Utility Design is a store I frequently find while searching for UK stockists of Scandinavian and contemporary design brands such as Hay, Gubi, Menu, Iittala and Muuto. Most recently I noticed they carry the new Palissade garden furniture collection from Hay, which launched earlier this year and has been widely discussed for its clean, durable outdoor aesthetic.
In addition to leading Scandinavian names, Utility Design also stocks notable Italian, Dutch and British designers, including brands like Flos, Moooi, Cassina, Tom Dixon and the Swiss-owned Vitra. Their range covers modern furniture, lighting, home accessories and thoughtful gift ideas. For this piece I’ve selected a handful of my favourite items available there, showing how well-curated modern pieces can bring warmth and personality to different rooms.
I’m especially taken with the luxurious modernist feel of the Randaccio mirror from Gubi, originally designed in 1925 by Gio Ponti for his own Milan home. The mirror’s straightforward silhouette is elevated by a distinctive crown detail that Ponti used in several of his designs, creating an elegant focal point that complements both classic and contemporary interiors.
mirror | vases | blanket | lamp | bird | cushion | chair
For tabletop styling I chose the Balance vases by Muuto. Their porcelain forms echo the proportions of ancient Greek vases but with a pared-back Nordic sensibility. Each vase sits on a tray and is secured by a small magnet, a clever detail that prevents accidental tipping. They’re versatile both as single sculptural pieces and as a curated cluster for seasonal flowers or dried stems.
To introduce pattern and mid-century character I selected the Dots blanket by Charles and Ray Eames from Vitra. The blanket’s playful yet restrained pattern works well layered over seating or folded across a bed. I paired it with the Vitra Eames House Bird, a decorative object that brings a touch of design history and a sculptural accent to shelves and mantels.
Lighting is an essential part of mood, so I included Menu’s concrete table lamp, designed by Jonas Wagell. Its solid, tactile base and simple lampshade give a modern, understated presence ideal for bedside tables, side tables or console surfaces. For soft furnishings, the dot-pattern cushion in Kvadrat’s ‘Hero’ fabric from Hay adds texture and comfort while maintaining a clean aesthetic.
Colour and material choices can transform a space. Lately I’ve been drawn to warming tones such as tobacco and cognac, which feel both timeless and contemporary. The cognac leather Fiber Chair by the Copenhagen duo Iskos-Berlin for Muuto is a great example: stripped of unnecessary detail, it’s designed for comfort and visual ease, making it perfect for curling up with a book or adding richness to a living area.
Finally, the classic String modular shelving system designed by Nils Strinning remains a favourite for its adaptability and minimalist charm. In this selection it’s shown styled in soft tobacco shades, demonstrating how modular storage can become a central design feature rather than just practical furniture. With the right mix of objects—books, ceramics, textiles—String shelving can anchor a room while keeping the look light and refined.
Posted in collaboration with Utility Design.