Easter is the first big chance to entertain after Christmas, and is significantly less stressful than the festive season, so throw open the doors for friends and family with the Heal’s guide to hosting at home like a designer. From gorgeous dining tables to gather around, to covetable tableware to dress them with, plus those finishing touches to set the scene, we’ve got everything you need to put a spring in your step.
Oslo dining table by Heal's
Choose a centrepiece
Some argue that a seasonal feast is the centrepiece of a spring gathering, but we beg to differ. To us, a dining table is the ultimate scene-setter, providing a focal point for any spectacular party. Luckily, we’ve got a style to suit every taste and space, from the newly-added Pelagus table by Fritz Hansen-owned Skagerak for outdoor dining, to the just-launched Sky-Natura table from Italian-based Riva 1920 for indoor soirées, both offering investment pieces in timeless designs. Alternatively, why not plump for a circular tabletop, accommodating guests in a more convivial formation, in the form of the classic Saarinen Tulip round dining table by Knoll?
For those who are short on space, the Cross Extending dining table by British designer Matthew Hilton via Case offers superior flexibility, while a bespoke creation from our unique Designed by You collection allows you to tailor a table to your exact specifications in just five easy steps.
CH24 Wishbone chair by Carl Hansen & Son
Pull up a chair
A chair that’s as comfortable as it is chic is conducive to the kind of long, leisurely lunches a bank holiday weekend simply begs for. After all, who wants to stay for another glass of Provence rosé if they’re not cradled in a cocoon of comfort?
Good news, then, that our raft of dining chairs spans everything from upholstered to wooden and leather. Whether our Austen dining chair in on-trend bouclé, the cult-like CH24 Wishbone chair from Carl Hansen & Son or the 675 Chair via Case, peruse and choose from a range of materials, shapes and colours. Otherwise, the Stacking chair from L.Ercolani comprises outward-facing legs that enables it to be stacked when not in use, maximising space.
Heal's + L.F.Markey tablecloth
Top with treasure
Now, the fun bit: styling your table with tableware from our new-season collection. Natural shades, organic lines and tactile finishes combine in pieces that put a fresh spin on your Easter gathering. The Heal’s + L.F.Markey tablecloth – part of an exclusive collaboration with the independent fashion label from east London – certainly makes a statement with graphic prints, block colours and embroidered borders.
Layer on even more colour with the 12 piece box set from the same range, comprising similarly impactful stoneware across plates and bowls. It’s like art you can lunch on. Alternatively, keep your base neutral with a simple linen tablecloth in cream, then go all-out with playful ceramics by Kent-based designer Harlie Brown – the Citron plate is this season’s must-have – and terrazzo speckled glassware from Late Afternoon.
Finally, why not finish with a striking vase, such as Ada by Broste Copenhagen, filled with a selection of beautiful faux botanicals from Abigail Ahern?
Orion portable LED outdoor table lamp
Let there be light
Arguably, the biggest trend of the season is the rise of the portable table lamp, enabling you to shine a light on the subject without a plug socket. Perfect for outdoor dining, our new Orion portable LED outdoor table lamp features a dimmable function with a weighted base and chargeable light, all of which comes in the choice of an off-white or matt-black finish.
For festooning your garden, our range of outdoor lights from Sirius is spot-on, adding twinkle and glow al fresco. What’s more, the flicker of a candle is always a welcome accompaniment to dining, whether indoors or outdoors, and these elegant, hand-poured candles in a range of vibrant colours from True Grace are just the thing.
Champagne saucers ovals set of 2 by The Vintage List
3 more tips
1 You can never have too many glasses. Shop timeless styles from The Vintage List to stock-up, from champagne saucers to wine glasses and whisky tumblers.
2 Likewise, your cutlery drawer can never be too crowded, so treat yourself by adding a new style ahead of each season. Modernising traditional designs for contemporary dining, Charingworth cutlery creates beautiful sets.
