Forget the January blues, the only way to freshen up your home this season is by going green.
So say shade specialists Pantone, who recently unveiled Greenery as their Colour of the Year 2017. Described as ‘nature’s neutral,’ the new tone is designed to evoke ‘the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew.’ Providing a welcome burst of colour that won’t overwhelm a space, green is also a recurring theme in our new spring/summer 17 upholstery collections.
“Rich fabrics in zesty hues can be seen throughout the collection from cushions to sofas. Staying on the botanical trail, statement prints are a favourite,” says Heal’s head of buying, Sabina Miller. Leatrice Eisenman, Director of the Pantone Colour Institute and the one responsible for selecting the shade, also points to the wider trend for bringing the outdoors in: “Greenery symbolises the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose.”
If there’s the one piece from our SS17 collection that’s bound to grab your attention it’s our new Wallis Sofa. The fresh tone and comforting feel of Emerald green varese velvet by Designers Guild seemed the perfect fit for this contemporary sofa, which is available in a wide range of fabrics.
As Russell Pinch, designer of the Wallis, comments: “Naturally occurring green tones are popular among our clients, from sage to forest to even chartreuse colours.” Designed in collaboration with Heal’s, the brief was to create a sofa that is both grand yet compact, echoing the feminine flair of a 19th century settee.
From this Pinch has introduced mid-century proportions, designing a roomy sofa that is ideal for pairing with your selection of modern soft furnishings.
From the moment we launched our Balmoral Sofa we knew we were onto a winner. The bright yellow upholstery went down a storm with the press in AW16 with many commenting that the one thing missing was a place to perch one’s feet.
“Greenery symbolises the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose.”
This season we introduce a footstool to the range, upholstered once again in Varese Velvet but this time in a revitalising emerald green. Perfect as an accompaniment to a sofa or an occasional piece set against the wall, the deep button cushioning of the Balmoral has never looked so enticing.
Named after Winston Churchill's country house, where there are still Heal’s upholstered pieces on display, the Chartwell dining chair is designed for those occasions when you just don’t want the evening to end.
For our new SS17 collection we’ve gone for a gradient of greens plus a dash of yellow to reflect the blossoming shades of spring. You can, however, choose from a spectrum of colours with each high-back chair made to order by masterful Italian upholsterers.
Can't wait to see the new collection? Take a sneak peak by clicking here or discover our curated collections Living with Colour.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Tips & advice
Finding the perfect Christmas presents is never easy, especially for those ‘particular people’ in your life.
This Christmas we’ve taken inspiration from our archive series of gift guides ‘Presents for Particular People’ giving the glamorous 1930s gift suggestions such as Bright Young People, the Bon Viveur and the Punctual Correspondent a 21st century update.
From secret Santa and stocking fillers to statement gifts for that special someone, our festive edit has Christmas covered. And to ensure yours is a seasonal soiree to remember, we’ve curated Christmas table settings, accessories and decorations that are certain to impress family and friends.
Presents for foodies
Great as last minute gifts or stocking fillers, our Christmas Food and Drink selection offers a range of delicious treats and tipples. Perfect for those with a taste for the finer things.
Presents for the home
Christmas comes but once a year, so whether you’re in search of perfect presents or gifts for your space, discover festive designs they’ll adore from our Home Accessories collection including our modern rugs, perfect for any lounge or bedroom.
Presents for her
Forget diamonds, when it comes to Christmas designers are a girl’s best friend. Treat the one you love to gifts she’ll adore this holiday or let her bask in her own beauty with our copper mirror.
Presents for him
What to get the man who has everything? This Christmas, discover debonair designs no gent should be without.
Discover seasonal scents
A subtle play on the senses, our festive fragrances are guaranteed winter warmers. Discover our seasonal scents Winter Spice and Frankincense & Pine, great as gifts or for creating an evocative ambiance in your home this Christmas.
Showstopping decorations
Throw out the tinsel and adorn your tree with these beautifully crafted decorations from the Original Winter's Tale. “These hand-blown decorations will bring texture and warmth to your Christmas tree.” Jo Bailey, Acting Style Director at Living Etc.
Impress your guests
Tis the season to celebrate! Dress your table with designer tableware and accessories for the perfect Christmas dinner party. “Candlelight paired with lustred glass is the perfect combination for a dazzling dining table.” Emily Rubner, Heal's Dining Buyer
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In need of a little “me time”? Whether it's for curling up with a good book or just setting the mood for your nightcap, transform your space into a place of sanctuary with these 3 different Floor lamp ideas.
