Furniture Show, NEC, 18-21 January
An Interview with Robert Mynett, Co-Director
Tell us about yourself and the Inhaus brand. How long have you been in business?
We established in 1989 as Inhaus International, and we bring decades of expertise and market leadership to the UK furniture industry. Our legacy is built on successful relationship building and market transformation; we were instrumental in sparking the ‘leather boom’ in the UK, transitioning leather furniture from a luxury niche to a mass-market product. This history of introducing transformative brands makes us the ideal UK distributor for NEST Space.
NEST Space, founded by Danish pioneer Simon Lichtenberg, brought Nordic design to China in 1993 and evolved into one of the world’s most efficient and sustainable furniture manufacturers. The brand’s philosophy centres on the philosophy of Hygge - cosiness, contentment, and fostering connection. NEST furniture reflects this through uncompromising quality: using natural materials and world-standard ergonomic engineering (with motion functions and lumbar support), and a crucial commitment to sustainability. With a dedication to ecological responsibility, NEST achieves luxury and comfort through carbon-neutral manufacturing, EU zero formaldehyde materials, and low-emission foams, continuing Inhaus’s tradition of setting the standard for quality and sustainability in furniture trends.
How did the relationship with Nest Space begin?
NEST Space began with founder Simon Lichtenberg's move to Shanghai in 1993. Simon was the first to introduce authentic Nordic design furniture to the region and his initial drive was to bring elegant, functional design to a whole new market. This foundation evolved into a continuous commitment to innovation, modernisation, and digitalisation, which led to the development of NEST Space as a manufacturer focused not just on design, but on sustainable, highly efficient production. The company’s journey is one of linking Danish design heritage with modern, responsible manufacturing practices, resulting in a world-class brand defined by quality and environmental care.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your younger self?
My advice would be not to compromise on the long-term vision for short-term gains. If you focus on sustainability and genuine material quality, even when it presents a challenge to conventional manufacturing, the consumer will eventually seek out and value that transparency. Always prioritise efficient manufacturing ecosystems that are carbon-neutral from the outset. True luxury in furniture will soon be defined not just by aesthetics, but by its environmental and social footprint. Embrace this digital transformation early to drive efficiency and connect better with your customers.
Could you share details about any new collections or ranges you’ll be showcasing at the January Furniture Show?
At the JFS show, we are launching new furniture models that feature cutting-edge technology: from intuitive touch screen functionality and integrated music systems to practical luxuries like cooling cup holders and charge points. These innovative designs elevate the relaxing experience to a truly premium level, setting a new benchmark in the industry.
The core of our showcase will be the NEST Gallery Concept - our premium, fully branded store-within-a-store solution. This is our major feature designed to support our retailers.
The Gallery Model includes:
Immersive Environment: A full branded fit-out with custom display furniture and styling props, provided at no extra cost to the retailer, allowing customers to fully experience the brand's Hygge ethos.
Zero Investment Risk: Retailers only purchase the display models at cost price.
Comprehensive Support: We offer product training, marketing materials, and a 2-year warranty backed by a national tech network, alongside our experienced customer care team in Cardiff.
We will also be showcasing a wide range of core NEST products that demonstrate the use of natural materials, ergonomic engineering, and motion multi-functions, all designed for maximum comfort and lasting durability.
Do you have any personal favourites in your latest collection?
My personal favourites are any pieces that truly embody the principle of Hygge. Specifically, the sofas and lounge chairs featuring plush textures, feather-filled cushion tops, and high resilience foam. These pieces perfectly illustrate NEST's core promise: creating a luxurious sanctuary of perfect ease. I particularly admire the designs that incorporate the motion multi-functions and lumbar support, as they flawlessly blend high-end design with world-standard ergonomic engineering, proving that you don't have to sacrifice style for ultimate comfort.
What are you most looking forward to at the show?
We are most looking forward to officially launching NEST Space in the UK and connecting with retailers who share our vision for sustainable, high-quality, and design-led furniture.
Our primary goal is to unveil the NEST Gallery Concept at our stand (Hall 1 1-K20) and create new partnerships. We are excited to show potential partners how our store-within-a-store solution minimises their upfront cost while maximising the appeal and sales potential of their showroom, by creating a fully immersive brand environment. We believe the UK market is ready for NEST's unique combination of Danish Hygge, natural materials, and carbon-neutral manufacturing.
Have there been any highlights for you over the past year that you’d like to mention?
The absolute highlight has been securing the partnership with NEST Space to become their exclusive UK distributor. This achievement is significant because it allows us to bring a truly world-class, carbon-neutral manufacturing operation, led by a pioneer of Nordic design, to the British market. This partnership underscores our commitment to offering retailers and consumers products that stand for ultimate comfort, luxurious design, and genuine environmental responsibility - a crucial combination for the modern consumer.
Where do you see the furniture industry heading? Are there any styles or trends making a comeback, or any designs you think are least likely to return?
The furniture industry is definitively heading towards a heightened focus on sustainability, longevity, and experiential comfort.
Where we’re heading: Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency regarding materials and manufacturing processes. Brands like NEST represent this future. Furniture is moving beyond mere aesthetics to become a holistic investment in well-being. We see a greater focus on ergonomic engineering and multifunctionality - pieces that support how people genuinely live and connect. We’re proud to present the NEST Recycled Sofa, a sustainable standout built entirely with recycled plastics derived from materials like water and milk containers, which are featured in its frame, cushions, and slipcover. It’s innovative design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, ensuring every component can be effortlessly recycled again. This is a perfect example of truly circular design.
Styles/trends making a comeback: Natural materials (genuine leather, hardwoods) are making a strong comeback, favoured for their durability and ability to age beautifully. The calm, warm colour palettes and plush textures associated with Nordic design and cosiness are also trending strongly.
Least likely to return: The era of low-quality, fast furniture that prioritises cost over environmental or structural integrity is becoming unsustainable and less desirable to conscious consumers. Designs that compromise comfort and longevity for fleeting trends will likely fade.
What’s next for your company?
The immediate next step is the successful launch of NEST Space at the January Furniture Show and the subsequent roll-out of the NEST Gallery Concept across the UK.
Our goal is to establish a strong, national network of retail partners who can effectively present the NEST brand story. Beyond the show, we will be focused on providing exceptional operational support, including product training, logistics, and customer care from our Cardiff-based team, ensuring our partners are fully equipped to succeed. We aim to make NEST Space synonymous with sustainable luxury and world-class comfort in the UK within the next year.