We are constantly improving and developing our products through the use of new manufacturing technologies.  So we wanted to be the first to see our new and improved iron plant stands which now feature an ornate flower design.

The detailing on our new plant holders has been created using laser technology.  Laser cutting technology uses Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Manufacturing (CAM) techniques. These cutting edge tools mean we can create highly elaborate designs, enabling us to produce stunning, contemporary furniture for your home.

You can see how the 10 ‘petals’ have been precision cut into the stand to form an attractive flower pattern.  This forms a decorative ‘plate’ for the plant to sit on.  Not only do the new holders have a more sophisticated look, this has actually made them sturdier too.  Those who are familiar with our product range may recall that the old design was a cross, rather than a full plate.

Perfect timing:
Plant stands are a perfect solution for when it’s time to move your plants inside before the autumn cold, so this new beautiful design comes in good time, too!  In a choice of 3 sizes, to hold small-large plants, they’ll add a touch of class to your kitchen, living room or conservatory.  There’s also the option to create a beautiful display with a collection of stands in different heights.

Available in a choice of colour and finish they’re ideal for indoor use as you can match them to any style of décor.  Anthracite grey with a green patina will look great in a rustic style kitchen.  Or, choose cream white with a gold patina finish for an elegant conservatory.

If you’d like to be notified when the new stands go on sale, subscribe to our newsletter above – you’ll also get 5% off your first order with us.  Or, you can keep up to date by subscribing to our RSS feed.

Original Article

The outdoor space is one that can be enjoyed in many different ways. For those that want to create a place of serenity we have some top tips and ideas to help you along. Ultimately when planning and designing your garden, always add your own personality to it. Creating a garden out of a magazine may seem like a great idea, but make sure you add your own touches.

Styles and themes are important for your garden. A well thought out theme can give your garden character, transporting you to another time or place. Themes are a great idea if you want to hark back to the old days, experience other cultures or plant yourself in the modern world. This month we will focus on creating a rustic, old fashioned style garden that you can relax in (like our furry friend here).

For creating a rustic themed garden consider using lots of wrought iron products. Manual water pumps make a great centrepiece to your garden, you can pump water from a well or clean water source in your garden. Alternatively you can get smaller water pumps that attach to an outdoor water butt. Attaching a pump to a water butt is a great idea and to maintain the rustic feel of your garden, consider turning your water butt into a wooden barrel by covering it with wooden planks secured by iron banding.

Old fashioned oil street lamps are a great rustic feature to light your garden on those late summer evenings. Use them to line your paths or place them near focal points in the garden to really highlight your gardens features. If you struggle to get hold of an oil based lamp, electric and candle lit versions are also great alternatives.

Another great touch for a rustic garden is to cut wooden barrels in half and use them for planters. When using the half barrels as a planter make sure you provide good drainage to help protect the timber from damp and rot. Drill holes into the bottom of the barrel for the water to drain through. The barrel will naturally have 1-2cm space between the ground and the barrel base where the staves protrude. Fill this space with 30-40mm stones and do the same in the bottom of the barrel where you will place your soil to maximise drainage.

When thinking about furniture, metal and iron furniture keep your garden grounded in your rustic theme. Try to avoid concrete or paving slabs to sit your furniture on, instead use natural looking materials like decking. When choosing your decking try to avoid profiled boards where possible, stick to smooth faced decking boards for a natural effect. If you have a decked seating area close to your house but want somewhere to sit amongst the garden, metal garden benches are ideal to use.

One of the most important considerations with your rustic garden will be your plants, shrubs and trees. Fruit trees like apple and plum are great for rustic gardens and harvest a tasty bounty too. These trees can grow to a good size without being too large and are perfect for a mid-large size property. Try to avoid hitting the garden centre and picking up exotic looking flowers, the key to a good rustic garden is keeping it traditional. Poppies, nasturtiums, sweet peas and sunflowers are great for adding a splash of colour to your garden. If you want to add bulk to your garden the English yew, laurel and common box hedge are ideal and can easily be shaped.

So there you have some ideas to get you started on planning and designing your very own rustic garden. Next month we will be giving you tips and advice on creating a garden full of culture from the far reaches.

For more tips, advice and to buy garden landscaping materials visit AVS Fencing Supplies.

Original Article

[caption id=”attachment_951” align=”alignleft” width=”300”] Photograph:Koelnmesse[/caption]

Next week we’re making our annual trip to Cologne for Spoga Gafa, the international garden furniture show.  The trade fair is a global marketplace for outdoor leisure.  Around 2,000 companies from 52 countries will present the latest products, trends and innovations.

