For 25 years, Utility has been more than just a store in Liverpool; it’s been a destination for those who appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and design. Now, with their stunning new premises in the heart of the Baltic Triangle—a thriving hub of creativity and innovation—Utility has taken their presence in the city to the next level. This vibrant location perfectly complements their vision, as the store has grown into a cornerstone of Liverpool’s design scene, offering a carefully curated selection of furniture and homeware that reflects both local and global influences. The move to the Baltic Triangle is a testament to Utility’s commitment to being at the forefront of design, right in the heart of Liverpool’s most dynamic neighbourhood.
What started as a passion for design has evolved into a beloved institution in Liverpool. “We started on a shoestring and a load of credit card debt with our first Bold Street Gift store in 1999.” Richard, Co-Founder of Utility recalls. ” Initially we had a few design led home accessories and slowly we were approached by manufacturers to showcase their furniture and lighting designs because there was literally nowhere to buy this in Liverpool. With the need for more space we expanded into a separate furniture, lighting and accessories store. 25 Year later we have 2 fascias to the Utility brands – the gift stores in Bold Street, Liverpool One, Manchester and Altrincham and the Design store, now re-born with our fantastic new space in Baltic.”
The decision to expand into Utility Design was driven by a genuine belief in the city and its people. Liverpool, with its rich cultural heritage and unique style, deserved a place where design pioneers like Eames, George Nelson, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh could be showcased alongside emerging talent. Utility has become that place—a hub where iconic design meets fresh, innovative ideas.
Selecting the right pieces for the store is both an art and a science. With a quarter of a century of experience, Richard and the team have honed their eye for quality and what is commercial. “We understand what sells and what our customers want.,” he says. “It’s a mix of being aspirational yet affordable, sourcing products with strong provenance with an eye of buying design which will last for the long haul. The brands we work with also trust us because we have the expertise to navigate the market here in the UK, which is different from the rest of Europe and even London.”
This deep understanding of design is evident in the brands and designers Utility chooses to feature. While classics like the iconic yet original Eames Lounge Chair – a design that has stood the test of time since 1956—remain staples, Utility is also a platform for new talent. Richard is particularly excited about brands like Nine United and Hay, who bring a fresh perspective to contemporary design. “We’re always on the lookout for new and emerging talent,” he notes. “It’s about finding those designers who have that special something, whether it’s their craftsmanship, their vision, or just the way they approach design. Ultimately though it needs to be affordable.
Despite the ever-changing world of interior design, Utility has remained steadfast in its commitment to quality over trends. “It’s not about popularity,” Richard explains. “It’s about craftsmanship. We want to offer pieces that stand the test of time, not just in durability but in style and value.”
As design trends continue to evolve, so do the preferences of Utility’s customers. “We’re noticing that people are becoming more confident in expressing their individuality through their choices,” Richard explains. “Rather than sticking to a single, uniform style, our customers are embracing the idea of blending different elements—like pairing a classic sofa with a bold, contemporary armchair. It’s about curating a space that reflects your personal style, with each piece telling its own story.”
One of the unique aspects of Utility is the experience it offers to customers. “When you walk into our store, you’re hit with this amazing scent that we created ourselves,” Richard says with a smile. “We want people to feel welcomed, to relax, and to enjoy the experience of interacting with the furniture. It’s not like walking into a luxury boutique where you can feel intimidated. Here, we want you to feel at home. Design should never be elitist or inaccessible but there is a tendency within the design world to create it that way. We want to blow that myth away – and welcome people whatever their budget into the space. Even if it’s just for a coffee” -which the store sells.” I can confirm that from the second I entered Utility I felt welcome. We all know by now my love for Mid Century so it’s no surprise that I was there for almost 3 hours and only left because my lift arrived!! Before I left I begged Richard to keep me posted if they ever decided to introduce the scent for sale in store!
Looking ahead, Richard envisions Utility becoming even more of a hub for local designers and artisans. “We’d love Utility to be a place where you can find bespoke wallpaper or unique artwork created by local talent,” he shares. “There’s so much creativity in Liverpool, and we’re always looking for ways to support and showcase it.”
Before we go lets talk about Otto! He’s the heart of the store. He loves belly tickles and keeping the place safe, even though he’s such a big softy. He sat in on our interview, just soaking up the attention.
After 25 years, Utility remains a testament to what can happen when passion meets opportunity. Richard and his team have created more than just a store—they’ve built a community, a place where design and craftsmanship are celebrated, and where every visitor feels like they’re part of something special. Visit the newest store at The Flint, 2 Flint Street, Liverpool, L1 0DH or visit the Utility Design website at www.utilitydesign.co.uk
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