3 There’s still a chill in the air come spring, so give you guests something to wrap up with from Brita Sweden, creating a range of stylish throws made from recycled cotton and wool.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Trends & Lifestyle
Now, more than ever, good sleep is conducive to a good life. It impacts on absolutely everything we do, from our relationships with friends and family, to how we perform at work, not to mention our own health and wellbeing.
Never has it been more in focus, and quite rightly so. Good news, then, that Heal's is on-hand with everything you need to get a head-start, from the softest pillows to the dreamiest beds and the most luxurious linen.
Ahead of World Sleep Day – observed on 17th March to raise awareness of sleep health – we explore how you can sleep better every night of the week. Sweet dreams, guaranteed.
Organic Mattress by Heal's
Invest in rest
Getting quality shut-eye begins with a quality bed. Luckily, our specialist makers combine expert heritage with modern technology to craft truly superior mattresses, meaning we’re confident in giving you a comfortable night’s sleep.
What’s more, we’ve been making mattresses since 1810, when we were the first the introduce feather-filled models to London. We haven’t stopped innovating since, and we’ve now got a mattress to suit every kind of sleeper, all of them hand-sprung for better support and tailored comfort thanks to individual springs housed in separate pockets.
In short, when you move, your bedfellow doesn’t, making for uninterrupted sleep from night ‘til morning. Better still, they’re all hypo-allergenic, meaning everyday irritations such as allergens, bacteria and dust are minimised courtesy of sterilised natural latex, while all being made from strictly natural materials.
There’s a size for every space – from single and double to king and super-king – across six collections that offer varying levels of cushioning, support and contouring according to individual needs. But the best bit? All our mattresses are guaranteed to last for at least 10 years, offering peace of mind as well as a perfect night’s sleep.
Find a match
Not sure how to pick the right mattress for your preferences? Fear not: our practical buying guide will help you select the right model for your sleeping pattern at every step of the process, supporting you through key considerations such as the springs, firmness, size and materials. Then, simply choose and snooze…
Wallis Bed by Heal's
Frame your mattresses
A mattress without a bed is like artwork without a frame. Whether wooden or upholstered, we’ve got a selection of frames for every style, from four-posters to fill a generous space to divans with handy storage beneath.
Crafted by British designer Russell Pinch, the Wallis Bed combines soft curves and crisp lines with a signature headboard that can be upholstered in a range of luxurious fabrics, while the Store Storabed, exclusive to Heal’s, features a clever fold-away design that saves on space and complements all décor. Browse and buy here.
Chatsworth Wool Pillow by The Wool Room
Pick a pillow
Arguably, a pillow and duvet are just as important as your mattress and frame, as it’s what you lay your head on and cosy up beneath, night after night. Our soft and sumptuous sets are positively dreamy, stuffed with either British wool or duck- and goose-down, while there’s a tog of duvet to see you through every season.
Alternatively, the Chatsworth Wool Pillow and Chatsworth Wool Duvet are luxurious picks, made by the fourth-generation of a wool-merchant family in Bradford and featuring only the very best fibre from around the world. You can rest easy knowing that the collection has been created with the highest quality, sustainability and ethics throughout the entire manufacturing process. Plus, all fillings are traceable back to both farm and sheep, sure to have you sleeping with a good conscience.
Washed Linen Mustard by Heal's
Change your sheets
Made from soft and natural fibres, our range of designer linen is the finishing touch for dressing your bed, helping you to turn a bedroom into a boutique hotel. Our Washed Linen is carefully woven from European flax in northern Portugal, a centre of excellence for textiles, with every piece gloriously lightweight and beautifully soft; while our Velvet Quilt features seriously plush quilting and statement jewel tones, all hand-finished, for a classic bedspread that will endure for years to come.
Column Table Lamp by Heal's
Switch-up lighting
Low and flattering, the right lighting can be just as conducive to quality sleep as a decent bed or otherwise, so consider a scheme that feels restful and relaxing. Layered is usually best: a combination of bedside lamps for late night reading and all important pillow talk; a statement floor lamp beside an occasional chair for added cosiness and depth in a dark corner; and dimmers for dialling up and down the ambience throughout the space as and when required.
