Inex May 2017

May 2017 ISSUE 45 inex-online.com Download the Inex app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Search ‘Inex-online’

in[sight]

ex[rated]

in[spire]

ex[pose]

Inex shines a light on Alix Lawson and Charlotte Robb, Founders of London-based interior practice Lawson Robb

One of the world’s most-anticipated events returns to London’s Royal Hospital Chelsea this month, The Chelsea Flower Show

Inspired by nature, SODA Architects has provided a stress-free recreation facility for BMW China HQ’s workers

Furniture Designer, Stelios Mousarris, talks to Inex about the inspiration behind his imaginative ‘Holding On’ table

2 INSPIRE

3 EDITORIAL

08 Editor: Rebecca Kemp rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com Editorial Assistant: Paige Smith paige@mixedmediainfo.com Digital Advertising: Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com Michael Abrahams michael@mixedmediainfo.com Print Design Manager: Jack Witcomb jack@mixedmediainfo.com Production Assistant: Sofia Franchi sofia@mixedmediainfo.com Digital Design Manager: David Perry david@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts: Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com Charlie Ivy charlie@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director: Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com Publisher: Mixed Media Information Pear Platt, Woodfalls Farm, Gravelly Way, Laddingford, Kent. ME18 6DA Tel: 01622 873229 Fax: 01622 320020 Terms and Conditions No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photography or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literacy, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd. The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearence or non publication of any advertisement.

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M

ay marks the month of some of the industry’s most-anticipated events.

Designers from across all disciplines of the industry will come together to appreciate the best of British and international design. Kicking us off for the month, this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week is set to liven up the streets of London with some of the best names in interior design, architecture, furniture design and beyond. The studios of Clerkenwell will open their doors to inspire, educate and network with attendees, making it one of the most important design hubs in the world.

Moving onto the other end of the spectrum, horticulturists, landscapers and gardeners are awaiting one of the biggest gardening events to commence.

Situated within the grounds of Royal Hospital Chelsea, this year’s Chelsea Flower Show promises an exciting line-up of gardens, exhibitors and suppliers. With the season in full bloom, the Chelsea Flower Show is an event not to be missed. There is also a plethora of other design-focused events within this issue that can be found within our diary page, turn to page 7 and have your diaries at the ready!

Elsewhere in this issue, Inex talks to Alix Lawson and Charlotte Robb about their interior practice – Lawson Robb – Stelios Mousarris returns to Inex magazine with a new design, the ‘Holding On’ table, and Inex takes readers on a tour of SODA Architects’ design for BMW China HQ’s in-house cafe.

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Top left: Alix Lawson and Charlotte Robb’s motto is “to do things differently” Cover: Andrew Martin explains how neon lighting is making its way onto the interior scene Top: Wesley Barrell provides its guide for choosing high-quality upholstered furniture Above: Stelios Mousarris talks about the inspiration behind his ‘Holding On’ table

I hope you enjoy this edition. Don’t forget, you can also access all of Inex’s features and product inspiration at your fingertips via the magazine’s state-of-the-art app.

To download your version free of charge, simple search ‘Inex-online’ on the App Store or Google play.

Rebecca Kemp rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com

Follow us on Twitter: @INEXonline Download the INEX app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Search 'Inex-online'.

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INSIGHT At only 23 years of age, Alix Lawson and Charlotte Robb both tired of the creative limitations within the industry and founded their own business, Lawson Robb.

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INSPIRE Inspired by ‘mountains’ and ‘rivers’, SODA Architects’ design for BMW HQ China’s in-house cafe has provided a stress-free environment for staff to unwind.

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LOUNGE UK-based furniture manufacturer, Wesley Barrell, offers its advice on specifying aesthetically-pleasing, comfortable seating for clients’ lounge areas.

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EXRATED The Chelsea Flower Show returns this month to Royal Hospital Chelsea. This year’s show offers a plethora of inspirational garden concepts for those in the horticultural sector.

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EXPOSE Cypriot Furniture Designer, Stelios Mousarris, talks to Inex about the inspiration and design behind his 3D-printed ‘Holding On’ table.

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PAINT Paint features in just about every design project, but how often do you consider its properties beyond colour and performance?

CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK PREVIEW This year’s Clerkenwell Design Week is set to inspire all those working across all aspects of design. Lighting up the streets of Clerkenwell, this year’s show isn’t to be missed.

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RESTAURANT DESIGN Inex takes readers on a tour of the GeoIDdesigned Konsolos, Istanbul’s fine-dining restaurant inspired by the Art Deco age.

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NEW TECHNOLOGIES Yulio looks at the way virtual reality can boost sales and enhance collaboration by immersing clients in realistic settings.

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DOMESTIC FURNITURE Andrew Martin reports on the trends hitting the domestic furniture industry. From modular furniture to neon lighting, today’s consumers are looking for a personalised touch.

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AUDIO VISUAL Matt Nimmons, Managing Director of CEDIA EMEA, provides design and build professionals with information that is regularly asked by clients.

Top: SODA Architects’ design

provided a relaxing space for staff to unwind Middle: Glass has an abundance of uses for interior design projects Bottom: Virtual reality can prove beneficial for all those working

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within the interior

GLASS Glass can successfully contribute to many interior schemes, whether in an historic establishment or a modern dwelling. Here, Daedalian Glass Studios elaborates.

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in-house cafe has

MAY DIARY

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for BMW China HQ’s

CONTENTS

sector

INEX-ONLINE.COM

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7 DIARY

ICFF Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, 21-24 May ICFF will be taking place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York. The four-day event attracts more than 700 exhibitors from over 30 countries to present the best in contemporary interior design in furniture, lighting, carpet, flooring, textiles, wallcoverings, accessories, kitchens and bathrooms. icff.com interzum Cologne, Germany 16 -19 May Held once every two years, interzum is the leading trade fair for manufacturers and suppliers to the furniture production and interior design markets. interzum offers a comprehensive overview of new technologies and designs, whilst encompassing an extensive scope of products sure to inspire visitors. interzumworld.uk

INDEX Design Series Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai 22–25 May The 27th INDEX Design Series event promises to be the biggest yet, with more VIP participation than ever before and a host of exciting new features which will focus on designing for the senses. The event plans to allow guests to see, hear, feel, smell and even taste their way around the show and will feature ‘Design Talks’ with the iconic Henry Holland, luxury guru Bethan Gray and Interior Designer Jo Hamilton. indexdesignseries.com

The Canadian Furniture Show The International Centre, Toronto 26-28 May One of the oldest and most prestigious fairs of its kind in Canada, The Canadian Furniture Show is the best place to find out about the latest shapes, colours, materials and trends of the coming season. The event will feature industry professionals, manufacturers, retailers, designers, importers and suppliers from all over the world. canadianfurnitureshow.uk Middle East Covering Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai 22-25 May For the third year, Middle East Covering will see over 200 global brands showcasing more than 2000 products, ranging from handmade and machinemade carpets, textile and resilient floorcoverings, parquet and wooden flooring, application technologies and wall coating to wallcovering materials to suit every surface covering project. middleeastcovering.com

The Ideal Home Show Scotland SEC Glasgow, Scotland 26-29 May The Ideal Home Show Scotland makes a welcome return to the SEC, Glasgow, this May and is set to be bigger and better than ever. From kitchens and bathrooms, to bedrooms and basements, fixtures and fittings to fine food, gardens and the latest high-tech gadgets, to fashion beauty and gifts, you’ll find it all under one roof at this award-winning show. idealhomeshowscotland.co.uk

INEX-ONLINE.COM

8 INSIGHT

Doing things differently Alix Lawson and Charlotte Robb met when they were studying interior architecture and interior design under the venerable Mrs Duncan at the Inchbald School of Design, London.

Both designers’ upbringings had been steeped in design and architectural influences and, after training, they went to work in these fields.

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owever, they both soon tired of the creative limitations and founded Lawson Robb in 2003, with a vision “to do things differently”, focused on harnessing a challenging and dynamic, design-forward approach within a timeless setting.

Launching their own business at just 23 years old, Alix and Charlotte’s passion for interior design is clear, and they have never looked back.

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Would you say that Lawson Robb as a design house has a design style?

As a rule, Lawson Robb has no set practice style. We like to challenge ourselves, creating bespoke designs for each client, never using the same design twice and keeping our projects refreshing and interesting for both our clients and our designers. We create couture schemes that are forward-thinking and inspired by the exotic places through our combined love of travelling.

We are always sourcing new materials and products from around the globe, in order to steer away from trends and ensure originality.

What’s the most notable project that the pair of you have worked on under Lawson Robb?

Each one of our projects is thrilling and challenging, whether we are maximising space within a Knightsbridge town house through disciplined interior architecture and design nuances; converting commercial premises into exciting and elegant residential homes such as our former pub-to-home conversion

9 INSIGHT

What has been both your biggest achievements throughout your careers?

The greatest sense of achievement is that so much of our work is for repeat clients or through their recommendations. This is confirmation that we have understood the aspirations of our clients and that our designs have left them wanting to see more from us.

in Knightsbridge; or working on a large-scale 43,000ft2 private home, for example, in the Middle East. Here, clients want to incorporate global design influences yet retain elements of cultural traditions.

Most recently, we are venturing into the hospitality sector, which is something we have always been interested in and in which our team has global expertise. We are seeing shifting influences between hotel and

residential interiors. Our next major hotel project is for El Blok Hotel on Viaques, Puerto Rico, where we have been commissioned to address the FF&E, design a restaurant and bar area and create further bedroom suites for this architecturally-compelling building.

All information on our previous and up-and-coming projects, including schemes in both London and Dubai, can be found on Lawson Robb’s website.

Had you both always wanted to be interior designers?

We were both brought up surrounded by interior influences and architecture from an early age.

It was a natural journey to head into designing interiors for others.

What was the brief that you received for your Mayfair project?

The client whom we worked for on this project trusted our expertise and taste, so the brief from this international client was to create something luxurious and sophisticated with our own Lawson Robb twist.

Top left: Lawson Robb entwined nature with furniture for the Mayfair project Top centre: The Lancasters’ awardwinning interior successfully combines centuries, which is embodied in the lounge area Far left: Alix Lawson and Charlotte Robb met when they were studying interior architecture and interior design Left: Lawson Robb won the ‘Best Residential Interior’ at the Bloomberg International Property Awards for its design scheme at The Lancasters Above: The client for the Mayfair project trusted Alix and Charlotte’s expertise and taste

INEX-ONLINE.COM

10 INSIGHT

We entwined nature with furniture – a golden flock of birds catches one’s eye in the corner of the living room and allows natural outdoor light to be dappled around the space. Floral prints, created by one of our designers, are modernised in minimalistic black frames and continue the theme of nature within a city apartment.

What was the inspiration behind The Lancasters project?

Lawson Robb won the ‘Best Residential Interior’ at the Bloomberg International Property Awards for our design scheme at The Lancasters, Hyde Park, and this was down to a luxurious, timeless design, sympathetically mixed with classical elements to complement the building’s heritage, interior detailing and facade. Inspiration was drawn from elements of a diverse range of cultural styles to create an ‘international style’. This award-winning interior successfully combines centuries, which is INEX-ONLINE.COM

11 INSIGHT

In our Belgravia project, the spa was placed on the third floor rather than the more common underground hidden spa. This allows for natural light to fill the room through bi-fold doors, reflecting on the glass casing of the shower and steam room.

We have also noticed that kitchens and bathrooms are taking on a less clinical look and becoming seamless extensions of the principal rooms. Much like in our South Kensington project; our cabinetry is designed more as pieces of furniture so that these spaces blend more cleverly with their neighbouring spaces.

embodied in the lounge area. Lawson Robb makes use of the ample amount of natural light that breaks through the double-height windows of The Lancasters, using neutral tones and satin furnishings that absorb and reflect light around the room.

