There’s something unmistakable about furniture made from solid wood. From the natural variation of the grain to the warmth it brings to a room, it’s a material that only becomes more characterful with time. Few brands understand its potential quite like Artisan.
Rooted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Artisan combines generations of woodworking knowledge with a distinctly contemporary approach to furniture design. The result is a collection of beautifully crafted tables, chairs and occasional pieces where the material is always allowed to take centre stage.
From woodworking workshop to contemporary design house
Artisan’s story begins with the traditional Ćostović woodworking workshop and more than 50 years of experience working with timber. What began as a local workshop has evolved into an internationally recognised furniture brand, but an appreciation for traditional woodworking remains at the heart of everything it creates.
Rather than concealing the qualities of its materials, Artisan celebrates them. Solid timbers including oak and walnut are shaped, joined and finished to highlight their individual grain and character, ensuring the material itself becomes an integral part of each design.
It’s an approach that gives Artisan furniture its distinctive balance: contemporary without feeling trend-led, and meticulously considered without losing the warmth and tactility of something made by hand.
A softer side to solid wood
Artisan’s ability to transform solid timber into seemingly fluid forms is perhaps one of the most recognisable characteristics of its furniture.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the Neva collection. Sculpted from solid wood, the Neva Dining Chair features a beautifully curved back that flows seamlessly into its slender frame. Every edge has been softened and refined, showcasing the precision of Artisan's woodworking while creating an inviting place to sit.
For an even lighter expression of the design, the Neva Light Chair strips the silhouette back further. Its graceful curves and tactile timber make it equally suited to gathering around a dining table or standing alone as an accent chair.
Both designs demonstrate what Artisan does particularly well: allowing craftsmanship to be seen and felt without overwhelming the simplicity of the finished piece.
Designed around the beauty of timber
While Artisan's chairs demonstrate the precision possible with solid wood, its tables allow the natural character of the material to unfold on a much larger scale.
The Latus Dining Table is a striking example. Generous expanses of solid timber are balanced by beautifully considered proportions and softened detailing, allowing the grain to become part of the table's visual identity. Available at Heal's in European walnut and white oiled oak, its pared-back silhouette lets each timber bring a different character to the design.
Made for the way we live
Beautiful craftsmanship doesn't have to come at the expense of practicality. Artisan's collaboration with German designer Michael Schneider on the Tara collection brings the brand's woodworking expertise to furniture designed around contemporary life.
The Tara Extending Dining Table combines a clean, architectural silhouette with the flexibility to accommodate larger gatherings. Its extending design makes it an especially considered choice for homes where the dining table needs to adapt - from everyday breakfasts and working from home to evenings spent entertaining.
Pair it with the Tara Dining Chair, whose gently shaped timber frame continues the collection's refined aesthetic. Together, the designs create a dining setting that feels warm and considered without becoming overly formal.
Craftsmanship beyond the dining room
Artisan's approach to wood extends well beyond dining furniture, with pieces designed to bring the same material richness to different areas of the home.
The Picard Desk turns the home workspace into a celebration of craftsmanship. Made in solid wood and available at Heal's in European walnut and white oiled oak, its refined form allows the beauty of the timber to provide the decoration.
For something smaller, the Bloop Side Table shows how expressive solid wood can be even at a more compact scale. Sculptural and full of character, its playful proportions offer a contemporary contrast to the more restrained forms found elsewhere in the collection.
The Mars Coffee Table provides another way to introduce Artisan's craftsmanship into a living space. Crafted in European walnut, its rich timber grain brings natural warmth to the room while maintaining the quiet simplicity that runs throughout Artisan's work.
Furniture that gets better with age
Part of the enduring appeal of solid wood is that it doesn't need to remain untouched to stay beautiful. Over time, the surface develops character, recording the everyday moments that happen around it.
This sense of longevity feels particularly relevant to Artisan. Its furniture isn't designed around fleeting trends or quick transformations. Instead, the focus is on considered proportions, natural materials and skilled construction - qualities that allow a piece to remain relevant as the home around it changes.
It's a philosophy that sits naturally alongside our own belief at Heal's that good design should be lived with and loved for years to come.
