WINNER FURNITURE H FURNITURE

Combining traditional crafts with innovative shapes, this brand is definitely one to watch

Describing itself as ‘London-based but with a global outlook,’ H Furniture was founded by Mexican-born architect and designer Alejandro Villarreal in 2014 out of a desire to combine craft and industry. ‘I love making furniture because it is a powerful way of communicating ideas and beliefs and enhancing people’s lives,’ he says.

The brand’s ‘Corner’ table (above) makes use of computer- controlled cutting to produce a precisely angled look, and the recently launched ‘ WW’ chair is a modern reinterpretation of the classic Windsor chair in which the typical wooden spindles are replaced with metal rods that connect the backrest to the underside of the seat. We also love the ‘Belt’ hanging rack by Munich-based designer Jessica Nebel, a wooden clothes rail suspended from the wall by two leather straps.

‘Having worked on a lot of mass-produced items, I was keen to explore natural materials and craft,’ explains Nebel. ‘The warmth of leather and wood reflects today’s desire for authenticity.’

In response to winning an ELLE Decoration British Design Award, Villarreal says: ‘It came as a beautiful surprise. I really respect the talent that has been acknowledged before and it is reassuring to know that the British community supports different approaches to design and creativity.’ (@hfurnitureuk; hfurniture.co). ➤