When one thinks of Milan, one is thinking about the latest looks and hottest trends.
For this northern powerhouse is the driving heart of the Italian, if not European, design and fashion scenes with many of the world’s most coveted designers either located in the city or linked to the skilled makers and manufacturers of the surrounding region.
Being the epicentre of style that it is, each year the city plays host to the Salone Del Mobile Milano an international gathering of design like no other that provides established brands and emerging talent alike a platform on which to showcase their latest and forthcoming collections.
For almost a week, daily life gives way to the world’s interior press and retailers, which includes our team at Heal’s, who descend on the city hoping to catch a glimpse of the next big thing in furniture, lighting and home. Any visitor to this year’s event would not be able to help but notice that, once again, lighting is leading the way in terms of design innovation and development with a number of Heal’s best-loved brands at the forefront of this wave.
Of course, we understand that not everyone has the time to jet set over to Italy for the week, which is why we’re bringing Milan hot off the runway and direct to your home with the exclusive launch of Tom Dixon’s new Cut range and the Original 1227 Mini Ceramic collection by Anglepoise.
No stranger to spectacle, a glitzy Tom Dixon launch is a familiar sight at the Salone Del Mobile Milano. This year the London-based designer brings his Multiplex show to the cities Cinema and Galleria on via Manzoni, where, alongside a host of bars and eateries, he unveiled a number of pieces from his new lighting collection.
Exclusively available at Heal’s for two weeks, the Cut range is described as “an exercise in optics” and consists of a diamond cut long and small faceted pendant and wall light. Coated in a space-age mirror finish, each piece transforms once light passes through its walls to reveal kaleidoscopic reflections that have been created using an innovative vacuum metallised process. Alongside this new range, Tom Dixon also introduces the Melt Surface light (pictured at the top of the page) an extension of his best-selling Melt series.
For its latest collection, British lighting specialist Anglepoise celebrates the fascinating materiality of china porcelain with the new three-piece Original 1227 Mini Ceramic range, available exclusively at Heal’s flagship store and online for the next six weeks. Adding a whole new dimension to the iconic silhouette of the shade, first designed for the brand in the 1930s, once switched on each light changes from gloss white to a glass translucency emitting a soft radiant glow to the surrounding space.
Consisting of a table lamp, wall light and pendant, each piece in the Original 1227 Mini Ceramic range is finished with chrome plated fittings and grey fabric cables to provide a subtle textural contrast.
Get the latest looks from Milan before anyone else by shopping our exclusive new ranges of lighting in-store or online.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Trends & Lifestyle
Want to add a homely, Hygge feel to your space without spending a fortune?
We asked interior stylist Emma Kay to warm up our industrial inspired Brunel apartment, demonstrating her top tips for getting your home ready for Hygge season.
“When fine tuning a table display, less is more. I often find it's about stripping back rather than adding and sometimes I find it easiest to group everything on the surface I am styling then remove objects in hierarchy of importance.”
“Adding cosy furs in neutral tones to the Brunel benches, plus plenty of metallic accents like tall candle holders and carafes to the dining table, keeps the scheme feeling organic and homely – matchy-matchy is simply not on trend!”
“When I was setting the bedroom I let my own take on Hygge take over. Donna Wilson's fun textile animals are the perfect way to add that sense of cosiness and who doesn't like a cuddle with a furry friend and a cup of tea in bed?”
“Filling glass vases with strands of eucalyptus gives you a double hit of instant greenery and that wonderful Christmassy smell, without the fuss of complex flower arrangements.”
“Try to think about colour contrast when styling your space - dark blue walls look stylish and sophisticated with crockery in aqua tones, bold yellow candles and gold or brass accessories.”
“Living rooms should be about comfort and relaxation, not calculated matching blankets and cushions. Use a mix of textures – think furs, wools, linens and velvets – and colours to give the space a feeling of fun and informality. I love blue shades combined with ochre and golds – it feels seasonal but not in the usual colour palettes touted at this time of year.”
Whether its a modern update for a rural retreat or adding some rustic charm to an inner-city space, let our Country Kitchen-Diners inspire your next Modern Dining Room.
With all the technology and modern conveniences that fill our everyday lives, there's something about the back-to-basics feel of a traditional English dining room that remains so alluring. Yet these designs are much more than simply nostalgia pieces, with the shaker influence of functional elegance a staple of the best country inspired spaces. Try these four very different takes on the Country Kitchen-Diner and lose yourself in the rural idyll.
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Cook to Perfection
Functionality is at the heart of the country kitchen-diner as evidenced by the Cooks Dining Table, its large work surface (pictured here in marble but also available in oak or urban concrete top) acting as both a place to prep and eat meals.
This makes it a great piece for both big or small spaces acting as a makeshift island complete with storage drawers and hanging rail. We've paired this classic silhouette with a range of mix-and match chairs from the traditionally bentwood and woven wicker Capra to the sharp timber frame of the Risi.
Update with accents
A touch of colour adds a contemporary twist to traditional British furniture with the mix of painted pieces and natural solid woods providing a bold accent to a country kitchen-diner. Striking the balance between traditional and cutting edge, the modern Atlantic Blue finish of the Pinner range helps the traditional silhouettes stand out especially when placed within a minimal décor.
Contemporary timbers
Think country kitchen-diner and you will undoubtedly call to mind beautiful solid wood worktops and furnishings. Yet placed within a city space, rustic unfinished timbers can provide a modern contrast to the more polished surroundings.
The Tree to Table Dining Table provides a real feature design for the dining room, with each cut from a choice of British grown trees (Ash, Limed Beech or Oak) and paired with traditionally forged and hammered iron legs. The range is crafted in Suffolk by Made by the Forge who are also behind the stunning Farrier's Cage Long pendant shown above.
