Taking a shine to the glossy look

Shoparound: Glossy lacquer and shiny teak are on their way back and will be adding polished rich tones to trendy homes around…

Shoparound: Glossy lacquer and shiny teak are on their way back and will be adding polished rich tones to trendy homes around the country this winter.

Lacquer finishes add a chic touch with a retro feel wherever they are applied and next to matt surfaces and fabrics add a luxurious shine to a room.

Lacquer is actually a Chinese technique dating back some 4,000 years involving the application of several coats of the sap from the lacquer tree to wood for a high-gloss shine. Now the term "lacquered" has come to mean anything that has a very glossy finish and the look can be achieved the old-fashioned way from tree sap or from high-gloss paints or modern plastics.

Lomi Design in Dublin 13 has found that its range of low-level storage units and floating wall shelves in glossy lacquer is proving very popular at the moment. The units' simple clean lines with curvy edges in very rich glossy lacquers have a hint of art deco about them, according to Lorraine Stevens from Lomi.

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The made-to-measure lacquered systems cost from €500 going up to around €3,000 for a three-metre unit.

Lacquered furnishings have traditionally been brown and black and, while those shades are still popular today, bold colours or sharp black and white is the trend in lacquer right now.

Also making a big comeback is teak, which works very well with black or white lacquer. Lomi is importing some stunning teak, black and white-lacquered wardrobe, living and library systems from mainland Europe. Library systems start at €1,600.

If the lacquer shine is just too much for you, coloured glass is a good alternative. Glass with the back painted in deep reds or browns mixed with dark wenge is a great look. Lomi has a fabulous wenge sideboard with burgundy-painted glass top, which could be a great addition to your diningroom. Price €2,657. Wardrobe systems with painted white or green-blue are priced from €3,000.

Lomi Design, Unit 124, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, Dublin 13. Tel 01 839 7001