IDFX 200912

INSPIRATION FOR INTERIOR DESIGN PROFESSIONALS

DECEMBER 2009 / £4.99

Divide and conquer with our choice of the latest screens

THE FUTUREFOR FURNITURE

Will 2010 be a good year for interiors?

STORAGE FOCUSProducts, projects and profiles

Screen Sirens

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Scavolini S.p.A. 61025 Montelabbate (PU) - Italy Tel. +39 0721443333Fax: +39 0721443413 [email protected] www.scavolini.com

Pls. download our general catalog from www.scavolini.com

For dealership opportunities in Scotland and Ireland please contact:Ravensdale Indoor Living [email protected] Tel: 028 3025 2324

For dealership opportunities in England and Wales please contact:Cucina [email protected] Tel: 01189 799 811

System of Quality Management UNI EN ISO 9001

System of Environmental Management UNI EN ISO 14001

System of Health & Safety ManagementOHSAS 18001

For the carcase of the kitchens Scavolini uses only Idroleb: a water

repellent V100 panel with the lowest formaldehyde emission, lower than specified on the Japanese standards F**** (4 stars).

Discover Scavolini’s commitmentfor a cleaner world onwww.scavolinigreenmind.com

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Model Absolute Classic Baccarat design Gianni Pareschi

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WELCOME | 05Editors

Iwas really pleased and encouraged to read ourlead feature this month where we talk to leadingshowrooms and designers about the prospects forthe furniture business in 2010. I don’t want tocome over all Ebenezer Scrooge but, as we allknow, this has not been the easiest year for theeconomy so I wasn’t expecting such a range ofpositive comments and optimistic forecasts. I wasrecently speaking to Justin Pla, UK MD of Knollin its striking new London showroom and he wastelling me that retail sales of Knoll furniture areup an impressive 15.4% year on year. Judging byour article he is not alone. Many differentstrategies have been employed to help weather thecurrent storm and minimize casualties. Let’s hope2010 sees a glimmer of light at the end of thetunnel and a strengthening of the positive trendsmentioned in our article. For now I’d like to thankour many friends and colleagues for all theirsupport throughout 2009 and wish everyone avery happy Christmas from all the team here atidfx!

WelcomeDON’T MISS THESEMUST SEE EVENTS

DECK THE HALLS01 Rebecca Hoh,assistant editorThe Geffrye Museum has awhole host of Christmasevents coming up inDecember. Including ‘EcoChristmas’ where you canmake sustainable awarecards and old decorations, allin the nostalgically decorated1950s room, all subjects closeto my heart! Eco DesignerOliver Heath will also begiving a short talk, before webreak out the mince pies andmulled wine. No wonder thisis my favourite time of year!www.geffrye-museum.org.uk

DROPPING IN02 Jenny Brewer, editorialassistantI will be going through someprofoundly historicalkeyholes this month at thehomes of some of our mostinfluential figures. Giving usa chance to step into thehomes of William Morris,

Where you’ll find us in December

www.idfxmagazine.com | December 2009

Benjamin Franklin, DrSamuel Johnson and others,London Shh (small historichouses) is a collection ofbuildings with very famousformer residents. At SigmundFreud’s house you can evensee the infamous psycho-analytic couch.www.londonshh.org.uk

ART-WARMING03 Kate Burnett, editorI enjoy the excitement of anauction and when it’s forcharity it makes it all themore dramatic. Architecturalcharity Article 25 will beauctioning more than 30works of art from famousnames from the worlds of artand architecture such asTracey Emin and ZahaHadid. The asking prices arelikely to be out of my rangebut it will still be interestingto attend the exhibition atthe Louise T BlouinFoundation in west London.www.article-25.org

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Kate BurnettEditor

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EDITORIALEditor Kate Burnett ([email protected]; 020 7936 6818)Assistant editor Rebecca HohAdditional reporting Jenny Brewer, Linda Clayton, Kay Hill,Amelia ThorpeStaff writers EmmaGritt, Nicole RobinsonSub-editor Maria Ainley-TaylorProducts researcher Esther Ademosu([email protected]; 020 7936 6858)Director of content John Band

PRODUCTION & DESIGNArt director Paul HeadOnline designers David Cooper ([email protected])Dan Rogers ([email protected])Editorial production manager Dan Gardiner([email protected]; 020 7936 6808)Production manager Clare OvenellProduction coordinator Steve BuchananClassified production coordinator AdamMcNamara([email protected]; 020 8269 7758)

ADVERTISINGGroup sales manager Joe Maughan([email protected]; 020 7936 6847)Sales manager Alistair FitzPatrick([email protected]; 020 7936 6849)Classified sales managerCraig Glinski ([email protected]; 020 7936 6855)Classified sales executive Rowena Peck([email protected]; 020 7936 6856)Head of sales, new business development Jonny Kilpatrick([email protected]; 020 7936 6837)Special projects managerDean Cassar ([email protected]; 020 7936 6838)Supplement sales executive Ryan Sloane([email protected]; 020 7936 6841)Italian representative Paolo Capitini, Niche srl([email protected]; +39 349 260 0480)German,Austrian, Swiss Representative. Randolf Krings([email protected] +49 172 6056731)

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The paper used in this magazine is obtained from manufacturers who operate withininternationally recognised standards. The paper is made from Elementary Chlorine Free(ECF) pulp, which is sourced from sustainable, properly managed forestation

idfx is published 12 times a year by Progessive Media Publishing Ltd, John CarpenterHouse, John Carpenter Street, London EC4Y 0BS. T 020 7936 6400 Editorial: T 020 79366400; F 020 7936 6813 Sales: T 020 7936 6849; F 020 7936 6813 All calls may bemonitored for training purposes E. [email protected] (circulation);[email protected] (sales) Visit our website at: www.idfxmagazine.comPrinted by Buxton Press

SUBSCRIPTIONSUse the order form to ensure that you receive regular copies of idfx, call 0845 155 1845 toplace your credit card order for immediate supply, fax 020 8269 7877 or subscribe onlineat www.getthatmag.com. One year UK: £58.00; two years: £105.00; EU: 133 euros/240euros; USA/Canada $231/$419; ROW $241.00/$434.00. Single issue: UK £4.99;EU 16.50 euros; USA $25; ROW $25; Digital edition global rate 1 year £52.20.Although idfx makes every effort to return text and picture material, it is sent at theowner’s risk.Printed in England.All rights reserved: No part of idfx may be reproduced or stored in aretrieval system or transmitted in any form, electronic, mechanical or by photocopying,without the prior written permission of the editor. ©2009. ISSN 1462–060X

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CONTENTS | 07December

05-14

18-52 16 How Have You Been? We all know it’sbeen a rough year but what has 2009really been like for our furnituredesigners? And what about 2010?

22 Profile: Patrizia Moroso idfx meetsMoroso’s art director as the Italiancompany opens its first UK showroom

25 Screen Sirens From silver stucco tosmoke-glass panels, a selection of thelatest tempting room dividers and screens

29 Hard Times Job losses are the worst partof any reccession. Here are our tips foravoiding, making and dealing withredundancy

Contents

ON THE COVERTHIS MONTH:

Gold screen byBoca Do Lobowww.bocadolobo.com

CLOSE

FEATURES

OPEN

93-98COVER

05 Editor’s Letter Looking forward to a stronger year in 201009 Pulse The best new products for residential schemes10 Diary Design-related events around the UK and worldwide12 News The Design Council’s new initiative promotes ongoing

business skills training among professional designers14 Company Profile Bella Figura’s new collections include the first

lighting products from John Stefanidis

70 A Very Regal Residence Kelly Hoppenhad carte blanche to set a new standardin show homes for developer Regal Homes

74 Mix Master Peter Phan takes inspirationfrom many eras and continents for thistransformation of a 12 bedroom mansion

78 Agricultural Show Nicolas Tye Architectscombine two converted barns to create avast and minimal, modern home

81 Practice Profile Tim Gosling is a 21stcentury champion of bespoke furniture

PORTFOLIOS

93 Showrooms New places and spaces from around the UK94 Eco News Citu and Naughtone combine forces on Leed’s

groundbreaking Greenhouse residential development95 Interior Adventures The ups and downs of a typical month in

the life of an interior designer95 Making It New York designer Marcus Tremonto shines with his

futuristic, electroluminescent lights96 Pulse Kitchen & Bathroom The very best of this month’s new

products in bathroom and kitchen design98 No1 Fan Steve Charles glazes over for William de Morgan’s tiles

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STORAGE FOCUS

34 Making Space Bespoke or off the shelf?Stylish storage options for media andbathrooms, dressing rooms and wine cellars

47 Stacked Up Arresting display systemsthat make as strong a statement aswhat they hold inside

49 Shelf Life Our pick of the slick shelvingsystems that provide contemporaryall-in-one storage solutions

52 Boxing Clever Decluttering gets serious.We talk to the experts who make a livingfrom sorting out other people’s objects


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OPEN | 09Pulse

THIS MONTH» 09 PULSE: THE BEST NEW PRODUCTS» 10 DIARY: THIS MONTH’S KEY EVENTS» 12 NEWS: WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & WHY» 14 COMPANY: MOVERS AND SHAKERS


Open01 This chest of drawers from Marcus Whitehas leather-lined drawers that open byrevolving outwards. Released as an edition of100, the piece is hand made in Dorset and isavailable in several veneers, including rosewoodwith black walnut. www.designsbymw.co.uk

02 This Yardley sideboard is part of a 20-piececollection from Black and Key created byaward-winning bespoke furniture designerKarin Verzariu. Shown here in macassar radialveneer, it can be customised to a client’srequirements. www.blackandkey.co.uk

03 Liana Yaroslavsky’s La Luna table is madeusing traditional Venetian glass-makingtechniques to infuse the blown-glass sphericalbase with air bubbles. www.lianayar.com

04 Ian Spencer’s Chaos series celebratesnatural wood’s beautiful range of texture andtone. His sculptural Roccapina chairis a three-dimensional mosaic of 18 differenttypes of wood. www.ianspencer.co.uk

05 The Hybrid series from Liqui breathes newlife into old furniture. This table is a typicalexample from the range,which adapts classicpieces using contemporary additions.www.liquidesign.co.uk

06 Anna Dodonova of Anna Casa Interiors hasdesigned the G table for Reflex. Its bold graphicshape is available in transparent glass or arange of lacquered colours. www.annacasa.net

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IFFT/Interior Lifestyle Living 2-4 December,Tokyo International Exhibition Centre (Tokyo Big Sight)www.ifft-interiorlifestyleliving.comNow in itssecond year as a combined fair, this trade showfeatures interior and furniture design trendsand luxury products. The 2008 show drew367 exhibitors and nearly 30,000 visitors.

10 | OPEN Diary

INTERNATIONALDIARY

Candida Höfer in Italy, Part 1: FlorencePortraits of Space 11 December–24 January 2010,PalazzoMedici Riccardi,Via Camillo Cavour 1,Florencewww.palazzo-medici.itAn exhibition ofCandida Höfer’s photographs of Florence’s mostimpressive interiors. The large-scale images offamous spaces devoid of people aim to capturethe psychology of social architecture.

Interior Design Between the Wars Until 14February 2010, Imperial Furniture Collection,MöbelMuseumWien,Andreasgass 7,Viennawww.hofmobiliendepot.atViennese furniture andinteriors from the 1914-1941 period byarchitects Felix Augenfeld, Josef Frank,Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky and others. Loansfrom the Vitra Design Museum link thesepieces to contemporary European design.

04 Design Real 26November–7 February 2010,Serpentine Gallery,KensingtonGardens, LondonW2 3XA www.serpentinegallery.org This is theSerpentine Gallery’s first exhibition ofcontemporary design. It will showcase objectsthat push boundaries in form and function,ranging from everyday items such as furnitureto products at the cutting-edge of industry.

03 Craft in Focus: Art and ContemporaryDesigner Craft Show 4-6 December,QueenCharlotte Hall, Parkshot Centre,Richmond, LondonTW9 2RE www.craftinfocus.comBritish designers,artists and craftsmen will sell original andaffordable textiles, paintings, furniture,metalwork, glass and ceramics.Visitors canalso commission bespoke pieces at the show.

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01 East London Design Show 4-6 December,ShoreditchTownHall, 380Old Street, London EC1V 9LTwww.eastlondondesignshow.co.uk This annualChristmas sale brings together independentdesigner-makers of glass, ceramics, homewaresand furniture from not just east London but theUK and overseas. Free entry for trade visitorson production of a business card.

06 Decode: Digital Design Sensations8December-11 April 2010,Porter Gallery,V&A,Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.ukDevelopments in digital and interactive designin works by leading artists and designers.These include pieces programmed withcomputer code that constantly change shapeand objects that interact with the viewer.

Mini Picture Show 10December–22 January 2010,Bankside Gallery, 48Hopton Street, London SE1 9JHwww.banksidegallery.com Members of the RoyalWatercolour Society and the Royal Society ofPainter-Printmakers will be selling originalpaintings and prints on a small scale.Work isavailable to take away framed or unframed andthe prices start at just £50.

02 500 Years: Decorative Arts Europe 5-10December,Christie’s of London, 8 King Street, LondonSW1Y 6QTwww.christies.com More than 150 lotsof furniture, sculpture, clocks and works of artwill go under the hammer. Estimates rangefrom £8,000 to £4m for a Louis XIV cabinet ona stand attributed to Domenico Cucci and theGobelins workshop, circa 1665-1675.

HIDDEN ART OPEN STUDIOS 28-29November and 5-6 December, studios across east Londonwww.hiddenartlondon.co.uk Designer-makers in east London open the doors of their studios for twoweekends to sell to the public directly from their working environments. The products on saleinclude homewares, ceramics, furniture and more. Maps to guide visitors to participating studioscan be picked up from the Geffrye Museum on Kingsland Road in Shoreditch on both weekends orare available to download from the Hidden Art website.

HIDE ANDSEEKHidden Art, London

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Knox Bhavan Architects were named aswinners of the best private project in thisyear’s Wood Awards for its Carson Roadproject which involved the conversation ofa Victorian house from three flats into acontemporary family home.As many aseight different types of wood were used forthe exterior and interior of the house.Caroe and Partners architects were alsorecignised for their work in the restorationand conservation of a period family homein Somerset. In the furniture category thewinner was Elan outdoor furniture, a jointinitiative between Gloster and EnthovenAssociates. The award recognized theinnovative use of plywood based on teakveneer which allows free forms to be usedand lowers the overall weight of thefurniture. Litton Furniture also wasawarded the production furniture prize forits www.woodawards.com

12 | OPEN

The Design Council has launched an initiative called Good DesignPractice in association with the Design Skills Alliance. It seeks to highlightthe need for professional development within the wider design community.Head of design skills, Lesley Morris, is aware that designers are perceivedas some of the least well-trained professionals and has created thisinitiative to direct designers to the wide range of tools and resourcesoffered by the Design Council.According to David Worthington, the DesignSkills Alliance deputy chairman, “statistics from the Labour Force Surveysuggest that a staggering 60% of designers admit they don’t understandtheir clients’ businesses well enough. I believe that the UK design industryis the best in the world but we must start to develop our professional skillsfor it to remain that way.” Information is available on the Design Councilwebsite including guides to download and details of training courses.www.designcouncil.org.uk

Bidwell launchesBeyond WeddingsChelsea Bidwell,creator of BeyondDesign, has launchedsister companyBeyond Weddings tocleverly combineinterior design with abespoke wedding listservice. Bidwell aimsto give clients a morepersonalised gift listthat adheres to theircollective design ethoswhile working withthem to achieve atruly individualinterior.Offering threelevels of service:personal shopping,decoration and design,according to howmuch interior designinvolvement the clientneeds, she draws onher wealth of designexperience to adaptthe presents tocomplement thecouple’s new livestogether.www.beyondweddingsltd.com

McCloud housingproject to go aheadTelevision presenterand designprofessional KevinMcCloud has wonplanning permissionfor his first HabOakusdevelopment project –a 42-home sustainabledevelopment inSwindon. Hab Oakusis a joint venturebetween HAB,McCloud’sdevelopment companyand housing groupGreenSquare.GlennHowells Architects arethe project architectswith with landscapearchitects StudioEngleback, and thedesigns ‘are informed

by Hab Oakus’fundamentalprinciples - a strongsense of community, abelief in theimportance of publicspace, and acommitment tosustainable lifestylesand outstandingcontextual design’.The houses will bebuilt to Code 4 in theCode for SustainableHomes with thepotential to beupgraded to Code 5.www.haboakus.co.uk

Smart Report targetsfurniture disputesA new low-costservice has beenlaunched to help withdisputes with retailersor manufacturers overfaulty furniture. For£99, the FurnitureOmbudsman willappoint a qualifiedtechnician to visityour home, inspectyour furniture and filean independent reportas to its condition.The new ‘SmartReport’ from TheFurnitureOmbudsman providesboth you and yourretailer with anindication as towhether or not yourcomplaint is valid, thecause of any damageand whether it can berepaired. Theimpartial opinion ofan expert is often thekey to decidingwhether or not topursue yourcomplaint.The Smart Report isavailable from TheFurnitureOmbudsman bycalling 0845 653 2064.

