Curated Finds for Angels | Kitchen Island & Sofas
Inspired by your two priorities, I’ve focused the edit on finding the closest, most practical alternatives within the parameters you gave me.
For the kitchen island, I looked for freestanding pieces between 1m and 1.2m wide that could give you the furniture-like feel of the Neptune Borough design. Drawer storage at this size was a little harder to find, so I’ve included the strongest options that still offer useful storage and work well in an open-plan layout. I also paid attention to the back of each piece, as yours will be visible from the sofa area, so it needs to look considered from every angle, not just functional.
With the budget you have available, I’d also seriously consider going custom. Captain’s Craftworks make their pieces by hand in the UK and can tailor the dimensions, colour, storage and castors to suit your space. You could also ask them to incorporate the drawer storage you originally wanted and potentially create a matching worktop to continue across the dishwasher, which would make the whole setup feel much more intentional.
For the sofa, I focused on finding a more comfortable alternative to the IKEA FRIHETEN in those warm mustard and burnt-orange tones. Corner sofa beds in velvet tend to sit above the £200–£1,000 budget, so I’ve included the closest options within budget, plus one slightly higher-priced sofa bed that answers the original brief more fully and felt worth considering.
Kitchen Island Units
This is a strong fit for your open-plan layout because it works as both storage and a proper dividing point between the kitchen and sofa area. The overhang at the back allows for bar stools, so rather than simply replacing the existing units, it creates a much clearer sense of zoning between cooking and living.
A lighter, more compact option that would give you the freestanding feel you're missing without visually crowding the space. The open base keeps it feeling less bulky beside the sofa, while the drawer and worktop still give you useful everyday storage and prep space.
For your particular layout, I’d consider going custom. Captain’s Craftworks can tailor the dimensions, colours, even add castors and choose your own fixtures, giving you something that works precisely around the dishwasher and existing cabinetry. I’d also explore having the same worktop made to continue over the dishwasher — it would make the whole run feel much more intentional and is the option I’d see as the best long-term investment.
Sectional
Sofa beds with a more generous, comfortable feel tend to sit above the budget you’ve given, particularly in velvet and a corner configuration. At the £1,000 mark, these are the closest options I found to the look and comfort you described. Neither converts into a bed, so I’ve prioritised a softer sit, warm mustard-adjacent tones and the corner shape you already know works for your space.
This would be my pick if comfort is the priority. The pocket-sprung foam seating and plump back cushions give it a much softer, more supportive feel than a typical sofa bed, while the warm orange velvet brings in the rich mustard tone you were drawn to.
A slightly more generous, characterful option. At 256cm wide, it’s worth checking you have the room for its larger footprint, but the deep chaise and padded cushions make it particularly good for stretching out and everyday lounging. The burnt orange velvet keeps that warm colour story, while the dark wood legs and castor detail give it a more furniture-like finish.
This one is above your £1,000 budget, but it’s the closest match to the full brief. You keep the generous chaise configuration and rich cinnamon velvet, but crucially, it also converts into a bed. If the sofa-bed function is something you don’t want to compromise on, this is the option I’d consider stretching the budget for.
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Miaad is one of the stylists for Design Lab, Livingetc’s personalized design service. Guided by an instinct for craftsmanship and the beauty of lived-in spaces, she brings a refined balance of creative vision and commercial understanding. Her career, shaped between New York and London, spans luxury interiors and retail furniture design, from creating immersive environments for global brands such as Ferrari and Montblanc to guiding discerning clients through high-end projects at DWR and Restoration Hardware. With a sharp eye for detail and deep knowledge of UK and US furniture brands, Miaad believes great design begins with empathy and intention. She creates spaces that balance aesthetic clarity with everyday life, where individuality feels effortless and beauty feels personal.