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Tuesday 2 December 2014

NEW RELEASE - Dive into the UNKNOWN


"Anonymity has its benefits. It allows you to slip under the radar; it allows you to meet the world on your own terms. Fashion tends not to reap the benefits of inconspicuousness, but there are exceptions."

The inspiration behind the "Unknown Watches" brand lies in the history of the humble wristwatch itself. The first wristwatches were born out of necessity; to know the time in places where a pocket watch would have proved cumbersome. However, the creator of one of the most ubiquitous of objects remains...unknown.

From their Shoreditch based studio in London, the creators of Unknown have drawn inspiration from the world of arts, fashion and vintage design to create an impeccably crafted range of watches that are the epitome of stylish, yet discrete, timekeeping. What's even better is that they've arrived just in time to take no.1 spot on your Christmas wish list.

Dive into the Unknown with three stylish debut collections that fuse minimal aesthetic with the sensibilities of a classic watch.

The minimal design of the Unknown Classic Watches focuses on clean and refined design which satisfies a modern interest in avoiding undue prominence of brand and lets the quality of design and build speak for itself. 


The Unknown Dandy Watches feature Roman numerals and a subtle date window positioned at 3 o'clock. Available in either a Black & Gold or Navy & Rose Gold, the Dandy also features a highly accurate Miyota Quartz movement.


The collection is rounded off with a selection of nature inspired urban watches called Unknown Natural Science  which feature illustrated watch faces.

Friday 31 October 2014

NEW RELEASE - Mondaine Helvetica Family. The No.1 Collection.

The luxury watch market has exploded in recent times, with manufacturers taking a move towards wearable technology and elaborate, expensive and overly "blingy" chronometers. As exciting as the prospect of wearable technology is, here at Utility we're more excited by something we saw unveiled at Baselworld 2014, the world’s most important horological event...and it looks like we aren't the only ones.

The design world is buzzing with the news that Mondaine, the official watchmakers for the Swiss Railway System, are releasing their new "No.1 / Helvetica" watch collection, seeing a shift away from their use of the famous red ticker and the introduction of an equally recognisable, Swiss designed sans-serif typeface design.

It's fair to say that the Mondaine style hasn't changed much since Hans Hilfiker designed the iconic Swiss Railway clock in 1944, but the introduction of the new "Helvetica" watch family sees a huge leap in design for the company.

Available in a range of size, "watch weight" and strap options from leather to mesh strapping, the "No.1" collection features a simple styling with stunning brushed stainless steel case. With the use of the hugely popular Helvetica typeface and left justified numbers on the hour markers, they are guaranteed to appeal to all the typography enthusiasts among us.

Are you as excited as we are about the release? The watches are due to arrive in early November 2014 but you can pre-order yours now at Utility.

Click here to view the collection.

Monday 13 October 2014

Shop The Look // Mid Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern refers to the style of furniture, art and architecture popularised during the mid-20th century, the term being cemented by Carla Greenberg in her 1983 book "Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950's". It is seen as one of the most popular, collectable and dynamic periods in international design history.
Designs from the mid-century period combine beauty, innovation , and function for an aesthetic that is utterly timeless. Characterised by their pared-down forms, sweeping clean lines, variety of colour, unique materials and superb quality, the modern day popularity of these mid-century pieces is a testament to the talent of designers of the time such as Charles and Ray Eames, Hans J Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Eero Saarinen and Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe.

Shop the entire Mid-Century Modern range now at Utility.

Featured Product

Mid Century Modern Complete - Tome
Price: £60.00 at Utility
The definitive survey of mid-century design, offering a rich overview of all aspects of the subject including furniture, lighting, glass, textile and architecture.

SPECIAL OFFER

Spend £300 or more on Mid Century Modern furniture, design or gifts and you will receive a free copy of Dominic Bradbury's Mid Century Modern Complete tome.

Click here for more information.


Eames Desk Unit EDU
Price: £985.00 at Utility
The Eames Desk Unit from Vitra was created in 1949, when Charles & Ray Eames developed a new system of free-standing multi functional shelves.
Saarinen Tulip Chair
Price: From £1,140.00 at Utility
Though it epitomises 1960's styling Eero Saarinen's Tulip Chair was actually designed as a project between 1955 and 1957. The moulded aluminium base and fibreglass reinforced plastic shell completes its classic look.

