Chic retreat

A sweeping staircase of polished stainless steel and glass takes you downstairs, home to Finnish fitted kitchen brand Saari, a lighting department and a small outside space that will feature outdoor furniture.

Several furniture designers have their own dedicated areas downstairs and the store will also have an area for Finnish fabric, rugs and accessories company Woodnotes, featuring work by textile designer Ritva Puotila.

‘The biggest challenge was taking these separate concessions and making a cohesive whole,’ says Granaiola. ‘We tweaked the brands’ design guidelines to ensure they work effectively as one shop.’

Skandium remains true to the ethos of modern Scandinavian design. Perhaps the only criticism is that the store is so effectively Scandinavian that little of its British and Victorian influences remain.

The best of the rest

Bulthaup – just around the corner from Marylebone High Street, the German kitchen manufacturer displays its products in a suitably stylish, modern space featuring wood, stainless steel and exposed surfaces. Bulthaup, 37 Wigmore Street, London W1U.

VV Rouleaux – making great use of the space’s original features, the store’s ribbons, jewellery, furniture and fabrics are displayed in an almost industrial-style two-storey shop that you want to keep exploring. VV Rouleaux, 6 Marylebone High Street, London W1U.

Shaker – the American craft brand sells everything from kitchens to wooden Noah’s arks in a two-storey space with painted wooden floors and pale cream interiors. Shaker, 72-73 Marylebone High Street, London W1U.

Century – specialises in 20th century antiques, from the 1940s onwards. Century, 68 Marylebone High Street, London W1U.

Conran Shop – Three floors of Conran-style living. Conran Shop, 55 Marylebone High Street, London W1U.

La Fromagerie – licensed deli and fromagerie serving coffee, salads, cake and wine on bench-style tables under a skylight. La Fromagerie, 2-4 Moxon Street, London W1U.

Caf̩ in Aveda Рcalming music, organic ingredients and a selection of hot and cold dishes served at rustic wood tables with big windows, designed for people-watching. Aveda, 28-29 Marylebone High Street, London W1U.