Discover Artisan at Heal's
From the sweeping curves of the Neva collection to the sculptural simplicity of Latus and the adaptable design of Tara, every Artisan piece begins with an appreciation for one extraordinary material: wood.
Explore our edit of Artisan furniture and discover contemporary pieces where the skill of the maker is evident in every curve, joint and carefully finished surface.
Discover Artisan at Heal's.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Behind the design
Heal’s is home to some of the world’s most illustrious furniture brands, and has been since 1810. From additions such as Zanotta and Carpe Diem Beds to favourites like Knoll and Ligne Roset, we pride ourselves on a curation of the very best designers – alongside Heal’s creations – while our newly-extended flagship store on Tottenham Court Road now means there’s even more to experience and inspire. These are the names that will stand the test of time with classic designs that continue to endure long after they have been crafted – and, in turn, make for investment pieces and future heirlooms that can be passed down from generation to generation.
Here, we’ve rounded up the best new brands to browse and buy in our extended edit, whether it’s lighting, furniture, textiles or accessories you’re looking for.
1 Zanotta
With an impressive catalogue of inspiring designs, Italian maker Zanotta has crafted truly iconic pieces since launching in 1954, a selection of which can now be shopped at Heal’s. Founder Aurelio Zanotta – an exceptional businessman with a flair for injecting beauty, ingenuity and whimsy into everyday life – had a larger-than-life personality that spilt over into famous pieces like the Sacco bean bag chair and Blow inflatable chair (the first to be mass-produced, no less).
The covetable brand is knowingly bold: risk-taking design can be seen in the likes of the Noah sectional sofa, which features an unusual alternation of upholstered elements, and the Teti occasional table, created by hand via a two-layering process and fired at 1,250°C for 36 hours. Statement pieces to help you create spectacular interiors.
2 GUBI
From lighting to furniture, global design house GUBI looks to the past and present to create timeless objects, all as beautiful as they are practical. Its current owner and creative director is Jacob Gubi – handed the reins by his parents – who has worked tirelessly to turn it into a global powerhouse thanks to a handpicked edit of quality furniture and clever partnerships with talented designers.
Its USP? Pieces to evoke emotions and tell stories, from the Pacha lounge chair that reflects a change in design style of its period, to the TS coffee table originally made for The Standard restaurant complex in Copenhagen, and the Turbo pendant light inspired by the lightness of Japanese rice paper. Guaranteed conversation-starters in any space.
3 Carpe Diem Beds
Founded by a chiropractor, Carpe Diem Beds has finally been added to our collection, offering handcrafted beds informed by scientific innovation. Inspired by the nature of Sweden – specifically, the archipelago on the west coast – its range of beds, mattresses and headboards combine advanced technology with luxurious materials.
Think everything from Nordic pine to organic cotton and Talalay latex. Because of such, each piece from the Swedish label balances comfort and style to spectacular effect, ensuring you get quality shut-eye from its dreamy collection.
4 HAY
Drawing on art, fashion and architecture, Danish brand HAY elevates the everyday with modern spins on Scandi designs, and was founded by husband-and-wife team Mette and Rolf Hay.
It launched in 2002 with the ambition of starting a new kind of company that innovated new ways of addressing the ever-evolving needs of the modern world – but at a far more accessible price point than industry standards. The result is a fun and dynamic business that has delivered on its promise with flexible furniture, lighting and accessories that can be used in diverse environments for differing needs while making everyday items objets d’art.
Case in point is the Turn On LED table lamp – a simple but stylish way to add lighting to outdoor settings – the colourful and stackable Crate, an organisation system made from 100% recycled plastic, and the French press brewer, a fun update on the kitchen essential.
5 Umage
Umage, translating to ‘making an effort’ in Danish, fuses Nordic design with thoughtful craftsmanship across iconic lighting and furniture. The brainchild of Jacob Nannestad and Søren Ravn Chistensen, the duo places importance on aesthetics, simplicity and functionality, resulting in exquisite designs with a sustainable edge (indeed, everything produced is flat-packed in stylish boxes to minimise its environmental impact).
