In People’s Homes

The Makings Of A Modern Home

While the King’s Coronation may have been and gone, the historic event provided a timely reason for Heal’s to look back on the way the modern home has evolved over the years, and examine the specific influences that have caused it to change so significantly. To help, we commissioned an exclusive piece of consumer research and enlisted the expertise of British historian, broadcaster and filmmaker Professor David Adetayo Olusoga OBE, whose partner's mother, Diane, was rather fittingly part of the Heal’s design fabric team back in the ‘60s. He explains: “When we talk about history, we are taught to understand the role of past wars and the previous kings and queens on contemporary society. Often overlooked is the way that these have influenced the fabric of the way we live, and the impact this has had within our home. As the first major televised event in Britain, the Queen’s Coronation in 1953 was a historic moment, and one that changed the dynamic of the home overnight. It led to millions buying their first television, which replaced the fireplace as the focal point of the room, and the concept of positioning our sofas around the TV screen for the best vantage point remains to this day.” Fast-forward to 2023, and the rise of remote working – triggered by a series of lockdowns during the pandemic – has had a similarly influential effect on our interior design, with the desk now crowned as the most practical piece for today’s home by three in four households. Seemingly, working at the dining table or on the sofa aren’t good enough for regular hybrid-workers, and our backs will likely thank us for it. Elsewhere in the home, 97% of the population now considers the fridge as essential – perhaps as we get more discerning about the quality of our food and continue to prioritise our physical health? – while a king-sized bed is a must-have for one in four (sleep has never been more conducive to health and success while there’s even an annual Sleep Awareness Week) and 42% of those surveyed can’t live without a smart TV (an increasingly vital, and varied, source of inspiration and information). Interestingly, ice machines are out in the cold along with home cinemas, with 92% of us considering them unnecessary luxuries. Global pandemics and royal coronations haven’t been the only influences on our interiors in the past 100 years, either. David says: “Globalisation has allowed for international schools of thought to cross our borders. Founded in 1919, the Bauhaus spearheaded a wave of experiential design through the introduction of modernist tubular furniture, which focused on an elegant balance of form and function. More than a century later, it’s not hard to see how the Bauhaus continues to shape contemporary interiors, with the UK’s most recognisable designs including pieces like the Barcelona chair.” He adds: “As one of the first in the UK to bring this new international style to a wider audience, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the part that Ambrose Heal played in introducing revolutionary design to a whole new generation. His pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to innovation continues to drive the brand’s successors today, as Heal’s carries on supporting innovative work and collaborating with established designers and up-and-coming talent.” Pre-Bauhaus, the British famously decorated their homes conservatively, characterised by Victorian and Edwardian influences in dark colour schemes and highly ornate furnishings. That’s all changed. “The need for design aesthetic and functionality have clearly become embedded within today’s homes,” David says, “as these notions are the biggest influences for three in five of us when purchasing furniture, closely followed by the need for comfort.” One thing that hasn’t changed at all during the passing years? Longevity. David concludes: “As coveted furniture icons stand the test of time, transcending not only evolving trends and wider societal influences, but also changes in the demands placed on our interiors, the nation’s respect for quality craftsmanship and unique design is clear.” Good news for customers of Heal’s, then, as we were one of the first to bring design classics and future heirlooms to British customers. For David, the Anglepoise lamp by George Carwardwine represents the “epitome of elegant yet functional design” and remains “the UK’s most recognisable product for the home”, while the 1958 Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen is still “the nation’s most sought-after piece” with “a shape so iconic and likeable it would sit proud in most homes across the country.” It's not the first time Heal’s has invested in customer behaviour. Back in 1960, we were among the only retailers to commission consumer research, and it informed the design of the Fitzroy Robinson extension at our flagship store on Tottenham Court Road – from the clever use of lighting to highlight collections to greater space for leisurely browsing and a permanent display of no less than 11 kitchens. More than 40 years after vacating the Mid-Century space, we’ve just reclaimed it as part of our all-new extension, increasing our footprint to 49,000-square-foot across two floors. So, why not visit to discover an extended edit of curated designs and Heal’s curations for the way you live in your house today? Browse and buy from the best of classic – and contemporary – design at Heal's.

