SALE Now On

Our Winter sale is now on. With up to 20% OFF new furniture orders, 15% OFF selected brand lighting orders and up to 70% OFF products we have discontinued and ex display merchandise we have just uploaded many more items onto the website. What's more, with our price promise customers can rest assured they are purchasing legitimate designs from an authorised dealer (with real shops) at the best price available. Exceptional service comes as standard!

Zaha Hadid's Tide Comes In

The Tide Shelving System by celebrated architect Zaha Hadid has just been released by Magis. An ingenious modular system Tide consists of a single square unit which can be positioned with other units to create your composition. Each unit has Hadid's signature 'wave' which bisects it. When several units are placed together these waves fuse to form shelves. In glossy red, white or black Tide can be wall hung or floor standing.

Reissue of 4801 Armchair - a 1965 Design Classic

For the first time in its 60 year history, Kartell has decided to pay homage to one of the most iconic pieces in its Museum and has reissed the 4801 Armchair, designed in 1965 by the Italian master of design, Joe Colombo. Cconsidered one of the true, great visionaries of the time he died prematurely, at only 41 years of age, in 1971.

An authentic symbol of design in the sixties, much sought-after in the auctions of modern historical pieces and on show in the most important world museums such as the MOMA in New York, the Victoria & Albert in London and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the 4801 Armchair is also famous for being the only piece produced by Kartell made entirely of wood.

The use of this material, "unusual" for a brand born with the mission to create pieces made of plastic, was due to the lack of industrial technologies which in those times were unable to produce items made of plastic.

With current industrial technology, Kartell is now able to make the same product using plastic (transparent technopolymer thermoplastic) to reproduce the curving sinuous lines of the piece in the same proportions.

The 4801 Armchair is now available in three colours enhancing its lines: crystal, black (shown) and white, and is produced in a numbered series.

NEW Magis Tom and Jerry Stools

Magis have launched the Tom and Jerry Stool which is now in production and available from our website for delivery in January 2012. Designed by Konstantin Grcic, the stool embodies two contrasting materials, solid beech and coloured polypropylene. What's more Tom and Jerry (you've got to love them just from their name) are available in two sizes. We're assuming Jerry is the smaller one? The main charm of the design is the basic screw up and screw down mechanism making it easy to adjust the height to your desired preference. The fact that the supporting seat screw can be selected from a choice of four bold colours make them all the more alluring.

NEW Vitra Wooden Doll

Vitra has extended the Wooden Doll collection from 16 to 22. We have a number of collectors who will love these six new editions. Part joyful, part sinister looking characters, these designs by Alexander Girard make colourful decorative accessories in any space. Our favourite is the new Model 19 (pictured).

Card Creations

We've just received the new Totem range of animals and trees. These flat pack cardboard creations make perfect posting gifts for Christmas. Once assembled these three dimensional designs make wonderful decorative additions to any room. As well as Totem Dog, Totem Horse, Totem Cats and Totem Deer at just £14.00 there's two wonderful trees. Our particular favourite is the Tree of Life (pictured at £25.00) complete with birds, fruit, leaves and mushrooms growing in the trunk. Brings nature indoors without having to be watered.

HAY Launches the FDB collection

Just released from Danish furniture company HAY is the FDB collection - a range of tables and chairs which is part reintroduction of a 1960s design classic (such as the J77 Chair, pictured), and part new edition of designs. There are five chairs, mainly based on the classic Windsor chair, all of which come in five colours - natural, grey, black, white and coral. What's really amazing ins the price. These pieces are made from solid wood in Denmark and start at just £129.00. Chairs are complemented with a unique table collection with reversible tops - black on one side and white on the other with legs in either black, white or natural. We're sure these prices will make the FDB chairs and tables a huge success. Orders are noe being taken for delivery starting in January 2012

Leff Clocks

We've just taken delivery of our first order of clocks from Dutch design company LEFF. With a focus on quality each clock is precision engineered and designed and comes with a Japanese Quartz Movement, cleaning cloth, battery and an unprecedented 5 year warranty! My favourite is the Brick 24 Flip Clock. On the Christmas wish list! See Leff Clocks.

