For more than two centuries, Heal’s has championed design that looks beyond the moment. From pioneering modernist furniture to the designers shaping contemporary interiors today, our history has always been rooted in discovering what comes next.
But what makes a design an icon?
Some pieces become icons because they change the way we live. Others challenge convention, introduce new materials or manufacturing techniques, or simply possess a quality that allows them to remain relevant long after trends have passed. The Eames Lounge Chair is one such example. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, it has become one of the most recognisable pieces of modern design, its combination of craftsmanship, comfort and distinctive form making it as relevant today as it was when first introduced.
This London Design Festival, we’re looking towards the future with a selection of pieces that embody the qualities we believe can define tomorrow’s design classics. From emerging talent discovered through the Heal’s Discovers programme to exclusive designs created with established names, these are pieces designed not simply for today, but with longevity in mind.
The Fisher Desk – Michiel Vrenegoor
Discovered through Heal’s Discovers, the Fisher Desk by Michiel Vrenegoor brings a considered architectural quality to the modern workspace. Its oak A-frame, generous surface and integrated storage are rooted in traditional making techniques, while its clean, sculptural form responds to the evolving role of the home office.
It is a piece that demonstrates how good design can adapt to changing ways of living without compromising on simplicity or character.
The Matera Sofa – Heal’s Design Studio
The Matera Sofa draws on the enduring language of contemporary Italian design, with elegant proportions, subtle curves and hand-sewn pleated detailing. Named after the southern Italian town where it is made, its design is understated yet distinctive.
Created with longevity in mind, Matera demonstrates that a future classic does not need to follow a trend. Sometimes, it is the quiet confidence of good proportions, considered craftsmanship and enduring materials that gives a piece its staying power.
The Arch Console – Magnus Pettersen
With its sculptural silhouette and distinctive curved legs, the Arch Console by Magnus Pettersen shows how simplicity can create a lasting impression.
Available in solid oak or walnut, its architectural form gives the piece a strong visual identity while allowing it to sit naturally within a range of interiors. It is an example of design that makes a statement without relying on excess, allowing the quality of its materials and construction to speak for itself.
The Neva Light Chair – Regular Company for Artisan
The Neva Light Chair by Regular Company for Artisan takes a simple idea and gives it an expressive new form. Its flowing backrest transitions seamlessly into the legs, creating a distinctive silhouette that feels both sculptural and remarkably light.
Crafted from solid wood, the chair reflects Artisan’s commitment to traditional craftsmanship while demonstrating how familiar forms can be reinterpreted for contemporary living. It is this balance between heritage and innovation that gives the Neva the qualities of a potential future classic.
The Supernova Pendant – Heal’s Design Studio
Inspired by the explosive beauty of a supernova, the Supernova Pendant turns lighting into a sculptural centrepiece. A constellation of connected LED lights creates a sense of movement and depth, bringing a sense of wonder to an otherwise functional object.
Its design looks firmly towards the future, demonstrating how technology can be used not simply to improve function, but to create an entirely new visual language for the home.
The Offset Rug – Heal’s Design Studio
The Offset Rug brings a contemporary perspective to traditional weaving. Its bold geometric pattern is created through jacquard construction, giving the design depth and texture while 95% wool provides a natural sense of warmth and durability.
Rather than following a fleeting pattern, Offset explores how geometry, material and craftsmanship can work together to create something with lasting character.
The Melt Light – Tom Dixon
Some designs become recognisable simply by their silhouette. Tom Dixon’s Melt Light is one of them.
Inspired by molten glass, melting glaciers and deep space, its organic form creates an almost otherworldly glow. The innovative manufacturing process gives the light its distinctive, fluid appearance, blurring the boundaries between lighting, sculpture and art.
Now recognised as a defining piece of contemporary lighting, Melt offers a glimpse of how the designs of today can become the classics of tomorrow.
The Verona Sideboard – Nathan Yong
Designed by award-winning designer Nathan Yong exclusively for Heal’s, the Verona Sideboard takes inspiration from the architectural lines of 1960s stereo consoles and reinterprets them for contemporary living.
Its slatted front creates a distinctive rhythm while generous storage gives the design a practical purpose. It is this combination of heritage, innovation and functionality that makes Verona particularly relevant to the idea of the future icon: a piece that looks to the past without being defined by it.
The Lilli Sofa – Says Who
Designed exclusively for Heal’s by Danish studio Says Who, the Lilli Sofa reflects a contemporary understanding of comfort. Its softly rounded form, subtle pull-in stitching and natural beech feet give it a relaxed yet considered character.