Eames LTR Table
Price: From: £205 at Utility
This small variable side table from Charles & Ray Eames is available in Black, White or Gold and can be still seen today in the Eames House.

Barcelona Chair
Price: From £4,908.00 at Utility
Designed by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe for the German Pavilion at the Exposicion Internacional de Barcelona, it was actually used as a throne for King Alfonso XIII at the exhibition's opening ceremonies.

Womb Chair & Ottoman
Price: From £4,884.00 at Utility
The Womb Chair & Ottoman, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, was the first piece of mass produced furniture with an integrated seat shell made of reinforced plastic. Saarinen developed the chair at Florence Knoll's request as she really wanted something to curl up in.

Arco Floor Lamp
Price: From: £1,565.00 at Utility
The Arco Lamp from Flos is the epitome of a design classic. Designed by Achille Castiglioni in 1962 it remains one of the most enduring pieces of Italian design.
Frisbi Pendant Light
Price: £280.00 at Utility
A classic 1978 design by Achille Castiglioni. It consists of a polished black and chrome lamp holder under which is suspended a round cream/white disc diffuser on three tensile wires from the cable.
Luminator Floor Lamp
Price: £395.00 at Utility
Designed by brothers Achille & Pierre Giacomo Castiglioni in 1954 the Flos Luminator represents a simple tripod stand with a long galvanised stem on which the bulb is mounted.
Snoopy Table Lamp
Price: £640.00 at Utility
Everybody loves Snoopy don't they? Snoopy is a 1967 design from Flos by Pier Giacomo and Achille Castiglioni and its profile and monochrome colouring reminds us of Charlie Brown's silent yet extroverted beagle.

Alessi Citrus Basket
Price: £94.00 at Utility
This classic Citrus Basket from Alessi was designed in 1952 by Ufficio Tecnico Alessi and is one of the earliest projects of industrial design still in production by the company. No self respecting Alessi collector should be without this one!
Sunburst Clock
Price: £252.00 at Utility
This gorgeous re-edition Sunburst Clock from Vitra by George Nelson embodies the spirit of the day when it was first designed - when everyone wanted to be modern and everything seemed possible.
VITRA Doll No 4
Price: £87.50 at Utility
Based on originals found in the Girard Estate held by the Vitra Design Museum, the partly joyful, partly grim-looking company dolls makes a charming enhancement to any interior.
Hang It All
Price: £207.00 at Utility
Originally designed in 1953 by Charles Eames, it seems almost too good to cover with coats and hats. It was designed to encourage children to hang up their coats, hats, toys etc. When you have something as beautiful as this to them on you would - wouldn't you? Shop the entire Mid-Century Modern collection at Utility today.

Thursday 2 October 2014

Introducing UMBRA Shift

Here at Utility we get super excited when beautiful design meets superb functionality. That's why we're so happy to introduce the new Umbra Shift collection from UMBRA.

When starting Umbra Shift, the Umbra design team focused on imagining something they wanted to take home themselves. Beyond making something beautiful, the collection was born through a need to create products that would live perfectly in smaller spaces, live/work studios & apartments. The collection is therefore compiled of products that move easily from room to room, that serve double duties and that look good enough to be left out on display.

Shop the Umbra Shift collection here

Stay tuned for more Umbra Shift products coming soon to www.utilitydesign.co.uk

Friday 26 September 2014

Shop the look - Urban Splash HoUSe

hoUSe, the brainchild of Urban Splash, is a project that aims to deliver high quality, architect designed, super flexible, modular new builds. With the tag line "Designed by you, built by US" hoUSe allows you to arrange the space according to your individual needs.

hoUSe New Islington is a new concept designed by the award-winning architects, Shedkm, and Utility have been working closely with Urban Splash to provide beautiful, contemporary interiors that complement the architectural design. Here is a sneak peek at the pieces chosen for you New Islington build.

