a little short of furniture to sell. ‘Then we panic !’ laughs Gail, ‘and hope no-one minds seeing the word ‘sold’ under items on our website. We have been known to buy mainstream items, which we know will sell, but on the whole if it doesn’t have a story to tell or lacks character we won’t sell it. And that can be be a little demanding, thus taking a while to find’.

So, if you are looking for an age weathered Victorian Chiffonier, an ornately carved French Chest of Drawers or Bureau Plat, a Mediteranean whitewashed Victorian Washstand with blue and white accessories, a well chipped Château style Bergere Chaise Longue or a beautiful William IV Piano Stool - Château Rustique is for you. That is if they still have those items in stock….