Vincent Sheppard Furniture: Expert Guide from a Devon Designer
Picture this: You've fallen head-over-heels for a gorgeous Vincent Sheppard piece. Maybe it's that stunning Kodo outdoor dining chair with its twisted rope details, or perhaps the classic Joe Lounge chair in Lloyd Loom that's calling your name and would look perfect alongside your sofa. You can practically see it in your home, but then... the doubt creeps in.
"Will it work with my sofa?" "What colour should I choose?" "How many chairs do I actually need?" "Will my cat immediately claim it as her personal spot?"
Fear not, furniture lovers! This is where your friendly neighbourhood interior designer swoops in to save the day (and your sanity).
My 20-Year Love Affair with Vincent Sheppard
What I haven't told you yet is that my relationship with Vincent Sheppard isn't just a casual fling – we've been going steady since 2005 when I opened my shop "in2ex" on Magdalen Road in St Leonards, Exeter. That's right – I've been working with these gorgeous pieces for nearly two decades, watching the brand evolve from a niche Lloyd Loom specialist to the innovative indoor-outdoor powerhouse it is today.
Since those early days, I've been a regular at their trade fair stands at Maison et Objet in Paris, where twice yearly over 2,300 brands showcase their latest innovations to buyers and designers from around the world. There's nothing quite like seeing new collections in person, feeling the materials, testing the comfort, and speaking directly with the Vincent Sheppard team about their latest designs.
Just last month, I was at Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 in London, where Vincent Sheppard showcased their stunning Wicked collection at The Old Session House. This beautiful blend of traditional rattan weaving with contemporary metal frames perfectly demonstrates why I've remained so passionate about their furniture for two decades.
The "Help, I Love It But..." Dilemma
Here's the thing about Vincent Sheppard furniture – it's absolutely stunning, incredibly well-crafted, and has that magical ability to make any space look effortlessly chic. But (and this is a big but) it's also an investment piece that deserves to be styled perfectly.
I've been working as an interior designer for over 30 years now and I've seen the same scenario play out countless times:
Client spots gorgeous Vincent Sheppard piece online
Client deliberates for weeks/months
Client finally orders... the wrong size/colour/quantity
Delivery day arrives = disappointment and a hefty return fee
Plot twist: This entire drama could be avoided with a simple chat!
Why Vincent Sheppard Makes Me Slightly Giddy
Let me tell you why I get genuinely excited about Vincent Sheppard furniture (apart from the fact that Lloyd Loom is basically woven magic)
The Heritage Story is Chef's Kiss
Vincent Sheppard picked up the torch of Lloyd Loom weaving in 1992, breathing new life into a craft that dates back to 1917. Originally invented during WWI when rattan was scarce, Lloyd Loom combines kraft paper twisted around steel wire to create something stronger and more comfortable than traditional rattan. It's like the furniture equivalent of "necessity is the mother of invention," but with impeccable style.
The Quality is Actually Investment-Worthy
When I say these pieces last a lifetime, I mean it. The craftsmanship from their Indonesian facility (where traditional weaving techniques meet modern innovation) is exceptional. Plus, they're FSC certified, so you can feel good about your environmental footprint while lounging in style.
The Range is Wonderfully Overwhelming
From the outdoor Kodo collection that laughs in the face of British weather to indoor pieces like the Joe Lounge chair that work beautifully with your existing sofa, Vincent Sheppard has something for every space and style. Their 2025 outdoor catalogue features exciting additions like the lightweight aluminium and twisted rope Akari collection, and the contemporary ceramic Sandro tables.
The Real Talk About Professional Design Help
Now, you might be thinking: "Michelle, I'm perfectly capable of choosing my own furniture, thank you very much!" And you absolutely are! But let me share what happens when we work together:
The Pre-Purchase Reality Check
Remember that Kodo modular sofa set you've been eyeing? Before you commit, let's make sure it actually fits your outdoor space and works with your existing garden layout. I've seen too many "love at first sight" purchases become expensive mistakes.
