The latest additions to our Brunel range have arrived, and to mark the occasion we’re going back to where it all began with an exclusive look behind Rob Scarlett’s best-selling design.
While design is an ever-evolving process, certain pieces really strike a chord that resonates with contemporary interiors. A perfect example of this is the Brunel range by Rob Scarlett, its blend of mid-century inspiration and contemporary industrial feel suited to modern homes where there is a demand for stylish, well made furniture that is both functional and affordable.
Drawing inspiration from an original 1950s piece of storage by British icons Robin Day and Clive Latimer, Scarlett sought to incorporate not only the leaning design but also the industrial look of black tubular metal. This series of original sketches shows the development of a few key pieces from the Brunel range from the initial concept through to the finished article, all of which still feature in our current collections.
Pictured above: Brunel Armchair £595 and Sofa £975 shown with Jamakhan Cushion from £60, Zox Blue Throw £60, Brunel Stool £95, Crawford Table Lamp in white £175, Brunel Freestanding Shelving £465, Moroccan Glassware from £3, and Bristol Table Lamp in white marble £70.
Early designs for the Brunel Table included fold out panels of oak and a hidden runner system to increase the width. Notice also how the three pronged legs were simplified to create the ranges trademark continuous line of tubular black metal.
Brunel Dining Table £595 shown with Stool £95 and Cushion £35, Lean To Shelves from £245, Bench from £75 and Lantern Pendant in white £195.
Inspired by a leaning storage unit by Robin Day and Clive Latimer, this rough sketch of the Brunel Lean Mirror is almost identical to the finished design complete with bent metal frame, hanging rail and concealed storage compartment.
Brunel Bed Oak Headboard from £595 shown with Blanket Box £395, Lean-To Side Table £95, Owen Table Lamp in smoke £165 and Brunel Lean Mirror £225.
While the shape and style are all there, this design for the Brunel Bed really came to life in the hands of Heal’s furniture craftsmen who replaced the block corners with smooth joinery and extended the headboard to create a statement feature.