Fritz Hansen Ro Chair
Price: From £2074.00 at Utility
Designed by Jaime Hayon, this wingback chair envelops the sitter in a cocoon of sheer comfort. "Ro" means tranquility, matching the brief which called for a chair that is not only comfortable, but extremely beautiful and relaxing also.

Punt Sussex Media Unit
Price: From £1814.00 at Utility
This oak louvered T.V cabinet by Terence Woodgate is a development on his 'Sussex' range. It has one cupboard on the left hand side with an internal shelf and a retractable louvered door as well as a soft closing drawer on the right.

Content By Conran Mica Side Tables
Price: £185.00 at Utility
The Mica occasional tables by Terence Conran are part of a capsule range that is both bold and contemporary, with clean lines and a graphic aesthetic.

Foscarini Binic Table Lamp
Price: £127.00 at Utility
Binic is a cute table lamp by Ionna Vautrin for Foscarini. A fun 'take away' design Binic is available in six different colours.

Broste Pouf
Price: £85.00
This exquisite pouf from Broste will merge into any living space without question. Comprised from a durable cotton outer material to provide maximum comfort.

Watch this space - More to come, as new designs are revealed.

Tuesday 23 September 2014

Something to Smile about - Arne Jacobsen Typeface Revived

Danish design company "Design Letters" have made a name for themselves since forming in 2009 and have earned a reputation for sleek typography. 

In 2011 they took steps to revive the classic typeface originally created in 1937 by world renowned Architect Arne Jacobsen for internal signage in the Aarhus City Hall, Denmark. 
Despite being three-quarters of a century old, Jacobsen's Bahaus inspired alphabet is clean and modern. It is the perfect fit for Design Letter's new homeware range which includes fine bone porcelain cups, eggs cups, candle holders as well as textile tea towels and unique wooden wall decor. 

Get creative with the versatile range of handleless porcelain cups by using them as mugs, pencil pots, vases, or for a person touch, use them to create words: TEA, MUM, LOVE, etc.
Shop the range at Utility online now.

Thursday 11 September 2014

The 10 student essentials for moving to University

So this is it. University. You're moving into your new flat, experiencing your first freshers week and getting ready for your first lecture. There's a lot going on right now so you'd be forgiven for forgetting about a few University essentials. Luckily, Utility are at hand to point you in the right direction. We've come up with a definitive list of must haves to help you make your first flat that little bit special, your first party that little bit crazy & that first freshers hangover a little bit more bearable. Buckle up, it's going to be a crazy year!

The Bedroom

1. Hang It - Photo Display
You'll find yourself spending a lot of time in the bedroom; add a touch of personality to those boring white walls.



2. Buddy Wall Hook

They may look like a bunch of friends hanging around, but these hooks are all business when it comes to holding your scarves, hats, bags or whatever else you have lying around.


3. Lexon Flip Clock
Do you really want to risk using the alarm on your phone? You know what it's battery life is like. Let the Lexon alarm clock ensure you don't sleep in for that 9am class.


4. Posters - Variety of Beers & Cocktails
These posters look great and they'll come in handy for new drink recipes - should you ever get tired of the usual Vodka & Red Bull.





The Party


5. WOW Mini Speakers
You might party at yours, you might party at a friend's or you might party on the street - What's a party without music? These portable speakers mean you'll never miss a beat.


6. Bear Hug Bottle Opener
Well the guys have brought over some beers so you'd better have a bottle opener handy. This little guy will do the trick.




The Morning After / Studying

7. Mighty Mug
So you've made it up for class but this is no time for hair of the dog. Get your morning caffeine kick in the Might Mug which simply won't fall over...a good if you're feeling a little shakey.




8. Genuine Leather Satchel
Made from the finest quality leather, this is the perfect "off to class" accessory. You have to go to class;  you may as well look good doing it.


9. Moleskin Diary
Avoid writing your "To Do" list on a piece of scrap paper you'll probably lose. This moleskin Diary will keep all your appointments, due dates and thoughts in one place.


10. Magnetic White Board
Whether you've got deadline dates, reminders or notes for your flat mates, the magnetic white board is a real university must have!


Psst... While we have your attention; here's another little tip for you. Buy an Independent Liverpool Card here (or in our Bold Street store) for £10 and you'll be entitled to tons of discount throughout the city.