Style Insider

Laura Barnard, Product Manager at contemporary furniture brand, Arlo & Jacob, talks design, textures and artisan rugs

As Product Manager, I oversee each product’s life cycle, from concept stage through to the ! nished products and beyond.

On a typical working day, I get in early to go through emails. I usually meet with my team to discuss new fabric suppliers and upcoming product launches, and will o"en visit our factory to keep an eye on new pieces that we’re developing.

To stay ahead of interiors trends, I visit all the annual design shows in London and Europe to meet with fabric designers and other established furniture designers. Our priority is always comfort, but exquisite design is a close runner-up.

My current favourite from the Arlo & Jacob collection is the Bertie sofa. It’s the ideal transitional piece for growing families or young people living in small apartments, and is exceptionally comfortable, both as a sofa and a sofa bed.

Textures are very important this season. We’re just about to launch a specially curated collection of eight fabrics, from a luxurious velvet to so" chenilles and rich linens.

I live in a rented Victorian house in Fulham. It’s ! lled with second-hand books, paintings and mounted photographs, large mirrors, Anglepoise lamps, Babycham glasses, 1960s side tables and the odd piece of painted wooden furniture.

I also run my own business, selling rugs. I’ve been manufacturing small runs of rugs since 2016, when I stumbled across some beautiful kilims made by cra "smen in central Albania. We collaborate closely with artisans to create ethically sourced collections.

I do a lot of travelling. I’m o# to Athens next – cities are great places to soak up interior and design trends.

020 7610 6068; arloandjacob.com