French connection: Silvera opens its first showroom outside of Paris

Living Divani pieces with pendents by Bocci.
Left, the showroom is set out in an apartment-style mixing Baxter and Living Divani pieces with pendents by Bocci. Right, 'Take a Line' armchair by Moroso in an original vault downstairs in the space
(Image credit: silveraltd.co.uk)

Parisian design destination Silvera first opened its doors in 1990, becoming one the city’s most important purveyors for refined modern design. Its near 30 years of existence has seen the launch of ten showrooms in the French capital, but now, it’s time for the family-owned brand to spread its wings, taking flight to a new home in London’s luxury design district Chelsea.

‘When Silvera calls you, its like a calling from the Pope,’ says Jouin Manku, the architect responsible for the design of the 500 sq m space. Manku retained several of the building’s original features – the vast windows and idyllic orangery to name a few – and created an open plan space where the different interior set-ups can take shape.

A wooden bridge between the front and rear of the store, along with the large staircase, lend an apartment-style feel to the showroom, which stocks a diverse range of furniture and designers, spanming emerging French studio Pool, mesmerising Bocci lighting and Cassina furniture, to accessories by Vitra, Minimalux and Hay.

new Silvera showroom in London

The new Silvera showroom in London

(Image credit: silveraltd.co.uk)

The original alcoves have been left untouched, flooded with ambient, multi-hued lighting that puts the spotlight on key products, such as the ‘Take a Line’ armchair by Moroso. The collections form just a small pocket of Silvera’s substantial catalogue. Brigitte adds, ‘Our strengths are knowing how to select products from our collections to create curated and personalised interiors for our clients, rather than a “copy and paste’ scenario.’

Silvera’s unique edit also sets them apart from the plethora of design offerings in the Chelsea and Brompton area. ‘The London design scene is one of the strongest on the international market and we love the vibrancy,’ explains director Brigitte Silvera. ‘We’re proud to display pieces that haven’t been seen in London previously such as the “Credenza” sideboard collection, which is Patricia Urquiola’s and Federico Pepe’s first collaboration.’

If you are on the hunt for more than just furniture, Silvera’s new London hub also contains a concept store, with lifestyle accessories on offer that makes, says Brigitte, ‘design accessible to everyone’.

the living area includes an Edra sofa, Patricia Urquiola for CC tapis carpet

Left, the living area includes an Edra sofa, Patricia Urquiola for CC tapis carpet, and Lee Broom pendents. Right, a study set with Davide Groppi and Maison DADA lights, and Vitra furniture

(Image credit: silveraltd.co.uk)

Left, the orangery.

(Image credit: silveraltd.co.uk)

A bridge adjoins the front

A bridge adjoins the front and rear of the store

(Image credit: silveraltd.co.uk)

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the Silvera website

ADDRESS

Silvera
241-245 King’s Road
London SW3 5EL

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Sujata Burman is a writer and editor based in London, specialising in design and culture. She was Digital Design Editor at Wallpaper* before moving to her current role of Head of Content at London Design Festival and London Design Biennale where she is expanding the content offering of the showcases. Over the past decade, Sujata has written for global design and culture publications, and has been a speaker, moderator and judge for institutions and brands including RIBA, D&AD, Design Museum and Design Miami/. In 2019, she co-authored her first book, An Opinionated Guide to London Architecture, published by Hoxton Mini Press, which was driven by her aim to make the fields of design and architecture accessible to wider audiences.