Willow: A New Chapter in Natural Design
2026 marks ten years of Lorfords Contemporary, and we’re beginning our anniversary year with a project that speaks to where we’ve been - and where we’re heading. In collaboration with Haines Collection, we introduce Willow: a modern reimagining of the classic camelback sofa and the first expression of a revolutionary new natural construction that will shape all future Lorfords designs.
At the core of Willow is a brand-new composite of all-natural fillings, developed over several years and fully compliant with UK fire regulations - without the use of chemical fire retardants. Created in partnership with independent advisors, this layered system combines non-chemically treated British wool, hessian-backed coir, reclaimed textile waste and natural latex to deliver comfort, durability and fire safety in equal measure. It’s a significant step forward in furniture construction, and one we’re proud to be rolling out across the Lorfords Contemporary collection from 2026 onwards.
Willow builds on the success of our award-winning Hendal Slipper Chair, the first collaboration between Lorfords Contemporary and Haines Collection. That design introduced a shared philosophy: timeless silhouettes, traditional craftsmanship and a commitment to conscious material choices. With Willow, this ethos is translated to a larger scale. Graceful, flowing curves define the camelback form, supported by a robust, traditionally crafted FSC-certified beech frame.
Handmade to order in the Cotswolds, Willow features a fully sprung seat and back and a single, generously proportioned seat cushion filled with a natural latex core wrapped in ethically sourced French feather and down, offering a balance of softness and resilience. Natural latex - renewable, biodegradable and recyclable - is widely considered one of the most environmentally responsible cushioning materials available today.
Upholstery plays an equally important role in Willow’s story. Each sofa can be covered in rescued designer fabrics from Haines Collection - surplus stock from luxury brands that might otherwise go unused. With approximately 20 metres of fabric required per sofa, this approach gives exceptional textiles a second life while helping to reduce the significant volume of homeware fabrics sent to landfill each year.
“Complying with UK fire regulations without using chemicals that include toxins is no small feat,” says Nasia de la Haye, Managing Director of Lorfords Contemporary. “But by advancing our sustainability journey, we’ve developed a new natural filling that meets regulations without compromise. Combined with Jules’s eco-focused design approach and Haines Collection’s low-impact textiles, Willow shows that sustainability and quality can truly go hand in hand.”
For Jules Haines, the fabric element is central to the collaboration. “Every year, hundreds of thousands of tonnes of homeware fabrics end up in landfill,” she says. “By using repurposed textiles from the Haines Collection, we’re giving beautiful materials a second life and taking meaningful steps towards reducing that waste.”