Are you witnessing any recurring requests from your clients?

Regardless of whether in London or abroad, clients increasingly want to bring the outdoors in. Using expert horticulturalists and landscape gardeners, we are creating gardens as extensions of the bathrooms where the plants have therapeutic as much as a sensory effect, particularly lavender, sage or chimonanthus where the velvety tones and scents add texture on many levels.

This prevails also in shower and bath design, using mirrors to reflect plant life outside, complemented by indoor plants such as palms, nurturing relaxation and rejuvenation by the feeling of being completely surrounded by nature. One example is baths made of treated teak showing knot and grain.

Top left: The Knightsbridge project is a former public house that is being extended below ground and above roof level Far left: Lawson Robb opted for a clean and sophisticated style with luxurious detailing for the Knightsbridge project Left: The project in Knightsbridge is a development

by GrandLane Developments Top: Kitchens and bathrooms are taking on a less clinical look Above: In the Belgravia project, the spa was placed on the third floor

What was the brief for your Belgravia project?

This was our second project for this client and we were delighted that they had returned to us to create for them their principal home. The client requested a natural palette; a focus on comfort and living spaces suited both to quiet evenings and formal entertainment. A radical design approach created a ‘wellness’ space with a sauna, steam and gym on the top floor.

The focus of the living room was to create a space that exudes comfort. The cool beige, grey and soft brown create a tonally-dynamic base for accent colours.

The bedroom was luxuriously curated with satins, rich cottons and delicate bedside spotlights with muted yet effective tones of silver, bronze and gold, to ensure that the resident’s night sleep is of the utmost comfort.

Light has been skilfully maximised in the spacious bathroom/sauna with its own balcony overlooking Belgravia. The soft neutral tones of the walls and the marble floor absorb the light while the glass that encases the shower and sauna reflects the beautiful bi-fold windows.

The soft furnishings of the bathroom coordinate with the terrace, which combines earthly elements of woven wood and ceramic plant pots. Generously-sized candles are encased in silver-topped glass holders to illuminate the terrace at nightfall.

What was the inspiration behind your project at the Riverside Apartment?

Our full-scale revision of the Riverside Apartment was the second commission from one of our long-standing clients; to make this Westminster pied-a-terre an ideal bolthole for visiting family. Here, the building’s Brutalist architecture set the tone for interior visual language, the result: a masculine take on contemporary luxury with strong linear minimalism.

This Riverside Apartment mirrors the fluidity of water through the dynamic drinks cabinet with shimmering blue and gold linear patterns. The cabinet was designed in collaboration with an artist using hand-dyed straw marquetry, a very specialist and time-consuming technique.

The many textures of this apartment, from marble, oak, hand-crafted upholstery and woven materials embody the sophistication of the Riverside Apartment and add character as well as warmth to the space.

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12 INSIGHT

Here: The full-scale revision of the Riverside Apartment was the second commission from one of Lawson Robb’s long-standing clients Below left: This Riverside Apartment mirrors the fluidity of water

Can you please talk us through your recent Knightsbridge project?

The project in Knightsbridge is a development by GrandLane Developments. This former public house is being extended below ground and above roof level and will be transformed into a five-bedroom, 5000ft2 luxury home including a cinema room, gym and spa. The period architecture is being retained to the front while the garden addition has seamless glazing and modern urban outdoor terraces. Lawson Robb has opted for a clean and sophisticated style with luxurious detailing. Vertical lines flow across the property, complemented by concealed soft lighting creating a warm glow.

The cinema and media room encapsulates Lawson Robb’s forward-thinking creativity, with a focus to create a space which looks both playful and glamorous. The enticing drinks bar is curved against the wall, metalicised with antique mirror backing and backlit to provide an ombre effect. The bar is flanked by propeller-style wall lights which are an innovative way of filling wall space. The walls and ceiling are in olive brown suede, providing sound INEX-ONLINE.COM

resistance and sensual comfort.

The carpet is bespoke, inspired by a gemstone pattern and the chairs – suede-backed and leather upholstered – are in a turquoise mint.

Is there anyone you would both like to collaborate with?

Lawson Robb’s focus is to develop collaborations with international aligned brands to create limited edition wallpapers, interior hardware ranges, fabrics and rugs.

What can we expect to see from Lawson Robb this year?

This is a very exciting year for Lawson Robb in terms of announcing collaborations. Our first major launch this year will be House by Lawson Robb, a new portfolio of home furnishings designed for developers and private owners with multiple homes, who want the high-level interior design service, without having to commission an interior designer. Our furniture ranges are in development at the moment and will be available to purchase online. This year will also see the completion of a few of our large projects that are in the Middle East and around the world. lawsonrobb.com «

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14 INSPIRE

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Moving mountains In 2016, SODA Architects was invited to design CUPONE, a coffee shop located at BMW China’s HQ by the lobby of Gateway Plaza – a commercial development near Beijing’s embassy district. CUPONE extends from an angle of the building’s lobby towards an outdoor terrace with an indoor area connecting both sections. To integrate these features, SODA selected a ‘mountains and rivers’ theme for the overall project.

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hen visitors enter through the plaza’s main access door and take the escalator to the second floor, the view offered by the quiet and rather empty lobby is hardly attractive. On the other hand, the real charm of a cafe comes from the atmosphere created by the diversity of its clientele.

For this reason, SODA Architects decided to design a lobby with an artistic visual centre; one that allows visitors to forget about monotonous work environments, and provides room to sit back and relax while enjoying a cup of coffee.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

Employees’ wellbeing is currently being spearheaded by businesses worldwide with a new mindset being adopted within the workplace to sustain staff. The design of an office or headquarters is now of utmost importance to a business and today’s interior designers, as well as architects, are being approached to create visuallystimulating places of employment to enhance productivity and concentration amongst employees.

Biophilic design The use of biophilic design – the idea of incorporating nature into the built environment – within workspaces has been proven to provide employees with a restorative and invigorating place to work. Inspiration, such as colours, textures and patterns, are taken from natural surroundings – such as SODA Architects’ ‘mountains and rivers theme’ – and implemented into the design of workspaces to improve work rate.

Fact file: Project year: 2016 Project type: Cafe Client: CUPONE Architect: SODA Architects Project team: Jiang Yuan, Song Chen and Chen Fei Design scopes: Interior, furniture and lighting Construction company: SOK Consulting Service Location: No.18, East 3rd Ring North Road, Beijing, China

The feelings that these themes induce will have a beneficial effect on both the employee and employer.

Such as SODA Architects’ ‘mountains’ theme, which delivers a cosy feeling of privacy to the open lobby. While the coming and going of visitors becomes ‘rivers’ extending into the distance, just like gentle streams of water flowing through the mountains.

15 INSPIRE

01: SODA Architects’ design was focused around a ‘mountains and rivers’ theme 02: SODA Architects decided to design a lobby with an artistic visual centre 03: Inspiration, such as colours, textures and patterns, are taken from natural surroundings 04: The coming and going of visitors represents ‘rivers’ extending into the

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distance, just like gentle streams of water 05: CUPONE is located within BMW China’s HQ by the lobby of Gateway Plaza 06: CUPONE extends from an angle of the building’s lobby towards an outdoor terrace with an indoor area connecting both sections

06 INEX-ONLINE.COM

16 INSPIRE

Such a visual and psychological enhancement creates a sense of continuity between the open area of the lobby and the outdoor terrace. To this end, after countless attempts, SODA Architects selected nearly 300 vertical ‘leaves’; their champagne-plated exterior provides reflection, forming a three-dimensional dynamic filter.

Thus, colour and patterns on each leaf change continuously with every move – similar to the effects of leaves during the changing of seasons – posture and variation on the clothing of both visitors and passersby. These leaves of different sizes are planted from the floor up to a height of 2.4m. Together, they create a range of mountains that provides visitors with a feeling of relative privacy and freedom of space.

Different shades of grey varnish were applied to the inner surface of the leaves. Side by side with multiple sets of purple seats, these symbolic elements reduce the influence of external disturbances, INEX-ONLINE.COM

allowing guests to enjoy quality time on their own or with friends.

Sophisticated indoors Regarding interiors, SODA Architects chose a colourful yet mysterious tone of ‘peacock blue’ as the main colour theme, as well as refined solid wood and marble materials to showcase on details. As an extension of the ‘mountains and rivers’, the firm hung close to 1000 leaves of white acrylic and reflective stainless steel at the top of the space, using particle hydrodynamics theory to simulate the flow of a stream of water, different material textures, light and even reflections; just like the gentle flow of water under the sparkling light of the sun. Thus, the stream is born at the entrance to the lobby, then flows through the cascading changes of mountains, into the most dynamic space of the project, right above the service counter, and spreads throughout the cafe, to eventually dissipate like gentle water flowers under the sun of the outer terrace.

Top: SODA Architects chose a colourful yet mysterious tone of ‘peacock blue’ as the main colour theme Above: SODA Architects selected nearly 300 vertical ‘leaves’ for the area between the lobby and outdoor terrace

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18 INSPIRE

We try to change people’s inertial concept of daily space. Therefore, CUPONE Gateway Plaza provides a place to drink coffee, while being an extremely functional art installation in itself. It is based at the heart of a business area that stresses work efficiency, from where it breathes a warm and vivid feeling into the structure.

SODA Architects was founded by Jiang Yuan and Song Chen in 2015, in Paris and Beijing simultaneously.

Using their comprehensive background in local and international forms of architecture and art.

Years of experience at Ateliers Jean Nouvel, Paris, and Pei Partnership Architects, Asia, Pei Partnership Architects Asia respectively, allowed both architects to participate in renowned projects such as The Suzhou Museum, The Paris Philharmonic Symphony Hall and The New National Art Museum of China among others.

In 2010, they were shortlisted by New York’s eVolo Design Competition and recently, the duo collaborated with Vogue Magazine on the ‘Gem•Dream•Style’ retrospective jewellery exhibition designed for LVMH’s Bvlgari. soda.archi « INEX-ONLINE.COM

Above: CUPONE Gateway Plaza provides a place to drink coffee, while being an extremely functional art installation in itself Right: As an extension of the ‘mountains and rivers’, the firm hung close to 1000 leaves of white acrylic and reflective stainless steel

19 INSIGHT

INEX-ONLINE.COM

20 LOUNGE

Choosing high-quality upholstered furniture When selecting furniture for a lounge concept, there is an abundance of consumer options within the marketplace. With comfort taking priority, aesthetics and model choices aren’t far behind. To make the specification straightforward, Wesley Barrell has produced a guide for selecting the perfect sofa for a scheme.

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logical starting point is to think about the best features of the sofa or armchair being replaced, so your client can try to emulate them in a new purchase.

Otherwise, having your client sitting on a variety of models is one of the only reliable ways to find the right one. People often choose a sofa after perching on the edge of the seat and bouncing up and down!

Better advice is to get your client to take off their coat and shoes as well and put their feet up, settle down with a newspaper or book or pretend to be watching television, just as they would at home.

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Sizing it up The size, function and relative formality of the room will influence your choice. For a small room, a sofa with slim arms won’t overwhelm the space. A streamlined model with a low back will complement a room with a low ceiling. Whereas, a high-back will give good head and shoulder support and echo dimensions of a tall room.

If getting the sofa into the establishment may be a problem, take door and/or stairway measurements to the showroom with you. When access is restricted, there are companies that will make a sofa in two halves or with removable arms and assemble it on site.