The Styling Magic
Here's where things get fun. Vincent Sheppard pieces are like the perfect white shirt of furniture – they work with almost everything, but they really sing when styled thoughtfully. I can help you create combinations that look deliberately curated rather than accidentally assembled.
The "What If" Prevention Service
"What if I choose the wrong colour?" "What if it doesn't work with my existing pieces?" "What if my mother-in-law hates it?" (Spoiler alert: she might, but you'll love it, and that's what matters!)
How We Make This Work (Without Me Camping in Your Living Room)
The beauty of modern technology means I can help you create your perfect Vincent Sheppard setup without leaving the comfort of my Devon studio (or you leaving yours!). Here's how our design consultation magic happens:
The Pre-Chat Questionnaire
Think of this as interior design speed dating. I need to know about your space, your style, your lifestyle, and yes, whether you have pets who consider all furniture their personal property.
The Virtual Design Date
Via FaceTime, Zoom, or good old-fashioned phone call, we dive deep into your Vincent Sheppard dreams. You show me your space (even if it's currently a mess – I've seen it all!), we discuss your wishlist, and I work my 30+ years of magic to create solutions that actually work.
The Treasure Hunt
Want to know a secret? Sometimes the piece you think you want isn't the piece you actually need. I might suggest a different collection, alternative sizing, or clever styling tricks that make your budget stretch further.
The Vincent Sheppard Collections That Make Me Swoon
Let me give you the insider scoop on some collections that work brilliantly in different settings:
The Kodo Collection is perfect for outdoor spaces, featuring soft curves and rounded backs that create a warm, inviting ambience. With everything from outdoor dining chairs and sofas to sunloungers, it's incredibly versatile and crafted from weather-resistant materials including ceramic, aluminum, and tactile polypropylene rope.
For indoor spaces, the Joe Collection offers timeless elegance with its Lloyd Loom construction. The Joe Lounge chair makes a perfect companion to your sofa, creating a comfortable and stylish conversation area. It's that rare piece that combines striking aesthetics with everyday comfort.
Why Devon Folks (and Beyond) Love Working With Me
Being based in Devon means I understand the unique challenges of British homes – from Georgian terraces to modern barn conversions, from coastal cottages to city apartments. I've worked with clients across Devon, Somerset, Cornwall, and beyond, always adapting Vincent Sheppard pieces to work beautifully in real homes with real lives.
My over 50 5-star reviews on Houzz, 9x Best of Houzz awards and BA(Hons) in 3D Design are lovely, but what I'm most proud of is my hands-on experience with Vincent Sheppard furniture that spans back to 2005. When you book a consultation with me, you're tapping into nearly two decades of specific product knowledge, not just general design advice.
Ready to Fall in Love with Your Home Again?
If you're dreaming of Vincent Sheppard furniture but feeling overwhelmed by choices, let's chat! Whether you're planning a complete outdoor makeover with their new 2025 Kodo collection or want to add a Joe Lounge chair alongside your sofa, I'm here to help you make decisions you'll love.
Because here's the thing – your home should make you happy every time you walk through the door. And sometimes, all it takes is the right piece of furniture, perfectly chosen and beautifully styled.
Ready to start your Vincent Sheppard journey?
Drop me a line at michelle.sucksmith@me.com or give me a call on 07989 307714. Let's turn your furniture dreams into reality – one gorgeous Lloyd Loom piece at a time!
Visit my blog at www.michellesucksmith.co.uk for more interior inspiration and to see my latest visits to design shows including Clerkenwell Design Week.
Follow my design journey on Instagram:
@michellesucksmith for interior design inspiration and behind-the-scenes from my projects
@cushionbank for cushion styling ideas, new arrivals, and curated product updates
P.S. Yes, I do get genuinely excited about furniture. No, this isn't weird (okay, maybe it's a little weird, but it's my job and I love it!). And yes, I promise our consultation will be both helpful and fun!
Michelle Sucksmith Interior Design | 30+ Years of Making Homes Beautiful | 9x Best of Houzz Winner | Serving Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Beyond