Bold Street Gift Boutique Reopens

Well after a lot of water, a large portion of stress, a dash of worry, nine weeks wrangling with the insurance company and a ton of hard work our Bold Street Gift Boutique has finally reopened. I must say it looks fantastic and we've filled in with lots of lovely new stuff for the run up to Christmas. Over the weekend we also had lots of people knocking on the door wishing us luck, saying how pleased they were to see it almost completed which really lifted our spirits! Hopefully will see you there soon?

Ron Arad's New Raviolo Chair

Magis launched two outdoor lounge chairs this year - this first was Alessandro Mendini's Proust but the second has just been released for sale. Designed by Ron Arad 'Raviolo' is made from rotational moulded polyethylene and comes in a fantastic range of colours. Part chair, part iconic piece of garden sculpture Raviolo looks every inch the Arad icon and will be sure to make an appearance at Chelsea next year. Question is which garden designer will get there first?

Pingy Wobbles Forward

Pingy is one of the new designs launched by Magis as this years Milan Fair. Designed by Eero Aarnio (who also created the hugely successful Magis Puppy), Pingy has a rounded bottom (NOthing unusual in that) but touch him and he'll wobble to the delight of all around him. We saw him again during out trip to the Magis factory near Venice last week and he was as cute and lovable as when we first saw him. He's due to reach our shores later this year. Prices and specs have yet to be confirmed but this is one little chap which will look equally at home in the garden or indoors and engage children and adults alike. Put him on your Christmas list.

Water Bobble Jug

We've been selected as one of the first few UK stockists of Bobble Jug. A natural development from the hugely successful Water Bobble, Bobble Jug is the answer to filtered water in the home. Unlike the other famous home water filter you can fill the whole jug at once (ie: not wait for it to filter down) and there's no awkward corners to clean. It's also more compact, will fit neatly in the fridge door and the filters last a whole lot longer. Launched in the U.S on Monday it will hit our shores in January. Orders yours now at Bobble Jug

New Acme Pen and Card Case Releases

The new Acme Studio Pen and Card Cases have been released. We particularly like the 'Site Plan' design by architect sisters and practice partners Hariri and Hariri. It comes as both a pen (fountain and rollerball) as well as a business/credid card case. Other releases include 'China Market' by Daniel Pelavin, 'Viva La Psicodelia' by Mauricio Valdes, 'Calligraphic' by Annett Wurm and 'Sorry' by Emiliana Design. They're all available as both a pen and card case.

Braun Clocks and Watches

We've added the the collection of Braun Watches and Clocks to our stores and website. Admired by design fanatics everywhere Braun is now re-manufacturing these under licence. With German movements the collection - originally designed by Dieter Rams - had been both reproduced and added to with some new designs. It's also fantastic to see our particular favourite - the voice controlled alarm clock (pictured) back in the collection. With prices starting at just £15.00 this is one timepiece collection which never seems to age!

Alessi Anna Gong Cake Stand

Having just seen Alessi's new Autumn/Winter collection one item which is sure to be a big hit this Christmas is the Anna Gong Cake Stand. With the trend for afternoon tea showing no sign of abating this is the elegant way to serve up cakes and petit fours. Created by Alessandro Mendini the design uses the iconic head of Anna and transforms her from what looks like a small dinner gong into a beautiful three tier cake stand. In polished stainless steel she'll cost around £131.00. A must for any Alessi and cake fan!

Mondaine Watch Catalogue 2011

We've expanded our online watch and clock collection to incorporate the entire Mondaine Watch and desk clock collection for 2011. To make it easier to differentiate between the range we've divided each watch into collections - the classic Evo, the more dressy Simply Elegant, the Retro family, the collection of Desk Clocks as well as two 'line extensions' - Sports Watches for men and a collection of Ladies Watches. Finally there's the Seasonal Watch range for the fashion conscious. All have the same Mondaine signature styling but with design variations which give each of them their own character. What's more, there's free shipping on them all.

