Interiors Monthly December 2017

001_Dec Cover_IM_1217:New Interiors Covers 30/11/2017 13:40 Page Flor1

deceMber 2017

Knowledge Guide Supplement

Trends Moody hues

Go room to room with new Art Select Storm Oak

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WISHING YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS But you’ll have to wait until the New Year to see what surprises we have for you STOCK ORD WILL BE DELIVERERS PRE-CHRIS ED WHEN RE TMAS

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CEIVED BY

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DECEMBER

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Truly transformative Victoria has made its intentions clear with a massive overseas acquisition.

And Interiors Monthly is 10 I said last month that Victoria’s £50m purchase of Italian ceramic company Serra was transformative, and it was. But that was just the warm-up act. Since Geoff Wilding’s arrival the group has spent £235m on acquisitions. Now it has blown that out of the water investing £246.5m on Spanish ceramic group Keraben.

The latest acquisition is expected to make almost £36m this year, so you can see the attraction. Shareholders seemed delighted on the deal, the issuing of £180m of shares and borrowing £160m, driving the share price up 6%.

At the time of writing Multiyork and sister chain Feather & Black were continuing to trade after falling into administration.

‘Trading conditions for UK retailers continue to be difficult due to a number of factors including economic uncertainty, rising commodity prices, increasing business rates and the fall in value of the pound which has increased the cost of importing raw materials and products,’ said joint-administrator Allan Graham.

‘This appears to be leading to a sharp fall in consumer confidence and less money being spent on discretionary items.’

Will the two chains be the first interiors retail victims of shoppers cutting back? Will they hang on to have a Boxing Day sale that doesn’t become a closing down one?

Figures from bed and mattress buyers show that online matched stores as the method of purchase between February and August, although there were large regional differences, with two-thirds of shoppers in the South East of England preferring online compared to just 14% in Northern Ireland.

Interestingly, people in Yorkshire spend more than a fifth less on a bed or mattress than the rest of the country.

In December 2007 a new magazine arrived through your letterbox: the first issue of Interiors Monthly, and this month marks our 10th anniversary. It certainly doesn’t seem like it was 10 years ago. Our thanks to all of our readers, advertisers and contributors over the past decade, and here’s to the next one.

A happy Christmas and prosperous winter sale to all of you.

INTERIORS MONTHLY DECEMBER 2017

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 4 8 10

Victoria seals £246.5m ceramic deal Administration for retail duo Dickens to step down from Habitat

FEATURES 20

Trends Colours and designs for urbanites

28

LVT Embossed textures

30

Laminate Digital future

35

Knowledge guide Essential information for those new to retail

87

Accessories Spoilt for choice

88

Buying groups Ordering, services package, keeping sales in-store

94

Wool The fibre of choice

96

Preview Heimtextil, January Furniture Show, IHGF, Domotex

112 Review Brussels Furniture Fair

NEXT ISSUE SS17: retailers’ trends Show guide: January Furniture Show Editor: Andrew Kidd T: 01273 930 029 E: akidd@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Furniture advertising (South): Tim Boden T: 01732 441 130 E: tboden@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Go room to room with the new Art Select Storm Oak from Kardean Designflooring www.karndean.com

Furniture advertising (North): Jarrod Bird T: 01565 631 397 E: jbird@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Carpet, flooring, lighting and accessories advertising: Joanne Paull T: 01732 441 130 E: jpaull@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Published by Interiors Media Limited Minerva House, Kinnings Row, Bordyke, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1NP T: 01732 441 130 F: 01732 362 919 E: enquiries@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Registered in England no. 6397722 Print: Knockout Print Design by TRUPRINT MEDIA © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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NEWS

Parity for bed sales in-store and online Keraben had sales of £106.4m last year

Victoria seals £246m Keraben ceramic deal Victoria has agreed to pay £246.5m to buy Spanish ceramic tile manufacturer Keraben.

The group has issued £180m of new shares to help pay for the deal and future acquisitions, and borrowed £160m.

Keraben generated an EBITDA of £32.7m from sales of £106.4m last year and Victoria says profits will be 10% higher this year. Keraben’s management has agreed to remain for three years.

The share placing will make up 20.17% of the increased shares, but the company says the deal will increase earnings per share in the first full year of ownership, even allowing for the increased number of shares.

‘We believe that Keraben is a high-quality addition to the group. Notwithstanding its further strong organic growth prospects, the acquisition of Keraben will be materially earnings accretive in the first year of ownership and continues to increase our geographic diversity. Post-completion, over 50% of Victoria’s earnings will be generated from outside the UK: continuing our transformation into a genuinely international flooring business,’ said Geoff Wilding, Victoria executive chairman.