Regular readers may remember our report from last year’s show, predicting garden trends for 2012.  For 2013, we’re set to go casual.  According to a recent press article by Spoga Gafa, casual-cool and airy-transparent looks will dominate the outdoor living world next year.

The emphasis will be on homely, cosy outdoor spaces which blur the lines between outside and indoors.  So, we expect to see lots of accessories at the show this year like outdoor lamps, rugs, and smaller furniture items.  This is exactly what we aim to achieve with our range of quality garden furniture range.  We offer the entire package; including gazebos and pergolas to provide completely enclosed areas, as well as outdoor lounge sets, plant stands, shelving, and side tables.

As well as our range of metal garden furniture, we supply several lawn-mower manufacturers with technical products for the garden such as pavement laying tools.  So, Spoga Gafa is a great opportunity for us to network with global buyers.

The show takes place between the 2nd-4th September; we’ll publish a full review on the blog upon our return detailing the highlights. A must read for those who want to discover new looks for next season, so watch this space.

Subscribe to our news feed and keep up-to-date with the latest garden furniture trends

Original Article

It’s really nice when we manage to help someone with their vision for their home and garden, so this week we’d like to share some details about another one of our projects.

We were delighted when Colin Crabbe; world renowned collector and dealer of rare classic cars, contacted us for about producing a swim-spa enclosure.

Formula 1 fans of you may remember Colin’s company, Antique Automobiles, which made their Formula 1 debut as private entrants at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1969. Their driver Vic Elford raced an ex-works Mclaren M7A and a Cooper Maserati.  In the company’s second season, Swedish driver Ronnie Peterson raced a March 701, achieving 7^th place.

Colin also sourced and raced a pre-war Mercedes Grand Prix W125 – a story you can read in an interview featured in Classic Driver Magazine.  Probably hidden by the Russians, the car was retrieved from East German/Polish border where it had been since 1945. Crabbe went on to win the Seaman Trophy at Oulton Park in 1971.

When the Crabbe family contacted us about an enclosure for their garden swim spa/hydro pool we were more than happy to help.

For the family, privacy was important so we customised our Romano metal gazebo to their exact requirements.  The 3m x 5.6m gazebo fits perfectly over their spa, giving them extra privacy and shelter from the elements.

Looking stunning in situ, the gazebo allows complete privacy with the use of curtains to create a fully enclosed area.  This is also ideal for extending the use of the spa into the autumn and even winter months.

Regular readers may also remember the project we did for the Grims Dyke Hotel; the same elegant metal gazebo model was customised and used to create an outdoor breakfast area for their guests and sheltered space for events.

If you have bespoke requirements for a gazebo, pergola, Metal Design Furniture can help. Contact us with your vision and we’ll discuss how to make your individual project come true.

Original Article

Would you compare Kate Middleton’s Issa dress with a replica from Tesco? After reading an article in the independent titled ‘Buy a knockoff of Kate’s dress,’ it got me thinking…

So, I decided to compare our designer Paris metal chair with its high street equivalent. The chairs look very similar on the picture indeed, but they’re not the quality is always in the details. They two chairs differ significantly on all levels; weight, design details, weather protection, joints and the manufacturing process.

[caption id=”” align=”alignright” width=”173”] Paris Metal Chair[/caption]

Here is a genuine comparison of our metal chair with a similar product from an un-named UK retail giant.

Design Details
Let’s start with the design itself. Whilst the two chairs might seem similar at first, Oour chair has many more sophisticated details. For example, at the end of the armrests the cheap chair is just cut, ours is hand-forged where the curve ends. The legs of our Paris also features a chic double line that continues around and around the chair.

Stability
An immediately noticeable difference is also the weight of the chairs. Ours is 8.5kg, theirs is  just 6kg. This matters because a heavier chair is stronger and sturdier and won’t blow over in the wind. This is also how classic wrought iron chair should be.

Zinc Galvanised
You won’t see this from first look but you’ll certainly notice after a few month! Our chair is zinc-galvanised; the high street version is not. This means it is not fully protected from the elements and won’t last longer than a year or two outdoors. Why waste your money on something you’ll only have to replace?

[caption id=”attachment_928” align=”alignright” width=”173”] High-Street Metal Chair[/caption]

Guarantee
Paris metal garden chair has 5 years guarantee, so you know you are buying a quality chair. nNo warranty mentioned for the other chair.

