For more than two centuries, Heal’s has championed design that looks beyond the moment. From pioneering modernist furniture to the designers shaping contemporary interiors today, our history has always been rooted in discovering what comes next.
But what makes a design an icon?
Some pieces become icons because they change the way we live. Others challenge convention, introduce new materials or manufacturing techniques, or simply possess a quality that allows them to remain relevant long after trends have passed. The Eames Lounge Chair is one such example. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, it has become one of the most recognisable pieces of modern design, its combination of craftsmanship, comfort and distinctive form making it as relevant today as it was when first introduced.
This London Design Festival, we’re looking towards the future with a selection of pieces that embody the qualities we believe can define tomorrow’s design classics. From emerging talent discovered through the Heal’s Discovers programme to exclusive designs created with established names, these are pieces designed not simply for today, but with longevity in mind.
The Fisher Desk – Michiel Vrenegoor
Discovered through Heal’s Discovers, the Fisher Desk by Michiel Vrenegoor brings a considered architectural quality to the modern workspace. Its oak A-frame, generous surface and integrated storage are rooted in traditional making techniques, while its clean, sculptural form responds to the evolving role of the home office.
It is a piece that demonstrates how good design can adapt to changing ways of living without compromising on simplicity or character.
The Matera Sofa – Heal’s Design Studio
The Matera Sofa draws on the enduring language of contemporary Italian design, with elegant proportions, subtle curves and hand-sewn pleated detailing. Named after the southern Italian town where it is made, its design is understated yet distinctive.
Created with longevity in mind, Matera demonstrates that a future classic does not need to follow a trend. Sometimes, it is the quiet confidence of good proportions, considered craftsmanship and enduring materials that gives a piece its staying power.
The Arch Console – Magnus Pettersen
With its sculptural silhouette and distinctive curved legs, the Arch Console by Magnus Pettersen shows how simplicity can create a lasting impression.
Available in solid oak or walnut, its architectural form gives the piece a strong visual identity while allowing it to sit naturally within a range of interiors. It is an example of design that makes a statement without relying on excess, allowing the quality of its materials and construction to speak for itself.
The Neva Light Chair – Regular Company for Artisan
The Neva Light Chair by Regular Company for Artisan takes a simple idea and gives it an expressive new form. Its flowing backrest transitions seamlessly into the legs, creating a distinctive silhouette that feels both sculptural and remarkably light.
Crafted from solid wood, the chair reflects Artisan’s commitment to traditional craftsmanship while demonstrating how familiar forms can be reinterpreted for contemporary living. It is this balance between heritage and innovation that gives the Neva the qualities of a potential future classic.
The Supernova Pendant – Heal’s Design Studio
Inspired by the explosive beauty of a supernova, the Supernova Pendant turns lighting into a sculptural centrepiece. A constellation of connected LED lights creates a sense of movement and depth, bringing a sense of wonder to an otherwise functional object.
Its design looks firmly towards the future, demonstrating how technology can be used not simply to improve function, but to create an entirely new visual language for the home.
The Offset Rug – Heal’s Design Studio
The Offset Rug brings a contemporary perspective to traditional weaving. Its bold geometric pattern is created through jacquard construction, giving the design depth and texture while 95% wool provides a natural sense of warmth and durability.
Rather than following a fleeting pattern, Offset explores how geometry, material and craftsmanship can work together to create something with lasting character.
The Melt Light – Tom Dixon
Some designs become recognisable simply by their silhouette. Tom Dixon’s Melt Light is one of them.
Inspired by molten glass, melting glaciers and deep space, its organic form creates an almost otherworldly glow. The innovative manufacturing process gives the light its distinctive, fluid appearance, blurring the boundaries between lighting, sculpture and art.
Now recognised as a defining piece of contemporary lighting, Melt offers a glimpse of how the designs of today can become the classics of tomorrow.
The Verona Sideboard – Nathan Yong
Designed by award-winning designer Nathan Yong exclusively for Heal’s, the Verona Sideboard takes inspiration from the architectural lines of 1960s stereo consoles and reinterprets them for contemporary living.