Flexible design is evident in everything Umage makes – from table lamps that include wireless chargers to storage that makes use of redundant spaces – all of which contributes to a sustainable commitment. From the Around the World pendant shade to the Asteria LED floor lamp, there’s plenty to discover.
Spring is upon us, and with it, International Women’s Day on 8th March, a chance to celebrate the strong female leads channelling their passion, talent and expertise into truly remarkable design.
But rather than just being marked on a single day, these powerhouse creatives, and so many more, should be raised up throughout the year. Here, we spotlight just five of the best female-founded brands to shop this season, and beyond.
Please note, some products are available as part our new Spring Summer ‘23 collection, which launches throughout March.
Fragments Tetras Rug by Moussem
Moussem
With a mission to empower female artisans, Moussem ensures its makers receive a fair price for their ancestral craftsmanship, supporting technique and sustaining tradition. It was founded by Sarah Allaoui, born and raised in Morocco, who was inspired to launch her label after her father passed down stories of strong female ancestors who fought back against the conquerors of their time.
They were key to the Amazigh economy, weaving intricate rugs that enabled their financial independence. Fuelled by her Berber blood, Sarah has developed ethical partnerships with modern-day female artisans, all of whom determine their own price to reflect their craft, work and creativity. Fresh for spring, Moussem has now collaborated with Heal’s on an exclusive collection of its handmade Moroccan rugs, all woven from pure wool.
Cushion Green Multi, Cushion Pink Multi, Cushion Red Multi, Rug Blue, all by Heal's + L.F.Markey
L.F.Markey
Ex-Burberry designer Louise Markey has developed something of a cult following thanks to the bold and beautiful fabrics that are crafted into statement workwear at her East London label. Now, the talented designer is bringing her signature block colours, abstract patterns and organic silhouettes to Heal’s with the launch of an exclusive collaboration this spring.
From rugs and cushions to linen and tableware, expect a truly inspiring range of covetable accessories from a leading creative who has translated her skills from fashion to homeware effortlessly.
Massimo Bobble Vase by Abigail Ahern
Abigail Ahern
Needing little to no introduction, British designer Abigail Ahern has become one of the most influential tastemakers and prolific names in the industry, known for her faux botanicals, intoxicating colours and edgy designs. Indeed, she was championing the #StyleItDark aesthetic way before it was a hashtag, always setting the trends rather than following them.
British, eclectic and forever glamorous, the interior designer’s look remains as exciting and as of-the-moment now as it did back when she began her eponymous label in 2003, while her naturalistic bouquets are still the ones to beat among competitor designers.
Dunes Rug Sheep Grey by Lorena Canals
Lorena Canals
Creator of the first washable rug concept – now much-imitated around the world – Lorena Canals is a trailblazer in the industry. Her collection of eco-friendly floor coverings – including the Dunes Rug Sheep Grey, a favourite of ours – combines natural textiles, playful designs and organic shapes to spectacular effect, while everything is designed to endure.
Better still, all her rugs are woven from 100% wool, ensuring superior tactility and softness. With an unstoppable entrepreneurial spirit, Lorena hasn’t slowed-down, founding her own artisan factory in India and continuing to innovate with bold and inspiring new collections each and every year.
Earth Rug by ferm LIVING
ferm LIVING
Rooted in Scandinavian tradition, ferm LIVING was launched in 2005 by designer Trine Andersen after struggling to find a wallpaper that suited her style following a house move. Like many entrepreneurs, she decided that she would make her own, resulting in no less than 10 different designs and the beginning of her business.
In the 14 years since, Trine’s concept has grown to become a brand that helps people create truly comfortable homes, befitting of everyday life. Think beautiful but practical glassware; lamps that combine form and function; and one-off rugs that make a statement.
At Heal’s, we’re about curating, and creating, designs that transcend seasons and trends. Not only that, but everything we offer to our customers is built to last, supporting our ethos that if you buy well, you only buy once.
This, together with the fact that we discover exciting up-and-coming talent while supporting established big-name designers, means that everything found within our store offers real investment potential. Here, we asked our expert buyers, across furniture, lighting, textiles and accessories, what brands to buy right now, and why they’re solid bets.
