ORIGINAL, PROGRESSIVE AND LOVED, DESIGN PROJECT BY JOHN LEWIS HAS A DESIGN-LED, CURATED FEEL. FIND OUT MORE...
When Design Project by John Lewis was launched in autumn/winter 2016, its aim was to push the boundaries further than homeware had traditionally. This was a brand with a purpose, and that purpose was to be different.
‘We wanted to show we could be far-stretching in terms of design,’ says Beatrice Giannotto, Partner & Senior Designer, Home Design Studio. ‘It was all about how far we could push the contemporary furniture lover so they had more belief in our in-house design.’
And the team certainly haven’t disappointed for spring/summer 2019. The brand today is best described as ‘original, progressive and loved,’ explains Lisa Cherry, Partner & Buying Lead, Design Project by John Lewis. ‘It’s less of a look than Croft Collection or House by John Lewis [our other brands], more anchored in furniture with accessories on top.’ Saying that, they are pieces that you can build upon. ‘If you buy the sofa this year and we do a cabinet in two years’ time, they should still have the same vibe to them,’ says Lisa.
“These pieces are an investment – you’ll have and enjoy them for years to come”
There are around 300 pieces currently in Design Project by John Lewis, including furniture, lighting, dining, textiles, accessories and mirrors amongst others. Each is identifiable by a Design Project number, which alludes to the series exclusivity. The emphasis is on buying forever pieces.
For spring/summer 2019, you’ll find softer tones like rust, millennial pink, grey and navy, combined with mixed materials such as marble and wood, while cushions are textured. There are also outdoor living pieces still to come, with innovative features (as you’d expect from the brand). Lisa’s top tip is to check out the new towels.
“The pieces work in any home – when you walk into the room you just enjoy them”
So Beatrice, what’s your favourite piece?
It has to be the No.169 dining table, with its soft edges and metal legs. It really epitomises the brand.
Where does Design Project by John Lewis work best?
It should naturally fit into a contemporary home – I only have the one piece, the sideboard, but it just works.
Where will it head for autumn/winter 2019?
Things are set to get bolder again as the monochrome trend returns.
What are you most excited about?
That we are continuing to push design boundaries.
