Buying less and ‘buying better’ is a familiar concept to us by now, at least where apparel is concerned. We’re more likely to shell out on a carefully planned purchase from the likes of Net-a-Porter or Whistles than have a payday binge in Topshop or Primark. It makes sense to splurge on something of quality if you know you’re going to love it, and use it forever (or at least for the foreseeable future.) The ultimate cashmere jumper, the classic trench, the staple pair of well-cut black trousers – whatever it may be, we think of these essentials as Things Worth Paying More For. It should also be the case with what we purchase for our homes. Whether it’s a lamp, a rug or a teapot, we use or look at these things every day, so shouldn’t they be of the best possible quality that we can afford? And more importantly, shouldn't we be surrounding ourselves with objects we love and actually want to live with? Made to last and designed with integrity, these investment pieces are the interior equivalent of a white shirt or leather jacket. Timeless and iconic, they’ll stand by you through flatmates, relationships, big moves and new beginnings. Now how many pairs of designer jeans can you say that about?
Designed by Swedish Midcentury designer Greta Grossman, the Gräshoppa desk lamp will give any work space, bedside or side table timeless appeal. Its minimalist, clean lines are so crisp and fresh, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a contemporary design – in actual fact it was designed in 1947. Looking good for pushing 70 don’t you think?
Margaret Howell has long been a champion of the British Midcentury Modern movement, collaborating with the likes of Anglepoise lamps and Ercol Furniture (see next slide) in the past. Now the designer is working alongside influential Northern Ireland fabric weavers Mourne Textiles, and has revived designs from the manufacturer’s archives dating from 1933. Reinvented as handwoven throws and cushions, these textiles exude the kind of understated luxury akin to Howell’s clothing lines. Sure to be part of the fabric of your home for years to come.
Maldwyn Striped Throws, £240 each, available at margarethowell.co.uk
Ercol Furniture was prevalent in Britain during the middle of the 20th century, and you’ll still find many of its pieces from that period installed and beloved in households today. Proudly made in the UK, the Originals Nest of Tables will stand the test of time, having long been considered a bona fide design classic. With their slender, gently tapering legs and organic, fluid lines, they’ll go with almost everything you own, or will own in years to come.
Bedding is bedding, right? Wrong. Because good quality linens will not only last much, much longer than cheap designs, but will feel and look amazing. Easy to care for, cool and coincidentally very of-the-moment (not that we’re slaves to trends of course), washed linen gives off vibes of laid-back glamour that say ‘Me? I woke up like this.’ The Linen Works has lots of beautiful designs in subtle, timeless hues such as Parisian Blue, Cassis Rose and Classic White. That’s what we call beauty sleep.
Linen Bed Linen, from £24 for a pillowcase, thelinenworks.co.uk
A multi-functional product is always a sound investment, especially one that looks this stylish on your counter top and table. Made by iconic Finnish design house Iittala, the Sarpaneva cast iron pot can be used on the stove or in the oven, while its shapely carved wooden handle slides out and can be used as a lever to lift the lid without the need for clumsy oven gloves. A good pot or casserole will last a lifetime and should be a joy to use – this one will no doubt help you cook up several memorable meals.
If you’ve always thought the packaging and design of Parisian perfumer Diptyque’s scents too pretty to resist, there’s a reason why. It was not for scent, but for wallpaper and fabrics the brand was first known. Now the label has gone back to its roots with Collection 34, an homage to the brand’s origins. It includes limited edition cushion covers including this Klimt-like design, which has been reworked from the archives and hints at the brand’s iconic oval motif. Let it add a splash of je ne sais quoi to your sofa.
Ceramics have historically been collectors’ items and heirlooms, but there’s nothing traditional or fusty about the new breed of ceramic artists that have emerged over the last few seasons. Making waves in the world of clay, London-based designer Hannah Bould is a name to know. Her graphic monochrome wares are hand-thrown and sure to give your kitchen table an edge. Bold stuff, indeed.
Coffee paraphernalia may be at an all-time high, what with your aero presses and ceramic filters, but sometimes the old methods are the best. Italian design house Alessi is the undisputed king of kitchen design classics, but the 9090 stove-top espresso maker is a little piece of history in its own right. Alessi’s most popular coffee maker, it was the first of the company’s pieces to be included in the permanent collection of New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). If it’s good enough for MOMA…
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