New brands for RomoNottinghamshire-basedRomo Group will beadding two new brands toits fabric repertoire. Zinctextiles, an urbanmonochromatic range, andMark Alexander,specialising in luxuriousbut simple fabrics, will beadded next month.www.romo.com

Floor Show finds newhome at NEC for 2010The National Floor Showwill relocate in 2010,moving from Harrogate tothe NEC Birmingham witha new date - 22-24 June.The event’s new locationwill allow for an improvedshow layout, as well asproduct categorisation,allowing visitors tonavigate the two halls withgreater ease. www.nationalfloorshow.co.uk

Established & Sons goonlineEstablished & Sonslaunches its new websitewith ecommerce partnerYoox.com on 10 Decemberand to celebrate itsMayfair gallery willbecome a period-styleboutique for late nightshopping until midnight.www.establishedandsons.com

News


Wood Awards winners announced

DESIGN COUNCILPROMOTES GOODDESIGN PRACTICENew joint cmapaign urges designersmaintain professional standards

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Olivier Cardon has been appointed chief executive of British finefurniture and interiors company Linley. In his new role,Cardon will beable to draw upon the experience he has gathered during a decade ofworking in retail and luxury goods — he previously worked as the chiefexecutive of Roche Bobois.Cardon will work on developing and expandingthe Linley brand at home and abroad.www.davidlinley.com

14 | OPEN Company profile & People

Jonathan Lucas of Elstead Lighting has becomethe new president of the LightingAssociation. He hopes to lead the groupand its members through the many

changes that have affected the market over thepast year.www.lightingassociation.com

PEOPLE &MOVERSCardon takes the helm at Linley,Torgius joinsDavid Edward, theLighting Association appoints Lucas

Kaldewei has appointed James Hardy salesrepresentative for the south west of EnglandandWales. Hardy’s role will be to focuson the entire trade customer base, includingindependent bathroom retailers, merchantsand key distributors.www.kaldewei.com

David Edward has named Kim Torgius itsEuropean sales director. She previouslyworked at Gotham in Notting Hill. Inher new role, Torgius will focus on

building relationships directly with architectsand designers.www.davidedward.com


Bella Figura has teamed upwithJohn Stefanidis to launch therenowned designer’s veryfirst lighting collectionWORDS KATE BURNETT

LEADINGLIGHT

These are busy times at Bella Figura. Thecompany is 25 years old this year and has builtup one of the widest ranges of decorativelighting in the UK, thanks to the efforts offounder Ned Cavendish,whose company wasacquired by CharlesWightman in January 2008.

As well as representing a wide range ofbrands, the company has developed collectionswith illustrious design names such as Linley.This year is one of the busiest in the company’shistory and, in addition to launching twocollections of glass lighting and one of ceramicpieces, Bella Figura is unveiling its firstcollaboration with designer John Stefanidis.

This is his first ever lighting collection andthe designs are based on the Verona lamp,whichStefanidis first designed when working on acountry house project 10 years ago. Thiscollection, inspired by his tour of all thePalladian villas in Italy, comprises four lights,each one hewn from a different Italian marble(marron imperial, nero marquina, arabescatoand crema marfil) and there are two more(rosso alicante and verde imperial) to come.

Importantly, the collection is made inEngland and will be distributed throughout BellaFigura’s worldwide network. The new glasscollections add further weight to the company’sclaim to be the UK’s leading supplier ofVenetian glass. The collection of lead crystaland Venetian glass is one of the biggest thecompany has launched. The chandeliers andmatching pendant and wall fittings come in arange of options and colours and the collectionalso includes contemporary designs.

More glass lighting options are available inthe retro Murano collection,which takes itsinspiration from designs of the 1950s and 1960s,usefully filling a gap in the company’s cataloguebetween the contemporary and the traditional.Paradise, in white or gold-leaf glass, is a ceilingor wall light made from layers of glass leaves.Bamboo comes in white Murano glass withgold- or platinum-plate decoration and isavailable as a ceiling or wall light, floor or tablelamp.www.bella-figura-uk.com

Left: the John Stefanidiscollection compriseshand-crafted marblelights based on hisPalladio-inspiredVerona lampAbove: Bella Figura’sother new productsinclude these pendantsin milk-white glassfrom the MassimoTonetto collection

ENDIVE rug by Esti Barnes

2/6 Chelsea Harbour Design CentreLondon SW10 0XETel: +44 (0)20 7795 [email protected]

EXCEL rug by Esti BarnesENDIVE rug by Esti Barnes

2/6 Chelsea Harbour Design CentreLondon SW10 0XETel: +44 (0)20 7795 [email protected]

2/6 Chelsea HarbourDesign CentreLondon SW10 0XETel: +44 (0)20 7795 [email protected]

art works at www.studio226.co.uk

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16 | FURNITURE FUTURES


BENJAMIN HUBERT STUDIOBenjamin Hubert opened his studio in2007 so had only traded for a shortperiod before the recession hit. But hesays: ‘We are inundated with work andclients — and everything seems to begoing really well.’ His lighting, such asthe Heavy range (pictured), has beenparticularly successful.

Hubert designs for companies suchas Viaduct, Ercol, Innermost and De LaEspada and has no plans to make ormarket his own wares, saying: ‘I’m adesigner not a retailer.’ His strategy isto create products that are simple toproduce and commercially viable, suchas his new Pebble range, which hehopes will be a hit in 2010.

Forward ThinkingThere’s no doubt that 2009

was one of the toughest trading years in living memory. But rather t

han wallow in gloom,

we asked a selection of furniture makers and retailers to reveal their recession-beating products, expla

in how their

businesses have adapted to the challenging conditions and, finally, to share their plans for 2010

HEAL’S Chief executive AndreaWarden says: ‘Heal’s has been tradingfor 200 years and has a strong gift andaccessories business. It’s a goodbusiness model because smaller itemsbecome an important part of theproduct mix in times of recession.

‘However, high-end items have faredwell, with customers wanting to investin pieces they will cherish.’

Heal’s is using its upcomingbicentenary in 2010 to launch Heal’sReDiscovers, a range of furniture andaccessories from British designers,inspired by key pieces and periods inthe company’s history. It includes theFour Poster bed (pictured) and Slabtable by Tom Dixon and will include aMatthew Hilton chair in the spring.

FURNITURE FUTURES | 17


ARAM Ruth Aram, daughter of the company’s founder, ZeevAram, says classics are the best sellers at the moment.‘People are much more price sensitive and less likely to takerisks with their purchases,’ she says, adding that favouritesby Eames (Rar chair, pictured), Arne Jacobsen and EileenGray are especially buoyant. ‘They are choosing pieces thathave proven longevity rather than something more edgy.’

Aram plans to move into online retailing soon and toextend the brands on offer next year. Her predictions fornext year’s best sellers are the Extending Table by AntonioCitterio for Vitra and Essay, a wood table from Fritz Hansen.

LIBERTY The store, founded in 1875,had a top-to-toe makeover this year.Furniture buyer Michelle Algar isparticularly pleased with sales of theClaude sofa, which she designed tocelebrate the refit. ‘Upholstery is doingincredibly well, especially if it’s at thecorrect price,’ she says, mentioningalso the Mabel sofa by DonnaWilson

for SCP. ‘Next year I will be pushingupholstery again in a big way.’

Algar plans to work with textileartists such as Suzie Stanford todevelop one-off pieces such as herVintage English Teatowel Chair(pictured right) and believes thatIndian and Moroccan prints will be thekey looks for next year.

ROCHE BOBOIS Marketing managerJennifer Barre says that while sales aredown, customers are buying ‘goodquality pieces that will last them alifetime’. The most popular sofa choicehas been the Mah Jong, a low-level,modular range.

And despite the preponderance ofgrey at the autumn shows this year,Roche Bobois customers are buyingbright, choosing vivid upholsteryfrom Missoni Home and KenzoMaison. ‘People are becoming moreconfident,’ she says.

Roche Bobois opened twoshowrooms in 2009 and plans tolaunch two big collections each year.Barre singles out the Axiome sofa andthe Rythme sofa (pictured) fromMissoni Home for success next year.

Specialists in the supply, manufacture and installationof fine quality bespoke stonework of all kinds.

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& THEN DESIGN Graduates SamuelWright and Jamie Bowler launched& Then Design at 100% Design thisyear. They have decided to split theirbusiness into two divisions, one forcontract and one for domesticproducts. ‘We didn’t want people to beconfused,’ says Wright.

He plans to sell to retailers and thepublic through sites such as mydeco,while dealing directly with interiordesigners and architects. Although ithas been hard starting out in arecession, Wright believes the weakpound and the desire to buy Britishhave helped their business, whichdesigns and manufactures in the UK.

CHAPLINS Chaplins was founded in1993 at the end of the last recessionand managing director Simon Chaplintook swift action this time, strippingcosts and reducing staffing levels.‘Businesses that didn’t react quicklydisappeared quickly,’ he says. But whilehe is wary of a second dip, he sayssales have improved since April and areback to pre-crisis figures.

Chaplin thinks the biggest trend ininteriors next year will be retro-inspired looks and he is tipping thesustainable, painted wooden furnitureby Established & Sons, such as theWrong Woods sideboard (pictured),as a winning range in 2010.

NAUGHTONE ‘The biggest thingwe’ve noticed this year is that people’sdecision-making time has lengthened,’says creative director Mark Hammond.‘But we are seeing continued growth.’He believes the five-year-old firm’sstrength lies in products such as itsPortion sofas (pictured above right),which work in home, office andhospitality environments.

Although Naughtone’s products areavailable through retailers such asLiberty and Selfridges, the company isconcentrating on contract work.Hammond believes his latest product,the Hush chair (above left), will provepopular with architects and designers.

HITCH MYLIUS Although the yearhas been tough, Robin Phillips at HitchMylius says that concentrating oncontract work has paid off. There was‘a surge in business’ in May and, whilecompanies are taking longer to selectsuppliers, work is still there. The mostpopular products this year have beenthe HM18 sofa (pictured) and SimonPengelly’s HM86 chair.

An internal restructure has givenfounder Tristram Mylius more time forprototyping and working with newdesigners. The company has taken on asalesperson specifically to targetLondon architects and hopes to go toMilan for the first time next year. Theproduct to look out for, says Phillips, isthe new HM58 stacking chair fromMatthias Demacker.

DEREK WELSH Glasgow cabinetmaker Derek Welsh founded hisbusiness in 2005 and describes 2007as a ‘pretty poor year’. Luckily, 2009has been ‘far better’. Bespoke contractwork rather than retail has kept himbusy and, although his studio is openby appointment, it isn’t a showroom.‘You could make a million things andpeople would still want somethingelse,’ he says.

Welsh’s Dog Leg chairs (pictured)and Spite and Malice tables have doneparticularly well and he is consideringpromoting them through onlineretailers. Welsh plans to developproducts for next year’s 100% Design.‘I will try to produce items that areattractive to architects,’ he says.

LIGNE ROSET UK director BrunoAllard believes classic designs andbright colours have been a winningcombination in ‘a difficult year’.He adds: ‘What has been extremelysuccessful is the Pumpkin range byPierre Paulin [pictured].’

Ligne Roset relies on monobrandfranchises and stockists in the UK and

many have struggled. Allard sayshelping franchises with their cash flowhas been a priority. ‘I think 2010 willbe an interesting year and people willfeel more confident.’

Next year he aims to increase LigneRoset’s contract work, especially withhotels, and to boost retail sales withstrategic brand partnerships.

20 | FURNITURE FUTURES

December 2009 | .idfxmagazine.com

DEADGOOD Elliot Brook and DanZiglam set up Deadgood in 2004 but acash injection last year, courtesy of aGovernment regional initiative,enabled them to restructure.

The company’s furniture is madeand then sold in its Newcastleshowroom, online and throughretailers. ‘Everything seems to betaking off,’ says Brook. ‘We try tomanufacture products that are suitablefor domestic and contract uses.’

The weak pound has helpedDeadgood establish a presence in theUS and the company is negotiatingwith distribution agents to take onproducts such as the new TimberStacker chair (pictured).

VERY GOOD AND PROPERPatrick Clayton-Malone launchedVG&P in 2007 as a ‘modest company’to provide furniture for his restaurants.Such was the success of his Canteentable, designed by Klauser andCarpenter, that business is thriving.

At London DesignWeek,VG&Pshowed at The Dock. ‘We had anamazing response and are feeling verypositive about it,’ says Clayton-Malone. At the moment, the Canteentable is retailed at twentytwentyone,while contract orders are done on anad-hoc basis, but part of his aim forthe coming year is to secure a detailwith a contract distributor or agent.‘We are in it for the long haul,’ he says.

JIMMIE MARTIN A new showroomand business strategy have broughtsuccess for Jimmie Karlsson andbusiness partner Martin Nihlmar, whohave been making bespoke furnituresince 2005.At the end of the summerthey traded in their office, workshopand showroom in Shoreditch for abuilding in Kensington Church Street,which now opens six days a week.

‘Our London clients tend to livearound Kensington so we now havegreat walk-by trade,’ says Karlsson.

As well as wallpaper and furniture,such as the popular Union Flag chairs,the store now offers accessories.‘If you can’t afford a chair, you can buya £35 candle,’ says Karlsson.

TWENTYTWENTYONE FounderSimon Alderson has noticed aresurgence in the popularity of classicdesigns, such as the 60-year-oldWegner CH24Wishbone chair, amongconsumers. Contract budgets may havebeen squeezed but specifiers are notcompromising on quality or longevity.

In developing the business to meetthe challenges of 2010, the company isexpanding its retail premises inIslington and adding a range ofJapanese consumer electronics, thePlus Minus Zero collection (pictured isa humidifier) by Naoto Fukasawa.‘This range is indicative of a growingdemand for quiet, lasting modernism,’says Alderson.

SKANDIUM Creative directorChrystina Schmidt has been flexible inthe recession. After 10 years supplyingLondon with Scandinavian furniture,she reports: ‘Customers are holdingback on big purchases but have beenbuying lots of small things so we haveincreased our accessories.’ Smalleritems such as glassware areencouraging shoppers into the stores.

Schmidt has also looked again atprice points.Where once she mightpromote HansWegner’s Wishbonedining chair, now she is more likely tosuggest Jasper Morrison’s Air chair(below right) at an eighth of the price.‘People want to downsize in spendingbut not in quality,’ she says.

LIFESTYLE BAZAAR Chris Curtisand Laurent Nurisso have beenretailing in London for two years,opening their second store in May.‘We’ve been bucking the trend bygrowing our business,’ says Curtis, whonotes that smaller luxury items seemto be recession proof.

While wealthy foreign holiday-makers were absent from the stores,the number of online customers hasquadrupled in a year. Curtis is‘cautiously upbeat’ about 2010 — heplans to expand online and to findindividual furniture makers to add tothe stores’ stock pieces, such as theMikado bookshelf (pictured) fromEdition Compagnie.

DE LA ESPADA This Portuguesecompany has offices in London, anown-name store in New York and sellsproducts sold through Skandium. Itworks with designers such as MatthewHilton, Studioilse and Autoban.

The collaboration with Hilton wasparticularly successful this year,according to managing director Luis DeOliveira, with the Light table series andHepburn sofa driving considerablegrowth. ‘Customers have continued topurchase,’ he says.

In 2010, De Oliveira plans to launchone or two more designers, promoteStudioilse’s Seating for Eatingcollection and furniture such as theHug sofa from Leif.designpark.

CASE ‘People are looking for itemswith longevity, rather thanspontaneous, fashionable pieces,’ saysPaul Newman, who co-founded Case in2006. But despite slower trading, it hasbeen an exciting year, owing to a jointventure with John Lewis. Its furnitureis now sold on the John Lewis websiteand in its Oxford Street and Cardiffstores. Case also launched its ownwebsite to sell additional ranges.

Case’s Cross table and Profilechairs by Matthew Hilton have beenthe biggest sellers of 2009. For the yearahead, Newman is looking at Hilton’sSavile chair and Theo sofa and Slidestorage by Bethan Grey to providesales growth.

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Hyperion and Sivoia QS are part of Lutron’s new range of scalable, energy-saving products for commercial premises. To find out more, visit www.lutron.com/globalenergysolutionsor call 020 7702 0657.

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CLIENT: LutronCOPY DATE: 3 November

PUBLICATION: IDFX MagazineSIZE: Full page bleedISSUE: December 2009

Lutron.indd 1 12/11/09 10:25:45

22 | PROFILE


LONDON CALLING‘I really think London isthe most importantplace in Europe — it’s asimulating city full ofcreativity and new ideas,’says Moroso

CAPITAL IDEASMoroso’s double-heightshowroom, designed byPatricia Urquiola, is filledwith Moroso’s furnitureand rug collections plusthe Flos lighting range

Perfection is not human and I have never seentoo much clean and white in London, that’s partof its glamour, its appeal.’ The strong colour andpatterns that are a key element of the Morosoaesthetic also reflect London, she says.The London showroom joins a select band

of dedicated Moroso spaces in Paris,Cologne,Amsterdam,NewYork and Milan. Unlike someof these, the London showroom is open to tradeand retail customers. So far Moroso’s sales inthe UK have been to the trade. ‘Architects arethe perfect translators of our products,’ insistsMoroso. ‘We share a language and theyunderstand the quality of our products. It issometimes difficult to sell something thiscomplex to a woman on the street.’ Moroso’ssales are roughly 60 per cent contract and 40residential, though in the UK contract sales aremuch higher — something Moroso hopes tochange now the new space is open for business.

Maybe it’s because she feels like aLondoner that Patrizia Moroso is so pleased tohave opened her first major London showroom.Her company has taken an old market store onRosebery Avenue and, under the guidance ofPatricia Urquiola, turned it into a double-heightshowcase for Moroso’s furniture andaccessories and the Flos lighting range.‘I really think London is the most important

place in Europe,’ asserts Moroso. ‘Many of ourkey designers are based here. London is soenergetic, a stimulating city full of creativityand new ideas. Some of the most importantprojects worldwide are led by architects anddesigners based here.Our soul is reflected inour showroom and our London space is special— not so clean and perfect as our othershowrooms but, like London, it offers manydifferent experiences.And we have been able toput all these feelings and energies togetherwithout losing a feeling of the past in the space.

PROFILE | 23


MorosoPatrizia

‘It has been difficult to reach the consumeruntil now,’ she says. Domestic sales are muchstronger in Italy and Moroso hopes that a visitto the showroom will convince UK consumersof the quality of the products. ‘If you go close,you can see how many stitches and curvesthere are.Our products are made by very skilledpeople, not done cheaply in China,’ she asserts.

The same emphasis on quality also definesFlos,whose products sit elegantly alongsidethose fromMoroso. Piero Flos — like PatriziaMoroso — is the second generation of thefamily to head up the company. The two havebeen friends for some time and were pleased toteam up to present their products to the Londonmarket. The companies share space inAmsterdam so it seemed natural to consideranother collaboration. ‘If I have to choose alighting company, they are the best,’ saysMoroso. ‘Our parents started in the 1950s and

developed fantastic relationships withdesigners.Ours is a comfortable partnership.It’s not forced. Nothing is better for anupholstery company than a lighting company.’

The list of Moroso designers is impressive.No less than 37 names, including such leadingUK lights as Ron Arad, Ross Lovegrove and TomDixon, are listed in the back of its 2009 generalcatalogue. The Moroso stand is usually one ofthe grandest at Milan’s annual furniture fairand this year showed a typically witty andcolourful mix of products from names old andnew, including Swedish designers Front,whowere profiled in idfx last month.

