Every year, our esteemed team of expert buyers - from furniture to lighting, textiles to accessories - look ahead to predict the latest and greatest trends that will help shape how we furnish our homes.
In 2023, we’re anticipating timeless tropes that can be incorporated into your interiors for years to come, from bright colours sparking joy, to nostalgic curved shapes, and tactile surfaces creating warmth.
Plus, our homes are set to become even more multi-purpose than ever, whether a space for work, play or a bit of both. This, too, will continue to shape how we both live and shop.
Sabina Miller, buying director, says: “Now, more than ever, there’s a sustainable approach to buying whereby we’re tapping into the trends that transcend seasons. At Heal’s, our motto has always been to ‘buy well and buy once’, investing in quality pieces that truly stand the test of time, meaning design that can be treasured for years to come or handed down to future generations.”
Read on as we reveal the five interiors trends worth investing in.
Curve appeal
The 70s are firmly back thanks to furniture with curves in all the right places. Not only do organic silhouettes and rounded edges make for seriously comfortable pieces, but they’re more practical, too, taking up significantly less space.
By removing harsh lines and angular corners, our homes feel more relaxed and convivial, while heightening our sense of wellbeing and connection to nature.
Hannah Armstrong, Senior Furniture Buyer, says: “Our new-season Nuvola Bed and Nuvola Sofa both offer curved comfort in stylish spades, while being popular in textured - and similarly on-trend - bouclé. Taking their name from the Italian word for ‘cloud’, they’re irresistibly soft and sumptuous, with no hard lines or awkward angles in sight. In terms of classics, the fluid form of the Flow Chair by L.Ercolani proves just how ahead of the curve – quite literally – the Italian furniture designer really was.”
Jane Murray, Home Accessories Buyer, adds: “Curved shapes are being seen in finishing touches as well as furniture, too: the Round Vase by Talia James, Lilla Vase by Annabel Cucuz and Cobra Vase by 101 Copenhagen all tap into the trend with wonderfully organic forms.”
Tinta Sideboard by Heal's
Rainbow Bright
Passionate reds. Invigorating yellows. Majestic purples. After years of favouring neutrals, bold colour palettes are finally big again, helping us to create joyful spaces bursting with positivity.
Not only are our homes more of a haven than ever before - somewhere we need to feel relaxed and happy - but we’re more aware of colour psychology and the impact shades have on how we feel. All of which means we’re more confidently, and consciously, choosing schemes that support our emotions and lift our spirits.
Senior Furniture Buyer, Hannah Armstrong, says: “Our new Tinta collection - comprising a Sideboard, AV Unit and Highboard - can be customised in a range of colourful stained finishes, from blue to red and green, as some of us want more of a colour pop than dark walnut or natural oak affords.”
Clare Anstey, Lighting Buyer, adds: “For me, the collaboration between Anglepoise® and Margaret Howell really encapsulates the joyful colour trend, with a range of lamps and lights available in sea blue and sunshine yellow. The Type 75 Desk Lamp in one of these shades is sure to energise and motivate in a home office – plus, the style will never date.”
Orde Rug by Linie Design
Magic touch
From bouclé to velvet, it’s all about soft and tactile surfaces, cosying up spaces and stimulating your senses. More than ever, comfort and joy are conducive to a happy home, and the materials we surround ourselves with can help to create both. Not only that, but they can be used to add depth and interest, especially when teamed with other textural furniture and fabrics.
Hannah Thistlewaite, Senior Buyer, says: “Our Alpaca Throws have such a luxurious feel to them - perfect for cosying up in the winter - and are woven from 100 per cent alpaca yarn. Otherwise, the Shagpile Orde Rug, exclusive to Heal’s by Linie Design, is woven on a pitloom and feels superb underfoot. It’s these kinds of textiles that epitomise the trend for tactility - and I don’t see them going away anytime soon. Who doesn’t want their home to be a multi-sensory experience?”