Scent Earth Diffuser by Tom Dixon
Add some fragrance
The power of scent is well-documented, especially when it comes its sleep-enhancing properties, so add a reed diffuser to distribute a constant yet subtle fragrance throughout the bedroom. Soft, understated scents are best for sleep, over rich, fruity alternatives, so choose something that enriches the air rather than overpowers it. We love this Scent Earth Diffuser from none other than self-taught British designer Tom Dixon, which is as stylish as it is effective, emitting an enigmatic concoction of mint, cedar and guaiac wood into the air.
Three more tips
1 Add a finishing touch to your mattresses with a topper or protector to bolster comfort and extend protection.
2 Sleep is about visual comfort as well as physical comfort, so cosy up the space with a scatter cushion or three, best in interesting textures and patterns.
3 Finally, avoid the feeling of cold feet in the morning by adding a rug beneath a bed on bare floorboards – the cosier, the better.
While many return to the office this winter, others are continuing to work from home full-time, or are straddling the strange new hybrid combination.
Whatever your working pattern, creating a space at home that is conducive to productivity and creativity when you are getting down to business is crucial, balancing both practicality and comfort while separating work from play.
From investing in a quality desk to considering an ergonomic chair and getting your light just right, function is as important as form when it comes to choosing pieces that are as hard-working as you, while artwork and accessories add those finishing aesthetics to inspire during the longest, hardest days.
Here, we show you how to create a harmonious space for home working, meaning you may never want to be out-of-office again.
Orson Desk by De La Espada
Invest in a desk
It all starts with the desk. It’s a platform for productivity, whatever industry your career, and needs to accommodate your things and tasks accordingly. Consider the size – not just in terms of the space it needs to fit into, but how much room is beneath for your legs, and what it’s required to house – as your first deciding factor.
Next, do you need built-in storage? Or will storage be a separate element? Then, you can choose a style and material that’s sympathetic to your home, plus any details. The covetable Orson Desk, conceived by Matthew Hilton and crafted by De La Espada, combines a cantilevered silhouette with a curve-edged top and an angular underside on a solid cast-iron frame to create a finely balanced design.
Better still, three convenient angled drawers are concealed underneath a wide surface, while everything is made from walnut or oak and finished in Danish oil for a smooth and tactile feel. Comfortable and chic, it’s a timeless style that looks equally at home in contemporary and traditional spaces, and is certain to set the scene for solid work.
675 Chair by Case
Choose your chair
A chair needs to support your creativity throughout the day – and sometimes, even into the night – so it should cradle your body in all the right places while complementing your desk. You can’t go too far wrong with the 675 Chair by Case – awarded the prestigious Design Guild Mark Award – which was originally designed in 1952 by Robin Day and is arguably one of the most iconic pieces of contemporary design in the world.
Working in collaboration with the Robin and Lucienne Design Foundation, Case reissued the chair in 2014 with an authentic design featuring the famous backrest placed at exactly the right angle and height to support the small of the back.
Meanwhile, the singular walnut-veneered plywood curve is elegant and sophisticated, while being pioneering at the time. But the best bit? Two small touches have been added for contemporary workspaces: an injection-moulded plastic glide insert on the metal foot to avoid damaging the flooring; and a moulded seat pad for superior comfort under-bottom.
Lars Open Shelving Unit by Says Who
Sort your storage
While your desk may store the likes of stationery and paperwork, a dedicated piece of furniture will accommodate even more, while displaying aesthetically-pleasing pieces at the same time (collectable tomes, objéts d’art, plants in vases, etc).
Plump for a statement piece such as the Lars Open Shelving Unit designed by Danish studio Says Who exclusively for Heal’s: it comprises no less than eight storage areas within a striking asymmetric design with five open shelves and three concealed behind walnut veneer panels. Better still, it pairs equally as well with the matching Lars Desk as it does the Orson Desk in slick, modern spaces.
