SOFAS & STUFF | The art of sitting comfortably

The art of sitting comfortably

Front cover painting by Harry Cussins

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Preface Within Britain’s rich and varied architectural landscape, our homes stand as expressions of individuality, each building telling a story through its design and style. This diversity isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about how our houses connect with who we are, becoming more than just physical structures, into sanctuaries that nurture personal comfort and encapsulate the essence of home.

When we thought about presenting our newest furniture and fabric designs in this year’s brochure, we wanted to convey how we are committed to helping you settle upon furniture that perfectly reflects the uniqueness of your home, and fulfils your individual conception of comfort. With furniture, just as in architecture, design and materials go hand in hand.

Fitness for purpose relies on these two elements working seamlessly together. This is particularly true for sofas, armchairs, and beds, where their very purpose revolves around providing a cosy and comfortable retreat.

And so, we move into 2024 with exciting news to share. This spring we’re opening our new London showroom on the Kings Road in Chelsea. Diving into fabric design, we’re proud to share our third collaborative collection with the V&A, Threads of India. This beautiful collection conveys elements of India’s rich and long history, revealing stories and traditions through these incredibly special designs inspired by the V&A’s remarkable collection of Mughal textiles and objects. A new chapter unfolds in our family story, too, with Sam, our second son, joining the business alongside Julia and I, our youngest son, George, and my nephew, Ben. So, here is a glimpse of our recent and our forthcoming journey - a mix of growth and deepening family connections, exciting collaborations, and an unwavering dedication to providing you with furniture that fits seamlessly into your life.

Andrew Cussins, CEO

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Pugin 3 seater sofa in V&A Threads of India Varanasi Wilderness Ink

The Georgian house British architecture is like a vibrant tapestry, revealing a rich and diverse heritage that unfolds across the ages. From the grandeur of Gothic cathedrals to the refined elegance of Georgian townhouses, it’s a kaleidoscope of styles which tells stories of people, events, and artistic trends, shaping our landscape then and now. Beyond aesthetics, it carries the enduring spirit of ingenuity and craftsmanship. At its finest, it goes beyond mere bricks and mortar, reaching deep into our emotions.

In the quiet embrace of your home, carefully chosen furnishings go beyond just being practical. They reflect a shared journey in design, connecting you with the maker.

Our intention is to craft high quality, timeless furniture that echoes your unique story, stitching comfort into every detail.

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Masham 3 seater sofa in Floral Linen Carcassonne Laurel

Beauty and distinction

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Exbury 3 seater sofa in V&A Threads of India Mughal Arbour Hunter

Fabrics weave a story At the heart of Sofas & Stuff, you’ll find a world of beautiful and distinctive fabrics that defines our identity.

Stepping into our showrooms, you’ll immediately sense the exciting energy of colours, textures, and patterns that surround you. Delve deeper, and you’ll find an extensive collection of fabric books at your fingertips.

Our range of fabrics goes beyond the ordinary, featuring exclusive designs meticulously designed in-house. Depth and variety abounds: from the natural textures of our woven Cloth 22 linen and wool blends, to the delicate blooms of our unique Floral Linens and the exciting collaborative collections created with the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum) and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Complementing these are collections from renowned British and international fabric houses like Colefax & Fowler, Linwood, and Sanderson, ensuring an exceptional level of choice that distinguishes us as a bespoke sofa company.

This abundance of choice, coupled with our design expertise, symbolises freedom. We celebrate individuality, nurture expressiveness, and prioritise choice, ensuring that you do not need to compromise when fashioning a sofa that authentically tells the story of your home, lifestyle, and preferences.

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Alwinton 3 seater sofa in Hovingham Woven Linen Stripe Blue

Threads of India

Design inspiration from the V&A archives Our collaboration with the V&A, the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance stems from a shared love of fine art, textiles and interiors. The next chapter of our collaboration is Threads of India, our third fabric collection inspired by the archives, and a tribute to India’s timeless textiles and their enduring global influence.

Few destinations captivate the creative spirit quite like India. The collection tells a story of Mughal grandeur, poetic expression and the delicate fusion of Persian, Indian, and Central Asian artistic traditions.

Inspiration has been drawn from the magnificent array of Mughal art and objects housed in the V&A collection.

From an opulent hunting coat to resplendent tent hangings and exquisite dress fabrics once destined for Indonesian shores, each piece carries a wondrous tale of India’s artistic legacy. Our contemporary fabric designs pay homage to this artistry, and are presented on a tactile linen and viscose blend in a tapestry of colours to elevate your living space and uplift your spirit.

A meeting point of history and design, the Threads of India range captures the essence of the past in a contemporary setting. We invite you to discover the threads of history, innovation and artistic brilliance woven into every fabric.