Brew Stove Top Coffee Maker by Tom Dixon
Everyday extraordinary
Sometimes, it’s the simplest things, and such is the case with everyday products elevated via extraordinary details. These aren’t big investment pieces - far from it - but small purchases that evoke joy every time you see or use them.
Home Accessories Buyer, Jane Murray, says: “If you’re anything like me, you’ll reach for a much-needed coffee every day, so it makes sense that the product you use to make it with is both stylish and practical. The Brew Stove Top Coffee Maker by self-taught British designer Tom Dixon elevates the fine art of coffee-making with a graphic form and gleaming exterior. It’s more like a work of art!”
Claire Anstey, Senior Lighting Buyer, adds: “Blending classic aesthetics with cutting-edge tech, a functional portable light has been powered-up in Muse, making something so simple so spectacular. As a collaboration between colour expert Farrow & Ball and lighting specialist Tala, I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
Selena LED Pendant Lamp by Heal's
Light year
‘Broken-plan’ living - where a room is zoned via flooring or furniture - is now being achieved via lighting. Think cleverly-positioned floor lamps, table lamps and task lamps to divide areas.
As a happy compromise between open- and closed-plan living, it means homeowners can enjoy a sense of separation, while still retaining a spacious feel. A whole lot simpler than erecting walls or moving furniture, lighting is a bright idea when it comes to carving-up spaces so they work for you and your family.
Claire Anstey, Senior Lighting Buyer, says: “Our Mini Lounge Floor Lamp, with a finish to suit every space, is perfect for zoning. I’ve got one that I use to define a working corner in my open-plan kitchen - not only does the curved frame create a physical divide, but the directional lighting differs to the more ambient lighting above the dining table, created by my dimmable Selena LED Pendant Lamp.”
Urchin Pendant Light by Tom Raffield
3 more timeless trends
Enduring style
With everything built to last, our makers craft products with longevity in mind – all our sofa frames come with a lifetime guarantee – and look to recycled or natural materials wherever possible in their construction. From rugs to sofas and textiles, we’re proud to make pieces from recycled plastic bottles, yarns salvaged from the fashion industry and recycled wool, while our Organic mattress is Soil Association-certified and only filled with natural fibres.
Biophilic design
From natural materials to plentiful plants and water features, biophilia is all about bringing the outdoors in, and it’s proven to be good for our physical health and mental wellbeing. Get the look: Canopy Self Watering Planter using recycled glass by LSA International; the Faunacation Velvet Cushion with jungle print by Divine Savages; and the Lars AV Unit in forest-green by Says Who.
Storytelling products
Good looks are no longer good enough. Stand-out products now need to tell a story, whether it’s about the inspiration behind the design, something about the community that makes it, or how it benefits people or planet. Heal’s products always have something to say, from the lights by designer Tom Raffield that showcase his skill for the age-old technique of steam-bending wood, to our Bowl Table that features an innovative top made from coffee-bean wastage and wood.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Trends & Lifestyle
With a long summer of balmy evenings spent outdoors and days spent relaxing in the garden ahead, you’ll want to make sure your garden is ready. Now’s the time to get planting flowers, ordering new garden furniture and gathering accessories for an insta-grammable outdoor space. Take a look at our garden styling tips to get started.
Don’t be afraid of colour
One way to make sure your garden really stands out is to embrace colour. You can do this in different ways, from colourful furniture to a vibrantly landscaped flower bed. However, we reckon going big with colour is the best way to make a true statement.
We love how colour is used in this insta-grammable garden, with tones of red used on exterior walls as well as the furniture and accessories. If red is a little bold for your garden, then shades of yellow, pink and blue would also help create the same effect. Using colourful accessories and cushions can also help achieve the same look with a little less effort needed.
Garden accessories make all the difference
Accessories can make or break a garden. With them, you can create a carefully designed a welcoming space, perfect for Instagram. Without them, your garden may feel unfinished and lacking finesse.
