Our Story

Utility was founded by Richard Skelton, Dick Mawdsley and Kate Cowie in 1999. 

Our first store opened its doors on Liverpool’s Bold Street that same year, stocking an experimental range of products from both independent designers and larger brands. The product selection has evolved over the years but the thought process has remained unchanged - Utility should be a place for design lovers of all ages to explore, discover and shop “great design”.

In January 2004 the trio opened a second, larger store on Bold Street. The “Utility Home Store” became home to furniture, lighting and home accessories from some of the most celebrated European brands - many of which we still stock to this day. Later that same year, utilitydesign.co.uk became one of the earliest adopters of online retail in the home interior space. 

In 2024 we opened a new and improved “Showroom” from which to display and sell modern designer furniture, lighting and home accessories from top European brands such as Vitra, Kartell, Flos, Fritz Hansen, &Tradition, Knoll and many more. The new 7400sqft space, affectionately called "The Flint" due to it's location on Liverpool's Flint Street is more than just a story, it's a hub for the local design community - hosting events and workshops aimed at opening design up to as many people as possible.

Visit FlintLiverpool.com to find out more about the Utility Showroom.