As well as creating its own designs,Morosoformed a partnership with Italian fashion brandDiesel last year,which resulted in a selection offurniture pieces, alongside pieces of lightingdesigned by Foscarini.As with Flos,Morosoalready knew Diesel and spent a year in talks

with the company exploring ways tocollaborate. ‘Thanks to the work we did withDiesel,we discovered there were other ways toapproach the market,’ she confesses. ‘Werealised that our problem is that, unlike afashion brand,we never think about what theconsumer is thinking. Fashion brands’ ideas areall about the consumer,whereas we are really inlove with design. It was really interesting for usto start thinking in a different way. Dieselknows very well who its consumers are and soit can imagine how their homes might be.’

Moroso also reflects on an importantdifference between lifecycles in fashion andfurniture. ‘Diesel must introduce somethingnew every two or three years,’ she says. ‘WithMoroso we have pieces that are still popular20 or 30 years on.Our story will continue —in design everything can live forever.’

Moroso’s art director is excited to beopening her first London showroomand introducing the family firm’squality upholstery to UK consumers

WORDS KATE BURNETT

020 7351 7272www.tomfaulkner.co.uk

New Showroom now openA3 Chelsea Reach, Lots Road, Chelsea, London SW10 0RN

Dining tables, Chairs, Occasional tables,Mirrors, Lights, and Beds

Capricorn oval dining table in mirror polished stainless steel (214x120cm)

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SCREENS | 25


PremiereScreening

These stunning screens, ranging in style fromdelicately feminine tracery to solid chunkyslabs, will enable you to divide and conquerwith panache WORDS JENNY BREWER

1 Flower power Haîku is composed of fourreflective smoked-glass panels that play withlight to give a sense of space while still actingas a room partition. The sophisticated piece,designed by Jean-Marie Massaud forGlasItalia, is engraved with a delicate patternof blossom. www.glasitalia.com

2 Purple passion The Giano screen is in thetypically dramatic style of Promemoria’sluxury furniture. The Italian company’s rangeuses rich colours, such as the deep aubergineshade of this screen, which also featuresembellished leather inserts.www.promemoria.com

3 Geometry lesson Christopher Guy has astunning range of screens, including this piecein black lacquered wood. Bold geometricshapes create a maze-like screen ideallysuited to a contemporary setting.www.christopherguy.com

4 The thick of it Armani/Casa’s Winchesterscreen in drafted silver stucco combinessimple textures and muted colours withcontrasting geometric detail hidden in thehinges. The piece is made from thick veneeredpanels and uses fabric to make a focal pointof the joints. www.armanicasa.com

26 | SCREENS

December 2009 | �.idfxmagazine.com

8 Delicate touch Julian Chichester combinesfloral and geometric shapes in the design of thisfretwork screen, part of the Anna furniturecollection that includes a matching headboard.The three-panel piece is available in natural orbleached oak. www.julianchichester.com

9 Catch the wave The rippling panels of SusanWoods’ Architectural Wave room divider take fulladvantage of the beautiful surface patterns andsculptural qualities of poplar plywood. Eachpiece from her collection is unique, being craftedby hand. www.aswoon.com

10 Hot stuff Patricia Urquiola has designed thisparavent — a room divider containing integratedheating panels — for Hansgrohe. Part of theSpanish designer’s Axor Urquiola collection ofbathroom furniture and accessories, the screencan be customised with mirrors and rails orseparated into panels to become individual wallheaters. www.hansgrohe.co.uk

5 Off your own bat Look closely at the intricatepattern of this screen from Just Not Normal andthe reason for its name, Totally Batty, becomesclear. This quirky screen is constructed inaluminium yet remains delicate, basing itslace-like aesthetic on an 18th-century Japanesefabric stencil. www.justnotnormal.us

6 Velvet underground Bombarock’s Velvet Rosescreen, a bold, red-panelled piece covered inpleated velvet on one side and cotton on theother, exudes edgy glamour. The art-deco-inspired screen is adorned with three handmadevelvet roses and a studded border.www.bombarock.co.uk

7 Good wood The solidly masculine Avenuescreen from Boco Do Lobo’s Coolors collectionis decorated with a combination of intricatewood veneers, black lacquer and gold leaf.The chunky piece is hand made in Portugal.www.bocadolobo.com

DURAT Finland Huhdantie 4, 21140 Rimito, Finland. Tel +358 2 252 1000. Fax +358 2 252 1022. E-mail [email protected] www.durat.comShowroom Vallilan Akseli, Lemuntie 3-5, 00510 Helsinki

DURAT UK Tel: +44 7977 857 848. Email: [email protected], www.durat.com Showrooms and retailers: EVITAVONNI, Chobham, Surrey. Tel: +44 8 700 66 3305. Email: [email protected], www.evitavonni.co.uk 23 DEGREES, Brighton. Tel: +44 1 273 623 523. Email: [email protected], www.23degrees.co.uk FUSION DESIGN, Birmingham. Tel: +44 121 236 1020. Email: [email protected], www.fusionlifestyle.co.uk MC STONE, London. Tel: +44 20 7289 7102. Web: www.mcstone.co.uk ECO AGE, London. Tel: +44 208 9957 611. Web: www.eco-age.com Ireland: 2 COOL DESIGN, Dublin. Tel: +353 1 672 5402. Email: [email protected], www.2cooldesign.ie The Netherlands: BADEN BADEN, Amsterdam. Tel: +31 20 531 8418 Email: [email protected], www.pietboon.nl Denmark: CPH SQUARE, Copenhagen. Tel: +45 33 22 3961. Email: [email protected], www.cphsquare.dk Norway: HA DET PÅ BADET, Oslo. Tel: +47 22 55 9520. Email: [email protected], www.hadetpåbadet.no China: DURAT CHINA, Shanghai. Tel: +86 21 6248 5266. Email: [email protected], www.durat.com Spain: MARC IGLESIAS TORNES, Barcelona. Tel: + 34 93 767 77 07. Email: [email protected]

recycled to last

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www.porcelanosa.com • 0844 481 8978 • [email protected] Ebano Luxor, 38.5 x 38.5 x 1.3cm

Ceramic & PorcelainNatural StoneWood ParquetMosaicsBathroom FurnitureBaths & ShowersHydromassageBrasswareSanitarywareSpa & SaunaKitchens

Wood Parquet Collection

enq 362

Porcelanosa:Layout 1 22/9/09 10:48 Page 1

REDUNDANCY | 29


AVOIDING REDUNDANCIESMaking people redundant is costly,permanent and could leave you short ofgood staff when things look up, so considerother strategies first.

NATURALWASTAGEDon’t replace staff who leave or retire —and do your best to manage without thosewho are away on maternity leave or off sick.If there is little work to be done,your staffmay be happier being busy— as long as theyknow that the positions will be filled oncebusiness picks up.

SALARY SACRIFICEIf staff are paying for services such as childcareand pension facilities out of their own pockets,salary sacrifice can be mutually beneficial tothem and their employer.Under sucharrangements, an employee’s salary,which issubject to tax and National Insurance, can bereduced in exchange for things such as childcarevouchers, pension contributions, parking spacesand meals in the staff canteen— things theemployee was previously paying for out of theirafter-tax income.Both the business and theemployee save on National Insurance contributionsand the employee pays less tax.

REVIEW STAFF BENEFITSShop around for cheaper life or medical insurance.And if thecircumstances are really bad, staff might prefer to lose theirhealth insurance than their jobs.

HardTimes

The recession is taking its toll on the interiordesign industry as clients scale down their plans

or put their projects on hold. Here we offersome advice on what to do if you are in the

unfortunate position of having to let staff go or,even worse, find yourself out of a job

WORDS KAY HILL

TOAVOIDMAKING JOBCUTS,

DON’T REPLACE STAFFWHO

LEAVEOR RETIRE—ANDDO

YOUR BEST TOMANAGE

WITHOUT THOSEWHOAREON

MATERNITY LEAVEOROFF SICK

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REDUNDANCY | 31


FLEXIBLE WORKING AND UNPAID HOLIDAYThere may be staff whowould jump at the chance to switch to afour-day week on a permanent or temporary basis, or whomight like to take an unpaid sabbatical to go travelling orpursue academic studies. It’s certainly worth making it knownthat such requests will be considered favourably — but alsomake it clear that they won’t be granted automatically.

ENFORCED SHORTER WORKING/PAY CUTUnless it is written into an employee’s contract, a businesscannot just decide to cut their hours and pay (although youcould decide it is better for morale to give everyone a paidday off a week rather than have bored, grumpy staffsitting around doing nothing). ‘If you are going to varythe terms and conditions of employment,you have todo it by agreement,’ says Nicola Mayhew of SmithandWilliamson,which specialises in redundancyadvice for small businesses. ‘Employees might accept apay cut in order to keep their jobs but you must do a paycut across the board and youwould need the agreementof the whole workforce.’ Even trades unions can besurprisingly receptive to these kinds of deals — unionsrepresenting car workers at Honda and Toyota andairline pilots at Thomson have all agreed in the pastcouple of months to accept pay cuts in return for nocompulsory redundancies.

MAKING WORKERS REDUNDANTFirst of all, it is worth noting that someworkerscan be let go without going through formalredundancy proceedings. Freelance workers andcontractors can simply be told their services areno longer required and employment agencies canbe informed that the staff they supply are notneeded. Employees who have worked for acompany for less than a year can be dismissedwith a week’s notice (unless their contractspecifies longer). They are not entitled to claimunfair dismissal unless they are dismissed forpregnancy, union activities, refusing to opt outof the working time directive or reasons relatingto other legislation.

Staff who have been with the company forbetween one and two years are not entitled toredundancy pay but they must be dismissed ‘fairly’,so it is advisable to include them in the sameprocess as longer-serving workers.

A company may decide to offer voluntaryredundancies — perhaps with an enhanced paymentpackage — but this does bring the risk that the staffyou least want to lose will be the ones who apply.Andwhile you can make it clear that you are under noobligation to accept, if volunteers are refused and thenothers forced to go,morale will be damaged further.

If compulsory redundancies are necessary, proceedcarefully, advises Mayhew. ‘The most important thing is thatyou follow a fair and consistent process with everybody,’ she says.

STEP ONE: INITIAL CONSULTATION‘You must have some form of consultation and give people theopportunity to consider the proposals, and the company should go in withan open mind’ says Mayhew. ‘It has happened that an individualthreatened with redundancy has come back with really constructive,positive suggestions on how to make cuts in a less drastic way.’ Forexample,Mayhew has dealt with a case in which two people whose jobswere at risk agreed to job share.

Recommended practice is to hand the employee a letter inviting themto a meeting at which it is explained that their position may have to bemade redundant.They have the right to be accompanied to that meeting

THEREMAY BE STAFFWHOWOULD

JUMPAT THECHANCE TO SWITCH

TOA FOUR-DAYWEEKONA

PERMANENTOR TEMPORARY BASIS

32 | REDUNDANCY


by a union representative or colleague.There shouldthen be a period of time allowing the employee torespond (ideally about twoweeks).If you propose to make between 20 and 99workers

redundant within a 90-day period, the Secretary of State forBusiness Enterprise and Regulatory Reformmust be notified atleast 30 days in advance.

STEP TWO: CHOOSING SELECTION CRITERIAYou need to set criteria to decide whowill be made redundant ifmore than one employee do the same job.Those in the selectionpool should be consulted on the criteria and given time torespond. ‘This is something a lot of organisations trip up on,’saysMayhew.When choosing the criteria,you must ensureyou don’t discriminate against any group of workers— the old‘last in, first out’ rule, for example, could fall foul of agediscrimination legislation because younger workers are morelikely to have a shorter length of service (although it couldstill be used as a tie-break between otherwise equalcandidates). Similarly, basing a decision on absenteeismcould discriminate against disabled people (unless absencesconnected with their specific disability are discounted) oragainst women if maternity-related absences are notdiscounted. Ideally, a company should already havein place a robust process of appraisals,whichwould enable a worker’s skills, aptitudes anddisciplinary record to be considered easily. Thefinal decision onwho should be maderedundant should always be made by at leasttwo people to avoid allegations of bias.

STEP THREE: FOLLOW DISMISSAL PROCEDUREThe chosen employees should be informed inwriting about the redundancy pay they will receiveand their finishing date.The employer may paythem in lieu of notice, if desired. Employees used tohave a right to appeal against redundancy but thiswas repealed at the beginning of April.Finally, saysMayhew: ‘It’s important to remember

the staff left behind because morale will be affected.Consider having a follow-up meeting to ensure they are given thepositive message that the company has a future and they arevalued.Dealing with it fairly will make a big difference to how itis received and how quickly your organisation can move on.’

IF YOU HAVE BEEN MADE REDUNDANTCheck that all the correct procedures have been followed— if not,or if you feel you have been singled out unfairly,you couldcomplain to an employment tribunal.Ensure you have received the correct payment. Statutory

redundancy pay is half a week’s salary per year’s service for18- to 21-year-olds, one week’s salary for 22- to 40-year-olds and1.5 week’s salary for workers over 41.However, the paymentceiling is just £330 aweek.Make sure that you have been paid forany outstanding holiday or expenses.Register for Jobseeker’s Allowance. If you have paid enough

class one National Insurance contributions,you can receivenon-means tested benefits for six months while you look for ajob, currently £60.50 aweek for the over-25s.Don’t ignore debts— it is far better to speak to mortgage,

credit card and loan companies and negotiate payment termsrather than just defaulting.Don’t give up.There are jobs out there so use every means

available — call all your old contacts, use networking sites andregister with agencies. Perhaps this could be the chance you’vebeen waiting for to start your own business/backpack aroundIndia/learn Japanese/move to the country.Contact yourGP if youfeel overwhelmed— depression is a not uncommon reactionto being made redundant.

CHECK THAT ALL THE CORRECT

PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN

FOLLOWED. IF NOT — OR IF YOU

FEEL YOU HAVE BEEN SINGLED OUT

UNFAIRLY — YOU COULD COMPLAIN

TO AN EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL

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Focus

STORAGE

36 What’s in storeFrom minimalist offices to opulentdressing areas, the latest storagesolutions combine space-savingpracticality with style and luxury

47 Show offsStriking cabinets and shelvingunits make a design statementwhile keeping preciouscollections in perfect order

49 System addictsModular systems combineversatility with sleek goodlooks, making them ideal forsmart contemporary interiors

52 In the clearProfessional declutterers areincreasingly in demand but dotheir efforts bring anything tothe interior design process?

FOCUS EDITOR REBECCA HOH

COVERLibrary shelving by Timothy Hatton Architectswww.thal.co.uk

36 | STORAGE FOCUS


From minimalist home offices and intelligent media rooms toopulent mirrored dressing areas, the latest storage solutionscombine space-saving practicality with style and luxury

WHAT’S INSTORE WORDS AMELIA THORPE

BATHROOMSMaster plan

‘Storage in a bathroom is key,’ says RachelBeckett of R Interiors. ‘You don’t want thingslike cleaning products on show, so somewhereto hide things away is essential.’

This bespoke walnut cabinet with honedtravertine top and double basins, designed forthe master ensuite in the luxuryWall Halldevelopment by Octagon,was designed tocomplement the exposed brick walls of theroom. Below the his-and-hers basins, itcombines roomy cupboard storage for tallbottles and bulky items with a central sectionof display shelving. ‘I like to include some openshelving to display pretty things to create aspa-like feel,’ says Beckett. ‘It’s also worththinking about creating recesses and addingalcoves in other areas of the bathroom becausethey add character and stop the room lookingflat — and they make good display and storageareas for things like candles and fragrances.’

Cabinets located behind mirrors are anotheruseful storage feature — especially if they areslim and unobtrusive — as are small ‘hidden’cupboards above theWC to store toiletry items.‘It does need to be a very practical room,’continues Beckett, ‘but it can be luxurious too.Beautiful veneers and natural stone addcharacter — and they make storage lookinteresting and elegant, rather than bland.’www.rinteriors.net

STORAGE FOCUS | 37


BATHROOMSKeep it simple

‘There’s been a movement away from fittedbathrooms — just like the move away fromfitted bedrooms — towards more individualpieces of furniture,’ says designer Chris Payneof Alternative Plans. ‘Furniture, like a lot ofthings in the bathroom, is very, very personal.In my experience, the more storage you have,the more you store!’

Payne says simple solutions — and not toomany of them— are the key to good design. Hisrecent projects have featured the Agape Flat XLrange of furniture, shown here in medium oakveneer with Agape Square floor-standing tapsand glass basin,mounted on a peninsula table.

The wall-hung units have open shelving anddrawers for storage. ‘Drawers are a bettersolution than flap down doors because you canaccess everything easily when the drawer slidesout,’ he says. The units can also be put on thefloor on castors, rather than mounted on thewall or on the counter top, enabling them to bepulled into position around the room.’

He continues: ‘Storage in the bathroomtends to work in two zones.One at basin levelor above for things like toothpaste andcosmetics, and one below for towels and loorolls. Don’t cram the space — it need be nomore than that.’ www.alternative-plans.co.uk

38 | STORAGE FOCUS


Hidden talentsBy concealing the TVbehind the feature wall andthe projector screen insidethe boxed ceiling, themedia room is transformedinto a tranquil sitting room

MEDIA ROOMSSmooth operator

This media room has been created with threepurposes in mind. ‘It’s designed as a drawingroom, with all the technology hidden away,’explains Simon Mathieson of Finite Solutions,the CEDIA-award-winning digital consultancy.

In its ‘hidden’ state, the room isan elegant and subtly lit room with asuede-padded feature wall, designed by Finiteand David Long Designs. However, with onepress on the touch-screen remote control, atelevision screen, framed in black velvet,emerges from behind the two central panels ofthe feature wall while speakers drop downautomatically from the ceiling to direct thesound towards the seating positions.And then,from a TV viewing room, the space can betransformed into a 7ft projection home cinema.A projector screen drops down from the boxedceiling detail, as does a projector.And tocomplete the entertainment offering, twolow-level cupboards either side of the featurewall store games consoles and DVDs.