There are plenty of accessory types to choose from. Anything from colourful cushions and throws to sculptural plant pots that bring an artistic flourish to your garden. The perfect finishing touch? A bouquet of freshly picked flowers from your garden. If you’d rather not invest in outdoor cushions and accessories, then simply use your existing indoor pieces.
Transferring them to your outside space in summer months will make it feel more homely and comfortable, without breaking the bank. Just remember to bring them back inside at night to protect them from rain and dew.
Transform small gardens
However small your garden, patio or balcony, there’s bound to be an insta-grammable nook waiting to be transformed. Small spaces can offer the perfect opportunity to get creative with what you have available. Use your space as wisely as possible to make the most out of it. Whether that’s adding shelves to the walls to display plants and free up floor space or creating a cosy reading area.
If you want to make your balcony more insta-grammable, then how about creating an outdoor seating space in an extension to your living room? An outdoor-friendly lounge chair offers the perfect space to enjoy that morning cuppa, cosy up with a book or unwind with a glass of your favourite vintage. Add accessories like lighting, plants and cushions to create the ultimate Instagram inspiration picture.
Underfoot comfort with garden rugs
One of the key things that elevates your garden to a finessed Instagram-friendly space is an outdoor rug. Not something you see in every garden, outdoor rugs complete a well-designed space. Whether they’re used in the dining area or to finish your living space, outdoor rugs help to make summers spent outside that little more comfortable.
With so much technology available, outdoor rugs today can be left outside all summer and are crafted to withstand the variable British weather. As soft as you would expect from an indoor rug, outdoor rugs offer much more comfort underfoot than paving slabs and decking. Plus, their modern designs look equally at home inside the house as they do in the garden.
Extra cushioning = extra comfort
However gorgeous your garden looks, if it’s lacking comfort then it won’t feel authentic and coveted. Adding a little more cushioning to your outside space will make it the perfect place to unwind and it’ll look great on the grid too.
Outdoor cushions are specially designed to withstand the British summer and look great at the same time. The addition of a comfortable throw to warm you up on crisp summer evenings will complete the look.
Discover our collection of outdoor furniture and garden accessories.
Some design trends are fleeting, others stand the test of time. When it comes to colour, teal is a trend with staying power. Teal is surprisingly versatile and is the perfect choice if you’re looking to make a statement.
Forget painting walls or buying new rugs, we reckon a teal sofa is the best way to inject colour into your living room. Investing in a teal sofa for your living room will create a bold, inviting and elegant design scheme.
So, if you’re looking for some teal sofa inspiration for your living room, here are our favourite ideas.
Natural living room with a teal sofa
Seating is one of the best ways to inject colour into a space. That’s why a teal sofa makes the ultimate addition to a more toned-back living room. A large teal sofa will bring teal into your living area and sit happily alongside smaller furniture pieces in more muted tones.
To create a living area with texture, add a pop of teal alongside accessories made from natural materials. Here, wooden floors, flowers, large glass windows and a linen cushion keep the design understated. The addition of brushed brass brings added opulence, bridging the gap between bold teal and natural wood.
Teal sofa paired with different textures
When sticking to a teal colour scheme, it’s a good idea to mix and match textures to break up the look. That’s especially the case if you’d like to use teal on more than just your sofa.
Why not consider a blue vase with a matte finish to add a textural contrast to the teal sofa in your living room? Or perhaps you could mix up tones to keep a cohesive teal look without being too matchy matchy. For the bolder design enthusiasts, you could even paint surrounding walls in a similar shade of teal.
Like we’ve done here, combining a teal sofa with a dark wall can instantly transform your space. With its blend of forest green and soothing blue hues, this sumptuous velvet sofa brings a sense of drama to your living area.
Colour can also evoke moods and deep, cool colours project calmness and serenity. Even though this teal living room idea is overwhelmingly colourful, it’s a great place to relax.
