Wishlist
The Age
Wednesday September 11, 2002
Nazan Yuksel, 32, is a project coordinator
This divan had ends on it and it's wider than a normal couch would be, and it does not have a back on it, which is pretty close to what I had in mind. I think it is totally beautiful.
I first came across divans in Turkey when I went over with my mum when I was about 17. They used to be in the lounge room and they'd use them for guests - that's what we ended up sleeping on.
It's really different and comfortable, and also very Turkish. I've always thought that when I got my house I'd make sure I had one. I'd have really gorgeous fabric and lots of cushions. It's about having that ethnic connection to Turkey as well as something really practical.
I like a mix of stuff really. I've got modern couches in the lounge room but I also have antique sideboards. The antique stuff we got from my partner's family so I guess that's a connection to his past, and the divan would be a connection to my past.
Ideally it would go in the spare room, which I actually want to set up as a bit of a multipurpose room; a yoga room, a reading room. The divan would be perfect because it wouldn't take up that much space. It would be my domain. He's got a study. It would be special to have my own little spot.
When guests come over they could sleep on it. Every now and then we have friends who come down from Sydney. In the spare room at the moment I've got a futon that's set up as a double bed. This divan would be more stylish and it would make the room more practical for the times that I don't have guests.
What would I have to give up for this $3200 divan? I would put my holiday on hold.
© 2002 The Age