Brand launch - DESIGN PROJECT
One of the positive things about being subscribed to a number of magazines is that you get to find out very quickly about trends and upcoming collaborations. There's been a certain hype in the interiors world about John Lewis launching a new range - a sub-brand - and, as we neared September, anticipation was reaching fever high. The products, which were launched last week, are focused on every day use and the quality in craftsmanship that has helped John Lewis stay positively ahead in the HOME section.
The new brand is called - you guessed it - DESIGN PROJECT, and on first sight you will recognise a certain Scandinavian influence in it. The design team at John Lewis are positive that the collection is product and not style based.
There is a minimalist approach in the presentation of the products - clean lines and no embellishments and this will work well in many homes that want to look less busy - mine included. The collection starts with a very functional table lamp - the 001 - in glass, that comes in both black and white and which I would so easily use in the Modern French as well as Scandi edits in my blog.
The 001 epitomises the philosophy of the design team: building a product out of a single material to create an aesthetic simplicity and make production easier. The result is a beautifully designed product that is both modern and appealing. Great for a bedside lamp as well as a side lamp in your living room (don't forget, Abigail Ahern claims you should have at least 8 source of light in your room, so this could well be one of them).
Clockwise: 001 table lamp in smoke, £160, 045 floor lamp £110, 046 table lamp in brass and concrete £65, 047 lamp in concrete and walnut veneer shade, £55, 053 satin brass lamp, £80 and 060 pendant in concrete and brass, £150.
Another exceptionally designed lamp is the 053, which comes in satin brass. Its tall frame and polished brass will make it a great partner for an elegant desk or console table. And in case you were wondering how to fit a lamp in it, it's LED. At just £80 you won't have to splash major cash on it. It reminds me of the Innermost Parasol lamp by Jonas Forsman which retails at £300.
The collection also includes sofas, snugglers and armchairs and, because this is John Lewis we're talking about, you can customise them to suit your existing interior decoration. Or you can get them in Selvaggio Leather (below), a distressed, pull-up leather which has been lightly brushed with beeswax to give a pleasant matt appearance. It is also designed to allow the natural variations of the hide to show through the finished coat.
The 049 bedroom range includes beautifully crafted furniture from solid oak and veneers, including a bed and side tables, storage as well as a floor mirror and a clothes rack.
"We questioned how we use our homes today, what will be different tomorrow. We considered what materials we want to be surrounded by, what did we want to see and touch, what should feel new, what should feel familiar." Philipa Prinsloo
While not working with a fixed aesthetic in mind, the team followed three core principles in producing the range. These represented what was most important to them and directed each development: products that are original, beautiful, progressive, the latter quality being their priority.
And yes, the lines are progressive, modern, but the craftsmanship is still based on traditional techniques, like dovetail and finger joint for a solid finish. The bedside table above even has wooden runners and a leather pull handle, making the end product feel organic.
The collection includes a total of 250 products many of which will complement other collections of John Lewis HOME but can equally work well on their own. Stylish and practical, I can find many corners around my home to include these productsThe accessories to choose from are many, so I have chosen my top six here.
Clockwise: Bathroom tumbler in grey No.079 £12; Glass vase in black No.071 £60; Side table No. 022 £199; 1 drawer bedside table No.049 £199; Evergreen cushion No.025 £35; wall mirror No.025 £50.
Giveaway
I will be giving one lucky reader a piece from the collection. All you have to do to enter is:
share this post across any of the social media below; or
leave a comment telling me which piece is your favourite (together with your Twitter ID so I can notify you if you are picked); or
Re-tweet this tweet and help me spread the news about the amazing new collection; or
subscribe to my newsletter - and all existing subscribers are already included in this giveaway!
There are many ways for you to take part. The giveaway ends on 02/10/16 and the winner will be notified by email or DM on Twitter.