Calm yet full of character
Enticing and bold, teal’s magnificent blue-green hue makes the perfect statement colour for any sofa. The vivacious shade adds personality and character at any time of the day, without becoming overwhelming. It’s versatile and can be partnered with an array of colours, including other shades of blue and beige.
Despite that, a teal sofa can keep even in the most relaxing living room feeling calm without overpowering the space. Textures like organic sheepskin throws and linen cushions will help add even more depth.
Teal sofa in a traditional living room
Just because your home is more traditional, doesn’t mean a teal sofa isn’t perfect for your living room. With the right silhouette, style and upholstery, a teal sofa can inject more personality and colour into classic room.
Here, this modern sofa takes traditional design and modernises it with a more contemporary silhouette. The addition of velvet upholstery in a rich teal hue brings it even further into the modern age. This clever look stays true to the more traditional features of a period home but keeps it modern at the same time.
Mix and match with teal
When considering teal living room ideas, experiment with different colours. Sure, your sofa will be the centrepiece, but you can also play with a combination of colours for an added design flourish. When tamed by natural textures, three or four vibrant colours can work well together. Here, blue accessories bring colour and richness to the space, while the linen rug makes sure the teal doesn’t become overpowering.
Teal sofas can also be decorated with patterned and burnt orange cushions to add a contrasting pop of colour and break up monochromatic schemes. Layering teal with similar blues, greens and purples builds a painterly palette. Other jewel tones like midnight blue, scarlet red and aubergine purple can match teal’s intensity.
Teal home accessories
There are ways to enjoy this aesthetic if you’d like to create a teal living space but don’t want to invest in a sofa. Home accessories are a great way to add bursts of teal into a room. Splash a teal blanket or throw over your sofa, especially in a room with a neutral palette. Choose luxurious materials like velvet and cashmere in coordinating teal hues. It’s an easy way to incorporate a touch of teal into your interior while offering a cosy look and feel.
Looking to upgrade your living room with a teal sofa? Check out our sofa collection.
Warm and lustrous, coppery tones are the perfect accent to minimal spaces or an opulent addition to classically styled rooms. Providing a modern alternative to traditional chandeliers, groups of copper pendants continue to prove popular as lighting centrepieces.
Plus, copper’s metallic finish also lends a fresh perspective to home accessories like mirrors, clocks and lamps. Read on and let our shiny new copper inspiration bring some interior inspiration to your home.
Copper accessories
If you don’t want to make any major design changes to your home, copper accessories are a great way to get on board with the trend. Not only are accessories made from copper more cost-effective than wallpapering or retiling, but they’re also incredibly versatile.
The versatility of copper accessories means you can move them around the room or into different parts of the house to update your space. Some of the best ways to introduces copper to your home is through accessories like mirrors, lamps and vases. You could also consider copper cutlery, handles or sofa feet for small flourishes.
Statement-making lighting
If you want to make a statement in your room, then copper lighting can be a great way to do it. Beautifully reflective and elegant, copper ceiling lights or lamps are a timeless addition to your space. You can find copper lighting in plenty of styles, so there’s definitely something to suit your tastes.
If you’re a mid-century enthusiast, then there are loads of classic copper lights designed by celebrated masters. If you prefer something more modern, then we have plenty to choose from by contemporary designers.
We love how the bold copper pendant lights in this dining space stay true to the room’s minimalist aesthetic. Their organic shapes and brushed copper finish mean they enhance the room’s décor, without stealing the show. Plus, they’re perfect for casting a cosy glow and creating a warm ambience.
Small accents of copper
If you want to lend a touch of copper into your home without going overboard, some small flourishes could be the way to go. There are plenty of reasons why you may just want a small touch of copper in your home. Perhaps you want to match your drawer handles in with the rest of your room, or maybe you’d like to tie your exposed piping in further. For just small copper home accessories, we suggest planters, lamp stems and table legs made using the metal.
