Sweet dreams are made of this

In the first of a new series profiling British craftsmen and makers, Amira Hashish looks at bed-maker Hypnos, which has produced pocket-springs for homes and hotels for 100 years

Dressed to impress: purple, green and cream bedding translates neatly between the season

The bed-maker Hypnos has more than 100 years' experience in hand-crafting mattresses, divans and headboards. Its chairman Peter Keen, whose family has run the brand for generations, oversees the manufacture of all beds and mattresses with the help of his son, James, and daughter, Sarah.

A team of master craftsmen works its magic at the firm's headquarters in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, producing pocket-spring beds for homes and hoteliers around the world, including Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons in Oxford, London's five-star Corinthia Hotel and the luxury boutique Hotel Chandelier in New York.

"The beds combine traditional methods with constant innovation and are uniquely designed to provide unparalleled support, resilience, comfort and functional luxury," says the compnay's representative, Chris Ward. "Each mattress has intelligent pocket-spring technology, which minimises pressure points on the body, helping to increase blood circulation and alleviate tension, which in turn allows muscles to relax. The springs mould to the sleeper's body, leading to a natural alignment of the spine and a truly restful night's sleep."

As a royal warrant holder, Hypnos prides itself on customer service, quality and strong credentials in developing products along ethical lines using environmentally friendly materials and FSC or PEFC certified timbers that have been sourced from managed forests. Hypnos's responsible approach has led to it becoming the first carbon-neutral bed-maker in the country. With a focus on sustainable design, all Hypnos beds are 100 per cent recyclable at the end of their lives, ensuring that they never go to landfill sites.


 The Hypnos showroom in 1947

The materials used also contribute to comfort. "Unlike mattresses which are stuffed with synthetic fillings that can make you hot during the night, all Hypnos mattresses are made from the finest natural and sustainable fibres," says Ward. "Not only do these fillings help to promote air flow and reduce moisture to help to regulate body temperature, they also repel allergens and enhance the sleeping experience."

Divans are hand-tailored with a choice of 45 standard fabrics and an extra 50 Sanderson fabrics available with the premium Royal Comfort Collection. "As part of our 'design your bed' bespoke service, we also offer customers the choice to source their own fabrics for their beds, meaning the options are endless. This flexibility is something interior designers love too, with many specifying their own leather, faux suede and velvet," adds Ward.

The three-dimensional narrow cord, jacquard-woven fabric, pictured (top) in a mushroom colour, is smart and durable. The neutral shade also means it can be easily matched with a mixture of colours and textures. A purple, green and cream combination translates neatly between seasons, offering warmth and vibrancy without being too overpowering.


 Workers and the company van taken in the 1920

There are a range of headboards on offer but we like the softly rounded Emily for its uncluttered, elegant look that works well with the fabric choice. The tall frame also makes it ideal for resting against when relaxing in bed. The right divan can make all the difference to storage and the four-drawer sprung edge option subtly incorporates substantial space. "A divan base allows for stylish and practical storage solutions that can help open up your room and create a sanctuary for sleep rather than clutter," Ward adds.

A sumptuous mattress will also have an impact on how the bed looks once it has been dressed. The image features a Countess Supreme mattress from Hypnos's popular Heritage range. A naturally soft blend of British wool and cashmere, tailored with two rows of hand side stitching, makes for a deep and supportive design that should hold its bounce for many years to come.

THINK OUTSIDE THE EASTER BOX FOR GIFTS​

WHAT TO BUY

Think outside the chocolate box for Easter with a "Baskets for Berries" print for £9.99 or "Peter Rabbit Pop" (£95) picture from Art You Grew Up With (artyougrewupwith.com). Mrs Moore's Vintage Store stocks a Rabbit tea towel (£12) and matching coasters for £5. Alternatively, Art Rookie makes fun items such as the "Rabbit Love" cushion for £28 and "Hello Bunny" clock (£20; artrookie.com). Oliver Bonas's "Beatrix" Collection offers a sweet and colourful way to bring floral patterns into the kitchen. The range includes a Teapot (£25), set of four teacups and saucers (£40) and sugar bowl (£6.50; oliverbonas.com). Or a Dickins & Jones jug of wild pink flowers (£30; houseoffraser.co.uk) would make a lovely gift.

WHERE TO GO

This week Danson House in Bexleyheath, Kent, opened its doors to Vivienne Westwood: Cut from the Past. The exhibition celebrates the impact of 18th century art and design on the work of the British fashion icon. Outfits on show make particular reference to the Rococo paintings of French artists Watteau and Boucher. Featuring loans from the Victoria and Albert Museum, the display is brought to life in the grand surroundings of the restored Georgian Villa. Until 31 October (bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk).

WHAT'S NEW

Habitat has launched its 35th and largest new Mini Habitat space. The 5,600sqft concept store in Chichester stocks more than 1,300 products from the collection including furniture, upholstery, homewares, textile and lighting. The shop design includes bespoke fixtures that enhance the sense of space and light, while digital technology is used to create an immersive environment with interactive touch screens and video walls. Bold checkerboard flooring, a statement chair wall and a large gallery space achieves a striking look (habitat.co.uk).

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