Powder-coating
The chairs are both powder-coated. However, because our products are made to order, our chair is available in an array of colours and finishes. Theirs comes in grey only, without any finishing touches. The powder coating is also more pleasant to use – read on!

Scratch Resistance
The coating on the cheap chair is inferior; ours has a slightly coarse scratch-resistant finish. This is more pleasant to the touch and it prevents the metal from overheating so you won’t burn the backs of your legs – ouch!

Welding & joints
Our welds are seamless, manufactured using advanced robotic techniques. This means your chair is structurally sound and able to withstand heavier weights. The weld of the mass-produced chair was sloppy and vulnerable.

The Tesco dress at £16 is nothing compared to its designer version at £399. Just as a chair that’s been mass-produced in China the Far East, cannot be compared to our designer metal garden furniture. Look closely at the details when you’re shopping around and you’ll see there’s a reason why prices differ.

Original Article

We know a bistro as an unpretentious, relaxed French eatery, serving rustic, authentic cuisine.  A welcoming establishment where you can relax after a hearty cassoulet, share a glass of vin de pays and linger for the entire afternoon.  This wasn’t always the case…

It is thought that the word bistro is derived from the Russian ‘bystro,’ meaning quickly.  It entered the French language in 1815 during the Russian occupation of Paris.  Apparently hungry officers, in a hurry would enter establishments and abruptly yell “bystro!”

At the time, the eateries were modest, mostly developed out of the basement kitchens of apartments.  Landlords supplemented their income by allowing tenants (who also paid room and board) to open their kitchens to the paying public.

As the idea caught hold, the bistro developed certain characteristics that are still recognisable today.  Modern bistro table and chair sets are modelled on the designs of Michael Thonet.  The world renowned furniture maker designed the ‘chair of chairs,’ in 1859.  Konsumstuhl Nr. 14, coffee shop chair number 14, was as popular today as it was in 1867, when it was awarded a gold medal at the Paris World’s Fair.  See picture right.

The timeless, elegant shape of this chair is instantly recognisable.  Now known simply as ‘the bistro chair,’ it has become the archetype of modern bistro furniture.  The introduction of blast furnaces later increased the availability of wrought iron, and more elaborate designs were created.  You can see how our Paris iron patio set (shown above) has the same shape, with traditional curved wrought iron work.

Read about the classic Thonet coat stand which inspired our Classico design

Original Article

It’s finally here!  The London 2012 Olympic Games begins tonight with a £27 million opening ceremony extravaganza, directed by Danny Boyle.  We’re all so excited.

 Here’s what we know so far:

The ceremony will be a quirky take on British life
204 competing nations will parade
10,000 performers will use 12,956 props
The stadium has been transformed into a British countryside scene
This is said to include horses, sheep, cows and a mining wheel
Themes will mark British culture from the industrial revolution to celebrating our rights to protest
It will also pay tribute to the English custom of ‘the big Saturday night out.’
It is rumoured David Beckham will kick a flaming football into the cauldron
The audience of 80,000 will include the Queen and a whole host of celebs
1 billion people are expected to watch on TV worldwide so it’s all eyes on GB

Not to be missed!

Here are just some of the comments made by those who watched the dress rehearsal earlier in the week;

Out of this world
It was jaw dropping
Amazing, I didn’t know where to look
Splendidly British and magnificently bonkers

The Jubilee celebrations were a testament to the fact that the English certainly know how to throw a good pageant.  Even the typical British weather failed to dampen our spirits.  As David Cameron said, “Let’s put our best foot forward, we’re an amazing country with fantastic things to offer. This is a great moment for us, let’s seize it.”

Let’s enjoy every minute

Cameron couldn’t have put it better; seize the moment.  We ought to enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the Olympic Games here in Britain.

Invite your friends and neighbours, fire up the BBQ, get the children involved, and see history in the making this summer.  Our Classico garden sofa set is perfect for entertaining; giving you an outdoor seating area to enjoy drinks and nibbles.  Invest in a metal gazebo or pergola, so you can enjoy your garden whatever the weather.  Or how about a new wrought iron table and chairs for an elegant, after-games dinner party?

Original Article

Have you ever dreamed of building your own private outdoor getaway in the comfort of your own home. Somewhere you could escape to after a hard days work. Creating your own secret garden is an easy task that requires a few materials, space in your garden and a bit of patience.