Its slatted front creates a distinctive rhythm while generous storage gives the design a practical purpose. It is this combination of heritage, innovation and functionality that makes Verona particularly relevant to the idea of the future icon: a piece that looks to the past without being defined by it.
The Lilli Sofa – Says Who
Designed exclusively for Heal’s by Danish studio Says Who, the Lilli Sofa reflects a contemporary understanding of comfort. Its softly rounded form, subtle pull-in stitching and natural beech feet give it a relaxed yet considered character.
Its modular construction is equally important. Designed to adapt as lifestyles change, Lilli demonstrates that longevity is not simply about how a piece looks, but how successfully it continues to serve us over time.
The Marlow 4-Poster Bed – Tim Rundle
The traditional four-poster bed is an enduring piece of furniture, but Tim Rundle’s Marlow offers a distinctly contemporary interpretation.
Designed exclusively for Heal’s, its slim frame, refined proportions and minimal aesthetic retain the sense of occasion associated with the traditional four-poster while removing unnecessary ornamentation. The result is a piece that feels rooted in history but unmistakably of its time.
A future classic is often a familiar idea seen differently. Marlow is a case in point.
So, what makes a future icon?
There is no formula for creating an icon. The pieces that endure are often those that combine several qualities: a distinctive point of view, exceptional craftsmanship, thoughtful materials and a genuine understanding of how people live.
Most importantly, they have the ability to move beyond the moment in which they were created.
The Eames Lounge Chair could not have predicted the homes, lifestyles or technologies of the decades that followed it. Yet its fundamental qualities have allowed it to remain relevant across generations.
Perhaps that is the real measure of an icon.
Not whether it is fashionable today, but whether we will still want to live with it tomorrow.
This London Design Festival, Heal’s is celebrating the designers and pieces that have the potential to shape that future.
Future icons will be on display at Heal’s Tottenham Court Road from Saturday, 12 September until Sunday, 20 September. Discover the exhibition in-store throughout London Design Festival.
See more
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Happy Earth Day! The theme for Earth Day this year is "Restore Our Earth" and to celebrate we’re sharing 10 sustainable pieces to add to your home. Tea Tall Vase by Dust London Designed by Dust London, the Tea vase is part of a cutting-edge collection that transforms tea waste into beautiful homeware. The process begins with a vase mould made using traditional origami techniques. Teabags are then dried out, blended and mixed with a non-toxic binder before being poured in the mould. The end result is a fully functional vase that’s strong enough to hold water and soil, making this the perfect vessel for flowers and plants. With each new vase, Dust London are challenging the perception of what sustainable design can be. Glide and Circuit Natural Dye Cushions by Ceres Ceres Natural Dye Glide Cushion and Ceres Natural Dye Circuit Cushion London-based design studio Ceres designed the Glide and Circuit cushions exclusively for Heal’s. Inspired by modern architecture, both designs are a bold composition of shapes and colours that bring the light and vibrancy of summer into the home. Hand-printed in Brixton using all-natural dyes, the colours are derived entirely from locally collected plants and bio-waste. Ocean Outdoor Collection by Mater Ocean Outdoor Collection Offering a sustainable alternative to traditional outdoor furniture, the Ocean outdoor collection was designed by Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel for Mater. Available in black and sand finishes, the table top is crafted using ocean waste and recycled plastic with a robust steel base. Furthermore, when the table reaches the end of its lifespan it can be easily disassembled and recycled. Celebrated for its innovation and sustainable materials, the Ocean collection was honoured with a Wallpaper* Design Award in 2019. Way Collection by Ferm Living Way Collection Handwoven entirely from recycled cushions, the Way Collection by Ferm Living is not only eco-friendly, but also a stylish and durable decorative item perfect for sprucing up your indoor or outdoor space. The monochrome pattern is framed by asymmetric white fringe, creating a look that is both classic and contemporary at the same time. Canopy vases by LSA International Canopy Vases Collection Designed in collaboration with the Eden Project, the Canopy Collection by LSA is handcrafted using 100% recycled glass. Featuring various shapes, sizes and features, the Canopy range