The Varnish Works

The Varnish Works presented a rare opportunity to breathe new life into a historic King’s Cross building while retaining its industrial soul. With our sister company Two leading the design and build, we delivered a curated furniture scheme that elevated character, comfort and flexibility throughout this Grade A Tenant-Ready™ workspace. Every piece was selected to serve the building’s layered identity, heritage wrapped in modern performance, while also meeting strict sustainability targets.

Rewriting Industrial Heritage Through Furniture

In the reception, modular seating from Arper Ralik range blends neatly into the raw architecture. Upholstered in earthy green and slate wool blends with a black metal base, these pieces introduce soft, tonal variation and tactile comfort to the industrial backdrop.

Workstations across the floors use Rawside FLX DESK systems in smooth oak-effect tops with powder-coated pale green legs, which bring warmth and cohesion across the space.

The Level 01 lounge features a HAY Quilton corner sofa in a deep forest green wool with a chunky texture, paired with a sculptural Nooma Looi Coffee Table in matte beige stone. Lounge chairs from Gubi, including the Sejour Lounge Chair in textured pale blue wool with walnut armrests, add a refined, inviting layer. Bar seating from Gubi’s Coco Counter Chair brings in a sleek black frame with a subtle woven texture.

Meeting spaces feature InClass Essens tables in natural oak with stone-toned bases, equipped with power access from CMS. Flip-top options from Workstories add flexibility to formal settings, paired with the InClass Binar 60 chair in a warm flax-textured grey upholstery.

A Space Built to Adapt

Dining and teapoint areas combine practicality with personality. &Tradition’s Betty stools and side chairs use linen webbing for a handcrafted feel, paired with Rawside’s Café Table in cloud grey.

In collaboration areas, the Rawside Cat Bar Table and Worksaround Table integrate power for impromptu meetings. Seating includes the InClass Lea stool and Arum chair, both in dark grey plastic with soft fabric seats, maintaining a quiet consistency across the space.

Finishing touches like the JDD Penelope phone booths in textured grey and turquoise fabric, and Hay’s Revolver stools round out a scheme that blends heritage with futureproofing.