Whether you are a first time buyer or a seasoned fixer-upper, moving home can be a stressful experience. In our experience the best way to soothe the nerves is to go furniture shopping. Don't know where to start? Here is our guide on the essentials for a stylish and happy new home.
Lounge and Relax
The living room is the centre of the home and the sofa its star attraction. Set the right tone with a sofa that feels generous, inviting and timeless - something you could impress your guests with as well as binge-watch Netfix on - such as the Atelier Sofa from Stellar Works. Team it with a statement armchair, like the Rowan Lounge Chair from Dare Studio, which stands out with its striking geometric forms, for maximum visual impact. We would complement the seating with a few coffee tables at different heights which can be re-arranged to suit different needs. The Fortuna Tables from Boca do Lobo fit the bill perfectly. The design is inspired by tree trunks and they come in various interesting material options, especially brass. As for lighting, we love the Can Can Floor Lamp from Ghidini 1961, which cleverly combines ambient and task lighting in a sleek and stylish package.
1. Atelier Sofa by Stellar Works | 2. Rowan Lounge Chair by Dare Studio | 3. Fortuna Tables by Boca Do Lobo | 4. Can Can Floor Lamp by Ghidini 1961
Wine and Dine
The dining area is the beating heart of the home - the stage for feasts and celebrations, a place for family gatherings as well as an occasional office and homework hub. Go for a dining table which feels grand enough for special occasions and friendly enough for everyday use, such as the pill-shaped Eternel Dining Table from Milla&Milli. It works well with the beautifully intricate Duomo Chair from Woak or with the Moulin Chair from Mambo, which looks welcoming with its curvaceous backrest. Top it all with the Arch Suspension Light from Oblure, its elegant arches and contemporary style a perfect match for the table and chairs.
1. Eternel Dining Table by Milla & Milli | 2. Duomo Chair by Woak | 3. Moulin Chair by Mambo Unlimited Ideas | 4. Arch Suspension Light by Oblure
Working From Home
Working from home is pretty much a necessity these days, but there is no need to compromise your style with utilitarian desks and ugly office chairs. Try instead the Kuyu Desk from Zeitraum. Its compact size will fit most spaces and its unusual triangular shape is great to look at once the laptop has been cleared away at the end of the working day. For those who are more space constrained we would recommend the Flatmate Wall Desk from Mueller, a clever solution which combines a folding desk with storage, lighting and power. Complete the look with the chic and cool T-Lamp Table Light from Frama, which works great as a task light as well as the Box Trolley from Bordbar, a stylish and fun depository for all the stationery and cables.
1. Kuyu Desk by Zeitraum | 2. Flatmate Wall Desk by Mueller | 3. T-Lamp Table Light by Frama | 4. Box Trolley by Bordbar
Smart Storage
Functionality and versatility are essential features for great storage solutions. The modular Mecano Shelving System from Diesel Living scores highly on both counts. Its industrial details, such as exposed nuts and joints, serve to highlight its function in a stylish and architectural way. For those with a penchant for elaborate decoration we would suggest the Traje de Luces Cabinet from Dooq, with its flamboyant relief and rattan mesh panels inspired by travels in Spain. It is perfect as a statement drinks cabinet in the living room or as a wardrobe in the bedroom. On the other hand, for a more contemporary design scheme, the concrete and wood Dice Storage Collection from Lyon Beton would work beautifully, adding a dash of industrial cool whilst satisfying your shelving needs. Last but not least, set a great first impression with the Zenobio Coat Rack from Formae at the entrance hall, a sleek and graphic design which looks fabulous with or without coats on.
Slumber in Style
Bedrooms are mainly for sleeping in, but you would want to keep your eyes open to enjoy great designs such as the Redondo Bed from Moroso, with its luxurious velvet upholstery and hand embroidered details. Pair it with the indulgent Big Foot Bench from 101 Copenhagen, irresistible with its lush sheepskin upholstery and perfect as an all purpose bench at the base of the bed. A pair of Play II Wall Lights from Utu Soulful Living would look great as bedside lamps, whilst the Vanilla Noir Oro Woman in Paris Vanity Table from Scarlet Splendour would add a good dose of romance and glamour. Well worth staying up for!
