Design brands from London
- that was one of the guiding principles of my trip to London, where I spent a few days to discover first-hand the design brands and places that have long influenced my approach. As designers and interior design enthusiasts, we often draw inspiration from pictures, magazines or social media platforms, but it's a different feeling to experience the character, materials and atmosphere of a space first hand.
This article highlights five special venues and design brands: the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, where I was able to see the Visual Comfort and Ralph Lauren Home ranges; the Clay & Rock and Chesneys showrooms, which excelled in their use of natural materials; and finally Soho Home Studio Chelsea, whose atmosphere left a deep impression on me.
Design Centre Chelsea Harbour - a bastion of interior design
The Design Centre Chelsea Harbour is a major professional centre for the British and international interior design community. It has over 120 showrooms, featuring the world's leading interior design brands. The space is not only a destination for professional events but also for inspirational trips. The architectural design alone suggests that this is not just a shopping centre, but a creative space where design and function are in perfect harmony.
Visual Comfort & Co. - handcrafted lighting in American style
Visual Comfort & Co. is an American lighting brand known primarily for its collaborations with leading designers such as Amber Lewis, Thomas O'Brien, Kelly Wearstler and AERIN. Their products are handmade and combine classic styles with contemporary design. The brand's philosophy is based on timeless design, excellent use of materials and an emphasis on lighting as an interior element. In the Chelsea Harbour showroom, I was able to experience how the space-shaping power of light and form work together.
Ralph Lauren Home - the essence of the American lifestyle
The Ralph Lauren Home brand is perhaps less well known in Europe than the fashion line, but the home collections have just as much identity. The furniture, textiles and accessories draw on American heritage and classic style. The brand's range strikes the perfect balance between rustic, country charm and urban elegance. The exhibition at the Design Centre was at once understated, monumental and inspiring.
Clay & Rock and Chesneys - natural materials and characterful surfaces
The Clay & Rock showroom was one of the less spectacular but more professional venues in London for me. The brand is one of the UK's leading paving distributors and is best known for its natural stone, ceramic and terracotta floor and wall tiles, with a wide range of products from authentic, country-style tiles to modern, minimalist designs.
Of particular importance is the brand's commitment to ensuring that all of its products reflect craftsmanship, finishes and a timeless aesthetic. In the showroom, I had the opportunity to touch the tiles and feel the textures - an experience that no online catalogue can replicate.
Chesneys - fireplaces that give shape to space
Chesneys is one of England's best-known fireplace manufacturers. The brand's distinctive feature is its modern engineering solutions that preserve the traditions of classic British decorative arts. Their fireplaces are not only sources of heat, but also visual focal points of a space. The styles range from georgian to art deco to contemporary forms.
In the showroom, I was particularly impressed by the fireplace portals, which are made from a variety of materials, such as marble, stone or cast iron. These are not simple products, but architectural elements that give the room a character of its own.
Soho Home Studio Chelsea - a club atmosphere that becomes a home from home
Soho Home is the interior design brand of the world-famous Soho House private club network. The idea was that people could bring the atmosphere created in clubs into their own homes. It has now grown into a design brand in its own right, with its own design team, collections and showroom in London.
Chelsea Studio is a unique feature of the old chapel building. The collections are characterised by the use of natural materials such as wood, linen, leather or stone, and a timeless colour palette with warm tones.
The design of Soho Home is both personal and thoughtful: creating spaces that not only look good, but are functional and livable. Each piece has the essence of club life: community, relaxation, simplicity and warmth. Walking around the showroom, it became clear that this design brand is not creating fashion, but a lifestyle.
Further inspiration: See our previous interiors
Summary - Why experience the world of design brands first hand?
What the five categories and design brands showcased have in common is that they don't just offer products, they tell stories. Visual Comfort's lamps, Clay & Rock's tiles, Chesneys' fireplaces and Soho Home's furniture all go beyond function. They are elements that can bring character, depth and personality to any interior.
These design hubs in London help you not only follow trends, but interpret them. And that's one of the most important things in design: creating personal and timeless spaces - or real homes.
📌 If you want your home to be as consciously designed, contact us, and discuss how to start working together.
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