THE EDIT Jo Downs, David Hunt Lighting and The Headboard Workshop catch our eye

THE EDIT

British-made glass designs, lighting and headboards captivate Editor-at-Large Kate Freud this month

JO DOWNS

When glass designer Jo Downs looks for inspiration for her beautiful pieces, she need glimpse no further than the breathtaking Cornish landscapes surrounding her Launceston studio. She has always been inspired by the coast in particular, with her signature giftware, including dishes, mirrors, vases, coasters and candlesticks, often created in beautiful sea-inspired hues of blue.

As well as creating delicate decorative pieces for the home, Downs also undertakes larger architectural and interior commissions, which can be found everywhere from cruise liners and churches to hotels and city offices.

This summer sees two new collections take centre stage. The Seascape collection includes sculptural wave stands, art frames and wall-mounted panels inspired by the rippling textures of spring waters. These are available in fresh green tones for Dawn, and soft blues and mauves for Dusk. Meanwhile, the Spring Leaves collection (below) sees three wall-mounted designs with six, 13 or 15 leaves in a vibrant palette of greens, helping to bring the beauty of outside, in. jodowns.com

DAVID HUNT LIGHTING

Despite David Hunt Lighting’s long history (which can be traced back to John Hunt, a Birmingham-based candlestick maker in the 1790s), the company is never one to rest on its laurels. Each year from its Cotswolds workshop, it continues to create innovative new launches, keeping the brand at the cutting edge of 21stcentury lighting design. New for this summer, David Hunt Lighting has created the Webster collection (above), which features six versatile pendants made with a combination of solid-brass metalwork and a simple bistrostyle glass shade. Available in satin chrome or antique brass finishes, and smoked, clear or opal glass. Another new addition is the metal Ealing pendant (above, second left), which is simpler in style and comes in the brand’s understated hand-sprayed colour finishes of Smoke Blue, Powder Grey and Cotswold Cream. Available in two sizes, it features a coordinating chain, ceiling cup and braided cable to create just the right drop to go above a kitchen or dining table. davidhuntlighting.co.uk

THE HEADBOARD WORKSHOP

Ever since The Headboard Workshop made its first headboard in a London garage in 1982, exceptional craftsmanship has been at the heart of what it does. Whether making headboards, ottomans, beds or sofa beds, the brand has become renowned for the quality of its products, all proudly made at the company’s factory in Wales.

Whatever size bed is being sought – from a single to an emperor – customers can choose their specifications down to the tiniest detail. From the many styles of headboard, endless fabric choices (customers can use their own, too), piping and braiding, to the style of nails wanted for the studded designs, the feet, valances and even the mattress. This truly is a one-stop bed shop. So successful has this formula been, that the company now has a sister brand, The Footstool Workshop, to provide for all footstool needs too. theheadboardworkshop.co.uk n