Two decades: Shire Beds marked its 20th anniversary by officially opening its new head office in Dewsbury. Pictured are Fara Butt, Shire sales and marketing director; Christine Iredale, Mayor of Kirklees; Baroness Warsi; Sajid Butt, Shire director; Sadfar Hussain, Shire founder; and Paula Sheriff, MP for Dewsbury.

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

As many people are buying their beds online as they do in-store, while the average price has dipped.

The research was carried out by Opinion Matters for the National Bed Federation and is based on a sample of 501 people who purchased a bed or mattress from February 2017 to the end of August 2017.

‘Since we started these biannual surveys at the beginning of 2015, there has been a clear trend towards more online shopping. These latest findings are the first time there has been parity between in-store and online sales, demonstrating consumers are more comfortable with Internet shopping for beds. This development is also indicated in the increased importance of reviews in making purchasing decisions,’ said Simon Williams, NBF marketing manager.

The over 65s were most likely to purchase in-store (65.4%) and least likely (30.8%) to purchase online. The 25-34 and 55-64 year-old groups were the most likely to purchase online at 55% and 56% respectively.

Some 23% of purchases were made at national bed specialists, slightly down from the previous report. Local independent bed stores ranked at 16.5%, down slightly from the previous 18%.

Online retailers such as Argos, Amazon, eBay and Very accounted for 18.6% of purchases, an increase from the previous 14.3%.

Regionally, customers in the South East were the least likely to purchase in-store (34.8%) compared to Northern Ireland where 85.7% of purchases are made in-store, and in Scotland it was 65.1%.

‘The regional variations are interesting and pose many questions. Perhaps those in the South East are time poor and keen to avoid congestion and parking problems when shopping whereas, in other areas, consumers prefer to enjoy more traditional shopping habits,’ added Williams.

The survey also found that the average price paid for the new bed or mattress was £476.28 compared to £505.77 in the previous report. The standard double is still the most popular size (43.7%) with 23.6% opting for a king size, down from the previous 29%.

People in Yorkshire spent the lowest, averaging just £372.70 which is 21.75% lower than the national average.

The average replacement cycle was 7.62 years compared to 7.44 years in the previous report. Some 65.4% of respondents replaced their mattress in under 10 years with 30.9% doing so in under five years.

Old product that had worn out (35.3%) was the main reason given for replacement, an increase from 30.2% previously, with improved comfort at 31.9%, down from the previous 33.5%.

The most important factors when making the purchasing decision were: comfort (74%), price (63.5%), style/design (31.7%), availability (25.7%), and reviews (23.2%).

More people are buying mattresses alone, rather than with bedsteads or divan sets (55.7%).

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It’s the season of goodwill. It’s time to invite Invictus in.

Invite Magnificus into the master bedroom

Magnificus is an award-winning product that features the very latest yarn technology in our unique iVinci SDO StainAway construction.

In true saxony style, the pile is deep and the feel is luxurious. It’s another example of our

revolutionary tenth-gauge solution-dyed fibre technology which, at 2210gm, makes it ideal

for heavy-wear domestic use. Fifteen subtle colourways will suit virtually any décor.

Invite Sirius into the dining room

In a place like the dining room, spills and

splashes can soon spoil the effect of a new carpet. So Sirius, with its 20-year stain and wear warranty, is the ideal choice to make

mopping up an easier task. Sirius is a 2370gm

twist that comes in 14 subtle, homely shades

to make dining a pleasure. And fusionbac backing keeps in the heat and makes fitting simple.

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Look for the Buttery

Associated Weavers Sales: 01422 431100 Email: salesuk@awe.be

Invite Centaurus into the loft

Centaurus is the natural choice for loft living.

It’s a cut-pile saxony in 100% polypropylene, with soft-sparkle technology – new and different

for someone’s favourite hideaway haven.

Whether it’s Centaurus, Hercules, Magnificus, Pegasus or Sirius, your Sales Manager will

guarantee a speedy, pre-Christmas delivery.

Make the most of these popular styles – undoubtable 2017 victors from the Associated Weavers House of Invictus.

Invite Hercules upstairs

Even a Roman superhero would appreciate the

supersoft feel of Hercules on the stairs and landing – and hallways and spare bedrooms

would appreciate Hercules as well. This

1190gm twist is another fine example of the versatility of our unique iVinci fibre construction.

Its fifteen shades give an unparalleled choice

of softness and durability for sure-fired resistance to strong feet.

Invite Pegasus into the living room

All Invictus products are available in 2m, 2.5m, 3m, 4m and 5m multi-width variants, so for a room that’s usually the largest in the home,

this beautiful heathered textured carpet gives 4m or 5m choices offer great economy and flexibility. One of the earliest styles to be

launched under the Invictus banner, Pegasus is

soft underfoot, but its heavyweight 2370gm pile makes it durable and hard wearing for the busiest place in the home.

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NEWS

Multiyork and Feather & Black in administration Only two months after being put up for sale, sister chains Multiyork and Feather & Black have gone into administration.