Its modular construction is equally important. Designed to adapt as lifestyles change, Lilli demonstrates that longevity is not simply about how a piece looks, but how successfully it continues to serve us over time.
The Marlow 4-Poster Bed – Tim Rundle
The traditional four-poster bed is an enduring piece of furniture, but Tim Rundle’s Marlow offers a distinctly contemporary interpretation.
Designed exclusively for Heal’s, its slim frame, refined proportions and minimal aesthetic retain the sense of occasion associated with the traditional four-poster while removing unnecessary ornamentation. The result is a piece that feels rooted in history but unmistakably of its time.
A future classic is often a familiar idea seen differently. Marlow is a case in point.
So, what makes a future icon?
There is no formula for creating an icon. The pieces that endure are often those that combine several qualities: a distinctive point of view, exceptional craftsmanship, thoughtful materials and a genuine understanding of how people live.
Most importantly, they have the ability to move beyond the moment in which they were created.
The Eames Lounge Chair could not have predicted the homes, lifestyles or technologies of the decades that followed it. Yet its fundamental qualities have allowed it to remain relevant across generations.
Perhaps that is the real measure of an icon.
Not whether it is fashionable today, but whether we will still want to live with it tomorrow.
This London Design Festival, Heal’s is celebrating the designers and pieces that have the potential to shape that future.
Future icons will be on display at Heal’s Tottenham Court Road from Saturday, 12 September until Sunday, 20 September. Discover the exhibition in-store throughout London Design Festival.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Behind the design
As part of this season’s Heal’s Discovers initiative, we’re excited to introduce Charlotte Devereux, a talented Loughborough University graduate discovered at the New Designers 2024 showcase.
Recently named by Elle Decoration as a “new designer to watch,” Charlotte’s final graduation collection, Al Fresco, features exquisite illustrations inspired by the vibrant cityscapes of her Mediterranean travels.
Her new Limited Edition Linen Cushion range reflects Heal’s commitment to reducing waste through sustainable production. Using end-of-roll linens from industry suppliers to minimise waste. Available in four unique colourways and in limited supply, the collection brings to life the fresh palette of SS25.
We sat down with Charlotte to learn more about her creative journey and how she transformed a work of art into a striking statement cushion range.
We’re obsessed with your exclusive cushions range! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the print you created for this collection?
This collection was inspired by my travels around Italy, specifically the Amalfi Coast. I brought my camera along on my travels and took little snapshots of different scenes. I was really inspired by the vibrancy and the atmosphere of Italy. I used the photography all throughout my project which cultivated the prints, colour and style to create this vibrant range.
Your designs have such a distinctive style - how would you describe your signature design style and how does this collection reflect that?
My style changes a lot depending on what I'm working on next and what I'm creating. However, I’d say I always come back to my core style, which is rooted in a painterly and organic approach but also balanced by intricate details and refinement. I feel like that comes across in the collection because it embodies this mix of old and new, blending the contemporary with the traditional to create an eclectic feel.
We’d love to hear more about your creative process! How did this collection come to life, from the initial ideas to the final products.
For my graduate project, I wanted to work on something summery, especially after my previous London-inspired project was much moodier in style. I did a lot of mind mapping and researched Mediterranean artists like Matisse. This led me to create stylised paintings and experiment with mediums like line drawings and collage. I then made a collage of thumbnails, which became the core of my collection. From those hand drawings, I created colour separations for screen printing, deciding that the cushion range would be screen printed. Once I found this style, I really hit the ground running.
These cushions are bold statement pieces - how would you style them at home? What are your top three tips.
As a print lover, there are a few ways to approach it. You could make prints the main statement piece and tie other prints into it, like pairing a large abstract print with a smaller ditsy pattern for a stylish look. Alternatively, you could let the collection be the focal point, balancing it with neutrals for a toned-down vibe. While cushions are smaller accessories, they can still make a bold statement on things like upholstery or sofas. Finally, you could pick out a few colours from the collection and add pops of them throughout your home - it’s all about experimenting and having fun with it.
Every collection has its challenges - were there any hurdles along the way and how did you overcome them?
With this project, there was a lot of deadline pressure since it was my final major project at university. I spent a lot of time second guessing myself, worrying I wouldn’t do my ideas justice, as I really wanted a collection I could be proud of. Instead of focusing on the outcome, I tried to follow the design process properly. If you had shown me the finished collection at the start, it wouldn’t have been what I imagined. It was a happy accident, learning from mistakes.