‘Many of our clients like the idea of a greatbig entertainment system at home but theydon’t want a 50in TV screen blaring out of awall and wires trailing everywhere,’ saysMathieson. ‘Good storage, with everythinghidden smoothly and neatly out of sight, meansthe equipment is there for occasional use butthe room is a relaxing living space the rest ofthe time.’ www.finitesolutions.co.ukwww.davidlongdesigns.co.uk www.cedia.co.uk

DRESSING ROOMSWonder wall

The wall of this panelled dressingarea conceals both extensivewardrobe space and the entrance toan ensuite bathroom.

Cleverly designed in‘rotationally grained’ squares ofAmerican black walnut veneer —and custom made by Interior-iDfor a luxury apartment by MatrixDevelopments — the secret door tothe bathroom fits seamlessly intothe panelled wall.

‘The dressing area forms anessential part of the masterbedroom in this apartment, so it’simportant that it looks verybeautiful and forms part of aspace where you want to relax andsleep,’ says Bernd Radaschitzof Interior-iD.

Each of the square veneerpanels has angled edges that serveas finger pulls to open the doubledoors at each end, revealing thehanging space behind. Single doors

either side of the bathroomentrance conceal shelving anddrawers. ‘The cupboard interiorscan be very sophisticated andmade to suit the client’s needs,’explains Radaschitz. ‘From basichanging space to special features— such as pull-out trouser holders,tie racks, laundry baskets, glassdrawer boxes, drawer dividers andpull-down systems for tallwardrobes — it’s worth puttingthought into creating a verypractical interior.’

Radaschitz also believes thatwell planned lighting is anessential feature for a dressingarea. ‘Here we used concealed LEDlights that come on automaticallywhen the doors are opened,’ heexplains. ‘But, just as we make thecabinetry to any design and in anymaterial, we can include lighting tosuit as well.’www.interior-id.comwww.matrixdevelopments.com

DRESSING ROOMSMirror mirror

You’d be hard pressed to find adressing room more glamorousthan Hill House Interiors’ totallymirrored design for homedeveloper Octagon. ‘Make nomistake, this is for people at thevery top end of the luxury housingmarket,’ says Helen Bygraves ofHill House. ‘They want somethingdifferent and are not afraid ofglamour and opulence. In just thesame way that they might wear abig sparkly diamond, an indulgentdressing room is something thatgoes with their lifestyle.’

Part of a master bedroom suitewith his-and-hers ensuitebathrooms and dressing rooms,this 4m long dressing room leadsto the woman’s ensuite. Clad

entirely in mirrors, the installationwas carried out by bespoke glassspecialists from Italy to HillHouse’s design. Closets on bothsides of the room contain full andhalf hanging space, plus mirroredshelving and shoe storage areas.Oak drawer boxes have bevelledmirrored fronts and rectangularmirrored pulls and, in some cases,clear glass inserts. ‘Even theceiling is mirrored, with a diagonaldetail and chrome button detailingin the joins,’ says Bygraves. ‘Thelook is Hollywood glamour.’ It also,quite deliberately, contrasts withthe man’s dressing room, whichhas sober, dark-stained oakwardrobes panelled in shagreen.www.hillhouseinteriors.comwww.octagon.co.uk

STORAGE FOCUS | 39


MEDIA ROOMSTotally wired

This leather-clad mediacabinet for a London homewas recently shortlisted for aCEDIAAward. It was designedby Shahriar Nasser of BelsizeArchitects,who worked withOlive Audio Visual.

‘Rooms look more civilizedwhen screens aren’teverywhere but, of course, theyneed to be there when youwant to watch TV,’ saysNasser. ‘So the best solution isone where the screen and allthe equipment can be hiddenaway and only revealed whenthey are needed.’

A Future Automationmechanism allows the centrepanel of the unit to disappearand for the screen to berevealed at the press of aremote-control button. Theshelving alongside houses allthe AV equipment, including aSky box,Crestron multi-roommusic system,DVD player andan iPod docking station.

SimonWilliams of Olivelists some of the storageessentials for AV equipment.‘Heat is the most importantfactor,’ he says. ‘There has tobe a flow of air through theunit to allow heat to escape.

Shelves need to be deepenough to house theequipment and cabling, andthere needs to be access frombehind to neatly laceeverything together.’

Williams advises buildingin some future proofing, ifpossible. ‘Some flexibility isuseful to accommodate moreequipment or for replacementswhen some things becomeobsolete,’ he says.www.belsizearchitects.comwww.cedia.co.ukwww.crestron.co.ukwww.futureautomation.co.ukwww.olive-av.co.uk

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STORAGE FOCUS | 41


KITCHENSBest cellar

Want wine storage but stuck for space?Going underneath the kitchen floor can be asurprisingly useful solution, according to LucyHargreaves of Spiral Cellars. ‘All you need is a2m2 space with enough room to open a trapdoor,’ she says. ‘It doesn’t require planningpermission and it can store up to 1,870 bottlesof wine and champagne.’

Lisa Binfield of Harrington Interiors hasincluded Spiral Cellars in several of her recentprojects. ‘It’s not just about wine storage,although people are bowled over by itspracticality,’ she says. ‘Increasingly, it’s seen asa special feature, especially when the trap dooris made of glass and the steps below are fittedwith LED lights.’

‘The Spiral Cellar is really an extension builtdownwards,’ says Hargreaves. Pre-cast concretemodules, with one step to each layer, areinstalled in the hole, forming a honeycomb inwhich bottles can be stored. ‘The ground actslike a huge Thermos flask, insulating the cellarand maintaining an even, optimal temperature,’she says. ‘Humidity is important to stop thecorks in the bottles drying out so the cellar hastwo “passive ventilation system” pipes thatlead to the outside, creating a slow movementof air in and out.’ And, if a glass trap doordoesn’t suit, doors can be made to blend in withthe existing flooring. www.spiralcellars.comHarrington Interiors, contact [email protected]

STUDIESHidden assets

‘Most studies have got far toomany book cases with twaddle allover them, which, unless you haverows of matching encyclopaedias,end up looking a mess,’ says ScottNicholson of Chamber Furniture.‘We’re finding much more demandfor contemporary home officesolutions, which provide plenty ofstorage but which look neat andstreamlined and don’t look out ofplace in a living area.’

This bespoke, satin-painted‘floating’ wall cabinet housesprinters behind fully retractabledoors on the right-hand side, whilein the centre there are drawers forfiles. More shelving is concealedbehind the other doors, creating acomplete home office unit. Thesteel legs of the kidney-shapeddouble desk hide the computercabling while the desk surfaceitself houses two curved pull-out

keyboard trays. ‘This office formspart of a living room and myclients, who occasionally workfrom home, wanted it to be as neatas possible so they weren’treminded of work when relaxing onthe sofa,’ Nicholson explains.

He says a standard bookcasemight have a 600mm deep baseunit beneath 350mm deepshelving. He chose to make thiswall unit 450mm deep. ‘By notallowing it to protrude too far, wewere able make a bigger desk andcreate a sense of space in theroom.’ www.chamberfurniture.co.uk

STUDIESNice work

‘Good design is essential to blurthe boundary between work andliving space in a modern study,’says designer Simon Bray. ‘Myclients want all the latesttechnology and equipment butthey want it delivered in aluxurious, elegant and unfussyway, which means beautifulfurniture with excellent storage.’

Bray designed this study usingwalnut and poplar cluster for ahome in Kent from luxurydeveloper Green Amber.A sweep ofhigh- and low-level walnutcabinets along one wall providesstorage for a printer, scanner andother technology (complete withpower points and space for cabling)plus sections for storing files,stationery and books. Poplarcluster wraps on the tall cabinets

and poplar handles on the lowcabinets echo the eye-catchingdesign of the desk, while a glassshelf mirrors the desk design andadds more storage space.

The desk itself is the focus ofthe room, wrapped in more poplarcluster with black walnut lines andsupported by a burgundy lacqueredcradle with internal cabling forcomputers. Drawers in the deskprovide easy-to-access storage,while the raised glass writingsurface means paperwork can bestored on the timber surface below.‘I wanted to create a room with theinviting feel of a traditional libraryin a mansion in a period drama.It’s a modern version withluxurious veneers and individuallytailored storage,’ says Bray.www.simon-bray.co.ukwww.greenamber.co.uk

KITCHENSTop secret

Designer ShaunFernandes of JumpStudios chose theDada Tivali kitchenas the neatestsolution for a client’sLondon apartment(pictured below right).‘The proposition wasto create an open-plandining/kitchen/livingarea, spread overquite a small floorspace,’ he says.

‘This kitchen,concealed behindmodern, minimalistdoors, manages todisguise itself as anextension of the livingroom.’ When closed, itlooks like a simplewall of cupboards.When open, thebi-fold doors in glossywhite lacquer slideinto side pockets to becompletely out of theway, revealing astreamlinedflush-fitted kitchen.

Complete with ahob, oven, extractor,sink, tap andintegrateddishwasher, thekitchen also has astainless-steel worksurface and stainless-steel internalcabinetry to storecrockery and food.

Integrated tasklighting is anotherpractical touch. ‘It’s avery good and usefulsolution for a roomwhere space is at apremium — but I’vealso used it as part ofa larger area, whereit’s good to be able tokeep all the kitchenclutter out of sight,’adds Fernandes, whohas recently used theTivali for an officeproject. ‘I didn’t wantthe space to “read”like a kitchen,especially as meetingareas are in view, sothis makes a verypractical storage andcooking solutionthat can easily behidden away.’www.jump-studios.comwww.dadaweb.it

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STORAGE FOCUS | 43


LIBRARIESFully booked

This design brief was to turn abarn into a study and library tohouse a collection of 27,000 bookson cricket. The owner wantedsomewhere to store and read hisbooks but the space was alsoto be used as place forentertaining guests.

Interior and furniture designerBevan & Hely-Hutchinson usedmahogany, leather and glass tocreate a clean, classical look. Thelibrary and entertaining area islong and narrow so the staircase,which leads up to the study,wasmade of glass to create a sense ofspace and openness.

Bevan & Hely-Hutchinsoncould not fill the walls withbookshelves because the library isalso used to display the client’s artcollection. The paintings arehung on rails to enable themto be moved around.

The designers devised aningenious solution for storing thebooks. They created wheeled tablesthat can be pushed together to

form a large dining table orseparated into 22 smaller units.Each one is filled with books andhas a cream-painted top thatcan be flipped over to form acherrywood surface when used asa dining table.

The cabinets surrounding thestaircase are framed by pillars thatalso conceal books,while a glazedbookcase beyond the staircasehouses rarer titles and artefactsbehind lock and key.www.bandhh.comWORDS NICOLE ROBINSON

LIBRARIESBrought to book

This library (right) was previouslyan office, housed in a drab1980s extension built on top of an18th-century building in centralLondon. Timothy HattonArchitects,who had worked withthe private client before, took onthe task of turning it into a libraryand study for the apartment below,transforming it into a stunningmulti-purpose space on two levels.

‘The client asked us to design aspace for their book and artcollections. The brief took 18months to realise from theplanning stages to completion,’says Stefan Gehren, one of thearchitects on the project.

Although the building beneaththe library space is grade 2 listed,the fact that the extension wasbuilt in the 80s meant it could be

demolished to create a bigger,double-height space, completewith a reading platform andsculptural glass staircase.

Lighting, unsurprisingly, is ofvital importance to the library. Thehuge windows that look out overWestminster provide natural light,which is controlled using themotorized sunshades and blackoutblinds. The glass staircase can belit by LEDs to dramatic effectwhile the shelves are illuminatedby xenon lights.

Three sides of the apartmentare lined with white plasterbookshelves and the gallery floor isconstructed in steel and glass. It isdetached from the walls to give theimpression of weightlessness whileallowing light to penetrate thelower space. www.thal.co.ukWORDS EMMA GRITT

making room for personalitymade by you

Montana Møbler A/S produces and supplies storage systems, tables, and chairs for homes and modern office environments. Montana is designed by Peter J. Lassen in 1982. The flexible modular system and the inspiring colour palette offer freedom to create your own personal room and style. Montana’s table and chair series are designed by Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Andreas Hansen, Peter J. Lassen, Joakim Lassen and the architects schmidt hammer lassen.

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STORAGE FOCUS | 47

1 This polished aluminium tallboy by Paul Kelley is made from Polyrey aluminium laminates and mahogany. www.pk-designs.co.uk 2 The red anodised aluminiumFP storage console, created by French designer Martin Szekely, is available from Galerie Kreo in Paris. Each piece, in a limited edition of eight, is numbered and signed.www.galeriekreo.com 3 German company Woodloops has created Maze from Forestry Stewardship Council-certified cherrywood. Designed by René Mueller and NinaGriesshammer, the cabinet’s shelves are ideal for storing CDs. www.woodloops.de 4 Jaime Hayon and Nienke Klunder have collaborated to make this Disney-esque New YorkMeets Miami cabinet. The highly lacquered pine and bevelled glass piece is one of eight. www.nienkeklunder.com www.hayonstudio.com 5 These Crop sculptural containersby Spanish designer Nacho Carbonell are made from a mixture of corn resin, barley, wheat and oats with steel rod enforcements. www.nachocarbonell.com 6 Boca do Lobo’sGuggenheim cabinet is shown here in rosewood and palisander. The interior shelving is intended for storing linen in the bedroom or glasses in the dining room. www.bocadolobo.com

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WORDS NICOLE ROBINSON AND EMMA GRITT

These modular storage systems combine versatility with sleek goodlooks, making them the perfect solution for contemporary interiors

UNIVERSAL BY VITSOE The 606 Universal Shelving System was designed byDieter Rams in 1960. The shelves, cabinet, workspace and other components hang on theE-Track, which is attached the wall and allows the system to be reconfigured as needed.Several sizes and depths are available. It is available in off-white or black eggshell lacquer withbeech surfaces for desks, cabinet tops and bottoms. www.vitsoe.com

SYSTEMADDICTS

BEL BY BURGBAD Initially developed for bathrooms, the Bel range containscabinets, sideboards, shelves and wheeled containers. Optional features include mirroredelements, vertical lighting, sliding doors and clothes rails. Choose from high-gloss varnish ormelamine fronts in several colours. All the finishes are water and steam resistant and thecabinets have handles or recessed grips. www.burgbad.com

MONTANA Montana comprises 42 basic units in four different depths and 46colours. They can be filled with drawers, doors, shelves, trays and lights and can be made forwall mounting or with plinths, legs or castors. The units are made of MDF coated in awater-based lacquer but glass and mirrored finishes are available for the doors. Montana ismanufactured in Denmark and the units arrive fully assembled. www.iconsofdenmark.dk

Designed & Crafted

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SISTEMA BY CAPPELLINI Cappellini’s Sistema range of modular furnishingunits for living rooms can be configured to suit the client’s requirements. A white lacqueredparticleboard frame houses cubes with brightly coloured backs. They can be used to holddrawers, CD racks, compartments with flip-up doors or sliding doors that are mirrored orperforated. www.cappellini.it

SPEED BY ZANOTTA These Speed drawer units can be paired with benches,cupboards, wall-mounted units and shelves to create a comprehensive storage system. Thecomponents have nickel-plated and brushed-steel bases and wooden frames. The sliding ordrop-leaf doors and drawer fronts are available in glossy lacquer or with natural or stained oakveneers. The doors are also available in plate glass or varnished aluminium. www.zanotta.it

INTRAMUROS BY ROCHE BOBOIS An almost infinite number of configurationsare possible by combining modules such as shelves, vertical panels, back panels, drawers andsliding doors. These come in a range of sizes and finishes, including 11 lacquer colours ineither a matt or gloss finish, three wood veneers (wenge, grey oak or walnut) and even leather.The system can be made to bespoke specifications if required. www.roche-bobois.fr

PASS BY MOLTENI Pass, created for Molteni by Luca Meda, is a collection ofcoordinating storage units, shelves and wall units designed to be mixed and stacked. Pass isflexible, efficient and available in a wide range of finishes. The system’s versatility means it canbe used in corridors or access rooms as well as main living spaces. Expect a lead time of eightto 10 weeks between order placement and delivery. www.molteni.com

VITA BY MDF ITALIA The Vita range comprises seven different shelf and cabinetunits, all made of fibreboard with a matt white lacquer. One cabinet is available in four othercolours. Each unit is 60cmx60cm and can be rotated. Clients can preview differentcompositions online using the Vita Configurator. Design and installation time scales can varybut expect a delivery lead time of eight to 10 weeks. www.mdfitalia.it

52 | STORAGE FOCUS


individually customised interior design projectright from the start.

But the rise of the decluttering industry hasprompted a mixed reaction among designers.Maria Speake from Retrouvius believesdecluttering is an important part of her job. ‘Ifeel it is part of your brief as an interiordesigner,’ she argues. ‘You have to identify whatit is your client accumulates, then make thatpart of the design solution. The problem is mostpeople don’t accumulate beautiful clutter.’ So dooutside specialists really benefit a project?

When declutterers like Ramsey workalongside designers or stylists, their effortsoften combine effectively when it comes tostorage. Simon Glanville, managing director ofStore, understands the impact a clear-out canhave on a home. ‘Increasingly, the homeownerneeds their space to work harder and inmultifunctional ways,’ he says. ‘Effectivedecluttering is the key to a streamlined spaceso modern storage solutions have to beflexible and innovative to ensure a sustained,clutter-free environment.’

For those still unconvinced, there is onlineproof that this trend is here to stay. TheAssociation of Professional Declutterers andOrganisers UK, founded five years ago by CassieTillet and Sue Kay, enables potential clients tofind a local declutterer. ‘It is also a directory oflinks that enables members nationwide to shareclients and to network,’ Tillet explains.

Tillet, a declutterer with her own companyWorking Order, believes that to design a bespokehome successfully you have to start from itscore. ‘To get the greatest enjoyment out of abeautiful house, the last thing you want is to behiding rubbish — the surface will be spoilt bywhat is underneath,’ she says.

www.clutterbee.comwww.retrouvius.comwww.aplaceforeverything.co.ukwww.apdo-uk.co.ukwww.workingorder.co.uk

As a nation of hoarders, the UK is indesperate need of a spring clean anddeclutterers are just the people for the job.Decluttering has been an industry for about 20years in the US but it is relatively new in theUK and growing fast. In her book, Things IWish My Mother Had Told Me, Lucia Van DerPost may have the perfect explanation for therise of the professional organiser: ‘Most people’sresponse to having too much stuff is to thinkthey need more cupboards. In fact, the problemlies in having too much stuff.’