To start with you need to decide on what materials you will use to enclose the secret garden. For those who are more experienced in DIY, you can build a stone wall to create your enclosure. Stone walls give an attractive rustic look to the garden, but require expertise to build. The alternative to building stone walls would be to use 6ft garden trellis and fence posts. Using trellis is less permanent than a stone wall and can be put up with ease.

Once you have decided on what you will build the foundations of the enclosure with, it is then time to hit the garden centre and find the right climbing plants. Using climbing plants to cover your wall or trellis hides the enclosure to the naked eye, making it appear as part of your garden fence or wall. Some great climbing plants for this job are clematis, climbing rose, honeysuckle, wisteria and Ivy. Be careful of Ivy if you are using the trellis method as Ivy can quite often break up the timber and destroy the trellis.

So now you have your enclosure and the climbers, you need to consider access to the secret garden. If you are using the stone wall method, a traditional closeboard gate works very well with a ring latch. You will also need hinges, gate posts and a gate stop. If you are using the trellis method, purchase a section of trellis 3ft wide, put it on hinges with a ring latch and you have your gate. This can work very nicely as the climbing plants will be able to cover the trellis gate and hide the entrance to your secret hideaway.

To finish off your secret garden consider the Classico Garden Sofa Collection, perfect for giving your secret garden a rustic touch. Comfortable and relaxing, your secret garden is ready to be enjoyed.

For more tips, advice and garden landscaping materials, visit www.avsfencing.co.uk.

Original Article

[caption id=”” align=”alignleft” width=”168”] Ivory with gold Patina[/caption]

When you order through Metal Design Furniture, you’ll see an option to add a patina finish in gold, silver, bronze or green.  This finish will give your metal furniture a distressed, antique look and a colour tone that can reflect the colour of your existing furniture or colour scheme of your home.

Authentic patina is a tarnish that forms on the surface of metals due to aging and weathering.  Chemical processes (patination) cause compounds such as oxides or carbonates to form on the surface.  This thin layer actually acts to slow down further corrosion.

For example, green patina forms naturally on copper and bronze when it’s exposed to chlorides.  The Statue of Liberty has a copper surface and gets its green colour from natural patina.

Distressed metal furniture is highly desirable and allows you to create a wide variety of interior looks.  This includes traditional, rustic and shabby chic.

[caption id=”” align=”alignleft” width=”172”] Jet Black with silver Patina[/caption]

Similarly with garden furniture and landscaping; patina furniture allows you to create English country garden, country cottage and rustic Mediterranean designs.

Our patina finishes are hand-painted for character and distinction:

Gold – antique, luxury

Silver – cool, metallic

Bronze – traditional, warm

Green – rustic, distressed

[caption id=”” align=”alignleft” width=”174”] Cream with bronze Patina[/caption]

We also offer a choice of colours (powder-coatings) so you can match white or cream with gold or bronze patina, whilst anthracite grey and black go best with silver or green patina.  See our colour guide

You have the chance to own a truly unique piece of furniture.  Choose the colour and finish that best suits your style and it will be made to order, with hand-added detailing.

Original Article

When you think of garden furniture you are probably thinking of a set of table and chairs. However, if you want to get more use out of your garden, there are many more garden pieces of furniture available.

For a completely new way to enjoy your outdoor space, consider investing in something extra, such as a metal gazebo, garden benches, sun loungers or even a garden sofa set. And if you add a piece from our accessories section, such as shelving, coffee tables, plant holders and a serving trolley, you can really transform the way you use your outdoor space.

Many families only have a dining table and chairs and then wonder why they don’t spend much time outdoors. But with the right set-up and the right equipment you can make use of every corner of your garden space for a different activity, and every member of the family can find something to enjoy. Why not consider:

A pair of sun-loungers for relaxing
A bistro set for enjoying a morning coffee on the patio
A garden bench in a quiet spot for reading
A seating area as an outdoor lounge for family time and entertaining
Shelving to store essential equipment
Shelter from the elements with a gazebo or pergola
Outdoor heating to extend use into the winter months
Comfortable seat cushions for extended use
Decorative features such as plant stands, candle holders, outdoor clocks
Garden games for the kids

Your garden can be a true extension of your living space by making some key purchases.  The whole family will benefit from more time spent outdoors.  Whether it’s a quiet space to relax and read a book or to spend evenings sat outside chatting, away from the TV and games console.  You’ll find a wide range of metal garden furniture in our collection to help you accomplish this; from metal sun loungers to gazebos.

Original Article