Type 75 Desk Lamp by Anglepoise®
Get your light just right
We don’t know what’s worse: the harsh, overhead strip lighting of corporate offices or the dark and gloomy ‘mood’ lighting of members’ clubs. One of the benefits of working from home is getting your light right for the job at hand.
Consider a task lamp for adjustable, directed light: the Paul Smith-designed Type 75 Desk Lamp by Anglepoise® is retro gloriously reinvented, with spring-loaded technology that allows light to be shone in any direction, while the futuristic Saber LED Desk Lamp is a modern masterpiece, featuring energy-saving LED modules that can be directed wherever they’re needed.
Space at a premium? Choose a floor lamp with an adjustable arm that can be positioned accordingly over your desk: the Birdy Swing Floor Lamp by Northern is just the thing with strong, geometric looks and a smooth, rotating axis. Easy to use and beautiful to look at.
Paper Collective
Inspire with artwork
Fill your home office or working nook with artwork to motivate you during particularly tricky jobs or tiresome deadlines. With inspiration taken from around the world – bringing joyful colour, abstract pattern and nomadic warmth into your home – our expert curation of artwork from Paper Collective is as eclectic as it is evocative.
Idea: why not lean your artwork against a wall or display on a piece of furniture rather than hang for something a little different? Remember to switch things up on occasion – whether your groupings or pieces – to keep things fresh and interesting. There are plenty of designers, artists and illustrators to choose from.
Undercover
3 more ideas
1 That first-day-back-at-school feeling of using new stationery never goes away. Tap into your inner child with a grown-up take on notebooks and pencil cases beautifully crafted in leather by British artisans from Undercover.
2 It’s been proven that plants are conducive to health and wellbeing – releasing oxygen and reducing carbon dioxide – while their lushness brings colour and depth to interiors. The Hourglass Plant Pot by ferm LIVING – available in three sizes – is perfect for housing yours.
3 Every office needs a good clock – ensuring you take breaks when you need them and log-off when the day is done. From a classic circular shape by Newgate – the Mr Clarke is our pick – to an abstract design by Vitra (see Flock of Butterflies), there’s something for every taste and space.
We’re proud to host our very own Festival of Light every autumn, celebrated this year from 10 to 31 October, to showcase the world’s most exquisite lighting brands and designers. Not only that, but it coincides with the changing of the seasons, when the days get shorter and the evenings get darker.
After a long, hot summer, the annual event provides a chance to cosy up and hunker down at home, and our seventh lighting extravaganza is sure to help you get your light just right.
Here, our lighting buyer Claire Anstey rounds-up the brightest ideas for autumnal lighting, whether you’re looking for focus and concentration in a home office, or rest and relaxation in a living room. It’s time to switch it up.
Anglepoise® Original 1227™ Desk Lamp National Trust Sage
Working from home
As we continue to straddle working from home and going into the office, the spaces we’ve carved out for getting down to business remain crucial, whether it’s a dedicated office or a zoned corner. But while the light is bright and beautiful during the summer months – with evenings that seemingly stretch into eternity – autumn brings with it noticeably darker days that require a more considered approach.
Claire says: “Invest in a quality desk lamp that inspires creativity and productivity throughout the working day – even when it’s dull and gloomy outside. Choose something that’s beautiful to look as well as boasting quality lighting for all-important tasks – plus, a flattering glow on a Zoom or Teams meeting can only be a good thing!
For a timeless style, you can’t go wrong with a classic Anglepoise® Original 1227™ Desk Lamp, especially when it’s been given a contemporary spin in a recent collaboration with the National Trust.
Neat and sleek, it’s art for your desk, while featuring an iconic shade that angles light in any direction.” Claire adds: “If space is at a premium, shop smart by selecting a floor lamp that doubles as a desk lamp, such as the mid-century Milton Floor Lamp for modern and minimalist spaces.”
Manhattan Table Lamp Natural
Curling up on the sofa
Your next big box-set binge calling? It’s autumn: of course it is. Advises Claire: “When it comes to curling up in the living room over the coming months, it’s all about layering your lighting for a cosy feel, incorporating a mixture of different types to cater to all activities and atmospheres.