That is where the declutterers come in.Clutterbee, run by Jon Ramsey,works withclients to sort out their hidden hoards.He believes his organisational expertise, usedbefore the design stage, can make the processmuch easier for client and interior designer.‘A designer has to know what the client ownsbefore they can create a higher aestheticconcept,’ he explains. ‘The declutterer lays thefoundations to build on — the designer can thengo ahead with a redesign with more of anunderstanding of what they need.’

The declutterer has the potential to assist adesign project by turning a chaotic mess into acleaner canvas. Rather than simply rearrangingthings,a professional organiser will ask all theright questions to make sure the client is notstashing unnecessary and unwantedpossessions. This helps to deliver a more

Professional declutterers are increasingly busy butdo their efforts bring anything to design projects?

IN THECLEAR

DISPOSAL EXPERTSDeclutterers Cassie Tilletand Jon Ramsey believethey help interior designersby creating a cleaner canvasfor them to work on.Above, below and belowright: shelving and storagecubes available from Store

WORDS JENNY BREWER

In the past 12 months, idfx magazine has generatednumerous quality enquiries for our clients. If you have

new products that you would like to feature, phone us on020 7336 5204 or e-mail Esther Ademosu at [email protected]

S14 pages of the latest products and services to keep you one step ahead

Specifier’sproduct directory

THIS MONTH» 54-55 KITCHENS & BATHROOMS»56 KITCHENS & BATHROOM» 57 LIGHTING » 58-59 SURFACES »60 WINDOWS & TEXTILES» 61 FURNITURE & STORAGE» 62 FLOORING» 63 HEATING» 64-65 STOP PRESS» 66-67 STOP PRESS

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�KaldeweiKaldewei is the first manufacturer in thesanitary sector to achieve green certificationISO 14025. This major achievement is due tothree key factors: all Kaldewei 3.5mm steelenamel baths and shower trays are made from100% natural raw materials; secondly theyhave unsurpassed longevity, guaranteed for 30years; finally at the end of their lifetime theycan be 100% recycled without the need fordown-cycling. ENQ 100

�HansgroheHansgrohe has launched a new XXL range ofoverheads to join the popular Raindance AIRshower family. Distinguished by an ergonomicrectangular design with softened corners andavailable in three widths, 24cm, 36cm and42cm, the new Raindance E showers havebeen created in collaboration with PhoenixDesign. The largest Raindance E 420 AIR 2jetmodel pampers users with its RainAir sprayand the refreshing RainFlow flood jet thatcascades from the showerhead like a naturalwaterfall. ENQ 101

�Finwood DesignsMaking good use of a precious naturalresource, individual mosaics are meticulouslycrafted using stone that has been carved outof a riverbed granite pebble when forming aPebble Bowl. A substantial feature piece witha solid wooden frame, the Pebble Mirrormeasures 810mm x 615mm and can be hungeither vertically or horizontally. Each tile ishand-carved and carefully positioned forperfection, achieving a natural blend ofcolours that complement both contemporaryand traditional interiors. ENQ 102

�Air UnoThe Main cooker-hood answers both the needfor a custom look and the colour matching, orindeed deliberate contrasting, of your cookerhood to your kitchen furniture. Available inthe 26 colours of Corian® and the 20 shades ofParapan®, this Italian-designed model by Faberfeatures a sleek, rectangular hood in stainlesssteel that can be combined with 6mm Corian®

or 4mm Parapan® as well as glass or any othermaterial suited to its frame. ENQ 103

�Samuel HeathEncompassing a full range of basin and bathtap and shower options, Xiara is acontemporary take on minimalist brasswaredesign. Made from the purest NorthernEuropean brass, each element has been pareddown to give a pure, refined approach todesign; retaining modern simplicity withsubtle curvilinear forms that are feminine andprecise. The result is a soft and fluidcollection, intricately designed, hand polished.ENQ 104

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FIRST SIGHT

�SimplehumanMake any bathroom feel like a luxury spawith simplehuman wall mount shampoo andsoap dispensers. Unlike commercial soapdispensers, which require one hand to releasethe soap and another to catch it, simplehumanshampoo and soap dispensers are designed foreasy, one-handed use. The dispensers have atransparent soap chamber and elegant chromebody that compliments any décor. They holdshampoo, conditioner, body wash or lotionneatly on the wall and come in triple, twin andsingle units. ENQ 108

�AtagThe ATAG QuliMax is a completely newmulti-functional, combination steam oven,combining sophisticated technology andDutch design. A powerful all-rounder the newcombination oven has almost unlimitedoptions. It steams, bakes, roasts, grills, reheatsand defrosts offering the ultimatefunctionality for the busy household withprogrammes to inspire the keenest of cooks.ENQ 109

�GroheGROHE has introduced Nova Light, an LED-illuminated coloured ring around the flushbutton, which makes an innovative designstatement in a product that has traditionallykept a low profile. Available in four colourchoices, which can be fixed or constantlychanging, Nova Light is mains powered, socan be controlled by a timer. Thanks to theLED component, it will last for around 17years costing roughly 84p a year to run.ENQ 105

�Victoria & Albert BathsThere is nothing more comforting thanindulging in a hot bath on a cold winter's day.And now Victoria & Albert has made theexperience extra special with the introductionof a dedicated headrest for their awardwinning Napoli. The Napoli bath measures agenerous 1900mmx855mm, offering amplespace to stretch out and enjoy the extracomfort. With limestone rich QUARRYCAST®

being an ambient material, there is no nastycold shock. ENQ 106

�SmegA first for Smeg’s range of retro-lookappliances, the 60cm FAB dishwasher is nowavailable as a built-in unit. Designed tocomplete any kitchen, the DI6FAB is availablein fashion forward colours; cool cream andpink finishes for neutral interiors and strikingblack and red colour options to fit with anyslick décor. Boasting a triple A energy rating,the DI6FAB features colour coordinatedcutlery and baskets, 14 place settings, tenprogrammes and Aquatest. ENQ 107

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FIRST SIGHT

�Twyford BathroomsTwyford Bathrooms has sought designinspiration from decades past to create astylish collection with a touch of playful retrochic. The result is Moda, a bathroom rangethat references key ‘60s and ‘70s design.Available in a choice of finishes, and under-basin, side, or tall versions, Moda cabinetscomplete the look.With a choice of 12 basins,and Twyford Bathrooms’ patented Flushwisetechnology, Moda offers wide flexibilitywithout compromising functionality. ENQ 110

�RocaW+Wwas one of nine bathroom productsawarded the gold standard for innovation inthe Product Innovation category at TheDesign Awards. The product was recognisedfor it’s forward-thinking design, whichcombines two key elements of the bathroom tocreate and all-in-one washbasin andWCdesigned to maximize space and conservewater. This ground-breaking idea,incorporating Roca’s new ‘water-reuse’technology, uses waste water from the basin tofill theWC cistern. ENQ 111

�HiBHiB, the leading bathroom mirror specialists,have introduced two new designs featuringmodern styling combined with technicalenhancements. Aspina and Petra both featureHiB’s new steam free mirror surfaces. ThePetra can be used in either landscape orportrait format and features an attractivemetallic chrome frame, back-lit with a uniqueuniform light diffusion. Dimensions are 80cmx 60cm x 4cm. The new mirrors are IP44rated. ENQ 112

�Castello Luxury BathsPart of Castello’s new range launched at thisyear’s 100% Design, the Oceanus Bath inStoneWhite with optional mosaic inlay,effortlessly delivers subtle elegance. Indimensions of 1760cm x 995cm x 610cm, therange is completed with the smaller, AdoniBath, and large Imperia Bath. ENQ 113

�Finwood DesignThe new XoneWashstand from FinwoodDesigns will complement any bathroominterior with a choice of either absolute blackgranite or travertine stone for the countertop.Allowing further creativity, this enduringlysimple design is available in two sizes,accommodating either a single or double setof freestanding basins. Here, the clean, fluidlines of the XoneWashstand with travertinecountertop, provides the ideal backdrop forFinwood’s intricate mosaic bowl. ENQ 114

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�CollingwoodThe FireLED™ is a patented luminaire which isfire rated and offers a multitude of benefitsincluding zero maintenance costs and simplestraight to mains installation process, inaddition to achieving light output equivalentto that of a 50w lamp whilst using just afraction of the energy. Uniquely, the FireLED’spower supply is pre installed onto theluminare and therefore the FireLED™ issupplied ready to connect straight to themains. ENQ 118

�Diffuse LightingDiffuse’s new Butterfly Ball is a dramaticspherical chandelier. It is composed of 176porcelain butterflies each embossed with adelicate damask texture the detail of whichcomes alive when illuminated. The individualbutterflies appear to be swarming around thesix central light sources. This stunninglighting feature can be used in a wide varietyof interiors from reception rooms to bedrooms,bars to spas. The light it emits is warm anddappled, both softening and animating theinterior it adorns. ENQ 119

�Concord: Havells SylvaniaConcord Stadium is an innovative low energyspotlight range. Utilising 16 x 1Watt LED’s,generating up to 1200 fixture lumens thiscutting-edge spotlight introduces a newhighly flexible accent lighting tool. TheStadium portfolio introduces two versions,EVO and PRO, both with excellent colourrendering, low running temperatures, verylong lamp life. ENQ 115

�HacelHacel's forthcoming catalogue features acomprehensive range of Integrated LEDluminaires with precision die cast andextruded aluminium construction, designedand manufactured in the UK.All luminairesin the range are supplied with branded, highperformance, LED reflector lamps withimpressive lamp life, which reduces re-lamping costs. LED technology offerssignificant savings in electrical load andenergy consumption, whilst the integratedchip, driver and heat sink ensure performance,thermal management and longevity. ENQ 116

�Chad LightingChad Lighting designs and manufacturescontemporary luminaires for use in leisure,corporate and domestic environments.Employing a wide range of high qualitymaterials, the company creates products thatare distinguished by their clean lines andelegant proportions. New to Chad's range isGalileo, a large ceramic table light with adistinctive fluted form and matt glaze.Bespoke items can be created to satisfy aparticular project. ENQ 117

Lighting

FIRST SIGHT

�PorcelanosaAdd a new dimension to an interior or exteriorwith leading tile, bathroom and kitchendesigner and manufacturer PORCELANOSA.Clever round mosaics, like Firenze and Mooncreate a fresh look, highlighting feature areas.Firenze is a 20cm x 31.6cm ceramic tile thatslot together a bit like a simple jigsaw puzzle,making them highly effective and costefficient, whilst the Moon mosaic tiles givethe luxury of natural stone on a meshbacking. Available different colours andtextures; ceramic, natural stones andridescent glass. ENQ 120

�To GraceTo Grace create bespoke designs as screens,panels, cladding, doors and balustrade forinterior/ architectural applicationsinternationally. Recent clients includeMarriott, P&O Cruises, Crystal Cruises U.S,Candy & Candy, South Tyneside Council,HMPS Holloway and Urban Roof Gardens.Birdsnest is a commission of stainless steelsliding doors for a private residence in CentralLondon. ENQ 121

�NAA: InterlamNAA Ltd is the sole agent for Interlam panelsin UK and Ireland. Interlam ArchitecturalWall Panels are a modern alternative totraditional flat wall panels. They are availablein a variety of colours, textures, sizes andfinishes, giving the design professional thefreedom to express unrestrained creativity.Interlam has eight different products in theirrange, Art Diffusion, Elements, Mirage,Screens, 3-Diculous, Stone Veneers,Valchromat and Weaves. ENQ 122

�JoroAvailable in any colour, stainless steel or inseveral metallic finishes including bronze,brass, copper, aluminium and pewter, JoroOriginals are a highly unique andpersonalised art-lighting product for thehome, business or garden and are alreadygracing the interior and exterior walls of someof London’s finest properties. They can beproduced any size up to a maximum of 2.5m x2.5m and can be back lit in any colour ofmicro LED lights creating an environmentallyfriendly, low cost light source. ENQ 123

�FormicaFormica Limited has launched an exclusiveOff-the-Shelf screen-print range through theFormica® Bespoke laminate service. Sixstriking designs provide the designer with aselection of large scale, classic and geometricsurfaces ideal for any interior laminateapplication; from cubicles, door skins, wallpanelling and furniture. These designs havebeen carefully researched to reflect currenttrends. The range is offered in a fixed sheetsize of 3050mm x 1300mm x 0.7mm. ENQ 124

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FIRST SIGHT

�Parapan®

Parapan® can be used for a range ofapplications, both residentially andcommercially. Bright white Parapan® waschosen by Harrison Varma Construction Ltdfor its clear crisp finishand easeof installationto create simple wall paneling and cupboarddoors in the sitting room of this magnificentvilla in Hampstead. Available in 21 up to theminute UV stable colours that will never fadeParapan® is waterproof, hygienic and easy tomaintain. ENQ 128

�International Decorative SurfacesIDS has added a new range of Aqua-Stepwaterproof laminate flooring to its portfoliothat combines style, easy installation, simplemaintenance and a 100% guarantee of beingtotally waterproof. There are 19 tile andwoodgrain effects to inspire and satisfy a widerange of applications; from elegant travertinesto exotic woodgrains. Aqua-Step comes inplanks size 1200mm x 167mm x 8mmthickness and offers easy installation with thepatented Uniclic system. ENQ 129

�Tile of SpainThe Simbols range by Tile of Spain memberNatucer combines natural textures and vividcolours. Available in a natural and semi-polished finish, this range is suitable forinterior and exterior spaces. Available in36cm x 36cm, six harmonious shades, rangingfrom vibrant blues and greens, to more urbansmoky greys and charcoals, will leave youspoilt for choice. ENQ 125

�KronospanRenowned for breaking new ground in thepanels market, Kronospan is launching anunprecedented 15 decors, delivering limitlessdesign opportunities and an inspirationalpalette. Ivory Flax and Ebony Flax productsevolve this natural fusion concept and are thefirst textile motifs to reach the UK market,bringing the neutral appeal of woven fabricand crisp, clean linen to any interior scheme.All Fresh decors are partnered by matchinglaminates and edgings. ENQ 126

�PolyreyRey Solutions Partitions and Ceilingsincorporates all the advantages of aplasterboard core and Polyrey’s melaminesurface technology to offer an economical,environmentally friendly, acoustic, fireretardant, recyclable decorative panel that incomparative testing offers superior surfaceresistance than PVC & vinyl. The panelsconform to Euroclass B-s1,dO, equivalent toClass 0, and also have a low calorific valuewhich guarantees that they meet or exceed allcurrent fire legislation. ENQ 127

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�Premier ShuttersPremier Shutters have been manufacturingand installing interior shutters for over fiveyears.Working closely with interior designersand private individuals, Premier Shuttersalready have a reputation for meeting thedesired specification.With limitless designsand colour options any look can be achievedby the company, making their windowdressings truly fit anywhere. For a look thatwill be admired by all and caters for all yourneeds, both visually and practically, look nofurther. ENQ 130

�Prestigious TextilesCreated for lustrous window dressing andcoordinating scatter cushions, Passioncomprises two contrasting floral trails,Patricia and Penelope; plus a boldlyinterpreted yarrow head design called Petra.The shimmering silken backdrop, which isalso available as the complementary plainPenny, enhances the tactile appeal of thethree. Passion by Prestigious is available in asuite of on-trend colourways including Lichen,Cinnamon, Champagne, Oyster, Latte,Fuchsia, Plum,Violet and Silver. ENQ 131

�The New England Shutter CompanyThe experts in bespoke shutter solutions, TheNew England Shutter Company manufacturesand supplies a truly bespoke range of beautifulhand-crafted shutters. Their service includesa complete project management service andcustom colour matching at no extra cost. TheSoho design with its entirely concealed tiltmechanism has rebated blades that lie flushin their frame, giving an ultra-sleek look.ENQ 132

�PanazIn the worldwide hotel and maritime leisuresector, Panaz continues to meet ongoingdemand for fabrics which combine conformityto performance standards with a memorablehaute couture flair. A bespoke design andcolour interpretation service is available,whereby project-unique concepts or colourschemes are developed through collaborationbetween the client and the Panaz creativedepartment. ENQ 133

�FabricantFabricant has introduced an elegant newdisplay block to present a stunning newcollection of curtain poles and finials. Forfurther information on any of the Fabricantrange contact their sales office. ENQ 134

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�Mobles 114Pey is a new range of desks, tables, accessoriesand storage units for contract as well asdomestic use. Coffee tables, dining tables,office desks with dividing panels as well aslarge meeting and library tables form onlypart of the extensive collection. Pey has analuminium extrusion frame structure epoxypainted in white or aluminium grey with atranslucent laminated or lacquered glass tabletop. A number of size options are availableENQ 138

�NM DesignNM Design specialize in custom furnishingsfor both domestic and commercial interiors,producing anything from a coffee table to akitchen; display cabinets to boardroomfurnishings.Working with the highest qualitymaterials NM Designs incorporate veneersand solid wood, mirror, stone, glass andmetals to realize your design vision. TheARNO Sideboard shown features lacqueredwalnut offset with ebony and customizedhandles. ENQ 139

�GirsbergerTOPIC's style is timeless, precisely whatfurnishing a conference roomrequires.Girsberger uses TOPIC tocomplement its range of conference roomseating. But this discreet chair is also idealfor use as a visitor chair. TOPIC is extremelycomfortable, thanks to its well-formedbackrest and strong, luxurious seat upholstery.Although Dieter Stierli intentionally refrainedfrom adding technical subtleties, TOPIC hasshock absorbing suspension and a 360 degreeswivel function. ENQ 135

�BlumAlongside the look of a new kitchen, storagehas become the single most importantelement of modern kitchen design. Twofundamental principles must be observed: tomaximise the use of the internal cabinetvolume, and to ensure total and immediateaccess to every item stored. Blum’s storagesolution achieve both of these objectives, andin doing so offer up to 55% more storagecapacity over conventional kitchens. ENQ 136

�VilagrasaBloc is a new range of tables designed byGabriel Teixidó for Spanish furnituremanufacture Vilagrasa. Bloc is available ineither square or circular versions, and heightsof 45cm, 72cm or 105cm. The square versioncan be specified in 60cm x 60cm or 75cm x75cm dimensions. The circular table isavailable with a diameter of 60cm or 75cm.Bloc is made of cast aluminium and stainlesssteel with a translucent plastic top. ENQ 137

