Somewhere between the wedding gift lists, the Christmas adverts and the sofa you've had your eye on for months sits one of Britain's most beloved retailers. John Lewis has earned its reputation by being dependable without ever standing still. From collaborations with Deliciously Ella and Sanderson to stocking cutting-edge homeware from The Conran Shop, the brand proves that trusted doesn't have to mean predictable.
‘Our designers understand furniture and design with true longevity in mind,’ says David Barrett, head of home design. ‘Our customers trust us to know style, and we deliver on that by focusing on detail, detail, detail.’
What is the secret to designing an iconic piece of furniture?
‘It requires a designer who balances a creative mind with a highly technical one. Coming up with a great concept is an exciting start, but the real challenge lies in bringing that product to life. A lot of designs don't make it through that journey.’
Which British icon would you love to see perched on a John Lewis armchair?
‘David Attenborough! He is a true British icon. But I would also love to see the brilliant Olivia Colman or Little Simz bringing their own unique energy to one of our designs.’
David's go-to pieces to elevate a room
Often it’s not about a complete overhaul; it’s about investing in high-impact focal points, rich textures, and lighting that completely shifts the mood of a room.
- A statement armchair
- Truly great plates
- A rug that fills the space
- An architectural floor lamp
- Colourful cushions
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