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Invest in a design classic

Ultra-stylish and very comfortable, the iconic Eames DSR is made from a moulded seat that's designed for every body.
© John Lewis

John Lewis has just launched a range of furniture from four eminent design houses, showcasing both design classics and modern-day British furniture design, and as a Product Manager with a passion for contemporary furniture, this fills me with much excitement!
By Jane Martin, Product Manager, John Lewis Direct

1. Vitra

Vitra has manufactured the highest quality furniture since 1957, when it acquired licences to sell the designs of Charles & Ray Eames and George Nelson. To this day, Eames’ designs make up a highly successful part of their range as the trend for mid-century modern lives on. We have the DSR and DSW side chairs in 5 colours from the original 1950 design (although now manufactured in polypropolene rather than fibreglass), with their legs inspired by the Eiffel Tower. We’re also stocking the amazingly comfortable RAR rocking chair, and the multi-coloured ( and much-imitated) Hang It All coat rack.

2. Panton S chair

We’ve also brought in the iconic and very ergonomic Panton S chair from Vitra, available in 4 colours and from an original cantilever design by Verner Panton in the 1960s. The colours of all the Vitra chairs were chosen to work together and look especially good when partnered with a simple dining table.

Originally designed for children's bedrooms, you don't have to let kids have all the fun!
© John Lewis

3. Kartell

From Italian design house Kartell, which also has a strong heritage and focus on stylish and innovative design, we have a range of 20 products. Philippe Starck features prominently with chairs including the iconic Ghost, Dr No and Eros, as well as his funky Boheme stools that resemble vases, and a Mademoiselle chair finished in fabric chosen by Rosita Missoni. We also have the modular and affordable Componibili storage by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, ideal for a bedroom or bathroom. The great thing about the Kartell range is it only takes one product as a statement piece to bring life and interest to your living space, and a collection can be built up over time.

4. Case

Case, who class their products as ‘everyday iconic’, feature contemporary products by British designers that could well be the design classics of tomorrow. We have Matthew Hilton's Cross dining range, which has an extending table that seats up to ten, plus a matching sideboard made from oak, and the complementary Profile chair. Also from Matthew Hilton is the modular CaseFile in walnut, which again takes its influence from mid-century Scandinavian design. It doubles as storage and home office utility, so not only is it lovely to look at, it’s ideal when space is tight. Excitingly, Case have also developed new product from legendary British designer Robin Day, who is still creating furniture in his 90s. The West Street chair is available in oak and walnut.

5. Content by Conran

Content by Conran is a range of timeless, informal furniture for the living room from the studio of British design maestro Terence Conran. His passion for craftsmanship and traditional detailing stand out strongly in the range of storage and occasional pieces, and high quality fabric and leather in the contemporary upholstery. Take a look at the Wave sideboard and the Matador armchair, coming soon.

6. Design classic or cutting edge contemporary design?

So whether you choose to invest in design classics or cutting-edge British design, be it one piece or a collection, you’ll have not only have a real talking point in your home, but also furniture of the highest quality which will last a lifetime, and hopefully bring you as much happiness as my Eames chairs have brought me. Inspired by our new collection, it must now be time for me to consider my next purchase!