Furniture & Storage

�Hartley & TissierThe existing Hartley and Tissier collectionincludes a wide selection of striking stripes,geometric and floral patterns across flatweave, wool and nylon blend and hand-wovenwool and viscose yarns. However, for thosehoteliers, restaurateurs and bar ownerslooking to make a statement all of their own,designer Stephanie Tissier will develop a trulyoriginal carpet that will never be replicated,ensuring an exclusive, one-of-a-kind scheme.ENQ 140

�Antron® Carpet FibreEach style in the Elemental Spectrumcollection is influenced by the readings ofelements such as carbon, zinc and iron whenplaced under a visual spectrograph, giving alinear appearance that can either be strong orsubtle. The collection reflects these readingsin two groups, Elemental Brights andElemental Neutrals, with the complementingElemental Solids plain carpet tiles. Theperformance of the carpet is also enhancedwith Mannington Commercial’s proprietaryColorSafe® bleach resistant and XGUARD®

stain resistant technologies. ENQ 141

�JunckersPart of Junckers' extensive range of solidhardwoods is Jarrah; one of many eucalyptusspecies native to Western Australia. Jarrahcombines exceptional strength and densitywith rich burgundy tones, varying from lightto dark to produce a very lively floor. Grown inmanaged forestry secured by The AustralianForestry Standard under PEFC, Jarrah offersthe opportunity to achieve a tropical redtimber floor that is ecologically sound.ENQ 142

�JaymartInstalled at all Fitness First, Virgin Active, LAfitness gymnasia and David Lloyd LeisureCentres, BLADE-RUNNER rubber flooringbenefits from an extremely dense, elasticstructure making it incredibly durable andeasily able to withstand heavy equipment andhigh-impact shocks. This same elasticitymeans that BLADE-RUNNER absorbs theimpact of athletes’ bodies, increases comfortand reduces injuries. BLADE-RUNNER isoffered in a wide range of 11 classic, and 25custom, colours. ENQ 143

�Lee of MohawkFocal Point is the latest modular collectionlaunched by Lees of The Mohawk Group.A revolutionary fibre system that addspermanent stain, soil and fade resistance,Duracolor® is built into the fibre rather thanapplied topically, making it impermeable tomoisture while also helping to reduce cleaningchemical dependency. The tufted texturedpatterned loop pile carpet tile features Lees’ICT Fibreglass Reinforced ThermoplasticComposite Tile backing and comes in a60.9cm x 60.9cm format. ENQ 144

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�EncompassAvailable through Encompass, TURN 5 KWlog burning stove, rotates through 360 degrees,with integrated log storage unit. Thanks tooptimum air combustion properties, thecombustion chamber grate and ash collectiontray are a thing of the past. Encompass aresuppliers of premium brands, exterior leisurefurniture and accessories, which include RoyalBotania, Fuera Dentro, Coro, Freek, Some andConmoto. ENQ 148

�Jetmaster FiresAfter relentless market research and ademanding list of must requirements,designers at Jetmaster have introduced theInset stove range simply called the 18i, 60iand the larger 70i. Efficiencies of up to 84%can be expected, as well as clean burningtechnology. Other features include an optionto take the combustion air from outside iffurther efficiencies are required. The unit is aninner and outer box styled installation thatallows the flue to be connected from the insideof the unit. ENQ 149

�BisqueThe iconic Hot Spring has won awardsworldwide. It has been displayed in theLondon Design Museum and the PhiladelphiaMuseum of Modern Art. A continuous coil ofsteel tubing, it is an ingenious combination ofelegance and efficiency, suitable for large orsmall spaces. It also fits neatly in cornerswhere it saves space. Hot Spring is availablein four sizes and an electric only version in achoice of white, black, chrome and metallicfinishes. ENQ 145

�Anglia FireplacesAnglia Fireplaces has introduced an excitingrange of horizontal and vertical lift-doorstoves from Belgium. The new range from M-Design features single and doubled sided fires,swivel stoves, and all boast an efficiencyrating of 85%. All the stoves incorporatestate-of-the-art clean burn technology,ensuring the large glass window remainsclean and free of soot. All the fires areavailable as wood-burning, with the Lunarange being available in gas. ENQ 146

�BisquePetrus is an elegant radiator with oval tubingthat creates an undulating surface in chrome,metallica or white. With 11 sizes available, itcan be shown to advantage in narrow, verticalspaces or under windows where the oval endsmake for an interesting visual effect. Bisqueradiators have won awards world-wide andthe company was recently voted one of theCoolbrands of 2009-2010. ENQ 147

Heating

FIRST SIGHT

64 |

�International Decorative SurfacesMore than a floor, the innovative Resofloor®range available from IDS really pushes thedesign envelope when it comes to laminateflooring. Resofloor® offers specifiers a range ofsix expressive flooring designs in fashionablehigh gloss texture, with the guarantee of wearresistance for even the most heavy-duty ofareas; whether in shops, offices, restaurants,hotels or a domestic setting. The paletteincludes snow white, black, stone andmetal-inspired finishes. ENQ 150

�AllgoodAllgood is proud to announce the re-launch ofthe original 14mm d line designs, the epitomeof the aesthetic and functional purpose of dline, with the L shape and U shape 14mmlever handles. Trends come and go, puredesign endures. The inevitable cycle of gooddesign has proven to be the case for the 14mmdesign; representing the unique skill andtechnique known to the d line product range,which makes it so extraordinary. ENQ 151

�Daedalian GlassDaedalian introduces its new glass door andscreen range, that feature luxury fabrics andoriginal Daedalian design, with varyingdegrees of transparency to catering to multiplesituations. Using Bridgestone’s UV resistant,EVAsafe laminating system, which protectsagainst long-term light deterioration,Daedalian are able to laminate most organicand in-organic materials and have combinedfabrics, papers, and metals with other glassworking techniques such as etching and glasspainting to create truly unique results.ENQ 152

�BenchmarkLeading joinery and metal workshop,Benchmark, has recently completed a largebespoke commission for the new EightMembers Club. Brass, dark oak, rippled glassand leather have been incorporated cleverlythroughout the club; from the central ribbedbanquette seating topped with reeded glassscreens and brass detailing, to the dark oakdining table with leather inlay in the privatedining room.Also made by Benchmark is thestunning polished pewter bar. ENQ 153

�SecurikeySecurikey have added to their portfolio ofmirrors a new range of unbreakable stainlesssteel mirror domes, specifically designed foruse in areas of high vandalism.Available in 4sizes these mirrors are shallower than originalceiling domes making them ideal for use onwalls and in passageways withoutobstruction. ENQ 154

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�International Decorative SurfacesIDS, the UK’s largest distributor of decorativesurfaces, has produced its first SurfacingSolutions for the Hotel & Leisure Industrydirectory, giving specifiers and designers ahelpful working tool for selecting appropriatesurface finishes. Spanning 28 pages, thedirectory covers the materials available inIDS’s extensive portfolio including solidsurfacing, anti-bacterial laminate, exteriorcladding, flooring and wallpanelling. It ispurely application-led, broken down into fivekey sections on furniture, doors, walls, floorsand exterior for easy navigation. ENQ 158

�Victoria CarpetsVictoria Carpets Contracts Division hasannounced a new portal for online contractcarpet at www.victoriacontracts.com. A usefulQuick Sample Request facility is backed withthe Select a Carpet feature that allowsspecifiers to begin their journey by type,colour or sector and the website’sfunctionality is built around the quickest andshortest route to the information required.Specifiers can also seek inspiration andcatching up on the latest news and events.ENQ 159

�PolyreyPolyrey’s popular Cubicle & Washroomcollection has been updated to offer evenwider decorative and practical benefits fromits selection of HPL, compact grade laminatesand MFC solutions, which are ideal forcubicles, benches, lockers, partitions andvanity units. There are 51 different decorativechoices available in plain colours, woodgrainsand patterns. The new Sanitized® compactgrade laminate range is unique to Polyrey andoffers key hygienic benefits. ENQ 155

�FlowcreteA dedicated environmental zone has beencreated at www.flowcrete.com to highlight thecompany’s proactive approach to reducing itscarbon footprint. Details of Flowcrete’s uniqueFloorzone Solution are also featured on thenew website, highlighting the environmentaland cost-saving benefits brought about by thissingle-responsibility flooring package.Floorzone incorporates the screed,soundproofing, heating and decorativeseamless resin finish. ENQ 156

�GradusThe new accessories guide from specialistGradus contains full details of their extensiveaccessories portfolio, including the new rangeof XT Hardnose stair edgings, which offersuperior protection against the risk of slips,trips and falls. Information is also included onCXT aluminium stair edgings for use onceramic, stone and marble floors, as well aspvc and metal skirtings, step and aislelighting, transition strips and barrier matting.ENQ 157

�BiokA2 is a new range of office furniture designedby Gabriel Teixidó for Spanish manufacturerBiok. The range comprises desks, meetingtables and storage units. The A2 system iscomposed of an extruded aluminium beamwith chrome joints and the table top and legsare available in glass, lacquered MDF andvarious wood finishes including Americanwalnut, natural wengé, dark and white oak.ENQ 160

�Antron® Carpet FibreIf design flexibility and lasting good looks wasnot enough, INVISTA, manufacturer ofAntron® carpet fibre, is the first and onlycarpet fibre manufacturer to have obtained acertified Environmental Profile from BREGlobal Limited. Combine this with theproprietary Infinity® RE backing that featuresa minimum of 10% post-consumer and 20%pre-consumer recycled content by productweight, and the modular carpet has thecredentials for locations looking for style,performance and sustainability. ENQ 161

�Julie Langan GlassJulie Langan Glass is an inspirationalcontemporary design studio who specialise inthe creation of unique and innovative pieces ofglass art. The pieces, usually in the form ofpanels, can be integrated into both interiorand exterior architectural spaces or simplydisplayed as individual pieces of art. Nowwith over 10 years experience within theindustry Julie Langan Glass have built up areputation for quality, innovation andindividuality. ENQ 162

�GeberitHyTronic infra-red taps use two-beam infra-red technology for fast, intelligent detection,resulting in an electronically controlled waterflow that requires no physical contact.Geberit’s HyTronic infra-red taps are to thehighest specification and environmentallysensitive. Operating programmes includedelayed shut-off and water-saving options aswell as a safety switch-off function to preventuncontrolled water consumption. ENQ 163

�MaineThe new Mainepure range is made to thesame exacting high standards of excellence astheir successful Maineseries31 range. It canalso fit alongside their existing ranges to thesame wide range of heights and widths. TheMainepure range has a clean, elegant facadeand a flush, discreet label holder, which alsoacts as the drawer pull. Everything isengineered for a beautiful result. ENQ 164

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�Antron® Carpet FibreAntron® LegacyTM carpet fibre is utilised inStructures from Christy Carpets’ StudioCollection that features in the exclusivedirector’s lounge at three new ShowcaseCinema de Luxes. Antron® LegacyTM carpetfibre is ideal for use where an attractiveappearance, maximum wear resistance andeasy cleaning are essential. The hollow spacesthroughout the carpet fibre scatter the light sodirt is less visible. ENQ 168

�FormicaPlayful and modern, MicroDot is a subtle gridof concave dots in a low sheen satin finish.Interpreted in eye-catching solid colours, thistexture transforms the traditional flat surfaceof plain colours. Available in a 3050mm x1220mm x 1.3mm sheet size, the range offersa total of 27 finish and colour combinations.MicroDot and Gloss textures are offered in sixclassic colours: Black, Folkestone,White,Spectrum Blue, Spectrum Red, and SpectrumYellow. ENQ 169

�PolyreyPapago is part of Polyrey’s flagship 2007 –2012 Collection, designed to combine colour,decor, light and texture. Papago is incrediblyeasy to specify for a wide range of interiorapplications including leisure, retail, domestic,healthcare and furniture. All of the Papagocolours are available in high-pressurelaminate and Compact (Thick self-supportinglaminate) and wide selection is also availablein Panoprey Melamine Faced Chipboard orMDF with matching edgings. ENQ 165

�Crown TradeCrown Trade has launched an exciting newpaint colour collection for specifiers, designersand decorators working on interior andexterior projects. This extensive colour offercovers the entire spectrum, featuring 1080contemporary and established popular shades,arranged into eight distinct colour families.New fandecks and pocket size colour guidesare now available in Crown Trade’s new blackand gold signature style, with colour swatchesclearly referenced using Crown’s exclusiveSCAN™ colour codification system. ENQ 166

�BiscaBisca has design and built a staircase, whichtakes perceptions of stair design to a newechelon. The brief was to create anoutstanding stair for the hallway thatcomplimented the surroundings. The resultwas a stunning, gleaming curved staircasemade entirely of green-tinted glass and steel,including balustrade, topped with Americanblack walnut handrails. ENQ 167

Thinking space

We have thought hard about our show, to ensure it’s

packed with new ideas, stimulation and an array of

new products. Our improved product zoning means

you’ll easily �nd your way around, and exactly what

you need to develop your business.

So we hope you’ll join us knowing that your day

will pay for itself.

For more information about this year’s exhibition, and to register for free entry please visit interiorsbirmingham.com

IntB10CreativeLaunchAd 300x230+5mm.indd 1 05/11/2009 17:07UBMthink.indd 1 12/11/09 11:20:02

The interior of this 12-bedroom Jacobean mansion mixesart-deco style, antique furniture and accessories fromacross the globe in a surprisingly harmonious scheme

GLOBAL GATHERING

Inspiration from three of our favourite recent interior projectsPortfolio

This five-bedroom property, created from two formerbarns, has been given a sleek contemporary lookthat brings minimalism to a country setting

BARN STORMER

7874

To submit your project for consideration in idfx’s Portfolio, please contact Rebecca Hoh ([email protected])

70

Developer Regal Homeswas happy to give Kelly Hoppenan enviably free rein in the design of this expansive seven-bedroom house in London’s SouthHampstead

A VERY REGALRESIDENCE

Developer Regal Homes was happy to give Kelly Hoppenan enviably free rein in the design of this expansive seven-bedroom house in London’s South Hampstead

A VERY REGALRESIDENCE


TRIPLE TWINKLEThe cube chandelierswere made bespokefor the ground floorformal dining room

CLASSICS NOUVEAUDK Home’s Fairytalelight hangs over thebreakfast area

WORDS REBECCA HOH PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS TUBBS

PORTFOLIO ONE | 71


This 5547ft seven-bedroom house in SouthHampstead is the first of six projects by Kelly Hoppen forLondon property developer Regal Homes. Hoppen, chosen bythe firm for her contemporary yet elegant style, relished thefree reign she was given on the project. She took theopportunity to create something different to anything else onthe development market while combining style with comfort.

‘Regal Homes approached me about a year ago and thisfirst project was fairly huge,’ says Hoppen. ‘But having thedesign completely handed to me was a luxury you do notalways get so I have enjoyed incorporating architecturalforms with different textures and extreme attention to detail.As with all projects that are not couture for a private client, Ihave drawn on my own inspiration from around the globe.’

Luckily, the townhouse had no listing issues (with theexception of the exterior) but it had been left derelict formany years and was extremely run down. So the team guttedthe place — leaving only the four external walls — andstarted from scratch.

The ground floor contains the formal entertaining areas(a dining and double reception room as you enter) while thefamily rooms — an open-plan kitchen, relaxed dining areaand TV room leading to the outdoor space — are located inthe basement. The master suites,with his-and-hers

LUXE LIVINGHoppen’s signaturecolour, white, hasextended to thebespoke kitchen andisland unit

Bold contemporarylighting has been usedthroughout such asthis Swarovski Sockceiling light

FULL HOUSEMegaron Pebbletables in the formalliving room

Italian companyOrrizonti supplied theAran bed, with curvedheadboard

Mimi table lamps andbronze reading lightsfrom Porta Romana

The slick bathroomfeatures products fromHoppen own shutterrange, developed withShutterly Fabulous


of sculptural pieces from the Kelly Hoppen range throughoutthe project, such as the white unglazed coffee pots, Emperorstatues and faux corals.

Continuing the soft forms, key to the comfort-consciousfeel of family space, here the sofa style is less regimented,with the use of Meridiani’s Quinn model. However, bothliving spaces have Kevin Reilly Steeman table lamps,referencing the block shapes once more.

Upstairs the bedrooms boast several different textures,and have the calming, slightly Asian twist that Hoppen hasmade her own. Much of the texture is provided by thegenerous selection of fabrics, where both linen blinds andsheer curtains are used in combination, as well as velvetthrows and silk cushions. This contrasts with the dark woodsof the stained oak flooring and bedside lamps by both B&BItalia and JNL. The Master Room, however, takes it cue morefrom a traditional English style, with a button backheadboard, with a slight curve around the MeridianiThurman bed.

The finished contemporary home really has broughtsomething new to the world of property development, sooften the realm of safe bets and neutral choices, Hoppen hasinjected a warm, eclectic personality into this period house,with ultra modern styling that somehow seems timeless. Thenext projects with Regal are set to be new build flats andMews houses, so it will be interesting to see how theseproperties receive the Hoppen transformation.

bathrooms and dressing rooms, are on the first floor and theother five bedrooms are found on the second and top floors.

The formal dining room — the first room you encounter —is a real knock-out space with a trio of bespoke, cubic cut-crystal chandeliers hanging over the Luz Interiors diningtable, which is surrounded by Meridiani Cruz chairs. Thesimple boxlike shape of the lights is echoed in the strongrectangle of the CVO wall-mounted flueless fireplace.

The palette here is rich and plush, with dark wood and amixture of mahogany-coloured fabrics and animal print. Thechairs at each end of the table have mock-crocodileupholstery and the bespoke curtains resemble a delicatezebra hide. The adjacent reception room continues the blocktheme with modular, framed Hamptons sofas fromModenature.

Moving down to the family level, the palette is fresher,with softer more comfortable forms, set off by the undulatingpattern of the curtain fabric that spans much of one side ofthe open plan kitchen/living space, as well as the dropletshapes that make up the Fairytale hanging light in thebreakfast area, from DK Home. This breakfast table is theSavoy model from Modenature who also supplied the Plazachairs, all framed by a cream and mocha coloured rug fromHoppen’s own shop collection.

