Whether you’ve been in my house or you follow my blog, you’ll know that I absolutely love interior design. I’m no professional, but I believe with the powers of Pinterest and online shopping, anything is possible. It’s probably pretty fair to say that the majority of my disposable cash goes on furniture and decor.
I’m a huge fan of Scandinavian design, from mid-century to modern designs. Whatever your budget, it’s quite easy to get the look. Although my bedroom is furnished using only genuine G-Plan pieces, I do have some replica designer pieces in my home, too. You’ve probably seen them before, but I’m a huge fan of the Eames RAR chairs. I have a couple in the office (one black arm chair and a yellow chair) and a white rocker in the lounge.
Although I think they’re worth it, I simply can’t afford to spend hundreds on one piece of furniture so I ordered replicas. Personally, I can barely tell the difference but I’ve still got the style I want in my home for a fraction of the price. But alas! If you’ve ever fancied owning a design classic – such as an Eames-inspired chair – this is your last chance. July 28 2016 has been confirmed as the date when furniture retailers must begin getting rid of any replica, unlicensed furniture by famous designers.
Loughborough-based Pash Living was founded in 2008 by Aaran Hall and Paul Sills with the aim of making iconic furniture affordable to the masses. Their collection now includes high-quality reproductions of Arne Jacobsen’s Egg and Swan Chairs, Eames’ iconic DSW ‘Eiffel’ seat and Xavier Pauchard’s ground-breaking Tolix chairs among others.
Founder Aaran said: “To say we are disappointed by the repeal of section 52 of the Copyright and Patents Act is an understatement. “British homeowners want stylish furniture with a designer edge but some simply cannot afford to pay over £4,000 for a lounge chair. We have made a name for ourselves by creating affordable yet high quality alternatives to ensure every design fan, not just those with a high disposable income, can enjoy these iconic pieces.”
The team at Pash Living are now concentrating their efforts on their original pieces which are already proving popular with customers. However, Aaran urges anyone who wants to snap up a retro piece inspired by the likes of Le Corbusier, Harry Bertoia or Mies van der Rohe to act now. Aaran said: “There will never be another opportunity to buy this ground-breaking furniture without paying designer prices.”
I was discussing this was S just recently (he always plays devil advocate when I’m making big purchases or making hasty decisions) and he said “Well, you’ll always be able to get replicas in China or abroad elsewhere”. This is where S, as much as I love him, has completely missed the point. Firstly, who wants to pay postage from China for a chair that weighs as much as I do? Secondly, it’s the quality that we’ll be loosing. At the moment, it’s possible to pick up these replicas that are almost identical to the originals. However, we won’t be able to get these anymore! *sob*
This came as a complete shock, as I’m sure it has to the rest of the other interior design lovers across the country. From next January only official versions – costing around 10 times more – will be available to buy in the UK. I’ve been eyeing up a Charles Eames lounge chair replica for some time now, so this has speeded up my buying process. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing, you can decide.
Will you be snapping up any pieces before January? If so, what will you buy?