Neva Armchair by Artisan
Artisan
“A genuine passion for, and appreciation of, wood is poured into the entire production process by Bosnian manufacturer Artisan. Established for over 50 years, founder Fadil Costovic and his team draw on their unrivalled knowledge of the local forest they played in as children to handcraft quality pieces of furniture that can be handed down from generation to generation. Sourcing from strictly renewable walnut, oak, cherry and more, Artisan’s designs are created from manual techniques with a modern twist. My pick is the Neva Armchair in walnut, exclusive to Heal’s, with a signature curved backrest, arms that connect seamlessly with the base, and a seat upholstered in leather. A timeless design that’ll always have a place in your home.”
Berengere Favraud, Brands Buyer
Componibili Cabinet by Kartell
Kartell
“Continuing to break the mould in statement furniture and lighting, everything from Italian company Kartell is made as part of a collaboration with a prestigious designer, from Philippe Starck to Ferruccio Laviani. Whether the Componibili Cabinet or Bourgie Table Lamp, truly iconic craftsmanship and ground-breaking innovation combine to make its pieces real collector’s items, meaning they’ll never go out of style or decrease in value.
Better still, Kartell’s signature contemporary aesthetics look good in any style of home, from modern to traditional, making them versatile to boot. My favourite is the Masters Chair, made from 100% recycled material.”
Sabina Miller, Buying Director
Chatsworth Wool Pillow by Woolroom
Woolroom
“Inspired by a love of wool, Woolroom was founded in Bradford by the fourth-generation of a wool-merchant family, laying claim to 150 years of sourcing only the very best fibre from around the world. The brand famously does right by its farmers, all its products featuring the highest quality, sustainability and ethics, while its mission is to re-educate people about the benefits of this largely undervalued material.
From the Chatsworth Wool Pillow, featuring a filling that’s traceable back to farm and sheep, to the organic Chatsworth Wool Duvet, sure to see you through all seasons, every piece is designed with longevity front-of-mind. All enabling you to sleep soundly, for longer, with a good conscience.”
Hannah Thistlewaite, Senior Buyer
Wooden Bath Bridge by Wireworks
Wireworks
“Combining form and function to spectacular effect, Wireworks is a brand to watch, courtesy of timeless designs, superior quality, good looks and exceptional utility. Founded in London back in 1988, its first products were made from wire, which inspired its name. Nowadays, it crafts its designs from sustainable hardwood in a variety of finishes with bespoke fittings, all sourced naturally and featuring unique variations of colour, grain and features.
The collection of bathroom accessories makes everyday tasks absolutely effortless, from the Slim Bathroom Wall Cabinet with a neat silhouette that belies its storage capabilities, to the Look Magnify Mirror which incorporates a tray base for personal items, and the Wooden Bath Bridge for having essentials conveniently to-hand. Pieces that don’t just look beautiful, but are always useful, too.”
Emily Dunstan, Home Buyer
Almendra Linear LED Pendant Light by Flos
Flos
“For over 50 years, lighting specialist Flos has continued to pioneer the latest and greatest styles, while showcasing the most cutting-edge designers. Consider the modular configuration of Almendra, crafted by Patricia Urquiola, featuring shapes and colours inspired by its namesake almond tree; or the utilitarian aesthetics of Mayday, from the hands of Konstantin Grcic, incorporating a multi-purpose design inspired by worker’s lamps. These, and others, make the brand one to covet.”
Claire Anstey, Senior Lighting Buyer
When we opened our doors back in 1810, we committed ourselves to showcasing the finest British furniture these four isles have to offer. We continue to do so today, with an unrivalled collection of designer furniture that’s made in both the UK and further afield.
Each British furniture brand in our collection is specially selected to make sure it meets our high standards. Within our collection you’ll discover everything, from world-renowned British designers to up-and-coming brands who are just making their names.
We also work with premium workshops across Britain to craft our exclusive collection. In this article we showcase some of the best British made furniture brands and their key designs.
ercol
Founded in 1920 and based in High Wycombe, ercol is one of Britain’s most famous furniture brands. Still family owned today, ercol has its own team of in-house designers who work alongside other UK designers to create wooden furniture that will last a lifetime.