On 25 September owner Wade Furniture Group said it was looking for a new owner for the chains as Charles Wade wished to retire. On 22 November Allan Graham and Matt Ingram, of Duff and Phelps, were appointed joint administrators for Multiyork and then for Feather & Black on 27 November.

‘Trading conditions for UK retailers continue to be difficult due to a number of factors including economic uncertainty, rising commodity prices, increasing business rates and the fall in value of the pound which has increased the cost of importing raw materials and products,’ said Graham. ‘This appears to be leading to a sharp fall in consumer confidence and less money being spent on discretionary items.’

Consumers becoming more cautious meant Multiyork could ‘no longer meet ongoing liabilities. We intend to continue to trade the business for a short period as we look for a buyer. We are hopeful we can find a buyer and we are asking interested parties to come forward as quickly as possible,’ he said.

The 51-store chain made a pre-tax profit of £479,000 from sales of £50.43m, up 5.5%, in the year to 2 October 2016, its first profit since 2010, when it made £650,000. Between the

Administrators are hopeful of finding a buyer for Multiyork

profitable years it lost £11.72m. In September trading was described as ‘ahead of the market, and last year.’

Graham said the 25-store Feather & Black would continue to trade ‘in the short term with a view to finding a purchaser for the business as a going concern. We are confident that a buyer will be found.’

In the year to 2 October 2016, it saw a pre-tax loss of £3.63m become a profit of £204,000 on sales up £527,000 at £23.175m: its first profit since 2010. Between the profitable years it lost £8.62m.

Midpoint move

New store and new owner Sofology has opened its 40th branch, this time in Farnborough, Hampshire.

The store, which is on the Horizon Shopping Park, is the fifth of six new stores this year following York, Wednesbury, Kirkcaldy and Norwich.

Rugby is set to open before Christmas.

Being its third biggest store at 23,500sqft, the branch will hold the company’s bestsellers as well as launches, displaying 102 ranges in roomsets with interactive touchscreens.

The opening came as the Competition & Markets Authority approved DFS’s acquisition of the chain. ‘I’m delighted that we are able to complete this deal, which is a big step for DFS towards achieving one of our strategic growth aims of broadening our product and brand appeal,’ said Ian Filby, DFS ceo.

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

Hoppen on carpet: Designer Kelly Hoppen has introduced her first carpet collection, eschewing traditional designs. The Kelly Hoppen Collection by Brintons consists of 13 geometric and organic designs that reflect the designer’s style and pared-back aesthetic.

‘I wanted to do something quite cutting edge and out there compared to what we see at the moment. I think it’s different and it’s in the forefront of design in terms of commercial carpeting, so I am extremely excited,’ said Hoppen. ‘It’s been fun, it’s been enlightening and I’ve learnt a lot from it. Carpet is an interesting product to design. Although you think of it as a flat surface, it is threedimensional so the design process is complex.’

The Midpoint Furniture Exhibition is to move to Manchester, alongside the Manchester Furniture Show.

Midpoint will retain its own identity and occupy Charter Hall adjacent to the main hall of Manchester Central. Moving from its June dates and its Solihull location, Midpoint will extend from two to three days in line with the Manchester Furniture Show’s 15-17 July dates.

‘This is big news for both shows, Midpoint has a great reputation and exhibitors of high quality,’ said Theresa Raymond, Manchester Furniture Show director.

‘We are delighted to welcome their exhibitors and visitors to our long established, and popular Manchester event. The planning for 2018 has already begun and the uniting of these two shows will give buyers even more reason to visit Manchester next July,’ she said.

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YOUR 2018 SALES SUCCESS STRATEGY 5 ESSENTIAL WAYS TO MAXIMISE YOUR SALES AND PROFIT ADVERTISING – Most advertising does not work very well. If yours isn’t, stop wasting your money now. Don’t blame the media, blame the message. Re-design your advertising campaigns using a benefits-orientated-style. Call Greenwood for effective copywriting know-how.

PRODUCTS – Be ruthless with your precious floor space.

If a product or collection is not selling, then clear it and replace it with a better performing line. Test and measure the selling potential of all your products in a Greenwood Sale.

SELLING SKILLS - Get good at selling. Most retailers don’t employ a proper retail sales process for big ticket goods. The most successful ones do. Invest time and money in quality sales know-how. Call Greenwood to arrange an effective sales training course for your team.

COMPETITION – Check your competition to find out what they are offering. Avoid all-out price wars. Outperform your competition on the most relevant beneficial points including choice, quality, value and service. Call Greenwood to mystery shop your competitors.

PROMOTION – Promote your business effectively. All successful retailers know this. Hold a ‘Greenwood’ sales promotion to increase sales, turn stock into cash and win future market share, while protecting your profit at the same time. Call Greenwood!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GREENWOOD SALES...

