ZENTRUM FURNITURE * architectural

	Architectural finds are the stuff that dreams are made of. In every culture there is a tendency to build new homes and to create new interiors to reflect the status and success of the contemporary generation, rather than live in the shadow of ancestors. One’s reject becomes another's treasure. Zentrum seeks out antiques and objects trouvées of mainly Indian and Tunesian origin- areas where abundant natural materials (such as teak, iron, sandstone, and marble) created a wide variety of products, both useful and decorative, that are very comfortable with the Californian lifestyle and climate. Remnants of exotic villas, fairy tale villages, colonial homes, and island dwellings result in a wonderful array of artifacts: stone fountains and windows that lend exceptional beauty to the outdoors. Delightful picturesque windows- some simply fashioned, others more elaborate- blur the distinction between interior and exterior. Antique carved doors, cleverly used as gateways or "shutters" on each side of an entry, dramatize the flow of space. And there is something magical about antique pillars in a courtyard. Capturing the romance of far away places and times, architectural treasures, combined with Western aesthetics, create inspiring homes for modern living in any global setting.

	This antique stone water-pot stand shows how remarkably well natural materials integrate into design. The strong shape and time worn surface will create a dramatic backdrop just anywhere in your courtyard or garden.

	Pillars Antique Indian pillars consist of a simple, sometimes routed solid teak column, supported by a stone base and crowned with a Doric or carved capitel. All you need to change your decor- from dull to divine- are the right ingredients.

	Doors & Doorways > Beautifully carved doorways were kept on the smaller side to allow home owners privacy and protection from climate and enemies alike. They cannot always live up to Californian building code requirements. Height is the problem here (openings are generally 76" h). Nonetheless, creative buyers install them in front of closets, built-in kitchen cabinets, or use them in their garden decor. Smaller doors make excellent shutters and paneling.

	Windows v In hot countries, few windows were glazed. Instead, sculpted iron grills, often combined with colorful wood shutters, provided necessary ventilation in the suffocating heat. Tunesian windows are the most elaborately forged and display wonderful color schemes. In beautifully aged and weathered varieties one can detect roughly 2 combinations : Blues & whites: depicting sea and clouds and therefore generally found in the coastal areas. Yellows & greens: inspired by the desert sand and the oasis. In our 5th Street store, you can see Tunesian doors and windows built into the interior. India is the source of gorgeous carved stone vents and windows. Even with our more "limited" wood & plaster houses, the possibilities to use these treasures are endless. You'll find this charming, intimate courtyard where there once was a small and exposed sideyard. The owners of this home incorporated a vintage stone vent and two vintage sconces from India in their new stucco wall and crreated the perfect backdrop for their morning coffee.

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