FLOS La Linea

Take a classic candle wall sconce and bring it into the 21st century. What do you get? Enter the new environmentally friendly wall light by Ron Gilad for Flos. The collection - LA LINEA - uses an LED light source in a clean slimline linear form, mounted in a white metal tubular case. This can be twisted 45 degrees to redirect the LEDs. Linea is painted in a water based, environmentally friendly white finish and comes in three styles - Alpha, Beta and Gamma. Alpha and Gamma are available now with Beta due for release later in the year.

O'Clock - Colour Your Wrist!

We've added O'Clock Watches online. They've proved hugely popular in store - not least because they are only £34.99! These silicone watches are made in Italy and are waterproof to 30ATM so there'S no need to remove them if you go in the shower. They each come in two sizes of wristband depending on how tight you like to wear your watch and come packaged in lovely tins. In a myriad of colours this simple design is great for boys and girls - of every age! See O'Clock Watches.

People Will Always Need Plates - EXCLUSIVE Collection

Our EXCLUSIVE collection by People Will Always Need Plates will be here by the end of the week! A collection of six pieces (three plates, three mugs) these feature architectural icons in our home city of Liverpool. We have chosen the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Royal Liver Building and the Anglican Cathedral and all three have been recreated in the inimitable People Will Always Need Plates style in three fresh colours. Check out the collection at : People Will Always Need Plates: Liverpool EXCLUSIVES

VITRA Special Edition Hang It All

Hang It All - designed by Charles & Ray Eames in 1953 - is one of their most enduring designs, popular with children and adults alike. This year Vitra have launched three SPECIAL EDITION 'grown up' versions in three colourways, with the approval of the Eames office. In Walnut & Basic Dark, Spruce & Classic Red and Black Beech & Basic Dark these retain the same iconic silhouette but with a whole new character. They're only available whilst stocks last so we're taking orders now for delivery late autumn.

Juicy from Lightyears

A witches hat or a big juicer? Whatever you think the new Juicy Pendant Light from Danish company Lightyears is a real winner as an over the table dining light. In black or white it has a honeycomb filter/diffuser to prevent glare and it's available to order now for delivery on September/October.

FRITZ HANSEN Favn Sofa

With my love of all things purple (the Utility logo for instance) I love this colour combination of the Favn Sofa from Fritz Hansen. Launched in Milan this year Favn, designed by Jaime Hayon, comes in 10 set colour combinations - as specified by the designer - or can be ordered in one single fabric choice from any of 9 options in the Kvadrat range. Favn has had a lot of media attention recently and it's easy to see why. It's mid century modern appeal is both familiar yet as a contemporary design it's completely original. Favn has also been designed to sit beside other Fritz Hansen classics like the Egg Chair and Swan Chair. A sound investment!

Watch The Birdie!

Foscarini have a new collection of lights out but we love the Birdie! Designed by Luvovia and Roberto Palomba this gorgeously slender light is the epitome of elegance! as a Table Lamp or Floor Lamp both come in four colours - White, Grey, Wine and - the one we love the most - orange! On the stem is a branch which contains the on/off switch. We think they make great bedside or reading lamps and the floor lamp is great behind a sofa or where space is a bit limited.

People Will Always Need Cards

Today part of our exclusive new collection arrived from those lovely folks at People Will Always Need Plates. The collection of three cards featuring iconic Liverpool buildings will be in the stores this weekend, just in time for the first big weekend since the opening of the Museum of Liverpool. We also added them to our website. There are three - the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Anglican Cathedral and the Liver Building. We'll even send them for you, first class and free of charge - and even personalise it with lovely handwriting. Not a pigeon or pig in site...if you know what I mean. There's also a pack of 6 (3 of each). Great to have in for an emergency. We're very please with them. Hope you will be too!