is ideal for all indoor plant enthusiasts, or an ideal gift to hold beautiful bouquets. Each piece is boxed in recycled, recyclable packaging printed with organic vegetable inks to further minimise the impact on the environment. Mistral sofa in Tejo Recycled Ochre Mistral sofa in Tejo Recycled Ochre Our best-selling Mistral sofa was recently revamped and refreshed using 100% recycled Tejo fabric from Designers Guild's award-winning Lisbon collection, which has been woven using salvaged yarns from the Italian fashion industry. The perfect blend of design, practicality and sustainability, don’t you think? Greenwich Recycled Outdoor Cushions Greenwich Recycled Outdoor Cushions Add a touch of style to your outdoor furniture with the Greenwich eco-friendly cushions. Woven in Italy from recycled plastic bottles, the Greenwich is a modern, durable cushion that can be used to spruce up both indoor and outdoor spaces. Each cushion is reversible with a subtle two-tone design and are perfect for layering on sofas or garden benches. Romilly Recycled Outdoor Rug Romilly Recycled Outdoor Rug Exclusively available at Heal’s, the grey Romilly rug is a unique design piece crafted entirely from eco-friendly materials. Hand-woven from recycled plastic bottles, each rug is made from a yarn that’s highly durable yet surprisingly soft to the touch. Romilly comes in a choice of three sizes and is also available as a runner, so it lends itself beautifully to entrance halls and living rooms. Equal parts rustic and contemporary, the rug also comes in a choice of three colours to perfectly suit your space. Teise Organic Mirror Teise Organic Mirror Designed by Ben Fowler exclusively for Heal’s, the Teise Organic Mirror is an elegant home accessory with sustainability at its core. Ben and his factory believe in the philosophy of the Arts and Crafts movement – that furniture should be both useful and beautiful. This mirror is exactly that, with an irregular frame that’s made from FSC-certified ash and steam-bent into natural curves. The attention to detail and expert craftmanship results in a timeless, keep-for-life piece of furniture. Handwoven Cotton Throw Handwoven Cotton Throw Traditionally woven from sustainable waste cotton, the cosy Handwoven cotton throw from Original Home is a soft accessory that can be used all around the home. Hand-woven on a traditional loom in Central Java, the throw comes in two natural colour to complement the light and airy design schemes. Adding a rustic charm to any living space, the throw is complete with tasselled fringe at the end. It’s also thick enough to keep you comfortable on a chilly evening.
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The quintessential festive tipple, no Christmas party is complete without a warming glass of mulled wine. So to help you get the perfect blend of sugar, citrus and spice, we’ve concocted our own yuletide guide to this classic Christmas cocktail. Ingredients: 2 oranges The peel of one lemon 150 g caster sugar 5 whole cloves 1 cinnamon stick (and extra to serve) 1 bay leaf 1 star anise 2 bottles of red wine (Syrah or Malbec) Brandy (optional) The method: To make the syrup, in a large saucepan place the sugar, spices, lemon peel and the peel and juice of one of the oranges. Add a dash of wine, just enough to cover the sugar, place on a mild heat and bring to the boil making sure to stir occasionally. Once the syrup is nice and thick, turn down the heat and add the rest of the wine plus a glug of brandy. Wait until the mulled wine is heated through, taste and add more brandy if preferred. To serve, cut the second orange into rounds and add to each glass as garnish alongside a cinnamon stick (optional). Your choice of vessel really depends on the occasion. While some prefer to keep things sophisticated with a traditional stemmed glass, there’s something so right about serving your mulled wine in a designer mug. We’ve opted for a stemless wine tumbler and carafe to give an informal yet elegant look to Christmas drinks. Tips & tricks: • Put loose spices and ingredients into a muslin cloth and tie to ensure all the flavour is released without the residue. • With so many flavours going on, we recommend using a fruity, full-bodied wine such as Syrah or Malbec to punch through the sugary sweetness. • Alternatively, if you’ve got a bottle of red lying about that you regret buying, now’s the perfect time to get rid of it – mulling will help cover up the taste of cheap plonk and a drop of brandy will ensure your guests are none the wiser. • Try switching brandy with ginger wine for a fiery finish or sloe gin to really bring out those berry flavours. • Don’t forget the longer you heat your mulled wine the more alcohol you’ll burn off. It’s all a matter of how merry you wish to get, so we’ll leave it up to your better judgment.
