KEY POINTS:
Contemporary interior design and timeless style go hand-in-hand for James Peters, co-owner of Ponsonby design store Dedece. Just don't mention designer fakes. "They are a blight on the landscape as far as I am concerned. If I could have any influence it would be to encourage potential buyers
of these copies to choose anything but. It is an insult to the master designer's vision," says Peters, who launched Dedece with a friend more than 20 years ago in a 100 square foot showroom with only six pieces of furniture. "There was so little demand for the furniture we sold on indent, mainly to architects and progressive designers. There was little interest from the public." Clearly times have changed, with the store now sitting in an approximately 10,000 square foot showroom in Ponsonby, stocking design masters including Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, Geirhadt Reitveld, and Philippe Starck.
Peters' passion for design is still as strong as ever. "Each day we view a new design and over the years I have seen many of them come and go. I realise what stands the test of time is not only fine design but the clients response to it. If it is superbly designed, well-crafted and serviceable, it will win the heart and mind of the buyer, resulting in a long life of its own."
1 My adopted German shepherd, Gugi.
She may not fit the design criteria but she certainly designs my life at present.
2 My 6ft x 6ft Alan Maddox painting.
I purchased it from Dennis Cohen in the 80s. It has a personal history for me. Before the work was exhibited and was still in progress, I was in Alan's studio having a discussion on this particular work. Alan grabbed a knife and stabbed the painting in frustration due to our debate. My reaction was a mixture of terror and excitement. Some weeks later I purchased the painting with the stab wound still evident.
3 Zigzag chair designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld. Made with a continuous sheet of wood and presents like an upturned Z. One of the masters most important furniture designs and executions I think.
4 The Red and Blue chair by Gerrit Thomas Reitveld.
A true object of furniture sculpture. Not all furniture has to be comfortably functional.
5 Stelton teapot.
An heirloom to be passed down from one generation to another. I have never found another teapot that pours so well, and looks so good.
6 The Dodo by Toshiyuki Kita.
It is the modern day Lazy Boy - fun and stylish to look at and so comfortable.
7 My nine-year-old leather upholstered MET sofa.
Designed by the master Pierre Lissoni, it certainly has stood the test of time. My partner, dog and I have spent many a night lounging on it, in front of the telly, sharing its generous proportions. Nine years later the sofa has not only retained its shape and covering but also its style. Timeless, an observation I appreciate involving many facets of life, especially as I get older.
8 LC7 chair by Le Corbusier.
Designed in 1929. Again, timeless. I admire the curved sensual back of the chair. It carries an air of couldn't-care-less about it. It is, from my perspective, a multi-functional chair.
9 Wiggle chair by Frank O Lehry.
Designed in 1975. Hard to believe a chair made of cardboard can look so quirky and be so practical.
10 The Brake House in Titirangi.
Bias aside, having lived in and admired the house from a personal perspective for nine years, I still regard it as a masterpiece of architecture.
