Every so often, a design company emerges that’s so refreshing they deserve to be celebrated with more than just a quick name-check.

In recent Style Clinic articles, I’ve mentioned Scandinavian, German and Italian companies who consistently push boundaries to set new standards of form and function: this month, I’m focusing on the work of a groundbreaking British design house, Greenapple, which specialises in contemporary glass furniture.

Established 12 years ago, Greenapple has evolved into one of the most exciting design names in the UK, with a worldwide reputation for excellence.

The passion and flair of its founder, David Applebaum, has attracted a hugely talented design team that represents British craftsmanship at its best: understated luxury, exquisite detailing, quality materials and specialist manufacture.

Visiting Dansk Design’s new flagship store in Chelmsford last week, I was transfixed by the stunning Greenapple gallery located on the ground floor. Design this good is a real find, and I felt the familiar ache of desire as I planned how and where I could incorporate these works of beauty into my own home.

A Greenapple design is a little piece of grandeur that’s totally modern. It can be fun and witty, as well as breathtakingly beautiful, and makes a great way to add contrast and interest to a room.

The idea of glass as a design material for furniture challenges your expectations: in a world where wood, metal and fabric dominate, it’s the unexpected pleasure of pure glass construction - from clean straight lines to smooth, sensuous curves – that’s so powerful.

Your first impression is purity. Then it’s clarity. But most of all it’s light. Because you can see through it, glass furniture seems to amplify a room’s natural light. And I love the way sunlight, moonlight and lamplight play on the surface of glass, creating fascinating reflections that inject warmth and life into your living space.

The Greenapple portfolio comprises occasional furniture coffee tables, lamp tables, console tables, telephone tables as well as dining furniture, multimedia storage, lighting and accessories. There are also iconic designs that combine glass with beautiful woods and sleek metals, and for the ultimate luxury must-buy, pure crystal ranges, made from the highest quality glass in the world.

Last month I wrote about the move towards investing in stylish furniture to accommodate TVs, DVDs and other home entertainment systems. Identifying trends has always been a major strength at Greenapple, and two cutting edge TV stands, Niche and Cliff, were unveiled to huge accolade at the NEC’s interiors show earlier this year. There’s an element of intrigue to these designs – a real ‘how did they do that?’ excitement. Without spoiling the surprise too much, check out Niche’s floating shelf design for something very special indeed. Both ultra-sleek units are available in high gloss black as well as three beautiful wood finishes – wenge, walnut (as shown above) or oak.


If you’re concerned that Greenapple is out of your price range (although Dansk Design is offering brilliant deals as part of its store opening celebrations), the good news is that the company has launched a more affordable range, Lychee. This combines aspects of glass with an eclectic mix of other materials. It’s a great way of introducing new or younger consumers to the longevity and value of luxury furniture.

Spotlight on British design: Greenapple

Versai coffee & lamp table in black glass

Spotlight on British design: Greenapple

My favourite Lychee ranges are the funky Spider tables, the fashionable Versai coffee table with its fabulous polished steel V, and the curvaceous Jazz coffee table with blue tinted glass top and an ultra-stylish, vintage feel.

Spider Dining Table

Jazz Coffee Table


Greenapple’s furniture is modern, yes, but also timeless. Glass is an intelligent choice for contemporary and period or traditional homes. It combines heritage with up - to - the - minute design credentials, and its clarity means it works harmoniously alongside different furniture styles and materials without striking a harsh or discordant note.

For any glass doubters among you, I urge you to take a trip to Dansk to see for yourself how looking through glass can change your world.

Greenapple ranges are featured at Dansk Design with stores at
Braintree, Lakeside & Rayleigh. New Dansk Design store now open in Chelmsford.

All the furniture collections can be viewed at www.dansk.co.uk
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