The concept of the wedding list might seem a little outmoded in an era where nearly everyone owns at least a toaster - and usually much more. But the modern list is a fantastic opportunity to upgrade the basics as well as acquire beautifully crafted furniture and accessories that will enhance your home for years to come. Here are some key areas to focus on when putting together a wedding list.

Every room deserves at least one or two breathtaking pieces: a striking, contemporary sofa, an iconic piece of furniture or an interesting object- these are the items that can completely re-energise a room. And bear in mind that, space permitting, some pieces of furniture are invariably better as pairs: sofas, table lamps, and tables all fall into this category.

The Conran Shop’s product ranges can be viewed on-line at www.conranshop.co.uk. Our flagship store in Chelsea also offers a bespoke and personal Wedding and Gift list service, simply call 0207 589 7401.

The Kitchen
Everyone starts with something but a wedding list is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your kitchen equipment and go for the very best in class. Pans are a good place to start, whether it is just one perfect roasting pan or a full set of sleek, stainless steel pans from the Well Considered range. Key upgrades might include a high-end set of kitchen knives or a cache of purist white cookware.

And then there are the status counter-top accessories - electrical items with character and charm such as the robustly built Dualit toaster, the iconic pitcher shape of the Kitchen Aid Blender (available in many colours) or the Francis Francis retro-futuristic coffee maker. It is surprising how the most sought-after kitchen pieces remain constant season after season.

A gift list is also the chance to fill any basic gaps in your kitchen repertoire - the humble but useful pieces that you have never got round to buying such as the Tala Cook’s Dry Measure, Le Parfait storage jars, or several dozen Duralex tumblers, so that you’ve always got enough glasses for a barbecue.

In The Conran Shop’s skilfully edited collection of kitchenware, you will also find the perfect whisk, the best garlic crusher and a souffle dish in all the sizes you might need, as well as items for more serious cooks - be it a clay tagine, a tarte tatin mould or a mezzaluna with board for chopping herbs and garlic. And of course, we have many ‘wow factor’ pieces such as a beautiful cheese board or hand carved wooden salad bowl.

General Living
The living room of old has evolved into a modern, multi-purpose space, that can be used for relaxing, entertaining, and surfing the net. The Conran Shop’s inspirational mix of furniture can help to create a series of ‘micro zones’ reflecting the way we now live.

The sofa and seating are the starting point but lighting, textiles and accessories can all be used to subtly denote the different zones. Our Giant Anglepoise floor lamp for example, is a tongue-in-cheek way to delineate a work station; while the combination of sofas, rug and coffee table instantly suggests an area for relaxing.

Low level storage cabinets are another good way to elegantly divide an open plan space, while keeping the overall feel of the room light and airy. Larger open plan spaces and loft apartments on the other hand, can take tall dramatic pieces of furniture such as Tom Dixon’s Wingback chair. If space is tight, several of our dining tables, including glass topped styles, easily double as a desk; while a table in anodized aluminium can be used inside and out.

In our famous collection of textiles you will find beautiful rugs, throws and cushions to add decorative interest to a room, soften a modernist space or tie an interior decor scheme together. Antique and ethnic rugs especially, give a room personality and depth. In addition to designs that positively pulse with colour, our bestselling Tonal rug comes in luxe, subtle shades of grey, charcoal and sand, for those who prefer a calm, neutral scheme.

The Bedroom
A new bed is symbolic of a new beginning and has arguably more significance than any other furniture purchase. The Conran Shop has elegantly simple styles alongside more dramatic designs.

Whether you are buying a new bed or working with an existing one, our furniture designs lend themselves well to a mix and match approach. By combining pieces from different collections, you can create a very individual bedroom space. A wood chest of drawers or wardrobe, for example, – or even an antique chest - forms the perfect counterpoint to a pair of Arctic bedside tables high gloss white. It is the juxtaposition of different textures, colours and materials that gives a bedroom real character.

Charming, idiosyncratic pieces such as the Marie Galante trunk also add character to a minimal space or a room with in-built storage, while an interesting chair can soften a rigorously modern interior and make it more inviting. The Charme chair adds an instant touch of glamour to a bedroom while Tom Dixon’s Wingback chair in soft mohair looks great in large, high-ceilinged spaces.

As for the finishing touches, The Conran Shop’s famous textile collection encompasses everything from purist white cotton bedlinen and neutral cashmere throws, to exquisite patchwork quilts from India. Made from vintage saris, they are available in either multi colour or tonal shades and will amp up the plainest sleeping space.

The Garden
As the line between ‘inside’ and ‘out’ becomes increasingly blurred, the trend is to ‘style’ the outdoors as creatively as an interior - no matter if your outside space is a roof terrace, a balcony, a small patch of wooden decking or a traditional expanse of green.

For small urban gardens and terraces, The Conran Shop has a slick range of space-conserving furniture, including French bistro style tables and a selection of foldable chairs. Large terraces and conservatories call for more decadent pieces – perhaps an eye-catching bench or lounger - to add drama and a focal point.

If you don’t have a shed or garage to store garden furniture during the winter, choose from a large range of designs that can be left outside permanently. Wooden furniture looks better and acquires more character with exposure to the elements.

By mixing up colours and textures – a set of brightly coloured chairs from our Metal range with a wooden table, for example - you can  give your garden an instant lift. The Conran Shop offers a wide range of fun and decorative accessories: stylish planters, and perhaps a flamboyant parasol all add ‘wow-factor’. Lighting is also important: we have everything from modern lawn and wall lights to elegant hanging lanterns, garden candles and tea-light holders (always best in large multiples) to create the perfect outside ambiance.