Meet the Showroom: Heathfield & Co
A New Lighting Showroom for “A True Family Business”
Heathfield & Co has been 40 years in business – but it’s taken until now for the British brand to open a dedicated showroom, because it was holding out for the perfect home. Founder and managing director Andrew Watson (pictured below left with his children Patrick and Lily, who are also involved in the business) explains here why he chose Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour for a first showroom, why “transitional design” is a future-proof brand ethos, and how the new portable lighting collection will enable its lights to go to new places and spaces.
What brought Heathfield & Co to Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour?
For years, we toyed with the idea of opening a showroom but always held out for the perfect location. When the opportunity arose at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, we knew we had to act fast. As the hub of design in London, it’s where our peers and collaborators are, making it the ideal home for our first permanent London showroom. With our studio based in Kent, this move allows us to bring our designs closer to the heart of the industry while providing a dedicated space for clients to experience our collections in person.
What should we expect from the showroom?
We wanted to move away from the traditional showroom format and create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and functional – more like a real home, whilst also reflecting our brand ethos of transitional design. Collaborating with like-minded brands such as Pelican House, Loop & Twist and Interrupted Art helped us achieve this vision. The result, we hope, is a thoughtfully layered space where designers can experience our lighting as part of a cohesive interior – just as it would feel in a real home.
Why should people visit in person as opposed to looking/buying online?
Seeing our pieces in person makes all the difference. Lighting is not just about visual appeal; it’s about scale, finish and the way it interacts with a space – elements that can be difficult to appreciate fully online. Our showroom provides the opportunity to experience the true craftsmanship and quality of our designs up close. Plus, our expert team is on hand to offer guidance – not just on our products, but on lighting design as a whole. With over 40 years of experience, we love working with designers and clients to help bring their visions to life, and having a dedicated space for these conversations allows us to collaborate in a much more creative and tailored way.
Is there a ‘hero’ product that encapsulates your brand, or that’s been a long-standing bestseller?
The ‘Vallie’ chandelier [pictured above] and ‘Bertie’ pendant are both standout pieces that embody our design philosophy – elegant, timeless and adaptable. For a long-standing bestseller, the ‘Nula’ wall light has been a firm favourite for years, proving that classic design never goes out of style.
Are there broad trends in your sector of the design industry that you’re embracing?
Personalisation is key. More and more, our customers are looking to tailor products to their specific needs, whether it’s customising metalwork finishes or supplying their own fabric for lampshades. We’re also committed to designing pieces that are both classic and current – taking inspiration from contemporary trends but interpreting them in a way that ensures they won’t go out of style. Our aim is always to create lighting that will look just as beautiful in ten years as it does today.
What can we expect from the latest collections?
We’re excited to launch our first portable collection [pictured above] – an evolution in our offering that provides both flexibility and elegance. Our next collection is infused with art deco and vintage influences, incorporating new artistic glass techniques and finishes to bring a fresh yet timeless look.
What craftsmanship or innovation goes into your products?
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with artisans – from alabaster specialists in Spain to glass blowers and ceramicists in Portugal, who share our commitment to craftsmanship. Every piece is then hand-assembled and finished in our Kent workshop, ensuring the highest standards of quality and allowing for customisation where possible.
Is there anything else you’d like the Design Centre’s community know about your brand?
We’re a true family business, and that sense of heritage runs deep in everything we do. Much of our team has been with us for over a decade, and several family members are now part of the business, continuing the legacy. We’re incredibly proud of the close-knit, passionate team that makes Heathfield & Co what it is today. Our new showroom is not just a space to showcase our designs – it’s a reflection of our ethos, our craftsmanship, and our commitment to timeless, beautifully made lighting.