Lovely email for a Friday morn!

Well this email started my Friday off very well! I sent one in response to why should NEVER buy a copy of a design classic. "Thank you Richard for your email. I appreciate you taking the time to send through such a detailed response. It is the first time I have used your website and company and your customer service is second to none, I am very impressed

Regards
Kathryn"

Good Luck PollyPhila

We are really excited about the forthcoming nuptials this weekend of our very own “Pollyphila”. We’re off down to Canterbury to celebrate the wedding of Polly, who is the Manager of our Bold Street Gift Store, to the lovely Phil – crack open the bubbly and “Congratulations” to you both!

Steelwood Wins the Compasso D'Oro

Magis was awarded this year with the prestigious Compasso D'Oro, which is given to the best Italian design products based on quality and value. Magis received the Compasso d'Oro for Steelwood Chair, whose project was developed by the stars of French design Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. Steelwood is an elegant chair with a classic shape displaying a single combination of two traditional materials: wood and steel plate. At the same time Steelwood is also a high-tech chair since the steel plate back is the result of nine stages of manufacturing , folding and bending of the plate itself.
Magis received also a nomination for the Piggyback Table, designed by the young and brilliant English designer Thomas Heatherwick.

Lovely message for a Friday afternoon!

We've just received this email from a happy customer - lovely of him to write and made our Friday!

Hi can i just say a big Thank You to all at Utility, our manager Angela is over the moon with the gift voucher and I'm really grateful to Claire and Richard and all the Utility team who managed to get the voucher posted out to me in time. Obviously I love the store but it's great to be able to give a voucher to someone I know will love the store too.

Thank You Utility.

Christian Dell Lighting by Fritz Hansen

Fritz Hansen have recreated a classic collection of lights from the 1930s. Designed by Christian Dell this Bauhaus collection - known as "Kaiser iDell" includes two floor lamps, two table lamps, a wall light and pendant. In high gloss finishes in shades of black, white and ivory the larger table lamp and pendant also comes in a rich ruby red. Each piece is stamped "ORIGINAL KAISER idell" - all absolute classics! See the Kaiser iDell Series.

Landmarque Prints

We love these NEW Landmarque Prints. A series of 9 each features one of the world's greatest landmarks. With their instantly recognisable silhouettes each has been given a stripy graphic identity in a vibrant colour palette. The series of nine are 1. Statue of Liberty; 2. Angel of the North; 3. Christ The Redeemer; 4. The Motherland Calls; 5. The Taj Mahal; 6. The Leaning Tower of Pisa; 7. The Sydney Opera House; 8. The London Eye and 9. The Eiffel Tower. They're just £25.00 each and make bold additions to any wall.

Bus Blinds

With our love of all things Utility chic we were delighted to find these Bus Blind canvases. Featuring key locations and destinations there's one for London and another for our home town of Liverpool. What's more, they're Liverpool designed!

VITRA Eames Lounge Chair - FREE Ottoman and LTR Table

This week we've been tidying up the way in which to buy a VITRA Eames Lounge Chair, including adding this easy guide on how to do it: Eames Lounge Chair Buying Guide. But as we're mid sale we've introduced a fantastic offer where, if you buy the lounge chair, we'll give you the matching Ottoman or foostool and an Eames LTR Table absolutely FREE. A sound investment by any standards this timeless design trio will give a lifetime of lounging comfort. This is a fantastic offer and is open until 31st July.

STRING SHELVING

For those daunted by String Shelving we've made buying it simpler with different sections for the Modular system, split into the three panel colours (black white and grey). From there you can buy your complete system. For those familiar with String we've also added a Components Section where you can buy the individual elements too. We've also added the new uber cool String Pocket (the all in one small shelf pack) in Artek Grey (pictured) and the muted, slightly larger String Soft. For those who don't know this Swedish brand it's the ultimate answer to 'utility chic' storage - and fantastically priced too!

