When we moved from our old apartment into the Bright.Bazaar cottage we needed to downsize a lot of our furniture because the dimensions of the cottage are t-i-n-y! I was keen to create a cosy and colourful country feel to reflect the 17th Century cottage surroundings, which made the classic shape of Loaf’s Jonesy sofa ideal for the space. It’s always of interest for me to know the providence of the pieces that fill my home, so I asked the folks at Loaf if I could take a trip to see my sofa being made in person. To my delight, they said Yes – so I jumped on a train heading North to Long Eaton where their makers are based.
The gif below takes you through some of the key stages of the upholstery process for my Jonesy sofa that I saw happen live (so.much.fun!) while at the factory in Long Eaton. Not only did I find the speed at which the makers worked on the upholstery completely captivating, but I also felt full of excitement to see such a central part of the make up of my home coming ‘to life’ in front of my eyes.
After all, think of all the experiences and conversations you have on your sofa. When I considered everything my heartmate and I discussed while sat on our old sofa – from planning a wedding to making plans when we realised we had to move out with very little notice – I realised that the sofa is a central part of a home through good times and bad. A sofa is personal, so I feel very fortunate to have been able to bond with my sofa in this way as it was made. That might sound odd, but think about it: when you change a key piece of furniture with which you interact with everyday – a bed, a sofa etc. – it takes time, at least for me, to adapt to it as part of my daily life. So it was reassuring to have been a part of the process that saw my cherished couch come to life!
Aside from the tactility and hue offered by the Cloud Blue vintage linen that I chose from 90 potential fabrics for the upholstery, it’s the Jonesy’s detailing that really ticked the boxes for me to get this sofa. I especially liked the weathered oak legs – I think there’s something homely and cosy about them thanks to both their form and material. What do you think of the new addition to my home?
* // Photography by Will Taylor
41 Comments
Oh my gosh, this is soooo lovely! And I couldn’t agree more about how central a sofa is to daily conversations. My husband, kids and I all cozy up on our sofa every day and it’s where we feel most connected as a family. So yes, those details you’ve falling in love mean everything! And I think it’s super cool that you got to see your could sofa being built. It helps you understand one more way in which the world works at a time when so much of our knowledge is in the other “cloud,” the virtual one 🙂
@Zandra – That sounds really lovely! It definietly sounds as though your sofa is a central part of the family home. 🙂
Your point about sofas being central to our lives is 100% spot on. Amazing post!
@Susan – Glad you think so too! Seeing the making process in person really brought it home for me.
So inspiring as always.. Your pictures show off the piece very well. I’m trying to convince my hubby we should get a new couch for our first family Christmas at our home…I’ve sent him a link to your post as an extra nudge!! 😉
@Ria – So kind of you to say, thanks. Good luck with the “husband sofa challenge” (haha!) as well!
I think it’s like a softy, warm cloud… I love the design and I think it is certainly very very comfortable! But, maybe, I could try it to confirm! 😉 😉 😉
@Serena – Hahaha, yes, you are more than welcome to “test run” my couch anytime! 😉
I fell in love with the blue hues in these pictures… And that blue sofa you have there is so adorable! Your cottage looks so comforting and welcoming.
Since I’m a mother of 2 boys, I wonder if I could go for a fabric colourful sofa though… I’m afraid I won’t get any future stains out of the fabric. My husband is a lover of leather sofas (I am not). 😀 Any ideas to help me out Will? 🙂 Hugs, Inge x
P.S.: I’m in London on November 12-15 with my hubby (without the kids), are you in town to meet up for a cup of tea? x
@Inge – Thank you. Yes, the cottage is very cosy and welcoming; I can’t wait to light our first open fire of the season! As for the leather option, well Loaf have six soars that come in their ‘Beaten Leather’ option, and they ship outside of the UK, too. You could then warm up the leather with softer textiles such as silk and velvet cushions and throws. Good luck! (RE: those dates, I think I will be out of town, sorry, but have a wonderful trip and let me know if you need recommendations!) x
I think it’s like softly, warm cloud… it has to be so comfortable!