Copper’s eco friendly
Did you know that copper is one of the best materials you can use for architecture projects and interiors? That’s because it’s endlessly recyclable and incredibly durable, making it a clever choice for sustainable building. That’s why you see copper cladding more and more modern buildings.
Copper in the kitchen
Copper saucepans are a timeless addition to your kitchen. They are a classic design that’s equally at home in modern kitchens. Saucepans made using copper are often serious investments thanks to their unrivalled quality. There’s a reason our ancestors have cooked using copper for the last 11,000 years. Copper heats up quickly and evenly, then slows down fast when removed from the heat. That makes it perfect for cooking fish, sauces and desserts.
To really make your copper accessories stand out, we suggest keeping your kitchen’s design neutral. With minimalist surfaces and cabinets, your copper saucepans will be the star of the show. Plus, they’re stylish enough to display on open shelves or hooks, rather than hiding away in a cupboard.
Copper on the walls
If you like to make a statement with bold interior design, copper is a great choice when it comes to walls. It reflects light beautifully, adding a luxurious and versatile flourish to your space. You could go all out, painting your entire room in a light copper hue. Or you could choose a wallpaper with hints of copper running throughout. Whatever you decide, adding copper to your walls will lend a touch more glamour to your home.
We love this example because it’s perfect for building out a complete design scheme. With plenty of different tones running throughout it, you could easily accessorise with shades of blue and copper. If your design scheme is a little brighter, opt for copper wallpaper with lighter shades of cream, white and grey in it. Want to create your own copper statement?
Check out our collection of copper lighting.
When it comes to making a purchase, sustainability has become a key factor and is at the top of the global agenda, with many changing their consumer habits and moving away from the throwaway culture.
Our latest research has revealed that Brits are keener than ever to invest in sustainable, durable products for their home, potentially signalling the end to fast furniture.
Of those surveyed, we learned that homeowners and renters are foregoing the typical flat-pack approach, instead opting for ethically-produced, durable pieces that will stand the test of time and are willing to pay over £600 more on sustainable furniture.
With the importance of making a house feel like a home continuing to grow, we discovered that 18-25 year olds are more likely to splurge on their interiors than over 55s.
Two-thirds of Millennials (66%) felt that a company’s sustainability credentials were an important factor when making a significant purchase for their home, a third (34%) of whom would be willing to spend more than £1,000 extra on a product if it were better for the environment, compared to a quarter (24%) of Gen Xers (45 – 54 years old) and just 7% of Baby Boomers (55+).
Sabina Miller, Head Buyer at Heal’s, commented: “It’s great that retailers such as Heal’s are able to offer both the quality and the durability that consumers want for their homes while retaining that design aesthetic that is also paramount. After spending so much time within our homes over the past 18 months, we have noticed how people are much more confident when it comes to investing in their interiors, as they understand the importance of being surrounded by pieces that they truly love, are expertly crafted to stand the test of time and are sustainably made.”
Do you find that sustainability is an important factor when purchasing pieces for your home?
The Iconic Investments Index
Interior design trends may come and go, but some timeless pieces are more than a phase.
Your home should be a treasure trove of pieces that bring in joy and make your space yours - but what if some of your furniture was considered actual treasure?
From vintage classics to up and coming designs, we’ve tracked the data behind the trends to find which furniture to invest in now that will pay off later. As well as affordable classics, we have also looked into the glamorous world of big-ticket antiques and the latest furniture phases that will garner a return on your purchase.
Vintage or well-made furniture is not only a fashion statement but a statement for sustainability. We have looked at the carbon footprint of ‘fast’ furniture and how preloved items can help the planet. Did you know that the carbon emissions from the manufacture of the average sofa are the equivalent of 11,478 smartphones being fully charged?
Whether you’re looking for an item to cherish forever, an investment piece to bring you profit or just want to take in some beautifully designed furniture then read on.
