I remember when the first Terence Conran for Marks and Spencers collection came out in 2011, the limited range of products felt a little conceptual in comparison to the rest of M&S’s Homeware in store at the time (take a look at the slideshow here). There was a glass dome with a thick black base that was a bit science-y, a collection of translucent vases and doorstops that resembled pebbles in stacks and lighting and furniture with glossy veneers that you would expect at Habitat but never at M&S.
I sort of loved it, but my mum (a lifelong customer) and her bestie’s expressions were baffled and I was left feeling a bit chastened that maybe my world of ‘design’ wasn’t for everyone.
Fast forward six years and M&S’ Homeware range has grown exponentially in product range, trend and taste level – and the average customer’s knowledge of design has expanded because basically Pinterest has made everyone a connoisseur! Perhaps the rest of M&S home offering has caught up with the visionary design of Terence Conran or perhaps the two have met in the middle – either way the Conran collection has grown to be the gem in the M&S Home empire with its high-end but affordable pieces.
Conran’s latest collection for Marks & Spencer blends vintage inspired designs with high quality finishes. I don’t think i’ve ever used this phase but I’m completely ‘mad for’ the mid-century inspired Corin Candelabra Chandelier with bronze metal arms and teal glass shades – it’s priced brilliantly at £190 and reminds me of the luxurious lighting designs I’ve seen coming out of the States these past years. Next the marble effect (but you can’t tell) Circle Mirror with a delicate gold rim is one of the prettiest and smartest mirrors I have seen to date. And the vases… no longer pebble inspired are luminous and jewel-like.
Another highlight is the cage-like Brass lantern with marble base and Pure Wool Crewel Circles rug and cushion in a rich brown palette and super cool vintage inspired wall art which come in walnut frames and printed on tactile watercolour paper.
Conran for M&S 2017 Collection
Conran Marble and Brass Bookends £29.50
Conran Corin Tablelamp £89
Conran Yellow Moon Wall Art £99
Conran Numbers Wall Art £59
Conran Farley Coffee Table £229
Conran Dinner Candle Holder
Conran Wool Blend Crewel Circles Cushion £29.50
Conran Caleb Floor Lamp £149Conran A-Z Letters Wall Art £59
Conran Pure Wool Crewel Rug £149-£229
Author: Rohini Wahi
Rohini is a London based freelance journalist and trend forecaster for the design industries. She has worked for Elle Decoration, Living Etc, Houzz and Design Sponge amongst others.
She loves a period drama and keeps a tidy home. Launched in 2007 The Beat That My Heart Skipped focuses on home inspirations, design trends, lifestyle and food – coupled with an insight into Rohini’s work and home life – from key picks at trade shows to styled weekend soirees. To contact Rohini for queries, work for hire or just to say hi drop her a line at mail@rohiniwahi.com
Teasel Fabrics
Friday, March 24th, 2017 05:56 at 5:56 am (5 years ago)That vintage wall art is really looking super cool. Adorable collection.