Decades of Design

Pokesdown, the bohemian end of Boscombe, is literally teeming with antique shops, second hand quirky treasure troves and retro furniture shops. If you were looking for something ‘a bit different’ for your home, you’d struggle to leave Christchurch Road empty handed.

One such shop ‘Decades of Design’ owned by Amber Cook, 31, sells  furniture, lighting, art and objects of desire from the 1930's to 1980's, and has been a popular Pokesdown destination for over four years.

Ambers list of past celebrity customers include Alex James from Blur, Pete Doherty, Dan Snow, and the vintage design King himself  - Wayne Hemmingway.

Selling antiques and collectibles is clearly in Ambers blood -  her grandmother had an antique shop in Pokesdown many moons ago which her mother then took over and is still running today further down the same high street.

“I have always had an interest in 20th century design and one day I decided to open up a shop. I called it ‘Decades of Design’ because I wanted to stock quality and designer furniture and objects from various decades gone by.”

The range of items you’ll find at 856 Christchurch Road includes; mid-century modern design, kitsch, space-age and Scandinavian, amongst others. Well known designer names include Ercol, G plan, many Danish designers, Peiff, Merrow & Associates  - but it’s always worth popping in as the stock changes on a regular basis.

“My favourite piece I have in store at the moment is a Danish teak daybed I am very tempted to keep it myself but unfortunately I don't have the room! I also have a set of blonde Ercol pebble tables that are always very popular and very stylish”

So is Ambers home as deliciously retro as her shop?

“My home is a bit of everything probably more retro inspired, I’m constantly changing my flat around I often see things I love then take them home then bring it back to the shop to sell”

With Pokesdown resurfacing as the place to be for independent shops and retro living –  Ambers enthusiasm for the local area is also obvious;

“I love working in Pokesdown it has great people, there is a really nice community feel and it’s full of amazing little shops and it also has THE best coffee shop (The Coffee House). There is always something going on in Pokesdown its full of some great characters, there is never a dull moment.”

Ambers quick tips for buying vintage and retro furniture:

•    When buying vintage or retro always check the condition, I myself  have bought something and haven't noticed the damage till I got it home, and it can be costly.
•    If you want to style your home I would recommend having an idea of what you want the finished look to be like, sometimes you can get carried away with buying things and get it home and it doesn't look right together.
•    Mix it up a bit with old and new as I find it can look better to combine the two

‘Decades of Design’ , 856 Christchurch Road, Pokesdown, Bournemouth, BH76DQ (Tel No: 1202 432987)

Images by Freya Eckersley