The Most Iconic Furniture Pieces to Invest In
If you’re looking for a stylish investment piece that will bring you joy and maybe a bit of cash when the time comes to sell, we have found the furniture for you. By analysing sales prices and popularity over the last five years, these are the pieces that will be not only a win aesthetically but might also reward you for your investment.
The Wishbone Chair from Hans Wegner tops that chart. Originally launched in 1949, this design has truly stood the test of time. With an average resale value of £780.50 and a 200% increase in popularity this beautiful chair is a stylish addition to any home, but sit on this purchase and find bigger profits when the time comes.
With ten pieces on the list, the 1960s have the most mentions. From the instantly recognisable Stacking Chair from Verner Panton to the timeless Arco Lamp by Flos, mid-century styles reign supreme. Many of the items on the list wouldn’t look out of place in a modern furniture catalogue, and the appeal of enduring design can be epitomised by these pieces.
Endurability is key when it comes to selecting investment pieces. This design quality ensures that furniture catches a buyer’s eye but also grows on you in time.
The World's Most Expensive Antiques
After taking a look at some more modest investments, we dug through the archives to find the showstopper sales which brought in the biggest amounts.
These aren't your average furniture pieces while some aren’t for the faint of heart. Rich in design history, many of these items are accompanied by a story.
At first glance, Charles Ray’s ‘Table’ may seem simple but this is a piece of modern art, representing the conundrum of illusion versus reality. The vessels are bottomless and affixed to the tabletop allowing the viewer to see through ordinarily solid items. Critics celebrated the piece when it was released in 1959. It was subsequently sold for over £3 million in 2011.
Also featured on our list is the provocative table from Allen Jones, described as an ‘icon of Pop’ and, by way of contrast, a more simple design of a 17th-century folding chair which sold for over £67,000. This shows how some items gain value by becoming infamous, whereas others earn their price tag from skilled craftsmanship that lasts for centuries.
The Future Furniture Classics
Now we have seen the classics of years gone by, it’s time to look to the future. By tracking global Google search trends and Instagram data, we have calculated the popularity increase and predicted the items from more recent times that are growing in interest.
Many of the pieces feature effortless chic design and come in earthy, neutral tones which complement any passing trends.
The list features some more quirky designs: The QEEBOO Rabbit Chair brings a touch of modern and classy kitsch to any room, while the Anissa Kermiche Love Handles vase offers a modern callback to nude renaissance sculptures of the past.
The Carbon Cost of ‘Fast’ Furniture
We’ve all heard the old adage of ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ but budget furniture might not only cost you financially, but it might also cost the environment.
While ‘fast fashion’ has come under the spotlight recently, ‘fast’ furniture also has a carbon cost associated with its manufacture. As we marvel at the beautiful designs of the last hundred years carbon emissions might not be the first thing you consider. Investing in vintage pieces, well-made furniture or second-hand effects is a great way to be sustainable.
A sofa is normally a big purchase, but it can also come with a big carbon cost, largely down to the foam and stuffing inside it. The longer you use it the more you ‘offset’ its carbon footprint. So it pays to buy items that are better made and have a more timeless design.
Similarly, choosing wisely when selecting big-ticket items for your home is essential. By picking something well made that you will love and cherish ensures it’s not heading to the landfill site within a couple of years. Not only is investing in vintage or well-made furniture an investment in your future fortunes, but it is an investment in the future of the planet too.
Methodology:
To work out the top 27 iconic investments, we used a seed list of furniture originally sold from 1800 to 1990. To this seed list, we analysed sale prices from the last five years, along with the number of Google searches, the most popular country for sales and Google Trend data from 2015 - 2020. Most expensive antiques came from Christie’s most valuable listed sales. While modern classics were judged on:
Current RRP
Instagram popularity data
Google search volume
Google Trend data over the past 12 months
Using carbon emissions data from the FIRA Carbon Footprint of Furniture report, we assessed the CO2KG of the most popular furniture purchases. By using this research, we were able to calculate the number of owners a piece would need to reduce its carbon footprint.
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