Take a look at our website or call us now on 01565 650101, or, send an e mail enquiry, and we’ll gladly call you to discuss the exciting possibilities we can offer you, without obligation.

We are now booking Greenwood Sales right across the UK and Ireland for 2018 on a first come first served basis Book your sales event early to guarantee exclusivity for your business.

GREENWOOD RETAIL LTD Britain’s Leading Experts in Retail Sales Promotion sales@greenwoodretail.com www.greenwoodretail.com

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NEWS

Dickens to step down at Habitat as Butler moves up

people

Habitat creative director, Polly Dickens, is to retire at the end of January after six years in the role.

She will be succeeded by Kate Butler, Habitat senior design manager, who will become head of product design.

She has been part of Habitat’s in-house design studio since 2013, before that working for Anthropologie and The Conran Shop.

‘I count myself extremely lucky to have been given the once in a lifetime opportunity to take on such an extraordinary brand with the remit of rebuilding it to the Habitat that everyone imagines and loves. This has been a wonderful six years and I’m so proud of our achievements,’ said Dickens.

‘The design team has gone from strength to strength and between us we have created a bold and recognisable handwriting, with a collection full of beautifully made products that have real personality. Working with craftsmen all over the world has always been a passion of mine and we have been able to include elements of this kind of work right across the range. It is brilliant that a high-street brand can offer things like this that are truly unique and really do showcase handcraft and artistry. Now though, after over 30 years in the industry, I’ve decided that it’s my time to have another kind of life and I’m looking forward to travelling with my husband and watching the Habitat Design Studio flourish under Kate’s leadership.’

Butler regards the Habitat design studio as an iconic

Vi-Spring and And So To Bed parent Flex Group has appointed Martin Gill as md of the retailer.

Gill has spent most of his career at kitchen company Poggenpohl. He was UK md for a decade before becoming head of global retail; head of global sales and eventually interim jointceo. Most recently he was coo at Smallbone and Mark Wilkinson owner Canburg.

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

Polly Dickens (left) and Kate Butler

institution, creating some of the UK’s most important interior designs and designers throughout its 50 years.

‘I’m thrilled to be continuing to evolve the studio’s creative output and championing the legacy that comes with it’, she said. ‘Habitat was founded on the principles of bringing inspiring, forward thinking products to everyone and today we continue to do exactly that. We’ve seen our collection grow to over 4,500 products in the past five years, mixing traditional handcrafts from around the globe alongside cool British design and technology to create products that are unexpected, confident and designed with a sense of fun. It’s a genuinely exciting prospect of where we take the design studio next, working with our designers and emerging talent to ensure that stylistically we continue to stay ahead of an increasingly competitive market and build on our design authority within the industry.’

Alexander Bartholomew is to join Steinhoff UK as ecommerce and digital director. Has been multichannel director at The Range since 2014.

Brockway Carpets has named Paul Crittenden as area sales manager for Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and North London while Dan Milstead moves back to his former territory covering Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire.

Patrick Pattison (right) has joined the board of furniture buying group Minerva.The election of Pattison, md of Swansea retailer Homestore Interiors, follows the departure of former chair and director Derek Hayes, who helped set up the group in 1990.

Changes at Long Eaton Andrew Mitchell has become chairman of the Long Eaton Guild for the third time ahead of a revamp.

Suzanne O’Flynn, John Sankey design director, has become vice chairman.

‘As part of the revamp, the guild is to commission a new logo and brochure, with further investment being committed to the website, show booklets and advertising,’ said Mitchell, Artistic Upholstery md. ‘We plan to make the two Long Point exhibitions more attractive to visitors, both at home and abroad, which will reflect the town’s stature of being the UK Centre of Quality Upholstery Manufacture.’

Next year’s shows are on 14-16 May and 17-19 September.

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Luxurious Upholstered Beds, Hand Crafted In The UK.

Visit us at the January Furniture Show Hall 5, Stand D30. www.furmanac.com

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Laminate Flooring Style, simplicity and practicality

The laminate floor collection extends from traditional wood styles to modern effects including concrete and stone.

Stylish and hard wearing, these laminate ranges are perfectly suited for their practicality and aesthetics.

Easy to clean and maintain, these natural feel planks simply click together giving you a professional finish with the minimum of fuss, plus all ranges include a full suite of complementary accessories to complete the look.

Also available in a range of classic Herringbone styles.

To take advantage of this great collection of laminate flooring contact us today.

T H E F U R LO N G F LO O R I N G P O R T F O L I O

www.furlongflooring.co.uk

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Sales: Preston - 01772 696 787

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Dartford - 01322 628 707

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Gloucester - 0845 520 0800

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NEW PRODUCTS 1 Dash & Albert’s vibrant collection of rugs is made with ease of care in mind: washable and durable, these designs stand the test of time and are perfect in busy kitchens. All Dash & Albert products have a soft-feel and woven appearance, whether constructed from cotton or polypropylene.

