My 5 Favorite English Furniture and Lighting Finds
Came to London. Ate a crumpet. Looked at some furniture. Got emotional in Pimlico.
I popped over to London in March—my first time back since I lived there many moons (and TopShop jackets) ago. And gosh, I’d forgotten how much I adore that city. Yes, I did the nostalgic lap around old haunts (cue emotional sandwich on the Thames), but I also made it my mission to sniff out some stellar design brands. Some old flames, some fresh finds.
Before I get too carried away, a quick little heads-up: Bree and I are hosting a London Design Tour this September! Yes, we’ll be there during London Design Festival, and yes, it’s going to be fabulous. Think inspiration, exclusive access, designy goodness, and probably a well-dressed cocktail or two.
Want in? Pop your name on the waitlist to be the first to get the details.
Here are five British brands that are absolutely doing the most right now.
1. Pinch
The Anders Light is having a moment. Like, a moment. I’ve spotted it in all the right projects by clever interior designers, and seeing it IRL? Worth it.
But what really stopped me was their timber dining chair—elegant, a little bit Shaker, very “quiet confidence.” The showroom staff were also lovely—friendly, helpful, not at all intimidating (rare!). And the best bit? Pinch is now stocked by In Good Company in Melbourne. HALLELUJAH.
2. Ochre
Ochre and I go way back. I’ve had images of their lighting saved to my crusty old desktop since 2011. (Yes, that desktop still exists. No, I won’t let it go.) Their decorative lighting is next-level—soft, sculptural, and deliciously moody. Seeing the glasswork up close did not disappoint.
Just across Pimlico Road, I stumbled into The New Craftmaker and… well, I’m still thinking about a tiled drinks cabinet I spotted there. Entirely tiled. The whole thing. It was SO unexpected and SO stunning, I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. The piece is by Matthew Raw, a tile artist working between Paris and London. It was giving art, function, and a little bit of obsession. I would like one for my lounge room please.
I first met Michael at Salone del Mobile in Milan in 2017, but I didn’t know I was speaking to the man himself. He was so approachable and humble.
His work is the epitome of quiet brilliance—minimal, sculptural, and so beautifully balanced. You’ve definitely seen his pieces before, even if you didn’t know it. His iconic IC Collection for Flos has graced many a stylish room, restaurant, and Pinterest board. When Michael was in Melbourne for Mobilia’s Design Circus, I realised that there is a lot more to Michael than lighting. He has designed furniture, tiles and other everyday objects too.
There’s something intriguing about artists who turn their talents to furniture, and Max Collins is a prime example. His work blurs the line between sculpture and function— a piece feels like it should be behind glass and in your living room. He’s exhibited at prestigious places (hello, British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale), but what excites me most is where he’s going next. Consider this your official heads-up: Max Collins is one to watch.
Not furniture OR lighting but this is worth mentioning:
If you’re a colour lover and appreciate the details of a space, you may be across Matilda Goad. For those that aren’t familiar, to give you a taster, her range includes a polished brass backplace for a knob in the shape of a monkey. Scalloped lampshades, and wonderfully individual accessories for the home come in every colour of the rainbow.
We would love to see you in London, it is going to be incredibly inspiring and wonderful. Be the first to know more information so pop you name down on this waitlist.
Bye for now,
Lauren
It's actually exciting to re-visit London designers, as they can get lost in the maelstrom! A Brisbane based interior designer friend of mine just came back last month and she RAVED about Pimlico Road, and what's on offer in general for interior designers #sigh The September trip will be a BLAST!