In fact, as the unrestricted nature of the brief has allowedher to create a project that is in line with her own tastes andinspirations, it has also meant she has been able to use many

Contacts»B&B Italia www.bebitalia.it »CVO www.cvo.co.uk »DK Home www.dkhome.com »JNL www.jnl.be »Kelly Hoppen www.kellyhoppenretail.com »Kevin Reillywww.kevinreillylighting.com »Megaron www.megaron.org »Meridiani www.meridianisas.it »Modenature www.modenature.com »Orrizonti www.orizzonti-srl.com»Porta Romana www.portaromana.co.uk »Regal Homes www.regal-homes.co.uk »Shutterly Fabulous www.shutterlyfabulous.com


PORTFOLIO ONE | 73


IIt wasn’t easy for Peter Phan to leavethe Andrew Martin nest — he had spent15 years at the company, working as abuyer alongside his ‘friend and mentor’Martin Waller. He made the jump justover a year ago and his biggest project todate, North Aston Hall, seems to provethat Phan made the right move.

‘It was hard but it was the right timeto move on. I will always be close to theteam,’ says Phan, ‘but there is a newsatisfaction in seeing a project throughfrom start to finish. I go back to thishouse regularly and am still enjoyingthe wow factor!’

Twelve-bedroom North Aston Hall isa part-Jacobean property with Regencyadditions and a chapel in the garden. It is an ongoing project that will takemany years to complete. Phan has finished the first phase of therefurbishment and is preparing to tacklethe kitchen, more bathrooms and theorangerie next year.

In its previous life, the hall was usedby a Swedish company as a summerresidence for its executives and thedecor was stuck in the late 1980s. ‘It was trying to be Laura Ashley and

failing,’ says Phan. No interiorstructural work was required so oncethe place had been stripped, Phan beganwith what he believes to be the mostimportant room — the sitting room.

Here it is evident that the interiordesigner loves to experiment with scaleand to mix styles from different eras. Alarge sculptural armillery from AndrewMartin is a decorative centrepiece atopa chunky coffee table, while paintings ofsociety figures from the 1950s arejuxtaposed with art-deco-style sofas.‘My forte is bringing together elementsfrom different times and places tocreate something new and beautiful.This is about restraint and using theupmost care and consideration whenchoosing the pieces,’ he says.

There is also an Asian influence toVietnamese-born Phan’s work. AntiqueChinese travelling trunks are used aslow tables and decorative Buddha heads(copies of museum pieces to ensureauthenticity) have been sourced from Thailand.

The entrance hall takes inspirationfrom the Middle East. Afghan rugsstretched over canvases hang on the

WORDLY WISEAAbboovvee lleefftt:: tthhee ssiittttiinnggrroooomm mmiixxeess ccuusshhiioonnssmmaaddee ffrroomm bbrriigghhttTTiibbeettaann bbllaannkkeettss wwiitthhnneeuuttrraall ddeessiiggnnss ffrroommtthhee AAnnddrreeww MMaarrttiinnAAuugguussttuuss rraannggee

FFaarr lleefftt:: tthhee wwaallllss oofftthhee bbiilllliiaarrdd rroooomm aarreewwrraappppeedd iinn 8800mm ooffffaauuxx mmoolleesskkiinn

LLeefftt:: aa SSiimmppssoonnssmmiirrrroorr hhaannggss aabboovvee aaCChhiinneessee aallttaarr ttaabblleeffoouunndd iinn aa LLoonnddoonnaannttiiqquuee sshhoopp

MAKE AN ENTRANCEMMaaiinn ppiiccttuurree:: tthhee hhuuggeeeennttrraannccee hhaallll,, wwiitthh iittssoorriiggiinnaall fflloooorriinngg,, mmiixxeessssccaalleess aanndd ssttyylleess,,wwiitthh llaarrggee llaanntteerrnnss aannddaann oovveerrssiizzeedd ttooyyaaeerrooppllaannee oonn aaRReeggeennccyy ppeeddaall ssttooooll

PORTFOLIO TWO | 75


GLOBALGATHERINGThe scheme for this 12-bedroom Jacobean mansion mixes art-deco style, antiquefurniture and accessories from the four corners of the globe. Yet despite its eclecticism,the interior is harmonious and sympathetic to the building’s historic grandeur

WORDS REBECCA HOHPHOTOGRAPHY DOMINIC BLACKMORE

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grey walls.Grey — this one is Farrow &Ball’s Elephant’s Breath — is somethingof a signature colour for Phan.

The first phase of the North AstonHall project has involved completingfive of the 12 bedrooms. Despite thelarge number, Phan has treated eachbedroom individually, giving each one atheme and filling it with intricatedetails. ‘The family is using theserooms at the moment as we gear up forthe second phase but really they are justthe guest bedrooms’ he says.

The current master has silver-leafwallpaper, hand made in Japan andsourced fromAltfield. The room’s styleis inspired by Hollywood glamour of the1940s, Phan’s favourite era.

Another room has a hunting theme,using rabbit fur, guinea fowl feathersand lizard skin on lampshades,cushions and throws. Phan chose tokeep the original oak floorboards in thisroom to emphasise its traditionalEnglish country feel.

A third room,with walls painted inanother of Phan’s signature greys (thistime Farrow & Ball’s Slate) has twinbeds, each with a 1920s-style curvedand crested headboard covered insuiting fabric. These were created byPeter Jude,who worked with Phan on allthe upholstery on the project.

A bedroom for two boys takes it cuefrom a totally different time and placewith its Native American styling.Many

Andrew Martin fabrics from theAmericana collection have been usedhere on the bespoke blinds andbedspreads,which were made by JackieStone.Of course, Phan could not resistmixing in some art-deco style — in thisinstance the 1920s beds and a chromechest of drawers — before bringing itback to the AmericanWest with aframed Levi’s advert from the 1950s.

Phan’s design vision is giving NorthAston Hall a new lease of life. Such adiversity of influences had the potentialto result in a rather chaotic look butPhan has carefully orchestrated hisdesign approach, creating somethingmodern and chic that also pays homageto the building’s history.

".idfxmagazine.com | December 2009

Contacts»Altfield www.altfield.com »Andrew Martin www.andrewmartin.co.uk »Farrow & Ball www.farrow-ball.com »Jacquie Stone Creations tel. 01869 331 502»Peter Jude www.peterjude.com »Peter Phan www.peterphandesign.com »Simpsons www.simpsonsmirrors.com »Stephen Lee www.argyllphotos.com

PORTFOLIO TWO | 77

ECLECTIC MIXCClloocckkwwiissee ffrroomm ttoopplleefftt:: tthhee bbaatthhrroooomm,,wwhhiicchh hhaass pplleennttyy ooffttrraaddiittiioonnaall mmoouullddiinnggss,,hhaass aa ttrraaddiittiioonnaall bbaassiinnaanndd ttaappss wwiitthh aa ssaattiinnnniicckkeell ffiinniisshh

TThhee ggllaammoorroouuss mmaasstteerrbbeeddrroooomm hhaass llaarrggeessiittttiinngg--rroooomm llaammppss ttooiinnccrreeaassee tthhee ddrraammaa

TThhee bbooyyss’’ bbeeddrroooommhhaass aa UUSS tthheemmee wwiitthhaa LLeevvii’’ss ppoosstteerr aannddNNaattiivvee AAmmeerriiccaanntthhrroowwss aanndd rruugg

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RRaabbbbiitt--ffuurr tthhrroowwss aannddSSnnooww BBuusshh ppiiccttuurreess bbyy SStteepphheenn LLeeee aadddd ccoossiinneessss ttoo tthhee gguueesstt bbeeddrroooomm


This five-bedroom property, created from two former barns, has asleek contemporary look that brings minimalism to a country setting

WORDS REBECCA HOH PHOTOGRAPHY ANDY CARVER

BARNSTORMER

The plans incorporated some quite radical features.Externally, Tye wanted to change the external elevationsfromwood cladding to double-height glass. Internally, heaimed to create large, clean, simple rooms to bring back thefeeling of a barn being an open, cathedral-like space.The plan included an unusual ‘kicked’ corridor runningdiagonally across the building to link all the living spaces.‘As the clients already had a funky design mindset, they justwent for it,’ he says.

The team began by overhauling the space,which hadbeen cut up into a ‘rabbit warren’ of mean-sized rooms.The ground-floor living space now stretches to most of thehome’s 25m length.This room has been divided into diningand living areas by the central fireplace,which has arough-cast concrete hearth with a rusted metal grate andscaffold poles that reference the barns’ agricultural past.The white ash floor accentuates the airy and open feeling of

BIG IDEASThe 25m-long livingspace is partitionedby a fireplace on ahearth of rough-castconcrete, while whiteash flooring keepsthe scheme bright,clean and simple

Nicolas TyeArchitects was enlisted to transform twohuge 19th-century converted barns inWorcestershire into oneeven larger family home on the recommendation of an architectfriend of the clients.He would have done the job himself butfeared the potential tensions of the client/architect relationshipcould have jeopardised the friendship.

Fortunately, the Nicolas Tye team presented a set of plansthat met the challenging brief perfectly, creating a home thatstretched to 25m in length. ‘First, it was challenging becausethe clients are both in retail design so are used to a very highstandard and interesting style of design,’ says Tye. ‘Second,they had invested a huge amount— both psychologically andfinancially — in this project.Having essentially bought twodwellings that would one day be sold as one, extra value neededto be injected into the property.The couple travel frequently forbusiness andwanted to make this their long-term homewiththeir three children because of the great schools in the area.’

»Bette www.bette.co.uk »Flight Design www.flightdesign.co.uk »Nicolas Tye Architects www.nicolastyearchitects.co.uk »Porcelanosa www.porcelanosa.co.uk

PORTFOLIO THREE | 79


the room,as do the cream leather sofas.One of these is solong it can accommodate 10 people.

The ground floor also contains the kitchen and utilityarea,a studio, bar and downstairsWC.The first floor hasfive bedrooms, three with ensuites, plus one large separatebathroom.There are two staircases, one created in timberand glass by Flight Design.The other,which rises from thediagonal hallway, snakes around a double-height columnclad in walnut,which houses the airing and coat cupboards.

Tye has also kept the bedroomsminimal, using bespokecabinetry in walnut and opaque glass and installingcontemporary fireplaces.The sleek look continues in theensuites,which have floating walls separating the wetroom-style shower areas and bathtubs. Slate and terracotta tilesfrom Porcelanosa addwarmth to the scheme.

MODERN COUNTRYAbove centre: adouble-height column,clad in walnut, housesthe airing cupboardand coat storage

Above right: a bespokeunit in the masterbedroom houses theplasma screen TV,fireplace and lighting

Right: the masterensuite has a bathtubby Bette and slate andterracotta tiles byPorcelanosa

Contacts

Call 01373 864926 or visit www.jaymart.co.uk

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PRACTICE PROFILE | 81

You could say that TimGosling was born tomake furniture but the more you get to knowhim and his team at Gosling, the more yourealize that sounds like a trivial summary of alife dedicated to the art of furniture making.

Gosling makes pieces for connoisseurs andTimGosling seems to carry the future ofBritish furniture on his shoulders (undoubtedlybroad, symmetrical and perfectly proportioned).For those who can afford a Gosling piece, thecompany offers the finest craftsmanship. Thefurniture is designed in the company’s studioin Clapham and brought to life in its workshopsinWhitby, North Yorkshire.

This craftsmanship is explored in the recentPrestel book,Gosling. It guides the readerthough the commissioning process, explainsthe luxurious materials used and the methodsof manufacture with a view to nurturing anappreciation of the quality of the team’s workand English craftsmanship in general.

‘It’s amazing how little information is outthere,’ says Gosling. ‘This the first book of its

generation. It will help readers understandthese amazing materials and how to use them.’

Gosling began his career in set design,working on major productions in London andLas Vegas. He then joined Linley in 1993,staying there until he set up his own companyin 2005. ‘It was very important for me to beable to gain recognition in my own right,’Gosling explains. ‘I imagined it would be asmall practice but was surprised when weexceeded our projected annual turnover in thefirst few months. Linley was enormouslysuccessful as a brand but people imagine theyknow what that brand will be. I wanted tostretch those ideas way beyond what isexpected and now I am able to do that.’

The studio team includes three staff whoworked with Gosling at Linley. Photis Photi andPhilip Sturdy are both designers —Goslingdescribes them as ‘two geniuses — technicallyextraordinary’ — while Russell Thomascoordinates the production and delivery ofthese highly complex pieces to site. Jean Gomm

GOSLING


met Gosling when she was a client at Linleyand she now works alongside him as adirector, overseeing the company’s strategicdevelopment.Gosling describes her as ‘very,very objective and staggeringly tough’. JaneDundas is Gosling’s right-hand woman,who,he says, ‘has an enormous positive impact onour client relations’.

Gosling has an evangelical approach to hiscraft. He lectures at the Inchbald and KLCschools and gives regular talks to the team inthe workshop. ‘I want to do more things. I wouldlove to start a working museum,’ he says.

As well as having strong connections withmuseums, including the Courtauld and theV&A,Gosling works with designers such asAnouska Hempel and Kelly Hoppen and apenthouse project in Hong Kong will see himwork with Tara Bernerd for the first time.

Positive energy exudes fromGosling and histeam and it is this passion for perfection thatwill undoubtedly establish Gosling as a greatmodern furniture maker.www.tgosling.com

THE FURNITURE MAKER’S FINE CRAFTSMANSHIPIS CELEBRATED IN A NEW BOOK WORDS KATE BURNETT

Left: Tim Gosling says thePrestel book will ‘helpreaders understandamazing materials andhow to use them’Above: the Gosling teamin the studio, a formerVictorian laundry (right)

82 | DIRECTIONS Sites to be seen

01. Handles and Fittings, Tel: 0800 389 8821www.hafdesigns.com

02. Armourcoat Limited, 01732 460668www.armourcoat.com

03. Domain, Tel: 01403 784846www.domainfurniture.info

04. Juliette Balcony Design, Tel: 020 8980 1000www.juliettebalconydesign.co.uk

05. Scott Beaven Radius Ltd, Tel: 0191 491 5000www.scottbeaven.co.uk

06. Ecolec, Tel: 01902 457 575www.ecolec.co.uk

07. Johnson Tiles, Tel: 01782 575575www.johnson-tiles.com

08. Handles and Fittings, Tel: 0800 389 8821www.hafdesigns.com

01 02 03

0504

0706


08

DIRECTIONS | 83Sites to be seen

09. Leisure Plan, Tel: 01279 816001www.leisureplan.co.uk



12. Philip Watts Design, Tel: 0115 926 9756www.philipwattsdesign.com

13. Ciesse S.r.l., Tel: 07775512836www.ciessecucine.it

14. Richard Baker Furniture, Tel: 0208 336 1777www.richardbakerfurniture.co.uk

15. Via Arkadia, Tel: 020 7351 7057www.via-arkadia.co.uk

16. Clemaron Wood Interiors, Tel: 01483 201080www.clemaron.co.uk

09 10 11

12 13

14 15 16


84 | DIRECTIONS Showcases01 02 03

04 05 06

07 08


09

4.Crofts andAssinder Ltd enq 425Tel: 0121 622 1074 Email: [email protected] &Assinder have, for 135 years, broughtexcellence to all furniture types with theirpeerless approach to trailblazing designs.

5.Busby & Busby enq 420Tel: 01258 881211 www.busbyfabric.comBusby & Busby is a fiercely independent andcreatively led company recognised as a leadingproducer of original and inspirational fabrics.

6.Rume Ltd enq 421Tel: 01273 777 810 www.rume.co.ukDesigners and suppliers of beautifully madeEnglish furniture, lights of English and Europeanorigin and cushions from just about everywhere.

7.Quarella enq 422Tel: 0800 107 7870 www.pianofortequartz.co.ukPianoForte Designer QuartzWork Surfaces byQuarella Ideal for Kitchens & Bathroomsoffering an unrivalled selection of coloursand finishes.

8. FeblandGroup Ltd enq 424Tel: 01253 600600 www.febland.co.ukGeorgian dining chair as seen on Hell’s Kitchen.Available in a large chioce of fabrics,woodfinishes and trims.

9. JIS Europe enq 401Tel: 01444 831200 www.sussexrange.co.ukThe JIS Sussex range already included a widearray of towel rails in many shapes and sizes.The addition of the Newhaven Rail extends theoptions open for bathroom design still further.

1. Julian Chichester enq 423Tel: 020 7622 2928 www.julianchichester.comSpecification – Design –ManufactureFurniture design interpreted in a unique andcontemporary way.

2. Edwin Loxley enq 408Tel: 0800 083 4118 (24-7) www.edwinloxley.co.ukTotally bespoke, fitted furniture with anunrivalled specification at a realistic price.

3. Seagreen enq 433Tel: 01896 753361 www.seagreenltd.com/chair.phpSeagreen UKmanufacturers of quality contractfabrics. Picture shows new stripe 4546 generatedusing new online upholstering feature.

FGU72

DIRECTIONS | 85Showcases10 11 12

13 14 15

16 17 18


13. Loomah Limited enq 316Tel: 0207 371 9955 www.loomah.comLuxury bespoke hand-made carpets in any size,shape or colour.

14.YouAre Art enq 359Tel: 020 7384 1113 www.youareart.co.ukCommission a modern portrait fromYouAreArt.They work from your photos.You simply choosethe style, size and colours youwant to feature.

15.Tambo Design Ltd. enq 364Tel: 01324 810000 www.tambodesign.co.ukOriginal artwork, fine art prints and pictureframing for trade customers.Available in anysize and any colour palette.

16.ClemaronWood Interiors enq 357Tel: 01483 201080 www.clemaron.co.ukOne of our contemporary bespoke storage cabinetsin oak with a solid ebonywood inlay.A primeexample of just one of our exclusive products.

17. Pegler Yorkshire enq 388Tel: 0870 120 0284 www.pegleryorkshire.co.ukThe BRITA Filter Taps from Francis Pegler is theonly range of taps to give you BRITA filteredwater and demand and interest in this producthas never been greater.

18. Lee Filters enq 313Tel: 01264 366 245 www.leefilters.comGet creative with LEE Filters - ColouredFluorescent Sleeves,Over 200 colours tochoose from, Fit T5,T8 & T12 diameter tubes.

