Abode2 sits down with luxury lighting and furniture designer Tom Raffield, as he shares his favourite home and away haunts
Top hangout close to home?
Anywhere by the Cornish coast. Church Cove and Kynance Cove on the South Coast are two of my favourite spots come rain or shine. You can’t beat being out in the elements surrounded by a beautiful landscape. Whether it’s for a long walk or a quick run, it’s always invigorating and inspiring.
Best global getaway for design Inspiration?
I’ve been fortunate to attend Milan Design Week a few times and remember being so in awe of the beautiful architecture. Our designs are so often inspired by natural and organic formations – barrelling waves, pieces of seaweed or twisted tree branches – but Milan’s grandeur was breath taking. Alongside the renaissance buildings sit contemporary, sustainably constructed high-rises and angular museums and it was the juxtaposition that I remember being really striking.
Fondest holiday memory?
Travelling around Europe in a caravan for 5 months about ten years ago. It was very early days for the brand, and I remember spending weeks making a small stock of lights then leaving my mum in charge of dispatching orders that came through from her garage whilst I was away. The trip was great, we travelled through France, Spain, Portugal – I’d definitely recommend travelling in a van, it’s so liberating and spontaneous.
City pad or country pile?
I love the countryside. I grew up in Devon where my parents ran a plant nursery – being immersed in nature runs through my veins. I love being outdoors as much as possible. I do like a trip to a big city once in a while, but I think it just increases my gratitude for country life a little more when I return home.
Style trend you’d like to bring back?
Simplicity. I think it’s happening slowly – there are certainly signs of cultural shifts towards conscious consumerism. We’re trying to be a force for change, using our platforms to promote handcrafted, quality designs made from natural materials and stepping away from a ‘fast-furniture’ culture. We need to be more considerate about what we buy and how we decorate our homes. Trend-driven designs tend to be purchased seasonally and disposed of annually - something I believe our steam bent pieces push back against with their timeless appeal.
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