At Social Spaces, every collection begins with a conversation, and Havana is no exception Designed in collaboration with Jo Day, this collection brings together craftsmanship, comfort and a distinct sense of place, resulting a in a range that feels as expressive as it is refined.
Inspired by the warmth and vibrancy of its namesake city, Havana is a celebration of timeless upholstery elevated through thoughtful design. The collection, including a sofa, armchair, ottoman and coffee table, is defined by graceful lines, generous proportions and a fluidity that gives each piece a sense of movement and ease.
For Jo Day, the creative direction was rooted in both experience and emotion.
“Havana was born out of a conversation with Social Spaces”, Jo explains. “We wanted to create something that was visually inviting but also truly ergonomic. Something people want to sit on and spend time with.”
Having visited Havana herself, Jo drew directly from the city’s atmosphere. “I fell in love with its vibe, the people and the culture. Everywhere I went, bars, cafés, restaurants, there was this constant sense of movement. People were dancing, there was energy everywhere. I wanted the collection to reflect that feeling.”
This sense of rhythm and flow is captured through one of Havana’s most distinctive features: its piping detail. Carefully considered and expertly executed, the pipping traces each curve of the furniture, creating a seamless visual line that enhances the form without overwhelming it.
“The piping was really purposeful”, she says. “I wanted it to move around the piece in a fluid way, almost like its dancing. It gives the furniture personality while keeping that refined, elegant foundation.”
Comfort was equally central to the design process. With its oversized proportions, Havana is designed to be as inviting as it looks.
“If you’re designing something with this scale, comfort has to come first”, Jo notes. “We focused on softness, generous cushioning, a relaxed back pillow and a feel that’s really enticing without being overly structured.”
The collection’s use of colour and upholstery further reinforces its connection to Havana’s cultural richness. Designed to be specified in two or three tones, the interplay of fabrics allows each piece to feel layered, expressive and adaptable to different environments.
“Havana as a city is full of colour and vibrancy,” Jo explains. “Using contrasting fabrics across the base, the piping and the interior of the piece was a way to reflect that. To bring a sense of energy and individuality into the designs”
Bringing Havana to life required not only a strong design vision, but also exceptional craftsmanship. For Jo, the collaboration with Social Spaces played a crucial role in translating concept into reality.
“As a designer, you put your heart and soul into a design, but it’s the execution that makes it,” she says. “Detailed like the piping must sit perfectly and flow exactly as intended. Social Spaces have done amazing job! The level of upholstery, the attention to detail, the fact that everything is handmade and tailored. It’s been a real pleasure to see it come together.”
The results is a collection that balances luxury with approachability, structure with softness and tradition with contemporary flair. Havana is not just a seating range, it’s an experience, designed to bring people together in spaces that feel both elevated and effortlessly welcoming.