Clarkeys LoungeLounge HouseLounge DinerLounge IdeasGrey SodaSoda WhiteContemporary CharcoalSimple ContemporaryGrey Corner SofaForwardI've never been much for simplicity but this looks comfortableFurniture design evolves to cater for open space living OPEN-PLAN living is a way of life for many of us; we have knocked down walls to create a more sociable kitchen-diner-living room or moved into new-build homes that offer this kind of space as a matter of course. JOHN LEWISThe light-filled rooms give a feeling of extra space for families and couples to be together while still being able to do different things.But open-plan living has also changed the way we use furniture, with heavily upholstered sofas and armchairs or chunky dining tables and chairs often too large for the pared-back modern lifestyle.Increasingly we are using furniture to split an open-plan room into designated sections – for eating or working perhaps – which is why John Lewis is launching a new collection called Open Home.
Developed with acclaimed London-based studio Doshi Levien, the furniture is designed to be moved around so you change a room easily whenever the fancy takes you.“When we started working on the collection with John Lewis it was a conversation about how our homes are designed now and how the spaces we live in are merging,” says Nipa Doshi, who founded Doshi Levien in 2000 with her partner Jonathan Levien.“We looked at our living spaces and dining spaces and started thinking about pieces that were sculptural and inviting.”ARGOSThe couple also examined the style of British homes and decided they were warm and inviting thanks to the use of textiles rather than colder materials such as marble and tiles. Good design is now accessible to everyone They used innovative technologies to create sofas and armchairs made from moulded polyurethane, which gives their collection light modern lines, but they finished the pieces with soft textiles designed for comfort.“We live in the Barbican in a duplex apartment and try to define our space through the furniture pieces and that is the essence of the Open House collection,” explains Doshi.“
The pieces can be used anywhere in the home. You can lie on the sofa, it’s big enough to sleep a guest on it, and you can use it as a room partition.”ARGOSLevien adds: “We are also trying to break away from the prescriptive use of furniture, so a sofa can be where you work, where you live.”The Open Home collection will go on sale in February and prices range from £199 for the Falcon lamp to £1,119 for the Nami chair, which looks more like a sculpture than furniture and seems to fl oat above its wooden legs.The Pondok sofa that makes such an ideal room divider will cost £2,499. But John Lewis is not the only company to change its outlook on furniture.The Collection by Argos has just been launched with an aspirational yet affordable theme.Scandinavian-style and 1950s retro designs are part of the mix, with metallic tones for a modern twist in furniture such as coffee tables and a spectacular bed that looks like it has been made from copper pipes.With prices from £24.99 for an anglepoise table lamp, £229.99 for the Aurelie rose gold bedframe and £229.99 for the retro grey Tulwar chair, Argos is pushing the idea of affordable furniture that can be updated as fashions change.
ARGOS“People have become savvier with their purchases and are not afraid to shout about a bargain,” says Alexei Cowan, head of design and trend at Argos.“Like clothing, home furnishings are being purchased at varying price points and being curated to create a comfortable living space.“Good design is now accessible to everyone, thanks to social media and the likes of Instagram and Pintrest. It is an easy way to get informed and inspired and has allowed people to become savvier about interior design and what’s out in the market.”One idea we’re still just catching up with in the UK is the cuddle chair or snuggle seat – bigger than an armchair but smaller than a two-seater sofa.Everyone from John Lewis to Next and DFS sells them now and while they are good designed to be shared with a loved one they’re actually even better as an office.There’s room for your laptop, lunch and a cup of tea – yet another indication of our changing lifestyles. a: Head Office Westbridge Furniture Ltd,
1 Bagillt Road, Greenfield With more than a 400,000 sqft of dedicated UK manufacturing capacity and employing over 900 people we are one of the largest scale British upholstery companies. Occupying four individually tailored and technologically advanced manufacturing sites based in North Wales we design and manufacture exclusive products for all areas of the domestic upholstery market. We are proud supply partners to the biggest and best high street retailers including Marks & Spencer, Next home, John Lewis Partnership and also over 200 independent retailers. We invest in the largest upholstery design and development resource in the UK to ensure we are continually market leading in combining creativity, efficiency and quality, to produce commercially exciting products at a high speed to market. All our products are manufactured and serviced in the UK in close partnership with our vast global and ethical supply base to ensure we are a highly competitive and efficient business.
Westbridge is a pioneering UK environmentally friendly business and has zero waste that goes to landfill. Sumptuous and luxurious our Spirit upholstery collection is the most comfortable way to bring extra style to your home. Generous in scale, great comfort, quality, value; and inspired by exciting new trends is the philosophy behind the Westbridge upholstery range. The same great quality but with a more restricted offer and compact scale means our Elements range is great for a smaller budget. Our Quality and ServiceMay Bank Holiday sales and deals: the best offers from John Lewis, Feather & Black and Arlo & Jacob If you’re planning to take advantage of the epic reductions over the Bank Holiday weekend, then see our helpful guide to the best bargains to purchase online or in-store Thursday 26 May 2016 08:42 BST The May Bank Holiday brings plenty of home and design bargains that can be found in store or online. Here are some of our favourites.