Spring is nearly here, and with it, our new collection of furniture, lighting, textiles and accessories to help you refresh your home for the season ahead. This year, we’ve been inspired by the calm of nature across the board, combining mixed materials, organic shapes, uplifting prints and confident colours to harmonious effect.
The result is a reinvigorating but timeless collection that truly enhances how you interact with your home. Here, our expert buyers reveal their seasonal picks, although they were hard-pressed to choose…
Orso Sofa by Heal's
Take a seat
“It’s difficult to pick just one favourite piece from our new Spring Summer ’23 collection, but if pushed, it would probably be the Orso Sofa. Featuring six modules that can be mixed and matched, the customisable style is inspired by the contemporary look of Italian upholstery, but is made right here in the UK. Foam, soft fibre and feather-wrap guarantee a comfortable seat without compromising on style – courtesy of Danish studio Says Who – while generous proportions are teamed with simple aesthetics and clean lines. The unique addition of the Champagne shelf makes for a real conversation-starter, too.”
Sabina Miller, Buying Director
Lars Shelving Module by Heal's
Storage for spring
“My pick is the Lars Shelving Module designed by Danish studio Says Who exclusively for Heal’s. Available in a grey or walnut finish, the versatile modules feature all the details of our popular Lars range, but can be hung on the wall or placed on the floor. Their flexibility means they can be completely configured according to the needs of your storage or space. Better still, they’re a really functional size, featuring both closed and open storage. A clever buy.”
Hannah Armstrong, Senior Furniture Buyer
Citron Plate yellow by Harlie Brown Studio
Plate it up
“I love working with creative talent, and the Citron Plate Yellow is made by Harlie Brown Studio, a Kent-based designer that creates organically-shaped ceramics. Perfectly imperfect, the plate features a hand-painted motif and clear glaze, offering a fun and colourful addition to any summer table.”
Emily Dunstan, Buyer
Tubular LED Bathroom Wall Light
In the limelight
“My favourite new light is the Tubular LED Bathroom Wall Light in sophisticated gold, which proves that bathroom lights can combine both form and function. The tubular design suits both contemporary and classic spaces, while offering a bright but diffused glow. But the best bit? It can be installed either horizontally or vertically – beautiful either side of a mirror.”
Sabina Miller, Buying Director
Frutteto Vite Cushion from Stoff Studios
Cushion to covet
“I love all of our new products, but my choice would be the Frutteto Vite Cushion from Stoff Studios – I adore pink and green together and the print reminds me of delicious figs and summer heat. Carys Briggs – founder and textile designer – was such a dream to work with on this project, too, and I love that it’s made by her in South London and filled with a British wool pad.”
Hannah Thistlethwaite, Senior Buyer & Sustainability Lead
Allean Wooden Pendant Light by Heal's
Bright idea
“Emitting a soft, warm and natural glow, the Allean Wooden Pendant Light and Allean Wooden Wall Light – both inspired by the contemporary style of a ski lodge and made from steam-bent walnut veneer – complement any modern interior. I particularly love how the design showcases the natural grain of the wood to spectacular effect.”
Claire Anstey, Senior Lighting Buyer
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.
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
Every autumn, Heal’s is proud to host our very own Festival of Light (10-31 October), and this year it’s our seventh annual celebration. The in-store and online event is created to coincide with the changing seasons – when the days get shorter and the evenings get darker – and to showcase the world’s most exquisite lighting brands and designers. From classic products to contemporary styles, our illuminating mix of bright and beautiful designs aims to inspire a simple refresh, whether you’re looking for a hallway lamp to provide a warm welcome, or a bedside light to create a cocooning feel. As ever, all our lighting brings together only the best from around the world, from big-name designers to up-and-coming talent. Here, we introduce just some of the makers behind our stand-out models, sure to shine a light on their skills.
Sir Kenneth Grange
Allow us to (re)introduce you to British industrial designer Sir Kenneth Grange. While famous for elevating everyday designs for household brands such as Kenwood and Kodak, he’s also admired for his reinterpretation of classic lighting for contemporary homes at Anglepoise®, where he has been design director since 2003. Beloved by architects and creatives, Sir Kenneth Grange updated the original Type 75™ Desk Lamp, and it’s become the brand’s most popular style yet. Creating limited editions with the likes of Paul Smith make the lamps even more covetable.
Tom Dixon Say hello to Tom Dixon – the self-taught British innovator who has become synonymous with maximalist design. From lighting to furniture and accessories, his pioneering use of materials and techniques has deservedly put him on a pedestal, adding his signature rebellious streak to everything he creates. Avant-garde and artistic, lighting is arguably his signature, in particular look-at-me pendants. His Stone Pendant Lights are beautifully crafted from subtly-patterned white marble, which now feature a custom-built interchangeable LED module, for a tough but tactile conversation-starter in any space.
Patricia Urquiola Meet Patricia Urquiola, the Spanish designer who relocated from Oviedo to Milan and became one of Italy’s most respected names, thanks in large part to collaborations with brands such as Achille Castiglioni, Vico Magistretti and Piero Lissoni. Now with an eponymous studio – founded in 2011 together with her partner Alberto Zontone – there’s simply no stopping Patricia as she crafts spectacular designs across lighting, furniture and homeware. Case in point is Almendra, a modular lighting system with shapes and colours inspired by an almond tree, from which it takes its name. Each leaf can be turned to create a different configuration and lighting emission while every part can be dismantled and recycled properly for a design that’s as sustainable as it is stylish.
Margaret O’Rorke Get to know Margaret O’Rorke, the British ceramic artist whose works owe more to avant-garde Japanese forms than traditional English eccentricities, despite studying painting at Chelsea School of Art and ceramics at Camberwell. Paired with cutting-edge technology, her designs certainly make a statement at home, as well as catching the attention of international galleries, collectors, restaurants and hotels. Margaret’s materials – such as fine porcelain and bone china – are remarkable, to say the least, used as a structural medium to channel both natural and artificial light.
Marcel Wanders Dutch designer Marcel Wanders (pictured, left, alongside Gabriele Chiave, creative director at his eponymous studio), based out of Amsterdam and named by Wallpaper* as one of the leading talents of the last 15 years, is a name to know. He first rose to fame with the design of his Knotted Chair in 1996 and has since designed for global brands such as B&B Italia, Cappellini and KLM, amongst others, reinterpreting the techniques and materials of traditional Dutch design for contemporary times. His partnership with porcelain brand Lladró delivers a stand-out lighting collection in the naturally-inspired shape of Nightbloom – featuring petal forms that sway delicately in the breeze and produce a spectacular array of lighting effects.
Tom Raffield Sustainability and British lighting and furniture designer Tom Raffield have become synonymous with each another. Part of a new generation of exciting makers, his star is firmly on the rise, and it’s not hard to see why. Tom has revived the age-old technique of steam-bending wood – requiring little energy and producing minimal waste – to create spectacular pieces featuring organic shapes, intricate curves and natural craftsmanship. His Verso collection, which takes its name from the Latin word for ‘spin’ and includes ceiling, wall and floor lights, is inspired by the gravity-defying, swooping motion of falling leaves in the wind.
Click here to browse all the designers in our Festival of Light.
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.
