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Canadian design company Umbra was born 31 years ago when graphic designer Paul Rowan couldn't find a nice window shade to hang in his new apartment window. So he made one...and others liked it! He soon teamed up with friend and industrial hardware manufacturer, Les Mandelbaum, and Umbra was born.
Since that time Umbra has grown to become the world leader of modern, original, casual and affordable design for the home - introducing designs that have broken the mould and creating entirely new categories in the home decor and gift market.
Utility are proud to be one of the largest retailers of Umbra in the UK and we're very pleased to introduce a host of new home accessories & giftware products that, like all Umbra designs, inject personality and a sense of magic into any interior.
Umbra's comprehensive catalogue, from photo display units to quirky hook/hangers, is creative, innovative and modern, all the while remaining highly affordable. Modern design doesn't get more accessible than this.
Shop the Umbra collection here
Moooi have been impressing the design world for years, with furniture & lighting that is visually strong, highly functional and individual, such as the Smoke Chair, Light Shade Shade Chandelier, Pig Table and Horse Lamp.
During Salone 2014, under the art direction of Marcel Wanders, Moooi presented their "Unexpected Welcome" exhibition, showcasing their new and exciting 2014 range in an interactive experience that had all of Milan talking - You can view the panoramic display by clicking here.
Joining these best sellers are a host of brand new furniture and lighting pieces that were introduced during Salone 2014 including the playfully elegant Zio Coffee Table and Sideboard, the versatile Prop Light range and the Bassotti Coffee Tables that merge the solid grace of marble table tops with the shiny lightness of classically shaped legs.
We've been working hard to expand upon our collection of Swedese products and we're pleased (happy even) to announce that the Swedese "Happy" range is now available to purchase online at Utility. That's not all though; we've also slashed prices across the range & deducted a further 15% in adding the entire Swedese collection to our Summer SALE
Roger Persson describes his furniture design as "a game with lines and curves" and this can be seen quite clearly in Happy; the smiling furniture family made up of dining chairs, stool, armchairs and sofas.
By adding soft surfaces and forms to an otherwise modern aesthetic expression, he creates a long lasting idiom. Like his other ranges for Swedese, happy is beautiful and functional - comfortable, practical, and possesses a special knack for fitting into all types of environments. We think the range is especially suited to commercial, retail or reception spaces.
"Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth".
Lee Broom founded his eponymous British company in 2008 and has since gone on to become one of the UK s leading product and interior designers. In his short career, Lee Broom has launched five furniture and lighting collections, designed over 40 retail, restaurant and bar interiors and has won awards including the Designer of the Year at the British Design Awards in November 2011.
The latest lighting collection from the man dubbed "the pin up of British manufacturing" is now available to purchase in our online store. Here are some of our favourite pieces.
One Light Only - OLO
OLO is a collection of striking pendant lights that draw on Lee Broom's fashion background. Characterised by its gem-like faceted exterior, OLO references both Art Deco jewellery and late 1970's fashion photography. 2014 sees the introduction of three new finishes. Two stunning matt finishes - matt white and matt gold - producing sharp lines and graphic, angled shadows on its surface. The form of the light is also reinterpreted in solid walnut - the wood grain adding a natural and tactile element to the geometric shape of the shade. A polished gold interior ensures a warm glow is emitted on all.
Crystal Bulb
Taking inspiration from the delicate craftsmanship of crystal cutting, the Crystal Bulb combines industrial influences with decorative qualities, transforming the everyday bulb into a beautiful ornamental light fitting. Each lead Crystal Bulb is handcrafted using traditional techniques and hand cut with a classic crystal pattern inspired by traditional whiskey glasses and decanters. The Crystal Bulb, winner of the British Design Awards for 2012/13 is available in a clear or frosted brushed brass pendant or five piece chandelier.
Tile Lamp
The Tile lamp, from the award winning Heritage Boy collection, draws on traditional British manufacturing techniques and is a great example of combining classic shapes with unexpected application. Available in two sizes - blue and white - the Tile Lamp explores the use of traditional glazed tiles on lighting. The lamp is clad in a classic formation giving the impression of an upper surface of a tiled column. The Tile Lamps use genuine twice flared ceramic tiles made the same way they have been for 150 years. The moulds are hand carved and monogrammed for authenticity and are produced by the same factory that produce tiles for the London Underground.
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