And finally, what’s next for you? Can we expect to see more exciting projects on the horizon?
I am currently working for a fashion brand in their print department, a role I got through showcasing my work at the New Designers event. I also sold all my prints at the event, which will launch with a high-end retailer in 2026. I can’t wait to see my designs in the collection.
Words: Cross Nelson
This year we are proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Brunel furniture range. Designed by Rob Scarlett, the collection has become a firm favourite since its introduction. When asked how he feels about his range turning a decade old he answered, ‘One of the things that Heal’s has always been excellent at is delivering that longevity.’
As a company founded in 1810, longevity is a core value of our business, but most importantly, a core value of our product design. Ever since Ambrose Heal introduced his furniture designs to the company in the 1890s, the mission for Heal’s furniture production has been to craft long lasting, well made pieces of furniture that people will be proud to own.
The Brunel range perfectly embodies this mission, and with a decade on the shopfloor under its belt, it underscores how the best of Heal’s pieces are the ones that remain timeless. The timeless character of the range comes from Scarlett’s synthesis of styles; he nods to the Mid-Century with powder coated steel hairpin legs, and reflects the values of the Arts & Crafts movement in the simple, yet intentional craft of the wooden cabinetry.
It is the subtlety of the ornament of these pieces that adds to the timelessness of them, which Scarlett describes as ‘small details that add together.’ Expanding on his approach to the design he says ‘I really dislike big showy things because your furniture needs to sit within a wider environment, and if all of your furniture is shouting, it's not very relaxing to walk into…I quite like quiet furniture.’
When designing his early furniture ranges for Heal’s, Ambrose Heal believed that furniture should be beautiful, but ornament should never compromise the functionality of a piece.
When asked about the design for Brunel, Scarlett quoted the Shaker philosophy, “Don't make something unless it is both necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful, don't hesitate to make it beautiful.”
Clearly Scarlett understood the elements of furniture design that Heal’s valued, and crafted a range that reflected these very values. Together, the thoughtful design and the practicality of the Brunel range makes it ideal for people who want furniture that they can feel proud to own and feel comfortable using on a daily basis.
Not only was it important to Ambrose Heal to produce well made furniture, but he also believed that Heal’s should offer economical ranges so that a wider market could afford to furnish their homes with high quality pieces. Brunel was designed with the same attention to the consumer, and its approachable price point makes it ideal for those who are looking to buy quality furniture without spending an exorbitant amount.
The price is also complimented by the extensive selection in the range, meaning that you can efficiently furnish an entire space with Brunel. In our stores and on our website the range is configured into ‘The Brunel Apartment’ to show how the living room, the dining room, and the bedroom can all be outfitted with pieces from the range.
It is especially convenient for furnishing more compact spaces, since the airy appearance of the hairpin legs allow the space to feel more open, even with multiple pieces in the room.
Over the last decade, the lifestyle imagery of Brunel has situated the furniture within industrial urban lofts, Scandinavian style bungalows, and sleek mid-century flats, demonstrating how the timeless nature of the range allows it to sit comfortably within a variety of interiors.
Despina Curtis was the stylist behind the original and latest Brunel photoshoots, when asked how it feels to style the same range a decade later, Curtis said, ‘It’s really encouraging to see the Brunel collection stand the test of time and still feel fresh and relevant 10 years on. It’s a testament to how adaptable the range is when you look at the images from the launch shoot and also the most recent incarnation.’
Reflecting on her choice of interiors for the 2014 shoot, Curtis said, ‘Brunel’s design roots are underpinned by an industrial style aesthetic. I wanted to place the collection within a backdrop which was a nod to an environment where it was created . As well as finding an interior which would appeal to a younger urban dwelling audience.’
Considering the 2024 Brunel imagery, Curtis said, ‘Fast forward 10 years and the most recent shoot embraced the mid century design aesthetic within the collection. We used an original 1960’s house in London with lots of great textures such as teak wood and slate walls which created a lovely tonal backdrop to the new version of Brunel.’
The new version of Brunel that Curtis mentions is the special tenth anniversary edition of the range, featuring red legs rather than the traditional black. This bold pop of colour enhances the versatility of Brunel and gives customers the exciting chance to incorporate some colour into their spaces.
Curtis is also an expert on colour, having recently launched her new colour consultancy, Etté, so we asked her for tips on the best ways to introduce red into an interior. ‘Buying the Brunel in red, it's just that flash of red, it's not a wash of it, so it can work really well against darker colours or very lovely neutral whites,’ Curis explains.