In People’s Homes

How To Host A Summer Party

Here comes the sun, at last, and with it a chance to throw open the doors to entertain friends and family this summer. From outdoor dining mid-week to Friday-night drinks, a host of social occasions await this season, but you’ll need the right furniture and accessories to make your al fresco fit for purpose and fun. y Here, we round-up the hottest pieces to browse and buy for outdoors right now, whether tables that set the stage or seating that sweeps you off your feet. This year, make it a great British summer to remember. Eos rectangular outdoor dining by Case The best table in the house Sizzling steaks just served from the barbecue. Fresh salads presented in the centre of the table. And jugs of Pimm’s for everyone to enjoy. Summer is all about al fresco dining with those you love. So, why not update your dining table for setting the scene this season? The EOS rectangular outdoor dining table has been designed by British talent Matthew Hilton to provide a visually and physically lightweight piece for the garden with smart proportions and elegant aesthetics that complement the rest of the collection (also including chairs, tables, benches and loungers). It’s crafted from powder-coated aluminium, which doesn’t rust to stay looking good for longer, while everything can be dismantled for storing easily during the winter. No wonder it was awarded the Design Guild Mark by The Furniture Makers’ Company. Tanso outdoor 3 seater sofa by Case The exclusive seating area Over time, outdoor seating has evolved to be more sophisticated than in the past, offering the same level of comfort and style as you’d expect of the living room. The Tanso is a case in point, inspired by the simplicity of Japanese furniture and crafted from high-quality teak selected for its weather-resistance. It’s so refined, in fact, it would be just at home inside and it is outside. Plump for the three-seater plus armchair, both of which feature a beautiful curved profile, to accommodate guests more than comfortably – and team with an outdoor rug, such as Garden Layers by Valencia-based GAN, to zone your outdoor seating area and add more texture. 12 piece box set by Heal's + L.F.Markey The ‘it’ tableware Is it even summer if you haven’t painstakingly curated an Instagrammable tablescape? Layer yours with the block colours, abstract patterns and organic silhouettes in the covetable tableware from our first exclusive collaboration with independent fashion label L.F.Markey. This 12-piece box set brings joy to the table with chargers, plates and bowls finished in a mix of glazes with a tactile matt finish that will get everyone talking. Better still, everything is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, making entertaining an absolute breeze. Orion portable LED outdoor table lamp by Heal's The summer glow While flickering candles provide a flattering glow for outdoor entertaining, sometimes you need something a little stronger or more focused, in which case a portable table lamp, this summer’s hottest trend with an expanding range of styles now available, is just the thing. Our first own-brand portable table lamp, Orion, features a weighted base and a chargeable light. Perfect for taking outdoors, with up to eight hours of battery life chargeable via a USB cable, it comes in a finish of off-white or matt black to suit your scheme and is dimmable for dialling up or down the brightness according to the ambience required. The soft, downward glow is spot-on for intimate gatherings beneath a blanket of twinkling stars. Tradition recycled cotton throw orange by Brita Sweden The must-have blanket While British summers are certainly getting warmer, it’s safe to say that we’re still not experiencing the humidity of Italy or the temperatures of Greece, so it’s best to invest in a couple of soft, cosy throws for guests to wrap around their shoulders on chillier evenings or later nights. Our Tradition throw, made from 100% recycled cotton by family-run Scandi label Brita Sweden, is available in orange or green and provides a stylish way to keep warm during the summer months. Roll and store in a basket, such as this from Ligne Roset, for guests to help themselves. Tallo planter by Heal's The finishing touches A little greenery brings life and lushness to any garden gathering, but a stylish planter for housing said foliage and flowers can be just as impactful. With its distinctive two-tone colourway, the ceramic Tallo planter is our pick for your plants, featuring an engobe matt exterior and a waterproof gloss interior. Better still, it’s handmade by skilled makers in Stoke-on-Trent, ensuring quality craftsmanship from even your earthenware. After all, it’s the little details that get noticed. Luke LED outdoor string lights clear starter set by Sirius The gifts to give hosts Going to a soirée rather than hosting one this summer? Don’t turn up empty-handed. Design aficionados will appreciate something beautiful for their space as much as a decent bottle of wine. You can never have too many placemats, so stock-up on four, six or eight of this linen style in dusky pink for your host, or take a bunch of freshly-picked flowers in our Round Bud vase in colours inspired by the Cyclades. Otherwise, a string of outdoor lights always goes down a storm, whether suspended above the table or festooned in a tree. Canopy pitcher by LSA International Shop more sustainably this summer 1 From glasses to vases, you can always entrust LSA International with your entertaining needs, and this Canopy pitcher in collaboration with The Eden Project – made from 100% recycled glass and featuring a cork stopper – is perfect for pouring water and keeping everyone hydrated during long, hot summer days. 2 Woven in Italy from recycled plastic bottles, the Greenwich cushion in blue, yellow or green can be used both outside and inside, while its cushion is tough enough to stand up to the elements without compromising on softness. Layer on benches with patterned styles for an eclectic look. 3 Not only does the rustic Romilly rug in warm terracotta add instant Mediterranean vibes to your terrace, but it’s made from recycled plastic bottles, while being GoodWeave-certified – the best assurance that something is made without child labour.