Mid-century makeover
First designed by company founder Lucian Ercolani in the 1950s, the Ercol Original's range brings together the brands most iconic pieces. Their mid-century take on traditional Windsor furniture means they still look fresh within a modern country kitchen-diner especially in the elegant white and fade finish shown above.
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We show you how to create four fresh Scandi inspired Bedroom designs using our exclusive Nordic Bed.
Placing our Nordic King Size Bed at the centre of each shot, we've mixed and matched pieces from our furniture, lighting and home accessories collections to produce four very different interior ideas. Be inspired by our selection of Bedroom settings and shop online to start designing your own. Shop Bedroom
All angles covered
For those with a taste for timeless design, you can't go wrong with the mid-century style of Kay+Stemmer's Agnes Side Table and Eleanor Pritchard's range of contemporary textiles. The new style of Scandinavian design was all the rage in the 1950s and 60s, so it's no surprise our bed sits comfortably alongside the industrial style of Anglepoise, our new Bristol Floor Lamp and our Zox flatweave modern rug.
Nordic King Size Bed £1595 shown with Agnes Side Table £320, Original 1227 Mini Desk Lamp in Black £150, Zox Flatweave Rug from £78, Bristol Floor Lamp in Matt Black & Concrete £185, Egyptian Cotton Bed Linen from £20 and Eleanor Pritchard Cushions and Throws from £110.
Pretty in pink
Colour is definitely on the cards in this bedroom setting, with our exclusive Merino & Cashmere Throw nestled next to Kristjana S William's wildlife inspired silk cushions. Staying on the theme of nature, we've even managed to sneak in a cute faux cactus from Abigail Ahern (don't worry they aren't real prickles) and a natural hide rug from Danish based Linie Design.
Nordic King Size Bed £1595 shown with Nordic Bed Side Table £395 and Tall Chest £895, Crawford Table Lamp £175, Fade Rug from £635, Egyptian Cotton Bed Linen from £20, Merino & Cashmere Throw in Pink & Red £130 and Kristjana S Williams Cushions from £120.
Fun and fancy
Scandinavian design has always had a playful side, so for this bedroom we've injected some fun by teaming the Rockpool quilt and cushion from Safomasi with opulent furniture and lighting. While the McQueen Bedside Table comes courtesy of Matthew Hilton, Danish design abounds with our range of copper lighting.
Nordic King Size Bed £1595 shown with McQueen Bedside Table £2070, Junction Table Lamp in Copper £135, Bristol Floor Lamp in Copper & Dark Wood £200, Egyptian Cotton Bed Linen from £20 and Rockpool Quilt £165 and Cushion£63. Shop Now Back to top
Deep, dishy and good for you, we celebrate this season's 'Power Bowl' food trend with a feast of luxury tableware
Bowls are back in a big way. Whether it's celebrity chefs such as Nigella Lawson filling them with her comforting style of home cooking or the latest wave of #cleanliving bloggers you can't escape food porn pics of these versatile and delectable dishes. So whether it's to adorn your interior or your Instagram account, we thought we'd share a few of our own on-trend Bowls fit for any self-respecting foodie.
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Flute Dinnerware from £7 shown with Mia Sarosi Tableware from £24, Hammershoi Vases from £32, O Wine Tumblers £25, White Marble Chopping Board £60 and Cheese Board £75.
On this culinary trend, our head of Home Sabina Miller comments: “The increasing popularity of bowls is a trend that is set to last. This trend is a direct result of the popularity of healthy heating and celebrity chefs. Healthy porridge, hearty ramen and nutritious salads (think quinoa avocado) have now become staples on the menus of urban eateries.”
Moroccan Dinnerware from £9 shown with Piet Hein Flat Baskets from £80, Mervyn Gers Dinnerware from £10 and Colourful Tumblers £6.
“Bowls conjure up images of fresh breakfast and brunch as well as refreshing and colourful summer salads. They are perfect when having a quick bite on the go or for sharing dishes when partying with friends.”
Mervyn Gers Dinnerware in Black, White, Grey, Sapphire and Teal from £10.
“With a variety of different shapes, styles and sizes, they are also very veratile. Unlike dinner plates, which are often bought in sets with a more classic, conservative design, bowls allow you to experiment and have fun. Like mugs the typical household will have a more eclectic collection of bowls and they are also great as decorative piece and are a more original gift too.”
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If you can’t get away for much of a holiday this summer or you just think that your room could do with a much needed face lift. We have decided to put together a few ways that you could turn your bedroom into a more luxurious and glamorous room. Maximising comfort for that much needed rest you need.
Bedding
I imagine the first thing most people do when they enter a hotel room is fall straight on the bed, diving into a sea of puffy duvets and pillows. White linen in particular is great for establishing a calm and relaxing environment.
Create a seating area
A great place to get ready for the day ahead or even a night cap or a read of a book before bed. Stylish furniture creates a sense of allure within the bedroom. The room doesn’t become so focused around sleep but rather a place for a chill out.
A luxurious throw?
We reckon that your bedroom could probably do with a little extra attention and care. So one thing simple thing to do to give your bedroom a different feel is to put a throw over the bed or a chair. An extra little bit of luxury won’t go amiss. It adds an aura of calm and comfort to the bedroom. Your bedroom could probably do with a little extra attention and care.
Lavish lighting
Bring your bedroom lighting up to date. Ditch the oversized bed lamps and get some more nifty, flexible lighting so that bedtime reading can be a joy rather than a chore. Hotel Boutique rooms are always very well lit, there’s flexible lighting to satisfy all your needs whether it’s next to an arm chair or on a desk.
Ashfield Mattress
Above all the reason why you often feel so refreshed from a holiday is that you have slept well! The best way to go about that is getting a new mattress for your home and make sleeping enjoyable again.
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