Pottery Barn Launches First UK Store

3 weeks ago

The brand is best-known to Brits through its feature in Friends

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As American culture continuously seeps through our screens and into our lives, now you can officially enjoy your American-made TV show with your American-made snacks in the comfort of your all-American sofa. In case the Pottery Barn name is ringing a bell, on our side of the pond the homeware brand is best-known for its appearance in Friends (‘The One With the Apothecary Table’ season six episode 11). The episode follows Rachel as she successfully convinces the chain-store averse Phoebe that her new wooden chest from Pottery Barn is in fact an antique find, coming up with increasingly intricate backstories for the non-vintage pieces.

As a result of its TV stardom, Pottery Barn has secured itself as one of those legendary yet untouchable American brands (In-N-Out Burger, Olive Garden, American Girl Dolls to name a few) removed from the eager reach of us Brits by the span of the Atlantic Ocean. If, however, you do want to live the all-American dream (over-sized timber clad home in the suburbs, decked out in Pottery Barn, stars and stripes flying out front) then you too can now transform your home into the ever-optimistic and brightly lit style of an American sitcom.

How To Get Your Hands On Pottery Barn Homeware In The UK

Following the online launch of Pottery Barn in the UK last month (23 September), fans of the brand can now explore it’s offerings in person at its new Tottenham Court Road pop-up store opened on 23 October. Located inside the West Elm, the pop-up invites customers to experience a curated range of products across furniture, bedding, décor and accessories. The opening will feature multiple room sets including this year’s Christmas collections, featuring gingerbread-inspired houses, forest-themed dinnerware, festive linens, faux fur stockings, tablescaping pieces and Christmas tree decorations.

What Is Pottery Barn?

First opened in 1946, the brand is renowned for combining antique aesthetics with boho styles – so convincly antique that Phoebe was firmly fooled by Rachel’s purchases. From its oversized sofas to its polished sideboards, Pottery Barn has established itself as an essential American institution, combining the rustic feel of the US wilderness and the elegance of its big cities. Despite not introducing any specifically anglophilic designs as part of its UK launch, there is a surprising Britishness to the collection that could work equally as well in a cosy cottage as a London townhouse. With plaid tableclothes, plates painted with pheasants and foxes, chintz florals and woodland greens, you could be easily fooled that the products were custom-design with an English country house in mind.

‘I think there are common denominators because there’s this beautiful informal look that Pottery Barn has always been able to serve up,’ Pottery Barn president Monica Bhargava told The Times. ‘We call it comfortable, casual – you might call it cottagey.’

While the oh-so American brand name may conjure images of a ramshackle jumble sale, the prices of the collection tell a more sophisticated story, with its Sausalito Cane Sideboard putting you back up to £2,199. Defining the Pottery Barn look, Bhargava explained that it’s all about comfort, style, quality, and building memories. ‘We are a lifestyle brand and we believe homes are a canvas for living,’ she told House Beautiful. ‘We create products and environments that are inspirational and aspirational. We invite our customers to dream and to have their own authentic expression. Helping to transform homes with timeless style, modern classics, whimsy, and a twist on tradition.’

Where To Buy

Having launched its UK website last month, you can now explore the brand in person at West Elm, 209 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7PN. In case you’re unable to head down to the pop-up store during the festive period, Pottery Barn has partnered with John Lewis to bring its products to their department stores year-round. As well as their timeless interiors, Pottery Barn will offer complimentary design services to customers looking for personalised interior styling assistance both at home and online.

Discover more at potterybarn.co.uk