If you are seeking something different for your home and garden, something which will make you stand out from the crowd, then a creative, design-led solution could be the answer. Below are three local businesses which put design and creativity at the forefront of their business thinking.

SIMON GUDGEON SCULPTURES Ltd

Acclaimed sculptor Simon Gudgeon is best known for his monumental outdoor pieces which can be seen in such varied and prestigious venues as London's Hyde Park, USA's National Museum of Wildlife Art in Wyoming or His Majesty King Charles's Highgrove garden. But alongside these magnificent works of art are a myriad of beautiful pieces that have been created for more modest spaces, and smaller budgets.

Simon's sculptures cover a range of genres in different mediums; his signature smooth style marvellously concentrates spirit and movement in his bronze artworks, whilst his fabricated figurative pieces are an intricate lattice of rusted steel outlining the body but offering no detail, leaving the viewer to fill in the gaps. Whether wildlife, abstract or the human figure, and whether life-size or small tabletop pieces, it is what he leaves out that draws the viewer in.

His design aesthetic extends into more practical pieces as well, with the recent introduction of the Studio Gudgeon range where Simon has created an array of works including bird feeder stands, hanging seats, fire bowls and barbecues, as well as some of the most exquisite gates in a range of beautiful designs.

Sculptures both small and large, plus the Studio Gudgeon range, can be seen at Sculpture by the Lakes, near Dorchester, open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.

Address: Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington Lakes, Dorchester, DT2 8QU

Tel: 07779 712298

Web: simongudgeon.com

HUSSEY & BRIGGS

Bournemouth Echo: Hussey & Briggs not only provides high quality windows, doors and conservatoriesHussey & Briggs not only provides high quality windows, doors and conservatories (Image: Hussey & Briggs)

Hussey & Briggs is a family business with a wealth of knowledge and experience which extends from the sales team all the way through to the installation engineers. The company has been transforming houses into homes since 1997.

Now with showrooms in both Bridport and Poundbury, Hussey & Briggs not only provides high quality windows, doors and conservatories, but also offers expert advice and a friendly service from start to finish.

With specialist knowledge in aluminium and timber window and door systems, the team can cater for all property types throughout West Dorset, including Grade II listed buildings. Some of the brands Hussey & Briggs supplies and installs are: Leka, Smart, Origin, Atlas, Velux, Garador, Markilux and Solidor.

The company offers an extensive range of high-end awnings and window types which includes casement, tilt and turn, sash, and bay windows, in a wide selection of materials ranging from PVCu, aluminium and timber. Whether you're after a traditional period look or modern contemporary style, the team can cater for your every need.

Visit the website for further information on all products, or make an appointment to pop into the Hussey & Briggs showroom and browse for yourself.

Address: Lantern House, Crown Square, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 3DY

Tel: 01305 269449

Web: husseyandbriggs.co.uk

CUSTOM CREATIONS

Bournemouth Echo: Create the perfect space-saving solutions for your homeCreate the perfect space-saving solutions for your home (Image: Custom Creations)

Whatever the size of your home, there is always a need for additional storage, and the team at Custom Creations can pair their design and product knowledge with your ideas to create the perfect space-saving solutions for your home.

Whether it is bedroom, lounge or home study furniture, or utilising more unusual storage areas such as understairs cupboards or alcoves, Custom Creations have solutions for all budgets and tastes.

As a family run business, they work closely with their customers at every stage; from the free, no obligation design consultation, through to the building of the furniture by their team of professional joiners, and the installation from their skilled, inhouse fitters.

Custom Creations aim is to provide clients with a creative storage solution that not only looks beautiful, but that also makes the very best use out of every space, and with a wide variety of colours and designs, there really is something for everyone.

By combining their extensive knowledge with excellent customer service, their professional and friendly team have every confidence in giving a 25-year guarantee on all their furniture.

You will always receive a warm welcome at their Verwood showroom, and they would love to work with you on your furniture projects.

Address: Unit 1 Enterprise Park, Blackmoor Road, Verwood, BH31 6YS

Tel: 01202 823231

Email: Jo@customcreations.furniture

Web: customcreations.furniture