Where I Shop for That Sofa (and Where I Save Without Regret)
Source: Loaf
Let’s talk about where to spend and where you really don’t have to.
Because if you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can I really justify the price tag?” while hovering over the ‘Add to Basket’ button, you’re not alone. Most of my clients are smart, stylish, house-proud women, and just like you, they want a home that feels thoughtful and elevated, but they don’t want to waste money on the wrong things.
So today I’m pulling back the curtain on my go-to brands. The ones I trust again and again for quality, longevity, and timeless style. I’ll also share a few clever spots where you can save without sacrificing the overall look and feel.
Because good design isn’t just about spending more, it’s about knowing where to invest.
Where I Invest (and Recommend You Do Too)
These are the pieces I encourage my clients to prioritise. They set the tone, take the most wear, and can absolutely make or break a room. In fact, I recently had a client who skipped this step and went for a cheaper option … she is now regretting it.
Sofas & Beds
You literally live in these pieces, so they need to last, feel good, and hold their shape.
Go-to brands:
Loaf – Gorgeous comfort, timeless shape, and that relaxed-but-stylish.
Arlo & Jacob – Well-built, great custom options, and actually comfy (not just for show).
Heal’s – Beautiful quality and heritage appeal, perfect for period homes with a modern twist.
💡 Tip: Don’t just look at fabric samples — sit-test if you can. And always check dimensions against your room AND doorways. Trust me.
Dining Tables & Hero Storage
Big furniture needs to anchor the space and stand up to family life.
Brands I trust:
Neptune – Gorgeous finishes, thoughtful craftsmanship, and brilliant in older homes.
West Elm – Mid-century inspired without being too trend-led. Their tables age well.
The Conran Shop – Pricey, yes. But if you want one truly iconic piece? Worth the splurge.
Lighting
Lighting makes or breaks the mood. One statement light can elevate an entire room.
Where I invest:
Pooky – Great quality, fun styles, and that perfectly ‘not-trying-too-hard’ British look.
Original BTC – A bit more industrial/heritage, but beautifully made.
Corston Architectural – Elegant, minimal, and perfect for period properties.
💡 Note: I also love using a mix of wall, floor, and table lamps to layer light. One overhead pendant isn’t enough.
Source: Original BTC
Where I Save (But Never Settle)
Saving doesn’t mean compromising — it means being smart about where you don’t need the £££.
Side Tables, Shelving & Occasional Furniture
Not everything needs to last 20 years — some pieces can be more flexible or swapped out down the line.
Great spots for this:
La Redoute – Their furniture line is surprisingly good. Lovely shapes, decent quality, and often on sale.
Dunelm - Some lovely finds from here! My bedside table are from Dunelm and I love them - very Soho home.
H&M Home – Great for those finishing touches that bring a bit of soul without spending a fortune.
Rugs & Decor
If the layout and big pieces are right, you can absolutely save here without it looking cheap.
Try these:
Benuta – Affordable rugs with high-end looks. Great for layering and softening hard floors.
John Lewis ANYDAY range – Surprisingly good accessories, especially for lamps, throws, and small furniture. They nail that elevated-everyday look.
Dunelm – A bit hit-and-miss, but if you dig, you can find great lighting, mirrors and even some lovely ceramic pieces at brilliant prices.
Etsy – Ideal for unique, handmade decor. Think vintage-style wall art, quirky knobs for joinery, linen cushion covers, and one-of-a-kind finds that bring soul to a space.
Zara Home – Beautiful textures, earthy tones, and elevated basics that feel far more premium than their price tag suggests. Great for bedding, trays, and small accents that feel a bit “Soho House at home.”
Source: Zara Home
My Golden Rule: Buy Less, But Better
I always say: you don’t need more things - you need the right things.
Buy once, buy smart, and be clear about what matters most in your space.
And if you're unsure where to spend vs. save? That’s exactly what I help my clients figure out. I build room-by-room shopping lists based on your style, your layout, and your budget - with trade discounts included.
So if you’re feeling the overwhelm creeping in… pause. Breathe. And maybe let me help you build a shopping list you’ll actually love (and not regret at 2am when the delivery’s gone wrong).
💬 Get in touch here or explore how my e-design service can make this whole process so much easier.
