Who doesn't like to surround themselves with beautiful things? A pleasing ambience and environment is high on many peoples wish list these days. But how do you achieve that look? High end modern furniture is relatively easy to source. However, maybe you live in a period property and want to furnish it with complementary pieces. One route to discovering the perfect piece is to visit the auction rooms.

Buying at auction

Sotheby's , Christie's  and Bonham's  are the big three, with auction rooms in London and the regions as well as international bases. Here you'll be guaranteed that the provenance of a piece is well checked. And buying at auction is simpler than you might imagine. According to Fergus Lyons, senior specialist in the English furniture department at Sotheby's, "People can feel intimidated by auction rooms in some way which is a shame." He says, "Anyone can walk in off the street and go and have a look. They can browse through the catalogue and if someone is unfamiliar and uncomfortable they can ask a specialist for advice and find out how the process works." Sotheby's have a client services department who can talk you through the whole process. "It always amazes me how few people ask," comments Lyons.

Elsewhere it's still possible to find bargains in country auctions rooms, but be sure of what you're looking for in terms of authenticity, condition and value. If you're new to the game then why not start with the countrywide selling exhibitions of  The British Antique Dealers Association  (BADA). Now in its 90th year the association has over 400 members who 'meet the required standards of knowledge, integrity and quality of stock'.

Using the services of an expert

Finding just the right Queen Anne chair or Chippendale can take time and knowledge. It's possible you may not even know that's what will complete your look. And let's face it, even if you do, the beautiful house will have been paid for through hard work, which probably means you're cash rich but time poor. One way of creating your perfect home would be to use the services of an expert. If you choose that route you might want to consider a company like Corfield Morris, a team of experts that will source, advise and purchase anything for you from antique art, furnishings, jewellery and much more.

"Budget is obviously a factor in the process. Using an adviser can help on this front because they have the negotiating skills and will impartially advise on what's the best deal."

Company founder, Tim Corfield, has a lifetime of knowledge in antiques; "My father was an antique dealer and we lived over the shop. It's in my blood." As an adult he went on to open his own antiques business and then everything changed when a local millionaire walked into the premises. "He said, 'I've just bought a big house near Salisbury. You look relatively honest, I'd like you to help me furnish it', and over the next two years I helped him with absolutely everything," says Corfield. The next break came when Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel, asked him for a similar service. It was still early days and Corfield says, "Strangely enough I found it hard to find like-minded people and then I met Daniel." He's referring to Daniel Morris, a former director of Sotheby's and an expert in English furniture of the 18th and 19th Centuries. And so Corfield Morris came into being.

Key to Corfield Morris is the concept of 'not selling things but selling expertise'. He says, "We really try to make sure people buy lovely things at the right price. We can find it, tell you if it's good, and advise what to pay. We do a lot of referencing, compare prices and look at trends. I consider we are great value because we enable you to buy as if you were a dealer."

Budget is obviously a factor in the process. Using an adviser can help on this front because they have the negotiating skills and will impartially advise on what's the best deal. Corfield Morris works across the price spectrum. "At a practical functional end there are some total bargains about. A lot of our clients like that concept," says Corfield. "One buyer never pays more than £10,000 a piece but has spent more than £250,000 in total. We managed to get a walnut chest that was priced around £25,000 for £10,000 for him. He loves that." Alternately they can find 'a nice honest chest of drawers for a spare bedroom for around £800 to £1,200 and make sure you buy a good one for that price'.

Trends and finds

Fashion plays a part in the antique world. Currently there's a 'strong market in 20th century decorative arts, Art Deco and later'. "There is something of resurgence in what I'd call traditional" says Corfield. "We've sourced more dining tables in the last six months than we have over the last six years." Lyons believes demand is much more about need these days. So dining tables are popular as 'are desks for laptops'. "The way people furnish their home has changed," he comments. They are looking for 'a much more modern style, stripped down'. But he acknowledges there will always be a demand from 'top flight collectors for the very best things. For instance Sotheby's recently sold two stools from Warwick Castle. With the royal provenance they exceeded their £80-120,000 estimate and achieved £280,000 at sale.

"We really try to make sure people buy lovely things at the right price. We can find it, tell you if it's good, and advise what to pay."

There's a strong demand for rare, antique or collectible silver. And always space for the more unusual items. Corfield Morris were asked to find wooden paneling for a classic yacht. In a Scottish hotel they discovered the paneling from the Britannic, a sister ship to the Titanic, and their task was done. Another Corfield find was 'a grandfather clock that ran on water'. Colleague Martyn Downer, previously a director of Sotheby's and head of the jewellery department, helped the brother of a good client find the perfect engagement ring. He'd seen the perfect ring in a Bond Street shop but at the wrong price. Downer looked at the ring, was able to find a bigger and better stone, had the design copied and saved the client a substantial sum. 'It was a win-win situation'.

For further information visit www.corfieldmorris.com

By Michele Nevard