In People’s Homes

Entertain Like A Designer This Easter

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.

In People’s Homes

The Secret To Sleeping Better

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.

Influencer Edits

Interior Planning Service: Creating A Modern Country Bedroom For A Former London Family

Moving from London to the Cotswolds is no mean feat, but with the help of Helen from our Interior Planning Service, influencer Beth (@bethsandland) and her family were able to create a modern country bedroom befitting of their new life in Oxfordshire. At once contemporary but timeless, it's a stylish room for rest and relaxation, providing a much-needed sanctuary for the mother-of-one after another busy day juggling toddler Ziggy and her mentoring business – not to mention her interiors account, book club and online magazine. We caught up with Beth and TC to find out all about her collaboration with our Interior Planning Service, her favourite pieces and how the room works for them. Beth, TC and Ziggy in their new bedroom Hello, Beth. Can you tell us about your home and family? Beth: We moved from a two-bed London flat to a large family home on the edge of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds in the spring of 2022. I was immediately drawn to the floorplan; the previous owners had lived here for 30 years so it needed a lot of modernisation but the potential was huge. I love the space – especially the size of the master bedroom – and the outlook, too; we’ve got lots of fields and meadows on our doorstep and my son can see cows out of his window! I live with my husband, TC, our toddler, Ziggy, and our toy cockapoo puppy, Martha – plus, we have another baby on the way! Cosy and comforting – a serene dream What was your ambition for the décor? B: I really wanted to lean into a modern countryside aesthetic that felt fresh but timeless. I love neutrals and muted tones that are easy to style with the changing seasons. My goal for our bedroom was to make it feel like a boutique hotel! I took Pinterest boards and other ideas to the designer at Heal's and loved walking around the store to get a real feel for the pieces and textures that might work best in the space. A corner for curling up with a good book How did you find working with our IPS team? B: The floorplan and moodboard were so helpful, particularly in visually communicating the ideas to my husband while they were still in my head, while Helen suggested pieces I wouldn’t have even thought of. The Barrington armchair and Tom Raffield lights are great examples – I love the masculine tones they bring to the space and the mix of materials like leather and wood. It really helped to create to that boutique hotel vibe I was after, whilst still being a really useable, family space. A bench for taking a breather at the end of the day How do you feel about the finished space? B: Our bedroom makes me happy every day. I can’t wait to snuggle up in bed each night – and that’s not just because I’m pregnant or chasing a toddler around all day! I’m so proud of the space and it functions beautifully for us as a family. Beth and Ziggy Finally, what would you say is your favourite piece and why? B: It’s almost impossible to choose! I love the Retta headboard, because it’s such a focal piece, but it’s really comfortable to use, too. Scatter cushions and a bedspread add texture and depth Hello, Helen. Can you tell us about the brief? Helen: The project was designing the master bedroom of a beautiful family home nestled in the Cotswolds. The brief was to take inspiration from the signature aesthetic of Studio McGee, an internationally-renowned interior design firm in the US, which is currently enjoying a third season of its hit interiors show ‘Dream Home Makeover’ on Netflix. The look combines natural textures, tones and materials with a beautifully-muted colour palette inspired by nature. Maximising storage potential was also a key