Above: The size, function and relative formality of the room will influence your choice Above centre: Feather and down seat cushions are the most traditional and also the softest Above right: Many popular sofas are based on designs of the past Right: Having a sofa made to order usually allows for some dimensions to be modified Far right: The cost of a sofa reflects directly to the method and materials used in its construction

Having a sofa made to order usually allows for some dimensions to be modified. Sofas can be made longer and shorter than standard two-, three- or four- seaters. For a smaller client, you can ask for a few centimetres to be taken off the seat depth so their feet can rest flat on the floor. Alternatively, for a taller client, you can specify a deeper seat so that the client’s knees are not higher than the waist when seated.

On some sofas, back height can be increased as well. A couple with preferred ways of sitting may benefit from ordering a pair of personallyadjusted sofas or a sofa and a chair.

Modular sofas also offer useful flexibility.

Undercover The cost of a sofa reflects directly to the method and materials used in its construction or, in the case of classic 20th century and contemporary pieces, to the reputation of the designer. Sofas built by traditional methods will have a hardwood frame with coil springs or a spring unit fitted to the frame. Onto that foundation will come horsehair or fibre stuffing, then a second layer including wool felt or cotton padding to give a firm seat or base for cushions. The best hand-built sofas can last for generations.

21 LOUNGE

Contemporary upholstery may also be built onto a hardwood frame, but will be constructed differently. Many pieces have firmer short coil springs or elasticated webbing and hessian fixed beneath high-density foam on the frame, sometimes with feather seat cushions on top. Superior grades of upholstery foam are resilient, but low-density foam used directly over webbing grid in some inexpensive sofas can flatten and begin to crumble in a relatively short time. Under-filled cushions don’t tend to last long.

Cushioned support Feather and down seat cushions are the most traditional and also the softest. They must be regularly plumped to maintain their shape. More resilient are seat cushions with a mix of feather and fibre with casing or a foam core with a feather wrap. These are firmer than pure feather but still need plumping. Foam provides the firmest seat cushion and is low-maintenance too, although seat cushions can look rather square and unyielding unless softened by a dacron wrap. Most back cushions are filled with feather and/or man-made fibres.

The best sofa companies will offer a full range of options.

Style file Many popular sofas are based on designs of the past.

Often, elements from different periods define the sofa as a classic, such as scroll arms or buttoning. But most of all, it’s the legs. A classic sofa with fixed covers and no valance can be transformed by changing the legs. Cabriole legs, bun feet and polished turned legs suggest a traditional context, while tapered legs and apt choice of cover can give the same sofa a contemporary edge. Some sofas have legs that are integral to the frame, but when they are fitted individually to a sofa, it can be updated to match a new room scheme by swapping the legs for a different style.

The obvious time do to this is when the sofa is recovered. wesley-barrell.co.uk « INEX-ONLINE.COM

22 WALLCOVERINGS

Armourcoat Koncrete chosen for UCL School of Management Armourcoat polished plaster has been specified for UCL (University College London) School of Management at its new space on the 38th floor of the iconic One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London.

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he unique space, designed by leading architect firm Levitt Bernstein in collaboration with UCL Estates and the school’s Director Bert De Reyck, has been created to enhance the school’s ability to produce disruptive research and entrepreneurial leaders of the future.

By providing world-class facilities that correspond with the quality of its teaching and research, the expansion aims to attract academic talent from across the world.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

The floor has been divided into six distinct zones which each serve different aspects of the school’s work and have their own unique identities. These zones, termed as ‘villages’, comprise offices and meeting rooms arranged around a central shared space. Armourcoat Koncrete polished plaster, including copper leaf, has been used to define the village zones with colour and texture, working with the new UCL corporate identity by Studio Blackburn.

Top: The floor has been divided into six distinct zones which each serve different aspects of the school’s work Above: Armourcoat Koncrete polished plaster, including copper leaf, has been used to define the village zones

Matthew Goulcher, Managing Director of Levitt Bernstein, said: “By using broken geometries across the whole floorplate, we’ve created informal spaces and shared breakout areas which allow for serendipitous meetings between students and faculty, with the aim of sparking unexpected conversations and shared creative thinking.” armourcoat.com « 01732 467994 « marketing@armourcoat.co.uk «

24 EXRATED

Left: Miracle-Gro ‘Come to Your Senses’ Below left: British Ecological Society ‘Delight in the Dark’ Right: Walker’s Nurseries was the contractor for Graham Bodle’s Walker’s Wharf Garden Below right: Chris Holland Landscapes was the contractor for Gary Breeze’s The IBTC Lowestoft Image © Royal Horticultural Society

The highlight of the horticultural calendar One of the world’s most prestigious flower shows returns to Royal Hospital Chelsea this May. Taking place from 23rd to 27th May, this year’s Chelsea Flower Show will boast cutting-edge garden designs, an abundance of new plants and inspiration for visitors to take home.

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ith eight Show Gardens, five Fresh Gardens and nine Artisan Gardens, the gardens and more than 100 floral displays will make up the 2017 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, sponsored by M&G Investments. Nowhere makes gardening more fashionable than Chelsea, with a catwalk of

colour and creativity, the brightest new ideas, the latest plant trends and the pinnacle of garden design, this show is one the world wants to see.

One of the biggest attractions at RHS Chelsea are the spectacular

Image © Royal Horticultural Society

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Broadland Boatbuilder’s Garden

gardens. Unrivalled in their ability to create the extraordinary, with the largest and most outstanding displays, they act as perfect examples of horticultural excellence and innovative landscape design.

RHS’ world-famous Show Gardens display the latest innovative designs and must-have plants, crafted with skill by highly-talented designers and their teams. This year’s displays include The M&G Garden 2017,

by James Basson. This garden is inspired by the principles of ecological sustainability and the urgent need for action to preserve the fragile balance of our planet. It uses the unique environment of Malta to explore the cyclical relationship between destruction and creation, as the country provides a microcosm of our planet’s plight today.

Professor Nigel Dunnett has designed the 2017 RHS Greening Grey Britain Garden. Set within an urban context of high-rise and apartment developments, Nigel will demonstrate and celebrate the multiple benefits of plants and gardens in even the smallest of areas. He will also provide a vision for the future development and use of private, communal and social spaces in the places where we live.

25 EXRATED

Artisan Gardens Traditional designs, materials and methods are revitalised by new approaches to craft and craftsmanship within the Artisan Gardens at RHS Chelsea. Representing some of the most imaginative and inspiring designs, these smaller gardens put a modern twist on timeless rustic ideas.

This year’s Artisan Garden exhibitors include, Gary Breeze’s The IBTC Lowestoft Broadland Boatbuilder’s Garden, Graham Bodle’s Walker’s Wharf Garden, Fiona Cadwallader’s The Poetry Lover’s Garden and Dr Catherine MacDonald’s The Seedlip Garden.

Fresh Gardens Fresh Gardens, fresh in nature as well as in name, aim to redefine the perception of the garden. Taking more of a conceptual approach, they embrace new technology, trends and materials to create truly innovative designs. This year’s gardens include The Breast Cancer Now Garden, by Ruth Willmott and contractor, The Outdoor Room, which draws inspiration from the work of breast cancer researchers working in the Image © Gary Breeze lab, in particular looking through microscopes in their goal to stop breast cancer taking more lives.

Whilst, The Bermuda Triangle, by Jack Dunckley, represents both the diverse topography and climate in Bermuda and the Caribbean, as well as the social and economic variances in the Caribbean region. This contemporary architectural garden is a representation of an active volcanic landscape interwoven with tropical planting.

The Great Pavilion The jewel in RHS Chelsea’s crown is the Great Pavilion, which not only plays host to over 100 nurseries – new and old – but also houses the Discovery Zone, an area dedicated to highlighting the very cutting edge of technology in the world of horticulture. The Discovery Zone features the Come to your Senses Eco Garden by Scotts Miracle-Gro aiming to tackle the overstimulated and sedentary lives of children in the UK, with a design that encourages children to enter the haven of a garden.

Whereas, the British Ecological Society’s Delight in the Dark will showcase the diversity of shade-tolerant plants.

Taking inspiration from the environmental issues surrounding bees, Burncoose Nurseries will shine a light on the lesser-known plants pollinated by flies, moths and beetles, while Raymond Evison has created a contemporary design inspired by the seashore. It features sand, pebbles and five large waves running the length of the exhibit, each of which will have clematis arranged on and below them.

Some of the exhibitors at this year’s Great Pavilion include: Avon Bulbs Barbados Horticultural Society Binny Plants Blackmore & Langdon Bowden Hostas Brighter Blooms Brookfield Plants Burncoose Nurseries Calamazag Nursery Craig House Cacti A shopper’s paradise An array of tradestands transform the showground into a shopper’s paradise, each selling the very

Image © Graham Bodle

best in garden structures, accessories and products, and complementing the quality of the gardens and floral exhibits on show.

Combine all of this with fashionforward thinking, celebrity visitors and a Royal victory, and it’s no wonder RHS Chelsea is the highlight of the horticultural calendar. rhs.org.uk/flowershows « INEX-ONLINE.COM

26 EXPOSE

Hold on tight!

Cypriot Furniture Designer, Stelios Mousarris, designs some of the industry’s finest, imaginative furniture pieces. Far from the mundane flat-packed furniture of yesteryear, his designs ooze creativity.

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telios’ previous role at renowned architecture practice, Foster + Partners, as a Modelmaker is detectable in his atypical designs. From ‘Carpet Sofas’ to rocket-inspired tables, many of Stelios’ designs benefit from 3D printing technology, making his designs stand out from the crowd.

One of Stelios’ latest designs, the Holding On table, is an outstanding example of how the use of 3D printing can add that extra innovative feature to a design.

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Talking of his Holding On design, Stelios comments: “The inspiration behind the Holding On table comes from a passage written by a dear friend and Writer, Charis Toulouras.

‘People made of gold, extraordinary people thus few, are destined to carry the world forward with all its burdens and darkness’.”

Looking back to the initial design stage, Stelios reflects: “I have always been fond of low-poly 3D designs and wanted to create something with that concept in mind.

“I designed the Holding On table with a minimalist approach on the passage written by Charis

Toulouras. Since the earth’s darkness is represented as a giant dark rectangle piece, I wanted to remove the organic human shape completely from the design in order to match the strict aesthetic of the block.”

Stelios selected gold for the 3D figurines that can be seen supporting the weight of the table.

“I included this due to the citation mentioned in Charis Toulouras’ passage – with reference to ‘extraordinary people who carry everyday burdens’. Often we use gold as an adjective to describe a special and valuable person.

27 EXPOSE

The black colour of the block represents the burdens and darkness of each individual that is carried until the end of time.

Also, when it comes to interior configurations, this is a common colour combination and can be placed easily in a contemporary space.”

When questioned about his design process, Stelios commented: “Fortunately, we did not come across any design obstacles and the idea was easily materialised. The block has been made as a hollow, monolithic piece to eliminate the possibility

of the 3D-printed figurines not being able to hold the weight at hand.

“The material used to create the dark block is 9mm-thick plywood which is spray-painted with a black semi-gloss paint. The figurines are 3D-printed using polylactic acid plastic (PLA) – a biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources.

The figurines are hand-sanded during manufacturing to remove any unwanted material and then spray-painted with gold colouring.”

When asked what interior setting he envisions his Holding On piece inhabiting, Stelios enlightened: “I never design something having a client or target audience in mind. My work ethic is to create ideas that come naturally to me through various sources of inspiration, either being nature or a certain emotion. The main goal is to produce unique pieces with good aesthetics.” mousarris.com «

Above left: The inspiration behind the Holding On table comes from a passage written by Charis Toulouras Top: The figurines are 3D-printed using polylactic acid plastic (PLA) – a biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources Above: The material used to create the dark block is 9mm-thick plywood which is spray-painted with a black semi-gloss paint

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28 PAINTS

much better for the environment, as well as the health of building occupants. The breathability means moisture can permeate out through the paint, preventing damage to walls and significantly reducing their maintenance lifecycle.