Visit: www. dashandalberteurope.com 2 Fitting with the Scandinavian theme, Ulster Carpets’ latest loop range Habitüs Strönd has a strong Danish emphasis of clean design. Inspired by the Scandinavian coast, Strönd is best described as an understated yet striking ribbed design with a nautical theme, highlighted by six colourways: Bay, Ebb, Pier, Sail, Shore and Shoal.

Visit: www.ulstercarpets.com 3 Plank’s Miura folding table is available in three heights, with different sizes of square, rectangular and circular tops in metal, MDF or HPL in three colours.

Visit: www.plank.it

4 A free marketing pack helps to maximise the upselling opportunity of the new Feel the Difference premium underlay collection from Floorwise.

Containing a leaflet dispenser, handy information leaflets, in-store poster, window sticker, vehicle sticker and carpet swatch stickers, the marketing pack joins the Feel the Difference swatch book to make a compelling argument for using the underlays beneath any new carpet.

Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk 5 The Academy for Excellence in Flooring trained someone for nearly every day of the year in the past year, with 360 people passing through its doors for specialist training.

Some 146 installers developed their skills in the Academy’s specialised training bays, of which 122 were at Master Installer level. A further 214 staff from builders’ merchants, retail and distribution businesses also received tailored training.

Visit: www.quick-stepacademy.co.uk

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

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AIS Furniture Show

Exclusive Show with exciting ranges & brands for the Independent Retailer This is THE Show for all independent furniture retailers. AIS Ltd have brought together a refined choice of ranges and we’re opening the doors to non members to show the very latest in furniture and accessories. THE Show takes place at one of the UK’s premier exhibition venues - Cranmore Park with unrivalled show facilities, excellent catering and ample FREE car parking just minutes from J4 M42, only 8 miles from the NEC.

Register online now at

www.thefurniture-show.co.uk t: 0121 683 1428 e: natalie.adams@aistores.co.uk Follow us: twitter.com/FurnitureShowUK

21 & 22 January 2018 [19 & 20 January Members only]

Cranmore Park Exhibition Centre, Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands B90 4LF

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All masterpieces deserve to be in a Gallery.

Peer behind the curtain for a look at our full offering.

When you become a Furniture Gallery, you’re the first to receive brand new ranges, exclusive support, training, website features, point-of-sale products and much more.

Visit us at the January Furniture Show (Hall 5 Stand E30) and we’ll tell you more about the benefits of becoming a Furniture Gallery.

la-z-boy.co.uk

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SERVICE

Richard Renouf

No Christmas presence Can Santa deliver when a retailer has failed?

An imaginary letter based on a real-life story.

Dear Santa, I know you haven’t heard from me for a long time, but you’re my last resort. No one I’ve spoken to over the past few weeks seems to care, and with only two days to go until Christmas Day I’m desperate.

It all started in September. Christmas decorations had been up in the shops for weeks and the barrage of emails trying to tempt me to buy early reminded me that we needed a new carpet and threepiece suite before the in-laws came to stay. I didn’t want any more of their snide comments about our old furnishings spoiling yet another visit. So off we went to see what was available.

Bill was really helpful. Buying the suite and carpet from his shop meant, he said, that we would get a great deal.

Guaranteed delivery and fitting before Christmas was what clinched it.

We paid the deposit and left with the assurance that Bill would call us with updates as the orders progressed and that he’d make sure we got the earliest

possible fitting date for the carpet and delivery for the suite.

We rang at the end of October because we hadn’t had any calls or emails. Bill was busy and the person we spoke to couldn’t trace our order so we waited for a call back. It never came.

We rang again and Bill answered the phone. He couldn’t find any information so he promised to call us back. He didn’t.

When we spoke to him again he’d discovered that the carpet was out of stock and the suite was delayed. Bill asked us to drop by the next day to ‘sort it out’.

The next day, it turned out, was Bill’s day off. With help from one of his colleagues we chose a different carpet but decided to stick with the suite we’d chosen and hope for the best. It was a risk, but I felt another season of underhand remarks was marginally more tolerable than having a suite we didn’t like.

It got worse. The carpet went to the wrong shop, the fitter went off sick, it was the wrong colour, the suite was delayed at the docks, and so on. We only

found out by ringing the shop time and again, they never contacted us.

Finally we had it all arranged. The fitter was to come in the morning and the suite was to follow in the afternoon. We waited but the fitter didn’t come.

We called the shop and got an answerphone message to say it was now closed for Christmas.

Beyond anger at the incompetence, we went to the shop to see if there was anyone around.

There wasn’t, but right in the window was a roll of carpet and a securely wrapped suite. Our name is on them in large print. We could have touched them if the glass wasn’t in the way.

But the sign on the door says the salespeople have gone off for their Christmas break and they wish us a Merry Christmas.