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Snape chair in V&A Threads of India Regal Arabesque Flame

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Chiddingfold 3 seater sofa in Linwood Omega Tawny Velvet and V&A Threads of India Regal Arabesque Flame with scatters in Sulawesi Splendour Jasper

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Brunel 3 seater sofa in V&A Threads of India Mughal Garden Safari Hunter

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The Edwardian house Picture natural light streaming through the hallway of an Edwardian townhouse, gently illuminating the generous space and the solid lines of an original oak staircase. A sense of the past unfolds gracefully, suggesting the passage of time without dominating or feeling fixed.

Edwardian homes are enjoyed for their quality construction, built with meticulous attention to detail in an era when craftsmanship was highly valued. With generously proportioned rooms and abundant natural light entering through large windows, these homes sit at the crossroads of two centuries. The Edwardian architectural style weaves together elements from the past, drawing inspiration from the late Victorian Arts & Crafts movement, while also embracing a more relaxed and informal way of life.

Just as Edwardian architecture effortlessly combines the old and the new, our versatile range of models and fabrics are designed to complement diverse architectural and interior styles. From the classic to the modern, our bespoke service offers the flexibility to tailor your sofa to suit the unique character of your home.

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Aldingbourne 3 seater sofa in Grain Sack Stripe Linen Red

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Rothermere chair in RHS Gertrude Jekyll Ornamental Brown and Mohair Mushroom

Kentwell extra deep 3 seater sofa in RHS Collection Caroline Maria Applebee Collage

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® The Royal Horticultural Society. Trade marks of The Royal Horticultural Society (Registered Charity No 222879/SC038262) used under licence from RHS Enterprises Limited.

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Bringing the outside in Nature is an abundant source of design inspiration. This fascination has nurtured our collaboration with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the creation of fabric designs drawn from the rich archives of the RHS Lindley Collections, which seamlessly integrate nature into indoor spaces.

The inspiration for our latest collaborative collection with the RHS focuses on two women artists in the field of horticulture, Gertrude Jekyll and Caroline Maria Applebee, celebrating the enduring appeal of their artistic achievements. We look forward to sharing this and upcoming collections with you, both in our showrooms and during our pop-ups at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and other wonderful horticultural events and flower shows around the country.

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Nurturing curiosity

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Coates chair in RHS Gertrude Jekyll Lattice Blue and Mohair Indigo

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Design is an adventure; a spirited exploration driven by curiosity. From the captivating beauty of the natural world to the narratives woven through history, literature and art, we look to create pieces that resonate not just as furniture but as expressions of the creative influences that shape our world.

Arncliffe 3 seater sofa in Traditional Vintage Velvet Olive

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There is a lot to be gained from making time for simple but significant pleasures such as getting lost in a good book. It’s an experience made even better when settled on a beautifully comfortable sofa, snuggler or chair.

Abbotsbury snuggler in Linwood Freya Mineral with scatters in Linwood Cosmo and Pentlow small footstool in Sole Linen Natural

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Pallant House Gallery At Sofas & Stuff, our connection with Pallant House Gallery runs deep, echoing a shared passion for the transformative power of the creative arts. This remarkable gallery is located in Chichester, not far from our home and head office, and is close to the heart of our founder and CEO, Andrew Cussins. Andrew has been enthralled by its unique blend of the historic and modern since first moving to West Sussex not long after the gallery opened 40 years ago.

Pallant House Gallery is situated within a Grade I listed Queen Anne townhouse, displaying its world class collection of modern and contemporary British art in elegant panelled interiors and its 21st century, modernist extension. It’s a special setting which gives the gallery a unique atmosphere. As Simon Martin, Director of Pallant House Gallery explains, ‘it’s rather like visiting a collector in their house, with items of furniture dotted around amongst the art. The human proportions make people feel at home with art, even when it is more challenging.’ The artistic and architectural juxtaposition found at Pallant House Gallery resonates profoundly with us. It reflects the intention we have for our bespoke furniture, where the timeless meets the contemporary, and it mirrors our own commitment to skilfully blending history with innovation.

We are delighted to sponsor Pallant House Gallery’s 2024 summer exhibition, The Shape of Things: Still Life in British Art, and to support its mission of opening up debate, and widening access to, the enriching world of British art.

Leonard Rosoman, The Drag Ball, No.2, Act 2, Scene 1 1967-68 Accepted in lieu of Inheritance Tax by HM Government from the estate of Roxanne Rosoman and allocated to Pallant House Gallery, (2020) © Estate of Leonard Rosoman

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A seamless experience

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Lyndhurst chair in V&A Threads of India Lahore Dynasty Linen

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In our hands from start to finish We take great pride in our seamless service; it’s a key part of what makes us different.

When you come to Sofas & Stuff, you remain under our umbrella from concept to creation, from design to delivery. We are with you at every touchpoint, which brings enormous benefits in efficiency and communication, ensuring there are no gaps in the chain and a streamlined service from start to finish.