Rethink your specification for the environment We all have a responsibility to the environment. Many interior designers are responding to that by recycling and upcycling whenever possible. But what else can be done to minimise the environmental impact of a project specification? Colin Jones, Technical Sales Advisor at Earthborn, has a suggestion.

Harmful ingredients Conventional, acrylic-based paints contain two potentially harmful components: volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and acrylic softeners. Both escape into the atmosphere during painting and, for many years after application, contribute to greenhouse gases. These toxic ingredients can also find their way into drains and groundwater when washing out brushes and disposing of paint tins in landfill. As well as being harmful to the environment, they can cause chest complaints, aggravate allergies and cause sick building syndrome (SBS).

Acrylic-based paints can also adversely affect walls. It is now widely recognised that they prevent a wall from breathing, which can lead to moisture damage such as blown plaster.

Sustainable specification High levels of VOCs generally are associated with oil-based paints, but they are found to varying degrees even in waterbased paints. The EU limit for paints to be classed as minimal VOC is 30g/L. However, this is relatively high compared to the value that environmentalists recommend and which can be found among a new breed of environmentally-friendly paints.

It is advisable to seek out those containing a maximum of just 0.5g/L VOC. INEX-ONLINE.COM

The easiest way to ensure you’re creating a sustainable, environmentally-sound specification is to check the paint is EU Ecolabelapproved. This stringent standard covers every aspect of a product’s manufacture, use and disposal.

Earthborn’s paints have achieved this demanding standard. Made without oils or acrylics, they are virtually VOC-free and highly breathable. That means they do not give off any toxic emissions, so are

Above: The environmentally-aware specification for Overhill Cottage included Claypaint in ‘Donkey Ride’ on the kitchen walls and ‘Marbles’ on the ceiling Right: Specifying for sustainability, Downs Merrifield chose Ecopro Matt Emulsion for this new-build home. Here, white walls pick up a warm glow from the timber stairs, doors and flooring.

Image ©Rob Boltman Photography and Downs Merrifield architects

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ook at the wall in front of you. The answer is probably staring you in the face – paint.

Paint features in just about every design project, but how often do you consider its properties beyond colour and performance? What about its environmental credentials and sustainability?

Aesthetics and performance You do not need to sacrifice quality or aesthetics for environmental benefits. Carefully selected ingredients and technologicallyadvanced manufacturing processes create stylish, high-performance products that are safer to use and sound for the environment.

Claypaint, for example, is a unique, clay-based emulsion that is highly breathable, covers exceptionally well and gives a distinctive ultramatt finish. More commonly used on plastered walls, it works equally well on timber substrates.

Earthborn’s Ecopro Trade Paint range features matt and low sheen water-based emulsions, as well as an ‘Eggshell’. Highly breathable and odour-free, their unique formulations cover well and are durable. Eggshell’s smooth, flexible finish allows wood to breathe and will not fade or discolour with time.

Ecopro paints are available in the full BS4800 colour range, while Claypaint has a signature palette of 72 inspirational shades. Bespoke colours can be developed through Earthborn’s nationwide network of stockists. earthbornpaints.co.uk «

STYLE LIBRARY CONTRACT REDEFINING CONTRACT INTERIORS EXPLORE CONTRACT SUITABLE FABRICS AND WALLCOVERINGS FROM RENOWNED INTERIORS BRANDS AT STYLELIBRARYCONTRACT.COM

30 GLASS

Glass – the uncelebrated craft industry Glass merchant, Daedalian Glass Studios, collaborates with leading architects and interior designers to produce innovative glass solutions for a variety of projects. Here, the Lancashire-based studio highlights the benefits and choices available when specifying glass for a project.

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he glass industry in England dates back to the early Middle Ages with evidence of its established existence by 680 AD. Traditionally a craft industry, shortages of key supplies during the First World War saw a shift towards scientific production methods and improvements in efficiency.

Whilst this shift was essential, it saw the intricate and varied traditional styles of glass working – such as those INEX-ONLINE.COM

seen in windows of periodic houses and churches – replaced by simpler, mass-produced sheet glass. Another further development was the pioneering of the float glass production method – used in most modern windows – by the Pilkington Brothers in the 1950s.

Combining modern scientific knowledge with traditional glass working methods allows glass to return to its rightful place as a focal design element within a project. However, before we get to glass working; the proportion of ingredients used to create glass in its raw state also affects the properties of the material.

Examples of ingredients that are added to create a specific effect are: Barium: to increase the refractive index Boron: to improve thermal and electric resistance Iridium: to make bright colours appear on the surface of the glass Lead: to increase the brilliance and weight.

31 GLASS

Applications

Methods of glass working utilised

by Daedalian Glass Studios and its practical application within interior design projects include: Cast glass This is created by directing molten glass into a mould to solidify.

The process allows for extremely intricate designs to be created and reproduced on the surface of glass.

Almost anything can be made from cast glass.

Etched glass Whilst etching glass allows for intricate and artistic detailing to be created, it also allows the transparency to be restricted.

Fused glass This glass is heat-bonded together within a kiln. Fusing allows colours to be mixed and is often used to create glass wall art.

Stained glass and leaded lights These traditional methods of glass making are best known for church windows. For interior designers, these glass working techniques are suitable for period homes and buildings – or can be used to add a traditional aesthetic.

Laminated glass The major advantage of laminating glass is that it forms a safety glass – holding together even when shattered. Whilst laminating fabrics, metal mesh, stone or wood veneers create an artistic laminated panel, this process is often also used as a toughening stage.

Silvered glass Silvering (or mirroring) is the process of coating glass with silver nitrate. Silvered surfaces bounce natural light around a room to brighten up the interior design – such as the silvered pelmets and clusters in our project in the Belgravia dining room at the Lanesborough Hotel.

Painted glass This can be used, for example, to create curved partitions, wall cladding and kitchen and bathroom sinks from glass. Paint can be applied in various ways – such as by brush, machine or spray gun. By painting on the back surface of glass, all the design applications of paint are applied with the added bonus of the forward-facing glass protecting the paintwork and being easy to clean.

The glass featured within this article was all created by the team at Daedalian Glass Studios. For more than 30 years, the company has been creating unique luxury glass from its studio in the North West of England. daedalianglassstudios.com «

Slumped glass This technique reshapes glass in a kiln by heating it until it reaches a flexible shape. Gravity then causes it to slump.

Above far left: Kiln-formed and laminated stair treads Top centre: An etched wall and door design with a lead crystal handle Centre: An etched London skyline design Above: A cast lead crystal capital for a Corinthian column

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32 CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK PREVIEW

Exhibition venues from north to south: Design Fields Situated at the northernmost point of the festival, Design Fields will host a busy hub, showcase live events and product exhibitions showcasing leading furniture, lighting and product design from around the world, representing the best of contemporary international design.

Platform Hosted at The House of Detention, Platform showcases some of the world’s most exciting up-and-coming design talent in the infamous subterranean remand prison.

2017 will again play host to hundreds of design-led exhibitions, showroom presentations, talks and installations

CDW to light up Clerkenwell

Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) has announced that its eighth edition will take place from 23rd to 25th May. As the annual focus for London’s leading design district, the festival has been modelled to reflect the unique nature of this vibrant and creative London hub.

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ollowing the success of last year’s event, 2017 will again play host to hundreds of design-led exhibitions, showroom presentations, talks and installations.

Integral to the festival are the local resident design showrooms, many of whom partner with CDW, providing a world-class foundation to the festival through an array of stimulating topic-led events including talks, workshops, installations and product launches.

Over 90 participating companies commit to CDW, including highend furniture, lighting, kitchen and bathroom brands, alongside specialist manufacturers.

Hosting design brands without a permanent presence in Clerkenwell, CDW’s exhibitions are hosted in distinctive spaces around the area linked by a route running through the centre of EC1. There are seven exhibitions, each with a different curatorial focus, ranging from INEX-ONLINE.COM

cutting-edge international design to emerging talent, luxury interiors and the best of British design.

Each year CDW presents new design projects and street spectacles, commissioned especially for the festival to sit within high-profile spaces across the district. Working with some of the key pioneers in design, engineering and manufacturing, these projects aim to activate the local streets whilst pushing the boundaries of design concepts, processes and material capabilities.

As well as hosting an abundance of furniture and interior showrooms, Clerkenwell is also home to a variety of other creative practices including architects, branding agencies and craft studios. In celebration of Clerkenwell Design Week, a selection of 25 of these local practices throw open their doors to the festival’s visitors and host workshops, displays, talks and installations.

Project Set in the garden of St James’s within the beautiful grounds of Clerkenwell’s parish church, Project brings together a leading selection of contract furniture, lighting and surface brands from around the globe.

British Collection Now in its second year, British Collection will be located in the barrel-roofed crypt of St James’s Church. Some of the UK’s most exciting home-grown talent will showcase their latest furniture, lighting and product designs within this unique space.

Detail Detail can be found underneath the garden and crypt of the Order of St John. Detail reflects principles of fine craftsmanship and high glamour, showcasing the best and most prestigious names in the luxury interiors world.

Additions Additions is dedicated to small design pieces and interior accessories. The show, which for 2017 will move to a street market-style pavilion within St John’s Square, is a festival hotspot for interior designers and retail buyers.

Icon House of Culture Within the former cold store turned world-famous nightclub’s impressive brick vaults, the infamous Fabric will again host Icon House of Culture, this year featuring a careful selection of top international lighting and design brands with the show’s first standalone lighting show. clerkenwelldesignweek.com «

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34 RESTAURANT

01

Fine-dining at its best GeoID, a multi-disciplinary design studio focusing mainly on interior design and brand identity, was recently appointed to attract the attention of diners at Konsolos, a trend-setting hotspot located next to members’ club and hotel, Soho House, in Istanbul, Turkey.

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ith a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, Konsolos’ design has been commended by both jet-setting tourists and the local Istanbul community. Described as a “sophisticated dining experience”, guests have complimented both the interior design and overall dining facility. The mustsee restaurant serves up traditional Turkish dishes all wrapped up with impeccable customer service.

Konsolos offers a cool richness amplified by an elegant interior design concept and design realised

by GeoID. Notably, a set of diverse artworks – sourced from France and created on a bespoke basis for the restaurant – imbue the sumptuous interior. This eclectic coexistence of custom-made paintings that adorn the walls creates a noble harmony presented within the context of the restaurant’s design, which is heavily based on exquisite wood and marble, with mirrors strategically placed on the walls to add more depth and balance.

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Tugce Rizeli, Director and Cofounder of GeoID, explained: “The client wanted Konsolos to look sophisticated and modern with hints of an Art Deco mansion and, personally, I’m truly satisfied with the result.”

Adorned with artwork The quirky custom-made paintings that are featured on the walls throughout Konsolos were selected to add a combination of both history and art to the dining space. “We found a company called Hibrid in France and collaborated with them for the paintings,” comments Tugce.

The walls are adorned with these quirky, eclectic paintings, which depict a variety of wildlife – including

02 monkeys, rams, hares, geese and domestic sphynx cats – dressed in formal clothing; similar to the work of Artist, Thierry Poncelet.

Art Deco touches GeoID was heavily inspired by the glamorous dining rooms and history of the opulent Art Deco era; geometric and angular shapes, chrome, glass and shiny fabrics and theatrical contrasts (highly polished woods and glossy black lacquer). The material choice that features throughout the alluring restaurant exemplifies those found within establishments of the Art Deco period. The marble specified refers to the glamour and sophistication of the roaring twenties.