Ceiling and wall lights will brighten the whole lounge when you’re doing something other than resting or relaxing – reading and writing, or playing with the kids – while floor lamps and table lamps will create ambience throughout the area for entertaining or simply kicking-back and chilling-out.
The combination of everything together will create a collective glow while making a room feel interior-designed with plenty of interest and polish. This season, it’s all about sustainable style with natural materials and textures, so why not opt for our Manhattan Table Lamp with a natural stone base and a linen shade? Its dimmer switch means you can dial up or down the lighting accordingly.
Plump for a pair or mix-and-match with other styles for an eclectic look. Elsewhere, our Globe Wall Light casts a warm, ethereal glow across a space without being harsh or unflattering, its opaque glass, brass detail and marble finish adding elegance.”
Tala Knuckle Table Lamp with Sphere IV Bulb
Winding down before bedtime
Heading to bed with a warm cup of cocoa and a good book doesn’t necessarily mean a good night’s sleep. Claire explains: “Warm lighting is better for winding down just before you’re about to go to bed as blue lighting interferes with the circadian rhythm – the natural process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle – and can keep you awake.
With this in mind, I’d suggest a combination of dimmable table and wall lights to soothe you to sleep and help you drift of, avoiding any distractions such as the TV, your phone or tablet. Tala – the London design studio – crafts bulbs that feature a ‘dim-to-warm’ function. This means that when you dim them the light becomes warmer. Perfect for catching those zzzs.
The Tala Knuckle Table Lamp with Sphere IV Bulb is a brilliant choice for the bedside table with a compact design and an energy-saving bulb that mimics natural light sources with an American oak base that adds a stylish accent.”
Three more bright ideas
1 Choose bulbs with a warm temperature and colour. This is measured in kelvins: the lower the number, the warmer the bulb. Just remember to keep the colour of the bulb consistent in any given room for cohesion.
2 Make even more of natural light during the darker months rather than blocking it out with heavy curtains. Not only does it increase your health and wellbeing, but it strengthens your connection to the outside world. Add cleverly positioned mirrors to bounce it around.
3 Finally, don’t underestimate the drama of candlelight to increase the cosiness of a space. A flickering candle can set the scene for a fabulous bath or dinner.
Click here to put ideas into action in our Festival of Light.
Here at Heal’s, we’re firm believers that your garden should be an extension of your home. A recent survey of 2,000 Brits has revealed that 69% believe that the state of their outdoor space is just as, if not more, important than that of their home’s interiors.
Yet more than 2 in 3 people aren’t happy with their current outdoor spaces and want to make changes.
Petra outdoor dining table and chairs
So, today we’re sharing our tips to help you to reclaim your garden. The survey also revealed that, despite being expected to spend at least three hours outside every day this summer, 7 in 10 people aren’t happy with their outdoor spaces and wish they were bigger (28%), more private (20%) or better decorated (13%).
However, the research – commissioned by Heal’s – found that when looking to make improvements to their home’s exterior, 37% of people wouldn’t know where to start, or feel they don’t have the required knowledge and / or help to do so, whilst half of respondents simply lack confidence in their ability.
Meanwhile, 20% of Brits believe that the state of this space was actually more important than their interiors, and it was also revealed how time spent outside has a profound impact on people’s mental health, with 42% of people across the UK reporting that they use this part of the home to improve their mood.
A fifth are going outside to spend less time on their screens, while 27% are looking to connect with nature. In response to the findings, Heal’s has partnered with TV presenter, interior expert and design specialist Michelle Ogundehin, to help people get creative and make the most of their outdoor spaces – no matter how big or small.
Michelle, who is also former editor of Elle Decoration, advises: “Get set for some major Vitamin G! A few simple updates can transform an empty patio or small garden into an inviting outdoor sanctuary for you to enjoy this summer, and beyond.
“While 4 in 5 of us are lucky enough to have access to a private garden, those in urban areas often have to make the most of compact balconies, small backyards or limited roof terraces. But diminutive needn’t mean dull. The trick is to approach any exterior space as if it were just another room in your home, regardless of size.
