Fairy tale furniture

Lavish country-style kitchens and magnificent armoires that look as though they have come straight from a fairy tale French chateau are the stock-in-trade of Chalon, a long established company that produces a superb range of hand-made provincial furniture in a wide variety of paint finishes. Until now, it hasn't been available in Ireland but Crate & Barrel in Dun Laoghaire is now stocking the furniture and is planning to open a Chalon kitchen showroom in the coming months.

Crate & Barrel's Miriam Peters had admired the furniture for a long time before approaching the company. They asked her to come and visit their factory but instead she invited them to come to Dublin and vet her own bright airy two-storey premises as a potential outlet. They came, they saw, and realised that the setting was just right for their very grand furniture and accessories. Based in an old mill in Somerset, Chalon UK employs master furniture makers as well as designers who will draw up plans for kitchens and entire rooms. Each piece is crafted in solid Canadian maple or pine and hand finished to create a subtle aged effect.

One of its best sellers, the classic kitchen dresser, comes in a range of styles and in various sizes, colours and designs. Dining-room furniture includes superb display cabinets with elegant glazed doors, while for the library there is a wonderful serpentine bookcase and traditional corner cupboard with bow-fronted doors.

There are dining-room tables and chairs, beds and dressing tables, hall furniture and occasional cupboards and hand carved wine racks for traditional cellars.

The kitchen range is inspired by the traditional warm and homely look of the large houses of the 18th century, but with all mod cons tucked away behind the antique-style units and dressers opening to reveal clever storage ideas. Prices range from £1,895 for a large wine rack to several thousand for a bookcase or wardrobe. Full catalogues and prices are available from Crate & Barrel.

Crate & Barrel, 57 Upper Georges Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, Tel: 2805965.