Whereas the wood represents

06

35 RESTAURANT

03

04

05

07 1: Pink-lighted chandeliers lighten the mood within 2: As Konsolos is a fine-dining restaurant, the guests the clients were mainly trying to attract had to be the guests that enjoy the finer things in life 3: Again promoting the Art Deco look, GeoID also opted to use a mass of mirrors to expand the space 4: GeoID was inspired by the dining rooms and history of the opulent Art Deco era 5: Konsolos offers a cool richness amplified by an elegant interior design concept 6: Complementing the Art Deco theme, maroon, gold and black have been used extensively throughout the fine-dining restaurant 7: The quirky custom-made paintings that are featured on the walls throughout Konsolos were selected to add a combination of both history and art to the dining space

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36 RESTAURANT

01 history and cosiness.

When designing Konsolos, GeoID had to pay particular attention to the end-user to meet the client’s needs. As Konsolos is a fine-dining restaurant, the guests that the clients were mainly trying to attract had to be the type of people that enjoy the finer things in life and appreciate luxury dining. Therefore, when specifying the colour palette for Konsolos, the hues had to reflect that of a high-end eatery.

Colour considerations Complementing the Art Deco theme, maroon, gold and black have been used extensively throughout the fine-dining restaurant. These colours are the epitome of coolness and richness when it comes to interior design and are known to be used in interior concepts that have been inspired by the sumptuous Art Deco age. Again promoting the Art Deco INEX-ONLINE.COM

look, GeoID also opted to use a mass of mirrors to expand the space, alongside pink-lighted chandeliers to lighten the mood within.

The result The finished result is a glamorous but cosy establishment fit for the fine-diners of Istanbul. Guests feel as if they have attended a dinner party at a friend’s mansion, enjoying Konsolos’ delicious dishes.

Commenting on the finished concept, Tugce said: “When designing, we mainly focus on the mood and how everything is going to have an influence on the people

who will be using the space.

“I think selecting different types of projects is challenging yet, simultaneously, fun. Konsolos was one of those projects where we created a story and started the designing process.

“Interiors have to be creative and innovative but, at the same time, functional and comfortable. After all, you are working on something that requires approval. So we always think about the clients and how we can make everything happen with a great design.” geomim.com «

37 RESTAURANT

02

1: The material choice that features throughout the alluring restaurant exemplifies those found within establishments of the Art Deco period 2: Complementing the Art Deco theme, maroon, gold and black have been used extensively throughout the finedining restaurant 3: The marble specified refers to the glamour and sophistication of the roaring twenties

03 INEX-ONLINE.COM

38 NEW TECHNOLOGIES

01

The growing importance of virtual reality in interior design When you get down to it, the interior design business hasn’t much changed in the past few decades. Designers work to understand a physical space. They then use their talents to imaginatively combine innumerable, disparate elements and conjure a unique environment to suit how their clients aspire to work, rest or play, says Robert Kendal, Managing Director at Yulio Technologies.

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oes it sound straightforward? It shouldn’t, because it isn’t. Once ideas have been conceptualised by a designer, they must then be communicated to clients. This is done through a combination of static 2D and 3D images, sketches, product samples and a healthy amount of elaborate description. Success relies on complex ideas being articulated precisely and interpreted by a client exactly as they were conceived. That isn’t straightforward either.

Art can survive, and sometimes thrive on some misinterpretation between artist and viewer. In the business of interior design, it can be a minefield. The INEX-ONLINE.COM

reality is that two people may well interpret a designer’s vision in two entirely different ways.

Assumption, bias, imagination (or lack of) and expectation can all affect how a new design is perceived and mean great work can sometimes never see the light of day and misunderstandings don’t get caught until they’re confronting a new owner on the day of completion.

02 Enter virtual reality (VR) Virtual reality is more than a coming trend that architects, interior designers and visualisation firms are keeping an eye on. It’s already here, and it’s in the process of transforming not just how firms market themselves, but also how they design, collaborate and communicate. VR eliminates the gap between a designer’s vision and client’s perception in ways that blueprints or 3D renderings simply can’t. The ability to immerse clients in a virtual space engages them in a visceral way and allows them to instantly understand what is being proposed.

39 NEW TECHNOLOGIES

The fish tank At the beginning of the scale is ‘fish tank’ VR which enables anyone with a computer, tablet or smartphone to view a space in three dimensions. The image on the screen responds to where the user moves their device. While this lacks the true immersive quality of a full VR experience using a headset, it can be very successfully utilised as a marketing tool via deployments on websites, or within situations where headsets just aren’t feasible.

The cardboard Moving on from this are basic mobile headsets, which allow users to slot in a phone, and advanced headsets, which connect to the phone. These headsets allow users to turn around and have a true 360° experience. This is great for faceto-face interactions, and meetings with clients and potential clients. Since low-end headsets cost just $15, mailing these devices to clients or qualified sales leads can show what a designer is capable of.

03

Tethered VR Next, we arrive at tethered VR, which involves dedicated hardware, such as an Oculus Rift or Vive, and users being tethered to the system via a cable. While more expensive and a little harder to setup, these devices are where VR really comes alive, creating completely immersive experiences where users are able to move throughout a space rather than being confined to a fixed point.

04 Meanwhile, collaboration tools let designers explore a space together with their clients, whether they happen sitting around the same table or on opposite sides of the world. Those benefits translate to meaningful results – whether they be wowing potential clients with a VR-enabled online portfolio or reducing the number of revisions due to clients experiencing how a design will translate into a living or working environment from the word go.

Current adoption of VR by those in the business of interior design is pointing to the fact that the technology is quickly becoming a must-have tool in the same way websites, email and CAD software have long been considered essential components of successful businesses.

So, what are the realities of integrating VR into an interior design practice? The answer to this can vary dramatically depending on budget, solution providers and any practice’s idea of exactly how it wants to integrate the technology.

Although there are various VR solutions available, not all of them are seamless in their integration into existing workflows and this is an essential part of having VR improve the designer/client experience rather than in any way hinder it.

When developing the Yulio platform, we felt it was essential that there be a seamless interaction between technology and creativity to ensure VR fits naturally with existing processes.

The integration VR is now able to work seamlessly around existing workflows and concerns that do exist around implementation primarily tend to revolve around perceived cost, an issue which is allbut negated with the latest cloud-based solutions on offer, and minor but legitimate concerns about possible feelings of nausea. Momentarily holding a headset up to the face, without fitting a head strap, while a particular design feature is communicated, is a seemingly simple way to avoid this.

For designers, enabling complex ideas to be ‘experienced’ by clients rather than simply ‘viewed’ is a simple but profound distinction. With near-future iterations of the technology enabling the creation of 3D models of physical spaces simply through scanning them, the overlaying of new environments on top of undecorated spaces as well as being able to edit digital 3D models in real-time, for many of those in the industry, future designs will be undertaken for every project with VR top of mind. yulio.com « 1: For designers, enabling complex ideas to be ‘experienced’ by clients rather than simply ‘viewed’ is a simple but profound distinction 2: Although there are various VR solutions available, not all of them are seamless in their integration into existing workflows 3: VR is now able to work seamlessly around existing workflows and concerns that do exist around implementation primarily tend to revolve around perceived cost 4: Virtual reality is more than a coming trend that architects, interior designers and visualisation firms are keeping an eye on

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40 DOMESTIC FURNITURE

Here: Modern living means that flexible furniture is in high demand Right: In recent years wallpaper has taken the interior world by storm and, frankly, anything goes

Make a house a home The luxury interiors market allows consumers to indulge their aesthetic preferences and offers unique, bespoke and luxurious experiences. Increasingly, consumers want individual and personalised pieces that are a true reflection of their personality, and this is what makes the difference between a house and a home.

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odern living means that flexible furniture is in high demand. Modular furniture emerged as a key design trend during Milan Design Week 2017, with a number of brands exhibiting furniture with customisable options. Consumers want flexible and adaptable pieces of furniture that fit with their home and lifestyle. The Andrew Martin sectional sofas offer a choice of the number of components, meaning that consumers can customise their sofas and add a footstool if they wish.

On a smaller scale, clients are opting for bespoke accessories – from rugs and cushions, to mirrors and lampshades – to inject individuality into their homes without overhauling their interior scheme. Custommade solutions are proving popular amongst discerning consumers, such as Andrew Martin’s recently-introduced bespoke cushion service. Consumers can choose any Andrew Martin fabric to cover a cushion and are given options as to the size and padding, allowing them to tailor INEX-ONLINE.COM

the product to their taste and style.

Lighting is one of the most important elements of interior design as it can completely transform the look and feel of a room. Layering lighting and using multiple light sources makes a room flexible and versatile. Opt for dramatic pendants as your main source of light and pair with statement table lamps to create an atmospheric mood. Wall lights work well as accent lighting to highlight interesting features in the room, such as art or artefacts.

Choose bold pieces featuring structural shapes, interesting texture or coloured glass to make a style statement, even if the lighting is switched off.

The current trend for neon lighting highlights the rise of maximalism as a luxury lighting trend, illustrating a shift away from concrete or steel options and the urban industrial look that has been popular in recent years.

Popularised by Tracey Emin, bespoke neon lighting is in high demand. With the Design Museum showcasing a California exhibition charting the rise of Californian design and style, the trend for neon lighting is expected to continue.

In recent years, wallpaper has taken the interior world by storm and, frankly, anything goes from geometrics and trompe l’oeil to floral and animal, modern or contemporary, grass cloths and fabrics as well as murals. There are also different techniques to consider; conventional, hand-blocked and flock. Over recent times, there has been an explosion in high-tech digital printing which has changed the game somewhat, allowing a huge amount of experimentation and emerging new designers.

41 DOMESTIC FUNITURE

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42 DOMESTIC FURNITURE

The choice is vast, but it is a highly personal one thoroughly dependent on the house and the room you are working on, not to mention your client’s mood and personality. Your client may favour the cosy appearance of wood panelling or books in autumn, or the bright, light feel of a vibrant floral in the spring. Whichever design and colour, always choose a paper with a high-quality finish.

This makes a world of difference, achieving a refined and sophisticated installation which sits back on the wall.

Wallpaper is very fashionable and, like your clothes, it’s never been easier or cheaper to change.

Clients want their homes to reflect their personality, choosing pieces that reflect cultures and places that they have fallen in love with. Japanese interiors are currently on-trend and have taken the luxury market by storm. To achieve this look, pair dark furniture in geometric shapes with rich colours in fabrics and on walls. To incorporate an Oriental twist on a small scale, add a lantern or screen divider. Alternatively, for a more vibrant feel, opt for a Guatemalan theme. Throw caution to the wind and choose brightly-coloured wallpaper in vivid hues, such as orange, green or pink. Accessorise with ikat and kilimprinted cushions and lampshades to complete the look. andrewmartin.co.uk ÂŤ Top: Increasingly, consumers want individual and personalised pieces that are a true reflection of their personality Right: Over recent times, there has been an explosion in high-tech digital printing which has changed the game somewhat, allowing a huge amount of experimentation

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43 WOOD

See us at Design Fields

t : +44 (0)121 559 9111 e : sales@obb.uk.com

www.obb.uk.com

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44 AUDIO VISUAL

Fusing design with technology – your questions answered The integration of smart home technology is fast becoming the norm for households up and down the country. As such, interior designers are increasingly quizzed on their smart home knowledge making it now more important than ever for design and build professionals to understand smart home technology.

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xclusively for Inex, Matt Nimmons, Managing Director of CEDIA EMEA, provides design and build professionals with information to enable them to answer the questions that they are regularly asked by clients.

