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Homeowners recommended fashionable timbers for furniture

11/10/06

Fashion-conscious homeowners should consider using oak and walnut furniture to kit out their homes this autumn, according to one designer, although they may need to extend their cheap home contents insurance to protect costlier items.
 
Furniture such as tables, chairs, worktables and chairs all typically come under the terms of home contents insurance cover.
 
In the event of damage from fire or flooding, maltreatment from residents or other problems, the householder may need to claim back the cost from their home insurance policy.
 
However, if the goods are particularly expensive then they may not be covered by some cheap home contents insurance policies, which only cover items up to a certain value.
 
Nevertheless, Robert Maskrey, a spokesperson for home furnishings retailer Maskreys, insists that oak and walnut items are the must-have for households this autumn.
 
"In terms of timbers, walnut is back in fashion, especially in dining furniture," Mr Maskrey said. "We're also seeing a new slant on the paler oak, which is being teamed with teak and walnut to make an interesting contrast.
 
"Oak is also being used in its own right with a highly-designed arts and crafts feel to it for a sleek finish to the dining room."
 
In the past few years, the issue of fashionable design in the home has gained plenty of exposure in the UK, in part because of a string of high-profile TV programming.
 
For instance, TV shows such as Changing Rooms, Extreme Makeover and Grand Designs have raised awareness of contemporary home furnishing trends.