Welcome to se trouver!
se trouver is an online business that is based on the philosophy that ‘great design spans the ages’. It comes from my love of both antiques and contemporary design. In every age there have been great designers, from Robert Adam to William Morris to Philippe Stark, each of whom have left a legacy for us all. Just because we live in the 21st century we should not negate the past, nor should we dismiss what is here and now. Great design is great design. Great design spans the ages.
se trouver is focused on the decorative arts, in the main, ceramics, glass and metal ware but not exclusively so.
se trouver is also about me. The words se trouver are french and mean ‘to find oneself’. For me it’s about having the courage to follow my passion - to give it a go, to do something I love.
For the last 20 plus years I have worked in the corporate environment, 14 of those in the IT industry. My professional background is in Human Resources. I have a degree in psychology obtained from Otago University and it was there in my student days poking through the many antique and second hand stores I discovered my love of ‘old things’. Whenever I picked up a piece I thought of its history, where has it been? what stories could it tell? I have always loved history and different periods in time fascinate me, not only the politics and events of a given era but the architecture, dress, culture.
This in subsequent years has also led me down the path to an interest in design general, and interior design in particular – learning the specifics about colour, pattern, styles and how one can bring it altogether with those finishing touches.
Today’s interior design trends are many and varied, from a focus on glamour, bold pattern, mixing old and new, to industrial style and minimalism. You have many choices and options on how to decorate your home.
se trouver is about providing you with options, giving you choices. The pieces that are ‘just what you are looking for’ to add those final touches to make your home just what you want it to be, no matter what style you choose.
My interest in interior design has extended my interest in contemporary design and design pieces which complement. It is quite a stretch to move from antiques to contemporary design. One normally tends to love one or the other. However great design is great design irrespective of when it was made and there are many very talented people creating wonderful design pieces right now.
Notwithstanding se trouver is also for the collector...you may well find that special piece right here in my gallery – so go have a look!
For the last five years I have been a great user of TradeMe (New Zealand's largest online auction company - very much like eBay but restricted to New Zealand and Australia) - this last year as a business owner. Just recently I was awarded a certificate of merit from TradeMe for having attained over 1000 positive feedbacks from individual members. This is my testimonial to you all - customer service, integrity and honesty are very important to me and something that will very much translate to my se trouver customers as well.
This step forward to having my own website is very exciting and is a continuous voyage of discovery for me. It is what se trouver is all about.
Join me.
Debbie Noon