What are homeowners’ expectations when considering making their home ‘smart’?

Homeowners expect the technology in their home – audio systems, TVs and home cinemas, lighting, security, data networks, heating – to be integrated and concealed within the interior design of their home, then operated, enjoyed and controlled quickly and easily, when needed.

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Who can I turn to for home technology advice?

CEDIA members are specialists in the integration of home technology. They partner directly with interior designers to maximise the lifestyle, function, aesthetic and efficiency benefits of the connected home for their clients.

As the people best informed and trained in the latest technologies, design, project management and installation techniques, CEDIA members are the best insurance you have that the final system will meet both your expectations, and those of your client.

To find your nearest CEDIAapproved specialist, you can use our ‘find a CEDIA member’ tool via our website.

Above: Interior designers should partner with a CEDIA member before the project begins to consider the technological aspect of a project Below: Audio visual technology is normally essential for the living room, but discretion is desired

What is my starting point when a client asks for home technology consultancy?

Interior designers should partner with a CEDIA member before the project begins to consider the technology aspect of a project. At this point, it is possible to design and plan the wiring infrastructure which will be needed as the reliable and stable backbone of the system. This will ensure that cabling, black boxes, speakers, screens and control panels can be effectively concealed or integrated into the design scheme.

E X P E R I E N C E

T H E

S E N S AT I O N . . .

THROUGH-COLOUR CORE DECORATIVE LAMINATES AND COMPACTS

With this new Monochrom Vibration Collection, Polyrey expands its range offering 12 new decors and 8 ďŹ nishes, for a sensory journey. Monochrom Vibration reinvents nuances of black and white, while playing on contrasts, decors and textures.

To receive sample or order a brochure, please contact us at 01923 202 700 or by email at polyrey.uk@polyrey.com

www.polyrey.com

46 AUDIO VISUAL

Another useful resource is the ‘Home Technology Client Questionnaire’. This white paper is designed to help interior designers generate greater clarity and definition around a client’s home technology brief.

It guides designers on the right questions to ask in the consultation stage of a client meeting. Split into three categories: audio, video and other items, the ‘Home Technology Client Questionnaire’ acts as a guideline for the designer to determine the type of technology required and the level of complexity that is involved.

Both white papers support CEDIA’s BIID and RIBAaccredited CPD presentation ‘Designing Integrated Future-Ready Homes’ which is available to all interior designers.

To download these documents, which are available free of charge, please visit www.cediaeducation.com/ resources/whitepapers.

CEDIA also offers a ‘finder service’ on its website, which allows interior designers to locate their nearest home technology professional. Users can search CEDIA member companies by postcode, services and certification. cedia.org «

What technology works best in each core room?

Living space For many, the living space is important as it is the entertainment area with the house typically centred around a TV. Audio visual technology is normally essential for the living room, but discretion is desired. TVs can be fitted discreetly into manufactured furniture, with speakers positioned in the ceiling for optimum sound quality with minimal visual intrusion.

Kitchen As we increasingly spend more of our time in the kitchen, it is becoming an important control centre for the rest of the home. Control systems allow homeowners to have control over and monitor the entire house through an iPad, iPhone or built-in, custom-design touch panel. A 3D representation of the whole house can be displayed in the kitchen and show where music is playing, lights and heating are on, doors and windows are left open and even if there is a fire breaking out.

Bedroom Comfort and style play key roles in the design of the latest technologies for the bedroom. Remote controls and smart panels fitted nearby mean that you can have full control of the technology in your room, and around your house for that matter, from the convenience of your bed.

As well as popular audio visual technology, there is also a huge range of technology available for the control of the lighting, blinds and curtains in the bedroom. Different ‘scenes’ can be set to allow you to change the feel of the room by one click of a button.

What resources are available to understand more about the integration of home technology for my design?

CEDIA has published two white papers that can help designers approach the language of technology with greater confidence and assist them in building better relationships with their clients from the outset of a project.

‘A Designer’s Guide to Common Tech Words and Phrases’ is an 18page white paper which provides useful definitions for over 100 words and phrases, including acronyms and jargon typically used by home technology professionals.

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Above left: For many, the living space is important as it is the entertainment area with the house typically centred around a TV Top: CEDIA members are the best insurance you have that the final system will meet both your expectations, and those of your client Above: Remote controls and smart panels fitted nearby mean that you can have full control of the technology in your room

The Sussex Range

by JIS Europe Ltd

100% Stainless Steel Heated Towel Rails +44 (0) 1444 831200 info@jiseurope.co.uk www.sussexrange.co.uk

48 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Left: Edelweiss’ piano configurator offers the ultimate in individual design, finish, colour, contrast and specifications Below left: The clever people at Edelweiss Pianos have come up with the world’s first ‘build-your-own’ piano configurator that allows you to create a unique, self-playing piano

ambience like nothing else, encourages clients to stay longer and enjoy the atmosphere with an extra drink or bite to eat. Add the striking good looks of a beautiful grand or upright piano, and an Edelweiss becomes a stunningly attractive centrepiece to charm, entice and inspire your clients.

A personalised piano that can play itself Edelweiss brings the joy of live music to you. Just like having your very own concert pianist, Edelweiss is a real piano that can play itself and all your favourite music with stunning, pitch-perfect accompaniment.

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magine the excitement, as you swipe your iPod, and instantly transform your surroundings with mesmerising live piano music. Edelweiss can bring the concert to you.

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A stunning centrepiece It’s easy to see why Edelweiss self-playing pianos adorn some of England’s finest homes and most distinguished hotels, bars and receptions. Live music creates an

Let your imagination flow Now you can (quite literally) tone your home with a piano to match with your decor. The clever people at Edelweiss Pianos have come up with the world’s first ‘build-your-own’ piano configurator that allows you to create a unique, self-playing piano in any customised colour under the rainbow; and with hundreds of finishes, contrasts and specifications.

So if you want a masterpiece to go with your monochrome or to fine-tune your furniture with your fabrics, Edelweiss’ piano configurator offers the ultimate in individual design, finish, colour, contrast and specifications.

It took the team at Edelweiss 10 painstaking months to fine tune the software for the bespoke Piano Configurator, using 1600 images and 20,000 lines of code.

Designing a piano can be done in as little as two minutes, and once designed can take up to three months to build.

“It’s said one in five of us now crave an item of personalised clothing, so we saw no reason why this couldn’t apply to musical instruments!” says Ross Norman, a Director for Edelweiss – now a third-generation family business – which designs self-playing pianos from its dedicated workshop in Cambridge, England.

The Norman family has been making some of the world’s most exquisite pianos for more than four decades. In 1975 – when Mr Norman, a Physicist and professional concert Piano Tuner – decided to handcraft his own pianos, the sceptics scoffed. But with an affinity for musicianship and the meticulousness of a true scientist, he embraced the artisanship of traditional piano-making – and founded 1066 Pianos.

Where other makers were set in their ways, 1066 led with innovation; engineering some of the finestsounding masterpieces the piano world had ever seen.

In 2008, 1066 Pianos launched the Edelweiss brand – an affordable piano, anyone could enjoy.

In 2016, Edelweiss launched the first dedicated, selfplaying piano with full audio. One of the most advanced acoustic pianos in the world, it is an innovative new take on the traditional piano, combining classic design and traditional good looks with state-of-the-art, self-play technology. edelweisspianos.com « 01223 881691 « sales@edelweisspianos.com «

49 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

BLANCO showcases new ZEROX-U Durinox models BLANCO Durinox is the ultimate innovation in stainless steel.

Extremely hard and highly resistant to scratches, Durinox stainless steel surfaces are given these special characteristics via a new finishing process that originates from the aerospace industry. The resultant unique BLANCO worktops set new standards in look and feel. The company has introduced the Zerox-U with Durinox, which incorporates the material in the bowl, drainer and worktop for resilience and beauty. Available in 340, 400, 500 and 700mm – the sink is entirely scratch- and heat-resistant and features both the C-overflow and new, integrated InFino drain system. blanco.co.uk 01923 635200

Lyndon seating – a box office hit at Everyman cinemas As Everyman boutique cinemas expands across the UK, Lyndon continues to furnish each venue with a bespoke range of seating that is vital for creating the intimate and luxurious cinema environment. A collection of two-seater sofas and armchairs made from a variety of coloured fabrics including velvet with fully upholstered timber frame, and complete with foam and feather deluxe seat cushions, are featured throughout the Everyman venues. In addition, ‘three-seaters’, and ‘uber-seaters’ – two-seat versions of the three-seater sofas that are designed to bring an extra sense of intimacy, originality and character to the cinema experience – also feature in some locations. lyndon.co.uk 01242 584897

Boss Design raises the bar at Clerkenwell Design Week Boss Design will stage a series of previews to visitors during Clerkenwell Design Week. Alongside an exciting line-up of new products, the brand will also be unveiling its new philosophy on the importance of settings in workplace design. Making their debut are several exciting seating and table products that are each designed to support new and emerging patterns of working and to foster wellbeing in the workplace. Lyndon, a brand by Boss Design, will be using CDW as a platform to launch a new sofa and chair collection, along with the new 120 table range designed by Mark Gabbertas. boss-design.com 01384 455570

Interface showcases first luxury vinyl tile collection at Clerkenwell Interface will be showcasing its first curated collection of luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) at Clerkenwell Design Week 2017. Level Set has been developed with thoughtful consideration for design and performance best practices.

The collection works seamlessly with Interface’s broad selection of carpet tiles. Visitors to the showroom will also be able to explore Interface’s latest global carpet tile collection, Global Change. The range offers designers a varied and expansive choice of colours, patterns, textures and formats to create nature-inspired flooring concepts. Throughout the show, Interface will be exploring the concept of ‘Positive Spaces’ with a host of high-profile speakers, interactive daily workshops and installations. interface.com 0207 490 3960 INEX-ONLINE.COM

50 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Paintable switch plates and sockets – discreet, cool and contemporary Specifying electrical accessories for an interior has become something of an art in its own right. This is due to the wide range of beautiful finishes available today. One of these options, available from leading design-led electrical accessory manufacturer Focus SB, is the Primed finish.

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nterior designers, architects, electrical contractors and homeowners can now specify modern metal flat plates ready to paint on site to match wall colours.

These plates, such as the Focus SB Primed range, are supplied spraypainted in white primer.

Even if the walls are white, it is recommended that the electrical plates are painted because there are a lot of different white tones available from many manufacturers. Plates can also be painted in any colour that the walls are painted in. This helps all the electrical accessories blend in,

giving the room a sleek finish. This can be particularly effective where a room has a feature wall colour or covering, as the plates can be finished in different colours.

Often Primed plates are painted to match the base colour of wallcoverings, which helps the plate merge into the room. Painted sockets are also often used in conjunction with clear acrylic switch plates for light switches. This is a practical solution, as clear acrylic is easily wipeable. The Prism range from Focus SB is the most comprehensive clear acrylic range available.

Above: Using paintable electrical accessories has been a favourite with interior designers for many years Below left: Interior designers, architects, electrical contractors and homeowners can now specify modern metal flat plates ready to paint on site Below: Plates can be painted in any colour that the walls are painted in

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For larger developments and commercial installations, Primed switch plates and sockets can be factory sprayed in any colour. Focus SB can match to any RAL, Pantone or BS colour. The manufacturer can also spray using paints from suppliers such as Farrow & Ball or use colour matching equipment to match any paint or wallpaper sample, if required.

When specifying paintable plates, depending on the range chosen, you can even specify the insert colour; for dark-coloured walls choose black and for light walls choose white. It seems obvious but this detail can really make a big difference to the overall look. Choose between rocker, toggle and dimmer switches in various metal finishes to complete your look.