10.Richard Baker Furniture enq 371Tel: 0208 3361777 www.richardbakerfurniture.co.ukThe new Bubble wardrobe available fromRichard Baker Furniture adds to the rangeof classic furniture with a modern twist.

11. Focus SB enq 304Tel: 01424 858060 www.focus-sb.co.ukA sleek, slim line plate to suit any interior, theTitan range featuresAllen Key fixings for astrong, secure attachment.

12. Feature Radiators enq 387Tel: 01274 567789 www.featureradiators.comOne-stop port of call for high performance, stylishheating.Contemporary and traditional designs.Competitive prices.Nationwide delivery.Expertadvice.

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We give you unique access to some of the most exciting imagery around and create high quality bespoke interior graphics to suit your environment.

Explore our website atwww.surfaceview.co.uk

Soft Blue Beetle. Exclusive graphic derived from original Haynes Manual technical drawing.

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For further details please call 01902 387080or email [email protected]

A little light relief from Davey!www.davey-lighting.co.uk 01394 386768

for product range and catalogue request

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Lightweight Composite Limestone

T: 01452 307 700 E: [email protected]

Quick and easy to install.Texture of hewn English Limestone.Interior Feature Walls. DecSTONE

Selectdoor doorsets from HAF have been installedat the new IOM3 building in Grantham.

IOM3 took full advantage of the wide range ofSelectdoors that HAF provide. Steel framed doorsetswere used in the washroom and kitchen areas andthe work spaces were partitioned using glass slidingdoors and track. The minimalist theme using naturallight was enhanced with pivoted glass doors. IOM3are rightly proud of the effect achieved, particularlyin the library, which may receive an award.

HAF supplied all the internal doorsets, glass, trackand ironmongery ready for fitting. Offsitemanufacture helped reduce onsite traffic, storage,preparation time and wastage. Crucially, theproduct's durability and design significantly reducesmaintenance and the life time cost of the installation.

All Selectdoors are fully compliant with fire and dBregulations as appropriate and manufactured bespoketo meet all requirements and variations required.

HAF will prepare door and ironmongery schedules forbespoke Selectdoor systems in schools, hospitals,care homes, hotels, offices and residential properties.

Institute of Materials Select HAF doors

Handles & Fittings Ltd01992 505 [email protected]

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email [email protected]

Please noteour new telephoneand fax numbers

Wish provide this unique bespoke printed leather furniture for clients who require quality and individuality that has never beenpossible before. There new process allows any Hi-resolution images-graphics and designs to be fused to their real leather andretain its look and feel of the leather still.

All the pantone colours can be printed and the client can become a designer by altering the graphics to there requirements thisincludes colourways and effects that can be easily achieved to produce that one off piece.

The specification of the Real Leather has surpassed all testing results for all Upholstery usages that no other leather or fabric can offer.

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With over 60 years background in the Upholstery & Contract sector they can work along side you to create that Bespoke item yourequire and then supply and make it using traditional and modern techniques here in the UK.

New products will be added on a regular bases like Scatter Cushions - Outside Wall art - Bedheads etc etc

Please visit Wish at www.wishinteriors.com

Wish Interiors Ltd Rowlands House, King Edward Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN31 3LA

email [email protected] tel 07802 382732

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Tel: +44 (0)20 7352 0397www.simpsonsmirrors.com

SIMPSONSM i r r o r s & F u r n i t u r e

1/7 Design Centre, Chelsea HarbourLots Road, London SW10 0XE

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Designer FabricsVery best prices for

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COTTAGE CRAFT SPIRALS

The Barn, Gorsty Low Farm, The Wash, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak Derbyshire. SK23 0QLTel: 01663 750716 Fax: 01663 751093

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Hand built cast Victorian & bespoke Timber spirals at Trade prices. Free Brochure

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Doors : Windows : LogosBackdrops : Space Dividers

Tel: 020 8560 3337www.cicscreens.co.uk

C.I.C. SCREENSMetro Centre St Johns RoadIsleworth TW7 6NJ

enq 360

Tel: 01785 811555www.decolight.co.uk

www.is landstone.co.ukIsland Stone Natural Advantage LtdPhone +44 0800 083 9351 • Fax +44 0800 083 9352 • [email protected]

Floors or walls.. . Outdoors or indoors... You can expand your imagination

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SHOWROOMSFind Flos lighting in central London,Maytag appliances in Croydon andMereway Kitchens in Rotherham

01 Moroso and Flos 7-15 Rosebery Avenue,London, EC1R 4SPwww.moroso.it 020 3328 3560Renowned Italian design firms Moroso andFlos have opened their first flagship store inLondon. The 600m2 space, designed byPatricia Urquiola, is spread over two floorsand showcases their furniture and lighting.

02 Loewe Galerie 237 Kensington High Street,London,W8 6SA 020 7937 7007 www.loewe-uk.comThe new Kensington store joins existingLoewe showrooms in Hampstead andBattersea and concessions in Selfridges andHarrods. Among the audiovisual products ondisplay is the Loewe Reference high-definitionflatscreen TV.

04 Mark Wilkinson Furniture 10West HalkinStreet, London, SW1X 8JL 020 7235 1845www.mwf.com The lower floor of this showroomfeatures three kitchens: the designer’s lateststyle, Shan Gara, in exotic veneers andvellum; the Victorian-influenced Etruscan andthe art-deco-inspired Metro. More kitchensand studies are on show on the ground floor.

03 Nigel Coates Studio 25 Thurloe Street, London,SW7 2LQ 020 7838 1068www.nigelcoates.com NigelCoates’ appointment-only studio opens withhis White Light installation. It features hispieces from the Loop outdoor collection forVaraschin, the Scubist collection for FratelliBoffi and the Corona lamp for Slamp.

THIS MONTH» 94 ECO NEWS» 95 MAKING IT & INTERIOR ADVENTURES» 96 KITCHEN PULSE» 97 BATHROOM PULSE» 98 NUMBER ONE FANClose

01

Flexform and Interdesign havecome together under the same roofto bring classic Italian style toDesign Centre ChelseaHarbour

FLEXED FORSUCCESS


SHOWROOMS | 93

02 03 04

Mereway Kitchens Sarah Street, Rotherham,South Yorkshire, S61 1EF 01709 380 065www.merewaykitchens.co.uk Mereway Kitchens’trade-only showroom uses split-level displaysto showcase the latest in kitchen design, doorand cabinet styles and a selection of granitesamples from showroom partner the OriginalMarble and Granite Company.

Maytag at HomeWhirlpool UK, 209 PurleyWay,Croydon, CR0 4XE 020 8649 5000www.maytag.co.ukThis showroom brings together four brands —Amana, KitchenAid, Maytag and Whirlpool —in multifunctional display and presentationareas. Maytag’s appliances are displayed inbuilt-in and freestanding settings.

FlexformG30 Design Centre Chelsea Harbour,London, SW10 0XE 020 7376 5272 www.flexform.itThe Interdesign showroom in the DesignCentre Chelsea Harbour has been completelyrefurbished and rebranded under the Flexformname. The store is aimed predominantly atarchitects and interior designers and displaysFlexform’s luxurious range of Italian furniture,which includes sofas, modular seating, chairs,tables and storage systems. A selection ofFlexform’s bestselling items, including theGroundpiece sofa designed by AntonioCitterio, are on display along withcomplementary products such as lamps,vases, rugs and other home accessories.

Showroomof themonth

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94 | CLOSE

LIVING THEGREEN DREAMThe pioneering Greenhouse projectin Leeds has set a national standardfor sustainable development

This year’s Estates Gazette Green Awardfor Residential Development went to theGreenhouse in Leeds, a pioneering project byCitu. The mixed-use property,which cost£27m to create, houses 172 apartments.It combines the latest energy- andcarbon-reduction technologies and won theaward for creating a nationwide benchmarkfor sustainable development.

‘We wanted Greenhouse to be unique, notonly in its groundbreaking ideas but in theway it would ensure sustainable living bychanging residents’ behavioural patterns,’ saysChris Thompson, director of Citu.

As well as an offsite wind turbine,whichensures the development generates more energythan it uses, the technology at Greenhouse

includes an IP network in each home to enableresidents to monitor their utility bills.Real-time data showing energy use translatedinto carbon emissions and pounds is streamedinto homes and accessed via the TV screen.

There is also an open-loop borehole andground-source heat pump to recover anddistribute heat through the development,something that has not been used in aresidential property before. The scheme willsave an anticipated 169 tonnes of carbon and3.8m litres of water a year,making it about60 per cent more efficient than the averagenew-build development.

Citu has also collaborated with Naughtone,another local company, on the interiors of theshow flats. The environmentally conscious

team has sourced all the materials from withina 20-mile radius of the Greenhouse. Eighty percent of these products are from Naughtone,which is less than 10 miles from the site. Theseinclude sustainable bamboo flooring andPortion sofas,made from 100 per cent wool onsolid Forest Stewardship Council-certifiedtimber frames. Naughtone is also offering aninterior package for buyers who would like to fitout their Greenhouse apartments in the samestyle as the show flats.

The project is proving popular — the first100 apartments to go on sale in 2007weresold within a fortnight and generated 2,500enquiries. The remaining flats will hit themarket in January.www.greenhouseleeds.co.ukwww.naughtone.com

Eco News


WORDS REBECCA HOH

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Making It

JAIL BREAKI get a bit carried away on a mammoth royal shopping spree at thetemporary Highgrove Christmas store, situated in a drawing roomat Clarence House, and end up carting heavy bags of organichampers around various meetings. I end the day at an embroiderysale for Fine Cell Work, a charity that teaches needlework tolong-term prison inmates. When one of the volunteers spots myDuchy of Cornwall bags, she confesses to her somewhatschizophrenic life — on Tuesdays she works at Highgrove as agarden guide and on Fridays helps out in prison.

CREASED UPOn a shopping trip with a client, we pass a Mayfair hairdressingsalon owned by a slightly eccentric family who are clients of acolleague. On the day a sumptuous white carpet was laid at thedaughter’s new Docklands penthouse, my friend received a call tosay the carpet was ‘broken’. Unable to make sense of this unusualclaim, he drove over to east London to find a small crease in thecarpet resulting from the roll being crammed into the li to get itto the top floor. He reassured the anxious client that the woolwould spring back in a day or two and was relieved to get themessage the next morning that the carpet was ‘fixed’.

CHRISTMAS JEERNo festive season goes by without a client demanding at shortnotice that a piece of furniture or pair of curtains must arrive forChristmas. I am oen tempted to repeat my laconic curtain maker’sannual exclamation: ‘They’ll look just as nice in January, dear!’This year, an upholsterer confides, is worse than ever because eventhough the designers have been efficient and planned early, theclients aren’t paying up until the very last minute. Understandably,the designers are unwilling to risk bad debt — so a few behindswill be siing on threadbare dining chairs while their owners tuckin to the turkey this Christmas Day.

PINE AWAYIt’s the time of year when I debate whether to have a proper tree —and face the new year prospect of hoovering up pine needles fromthree floors of communal stairway — or do something cuing edge(and non-dropping) with twigs. At least the fairy lights are never aproblem. I now always follow a wise designer colleague’s advice ofplanning a Christmas tree socket in every electrical scheme I do.

ONE DESIGNER’SDIARY...in which the walls have ears and the decor speaks volumes

Interior Adventures

WHOLE LIGHTBY MARCUS TREMONTOWORDS REBECCA HOH

New York-based artist and designer MarcusTremonto has added these slimline lights to hisfuturistic collection of luminaires, which made theirdebut at London’s SuperDesign show. Whole Lightand Vakpak continue Tremonto’s theme of usingmaterials that ‘reflect the modern age’.

Both hanging pieces arecreated using incredibly thin,electroluminescent electronic paper astheir light source, a flexible surfacethat Tremonto has been experimentingwith for almost three years (and wasfirst seen in his Paper Landscapesrange shown at this year’s Euroluce).Leaps and bounds are being made withthis technology as a result of its usein the competitive field of displaylighting, for example, for billboards.

Electroluminescence is an opticaland electrical phenomenon. It occurswhen a material emits light inresponse to an electrical current beingpassed through it, causing the atomsof the material to emit photons. Theelectroluminescent material needs to

be sandwiched between two layers of conductors, thetop layer needs to be transparent and, in the case ofTremonto’s work, Perspex is used. Vakpak inparticular takesadvantage of way the material can be used inrazor-thin proportions — the a double-sided lightimage is only 2-3mm thick.

Tremonto loves the way the material allows thelight source to take on so many shapes. But he doesnot like to dwell on the technical side of his work,preferring to let the products do the talking.www.treluce.com

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01 Aeon’s Grandeur radiator, which doubles asa bench seat, is a great example of a two-in-oneproduct. Its stainless steel construction isavailable in a brushed or polished finish.www.aeon.uk.com

02 Norbert Wangen’s K1 Single Block kitchenfor Boffi comprises a fully functioning kitchenin a single 5m-long block. Sliding open theisland reveals appliances, sinks and worktopand creates a bar or serving area. www.boffi.com

03 The AKR 809 MR Glamour Hood featuresWhirlpool’s EDS³ system, which reduces noiseoutput. This clever black glass hood with touchcontrols also adjusts power levels automaticallyto achieve optimum air quality. www.whirlpool.co.uk

04 Fired Earth’s first fully fitted kitchen range,the Moderne collection, has been designed byCharles Smallbone. It combines beech and oakveneered doors with painted finishes andmarble surfaces. www.firedearth.com

05 Minotti Cucine has joined forces with stonespecialist Antonio Luigi. The result is a newFrappuccino stone and Bolivar wood version ofits celebrated streamlined Inca kitchen.www.minotticucine.it

06 Mereway Kitchens has added a ready-to-paint option to its Lincoln range, which enablescabinets to be painted on-site to match otherfinishes. The units can be mixed with solidtimber doors. www.merewaykitchens.co.uk

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01 Made fromCorian, the Evolution shower byTouchtile is controlled by a touch sensor andoffers 15 temperatures and five flow rates.It is available in any of the 100Corian colours.www.touchtile.com

02 The shelf-like design of Brandoni’s Mobyradiator allows you to stack towels to ensure acontinuous warm supply. It is available in anyshade on the RAL colour chart, enabling it to bematched to any scheme.www.brandoni.com

03 The Relais suite from Ceramica Globo isbeing touted as a modern reinterpretationof classical sanitaryware, featuring squaredsilhouettes with rounded corners.www.ceramicaglobo.com

04 Bathrooms International has taken acontemporary turn with its new LennoxCollection.The range includes floor,wall andcounter-mounted brassware in chrome, nickeland satin gold.www.bathroomsint.com

05 Bibliotheque’s Ebony FabricatedWood tilesare a waterproof alternative to timber.Colourruns through the body of the porcelain tile,allowing it to be moulded to recreate the grainof real wood.www.bibliotheque.co.uk

06 Indigenous’s Riverstone bathroom collectionis sourced from the riverbeds of Central Java.The bespoke bath tubs, basins and sinkpedestals are crafted from volcanic rock.www.indigenousltd.com


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STEVE CHARLES’ expertise instone and ceramics has made adramatic impact on the interior

flooring industry. He employs increasinglyinnovative production methods and strivesconsistently to combine the newest techniqueswith a tried-and-tested knowledge of his craft,gained over a 40-year career.

By establishing Paris Ceramics in the early1980s and,more recently, developing his ownbrand,Charles has been responsible forreviving many native stones, reclaimed antiquestone and terracotta floors. He has alsointroduced many important stones, such aswhite limestone, to the industry.

The leading practitioner in the field of stoneand flooring,Charles also undertakes bespokecommissions for many prestigious interiorprojects. For these, he uses a wide range ofmaterials, including marble,metal, glass,semi-precious stones and bone.

WILLIAM DE MORGAN, a ceramicartist and craftsman,was the oneof the most influential members

of the Arts and Crafts movement.From 1859, De Morgan studied at the Royal

Academy alongside important artists andpainters such as FrederickWalker, SimeonSolomon and Henry Holiday. It was Holidaywho introduced De Morgan toWilliamMorris.

His celebrated decorative works include thetiles, stained glass and pottery he produced inhis Chelsea workshop for his own company,along with works for Morris Marshall Faulkner& Co, some of which can be viewed in theMorris room and the new ceramics galleries atthe Victoria and Albert Museum.

The strength of De Morgan’s technicalknowledge of tile production also led him todesign and build kilns and pottery equipment.He died in 1917, having enjoyed considerablesuccess as a novelist in later life.

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ARTS ANDCRAFTSTILEBY: WILLIAM DE MORGANFAN: STEVE CHARLES

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Inside story William De Morgan’ssuperlative skill in tile design and productionsecured him his place in history alongside WilliamMorris, his collaborator and friend. In the late1800s, during the height of the Arts & Craftsmovement, hand-painted tiles were increasinglypopular for use in interiors and De Morgan’sinvolvement in their design and production madehim one of the movement’s key players.

He is also well known for using intricate andunusual techniques — such as reduction firing forlustre finishes — and for detailed illustrationscreated using fine tissue transfers that would burnaway on firing. De Morgan’s interest in medievalillustration can be seen in the imaginative designsof many of his pieces. His depictions of fantasticalcreatures remain popular today.

The tile pictured above is an earthenware piecethat has been dust pressed and painted withruby-red lustre glaze. It was made in Chelseabetween 1872 and 1876.


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William de Morgan hasbeen a huge inspiration to methroughout my working lifebecause he was a pioneer ofdesign and craft.

He explored every technicalaspect and used materials andcolour in ways that fewdesigners had done before.He also rediscovered the losttechnique of lustre glazes in thelate 1860s and, following this,created the ruby-red lustre tileswith fantastical figures that Iadmire so much.

In my 40 years of workingwith decorative stone, I havefollowed De Morgan’s exampleby discovering and pioneeringnew materials and techniquesfor my work.

De Morgan was central tothe Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood,a collective of artists thatpooled their skills andinspiration. This connectsstrongly with the way I workbecause I currently workwith around 20 craftspeople atthe forefront of their fields.Like De Morgan and hiscontemporaries,we pool ourskills and varied materialexpertise to create our uniquefloors and surfaces.www.stevecharles.me.uk

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