Consider what works indoors, then take it outside! “Think portable table lamps or strings of festoon lighting to add layers of illumination. Add texture, depth and interest with an outdoor rug and plenty of planters. Keep it practical with a mix of comfortable seating, benches and a table. Don’t forget to layer in your comfort with cosy cushions and throws. And then add the plants!”
Commenting on the findings, Heal’s buying director, Sabina Miller, added: “At Heal’s, we really believe that you should fill rooms with pieces that you love in order to get the most out of the space, and exteriors are no exception.
“With many residents looking forward to getting green thumbed in the coming months, it’s worth considering how you can make the most of time outdoors. Treat furniture with the same consideration as you would an indoor piece, and look out for weatherproof materials, firm cushioning and durable fabrics that will maintain a high level of quality and style for years to come, whilst also withstanding the often unpredictable British weather.”
Visit www.heals.com to find out more.
There are plenty of reasons why you might be considering adding a summer house to your garden. Perhaps you’re after a quieter workspace, a spare bedroom or simply a place you can go to and relax. After all, summer houses are a great way to increase your living space. However, many people leave their summer house interior lighting to the last minute.
That can lead to a lighting design that lacks the warmth and character your summer house needs. We suggest considering lighting throughout the process of designing, building or renovating your summer house. To get you started, we’ve compiled some of our favourite summer house interior lighting ideas.
Pendants for summer house interior lighting
For summer houses that are lucky enough to have mains electricity, then pendant lighting makes a great choice. In a space that’s typically dedicated to relaxing, spotlights can feel very harsh. Summer house interior lighting should bring a warming ambience to your space. That’s why pendant lighting is our go-to choice.
Opt for a pendant light with an opaque diffuser. This will help it to cast a warm glow around the room. Bring the outdoors into your summer house interior lighting with a wooden lampshade. Or upgrade your existing pendant light by replacing the bulb with a warm halogen bulb.
Floor lamps in a summer house interior
A well-designed summer house interior lighting scheme offers a variety of lights at different levels. So, we recommend accenting your pendant lighting with the glow of a designer floor lamp. Floor lamps offer an alternative light source and can transform a room into a cosy retreat at the flick of a switch.
Plus, they’re great for offering a little more light for board games, reading or unwinding with a glass of wine. If you’re currently planning your summer house’s electrics, we recommend factoring a handful of plug sockets into your design. Ensure you have enough for a floor lamp and a table lamp, as well as sockets for any chargers or appliances you may want to include.
Fairy lights in summer houses
No mains electricity? That shouldn’t mean your summer house becomes obsolete as soon as the sun goes down. Solar-powered fairy lights are perfect for making sure your summer house interior is illuminated well into the night. You can use them to customise the lighting in your summer house, changing the arrangement whenever suits.
You could suspend them from the ceiling, or perhaps arrange them elegantly around the walls or on shelving. You could even move them outdoors if you want, as long as they're suitable for use outside. Battery-powered fairy lights are also a great alternative if your summer house doesn’t get enough sun.
Portable lamps for summer house interior lighting
If festoon lights or fairy lights aren’t your style, but your summer house doesn’t have mains electricity, there are other options. Portable lamps are a great alternative for summer house interior lighting. That’s because they offer a beautiful warmth to both inside and outside spaces.
You can move them around your summer house to customise the lighting scheme and create a welcoming ambience that encourages your guests to make their way down the garden path. Then, after a warm summer’s evening spent socialising, you can use your portable lamps to guide you back to the house.
Using candles for summer house lighting
For a truly atmospheric ambience, why not use candles to light your summer house? Place a few strategically, and safely, around your summer house to create a romantic retreat, cosy spot for catching up or place to unwind.
Not only will scented candles bring a natural glow to your summer house interior, but they will fill it with a beautiful aroma. That’s perfect for the first time you use it after winter, or if you simply enjoy a scented candle.
Like what you see? Explore all Heal’s lighting for summer houses.
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