Using paintable electrical accessories has been a favourite with interior designers for many years, often used in exclusive residential homes or boutique hotels. Architects in particular like to specify spraypainted plates to match other design details in commercial buildings.

These finishing touches help make the difference between a great interior and a stunning one.

Focus SB has a team of product consultants on hand to help and advise you on how to achieve your desired look. focus-sb.co.uk « 01424 858060 « sales@focus-sb.co.uk «

51 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Expona Bevel Line – luxury vinyl tiles defined The latest addition to Polyflor’s renowned Expona family of commercial luxury vinyl tile products is the Expona Bevel Line, featuring new contemporary wood and stone effect designs.

The Expona Bevel Line PUR range includes 27 designs which incorporate the latest architectural trends and are ideal for heavy footfall commercial interiors. The collection has a 2.5mm gauge, 0.55mm wear layer and features a bevel around the edge of each plank and tile for extra definition when laid. The Expona Bevel Line is 100% recyclable via the Recofloor recycling scheme and also contains an average of 40% recycled content. polyflor.com 0161 767 1111

Dawn to dusk Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners chose the Spectral IRIS luminaire to light its new offices situated on the 14th floor of its iconic Leadenhall Building. In collaboration with lighting consultant Speirs + Major, the architecture firm used a circular fitting for the general lighting of the space, and was impressed by Spectral’s transparency, which subtlety exposes its internal components. Having agreed that Spectral was the right product for the project, the designers at Speirs & Major further suggested creating a customised version. The new version would house colour-temperature tuneable LEDs, so that the office could benefit from lighting that more closely reflects the natural circadian cycle of colour temperature and intensity. ridi.co.uk 01279 450882

Revolutionary Trinetic task chair wins ‘Red Dot – Best of the Best’ Product Design Award Boss Design is pleased to announce that its Trinetic task chair has won the ‘Red Dot – Best of the Best’ Product Design Award 2017 – an accolade whose previous winners include Apple, Dyson and Ferrari. Beating submissions from 54 countries, Trinetic impressed with its exceptional quality of design and manufacture, scoring highly across judging criteria that included innovation, functionality and ecological compatibility.

Trinetic is the world’s first fully certified task chair to provide dynamic support without the need for manual user adjustment.

Providing ergonomic excellence and an unrivalled level of comfort, it can be specified across a broad array of settings in the workplace. boss-design.com 01384 455570

High class closing Powermatic controlled concealed door closers have been used on one of the newest apartment buildings on the River Thames. Riverwalk House, designed by award-winning architect firm Stanton Williams for Ronson Capital Partners, specified Powermatic concealed door closers for entrance doors to the individual residences. Powermatic door closers are concealed when the door is closed and barely noticeable when the door is opened. This concealment ensures that the appearance of the high-quality dark wood doors and interior finishes is not spoiled by intrusive mechanical arms and control boxes that would be an unavoidable consequence of using surface-mounted door closers. concealeddoorclosers.com 0121 766 4200 INEX-ONLINE.COM

52 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Left: For that classic retro look, ob&b will be launching the Audrey two- and three-seater sofa with its refined metallic frame Below left: For more than 20 years ob&b has been committed to providing a professional and creative service, promoting the very best of British design

ob&b at Clerkenwell Design Week 2017 ob&b will be showcasing its new SS17 collection of sofas, chairs and tables as well as additional products to existing collections at Clerkenwell Design Week 2017.

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ith the current crossover of corporate and hospitality spaces, ob&b’s Seam modular sofa is the perfect solution; relaxed and flexible, it is available in almost any configuration with a choice of arm heights and a new laminated, brass or copper table section.

A new range of hybrid Len and Nel stools and tables will also be on show. The glossy Len table comes with a copper or brass spun top or, for a more understated look, there is the option of a simple clean-lined marble top, all designed to provide both practicality and character for the modern workspace. ob&b has expanded the Nel stool range and it is now available in two- and three-seater bench options.

For that classic retro look, ob&b will be launching the Audrey two- and three-seater sofa with its refined metallic frame as well as the Robe lounge chair, perfect for work lounges, breakout areas or an atrium. The Topper stool and Ava range with its signature twisted elipse design will also be shown.

As ob&b products are made in-house, CDW will give the company the opportunity to highlight the service ob&b offers as a furniture manufacturer of high-quality boutique contract furniture with a wealth of choice of fabrics, colours, finishes and sizes.

For more than 20 years ob&b has been committed to providing a professional and creative service, promoting the very best of British design.

Every product is made to order and created by a team of highly skilled craftsmen and women. Controlled inhouse production maintains the exacting standards of products as well as providing flexibility for customers with numerous fabric, finish, shape and size choices. ob&b achieves versatility and uniqueness by creating products using a combination of upholstery, metalwork and cabinetwork. obb.uk.com « 0121 559 9111 « sales@obb.uk.com «

53 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Amtico launches carpet collection

Amtico has introduced its first carpet collections to the interior industry, combining the company’s design skills and manufacturing expertise to showcase flooring solutions that are practical, versatile and inspirational.

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ach collection has been carefully designed and curated by Amtico’s design team to blend harmoniously with its LVT offering, providing complete and integrated flooring for commercial spaces.

Creating harmonious zones and seamless transitions, Amtico Carpet provides a contemporary flooring solution specifically designed to solve problems in modern multifunctional commercial environments.

Amtico Carpet comprises 11 individual collections, 22 designs, 106 colourways in two easy-to-install modular sizes.

Adaptable for use across a wide range of sectors including office, education, hospitality, retail and healthcare, the collections combine effective design versatility with the reassurance of highquality construction.

Amtico has carefully selected high-

Hamilton shares knowledge of smart lighting control Hamilton Litestat will showcase its smart lighting control and multi-room audio systems as well as its high-quality decorative electrical wiring accessories at ‘Inside Knowledge: the BIID Business Success’ Conference. Hamilton will be demonstrating the benefits smart lighting control and multi-room audio can bring to a space, enhancing features and creating specific moods. Also on show will be Hamilton’s 17 designer switch plate and socket collections available in a variety of finishes. To help designers select the right finish for their individual project needs, Hamilton has produced free swatch sample boxes that feature mini metal plates illustrating its range of finishes for the event. hamilton-litestat.com 01747 860088

performance nylon fibres, and used advanced tufting technologies, solution dyeing and resilient stain protection with recyclable modular backing to create its first carpet collection. The result is a superior-quality tile which lasts longer, looks better and helps to promote sustainability for the built environment.

Amtico Carpet offers the exceptional combination of design originality, highquality durability and performance that sets Amtico flooring products apart.

Amtico carpet collections work seamlessly alongside their existing LVT collections, including Access loose-lay, Spacia, Signature and Acoustic. When paired together, Amtico Carpet and LVT can create a range of stylish, hard-working and versatile possibilities that will work in modern environments.

Amtico Carpet tiles are guaranteed to perform with 10 years’ limited warranty against colour loss, staining and wearout. Amtico carpet tiles are available in rectangular and square sizes. amtico.com « 0121 745 0800 « info@amtico.com «

Christopher Hyde continues to develop its range of lighting Christopher Hyde is renowned for its traditional designs and has now started to develop more contemporary ranges.

The handmade lights have been installed across the world, from country cottages to Royal palaces.

In many of its ranges, Christopher Hyde can offer hand-finished options as standard, allowing the client the finish they require to complement the interior decor in the project. Many architects and designers approach the company to produce bespoke designs. Using its artisan skills, the company is able to manufacture almost anything its customers request. As an expert in manufacturing cast fixtures including creations of low wax cast decorative details, Christopher Hyde produces exquisite designs. christopherhyde.com 0207 351 0863 INEX-ONLINE.COM

54 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Here: Obsidian is a highly figurative design taken from an original ink and salt-printed silk fabric Below: Hibiki is a stunning, two-tone contract velvet in a subtle ribbed texture

Style Library Contract to showcase Anthology collection at Clerkenwell Design Week Taking astonishingly beautiful products from some of the best British interior brands, Style Library Contract is an inspirational resource for stunning contract specification fabrics, wallpapers and paints.

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ringing together Harlequin, Anthology, Zoffany, Morris & Co., Sanderson and Scion, Style Library Contract is a one-stop resource for interior designers, architects and specifiers around the world, providing all the tools needed to create beautiful schemes.

Obsessed with great design, attention to detail and quality, Style Library Contract delivers one of the widest and most diverse ranges of products and brands. Each brand has its own unique personality and handwriting, but all have design and high performance at the heart.

Style Library Contract is delighted to be participating at Clerkenwell Design Week, Stand No. D3 – Order of St. John, where the company will be showcasing the latest Anthology collections.

With its uncompromising innovation, sleek finishes and moody metropolitan colours, Anthology is perfect for creating contemporary spaces.

Anthology’s creative finishes, subtle textures and sophisticated complexity is presented in contract specifications that interior designers and hotel groups worldwide can INEX-ONLINE.COM

easily access. A global colour palette ensures these edgy urban designs have a distinctly international feel.

Cutting-edge wallcoverings, tactile velvets, glossy wide-width sheers introduce a new level of sophistication to both contemporary and boutique commercial interiors.

The new Anthology Definitions wallcoverings collection expertly combines an edgy street-style with a slightly ethereal vibe. Designers Louise Draper and Linda Thacker comment: “Definition has been inspired by geology and crystals. More figurative and mystical than previous Anthology ranges, it adds an extra intensity of colour and design.”

Included in the eight contract suitable wallcovering designs are two dramatic digitally-produced panels. Obsidian, a highly figurative design taken from an original ink and salt-printed silk fabric, and Therassia, a wide-width panel promoting tranquility with its design evocative of sliced marble. All manufactured using the most technically-advanced machines and state-of-the-art production methods.

Augmenting the existing fabrics range are two new velvets. Hibiki

is a stunning, two-tone contract velvet in a subtle ribbed texture. This origami-style pattern interplays with the subtle metallic colours, resulting in 20 tempting variations to choose from. It has a 50k+ Martindale and is stocked with a Crib 5 backcoat so is contract ready. Ikko is a plush, textured velvet inspired by the crevices found in ancient tree bark. Available in 19 stunning trend-inspired colourways, it is suitable for contract upholstery, drapery and bedcovers and has a 45k+ Martindale rub.

To complement its exquisite portfolio of standard ranges, Style Library Contract is also well placed to offer bespoke solutions due to the manufacturing capacity within its group.

To discover the full range of Style Library Contract brands, launches and services visit the resource’s website.

stylelibrarycontract.com « info@stylelibrarycontract.com « 0201 399 0500 «

55 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

British manufacturer Formica Group aligns with Made in Britain Affirming its continued dedication to British manufacturing, Formica Group, the original inventor of high pressure laminate (HPL) is proud to announce its alignment with Made in Britain.

Aparattus launches a new collection Blending modernity with functionality, Aparattus Design has launched Robin, a new nature-inspired collection. Robin brings the movement of the world into the home, with the right balance between light and dark and natural and mechanic, and is reminiscent of the movement of tectonic plates. Made of wood, Robin perfectly combines the Portuguese tradition of producing excellent quality furniture with modern design. From conception to development, Aparattus Design’s main goal is meeting customer needs and establishing a transparent relationship with them, offering a quality service. aparattus.pt +351 224 151261

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he Made in Britain campaign is designed to promote and celebrate the manufacture of UK-made goods.

Formica Group is the only HPL manufacturer to carry the Made in Britain marque. All of Formica Group’s core colours and patterns, exterior cladding and the Red Dot award-winning anti-fingerprint surface Formica Infiniti, now bear the logo.

