8 key design pieces every home should own
We pick eight of our favourite items of furniture and accessories that will stand the test of time
The triffid-like Juicy Salif lemon squeezer from Alessi may look like something from the future, but this classic piece by Philippe Starck has captured the imagination of a generation of design buffs. Notoriously, it does not squeeze lemons very well, yet it is now happily celebrating its 25th anniversary. Recently, a limited edition of 299 in bronze sold out, while squeezers in white (above) and the original stainless steel remain popular. Regardless of its practicality issues, we love its sleek, sophisticated ultra-modern look.
Fans of the bold British style epitomised by iconic designer David Hicks will love the Benson sofa, created in the Seventies for Parker & Farr and now reissued to mark the brand’s 65th birthday. It measures H74xW213xD84cm. This striking red Benson sofa (above) is upholstered in smart fabric from Olicana (for similar, try GP&J Baker’s Mesa in Red 2014140.9, linen, 138cm wide), but it can be covered in any fabric of your choice.
Crafted in Vermont for Ralph Lauren, this Bennington tableware collection in Agate Blue has a rustic chic feel with enduring appeal and will take pride of place on your table for years to come. The thick spatter of deep cobalt on a warm tan underglaze would work well with a wide variety of kitchen, dining room and country home schemes. Dimensions: platter, 40.5×30.5cm; serving bowl, H11xdiam37cm; pitcher, H19cm; mini bowl, H4.5xdiam8cm.
Evolved from an original design by Kenneth Grange, the Anglepoise Type 75 mini lamp from Design 55 Interiors is the smaller sibling of the Type 75, which makes it perfect for compact home offices. It comes in a range of contemporary colours, including Black, White, Aluminium, Red and Power Blue (above). Dimensions: base, H40xdiam17cm; shade, H15xdiam13cm.
This handsome Slipper chair from Derbyshire-based John Sankey has a deep-set seat and low profile, making it ideal for cosying up in on cold evenings. The design is shown here in Rodin Slate herringbone with contrast velvet piping and deep hand buttoning, but it can be customised using the interactive tool on the company’s website, which helps you choose from a selection of fabrics and leathers, as well as quilted pleats and studding.
Inspired by traditional French bateau beds, the handcrafted Claremont by Simon Horn makes a grand but elegant statement with a contemporary twist. Shown above in dramatic feathered mahogany panelling, the bed is also available in limed black paint and burr walnut in sizes from single to emperor.
It’s been 60 years since designer Robert Welch set up his studio in Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds. To celebrate, a book has been launched, Robert Welch – Design: Craft and Industry (published by Laurence King), alongside the Legacy Collection, which features classic pieces such as the Hobart nutcracker (above), H15cm, originally designed in 1964. Made from cast iron with a black finish, the Hobart comes packaged in limited edition commemorative packaging, making it an ideal Christmas gift.
Inspired by the original Eames DSW dining chair, which has remained a celebrated furniture classic of the 20th century, this Charles-Eames style DSW chair, H82xW46xD50cm, from Cult Furniture is the perfect combination of comfort and style. It is available in a range of pantone-inspired colours, including this gorgeous lemon yellow (above), which is sure to give any dining room or kitchen a touch of class.
For more stylish shopping ideas, check out these British design classics.
