Fashions in furniture

As is the case in any line of consumer products, fashions in furniture change and develop over time. Sometimes these are driven by the manufactures, who choose to promote a particular look to a receptive market; sometimes it is the makers who respond to the preferences of buyers.

When Royal Oak Furniture displayed a selection of its hand-crafted pieces at last month’s Great Yorkshire Show, a number of trends emerged from the choices and comments of buyers and browsers who visited the company’s stand over the four days of the event.

“We had a really positive response to our traditional styles of cabinet and dining furniture in a lighter fumed oak finish,” says Royal Oak’s Joanne Kent.

“Our very traditional pieces with intricate hand carving were also popular and, by a way of contrast, we’ve also had a lot of interest from interior designers in our brightly painted spindle beds.

“These latter are individually made to order and can be finished in any colour: all we require is a paint chart reference.”

Although regular appearances at the Great Yorkshire Show have proved successful in increasing the exposure of

Royal Oak and its products, the best place to experience the true breadth and quality of the company’s range is its 2,000sq ft showroom at Grassington, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

Situated just outside the village, on Moor Lane, it forms part of a group of renovated farm buildings, which also incorporate the design office and workshop.

Oak-panelled walls and, in season, a welcoming log fire greet you as you enter the showroom, before a hand-made oak staircase leads you to several beautiful room sets showcasing the work of some of the country’s leading cabinet makers.

Made using only the best quality timber, originating from environmentally managed woodlands where sustainability is a prime concern, each piece of furniture made at

Royal Oak, be it a bespoke or ready-made piece, starts the same way.

English timber, whenever possible, arrives at the workshop with the bark still intact, at which point it is matched for grain and colour before the team of craftsmen set to work.

These highly-trained and skilled artisans use traditional cabinet-making techniques to create pieces of quality furniture that stand the test of time.

A true family firm, Royal Oak was established by Janet and Paul Kent, with their son, Mark, leading the design team. Daughter Joanne is in charge of a more recent venture, a shop in the centre of Grassington showcasing their finelycrafted furniture and a carefully curated selection of crafts, homewares and accessories by British designers.

Responding to customer preferences keeps Royal Oak ahead of the game

■ The main showroom, at Moor Lane, Grassington BD23 5BD, is open Mondays to Fridays, 10am to 4pm, and on Saturdays by appointment.

■ The shop, at 2 Wood Lane, Grassington, is open seven days a week, 10am to 4pm.

■ Telephone 01756 753378.

■ www.royaloakfurniture.co.uk

We’ve had a lot of interest from interior designers in our brightly painted spindle beds.