Enabling buyers and consumers at home and abroad to identify British-made products, the Made in Britain marque assists businesses in making purchasing decisions that support British industry. In this time of post-Brexit economic uncertainty, championing British manufacturing is fitting since the sector is experiencing the biggest increase in UK competitiveness in non-EU markets on record due to the weaker pound.

Joe Bell, UK Marketing Manager at Formica Group, comments: “A benefit for UK businesses using products manufactured in the UK, as opposed to Italy, Austria and other EU countries, include faster delivery times and better cost efficiencies. As a British manufacturer, Formica Group is able to provide price stability on HPL making it easier for customers to plan ahead." formica.com « 0191 259 3912 « samples.uk@formica.com «

Roman introduces Six Sigma training International shower designer and manufacturer, Roman, has introduced Six Sigma training to its staff development programme. Roman has committed to an extended twoyear programme of training for all of its operational staff to ensure they are qualified to a minimum of NVQ in Business Improvement Techniques. The training involves various workshops, presentations from the participants and practical activities. The participants review all aspects of Roman’s current manufacturing and administrative processes with the intent to making them more visible, effective and efficient. roman-showers.com 01325 311318 INEX-ONLINE.COM

56 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

EGGER launches 2017 Decorative Collection One of Europe’s largest manufacturers of laminates and wood-based decorative panels for the interior design and specification sector has unveiled its biggest-ever portfolio of decors.

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he 2017-2019 EGGER Decorative Collection features 297 laminates and 93 MFC decors, with matching edging – as well as 124 new designs and seven new textures. The collection offers interior designers, architects and key decision-makers within the industry valuable inspiration, smart solutions and a well-thoughtthrough holistic system to help meet customers’ expectations.

Impressive innovations With an extensive range of decors and textures in multiple materials, EGGER’s Decorative Collection sees the introduction of product innovations such as new PerfectSense Matt laminates.

These laminates boast a smooth, velvety surface and anti-fingerprint properties, which – while preventing the appearance of fingerprints on the surfaces – significantly limits the cleaning effort. PerfectSense Matt laminates create a high-quality finish with their unusual look and surface feel.

Although best-known for its ultrarealistic woodgrains, there are now over 90 solid colours in EGGER’s INEX-ONLINE.COM

laminate range. An added benefit to the full laminate collection being held in stock worldwide is that this service will provide confidence for international roll-outs. In addition, 90 door laminate finishes are also held in stock.

Textures and finishes Another highlight of the new range is an expanded choice of 24 ‘Feelwood’ decors, with industry-leading deep textures and synchronized pore finishes across all of its laminate, compact laminate, worktop, MDF and

melamine-faced chipboard products.

Right across the product range, unicolours are becoming a dominant force in interiors. Neutral decors, such as white and increasingly grey – in both cool or warmer tones, – are widely represented – with new ontrend blue tones now available in a range of shades.

For more information on EGGER’s new laminate offering, please visit the company’s website. egger.com « amy.muir@egger.com « 01434 602191 «

Top: EGGER’s PerfectSense range has been updated and now provides a coordinating PerfectSense laminate Above: U999 ST38 Black and H1122 ST22 Whitewood are shown here in combination

57 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Dallmer creates luxury in Westminster Seymour Place, in the heart of Westminster, is a vibrant area between Marble Arch and Edgware Road, which has – like much of London – seen properties undergoing refurbishment and redevelopment over recent years with one newly-built apartment complex featuring luxury en-suite shower rooms incorporating Dallmer drains.

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RJ Construction was the main fit-out contractor, for the dozen-dwelling development, continuing its chosen path of the past two decades delivering high-end residential developments. For the flats in Westminster, ARJ installed a range of different sized shower channels

manufactured by Dallmer, a company which has, as its CEO Johannes Dallmer said, evolved “from a master craftsman business to an architectural brand.”

Dallmer has created a completely new category of drain fittings that combine superb design and functionality, the CeraLine W Duo shower channels being no exception.

Marmox Showerlay360 Drain enables most versatile floorlevel shower available Marmox has added a drainage solution to its range of Showerlay floor-level shower bases, which has been designed to simplify the installation of plumbing in new-builds and refurbishments, and is compliant with all relevant standards.

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he new Showerlay360 Drain is fully rotatable to enable use in horizontal as well as vertical outlet connections – or any angle in between – for total flexibility.

For even greater ease and adaptability of installation, the compact drain measures just

80mm deep with a 50mm water seal. It can be utilised with both of Marmox’s Showerlay trays, which are tileable sloping bases for a shower area on either a wooden or concrete sub-floor.

Two options are available, a 20 or 24mm version which is supplied with a traditional

The shower rooms have been fitted out in marble and white masonry for a fashionable, ultra-modern appearance that is favoured for many contemporary interiors. Certainly, a conventional drain outlet would not have complemented this look, nor probably coped with the high water volumes flowing from deluge heads. However, the sleek linear drainage channel incorporated within the CeraLine W Duo range, finished in stainless steel, coordinates perfectly with the minimalist design.

For the site at Seymour Place, ARJ was able to fit the ideal sized channel for each room – spanning lengths of 700, 800, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500 and 1600mm, all with a standard cover in stainless steel.

Conforming to DIN EN 1253, the CeraLine W Duo linear drainage system is installed at the wall junction, with two drain bodies to choose from: outlet DN 50 horizontal and a ball-joint adjustable from 0-15º. dallmer.com/en « 01787 248244 « info@dallmer.com «

square drain or a 40mm-thick version which features a stainless steel linear drain. Both can be used to create level access showering areas, or wetrooms. The square drain version has a brushed stainless steel grate housed in an integrated frame which can be adjusted to accommodate tiling thicknesses from 5 to 15mm.

Thanks to the new adjustable Showerlay360 Drain, the siting of the drain gully is now infinite, offering endless design opportunities.

Depending on the angle of the outlet pipe, the flow rate is 30 to 50 litres per minute, and thus faster than its predecessor.

Showerlay, when combined with Marmox’s tried and tested Multiboard, ensures an exceptionally stable decoupling substrate to tile upon. Manufactured from an extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) core, the boards also provide very good thermal insulation and are completely impermeable to water for a totally leak-proof and trouble-free installation.

Marmox additionally manufactures solutions for pipe boxing, curved walls and showers, as well as bath panel kits. marmox.co.uk « 01634 835290 « sales@marmox.co.uk « INEX-ONLINE.COM

58 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Left: The highly experienced team are dedicated to educating clients on the importance of getting a quality night’s sleep Below: As part of the refurbishment, the showroom also has a purposebuilt ‘Sleep Room’ where customers can experience the market-leading SuperCAD adjustable bed from Treca Interiors Paris

Drift off to dreamland with Westend Bed Company Hey grumpy! Ever wondered why you are always irritable, angry and short-tempered? Did you know these are classic symptoms of sleep deprivation? Life-changing sleep is just a short, free consultation away with Westend Bed Company.

W

estend Bed Company is a specialist bed showroom located in East Sheen, south west London. The highly experienced team are dedicated to educating clients on the importance of getting a quality night’s sleep and showing them how best to achieve this every night and to reap the benefits this brings.

The showroom on Upper Richmond Road West has been a local destination for beds for the past 30 years. Having been completely refurbished last year, the showroom is the flagship store for Marshall & Stewart whose luxury INEX-ONLINE.COM

beds, in its Diamond Collection, are handmade in the UK by master craftsmen using traditional techniques and the finest natural materials to ensure the ultimate in quality and comfort.

Westend Bed Company is also home to the largest collection of Hypnos beds in the UK. The team at Hypnos are internationally renowned as the experts in making handcrafted deep pocket spring beds. Combining traditional skills with constant innovation and using natural materials, Hypnos has a reputation for making the most comfortable beds in the world. Having been granted a Royal Warrant, the team at Hypnos

supply the Royal Family and Royal household with beds as well as all the Royal residences. With over a century of bed-making experience, the Royal Warrant reinforces Hypnos’ reputation for offering the very best of British quality.

Perfectly complementing this specially chosen selection of quality beds is the exquisite collection of Simon Horn bed frames. Simon Horn rose to fame in 1982 when the company first transformed British bedrooms with its classic 18th and 19th century French-style beds.

Based on antiques and generously resized for modern living, these beds are handmade using the same craft skills and materials as the original designs. In addition to these romantic-style beds, Simon Horn also offers a wonderfully eclectic collection of furniture inspired by other classic, contemporary, retro and even futuristic themes. All of which are available at Westend Bed Company.

As part of the refurbishment, the showroom also has a purpose-built ‘Sleep Room’ where customers can experience the market-leading SuperCAD adjustable bed from Treca Interiors Paris.

To ensure you get a truly restorative night’s sleep, the team at Westend Bed Company offer a complimentary bed consultation service to help you discover the correct model, design and support system for your individual requirements. Each 45-minute consultation involves a lifestyle evaluation and sleep analysis, and is taken by a member of the bed specialist’s expert team. westendbedcompany.com « 0207 723 2925 « brent@westendbedcompany.com «

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in + ex ex in + The Inex app ‹‹‹ for or iPhone, iPad and Android swipe to see more!

Free download available now BROWSE | SPECIFY | SOURCE | DIGEST Inex is the comprehensive online specification portal for interior and exterior design professionals.

To support the fast-paced lifestyles of our audience, all Inex content is pushed via the stylish and easy-to-navigate app for smart phone and tablet users. The Inex app is a vital portal for accessing information on the move.

60 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Polyrey’s Monochrom Vibration collection delivers timeless elegance? olyrey is proud to launch its highly-anticipated new Monochrom Vibration collection.

I

nspired by nature and the power of the elements, Monochrom Vibration reinvents the nuances of black and white with contrasting decors and enhanced textures, creating laminate that delivers graphic effects and pure lines.

This makes Monochrom Vibration

INEX-ONLINE.COM

ideal for prestigious projects, designer spaces, furniture and reception areas.

From cosmic designs to marble to subtle woodgrains and bolder decors such as skin effects, Monochrom Vibration is a reflection of Polyrey’s developmental investment of its black and white

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range to deliver a qualitative and sophisticated offer.

In line with the market need for a through-colour core laminate, Monochrom Vibration includes 24 new decor combinations based on black and white cores (cold white or warm white) to give a mono-block effect with no visible joints.

To give life to this exceptional range of decors, eight unique finishes are paired with them—anti-finger print effect, skin texture, gloss and shiny surfaces to reveal delicacy of lines, or Roche finish, which is reminiscent of natural stone. Visually stimulating, the decor/finish combination brings intensity and strength to this new collection.

Specifiers can choose a throughcolour core in either HPL or Compact products to suit the type of work and application they are looking for. The Compact in particular can be used like wood and applied on horizontal surfaces for furniture, worktops, tables, shelving or reception desks in 10 and 12.5mm, or vertical surfaces in 6 and 8mm for wall surfacing, headboards, furniture facades or sideboards.

HPL Monochrom may be cold bended to create curved lines or bonded to all sorts of substrate. It is suitable for all sectors of activity, including food service, hospitality, service, public buildings, health and housing and is Sanitized as standard, as Compact is.

Polyrey’s Head of Marketing, Patricia Rahme, says: “Monochrom Vibration is an evolution of our Monochrom collection that offers dramatic decors and finishes suitable for high-end projects. With this new collection, we are taking the customer through a sensory journey, inspired by nature to support unique projects.

“Offering quality and creativity, this collection provides our customers with the wide range of materials and decor/finish combinations they need to deliver sophisticated, stand-out and ontrend projects that are timeless and elegant.” en.polyrey.com « Polyrey.uk@polyrey.com «

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