You manage to deliver presents on time all round the world without missing anyone. So, please, Santa, can you help?

Visit: www.richard-renouf.com Richard Renouf is an independent furnishings consultant

There’s no Merry Christmas without the new carpet and suite

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

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4-8 February 2018 NEC Birmingham Volume sector opens 3 February 2018

Heavenly Housewares Discover new and unexpected kitchen, dining and housewares delights at Spring Fair. The market is open for inspiration at the UK’s No.1 home and gift trade show. springfair.com Enjoy 14 specialist show sectors - all under one roof Beauty & Wellbeing • Children’s Gifts & Toys • Christmas Gifts, Floral & Seasonal Decorations • Contemporary Gift • DIY & Home Improvement • Fashion, Jewellery & Luggage • Gift • Greetings & Gift • Home • Kitchen, Dining & Housewares • Retail Solutions • Party ȏ 7KH 6XPPHUKRXVH • Volume Gift & Home and Glee at Spring Fair

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TRENDS

Moody hues Heimtextil has identified trends for city slickers in 2018/2019 Urbanisation is one of the key words of our time. More than half the world’s population already lives in cities. The Theme Park inspiration area at Heimtextil (9-12 January) will reveal how urban life is likely to impact the worlds of living and working in future.

Four spaces – The Flexible Space, The Healthy Space, The Re-Made Space, and The Maker Space – will provide a platform for upcoming lifestyle trends and present numerous pioneering projects and creative works (IM November).

Five additional themes have been identified to give an outlook on the trendy colours, materials and designs of the 2018/2019 season: Relax/Recharge; Perfect Imperfection; Soft Minimal; Adapt+Assemble; and Urban Oasis.

Visit: www.heimtextil-theme-park.com ‚‚‚ Normann Copenhagen

Modular Table System by Devorm

RELAX/RECHARGE Colours are known to influence moods and feelings. In contrast to current views, blue has been shown to be stimulating and red calming. Relax/Recharge is a transformative design option that uses the power of colours to bring the energy balance of over-stimulated urban living worlds back into equilibrium.

Walls, floors and furniture are completely immersed in colour.

Stockholm bar by Note Design Studio

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

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H&V are a leading carpet manufacturer based in Belgium.

We deliver direct from Belgium to the U.K supplying full rolls only, without a minimum order quantity.

Delivery is 5 working days from receipt of order.

Contact your local sales agent below for further details and sample books.

Representation North West, West Midlands, Southern Ireland Paul Hugo (Sales Manager) 07813 714498 North Wales, Cheshire Matt Bell 07980 223303 Scotland James Hall 07787 140136 Yorkshire, North East England Steve Allitt 07971 952873 East Midlands Charlotte Jarvis 07460 875070 Northern Ireland Norman Gray 07860 495649 South West, South Wales Adam Nicol 07885 738975 London, Berkshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, South East Jon Marsh 07976 795821 Zac Marsh 07828 663325

Carpets to dance about!

Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire Richard Cooper 07860 525 245 Johny Peeters 0032 475 71 08 69 0032 513 20 54 3

H&V Carpets NV, Nijverheidsstraat 26, Meulebeke, West-Vlaanderen, 8760 Belgium Email: handvuk@gmail.com

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Cargo

Come and see us at

Hall 4 stand C40

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Sunny

Nolte Möbel Ltd • T: 01617678244 • E: orders@nolte-mobel.co.uk

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TRENDS ADAPT+ASSEMBLE Freed of all excess frills, the designs appeal with geometric and interchangeable shapes and materials that are perfect for packing and transporting – travelling and moving made easy.

The textile techniques used are simple and reliable. Industrial materials are reinterpreted and converted for home use. Bright primary colours ensure a playful appearance.

Open Rugs by Studio Plot

Array by Tijs Gilde

PERFECT IMPERFECTION Indigo, one of the oldest dyes in the world, is much in vogue among numerous current brands and designers. They are rediscovering indigo dyeing and accepting all the foibles and the many colour gradations of this deep blue colour. Based on Brushstrokes Rug by Elie Saab for The Rug Company

Drawn Nature by Anna Badur

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi (accepting the imperfect), materials and products bear the traces of the way they were made. Brush strokes and seams are made visible and welcomed as part of the poetic documentation of the creative process. ‚‚‚

Fabric Chair by Assemble and The Granby Workshop

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For further information please call 01827 831424 or visit www.kingsmeadcarpets.co.uk Kingsmead Carpets, Relay Park, Relay Drive, Tamworth, Staffordshire. B77 5PR.

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TRENDS Okome Sofa by Nendo for Alias

Trace Rug by Studio Böttger for Normann Copenhagen

SOFT MINIMAL Urban living systems are multifunctional and can be adapted.

