Last month, this lucky concept designer was invited to the Heals 100 launch event for an evening of design discussion and inspiration at the Tottenham court showroom.

Magnus Englund, the founding director of Skandium, curated the show displaying the top 100 iconic designs that Heals have sold in their stores over the last century. His speech told the story of Heals and how the brand has developed from their beginning of a feather-dressing company in 1810 to 2017 where they remain as furniture design leaders on the forefront of modern furniture design.

Each iconic design told a story and exuded a sense of luxury and innovation, their striking designs lasting for a century or more. The attention to detail in the craftsmanship and choice of material are what make these inspired items the ambassadors of their time.

Here Samuel is sat on a Fritz Hansen Egg Chair by Arne Jacobson

Recognisable pieces from the collection include the Eames lounge chair, one of the most iconic 20th century chairs, renowned for its comfort and luxury. The shape of this chairs curved side panels, armrests and the buttoning detail in the leather are a few details that set this chair aside from its competition. The accompanying ottoman, comfortable cushioning and supple leather invite you to sit and relax, but makes it hard to leave!

Eames lounge chair and ottoman in black ash

Eames lounge chair in cherry wood

Another iconic chair on display was the LC4 Chaise by architect Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, an elegant chair from the modernist movement designed in 1928. The contrast of black leather against the clean chrome lines make this chair a great statement piece, as well as exuding comfort with its adjustable reclining positions. The striking combination of metals work in harmony together creating a functional and simple design, reflecting the same principles that Le Corbusier used in his architectural designs.

LC4 Chaise by architect Le Corbusier

Michael Anastassiades, designer of the IC lighting range for Flos was inspired by the acrobatics of street performers, playing with theme of balance, shape and form. I love this range for its uniqueness and material properties, the large scaled spherical globe sitting on the beautiful slender brass rod frame.

IC F2 Lamp by Michael Anastassiades for Flos

Reading into the processes of the designers behind each of the items in the show was inspiring, and a reminder that inspiration can be found anywhere.

During the exhibition, I explored the rest of the showroom to see the current design trends that designers were experimenting with through their furniture ranges. My favourite arrangements came from Petit Friture where fun shapes and pastel tones were combined to create stand out pieces of furniture, unlike anything else in the showroom. I love the post-modernist Memphis style that is characterised by bold colour and asymmetrical shapes, so it is no wonder why this collection drew me in from across the room.

Petit Friture display at the Heal’s Tottenham Court Road Showroom

Well selected furniture and finishes play a key role in emphasizing a spaces existing architecture. Shape and form, colour, texture and light are elements in architecture that furniture can coordinate, manipulate or contrast with to create a finished beautiful interior.

At Cellar Maison, our team create such bespoke spaces with outstanding quality of craftsmanship. With an endless amount of finishes and detail options, our service is truly bespoke and tailor made to your needs.

So, if you are looking for a show stopping piece of furniture to pair with your wine cellar, wine wall or wine pod, I would recommend visiting the Heal’s 100 exhibition at the Tottenham Court Road showroom. Alternatively, if you haven’t got your perfect wine solution yet, please do get in touch for a design concept and quotation.