What is Slow design?
Slow Design refers to the approach of the designer to create and propose designs and objects balancing individual needs and desires with socio-cultural and environmental needs, rather than the object of the design, combining positive synergies between each element in a system and cultivating diversity and regionalism.
Ampersand specializes in "le Slow Design" using both traditional and modern techniques.
We base our philosophy on values of recycling, sustainable development; favoring slowness and well being in order to counteract the monopoly of standardized objects governed by the sad law of mass production.
A little history
The mouvement Slow Design, created by Alastair Fuad-Luke in 2002, is a holistic design approach proposing tailored solutions for the long-term well being of people and the planet.
It began in 1986, inspired by the Slow Food movement, a protest against an era of fast food, quick preparations and consumption of food using harmful farming techniques, and unhealthy ingredients.
Alistair Fuad-Luke focused on the design of physical products but the concept can be applied to the design of non-material things such as experiences, processes, services, and organizations. Globally, Slow Design may be seen as a path toward the dematerialization required for long-term sustainability.
What role can Ampersand play ?
Interior designer
An Ampersand interior designer is present to listen to individual needs, to advise on lighting, colour schemes and the organization of your living space to adapt it to your personality of today and environment.
Ampersand offers advice and a unique service to decorate a home which includes the existing furniture through the use of colour and fabrics, furniture painting and patinas to a total transformation of a piece of furniture from its original use.
A home makover to bring your home up to date and above all unique, following your own individual tastes.
Upholstery service
An Ampersand upholsterer will give a new lease of life to your furniture using traditional & modern techniques and guide you in your choice of fabrics, piping and style!
Furniture painting and patinas
Furniture painting and patinas is the elegant way to rejuvenate your home, and all it takes is the right kind of paint plus the help of the expert painting professionals of Ampersand.
Annie Sloan stockist
Ampersand was hand picked by Annie Sloan to represent her in the Var. Very happily we became her official Annie Sloan stockist because there really is only the one, original, famous and so versatile Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.
Your are welcome to discover Annie Sloan Chalk paint, Annie Sloan Wall paint, waxes, gilding and many more accessories in our workshop.
Discover the techniques through our workshops using the numerous techniques of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.
***V.I.P. space
This special page, with a private code, is for our clients who have joined a workshop and / or used our upholstery service.
It offers:
- Step by step guides on PDF documents
- Video tutorials for ideas, tips and methods
- Special offers on materials: fabrics, gift sets, paints
- First hand information on the latest new products, creations and upcoming events.
- Invitations to local and regional events