Designing together Shared snippets of daily life - from the significance of a Sunday snooze, or the right ingredients for a comfortable reading nook, to tales of the exuberant dogs and idiosyncratic cats that share our family spaces. We understand that great service is about listening, appreciating your individual needs, and offering creative solutions. Our design consultants take pleasure in every detail, offering their expertise in a friendly and approachable manner.

Crafted for your life Our furniture is handmade in our own factory in Preston, Lancashire giving us complete control over the manufacturing process. Your specific furniture order is known by your name to each craftsperson involved in its manufacture, and is created with care and the utmost attention to detail. Built to last from the inside out, we are proud to offer a lifetime construction guarantee on all our bespoke British pieces.

‘White glove’ delivery Your furniture will be delivered to your home by our in-house delivery team. This ‘white glove’ service is managed by our logistics team in Milton Keynes. Our Trustpilot reviews frequently sing the praises of our delivery drivers, whose careful and skilful handling is only surpassed by their friendly attitude.

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Slingsby corner sofa in Warwick Oxford Terracotta

Contemporary barn conversion A derelict apple-packing shed imaginatively transformed into a light-filled family home. Long and lofty, it blends wide open communal spaces with cosy first floor pods for activities centred around leisure and play.

The blank canvas of a contemporary barn conversion, be it rurally or coastally situated, brings the opportunity to shape a home that is as individual as the landscape in which it dwells. Whether preserving original features like weathered beams or embracing sleek, modern elements, you can design a space that resonates with your personal style while honouring the specific history of the structure.

Creating a home is a personal journey, involving choosing elements that convey your individual style as well as a sense of warmth and ease, with the combined goal of turning a living space into a personal sanctuary.

Whether your taste leans towards classic or contemporary, traditional or retro-inspired, our sofa designs transcend fleeting trends. They become timeless companions, allowing you to fashion an environment that not only comforts but also resonates with your individuality.

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Leyburn 3 seater sofa in Romo Linara Bilberry

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Haresfield 3 seater sofa in Sole Linen Natural

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An independent spirit

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Grassington 2.5 seater sofa in Super Soft Velvet Honey

From our home to yours Sofas & Stuff is a family-owned furniture and fabric company. Three generations of the Cussins family have taken this path: experience, expertise and enthusiasm passing from father to sons, not once, but twice over the last 70 years. We are constantly thinking about what we can do better, as we strive to make as perfect a piece of furniture as we possibly can; fulfilling promises one sofa at a time.

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Hambledon corner sofa in Plain Two Tone Calico with scatters in Cloth 22 Weaves

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From sofas to slumber

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Shoreditch king bed in V&A Drawn from Nature Oak Tree Natural

Rouen king bed in Kirkby Romo Soho Vintage Rose Camden single bed in RHS Collection Gertrude Jekyll Lattice Duck Egg and Linwood Omega Velvet Duck Egg

Arles king bed in Floral Linen Zefferino Danish Girl Bermondsey king bed in RHS Collection William Hooker Design

Bespoke beds Comfort, in our world, is a multi-sensory experience that begins with the visual appeal of individually chosen design details and textiles.

Our offering of comfort extends beyond daytime and into slumber with beautifully upholstered bespoke beds and sofa beds, created to your specification, in the fabric of your choice and completed with our quality, hand-tufted and hand-stitched pocket sprung mattresses.

Gothic king bed in RHS Collection Gertrude Jekyll Trailing Vine Brown

Our doors are open

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Fit and feel, touch and tangibility - all of these matter when buying furniture designed to last a lifetime. The feel of a fabric, the squish of a cushion, precision of the pleats across the curve of a Howard arm. Our showrooms are spaces to explore all of these things, and more, in person and at your own pace. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while you browse. Bring the family, even the dog. We look forward to meeting you.

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Brochure UK Shoot Photography: Sarah Weal Stylists: Heidi Francis and Sally Denning Recycled Paper Stock Printed in Sussex by Generation Press using vegetable-based inks on an FSC certified paper from sustainable and recycled sources.

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© 2024 Sofas & Stuff Limited

Visit one of our 23 beautiful showrooms and we’ll help bring your ideas to life Fittleworth, West Sussex Our flagship showroom 0808 1783211 Basingstoke 01256 637240

Kings Road, Chelsea Opening spring 2024 0203 150 2233

Battersea 0203 597 7580

Bishop’s Stortford 01279 504987

Bristol 0117 213 0043

Bury St Edmunds 01284 460100

Cheltenham 01242 309088

Edinburgh 0131 346 2440

Harrogate 01423 774020

Henley 01491 390830

Hungerford 01488 500326

Knutsford 01565 980012

Leamington Spa 01926 769007

Leeds 01924 667577

Manchester 0161 393 7140

Nottingham 0115 708 0021

Parsons Green 0207 078 8835

Salisbury 01722 280131

St Albans 01727 514081

Stroud 01453 700812

Sutton Coldfield 0121 392 9438

Tunbridge Wells 01892 572309

Walton-on-Thames 01932 902055

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