Set in stone
Hitting the perfect note when it comes to the mixed-material trend in floor standing lighting, the Line Two Floor Lamp by NORR11 mixes a solid marble base, hand anodised shade and industrial elements to create a striking silhouette.
Glamorous glow
The mid-century Gilda Armchair by Zanotta deserves an equally glamorous lighting concept. We've paired with two very different designs - the beautifully crafted Skipper Floor Light by Tom Raffield for a modern floor lamp look and Petite Friture's resplendent Mediterranea Floor Lamp - to show the effect mixing up your floor standing lighting can have on a room setting.
Spotlight style
These two unique takes on spotlighting are certain to provide a statement to your floor standing lighting. The first is an original industrial spotlight used on the aeroplane runaways of American military bases that has been reconditioned by Skinflint and is available at Heal's Tottenham Court Road store.
This is followed by TedWood's Hang Up Leather Plug-In Lamp, a multi-functional lighting design that can be hung, draped and placed around the home.
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We show you how to give a foal point to that plain wall with tips and tricks on accessorising with a Contemporary Mirror.
If your home isn't blessed with soaring ceilings, south-facing picture windows and vast proportions, some well-placed mirrors can make a huge difference. Try these simple steps and see how a few designer mirrors can help add a sense of space and light to the room.
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Mirror, mirror: Mitre Rectangular Mirror £200, Verona Walnut Mirror £550, Circle Section Mirror £145 and Oval Oak Mirror £550.
Clever tricks with mirrors
To amplify light, prop a mirror behind a light source - think candles on a mantlepiece, chandeliers or cluster lights in a dining room, and bedside table lamps To improve your view, put a mirror alongside or across from a window. The reflection maximises natural light and allows you to appreciate outdoor views from more than one angle.
To break up visual clutter, pull a mirror into a decorative grouping to give airiness to busy display of objects, or stop a highly patterned wall from feeling overwhelming.
Mirror image: Basic Copper Mirror £350, Walnut Framed Mirror small £285, Tondo Round Mirror £1395, Cuba Armchair in camel leather £395 and Dali Walnut Wall Mirror £1595.
How to hang them
Hanging a mirror on the wall may seem like the most obvious way to display it, but try propping larger ones at slight angles against a wall too. They will reflect the ceiling and most the room to suggest extra space.
Through the looking glass: Quartz Mirror £795, Cadeau Square Mirror £249, Francis Round Wall Mirror £450, Bio Round Mirror £299 and Round Dusty Pink Mirror £166.
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When it comes to the bedroom there’s only one-way to go: au naturale! Take a peak under the covers and discover everything you need to know when buying an organic mattress, bedding and accessories.
What is an organic mattress?
In the same way that organic produce is free from pesticides and artificially introduced chemicals, organic mattresses are made from materials that aren't treated with any chemicals or toxic materials. As well as the lower carbon footprint and supporting more sustainable farming methods, there are many advantages for going organic when it comes to buying a mattress.
Most modern mattresses contain polyurethane foam. Made from petroleum products, these have a habit of emitting volatile organic compounds which have been linked to respiratory health problems. Similarly, foams are often treated with fire retardant chemicals, particularly Polybrominated diphenyl ethers or P.B.D.E.’s. Non-degradable, these compounds accumulate in the environment throughout the world, with scientists finding them in seal-blubber in Greenland and the breast milk of American mothers.
Cotton, Wool or Latex?
Organic mattresses not only come in all shapes and sizes but also in a wide array of different materials. Organic wool mattresses are efficient heat conductors and are great for keeping you cool in hot rooms. Organic cotton, on the other hand, is a softer material and offers a more luxurious experience.
However, when it comes to mitigating allergies and health conditions, a natural latex mattress could be the best way forward. Made from latex, naturally harvested from the sap of rubber trees, the lack of fibres means that fewer allegiants are able to collect.
Buying Organic bedding
Just like organic mattresses, organic bedding is made from chemical free materials. As well as helping to encourage sustainable agriculture and reducing the amount of toxic chemicals in the environment, organic bedding helps reduces allergies - especially skin complaints like Eczema.
Investing in organic bedding is also a must for anyone looking to make their bed a little bit more comfortable. The breathable material is a better conductor of heat than synthetics, while the increased softness is perfect for those looking to make a truly luxurious sleeping environment.
