In an exciting move across the capital from Clerkenwell to Marylebone, USM has opened the doors to its new London showroom
Photography by James Ritief featuring the new USM showroom which has relocated from Clerkenwell to Marylebone in a move that reflects the brand’s growing presence in the residential design sector
Words by Roddy Clarke
Renowned for its iconic modular furniture system, Swiss manufacturer USM has embarked on a new chapter, moving its London showroom from the heart of Clerkenwell and to a vibrant new luxury retail and residential development in Marylebone. Offering homeowners the chance to reside in a new luxury apartment block in the centre of London, Marylebone Square is home to 54 apartments with the ground floor spaces being tenanted by carefully chosen boutiques and restaurants. USM became the first to open its doors two weeks ago.
Photography by James Retief showing how visitors are guided through different room-sets that show the versatility of the system with this home cinema area conceived in collaboration with Leica
For USM, this relocation reflects the growing popularity of its system within residential spaces, a shift they have seen take hold more rapidly in recent years after expanding into the residential sector in the 1990s. With Clerkenwell being a design hub for the contract sectors, the location has served the company well allowing them to build close relationships with neighbouring commercial interior design and architectural studios. The system has become a staple in offices and workspaces since its conception 60 years ago by USM and Swiss architect Fritz Haller, largely due to its practical functionality and superior quality. However, as homeowners today seek out multi-functional, design-led furniture that can easily adapt and evolve as needs and requirements change, its benefits are translating well into modern homes as conscious consumers are intentionally investing into a design classic while prioritising values of longevity and circularity.
Photography by James Retief showing the cosy listening lounge and bar area on the store’s lower level presenting further ideas for homeowners on how to integrate the system within their homes
Helping homeowners and designers to visualise the multiple configuration possibilities that a USM system offers, the new store guides visitors through different room sets, from a kitchen, living room, home office and even a home cinema area designed in collaboration with Leica that shows how a projector can be discreetly housed within the system. Awash with colour, thanks to USM’s growing selection of vibrant finish options, the window display features the USM Haller World of Plants furniture with tonal houseplants integrated into the system.
Photography by James Retief showing the large-scale wall unit displaying the work of sculptor Abid Javed which will be a revolving art space to showcase the work of a variety of talent throughout the year
Alongside the central staircase that leads to the lower ground floor, the sculptural ceramics of Abid Javed are displayed within a large-scale wall unit. This area will become a rotating presentation zone with different artists being featured throughout the year. Downstairs, the room sets continue with a central bar unit situated alongside a sophisticated listening lounge. With modular wardrobes also on display, both floors capture the versatility of the system and the diverse arrangements it can offer.
Photography by James Retief showing a colour-coordinated plant display in the store’s windows and how plants can be seamlessly integrated within the system
Developed by design studio ForEveryday.Life, the store concept also nods to the components of the USM system with each zone and level being defined using a 350x350mm Haller grid. Reflecting the adaptability of the system directly, this new space presents USM in a renewed light that fully celebrates its timeless allure and relevance within contemporary homes, especially across London where bespoke configurations are often needed for more compact layouts. ‘Our move to Marylebone marks an exciting new chapter for USM in the UK,” says Mirko Mueller, the company’s UK CEO. “As demand grows for USM in the home, our new store allows us to express the full versatility of the system in a context that speaks to contemporary lifestyles and design culture.”
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