Flos Can Can Light

The Flos Can Can Light - designed by Marcel Wanders - is an exceptional value pendant light with a dual personality. We saw this in Milan and submitted it to The Daily Telegraph as one of our hot pics from this years fair (as best small interiors shops winner). Great to see the larger version is now available to order. The clean and simple silhouette appeals to the modernist in us whilst the contrasting filigree diffuser gives Can Can a traditional twist. With a black or white body each comes with a diffuser in clear or pink. Can Can is available now and the smaller version - Mini Can Can - will be available from September. Prices have yet to be confirmed for Mini Can Can but the large one is on sale now for £178.00 with FREE delivery - fantastic value for a Flos product and Marcel Wanders design!

Gubi Retro Re-Editions

This year we have three re-editions of classic Gubi lights from the 1940s and 50s by Greta Magnusson Grossman . The Cobra Lamp takes its name from the shape of the oval shade, shaped like the head of a Cobra, together with its fully flexible tubular arm which can be bent in any direction. The shade can be rotated through 360º and it's available as a desk or table lamp and well as a floor lamp in three neutral shades - jet black, anthracite and warm grey/beige. See Cobra Table Lamp and Cobra Floor Lamp. Complementing the Cobra is the Grasshopper Floor Lamp. With it's Grasshopper upright silhouette this 1947 design is available in suitably mid century vintage red, warm grey, anthracite, jet black and and warm grey beige. With free delivery on them all they're available to order now from the Gubi Collection.

Mondaine - New Simply Elegant

The new Simply Elegant range from Mondaine takes the classic Mondaine design and has refined it to create a range of watches which - as the name suggests - is Simply Elegant! Perfect for a more dressy look there are six styles - three in a gents size (41mm) and three in a ladies size (36mm). Whilst both sizes come with the classic black and white dials with black straps the larger size also comes with a steel mesh strap and the smaller size is available with a red strap. It reminds me of the Ole Mathiesen watch I bought in 1998 (and we used to sell) - slender, crisp and beautifully refined! See Simple Elegant - Gents Watch and Simple Elegant - Ladies Watch

De La Espada Orson Desk

Fancy a new writing desk? For use with a computer or laptop or purely for some good old fashioned letter writing the Orson Desk, designed by Matthew Hilton for De La Espada, gives a classic design a fresh new image. With dovetail jointed drawers and full cable management system Orson has cast iron legs and is available in black american walnut or oak with a danish oiled finish.

De La Espada McQueen Chests

Two beautifully crafted chests of drawers by Matthew Hilton for De La Espada are now available to order. The larger one (Large McQueen Chest) contains twelve drawers whilst the tall version (Tall MQueen Chest) has six drawers. They're made from American Black Walnut or American Oak - both of which are treated with danish oil - and are characterised by cast iron drawer handle and leg details. All drawers have beautifully dovetailed joints and soft closing pistons. For a sound investment and an heirloom of the future this is craftsmanship at its finest.

B&B Italia Husk Chair

It's fantastic to see premium of all Italian furniture manufacturers B&B Italia has embraced ecological design with the new Husk Chair, designed by Patricia Urquiola. Launched in Milan this year it's now online. Prices are yet to be confirmed but this is a refreshingly original design which is green without looking like it!

Gift Retailer of the Year

Last night was a huge success for team Utility. At the Gift Association Industry Awards we won 'Best Multiple Gift Retailer of the Year' and 'Best of the Best' - that's the best overall winner of all the winners in each of the 10 categories!

Vitra Limited Edition Panton Chair - Dark Lime

The Vitra Panton Chair has just been released in LIMITED EDITION dark lime. Available only during 2011 this will only be on sale whilst stocks last. See : Limited Edition Panton Chair

Kartell Sundial Bookcase

Kartell's new Sundial Bookcase, launched in Milan, is now available. With a black or white frame it has four shelves which each have opaline dividers (available in clear, smoke or satin transparent). These are each set at angles like the shadows of a Sundial. A versatile bookcase which can be set against a wall or used as a feature wall divider the details in the separators gives originality to the Sundial design which never ceases to arouse curiosity.

