New G-Plan Fresco
G-Plan relaunched Fresco a few years ago. Fresco, originally introduced in 1966, was a new G-Plan teak range with sculptural style emphasising curves rather than straight lines. It was G-Plan's most successful range and remained in production for many years. The new Fresco has a large dose of retro and builds on the original range.
I can't fault the quality of the new Fresco. Traditional G-Plan virtues, such as drawers that open and shut easily, are there. The teak finish is of high quality and has a good grain pattern.
The new Fresco will fit well with a retro look, but it is also up to date. A flat screen TV won't look out of place in a G-Plan lounge.
There are some old favourites in the new range. There is a new interpretation of the famous Astro coffee table by V B Wilkins from 1969. However, the new range is not a direct copy, it is more of an evolution of the original Fresco.
If you have some original G-Plan, you can now complement it with some new pieces that won't look out of place. Alternatively, buy some new basics and add a bit of character with a some vintage G-Plan furniture. Whichever way you do it, the new and old will look good together.
This is my pick of the new G-Plan range:
New G-Plan Fresco sideboard
The new G-Plan Fresco sideboard is finished in teak. Teak is a wood with a distinctive grain pattern, it is used to good effect in the sideboard. The handles look similar to the original Fresco range. There is a homage to G-Plan's fifties origins with the splayed leg look of the sideboard.
As you would expect from G-Plan, drawers and doors open smoothly.
New Fresco coffee table
One of G-Plan's classics was the Astro coffee table. Until recently you would have to buy a used one if you wanted this classic style from the late sixties. Now it is available new again.
The new Fresco coffee table has evolved from the original. It adds a shelf for newspapers and magazines, which is a nice practical touch.
There is a choice of circlular or oval coffee tables with either plain or glass tops.
Unfortunately, the new G-Plan Fresco is no longer in production. However, you may be able to buy it second-hand.