We may be famed for fish and chips, The Beatles and black cabs but Britain's influence on pop culture (and the world) doesn't stop at food, fashion and cars. We've also enjoyed a long design history in the UK too, especially when it comes to homewares made with quality, craftsmanship and heart. Truly the best of British!
What's more, we're not just talking about our own British-made furniture (although of course we do design and handcraft every item here in the UK #justsaying). In fact, all across our fair isle is rife with amazing interior talent, making home grown products using time-honoured techniques and skill. We think this is something very special, and thus, worth celebrating.
So if (like us) you also champion British design, here’s our Willow & Hall pick of some of the best places to source unique and British homewares. Made, sold and, above all, manufactured right here in the UK.
Handmade in Britain
MIMA Side Table
Handmade in Britain (as you might suspect) is a curator of British, handcrafted products. Not just interiors related but also fashion and jewellery too. They take pride in championing upcoming new talent, with a homewares range that spans everything from glassware and sculpture to textiles and furniture. You can purchase products by category on their website or at one of their annual events. These events give you a great opportunity to meet the makers in person and see a host of Handmade in Britain's partner ranges first hand.
The British Blanket Company
Rainbow Stripe Herringbone Throw
The British Blanket Company sources, stocks and celebrates British wool manufacturing. Brother and sister team Joe and Bethan cherry-pick their wares from the best of Britain's mills. They offer an eclectic collection of throws, picnic rugs and blankets. Their throws and blankets are available in a range of colours. So, if you're looking for a waterproof picnic rug, or a cosy throw for a sofa, this is the place.
Pottery West
Autumnus Bowl Vase in Sand
Pottery West is the ceramics studio of Catherine and Matt West. Working out of their Sheffield studio, they design and handmake their range of ceramic tableware.
For more interior design advice, delivered to your inbox, tablet or mobile, here are three great sites to follow…
The English Home: The online edition of the print mag of the same name. The English Home offers room inspiration and decorating tips, always with a British angle.
The Pink House: Full of pics from her own home, and that of other Brits based in the UK. Emily's blog is a great source of ideas for on-trend style updates to make indoors.
The Curiously British Blog: Our own Willow & Hall blog offers advice around creating a home you love, British design inspiration and culture in the UK.
And if you really want to be more British at home, you could always fly the flag with a Union Jack colour scheme in your living spaces!