Furniture with a Conscience: Barker and Stonehouse’s Mission for Sustainability

Barker and Stonehouse, a brand that has been a part of my life since childhood, carries with it a multitude of memories of accompanying my parents to our local store. The opulence and elegance of the furniture never truly resonated with me as a child. It wasn’t until I became a homeowner myself that I found myself gravitating back to Barker and Stonehouse, this time seeking inspiration for my own living space. The sheer beauty of their offerings, however, seemed financially out of reach at the time. This compelled me to resort to more affordable alternatives from different retailers or assemble-it-yourself options. I often found myself contemplating what set Barker and Stonehouse apart—was it simply the allure of the brand, or was there something more?

A pivotal moment arrived last year when our local Barker and Stonehouse in Gateshead broke ground on a brand-new store—a site I frequently passed by. Witnessing the build was intriguing. The store is aesthetically striking, both externally and internally, setting a new standard in retail design. It’s truly an iconic destination. My initial visit a few weeks ago left me genuinely awestruck. It is also the most eco-friendly furniture store in the entire UK—an incredible asset to have right on our doorstep. I sincerely hope this dedication inspires other brands to acknowledge and emulate Barker and Stonehouse’s sustainable approach.

As an adult, my perception of Barker and Stonehouse has evolved. I appreciate not only the intricate design but also the craftsmanship of the furniture. Every purchase from Barker and Stonehouse represents an investment in a handcrafted piece, built with longevity in mind, contrasting starkly with our prevailing throw-away culture. These aren’t self-assembled or cheaply manufactured items. Instead, you’re acquiring a conversation starter—a piece that could serve as a focal point in your home, admired by all who visit.

While I have yet to make my first purchase from Barker and Stonehouse, I am now in a position where I can consider it when I replace furniture in my home and without a doubt, they will be my top choice of furniture retailers. My parents, long-time customers of Barker and Stonehouse, stand as testament to the brand’s promise of durability and style. Their sofa, bought several years ago, remains as impressive as it was on day one. This is the quintessential representation of what you pay for—items that aren’t merely built but are designed to endure.

During my recent visit, a powerful statement displayed in store resonated with me: ‘Buy Better, Buy Once. Made better, designed better, sourced better. At Barker and Stonehouse, when we create our collections, we do it with the long game in mind. Our furniture that’s dependable and will last the course, that ages with you and ages well, furniture to have, to hold onto and pass down. We call it the Buy Better, Buy Once movement, and it’s our antidote to throwaway culture.’

This was a revelation. The higher pricing was now clear—it reflected the brand’s commitment to the philosophy. Superior craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, and sustainable practices inevitably come at a higher price. However, this is a price we must be willing to pay, given the current environmental challenges we face.

The urgency for sustainability is growing, with more people becoming conscious of the environmental implications of their choices. The Barker and Stonehouse philosophy encapsulates this shift, affirming the significance of sustainability in our choices.

“Sustainability is not just a trend to Barker and Stonehouse; we’ve been considering our environmental impact since 2007 when we helped to pioneer the Trees4Trees deforestation project in Indonesia. As a Carbon Neutral Plus certified company, we are now reducing our emissions beyond our own carbon footprint.

Our Buy Better, Buy Once philosophy is about choosing products that have a minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle and are more sustainable choices in the long run. Considering factors such as longevity, durability and recyclability is the best way to truly be sustainable. “ Helena Davies, Head of Buying at Barker and Stonehouse

As of 2021, Barker and Stonehouse have committed to planting a tree for every delivery they make. So far, this commitment has led to the planting of an astounding 84,000 trees! Moreover, they are progressing towards cleaner transport options by investing in electric and hybrid vehicles.

Taking their commitment, a step further, the company has launched a line known as ‘Furniture with a Conscience.’ This collection features 100{6c082c8494c21a03d17f10d863ee8b06d7dc461388e432433da70d4d6afda271} recyclable sofas and mattresses, alongside dining and bedroom sets made from beautifully reclaimed wood. Barker and Stonehouse’s comprehensive and integrated approach to sustainability is truly exemplary.

If more businesses follow the lead of Barker and Stonehouse, we could foster a world where appreciation for our homes and thoughtful selection of the items we house within them become the norm. Imagine walking through your front door—what sensations do you wish to experience? A sense of calm and serenity, perhaps?

When you settle down with a captivating book, how do you envision your setting? Are you nestled in a comfortable chair, encircled by items you treasure, or are you inhabiting a space cluttered with objects that fail to evoke joy?

Many publications now recognise this need, incorporating thoughtful insights and expert advice on enhancing your living space. One such magazine Sloft, rationalises living space by meticulously considering every detail for its aesthetic and efficiency—doing more with less, creates a viable, long-term solution to the urban challenges of rising costs, noise, congestion, pollution, and stress. Instead of perpetuating the traditional admiration for large, expansive homes, they advocate for smaller, compact spaces, enabling us to appreciate what we already possess and maximise the potential of our environments.

Issue 03 of the magazine is a prime example of this philosophy, displaying a superior product quality that is hard to surpass. The breathtaking interiors featured within its pages are nothing short of inspiring. These meticulously designed spaces emanate a sense of calm, serving as an invitation to envision and create a personal sanctuary amidst the bustle of urban life.

It’s high time we return to focusing on purchases made with careful deliberation and an emphasis on quality, rather than succumbing to impulsive desires. Making sustainable and conscious choices not only fosters a better living environment but also makes a positive impact on our world.

For more inspiration on interior design for your home, you can view our collection of Interior Design magazines.