requirement, while keeping the proportions of the room balanced, so it didn’t feel cluttered with too much furniture. Curated accessories make for an Instagrammable corner How did you begin? H: Initially, I met Beth at our flagship store on Tottenham Court Road to discuss ideas and get a better understanding of her overall goals. She wanted the room to feel light, bright and spacious, but with a warm, peaceful and welcoming vibe. At that time, Beth and her husband were considering installing Velux windows, which is a wonderful way to really maximise the amount of natural light. Beth had prepared a Pinterest board and her images provided a very clear design brief with the key elements of a neutral colour palette with soft beiges, sage greens, wood tones and warm terracottas. Texture also played an important role in the design scheme, so we were keen to explore fabric options for the upholstery, while using an eclectic mix of light and dark woods to allow the scheme to feel considered yet natural. Bedside beautiful – practical and pretty Talk us through the steps, from initial brainstorm to product selection and install day? H: After the initial consultation with Beth, we prepared a floorplan to ensure we were both on the same page with the layout and location of the key items. I was then able to start shortlisting pieces that matched her design brief. Selecting the right bed was a key decision, and given the generous room proportions and high ceilings, the couple opted for the luxurious Lift Storage Divan Bed in a super-king size paired with the Retta Headboard. The tall profile of the headboard worked really well with the height of the room while the fluted detailing was softened with bouclé fabric. The width of the space also allowed us to select matching chests of drawers either side of the bed, rather than traditional bedsides, which provided symmetry and balance together with lots of useful storage. While we browsed the showroom together, we spotted additional items that could work, such as the Lisbon Bench from our ‘Designed by You’ range in the dining department. I then created a moodboard to illustrate how all of our shortlisted pieces worked as a cohesive scheme and mapped these onto a scaled floorplan using our CAD software. It was at this stage we added further items to inject some additional contrast. Install day was exciting and went very smoothly. All items were consolidated in our warehouse and a delivery date was agreed. It was wonderful to see our carefully-made plans literally come to life! Dressing the room with all the final touches, like books, candles and foliage, brought everything together. Ziggy Was it a collaborative process? H: Working with the IPS design team at Heal’s is always a collaborative process! We partner closely with our customers to fully understand their individual priorities for their homes, allowing us to shortlist solutions tailored to fit their personal style and budget, resulting in beautifully-balanced design schemes. A windowsill sets the stage for treasured items Are there any key pieces you knew would work well in the space? H: Since many of the colours and finishes Beth had selected were lighter tones – such as pale oak, natural bouclé and white linen – I was keen to introduce pieces to inject some contrast into the scheme. The Barrington armchair was the perfect choice for the corner as it added depth while smaller accessories such as the Wideboy Clock and Square Vase created balance. An armchair for kicking-back and relaxing Finally, what would you say to someone thinking about working with a designer at IPS? H: Go for it! If you you’re feeling overwhelmed with the huge choice available from Heal’s, our IPS is perfect, as the design team is here to guide you through every decision to ensure that your final scheme is cohesive and considered.

In People’s Homes

How To Create A Harmonious Space For Home Working

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.