Meet the designer behind Exhale by HSL
The launch of our new Exhale by HSL collection marks the arrival of a chair collection designed with one clear purpose: to help people relax in contemporary seating solutions for modern living.
Exhale is more than a range of swivel chairs, it’s the fundamental comfort that works alongside your lifestyle. Available in six sizes, with customisable bases, fabrics and leather choices, this collection is unique to the furniture world.
Behind the collection is experienced furniture designer, Tom White, who passion for creating furniture that becomes part of everyday life has shaped every detail of the Exhale range.
A Lifetime of Creative Influence
For Tom, design wasn’t a career he stumbled into. Creativity had been embedded him in from a young age.
“Creativity has always been part of my life. My mum was a fashion designer, my dad a copywriter before becoming a builder and my aunt was an illustrator, so I grew up surrounded by people who made a living through creative thinking.
From an early age, I was fascinated by how things looked, how they functioned and how thoughtful design could transform everyday experiences. Pursuing a career in design felt like a natural progression. I went on to study Three-Dimensional Design at Manchester Polytechnic and have spent my career designing sofas and chairs ever since.
What's kept me passionate about the industry is the opportunity to create products that become a genuine part of people's everyday lives.”
The Philosophy Behind the Furniture
When discussing his design philosophy, Tim highlights a principle that has guided his entire career:
“Great design is about achieving the perfect balance between form and function. A product should be visually appealing, but it also needs to perform exceptionally well and meet the needs of the people who use it.”
Tom also believes that furniture should transcend fleeting trends.
“Good design should stand the test of time. Our furniture is built to last, and the design should have the same longevity. Rather than following short-term trends, I focus on creating pieces with enduring appeal and timeless character.”
This Philosophy is reflected throughout the Exhale collection. It’s contemporary and relevant for today’s modern homes, but designed in a way that will continue to loo stylish and feel comfortable in the future.
Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places
Design inspiration often comes from obvious places, but for Tom, the creative process was vast and extended far beyond the furniture industry.
“Inspiration can come from almost anywhere. Of course, trade shows, retail environments and online design platforms are valuable sources of insight, helping us understand emerging trends and customer preferences.
However, some of the most interesting ideas come from unexpected places. Architecture, automotive interiors, product design and even the way materials are used in completely different industries can all spark new thinking.”
This openness to inspiration can be seen throughout the Exhale collection. Smooth lines, refined proportions and thoughtful detailing combine to create a chair that feels considered from every angle.
Tom explains that sometimes the smallest element can become the catalyst for an entirely new product.
“Often, it's the smallest detail, a particular shape, join, texture or proportion, that triggers an idea and eventually evolves into a piece of furniture.”
Designing Furniture That Becomes Part of Everyday Life
One of Tom’s most memorable career moments doesn't come from a design studio or a trade show, but spotting one of his own designs whilst walking through his local town.
“I still remember walking through my local town one weekend and spotting it sitting proudly in the bay window of someone's home. Up until that point it had existed only as sketches, prototypes and discussions in meeting rooms.
Seeing it in a real home was a special moment. It brought home the fact that something I'd designed had become part of somebody's everyday life, and that's a feeling that's stayed with me throughout my career.”
That emotional connection between furniture and the people who use it is central to the Exhale range. The collection has been created not simply to furnish a room, but to become part of the daily rituals that make a house feel like home.
Whether it's enjoying a morning coffee, settling in with a book or putting your feet up after a long day, Exhale is designed to enhance those everyday moments.
A Chair Designed for Relaxation
When asked whose home he would most like to see one of his designs in, Tom's answer was immediate: renowned British designer Thomas Heatherwick.
After admiring Heatherwick's ability to challenge convention and push creative boundaries, Tom jokingly imagined one of his chairs providing a place for Heatherwick to relax after a day of designing some of the world's most recognisable landmarks.
“I'd be delighted to think that after a day spent creating some of the world's most recognisable designs, he could come home, sit down in an Exhale chair and put his feet up.”
It’s a fitting sentiment, and one that pairs with the Exhale range. Designed to support both body and mind, each chair embodies HSL’s long-standing commitment to exceptional comfort, whilst showcasing Tom White’s passion for timeless, functional design.
The Exhale collection balances beauty with practicality, embraces timeless styling and enhances everyday life.
Inspired by decades of experiences and shaped by a genuine understanding of how people live, Exhale by HSL offers a modern approach to comfort that’s designed look stylish and feel inviting. Shop Exhale online or visit your nearest showroom.
For more information, visit your local showroom or request your free brochure.