Organic mattresses vs Other Mattresses
Organic versus Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are either made of or topped with a layer of temperature-sensitive viscoelastic material, which moulds itself to the shape of the body. In contrast, organic mattresses are made from natural materials, such as wool, cotton and flax, that has not been treated with any chemicals or toxic materials.
Organic versus Latex
Organic wool mattresses are excellent at keeping you cool in hot rooms, whilst organic wool offers a softer and more luxurious sleeping experience. However, when it comes to mitigating allergies and health conditions, a latex mattress is the best way forward. Made from natural latex, the lack of fibres means that less allergies are able to collect.
Organic versus Pocket Sprung
Pocket sprung mattresses, with their many individual springs that move to support your body, are some of the most comfortable you can buy. But not all of these offer comfort to the environment. Organic mattresses are just as soft and supportive but come with the added benefit of being naturally sourced and chemical free. All of our organic mattresses use hand-stitched pocket springs.
The Heal's Organic Pocket Mattress
If you’re still stuck for which organic mattress to buy, we recommend the Heal’s Organic Pocket Mattress. It incorporates all the benefits of an organic design and, because it is made using wool, cotton and flax, it comes with all the features associated with each.
It is our most natural mattress – no pesticides or chemicals were used in producing the materials making for a healthier, naturally temperature regulated sleep. The individual pocket springs help to support each sleeper, keeping you in place and preventing you from rolling to your partner's side of the bed.
Don’t get done, get sprung with our guide to all things mattress springs.
A mattress is just a mattress, right? Wrong. There are a number of minute factors that can determine the type, comfort and quality of your mattress, one of the key elements being the type of springs used inside.
The foundation of a satisfying night’s sleep, we're peeling back the layers to uncover the past, present and future of luxury mattresses.
The birth of sprung mattresses
First developed in the 15th century, coil spring mattresses really took off in the 1800s thanks in no small part to former Heal’s director John Harris Heal. Patented in 1860, his Sommier Elastique Portatif sprung mattress was a hinged design that could be folded into three parts and proved so popular that it stayed in production for over a century.
Innovative in their day, coil mattresses marked a major step forward from straw or even feather filled beds. Yet fast forward over 150 years and the basic design remains the same with two main types to choose from:
Continuous coil mattress: made from a single piece of wire that is looped into shape
Open coil mattress: contains a number of single springs held together by a wire frame
Find out more about Heal's Heritage
Don’t be foiled by coils
The saying goes that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Yet when it comes to coil mattresses, this is one design that has definitely outstayed its welcome. Being a mass-manufactured design, it’s no surprise that coil spring mattresses took off during the industrial revolution and likewise became increasingly cheaper both in terms of their production and quality.
The fundamental problem with these mattresses is that the springs move as one unit. This is quite literally a nightmare for those who share a bed with a partner as you're more likely to be disturbed by their movements during the night and the coils tend to wear out more quickly meaning you will start rolling together.
Due to the inexpensive nature of coil mattresses, often they are filled with equally poor materials. Natural fillings are preferable as they provide superior long lasting support, such as horse hair which provides added bounce, and are more breathable meaning you won’t overheat during the night.
Read our guide to getting the perfect night's sleep
The power of pocket sprung
Of course, you’d think with so many drawbacks someone would have come up with a solution sooner. Well in 1900 English born engineer James Marshall did just that by creating the world’s first pocket sprung mattress.
A true revolution in terms of comfort and support, pocket sprung mattresses contain a number of individual springs, each of which is fine tuned to a specific tension (this will depend on the specific mattress) and encased within individual fabric pockets – hence the name pocket sprung.
Key to pocket sprung design is that each spring is able to move independently from one another ensuring more evenly distributed support across the body. This also means less disturbance from a partner when they move with the difference between each of our counteracted by the separate supportive springs. See how our Pocket Sprung Mattresses compare
We rest our case
Given the weight of evidence listed above, you won’t be surprised to hear that Heal’s did away with Victorian designed coil springs long ago replacing them with modern pocket sprung or latex and memory foam ranges.
Handmade in the UK, all of our mattresses are filled with only the finest fillings to provide a supportive, temperature regulating and entirely sustainable sleep. So if you’re on lookout for a new mattress, remember to avoid the dreaded coil springs by heading over to Heal’s to see how our luxury mattresses compare.
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