Think twice before replacing old furniture, say mother and daughter team

Jeancelle Interiors is an East London-based interior design business that was started in 1995 by Jeanette Roux.

Today, the mother and daughter (Sunell Roux) team behind Jeancelle blend quality interior design service with creative excellence, catering for domestic and corporate clients.

Before starting her own business, Jeanette worked at national company Biggie Best.

“I joined my mother in 2014,” Sunell said.

“Before signing up with Jeancelle I worked for Castellano Beltrame, the East London fabric group, but it shut its doors, leaving me jobless.

“There was a shortage of design jobs in East London at the time, but fortunately Jeancelle needed someone to manage the office and I got the job.

“But design — I am a qualified graphic designer — was always my calling.”

After her sister, Marcelle Williams, relocated to KwaZulu-Natal, Sunell took over her design-orientated job.

“I was familiar with fabric and complicated designs, so the service we offered didn’t faze me.

“It included advice with colours, patterns, wall paper, blinds, flooring, cupboards, then the more artistic side; space planning, final feel, reupholstering and generally anything artistic that would make a space come alive.”

The company now has six upholsterers and three seamstresses.

“We don’t force people to upgrade themselves, but if they are interested in building their skills we do train.

“It is rewarding to see people grow in a profession, especially if they have had little access to the formal side.”

She said people should think twice before being tempted to sell their old furniture.

“Old furniture was made at a time when things were meant to last.

“When we get in older pieces of upholstered furniture it is a delight to look at the [wooden] carcass after we have stripped the fabric and padding.

“It is often made from solid imbuia wood, which is really hard and does not deteriorate with age.

“In fact, most of the older furniture that has lasted is built from some variety of hardwood.

“Much of the modern furniture, once the fabric and foam is removed, is like assembled tomato boxes.

“It is fragile and the furniture is not built to last. However, it is cheaper.”

She said laminated furniture (faux wood) was often made of a synthetic material, usually plastic, used as a thin exterior layer on furniture or other surfaces.

Unlike natural wood, laminate was created by layering and bonding different materials together.

While particle board might not have the longevity or aesthetic appeal of hardwood, she said it was a viable option for those with tight budgets.

Polywood was a low-maintenance, durable, eco-friendly alternative to hardwood.

It was heavy-duty and long-lasting and made from tough plastic, and designed to look like wood.

Comments on the internet give a clear picture of the service offered by the Jeancelle team. They include:

“I have never experienced such absolute dedication to detail and advice.”

“The workmanship was outstanding.”

“I have used Jeancelle often over the years as their quality of work and service is fantastic.”

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