Design Masterclass:
The Conran Shop

IF YOU LIKE…

Eclectic pieces, time-travelling trends, global references.

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Call them trinkets, tchotchkes, talismans or treasures: eclectic objects in your home tell stories of what you’re into and where you’ve travelled. You needn’t stick to a specific place or time to build a collection that works harmoniously in your home; it’s about finding a common, characterful thread – here’s how.

Stephen Briars, The Conran Shop's Creative Director, shares his thoughts on building an enviable collection:

WHY START COLLECTING?

“Good design never expires. Collector’s pieces are timeless, comprising everything from larger furniture and lighting pieces to smaller home accessories that stand the test of time, complement all interior décors and can be passed down generations. We all want something to treasure now and, in the future, something that reminds us of a journey or a holiday.”

SPACE IS NO OBJECT

“You needn’t have much space to show off your favourite pieces; a collector’s theme works across all areas of the home, together and apart. If executed with thought, a collector’s assortment allows for unity between design eras and movements. Our own-brand vases can house the freshest blooms in kitchens and living rooms, while the Anglepoise and Lumio lamps can illuminate bedside tables. At the same time, smaller items such as the Hoptimist figurine or cork globe can entertain playrooms or offices.”

GET TO KNOW: THE BIG NAMES IN THE (BAU)HAUS

“Our visual [above] integrates designs from the past century, spanning the 1930s with cushion covers depicting the artworks of Pablo Picasso, mid-century aesthetics throughout the shelving and side table, all the way to the past decade with Magnus Long’s 2015 Cross Leg lounge chair. Colour-wise, a unity of signature Bauhaus hues informs the works of VOLTA’s mobiles, as well as the works of [artist] Alexander Calder, who is a source of inspiration for Anissa Kermiche, creator of the Love Handles vase. Works by contemporary designers such as Gabriel Tan and Lucy Kurrein showcase their championing of sustainability and bring owners closer to their products, forming sentiments that are meant to last and last.”

IF YOU LIKE…

Muted colours, clean lines, uncluttered spaces.

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Japanese Zen philosophy, and the De Stijl and Bauhaus movements, originally influenced the steel, glass and concrete interiors that emerged in 1920s Minimalist architecture (and now declutter our Instagram feeds). Minimalism came indoors over the following decades, promoting simple design that’s stripped back to the pure essentials – ‘less is more’ is the mantra here.

Stephen’s advice on dialling everything back:

A MINIMAL HISTORY LESSON

“Minimalism is proving to be more and more popular, but the movement itself has been around for decades. In the art world, which is closely linked with the design one, Minimalism rose to prominence in the 1950s – a key time for the works of our renowned mid-century design favourites, whose items perfectly embody the characteristics of minimal design. Think of the clean lines of Eero Saarinen’s Tulip table or the Eameses’ utilitarian assortment of Shell chairs.”

WHY THIS THEME WORKS

“In a world of excess and opulence, where everything is instantly available, many find solace in the opposite, stripping back their interiors and personal styles to prioritise function above all.”

HOW TO STRIP IT ALL BACK

“You can live as a minimalist yet contrast its monotonous stereotype with colourful design options, such as mixing soft pastel hues and livening up living areas. If you find yourself among a hoard of items, start by creating a Minimalist corner, which you might discover progressing into a Minimalist room.”

IF YOU LIKE…

Bright colours, playful pieces, being bold.

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More a mood than a movement, this theme is, as you’d expect, about pure joy. The guiding principle here is to let yourself be drawn to anything and everything that puts a smile on your face – be it an unorthodox objet or an eye-wateringly bright bowl. Anything goes.

Stephen recommends the easiest ways to create joyful spaces:

THE JOY OF BEING BOLD

“Bright colours and playful pieces are often associated with spring and summer, but we find ways to make colourful living work all year round. Bold pops of colour and audacious styling pieces are key to channelling happiness and expressing ourselves.”
 

THE ICONS OF BEING OUTRÉ

“Take a look back to the nineteenth century and the popularisation of signature Bauhaus hues of blue, red and yellow – these were then exemplified in later movements by artists such as Piet Mondrian and Alexander Calder. Experimentation and self-expression through colour only elevate [a space]: take our founder’s signature ‘Conran Blue’ hue, a deep ultramarine blue.”

HOW TO AMP UP YOUR INTERIORS

“Try bold statements of colour with our own-brand home accessory creations such as coasters, placemats and napkins. Use these for decorating the dining table, particularly during alfresco season, which the warmer months allow. Spread woven baskets around the home for storage statements and contrast the monotony of white-hued dining accessories with buoyant cutlery.”