SOFAS & HANDBAGS – THE ULTIMATE INVESTMENT

SOFAS AND HANDBAGS – INTERIOR & FASHION FOUNDATIONS

Sofas and handbags. Two of my MAJOR obsessions. And, whilst other elements fall in and out of favour at any given time, they remain permanent fixtures.

It may seem odd to group sofas and handbags together. However, these trusted staples have more in common that you might think. They are the foundation – that sturdy base – of interiors and outfits respectively. Sound investment pieces. Our long-term friends. Whilst the sofa is a key component within a room scheme, the handbag is a trusted fashion sidekick, swaying faithfully at your hip. Both are used regularly and can be dressed up or down, navigating through a myriad of fashions and fads.

Nicoletti Azione Leather Corner Chaise Sofa, £3995

So when Furniture Village approached me to create a post showcasing their beautiful Nicoletti Home, an exclusive collection with luxury Italian upholstery brand Nicoletti, I was delighted. Initially struck by the clean, contemporary aesthetic of this chic sofa and chair range, the skilled craftsmanship and warming smell of leather sealed the deal. Quality gets me every time.

MAKING A WISE INVESTMENT

A touch of showroom styling with the Lusso Leather Power Recliner Corner Sofa in Rugiada Terra

When you’re looking to purchase an investment piece – be it sofa, handbag or those leather loafers – longevity, versatility and comfort should be key considerations. For seasonal updates and fun, throwaway purchases I don’t tend to splurge. For classic pieces used on a daily basis, I up-the-ante and invest where possible. It’s always worth considering something on a ‘cost-per-wear’ or ‘cost-per-use’ basis. It certainly helps to justify that designer handbag (to my husband)!

Nicoletti Home uses the finest Italian tanned-leather which is available in different grades to suit varying budgets. This is the Vincitore 2.5 Seater Leather Power Recliner Sofa in Dali Tortora

This works for large pieces of furniture too. Just think about just how many times you will sit on that sofa. How often you will cosy into the folds and rest your head. And whilst the process of buying sofas and handbags may differ somewhat, the fundamentals are the same. Research is crucial; nobody wants to make a expensive mistake. During my research for this piece, I spent a enjoyable morning reclining across the range of Nicoletti sofas and chairs. Sitting, leaning in a range of positions – much to the amusement of customers and staff. The verdict – delightfully comfortable!

Ultimately, the dream is to love your sofa – and handbag – as much in years to come as the day it was purchased. That is why classic, comfortable pieces from Nicoletti Home really do appeal. The upholstery, hardware and stitching detailing is faultless. And whilst I may swoon over gorgeous green velvet Chesterfields and patterned sectionals on Pinterest, I’ll always go back to the classics for my own large investments. A timeless aesthetic is my default.

THE NICOLETTI HOME COLLECTION

Nicoletti Monsieur Fabric Armchair, £895

If you haven’t guessed already, I’m a huge advocate of quality craftsmanship and bespoke finishing. Each piece from Nicoletti Home is handmade in Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Italy. Manufactured to the customer’s specification, the collection specialises in pushing the boundaries of design and innovation. Combining highly skilled craftsmanship with the very best materials, they offer a wide choice of fine Italian-tanned leathers and fabrics in an array of colours. And, whilst my eye turned to greige almost immediately (now there’s a surprise), there are plenty of options for those less risk-adverse too! (Click here for the latest colour trend ideas).

The attention to detail highlights the quality of the range

SOFA STYLING. ONE SOFA, TWO LOOKS

The Nicoletti Home collection boasts a wide selection of generous corner sofas (aka the tote), compact two seaters, striking accent chairs (aka the statement clutch), sofa beds and chaises. This allows for almost endless configuration options to suit any space.

To demonstrate the timeless versatility, I’m going to virtually style my favourite piece; the Nicoletti Azione Leather Power Recliner Corner Chaise Sofa. Corner sofas are still incredibly popular and the Azione offers great proportions. Here, I’ve built two trend-inspired looks around this stylish sofa. Do let me know your favourite!

(If you’re looking to style your sofa, take a look at my hottest trend-led cushion picks here).

#1: GOLDEN GLAMOUR MEETS NAUTICAL

GOLDEN GLAMOUR MEETS NAUTICAL – LSA – Yarn Vase – Sapphire Blue  | Pip Studio – Royal White Teapot | Elizabeth Scarlett – Ananas Cushion in Indigo | Tom Dixon – Stone Brass Tealight Holder| Niki Jones – Chartreuse Velvet Linen Cushion – 50x50cm | Cire Trudon – Les Belles Matieres Scented Candle – Esterel – 270g | Zoeppritz – Must Have Blanket in Midnight Blue | Nicoletti Home Collection – Azione Leather Power Recliner Corner Chaise Sofa with Ratchet Headrests in Torello Bianco Ottico | Welton London – Soleil d’Or Reed Diffuser | Dash and Albert – Catamaran Stripe Rug – Navy | Bluebellgrey – Elie Tassel Cushion in Pacific | Joanna Buchanan – Embroidered Velvet Star Cushion in Navy | True Grace – Village Candle – Seashore | Atkin and Thyme – Astoria Armchair in Mustard Yellow Velvet | Notre Monde – Sienna Dots Glass Tray – Rectangular

#2: PRETTY PINK & PURPLE HAZE

PRETTY PINK & PURPLE HAZE – Cole & Son – Hicks Hexagon Wallpaper | Zoffany – Tulipe Lustre Pendant Light – Rose Gold – Large | Baobab – Disco Tina Scented Candle – Limited Edition – 16cm | Versace – Medusa Royale Silk Cushion – 45x45cm – Pink | Muuto – Silent Vase in Rose | Nicoletti Home Collection – Azione Leather Power Recliner Corner Chaise Sofa with Ratchet Headrests in Dali Tortora | The Rug Company –  Calacatta | Addison Ross – Lilac Faux Shagreen Photo Frame – 4×6 | Etro – Pola Fringed Throw – Pink | Kartell – Sound Rack Shelf in Nude Pink | Tom Dixon – Soft Mohair Velvet Cushion – 45x45cm – Wine | A by Amara – Lamellen Glass Object | Aerin – Shagreen Desk Tray – Dove

DESIGN & INNOVATION

Nicoletti Novita Swing Fabric Armchair, £895. Perfect for a colour-pop

Whilst some new collections launch with minimal impact, Nicoletti Home commanded my attention from the outset. Characterised by stunning Italian craftsmanship, all seven design-led ranges boast clean contemporary lines and an attention to detail. That Gucci handbag comparison feels most apt.

What really appeals to me is that each piece strikes a harmonious balance between contemporary design and comfort. Traditional furniture-making is enhanced with the latest technology – little extras like in-built USB ports and motion functions that future-proof the design. A stylish and sound investment indeed.

Girl signing off,

Sarah x

*Please note that this post has been sponsored by Furniture Village. I only promote brands that I truly believe in and, as always, the content is entirely original. All views expressed are my own.*

** If you’re looking to do some styling of your own, the following posts my be useful: How to Choose the Perfect Paint Colour | New Season Wallpaper Trends to Covet | Bright Summer Florals | Creating a Beach Style Interior