Maybe you should invite me so I could confirm? 😉 😉 😉
I love the colour! Nice room too 🙂
@Lucy – Isn’t it gorgeous?! It’s such a soft yet commanding colour. 🙂
Oh my it’s beautiful!! Hopefully I can come back and watch more X-Factor with you on that couch 🙂
@Lindsey – I can’t believe it’s arrival missed your stay by a matter of days. Like you say, perfect excuse to come back for some cosy TV time in front of the open fire! 🙂
Love all the details on this sofa.
@TKG – Right? So many subtle yet stylish details. Thanks for stopping by!
Your sofa looks gorgeous and very you ! Absolutely love your white painted stable doors too! xx
@Toni – We are thrilled with how the doors look painted white, too! Thank you. 🙂 I am so pleased with how the blue pops against the white palette.
I love your professionalism, Will. To take so much time to get involved with the product you are endorsing and it is really a lovely sofa. I Love the “dutch door” in the background too. Can’t wait to see more of the cottage!
@Mary Beth – I love to know more about where the pieces of my home come from and how they are made; it makes home feel so much more meaningful and special! Thanks for your kind words. 🙂
I love the sofa, it’s such a classic style and as Toni said above so very you! And I love that you just asked “can I come around to see how it’s made?” 🙂
@Eva – Haha! Yes, it does feel perfect for a Bright.Bazaar home! 🙂
Will, thank you so much for the tip! Especially their bagsie sofa (the Chesterfield style) looks gorgeous in that beaten leather fabric! How cute! It really still looks like a Bright Bazaar-sofa, but in a leather-look. 🙂 I will send them an email because I’m curious how hard or soft their cushion fillings are (I’m a bit of a problem case with my fragile back). Thanks again so much Will, appreciate it! x
@Inge – Sure thing, anytime! Best of luck! 🙂 x
I think it’s amazing! I absolutely love the cloud blue color, although it makes me a bit nostalgic for summer days (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing 🙂 ).
I agree, the sofa is actually such an important part of our lives and I can think of many memories made on the sofas that have passed through my life; whether it be opening presents at birthdays or Christmas with my family or spending hours on the couch with some of my best friends during nights in college. It’s amazing how much those images actually have stuck in my mind.
Enjoy your new sofa this weekend! Happy Firday!
@Rebecca – Right?! I felt the exact same way when I thought about it. Thank you – you have a fab weekend, too! 🙂
I love the baby blues – so great and uplifting on a rainy grey day. Happy weekend Will,
Ax
@Anya – Thank you! I thought so too! 🙂 x
love this, especially with the rug. just perfect! It’s such an unusual colour too.
@Jenni – Thank you! 🙂
Love that blue!
@Rebeca – Thank you!
This is fantastic! The colour and style.
@Eliana – Thank you so much! 🙂
Okay, I’m not quite sure how I missed this post, but so happy I stumbled across it this morning via your latest post. Because that sofa is goooorgeous! I love it’s almost feminine shape and the colour is just to die for. As for your black and white tree cushion that perfectly compliments the black hinges on the white doors, a match made in heaven. Love, love, love your new space. Well done Will, you sure made it home. 😉
Hi Will,
This is my first visit to your blog – stumbled on it from Remodelista. While I love your sofa (yes, the details and color are beautiful) – I am SO in love with the dark blue lamp by it’s side! Would you mind please sharing where it’s from? Thanks in advance, and I look forward to the Remodelista awrards coming up.
@Ana – Thank you for stopping by! The lamp was from a grocery store called Tesco. 🙂
hi, love the sofa and the idea of seeing it in the factory as Long Eaton is much closer to us than London.
Could you tell us which factory it is which Loaf uses please.
Thanks Mal.
@Mal – I don’t remember the exact name of the factory, I’m sorry. Perhaps contact Loaf direct to ask them! 🙂
Hello – what a beautiful colour sofa! We’re thinking of buying a Jonesy sofa too, and would really appreciate it if you could tell us whether you are still pleased with your choice? Have the fabric and cushions stood the test of time? Thanks so much!