Centre of Attention

When it comes to our homes, we want to feel individual and creative. Investing in a show-stopping piece will form the backbone of any design scheme.

Interior designer Holly Keeling, who has an interiors shop in Totnes, believes that quality is the key, be it focal furniture or luxurious window dressings: “Don’t compromise on quality fabric when dressing your windows. And less is more – cluttering the room will detract from the main pieces.”

For those who believe high-ticket items should feature the latest technology, then Alastair Brown, Manager of CASA in Topsham, recommends the ROM Daphne corner sofa with Aladin sofa control. With two reclining sections with electric headrests and a terminal end, it is available in a choice of sizes. 

Created from high-density Fifty5 foam, it is not a seat to just flop into. As part of the Premium 2 range, it uses the latest technology – ROM’s Aladin sofa control app – to enable users to set their own favourite seating positions at the touch of a button. The intelligent app can save up to five different positions per seat, programming them directly into the sofa system and memorising them.

To take it a step further, customers can create a bespoke settee, using ROM’s 20cm concept. Options such as electric recliners, electric headrests, heated and extending seats are on offer. It is also available as a single sofa, as a chair or as a home cinema unit. “Each side is available from 180cm up to 400cm, so you really can design your own sofa,” says Alastair. 

Holly says that a large bed is hard to beat, and she is also a fan of upholstered headboards, with piping and buttons to add impact to a bedroom. Textured quilts, throws and cushions add to the sumptuous feel. “Go for a plain fabric headboard that will not date and then choose patterned cushions in a more expensive fabric, as they can be replaced,” she advises.  

Holly is seeing a surge in requests for embroidery and natural linen in shades of green and teal. “I always tell a client to choose the fabric they love, even if it’s for small cushions against a plain, cheaper material, as it gives a feeling of luxury,” she says. 

"An added benefit of sourcing handmade crafted items is that they can be tailored to specific requirements"