Soft Minimal focuses on interior designs and products that appeal because of their functionality and are valued for a

lifetime. Cosy materials – wool, felt, linen and boucle yarn – give a minimalistic flat some warmth and personality. A reserved colour palette of muted pastel colours and neutral shades complemented by matt black ensures timeless elegance.

Amazonia by Pepe Penalver

Horse Moon Hill by Faye Toogood and Once Milano

URBAN OASIS Designers transform interiors into green oases to use nature to achieve an increased sense of well-being. Green is regarded as the most relaxing colour for the eye. Lush green shades are used to refresh both body and soul. Dark forest and sage green are mixed with matt pink. Textures that imitate nature ensure a full, soft feel.

26

Interiors Monthly December 2017

Tripolino Table by Cristina Celestino for Spazio Pontaccio

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28moduleo_IMDec17_Interior Monthly Template 28/11/2017 12:19 Page 28

LVT

Laurel Oak

Wide awake Moduleo’s latest designs offer embossed textures that mimic wood and stone Moduleo showed its latest LVT designs, manufactured with innovative embossing processes to create lifelike grains, knots and grooves in its woodand stone-effect products, at Sleep, the hotel design, development and architecture show in London last month.

Bohemian is a chevron pattern available in ash, oak and dark wood shades while Mystical is a striking product that explores the possibilities of interweaving the natural feel of wood with the warmth of textiles. Also featured on the stand was Moduleo Moods: the flooring system with which more than 110 unique wood and stone-effect designs can be created.

‘With designs that fully mimic the surface texture of wood or stone and provide an authentic structure and depth of the respective materials, we have created synthetic products that are better value and easier to maintain than the real thing,’ says David Bigland, Moduleo UK and Eire md.

‘There’s been strong demand for our products in a number of commercial settings, such as hotels, restaurants and leisure facilities, so we wanted to create

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

Bohemian

new lines that would stand out from the crowd and provide a point of difference.

‘These latest designs showcase the manufacturing capabilities of the IVC Group and we’ve been really pleased with initial feedback from the market, which has been echoed at the show.’

It was Moduleo’s fourth consecutive attendance at Sleep, which attracted more than 4,500 visitors.

‘Requirement for alternative patterns and styles are on the increase and these latest finishes provide that in spades, offering a wide range of designs and colourways that will transform any floor.

Our new Impress products have added a new dimension to our product portfolio and drastically increased the number of lines available from the range,’ says Bigland.

The Impressive category of designs bring to life the smallest details, highlighting nature’s true beauty with designs including Laurel Oak, Santa Cruz Oak, Sierra Oak and Mustang Slate. The Expressive category is characterised by the abstract motifs of Mystical, Shades, Bohemian and Jumble Stone.

Moduleo, tel: 01332 851 500

Shades

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Express yourself with Impress® Floors of unparalleled realism for unprecedented creativity.

Updating our Impress range, Moduleo bring you a new selection of Naturally impressive and Expressive floors.

Authentic wood and slate patterns will leave the timeless mark of nature on any interior, while our abstract designs allow you to create a unique look only possible in LVT flooring.

For more information contact our specialist sales team on 01332 851500

moduleo.co.uk/impress

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LAMINATE

Digital prints reign Balterio’s digital printing facility could change how we think of laminate ‚‚‚

Xpressions Domino

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LAMINATE The future of laminate flooring is in Vielsalm, Belgium. About 40 minutes from the Luxembourg and German borders is where Balterio’s digital printing plant is located.

Fourteen minutes after entering one of the two 360m production lines (there are two to ensure continuous production) HDF boards emerge as fully formed digitally printed laminate, ready to be milled into planks. White primer is added to the board in three stages so that the colours are as intended, rather than printing on a brown background.

Currently the plant produces the 1,261mm x 190.5mm Xpressions collection and the water-repellent 2,050mm x 167mm and 2,050mm x 240mm Grande.

Not having to wait for the traditional large roller that prints to paper which is then pressed to the HDF, means new designs can be created faster and in much finer detail. Traditional laminate has about 200 dots per inch but Vielsalm produces laminate with 1,200dpi.

It also allows a pattern repeat of 10m, which the company is looking to extend.

The digital printer has 176 print heads, each with 1,000 nozzles. As the ‚‚‚ Above: The production process takes 14 minutes Right: The digital printer has 176 print heads, each with 1,000 nozzles

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

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LAMINATE printer never comes into contact with the board, transmission of small indentations of the laminate is eliminated.

Two buffer storage racks that can hold 90 boards are positioned just before the printer to allow maintenance or automatic printer head cleaning without interrupting production.

Amending production is also much easier: with no roller, it is a matter of changing the image the printer is being told to reproduce. The system is flexible enough so that producing each of Grande’s 16 designs in order is possible, rather than in the more normal batches.

At the start of the process the selected timber is scanned by high resolution cameras for four hours under different lighting and angles. The information is combined and then manipulated, altering knots for example or moving areas about in Xpressions, to produce the finished design.