Kartell Elliptical Bloom Light

For a spectacular floral light display see the new Kartell Bloom Light. Developed from the original Bloom Light (launched in 2010) by Ferruccio Laviani (master of the iconic Bourgie Lamp) this new elliptical version gives the same spectacular light display in fresh new colourways. In two pendant sizes and two ceiling/surface mounted sizes it's available in crystal clear, fresh mint, summery lavender or a matt white. Starting at just £159.00 it's an ideal light for a hallway, over a dining table, living room feature pendant or bedroom - it doesn't get much more versatile than that!

Vitra Jill Chair

The Jill Chair - now online - has been designed by Alfredo Haberli for Vitra. Clearly influenced by the bent plywood designs of Charles & Ray Eames each shell is available in black beech, natural oak or walnut. These are complemented with different leg designs - tube (a standard 4 leg) or wire - the same design used on Charles & Ray Eames DSR or 'Eiffel' chair. These both comes in various colours to complement the shell finishes. Cushion options also give an additional option for extra comfort. A fresh design with a retro twist we think it's a winner.

Kartell Magic Hole Chair and Sofa

Give your outdoor room a new look this year with the Magic Hole Chair and Sofa from Kartell. Designed by Philippe Starck and Eugene Quitllet the Magic Hole range comes in a three base colours (white, black or grey) with a contrasting or self coloured 'pocket' - the hole which gives the range its name. Far more demure and space saving than the Bubble Club range (Starck's previous outdoor sofa range), this is one outdoor furniture set you won't feel guilty about leaving out...remember that teak trend?

Magis Proust Chair

The Magis Proust Chair is now ready to order for delivery in June. Manufactured on a commercial scale the design is based on the "Poltrona di Proust", designed by Alessandro Mendini in 1978. Made from rotational moulded polyethylene this new version of the Proust Chair is suitable for outdoor use and comes in various colours to complement your garden. Sure to be a big hit this summer we love it!

Vitra Tip Ton Chair

Details of this revolutionary new chair, designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby for Vitra, have been released and it's now available to order online for delivery in October. See : Vitra Tip Ton Chair

Daja Vu Mirror from Magis

The Deja Vu Mirror from Magis is now available to order. In three sizes this polished aluminium framed mirror comes in two rectangular and one square sizes - the largest being floor standing. Designed by Naoto Fukasawa the collection complements other items in the Deja Vu aluminium range.

The Mags is News!

We're really chuffed that our new display Hay Mags 2.5 Seater Sofa has been delivered to us and is now available to check out in our store at 60 Bold Street. It's a really great contemporary comfortable design. We think it's going to be very popular!

Gubi Semi Pendant Light

We're really loving the Gubi Semi Pendant Light with its beautiful simple geometric shape. Sometimes known as the "Trumpet" light the Semi was designed in 1967 and is an iconic design classic.

Magis Vanity Chair

We love the Vanity Chair from Magis. Launched last year in Milan it's now available online. This years Milan Fair saw new introductions in red, yellow, green and blue colourways. Designed by Stefano Giovannoni Vanity combines a a graceful frame in polypropylene with a Kvadrat fabric upholstered seat. Used singularly - we're thinking this makes a perfect dressing table chair - or in a dining room context this in one design with an elegance which will never fade.

Moooi Heracleum Suspension Lamp

Just launched at this year's International Furniture Fair in Milan the Heracleum Suspension Lamp from Moooi is a beautifully elegant suspension lamp. Not only that but it has 63 LED lights which makes it energy efficient. It's scale and delicate looking structure make this a real statement product.

Magis Spun Chair

Launched last year Thomas Heatherwick's Spun Chair has spun it's way into a huge success. This year's Milan Furniture Fair saw the introduction of new colours in yellow, purple and red. Order yours now for summer garden fun as its can be used outside.