Bob Norwell is author for Quay West Living a family run store located in the harbour town of Falmouth in Cornwall (England). The store offers a wide range of stunning and unusual diningware, tableware, items of glass, porcelain and contemporary giftware and provides a very personal Wedding Gift List service.
When shopping for that unusual item to brighten up your home it can be very frustrating to be consistently confronted with the ‘same old, same old’. Nothing you see tends to leap out to you as having that certain Je ne sais quoi that says… “Buy me I am perfect for your home and lifestyle!” Quite often when we shop we do not know exactly what we are looking for but are eager and hoping for inspirational ideas to enthuse and encourage us to buy.
All too many stores tend to concentrate on offering the traditional, the drab, the mundane and the inexpensive. Often because they are considered to be the safe items which customers are expected to be comfortable with and therefore more likely to purchase and then return for further purchases in the future. Objects which are very thoughtfully conceived, carefully made, which offer beauty and appealing aspects of design do not come cheap. Neither are they generally massed produced, an aspect which will add to the appeal of being different from the run-of-the-mill accessories. For many people design is a passion, it is not a question of “can I afford it?”, but rather “I’ve just got to have it!” A wine rack is a wine rack! But the wine rack which has been constructed with creative and imaginative flair will bring something extra to your living space and bring comments from your friends and visitors to your home.
Looking on-line can lead to more diversity of choice and an ability to seek further afield, even in different countries. However, when in search of the unusual and unique items to adorn your home living space and to be enjoyed by yourself, family and guests another dimension is required - other than just an image on a screen. We shop with our eyes… yes, but we also shop with our other senses. A two dimensional catalogue, or web page, image cannot possibly convey the whole nature of an object. Whereas to touch, feel and even smell a beautiful flower or a delicately formed piece of crystal glass can bring the true nature of the piece to the complete understanding and appreciation of our perceptive senses as a whole.
A shop laid out with its wares displayed thoughtfully, as they would sit in a home environment, will bring joy and understanding as to how they might fit into our own homes. Beautiful porcelain, china and sparkling crystal glassware laid out on a fully set dining table - a change to the usual “stack and rack” approach. Displaying the very unusual, distinctively different and eye catching items for sale is the trick to attracting potential customers. The ‘WOW’ factor will always attract comment and probably be conveyed to others throughout the community by word of mouth, possibly the most important form of advertising.
Shopping for home accessories should be an enjoyable experience of discovery, enlightenment, entertainment and ultimately satisfaction.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Attractive Personalized Wedding Gifts
- Wedding Gifts on a Plate
- Wedding Gift Registry Do’s and Don’ts
- Groomsmen Wedding Gifts - A Few Unique Suggestions
- Top 5 Monogrammed Wedding Gift Ideas
- Choosing Tableware as Part of a Wedding List
- Wedding Anniversary Gifts- Easy and Affordable
- Meaningful Presents You Can Give As Groomsmen Gifts




An Overview of Window Blinds
By: Sam Decausta | 10/11/2009Window blinds are a cliquish variety of covers fashioned for windows. They are normally used for blocking sunlight, for privacy and for retaining heat during colder seasons. They come in a wide range of materials and colors.
A Guide to Timber and Plantation Shutters
By: Sam Decausta | 10/11/2009To add a touch of luxury and style, it is a good idea to consider using timber and plantation shutters. These window fixtures are inspired by Greek architecture that transcends to modern times. They provide both functional and aesthetic value.
Travertine Tiles as Kitchen Backsplashes are Excellent for Any Home
By: Mark Ferrer | 10/11/2009Travertine tiles are great flooring for the bathroom or patio; but that is not the only places where you could place them. If you're renovating your kitchen, consider adding a backsplash made from travertine. These not only improve the overall appeal of your kitchen but also help in improving your home’s value. Nowadays, these tiles are some of the premier fixtures in any home. But before you buy your own set of these tiles, be sure to read further for some useful tips.
Have the Best Window Shutters Sydney
By: Sam Decausta | 10/11/2009When it comes to decorating your home there are several options that you can consider and this includes shutters. These items for making your home interiors more elegant and beautiful at the same time very functional when it comes to keeping your privacy and protection from extreme seasons are indeed a good investment to make.
Choosing the Right Size Rug Pad for Your Rug
By: Luis Santamaria | 10/11/2009Every rug needs a rug pad and what is the best size rug pad for your rug? It is always good to trim back the rug pad from the edge of the rug. This is important for several reasons.
BEDROOM CURTAINS
By: Sunnyjit Sinha Roy | 10/11/2009The various types of bedroom curtains available and role in making our bedrooms look better.
Moroccan Henna Lamps
By: Lou Dufrane | 10/11/2009The art and technique of creating Moroccan Henna Lamps.
Hand Crafted Curtain Poles that are Built to Last
By: Hi-spirits | 10/11/2009For many of us, we like to experience a little luxury in our lives and can appreciate that items that have been lovingly hand crafted will not only last longer but look a lot nicer too. Add to this the fact that we like to make the most of our homes and it is easy to see why hand crafted curtain poles are proving to be so popular.
Wedding Gifts and Gift Lists – Why You Should Provide Family and Friends with Ideas for Your Gifts
By: Bob Norwell | 04/08/2009 | WeddingsThere comes a time in most Wedding preparations when thoughts turn to Gifts and Wedding Gift Lists. The traditions of gifts to the Bride & Groom stem from early years when Dowries or Trousseaus were brought to the marriage to help the newly-wed couple; or fruits were donated to encourage fertility. Some countries now traditionally donate money to the happy couple whereas other traditions prefer gifts for the newly-weds, customarily items to help them start a new home.