Neptune's beautifully ordered kitchen larders have launched a thousand Pinterest moodboards, but it's the brand's commitment to longevity that impressed our judges the most.
From armchairs to utensil pots, each piece is designed to earn its place in your home for years to come. As head of design Fred Horlock puts it: 'In this climate, people might buy less, but they value good design and strong pieces.'
Which Neptune piece will still be a design icon in 50 years?
‘The Ophelia footstool. It's completely unique to Neptune and was designed from scratch. Use it as a footstool, as extra seating, or pull out the hidden tray and transform it into a ‘cocktail coffee table’.’
Can you share a personal design opinion that will last as long as one of your kitchens?
‘Compromising on scale can ruin a scheme. It’s tempting to add lots of small bits to fit everything in – like a tiny coffee table next to a big sofa – but it always looks better to scale up.’
Fred’s golden rules for creating a home you’ll love for years
1. Respect the architecture
That doesn’t mean only using Georgian-era furniture in a Georgian home, only that it’s important to honour period details such as cornicing and skirting boards. And don’t rip out the fireplace!
2. Your layout and room scheme matter as much as the decorating
When everything is well-positioned and the proportions of your furniture are balanced, the space makes a great first impression. It just feels right.
3. Leave 10% for spontaneity
A curated room is beautiful, but it’s important to leave room for personality. I like to switch things up seasonally or bring in fresh colour or fabrics.






















