Christmas Gift Ideas

 

Stuck for gift ideas this Christmas? Fear not, we have been scouring the lands to bring you plenty of unique, exclusive and quality product - the kind you won't find in any large chain or department store.

The fresh and masculine scents of the Gentle-Man range are perfect for the modern man. This collection of luxury grooming products are formulated using a range of natural ingredients and bespoke fragrances that are gentle on the skin. Gentle-Man is only available at Utility and was featured in The Times Gift Guide (23rd November). From the popular Sandalwood Body Wash, to the refreshing Black Pepper Body Wash, there is a scent to suit all male tastes - see the collection.

Everyone loves a good 'smelly' and the Paddywax Apothecary Candle has already proved popular within our stores. We can see why; the vintage amber bottles would be at home in any Victorian pharmacy. Each are filled with hand poured fragrance infused soy wax and include a heavy glass stopper to preserve their rich aromas. The Tobacco & Patchouli Paddywax Apothecary Candle is the leading scent - which one would you choose?

We've expanded our growing mug collection too with a range if fresh new designs. We know design lovers will adore the clashing block colours of My Mug. Wonderfully simple, the contrasting handle makes a bold statement and is available in a number of bright and muted colourways. We have two sizes available; Large and Small. 

The heartfelt statements of the Awesome and Wonderful Mug collection will make for a personal and touching gift this Christmas that your Mum, Dad, Grandad, Grandma and Teacher can cherish each time they indulge in a cuppa.

Alternatively have an educational brew with the Large Kings & Queens Mug and Large Prime Ministers Mug listing all the famous monarchs and leaders in British history. Each are depicted through witty illustrations that sum up what they are really famous for such as the execution of King Charles I and Sir Winston Churchill's peace sign. But that's just the start of it - for an original gift idea from our range of Watches to fun stuff that will inject some laughter into Christmas, we think we've something for everyone. Come into our Gift Store and take a look.

We're Finalists!

Utility has been shortlisted as Independent Retailer of the Year for the Retail Week Enterprise Awards 2013!  Head office is brimming with smiles as we're massive followers of Retail Week - it's our bible. The award celebrates smaller retailers with entrepreneurial success that are the most innovative and are actively driving the industry forward. Retail Week aims to create a platform to highlight the future industry leaders who are constantly evolving to the changing needs of customers.
 
We strive to provide exceptional customer service and are relentless in our quest to seek exclusive and unique design-led products from gifts to furniture. We're incredibly proud to be recognised for our continued dedication and commitment and would like to take this opportunity to thank the people in our home city of Liverpool as well as those nationally and internationally that have continued to support us throughout the 14 years we have been trading. Even after all these years, we're still enthusiastic about discovering new product which we cannot wait to share with you.

Our fate rests in a panel of expert judges, with the final decision scheduled to be announced on 26th November. Wish us good luck and keep your fingers crossed!

New Cushions from Vitra

With the cosy season on our doorsteps now is the time to snuggle up, and right on time Vitra have introduced a new range of cushions to do just that. With several designs created by Hella Jongerius (creator of the Polder Sofa and the reworked white edition of the Eames Lounge Chair) there's a family of square cushions in two sizes in a variety of shades to complement any interior. I addition Vitra have also added to the range by creating eight square cushions in  iconic fabrics created by some of the greatest designers of the twentieth century including Charles & Ray Eames, Alexander Girard and Verner Panton. They're all available to order now with Vitra Accessories

Cosy Copper

The interiors and furniture industry embraced Copper as one of the materials of choice for 2013. Following a plethora of new entries at the Milan Furniture Fair - and a fantastic public response to its charms - manufacturers have been quick to get their products to market - making a huge range of new designs available in this comfortably familiar material available. With a rich, cosy hue, whether it be spun, beaten, polished or brushed, copper brings warmth to any space. What better way to bed down this autumn than in your own home with one of these new designs featuring this most classic of materials.

New Foscarini Releases for 2013

Foscarini's collection of new releases is a result of intense collaboration with a host of masters and brilliant upcoming talent. Each embody Foscarini's vision for cutting edge design and tell a unique story, addressing modern day needs with striking beauty. The seductive texture of Ludovica & Roberto Palomba's Rituals focuses upon the strong contrast between light and dark generated by subtle bands of blown and frosted glass which decorate the diffuser. These filter and diffuse the intensity of the light source suggesting its main influence, Japanese paper lanterns. The table lamp, has a simple die cast zinc alloy tripod base with an rough epoxy powder paint finish whereas the pendant permits the diffuser to gracefully inhabit the space it occupies. Both include three complementary shapes, expanding the collection to suit a diverse range of settings.

Yoko's illuminated heart of white light floods the centre of the lamp creating a suffused and vibrant atmosphere. Norwegian design duo Anderssen & Voll, placed the light source within the polycarbonate base breaking the traditional configuration. This creates a dialogue between the two different volumes, the base and bubble shaped iridescent diffuser. Constructed using PMMA and blow moulding technology, Yoko is not only lightweight but also unbreakable. The atmospheric reflections are accentuated with the availability of three delicate colours; orange, green and violet - inspired by Nordic nature.

A simple tilt of the concave Flip Wall Light, by Simon Pengelly, permits the direction of light to be adjusted - customise its warm luminosity to reflect off the ceiling or to highlight an object below. The diffuser sits upon a dynamic frame, attached to a central pivot at the pinnacle of its curvature, allowing Flip to be efficiently adapted. Irregular cuts add a unique visual personality and also leak indirect light, transforming Flip from an functional light source into a sculptural installation.

New lighting additions from Flos

Launched in Milan this year Flos have now released three new designs which are now available to order. The Aim Light by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec is a fantastic 'installation' suspension light which does as it's name suggests and can be directed in different positions. Used singularly or grouped together in a maximum of 5 from one rose it's available in black or white.

Reinterpreting a design classic is a modern these in contemporary design and the Goldman Lamp, by Ron Gilad, is no exception. Goldman gives the original banker's lamp a whole new, refined image. Referencing the past in original green and bronze there's also a bang on trend version in nickel and smoke - ideal for the modern office.  Soft touch LED technology adds to its allure.

Finally Orotund by Marc Newson rounds up the trio. In white polycarbonate this round wall light combines practical illumination with sculptural flair for a statement any wall would be grateful for.

Sale and Clearance Now On!

We're in July which means one thing - our mid summer clearance and special offers sale is now on! With 15% off all our key brands including Vitra, Kartell, Carl Hansen, Fritz Hansen, Magis, Muller, Cassina, E15, Tom Dixon, Gubi and many others we've also reduced Artemide Lighting and Lightyears Lighting brands by 10%. It doesn't stop there though. We're giving away a free 500ml Waterbobble with every 3 tier Kartell Componibili purchased - which is already reduced at 15% off. Buy any three Orla Kiely items and we'll give you a Multi Stem Tea Towel absolutely FREE! Finally, don't forget to check out our warehouse clearance sale section. With big savings on a number of stock items this is your chance to bag a bargain at a fraction of the retail price. New table, lamp light or chairs? Take advantage now - and happy shopping!