Home Stagers are always looking for the best pieces for that one project. We need it to be exclusive, it needs to fit the budget and it can’t take 3 months to be delivered.
Most home staging professionals come across these requirements very often, and great majority is familiar with furniture supplier D.I. Designs.
We sat down with Pippa Cowling, Joint Director OF D.I. Designs, experts in furniture design, production, sourcing and interiors, to find out more about the company and what inspires their team.
Please tell us a bit about D.I. DESIGNS, How did it start, where did the idea come from and who was behind it?
D.I.Designs was established 10 years ago by David Cowling and Ian Thomson .
Back in the UK after both spending many years in Asia and ready for a new challenge they started a wholesale furniture business; D.I. Designs. In 2014 David left to pursue another startup furniture business and Ian and I became partners. At this point we moved the business focus towards supplying the home staging and interior design sectors, both bringing different strengths to the partnership and aiming for D.I. Designs to become the number one brand for stylish and affordable designs to the trade.
What do you look for in the pieces you add to your catalogue?
Communication is key for us at D.I. Designs. We try to speak, visit and most importantly listen to what our clients require and bring in pieces to hit those briefs. We design and look for stock that is attractive, durable and workable in many locations. We try to hold as varied a stock as we can to suit every taste and budget.
What are your best sellers?
Our best seller has always been the classic Cheriton – starting originally in just the black, we have now moved this on successfully into a painted grey and white finish. More recently our stunning faux shagreen Hampton range has been a big hit and also the Abberley (available in two finishes), has proved very popular with clients who historically have used the Cheriton in their look.
Why do you think D.I. Designs is such a great source for Home Stagers?
We believe D.I. Designs is a great source for Home Stagers because of the large and varied stock we hold constantly. We have no minimum order and our leadtimes are incredibly quick which suit the needs of our clients. We are also able to offer a bespoke service if the quantities and timings are sufficient, either adapting our own designs or working with a designer’s cad drawing.
What home trends do you predict for the coming months?
Trends are often dictated like fashion, by the season. This summer, designs are light with more natural, textured woods like our Easton and Bentley ranges which work well with soft pastel linen upholstery and printed cottons creating peaceful and fresh spaces. Stronger use of colour will be used this autumn and we believe simple, clean lines are key looks for furniture with more influences from India coming through. We will be showcasing our new designs in July at the Manchester Furniture Show and also at Decorex this October.
Are you working on any special projects?
We are working on several special developments at the moment, one particularly exciting project is at the sampling stage for a favourite client; a large co-living development for young millenials –individual flats but with communal kitchens, social and recreational spaces encouraging a sense of community for the residents.
What’s your favourite piece from your archive and why?
My favourite piece from our stock is the Willersley bedside – the design and colour means this piece works so well in any setting – modern or classic.
Is there anywhere in London, hotel or restaurant whose design you particularly admire?
I love the styling of the Soho House chain – always sympathetic to the surrounding areas, age and style of the building and with clever use of product combining colour, textures and strong patterns.
For a bit of fun, Sketch – I particularly adore the pink scalloped chairs in the Gallery instantly reminding me of childhood sponge fingers that I loved to eat and the Glade bar where you are instantly transformed into an Alice in Wonderland style forest setting – just magical!
Pershore Dining Table – Burbeck Interiors
Berkeley Console – Milc Style
 The Willersley Bedside Table – One of Pippa’s favourite pieces
For more amazing pieces please visit http://didesigns.co.uk