The Design Philosophy Behind Burbeck At Home – A Conversation with Jack Willcocks

At Burbeck At Home, interior design is about purpose, quality and the integration of beauty into everyday living. We sat down with Creative Director Jack Willcocks to explore the guiding principles behind the brand’s approach to furniture and interiors, uncovering the inspirations, motivations and nuanced details that make Burbeck At Home truly unique.

Aesthetics and Identity – Crafting Timeless Interiors

The essence of Burbeck At Home’s collections is timelessness, blending classic appeal with modern sensibilities. Jack describes their design philosophy as one that resists fleeting trends, instead focusing on creating furniture that is both enduring and elegant. “Each piece is meticulously crafted to stand the test of time, becoming a cherished part of the space it inhabits,” he explains. This commitment to quality and authenticity is what sets the brand apart—and their furniture both complements and elevates interiors.

These philosophers of design see furniture as both aesthetically pleasing and deeply functional. Jack emphasises the importance of practical considerations in design—that each item is suited to its intended purpose and place. “A dining table, for example, needs to be robust and spacious, but it should also convey a sense of elegance and warmth that makes gathering around it a joy.”

Inspirations – Materials with a Story

Much of Burbeck At Home’s inspiration comes from the materials themselves. “The materials we use carry stories, character, and a sense of history,” Jack shares. A prime example is burl wood, a material that gained prominence in the early 1900s for its durability and intricate grain patterns. By reintroducing it in a modern context, Burbeck At Home pays homage to its heritage while embracing contemporary design principles.

Some collections incorporate reclaimed pine and elmwood, chosen for their rich textures and naturally aged beauty. “Our philosophy is that the materials should shine as much as the design itself,” Jack notes. This reverence for natural materials not only enhances the aesthetics of each piece but also reinforces the brand’s commitment to sustainability, proving that good design does not come at the expense of the environment.

The Design Process – From Concept to Creation

Designing furniture at Burbeck At Home is a meticulous process that begins with a spark of inspiration. “Everything starts with an idea,” Jack explains, whether drawn from nature, architectural forms or existing design concepts. From there, the team moves into the conceptualisation phase, sketching, experimenting and refining until each design reaches its full potential.

A balance between functionality and artistic expression is at the core of their approach. “We believe furniture should be as practical as it is beautiful,” Jack says. This means considering how each item will interact with the surrounding environment—it should look stunning, of course, but also serve a purpose in everyday life. Whether it’s a dining table designed to foster connection or a feature chair that anchors a space, each piece is created with intention and empathy for the people who will use it.

Alongside their in-house designs, Burbeck At Home also curates select pieces to complement their collections. While they design many of their pieces, some products are chosen for their craftsmanship, quality and how well they fit within the brand’s aesthetic vision. It’s an approach that results in a well-rounded selection while aligning with the design philosophy.

Jack also highlights that the absence of rigid time constraints in their creative process allows for greater attention to detail. “We refine each design meticulously, ensuring it aligns perfectly with our vision before going into production. Sometimes, this means reworking a concept for months, but we believe it’s worth it to achieve true design excellence.”

The Philosophy Behind Burbeck At Home’s Design Approach

Philosophy plays a pivotal role for Burbeck At Home in shaping every aspect of a design project, from material selection to the final product. For Jack Willcocks, the guiding principle is to create furniture that transcends trends and becomes a long-term fixture in a space. “We focus on timeless design,” Jack explains. “We’re not interested in following fast-moving trends that will feel outdated in a few years. Instead, we design pieces that maintain their relevance, both aesthetically and functionally.”

This philosophy also extends to the relationship between design and craftsmanship. Every piece is created with laser-sharp focus. Quality is never compromised. “We don’t rush the process,” Jack adds. “Some designs take months to refine because we want them to be perfect. We work with materials that have their own history and character, which means each item has an inherent uniqueness that mass production simply cannot replicate.”

Sustainability is another core element of this philosophy. The brand actively challenges the culture of disposable furniture, with every design choice aligning with its commitment to responsible sourcing and long-term usability. “One of the greatest joys of owning something truly special is the ability to pass it on,” Jack says. “We design with that in mind—creating pieces that are not only beautiful but built to endure.”

The Role of Materials – Sustainability and Durability

Material selection is fundamental to Burbeck At Home’s design philosophy. Beyond burl wood, the brand works with rich, dark-stained walnut, reclaimed elm and hand-beaten forged steel. “Each material brings its own nuances and depth,” Jack explains, adding that the team prioritises sustainability by using responsibly sourced woods and eco-conscious production methods.

One of the biggest challenges in working with natural materials is maintaining authenticity while ensuring each piece aligns with the brand’s design principles. For instance, burl wood’s colour variations—from warm honey tones to dark swirls—require careful selection to achieve the right balance of consistency and individuality.

Sustainability is also at the heart of Burbeck At Home’s ethos. “We are actively challenging the disposable nature of fast furniture,” Jack says. By prioritising high-quality, long-lasting materials, the brand creates pieces designed to be cherished and passed down through generations rather than discarded. Their commitment to environmentally responsible production includes the use of sustainably sourced woods, such as rubberwood, which is initially grown for rubber production and later repurposed into furniture.

However, the team acknowledges that sustainability is an ongoing journey—and there is always more to be done. While they have taken steps to use responsible materials and ethical production methods, they continue to explore new ways to minimise environmental impact and make further progress in sustainable design.

The Future of Burbeck At Home – Innovation and Expansion

Looking ahead, Burbeck At Home is expanding its collections with new offerings, including oversized art, headboards and an extended range of table lamps. “We’re constantly evolving,” Jack says, hinting at an upcoming selection of coffee tables, sofas and wardrobes tailored to city living.

One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of ready-assembled wardrobes, designed specifically for the London market. These pieces will arrive in two sections, making them easy to manoeuvre into homes without compromising on quality or craftsmanship.

At its core, Burbeck At Home’s design philosophy is about crafting spaces that feel intentional, considered and deeply personal. By blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, the brand continues to create interiors that are not only stylish but also rich with meaning, purpose and place. Sustainability, quality and timeless appeal all find a place in the brand’s heart, and the designers remain committed to delivering exceptional interiors that truly stand the test of time.

Create a Home with Timeless Design

We believe great design is about more than aesthetics—it’s about quality, purpose and longevity. Explore our collections and bring enduring beauty into your space. For enquiries or to learn more, contact us at info@burbeckathome.com.