We are in the process of revisiting the Classics in order to reclaim our culture and history and better understand where we find ourselves today. We need to find a context for our lives and artistic creation that can address the flexibility of creativity.

Playing with the clichés of the past and understanding historical references anchors us in time - they can be absorbed or ignored in order to learn or unlearn what we know or think we know. A type of 'creative forgetfulness' can cause us to reassess our heritage by re-editing and recontextualising iconic items.

Objects exist that are so synonymous with the cultures they come from - a Dutch tulip vase, a Louis XV chair, a Murano glass chandelier or a Ming vase - that we have stopped, intentionally or not, understanding their cultural significance. These icons are being re-looked at by cutting edge designers in order to reclaim both a sense of cultural context and a level of elevated craftsmanship.

Here the quality of finish and refined design re-enchants the home environment. Time is not frozen in a sterile way but a new quirky twist is applied - new traditions are being born where artisanal know-how is married to modern technologies and beautiful materials. Without the vision of the designer conjoined with the skill of the craftsman, innovation does not happen.

Period inspired furniture forms are rounded and padded - revived by use of needlework, pastel leathers and humorous fabrics; accessories in wire and plaster create new, challenging but ultimately desirable objects. Print and patchwork, knitting and appliqué add to the classic/contemporary image via an array of challenging and witty design concepts.

The warmth of the feminine palette is reassuring, comforting and reflects an image of soft elegance - it is enlivened and pulled into a contemporary focus by the addition of some iconic deeps such as pewter grey, bronze green, lacquer reds and old gold - colours of great class and distinction.

This reclamation of design history allows us the opportunity to reshape our futures and move forward with a twist of humour and wit - a healthy sense of visual irony creates the quietly surreal charm of tomorrow.