The couch has many names; the settee, the sofa, but whatever you choose to call it your couch should be as comfortable as possible and lets face it, we all spend a certain amount of time on them each day so why settle for anything less?
For me comfort does dot have to compromise on style and Couch, a joint venture between husband and wife designers, Ian & Judy Archer have this same outlook. After meeting at college and studying textiles and furniture they started collaborating on projects together drawing on their individual tastes and styles to offer “creative and highly innovative design solutions”. After browsing their website I was presently surprised at the range of materials, designs and textiles available as well as a great service to have your own design needs met. Describing their furniture range on offer as “off the peg” which stocks everything from “slouch couch to formal comfort” Judith and Ian have some fantastic designs available.
After speaking with Judith I learned that Couch has a strong environmental conscience and has strived to be an ethical business, considering where they source their products from and also where they are manufactured; Couch manufacture locally and offer a range of British designs made from ‘eco’ fabrics. Judith selects the materials and Ian transforms them into a beautiful range of chairs and sofas, with a passion for both the contemporary and the classic the collections display a harmonious combination with diverse taste and style. The current range holds six exclusive designs along the themes of classic English furniture using sculpted wood to enhance the legs and arms of the range adding an eccentric element.
Couch is an exciting young business with a dynamic pairing of two designers with a wealth of experience. Over the past 20 years Ian has worked with a number of ‘high street’ names, gaining experience and inspiration along the way, I found out more about his work:
“Long term relationships have been developed with many clients, all producing creative designs, and bringing commercial success. His designs can be now be seen in stores from John Lewis to Laura Ashley and Heals to Harrods, as well as many other independent retailers across the UK, Europe and Asia. This now includes ‘Couch’, a new venture between Ian and Judy Archer, with an online store and a high street store in Clifton, Bristol. Whether it is a ‘one-off’ commission or a full product design service, on a commercial level – Ian is always looking for new design challenges, and in new markets.”
Couch is not just about the furniture, they also sell homeware accessories online and in their high street shop. After browsing some of the stock available I noticed some really lovely pieces, from beautiful lighting to cushions and throws as well as other accessories – my personal favourite has to be the small ceramic stags head that can be used as a hook or knob; maybe I’m just getting into the Christmas spirit!
Although Couch do stock some lovely accessories I would say that their specialty is designing and building the sofas; with their fully bespoke service anything is possible. Judith and Ian have a wealth of understanding and a passion for creating beautiful pieces for the home. I personally think that the extra miles that certain business go in terms of sourcing materials and having a ‘tailored to you’ attitude really set them apart from the rest. At Couch you get this as well as a fantastic range of accessories, they seem to have the whole package for redesigning your living space.