‘When wanting to integrate a bold colour into a space I would recommend starting small to build up your confidence. This could be choosing a bold colour object such as a textile piece or a lamp. Red generally works with a lot of colours, you’d be surprised.’ So if your interiors are in need of a refresh, this anniversary range is the perfect way to try something new and unexpected.
With a new colour option and the classic Brunel range feeling just as fresh as when it first launched, we are confident that this range will continue to furnish homes for another decade. Accessible, practical, and timeless, Brunel has become a symbol of the Heal’s brand, meaning you can take pride in knowing that you’ve invested in a piece of considered 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.
From mirrors crafted with materials from the coast, to lighting that revives age-old traditions, and modern ceramics inspired by ancient objects, Heal’s is proud to be home to truly iconic design. But whether created or curated, it’s the carefully selected pool of talent we collaborate with that gives us the edge, whether innovative craftsman, up-and-coming artist or inspired maker. Here, we shine a spotlight on just three of the brilliant creatives who pour their expertise, passion and experience into the products you can browse at Heal’s, all sharing our ethos that if you buy well, you only buy once.
Tom Raffield
The master craftsman
At Tom Raffield, the eco-minded home of the eponymous designer, steam bending wood is at the heart of a sustainable homeware story. Thanks to the British craftsman, the ancient skill of bending wood beyond its perceived limits, which requires little energy and creates minimal waste product, has been remastered for modern times. Using FSC-certified timber that’s sourced from sustainably-managed forests, all personally vetted, the curves of Tom’s creations are inspired by the organic shapes and natural forms that surround his Cornish studio. Peeling petals of timber. Hidden 3D twists. Functioning steam bent folds. These are the hallmarks of a Tom Raffield design.
He says of his process: “I often sketch ideas first before experimenting in the workshop with wood and other mixed mediums to create the fluid, dynamic shapes I envisage. Each concept in this journey is captured: the shapes that work, the ones with the flaws and the products that need to go back to the drawing board are all recorded to use and learn from in the future.” Meaning ‘Moon’ in Cornish, the Loer Pendant is a particular favourite of Tom’s, combining beautiful translucent glass, steam bent ash and brushed metallic brass.
A minimal, nature-inspired design that's fast become his signature. Tom explains: “The aim for the design was to capture a weightless aesthetic, handcrafted from mixed materials, and to be as sustainable as possible in keeping with our other steam bent products.”
Talia James
The ‘it’ ceramicist
Fashion textile designer Talia James turned to ceramics after taking an evening class and becoming enamoured with the medium. Following her training in a studio in Mashiko, Japan, she continued to explore contemporary ways of using traditional techniques back home in South London.
She explains: “Fashion continues to inspire my designs, whether trends or catwalks, and it’s always mirrored in my products in subtle ways.” Talia has become known for her use of colour, form and pattern to create modern ceramics that reflect both her education in Japan and her Moroccan heritage.
“I usually start by exploring materials and glazes,” Talia says, “with this experimentation of textures, colours and techniques a huge part of my design process.” Handcrafted and unique, each piece of Talia’s tells a story about how they’re made.
She says: “My favourite pieces are the Moon Vases. They’re made with a method called nerikomi, where you work various dyes and coloured clays together to create a marbling effect. This runs through the vessel, so no glaze is required, and because of this, no two pieces are ever the same.”
Kieran Letts
The salvage hunter
Describing himself as a collector, London-based maker Kieran Letts draws upon found objects and coastal forms as the basis of his work, which spans handcrafted furniture and homeware all using sustainably-sourced British timber.
Kieran says: “I’m constantly inspired by the incredible forces seen by the coast – how the sea has the potential to sculpt and change things unlike anything else. Stones, shells, brick and glass fill my pockets when I return from the beach, all of which inspire the free-flow forms and tactility you see in my pieces. It’s important for me to use British hardwood over any other material that’s sourced well and locally. What’s more, I select each board individually for its grain or colour.”
Kieran’s mirrors encapsulate his design approach perfectly by marrying traditional craft with contemporary design to create pieces that feel natural and spark interest. “My favourite design is the Coastal Mirror,” he says. “It might be slightly counter-productive to put a hole in a mirror, but this adheres to its original inspiration and adds a real point of interest. My main aim is always to create objects that hold a presence in a room and continue to do so over time.”
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.
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
-
Trends & Lifestyle
-
At Heal's
-
Tips & Advice
