We’re still very much in the thick of winter here in the UK. The days are dark and damp, the trees are bare and everything and everyone seems to be covered in a sludgy greyness. I’m still in peak hibernation mode, revelling in saying no to as many events as possible, embracing a certain level of sobriety and really enjoying my home. Less sociable times like these offer an opportunity to be introspective, to work out what is important, what matters.
Sat here solo, immersed in box-sets and holiday planning for later in the year, I can’t help but think about the importance of companionship. I appreciate this means different things to different people, but whether it is a partner, family, friends, colleagues or even the enjoyment of your own company, those strong influences around you, who carry you confidently through the ups and downs of life, are always worth acknowledging and being grateful for.
For many, this loyal and all-encompassing soulmate comes in a furry, four-legged form. They’re affectionate, exuberant and full of character, and in a world that’s often rather grim and grisly, that unquestioning devotion’s hard to beat. The high regard and breathless affection with which we smother our pets seems to know no bounds, and so it’s perhaps no wonder that the design world has woken up to the possibilities of creating furniture and accessories for our animal friends. Gone are the cheap neon-rubber chew toys and unattractive water bowls of old; instead, Rover can now proudly sport a luxury collar while lounging in a designer dog bed. For more inspiration, see our pet shoot and shopping in this issue.
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It will probably come as no surprise that I’m interiors obsessed, so for me constant companions are not just people or pets, but those pieces and products I surround myself with on a daily basis. After all, fabulous furniture can be less judgemental, longer-lasting and much more comfortable than a lot of friendships, and I for one am happy to be spending the chilly days of winter snuggled up with my sofa!
But a change of season is on the way, and with it comes the inevitable desire to spring clean, to conquer the clutter and try to restore order. To that end, we have our best-ever exploration of all things storage, where you’ll find the most stylish designs (large and small) suited to particular areas of the home. And, if you’re seeking greater clarity moving forward, I know you’ll love our expansive shoot dedicated to the rise in designs wholly created from glass – this year’s material of choice for designers.
However the start of your 2024 is going, I hope you can enjoy the comfort of someone or something in your life, you’re feeling as organised as you can be and have a sense of perspective that’s crystal clear.
