Birthday treats

Just like old friends who are perfectly in tune with us, some home stores seem to know exactly how we want to live, and become favourite destinations for browsing or buying.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Aug 2014, 18:00 BST
Cushions from £20, Clayton throw £110; Sedgewick sofa, £1,200, Habitat. Photo: PA PhotoCushions from £20, Clayton throw £110; Sedgewick sofa, £1,200, Habitat. Photo: PA Photo
Cushions from £20, Clayton throw £110; Sedgewick sofa, £1,200, Habitat. Photo: PA Photo

The enduring success of four of them is reflected in their ages - John Lewis is 150, while Lakeland and Habitat both celebrate 50th birthdays this year, and relative new kid on the block, Oliver Bonas, has come of age and turned 21.

Instead of celebrating with cake and candles, they’ve treated fans to new pieces and ranges. Join the party and gift your home some ‘birthday’ presents.

JOHN LEWIS

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A collection of homeware to mark the anniversary includes much with an appropriately retro feel. An Ercol Studio Couch upholstered in a silver Archive Cummersdale print, £2,750, is an iconic piece. A bestselling Daisychain print by Pat Albeck, first sold in the Sixties, now adorns a Daisychain Cushion (pictured), £25, which may appeal to nostalgic baby boomers. It could be matched with an Emma Bridgewater Daisychain Teapot, £59 (www.johnlewis.com).

LAKELAND

Its new Autumn range has a host of desirable items. Coffee lovers could opt for a state-of-the-art Sage The Oracle Espresso Machine, £1,599.99. Baking enthusiasts are among the company’s biggest fans, and a Lakeland Adjustable Nozzle set, £9.99, is a typically smart piece of kit which makes swapping one size of icing nozzle for another a piece of cake (available September). (www.lakeland.co.uk)

HABITAT

Seating’s always been one of Habitat’s strongest suits. A Natalie Sofa, £1,200, captures the familiar sleek look which has characterised the brand, and this piece is comfort enhanced, with large pillow-shaped cushions in striking red. Check out the Autumn range, available mid-September, with its brilliant reinvention of one of its best-selling lights; the Garland, designed by Tord Boontje, which originally launched in 2003. In glossy white plastic, the new Bouquet is a style steal at £70, while the original silver metal version is in stock now, £20. Designer Aaron Probyn, once a tableware designer for the company, has created a celebration chair, the sculptural Smithfield leather and suede armchair, £,1,300 (www.habitat.co.uk)

OLIVER BONAS

Brightly coloured wooden furniture from India features in its Old Boys Club range, and the nostalgic feel evocative of school studies. Edgar Wood Chest, £365. Banish boring storage and opt for Decorative Storage Suitcases, from £30. Undoubtedly one of its stars is the Velvet Tub Chair (pictured), £445, which can be upholstered in a choice of luscious fabrics including velvet. (www.oliverbonas.com).

Related topics:John LewisCoffee lovers