IDEAS, INSPIRATION and INFLUENCE
IDEAS, INSPIRATION and INFLUENCE
Ideas, inspiration and influence are varied and many. The French styles of the 18th and 19th Centuries are the major influence on the Subtle Finish range of mirrors and furniture. A style predominant in our collection is the Louis Philippe and one of our favourites due to its simplicity in form and its versatility. It can be placed in all manners of interiors as it can be finished with different etching which can make it traditional, feminine or contemporary. Antique mirrors were most commonly gilded in gold or silver leaf but they look fabulous in gesso (ivory white), black (ebonised) or parcel gilt (gesso with gold/silver) highlights.
One of our most popular etched mirrors is our frangipani which was inspired by all the lovely fragrant frangipani trees surrounding us here in Byron Bay. The design is hand drawn onto the frame and then etched into it. We use different coloured clays called bole for the pinks, greens and yellows of the flowers, with a beautiful white gold leaf layer so the colours shimmer through.
Shells on the beach that we collect quite a bit, having two small children influences our colour palette and decorative ideas. We created a shell mirror for our beach collection made out of recycled timber and shells which were cast from beach shells and then used as decorative elements, replacing the traditional urn, swags and cartouches.
Subtle Finish is a real mix of antique integrity with its traditional finishes and craftsmanship and modern influences from society and our environment.
By Pete Link