Integrity and quality are at the heart of everything ercol crafts, and you can tell just by looking at their creations. The ercol collection is full to the brim with responsibly sourced woods, expert craftsmanship and instantly recognisable silhouettes.
Whilst taking their cues from traditional design, ercol’s furniture is firmly planted in the modern age, with gentle curves and functional shapes.
If you like what you see, then why not discover more ercol furniture?
Tom Raffield
Cornwall based designer Tom Raffield is celebrated for his steam-bent lighting and furniture. Each piece within his collection is inspired by nature and beautifully handcrafted in the UK to the highest standards.
Using traditional steam bending techniques, Raffield and his team work to create modern designs that are steeped in design heritage.
Steam bending is also a surprisingly eco-friendly way to craft furniture. Not only are Raffield’s designs crafted using FSC-certified wood, but the labour-intensive technique uses less energy, creates little waste and shuns nasty glues.
That makes it one of the more sustainable crafts around. Plus, the nature of steam bending means it’s hard to mass produce, meaning you can be sure every piece is expertly handcrafted.
Discover more of Tom Raffield’s British made lighting and furniture.
Heal’s beds
We hate to toot our own horn, but a list of the best British made furniture would be incomplete without mentioning our own collection of beds. As you know, we like to offer our customers the very best.
That’s why we work with a handful of specially selected British workshops to craft our Heal’s branded beds. Each of our UK made beds is expertly handcrafted using both traditional and modern techniques to guarantee it’s made to the highest standard.
Did you know that we’ve been making beds since we started in 1810? Well, with over 200 years’ experience we like to think we know a thing or two about what makes a good night’s sleep.
We infuse all the knowledge we’ve garnered over the years into each Heal’s bed, to make sure it helps you drift off to sleep in comfort.
Interested? Then explore our collection of beds.
Vispring mattresses
Vispring has been improving the way Brits sleep since 1901, when its founders introduced their cutting-edge springs to the market. The British brand quickly became synonymous with luxury mattresses and was soon kitting out the beds on the world’s finest ships, a list of clients which notably includes the Titanic. But their mattresses aren’t stuck in the 1900s.
Vispring continued to innovate throughout the years, and is still the name behind some of Britain’s best mattresses. Over time, they’ve experimented with fillings, using locally sourced natural materials like Shetland wool to pad their mattresses.
Combined with their innovative spring technology, Vispring’s premium fillings help make their mattress some of the best in the business.
For a luxurious night’s sleep, check out Vispring’s mattresses.
Heal’s sofas
When it comes to quality British made sofas, look no further than our own collection. We work closely with some of the UK’s most prestigious workshops to make sure every sofa is crafted to our exacting standards. That means solid hardwood frames and luxurious upholstery that will look great for years to come.
Between them, our workshops have centuries’ worth of experience, meaning they’re well versed on how to craft a premium sofa. They draw upon this expertise with every creation, using a winning combination of traditional and modern techniques depending on the project. Best-selling British made sofas include the Tortona (pictured), Brunel and Lilli sofas.
Here at Heal’s, we pride ourselves on being #WhereDesignLives. Over the next six weeks we're going to be shining a spotlight on an array of innovative and iconic brands at Heal's across our Instagram and online. For today’s post, we’d like to introduce you to our key brand partners and give you a little insight into the brands.
Iconic Brands at Heal's
Vitra
Bringing together the best in iconic, contemporary design, Vitra believe that their thoughts and feelings are shaped by their surroundings. That is why they strive daily to improve interiors through the power of good design.
Flos
For fifty years Flos have been crafting objects of light and shedding brightness on generations of dreams. Their collection offers a range of modern lamps and chandeliers from some of the leading cutting-edge designers, and they continue to pioneer new styles.
De La Espada
De La Espada prides itself in putting the designer first, really appreciating and respecting the design process and valuing the modern artisan. Their furniture is where the creativity of some of the world’s leading designers meets the highest level of European craftsmanship.
Porada
Italian design house Porada use only the finest quality materials to produce furniture pieces that are works of art in their own right, such as the Infinity Table, Giolo mirror or their contemporary Walnut Chair.
