It's no secret that behind every brilliant brand is an ace team who make magic happen, and at Willow & Hall our HQ is no exception. The truth is it takes a very special blend of the right skills and personality to join our little family. So we'd like to introduce you to one VIL (Very Important Lady) without whom Willow & Hall wouldn't be here today, and that's owner and founder Sarah Massouh. If you have your very own Willow & Hall goodie, then you practically have a piece of Sarah too, as every shape, style and silhouette of our ranges started life as an idea in her head.
What's a typical day like for you at Willow & Hall?
Often it will be a combination of the operational things, such as looking at our performance across the business coupled with fun and creative tasks: like designing new furniture from scratch. No two days are the same – it’s an eclectic role and one that is constantly changing depending on the demands of the day! It's fun but challenging at the same time.
What do you love most about working in the world of home interiors?
For me the home really is where the heart is. It’s where you spend time with the precious people in your life so being able to help people turn their house into a home with our furniture really makes me smile. That’s what it’s all about for me. A happy customer who loves their furniture and in turn now loves their home even more.
What prompted you to establish Willow & Hall?
The inspiration for the business (and what's still central to everything we do today) is creating comfortable and beautiful British made furniture that's of the highest quality, and fantastic value for money. For me there just wasn’t anyone out there offering this and I felt compelled to make that wrong a right.
Why was it important for you that Willow & Hall be a wholly British brand?
If you look at the craftsmanship and upholstery skills we have here in the UK, it really is incredible. To not support these industries and nourish home-grown British talent is unimaginable to me. We deserve to have quality furniture produced in this country, by people who are not only truly passionate about what they design and make but are artisans at what they do too.
If you were a fabric sample you'd be…
This is a tough one! I would say 'Barley'. I’m a positive person with a sunny disposition (well I think so anyway but you’d better ask my team). I’d also say I’m a little bit of a 'Petal' – the colour feels like the perfect fit for W&H and I find it a very soothing tone.
Signature Collection Stain Resistant Linen Cotton Barley
House Collection House Velvet Petal
What's your favourite piece in the collection?
I’m going to cop out of this one as I really can’t pick a favourite but I do love our corner sofas and sofa beds which offer fantastic comfort for families and have a slightly more relaxed look to some of our more traditional 2 and 3 seater sofas and sofa beds – which I think is how it should be with corner units.
What are the most important things to consider when buying furniture?
Firstly, think about the size. Take into account the proportions of the room as well as what else will be in the space. It’s important to consider what shape and style will complement the décor and fit naturally in your home. I recommend sticking with a fairly neutral fabric as you can add colour and pattern through cushions and throws - a far easier and less expensive way to subtly change the look if you decide to change your décor. Secondly consider the position and flow of the space - far too often large pieces of furniture are arranged in such a way that people have to manoeuvre awkwardly around them. Furniture should fit around you, not the other way around.
The Elmley sofa/sofa bed
If you've found Sarah's tips helpful you can check out some of our other recommendations for things to consider when buying furniture with our buying guides available on our website. We'll tell you everything you need to know from which sofa bed mattress is best for side sleepers, to how many times you'll need to plump a pillow depending on the fibre it's filled with. And, don't forget our Customer Services team are always on hand to offer advice and answer any specific questions you might have relating to any of our products or services. Just get in touch by phone on 020 8939 3800.
Kind regards,
The Willow & Hall team