One thing can make the room. These are the pieces our experts love
Create a home gradually, piece by piece – we’re on hand to help you with expert design advice
No one knows our Home collections better than our in-store Design Stylists. So when we wanted to find out what single pieces could make the most impact in a space, transforming how it looked and felt to live in, these experts were our first port of call.
Whether you're looking for a big investment piece, such as a sofa, or smaller items like vases and lampshades, these are the designs handpicked by our team up and down the country. Each has selected two pieces – one smaller or more affordable item and one piece at a higher price point – that they’d opt for over everything else to update a home in an instant.
Whatever your needs or budget, read on to discover their picks…
Danielle Day, John Lewis & Partners Norwich
This chair is like a trendy hug! It’s super stylish, comfy and sits happily in any room in your home. It’s also available in nearly 80 different fabric or colour options, so you can personalise it to your own tastes.
Hidecote Quilted Bedspread, £200
This is the most usable, tasteful bedspread; I love the calming colour and muted, pared-back design.
Lucy Heavens, John Lewis & Partners Norwich
I love the texture on the headboard and foot of the Hetti bed frame. It’s one of my new favourite pieces because it’s natural, stylish and retro at the same time.
Vice Versa Cushion, £35
This new-in cushion, with its zingy pop of colour and textured cord fabric, is a must-have.
Sian Iles, John Lewis & Partners Poole
Velo Sideboard, £849
I love this statement piece; it creates a real focal point with its stylish slatted design. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also functional – your smaller items can be stored inside to make a room look less cluttered.
Artificial Olive In Ceramic Vase, £35
Artificial plants are finish off a space by adding interest, texture and colour. They also bring a touch of nature indoors, without the maintenance.
Michelle Giddings, John Lewis & Partners Stratford City
Bude Sofa, £1,899
This sofa’s classic design and focus on comfort and practicality make it a timeless investment piece – one that can transform any living room.
Banana Leaves Cushion, £25
The vibrant colours of this cushion remind me of summer and would liven up any sofa.
Graham Boden, John Lewis & Partners Cribbs Causeway
Estate Shelving Storage Unit, £749
I love this Estate piece for the wood detailing, along with the visible grain, which provides texture and warmth. Having the ability to both display and conceal is ideal - epsecially for a last-minute tidy when guests are arriving!
Anira Cushion, £50
I love the varied textural surface, mixed palette and contrasting reverse fabric of this cushion. It'll add a subtle drama to your sofa.
Siân Lewin, John Lewis & Partners Nottingham
Ritz Marble Console Table, £449
The Ritz console table has a timeless design which combines contemporary and mid-century styles. It’s a luxurious piece that can be styled and dressed up or kept minimal.
Scalloped Linen Cushion, £25
The perfect versatile accessory to complement homes of any style, from contemporary to classic to maximalist - better still it comes in a range of colours to suit your style.
Ashly Evans, John Lewis & Partners Welwyn
Hand-Knotted Wool Rug, £950
The traditional folk style and bold colours of this rug will transform any room; clash with other patterns for a maximalist look, or pair with neutral textures for a modern style.
Hand-painted Vase, £25
Brighten any space with this pistachio-striped vase. It’s perfect for adding colour and life to a kitchen island, sideboard or dining table.
Beth Walker, John Lewis & Partners Edinburgh
X-Ray Extending Dining Table, £1,199
Well-made and designed to last, I love how the joinery is expressed in the Y-shaped legs. It reminds me of trees in a forest, supporting the canopy and all the life in the branches.
Wash And Dry Kalmar Runner, £141.95
Add interest to your hallway or kitchen with this patterend runner. It's practical too as you can pop it in nearly all washing machines.
Diane Michels, John Lewis & Partners White City
Content By Terence Conran Balance Wide Shelving Unit, £599
An iconic design piece that will be a talking point with your friends. Place in front of a coloured feature wall and let your personalised mementos stand out and shine.
Cluster Trio Shelf Floor Lamp, £150
A hugely versatile piece, this light – with built-in shelves for that all-important cup of tea – will illuminate darker corners. The lighting is soft enough to create a lovely ambience anywhere in your home.
Tracey Holmes, John Lewis & Partners High Wycombe
Henri Matisse 'The Plain Tree' Artwork, £250
I believe we can all have a great masterpiece in our homes. I love this minimalist print – it works well with both monochrome and colourful decor. The black frame is made from sustainably sourced, hand-stained ash wood.
ercol Bellingdon Sideboard, £2,199
This ercol sideboard is beautifully designed. I really appreciate the overall craftsmanship and attention to detail – such as the dovetail joints and beautiful wood grain – and love the oval cutouts with the routed grooves, which make it very unique and offer a real talking point.
Nadya Hull, John Lewis & Partners Reading
Lozenge Grand 5-Seater Sofa, £2,099
The unique shape of this sofa breaks away from traditional styles and offers a stunning design that can transform any room.
Yharnna ‘Halo Love’ Artwork, £175
The versatility of this artwork makes it a captivating focal point in any room. It’ll complement dark, bold walls just as easily as neutral interiors.
Whether you're refreshing a room or transforming your whole home, get free personalised advice in store or online with our Home Design Stylists. Click here to find out more.
My John Lewis members can also enjoy 5% off £1,500 or 10% off £3,000 on selected Home products when you book and attend an in-store or virtual Home Design service appointment. T&Cs apply.
