Since I’ve moved away to University, my interest in interior design and home-wares has rapidly increased in intensity (read *I now spend hours stalking living rooms and furniture on Pinterest*) as there’s something very satisfying about having your very own space to decorate and make yours. Some exciting news (which I’ve been rabbiting on about forever it seems) is that Sion and I are moving into our very own place in the summer, which I’ve been buying bits for since January. I’ve written a couple of posts about the bits I’ve picked up but I haven’t really thought about colour schemes or larger furniture items (surprisingly) so when DFS reached out about collaborating on a new capsule store they’ve just set up in Westfield Stratford, I thought it might be the perfect opportunity to sit down (on a lovely new sofa – coming soon) and have a think!
As one of the UK’s leading furniture specialists, DFS is renowned for their reliable, comfortable and affordable sofas – something we’re used to hearing on the television. If I’m honest, I’d previously written them off as one of those places that always offers a sale and didn’t think there was much else to them – however the beauty of blogging is being able to go behind the scenes of a brand, revealing their values and the thought that goes into the every individual project. For example, did you know that the majority of DFS sofas are actually made in the UK. Home-grown and supporting British factories! Similarly, did you know that DFS works with fashion brands such as French Connection to create home-made ranges to suit different customers with different tastes? I didn’t either – but I have to say, the sofas are beautiful!
Very kindly, DFS invited me along to their Westfield Stratford store a couple of weeks ago, showing me round their new, smaller capsule store in ‘The Street’ which hosts a range of their ‘favourites’ rather than everything, like the massive out-of-town stores have. It’s a sort of ‘taster’ of their products, suited to city living – incorporating interior design and furniture into your Saturday shop! Alongside the store are their two partner brands (they work with one another, often stocking smaller items in one anothers stores) – Dwell and Sofa Workshop, where I was also shown round for interior inspiration (I picked up lots of ideas).
Since the capsule store is smaller than usual, the manager has a nifty little gadget for ensuring that no customer leaves feeling underwhelmed by the choice. An interactive wall of TV’s in the centre are hooked up to an iPad in the store, whereby customers can choose their specific desired material, shape and style – before the final result is ‘flicked’ over onto the main screen for optimum HD viewing. I don’t think my images quite do how fancy this was justice – but it left me feeling as though I’ve been missing out on a sci-fi shopping experience for quite some time!
As well as hosting me for the day (and taking me for a lovely lunch at Giraffe), DFS have kindly given me £750 of vouchers to spend at their stores, Dwell or Sofa Workshop – in order to make my new house, my home! I’ve chosen a number of items, which I’m really excited to put together and set up once we’re all moved in! I won’t reveal too much, as I’ll be blogging about it separately (and photographing it of course) but I’ve got two ‘big’ pieces of furniture, with some quirky additions thrown in. I can’t wait to show you!
Thank you to DFS and Blue Rubicon for hosting me, I had a lovely day and returned home full of interior inspiration. If you’re a London local and fancy a spot of homeware shopping, I’d definitely recommend a visit to Westfield Stratford. Although renowned for its clothing and beauty stores predominately, it’s slowly becoming a bit of an all-rounder, I’m sure it won’t be long before you’ll be able to do your supermarket shop, take home a new pet, kit out your home and purchase a new wardrobe all in the same place!
Have you visited DFS before? What do you think of the new ‘capsule’ idea?
And, if you’re looking out for online options for home décor and interior, you can try www.voucherbin.co.uk where I have found some rather handy vouchers provided by different stores from UK.
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