So remember the other day, when I mentioned that the oak-and-marble Carve table by Bethan Grey was pretty much my dream item at the moment?
Well, there’s no chance of that. Seriously. But I do need a new coffee table; my flatmate is moving to Copenhagen in another month (I know, lucky girl) and taking some of our furniture with her, including that which I routinely rest my tea and feet on while relaxing with my good friend Netflix.
I don’t want to spend a lot to replace it (read: this thing’s gotta be cheap), but I’d love something that felt somewhat similar in style and/or finish to my dream table. Here are a few I’m considering, for one reason or another. If you have any other suggestions, shoot! I’d love something round with a mix of wood and white, but am open to suggestion.
If you live in the UK or are into the design scene over here, you might have heard about furniture designer Bethan Grey. If not, start taking notes now, because you’re going to love this.
Bethan Grey is a Welsh designer who graduated in the 1990′s and was immediately employed by Terence Conran’s Habitat, where she spent several years designing some of the brand’s most popular and iconic pieces. She eventually became Design Director, before leaving to launch her eponymous label in 2008. Since then, she’s become somewhat of an industry darling, and on her way to becoming a household name in her own right.
Grey’s contemporary furniture designs are rooted in craftsmanship and a respect for materials, and collaborations with brands like John Lewis, Crate & Barrel and Wallpaper* magazine have brought her vision to new audiences.
I’m a huge fan of her Carve range of tables, a collaboration with fellow Habitat alum Thomas Turner. I first saw them at Clerkenwell Design Week two years ago, and immediately put one of the oak and white marble coffee tables on my “someday” shopping list.
Somewhat more affordably, Grey has also collaborated with UK department store John Lewis, a partnership resulting in some beautiful oak furniture and some seriously lust-worthy lighting. I mean, just look at that table lamp.
I’m curious– are you fan? And what would you think about a new series around here, looking at UK furniture and textile designers?
If you’ve spent any time at all on Pinterest lately, you’ll know what I mean when I talk about The Coloured Sofa Trend. Pins abound of beautiful, mainly-neutral rooms which get their “pop” of colour not from cushions or art, but from a great big, bright sofa. Hallelujah! After years (decades?) of sofas in dull beiges and boring greys, colour has finally made it to the big (furniture) guns.
I love the look, and have been recommending it to my clients as one that’s fun, modern and surprisingly easy to live with. In fact, a client of mine just bought a purple velvet sofa, and, though I haven’t seen it in person yet, I know it looks fantastic.
I firmly believe that a coloured sofa can be as versatile as any neutral, especially when you choose a colour you love. That might sound obvious (why would you choose a colour you hate?) but what I mean is: don’t think too hard about trends. If you pick a shade you’ve enjoyed for years, you’ll likely enjoy it for years to come. For me, that means green – anything from olive to emerald – though I wouldn’t say no to a beautiful pink or purple, either.
How do you feel about coloured sofas? More importantly, what colour would you choose?
Before I leave you for the weekend (got any exciting plans?) I wanted to share one of my favourite finds from this year’s Decorex show in London. I go every year with work, and to be honest- it usually isn’t my top choice of trade show. It’s a little old-school, formal and well, fancy for my liking, and I tend to prefer the modern wares at shows like 100% Design or Design Junction.
But every now and then, no matter the show, you come across a new-to-you brand that sets your heart aflutter. Such was the case this year with Amy Somerville, a London furniture designer with some seriously beautiful pieces. It was the Raconteur Sofa above which first grabbed my attention– I loved the side panels and those neat, trim bolster cushions. So obviously, when I got back to the office I did a little further research, and discovered that Amy has a whole range of beautiful upholstered pieces, cabinetry and rugs. I’d love a trip to her Primrose Hill showroom to see it all in person, but for now, I’m just going to share a few of my favourite pieces with you.
The sweeping curves of Amy’s upholstered furniture are so feminine and retro I can hardly stand it. Above is the Nephron Sofa, Sloop Chair and Floradora Swivel Chair (don’t you just love that name?).
I think my favourite product category of all are her stools. The New Objectivity Stool had my boss and I squealing over its cuteness, and I love the brass foot panels in the Coin Bar Stool– so unique!
The brand does some great, top-quality cabinetry as well. The Supernova Cabinet was at the show, and I was impressed by both its workmanship and style. But my favourite piece would have to be the adorable Chivalrous Bedside Cabinet.
The small tables are great, as well. Above are the Bauble Table, Lantern Table and B.G.B. Side Table. Any of these would make a great statement piece in an otherwise traditional living room– they just put a smile on my face. Now I just need to find a client who likes them, too!
I first came across the work of London-based upholsterer Aiveen Daly a couple of years ago, when she was featured on the back page of one of my favourite shelter mags, Living etc. (You know, the piece wherein they photograph an impossibly attractive designer-y person and ask them all about their top beauty products, travel destinations, books, etc? Pure, addictive fluff.)
I was attracted to Aiveen’s work because we share a common background. Like me, she is inspired by the world of fashion, both the couture greats of the past and current runway trends. You can clearly see this in her work; chairs feature ruffles, upholstered doors boast decorative studding and lampshades are intricately hand-pleated.
I adore the ruffled chair up top and the upholstered bed, which feels vaguely 30′s-esque. What’s your favourite piece?