Knoll
Knoll furniture is an institution of American design crafting pieces that are instantly recognisable yet always evolving.
Fritz Hansen
Standing on the shoulders of both iconic and contemporary designers, Fritz Hansen creates furniture, accessories and lighting designed to those who appreciate timeless designs and a product out of the ordinary. Whether you're looking for a Fritz Hansen chair or a modern Scandinavian dining table, you'll find it at Heal's.
British Brands at Heal’s
ercol
Iconic British furniture brand ercol is known for its blend of quality craftsmanship and stylish design. Since 1920, this family business has produced luxuriously hand-crafted chairs and tables. ercol furniture is renowned across the globe thanks to its long-lasting quality.
Case
Working with world-renowned designers, Case is a vanguard of creativity and creates luxury wood furniture that is modern, with integrity and character.
Innovative brands at Heal’s
Tom Dixon
Tom Dixon is one of Britain’s most acclaimed industrial designers, bringing wit, imagination and charm to everyday objects. Relentlessly innovative, incomparably creative and a true pioneer of design, where Tom Dixon innovates, others follow.
Gazzda
Bosnian design house Gazzda embraces its homeland’s fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, and the longstanding tradition of craftsmanship that accompanies them. The brand was created for a simple purpose; to make the world a bit more handsome and cosier than they found it, while creating furniture that will make you smile.
ferm LIVING
Founded in 2005 by designer Trine Andersen, ferm LIVING’s designs enhance the small and candid moments of everyday life. Based on a passion for authentic design and clear functionality, the Copenhagen-based design house is rooted in the Scandinavian design tradition and are constantly challenging themselves to shape the future.
Amura
Amura is a young brand rich in culture and passion, and eager to bring into your home the best of Italian craftmanship.
Muuto
With their name coming from the Finnish for 'new perspectives', Muuto handpicks leading contemporary designers who are strong interpreters of their philosophy. By expanding on their heritage with forward-looking materials, techniques and bold creative thinking, their ambition is to deliver new perspectives on Scandinavian design.
Sustainable brands at Heal’s
Kartell
Continuing to break the mould in furniture and lighting, each Kartell piece is made in collaboration with prestigious international designers such as Philippe Starck and Ferruccio Laviani. Ongoing research and innovation in industrial processes have enabled the Bio Componibili cabinet to be produced with a biopolymer made from renewable raw materials, derived from non-GMO agricultural waste.
Linie Design
Committed to sustainable design, Linie Design rugs are produced using slow craftsmanship, without machinery, and transcend trends and the transience of time and so are passed on as a treasured heirlooms.
SCP Furniture
Founded in 1985, SCP is firmly established as one of the UK’s most innovative and internationally respected manufacturers and suppliers of contemporary furniture. True to its founding idea, SCP makes design products that are beautiful, functional, and made to last.
Mater
Named after the Latin word for mother, Copenhagen-based design studio Mater serves as a daily reminder of our connection with mother earth. Mater limits its impact on the planet by using techniques that support local crafting traditions and the environment.
Riva 1920
Based on the scenic coast of Lombardy, Italy, Riva 1920 creates contemporary crafted furniture using only the finest solid wood timbers. Each element is subjected to detailed qualitative and functional compliance checks, guaranteeing an authentic and completely natural product.
Gandia Blasco
Gandia Blasco, based in Valencia, produces its rugs in India by artisan rug makers. Sustainability has always been a priority for GAN. From the beginning, it has been the principle that has permeated all the processes of the brand: from the manufacture of its products and the renewal of artisan techniques to the preference for natural materials.
Artisan brands at Heal’s
Artisan
Bosnian manufacturer Artisan is steeped in heritage. Having emerged from the traditional woodworking shop Ćostović, over 50 years of experience is poured into each creation. A genuine passion and appreciation of wood is fused into the entire manufacturing process.
HEAL'S DISCOVERS
Ed Heritage
As part of this season’s Heal’s Discovers initiative, we’re delighted to introduce Ed Heritage, an award-winning UK-based designer whose signature style of clean geometry and playful details is reflected in the beautiful lamp he created.
Discover more
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