The other advantage of digital printing is that it greatly reduces the size of order required for production. If a customer wants 1,800sqm of flooring (about 610 packs of Grande’s long and wide planks) they can have it: in any design they want.

Visit: www.balterio.co.uk

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

Above: The air in the production room at Vielsalm is over pressured to prevent dust Left: An original wood floor is scanned Below: Grande Linnen Oak in wide and narrow planks

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Knowledge guide

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Julian Bowen Limited New Dining Ranges

Rufford Dining Set in an Ivory and Natural Finish

Get off at Julian Bowen Stand Monterey 5 Piece Walnut Finish Dining Set Available in 1 Carton

Bentinck House, Park Lane, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Notts NG17 9LE Tel: (01623) 727374 Fax: (01623) 754555 e-mail: sales@julian-bowen.co.uk www.julian-bowen.co.uk All Products are available for Direct Home Delivery 17:11

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Knowledge guide An introduction for staff new to the interiors industry to mark the 10th anniversary of Interiors Monthly Many years ago when as a student I had an evening and weekend part-time job in a furniture store, training was an ad hoc thing.

Some companies would send a sales representative who would baffle you with technical terms so you were none the wiser than when he started. Others would do nothing.

You learned from your colleagues (to varying degrees) and events, such as rosewood being very prone to splitting and cracking in a warmish store; or that stated delivery times were, by and large, not to be trusted; and orders had to be frequently chased up by the weekday staff.

What my then colleagues and I wanted was a general overview of the products we were selling.

To mark the 10th anniversary of Interiors Monthly, hopefully this Knowledge Guide will provide that for new or recently joined retail staff.

It is not designed to turn you into an instant expert on every furniture, flooring and accessories topic, but to give a general overview and a starting point for further understanding.

Thank you to the companies that helped compile the information: Ashley Manor; British Furniture Manufacturers; Brintons; British Furniture Confederation; Cormar Carpets; Furniture and Interiors Education, Skills & Training Alliance; Furniture Industry Research Association; Flair Rugs; Floorwise; Gallery Direct; Guardsman; himolla; Hypnos; Interfloor; IVC Group; Karndean Designfloors; National Bed Federation; National Institute of Carpets & Floorlayers; Nolte Mobel; Protect-A-Bed; Retail System; Rol-lite; Sealy; The Carpet Foundation; The Furniture Makers’ Company and Willis & Gambier.

Cover images: Pixabay and Cormar Carpets

KNOWLEDGE GUIDE DECEMBER 2017

INSIDE 38

Associations

42

Accessories

44

Bedroom (fitted)

46

Bedroom (freestanding)

48

Beds (mid market)

50

Beds (upmarket)

52

Beds (mattress protectors)

54

Blinds

56

Buying groups

58

Carpets (man-made fibres)

60

Carpets (wool)

62

Flooring (accessories)

64

Flooring (fitting)

66

Laminate

67

Living and dining

68

LVT

70

Protection plans

72

Recliners

74

Rugs

76

Software (furniture)

78

Underlay

80

Upholstery (fabric)

82

Upholstery (flammability)

83

Upholstery (leather)

84

Vinyl

Editor: Andrew Kidd T: 01273 930 029 E: akidd@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Furniture advertising (South): Tim Boden T: 01732 441 130 E: tboden@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Furniture advertising (North): Jarrod Bird T: 01565 631 397 E: jbird@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Carpet, flooring, lighting and accessories advertising: Joanne Paull T: 01732 441 130 E: jpaull@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Published by Interiors Media Limited Minerva House, Kinnings Row, Bordyke, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1NP T: 01732 441 130 F: 01732 362 919 E: enquiries@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Registered in England no. 6397722 Print: Knockout Print Design by TSS DIGITAL © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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ASSOCIATIONS

Helping hands British Furniture Confederation The British Furniture Confederation is an executive body made up of representatives from the UK’s leading furniture, furnishings and bed trade associations: British Contract Furnishing Association; Furniture Industry Research Association; National Bed Federation; British Furniture Manufacturers; Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association; and Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers.

It meets to discuss developments within the sector and strategies to further its four aims: to help secure the long term future and prosperity of the British furniture and furnishings industry; to raise the profile of the industry at a political level to ensure that the industry gains the recognition and attention that its size deserves; to formulate strategies for dealing with key industry issues; and to support and inform politicians of all parties through the All Party Parliamentary

Furniture Industry Group, chaired by Stephen McPartland MP. Its current agenda includes: education and training, including school curricula and apprenticeships; the flammability regulations review; international trade and exports; the environment and the circular economy and Brexit.

Visit: www.britishfurnitureconfederation.org.uk

Furniture Industry Research Association The Furniture Makers’ Company Established in 1949, the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) is the UK’s largest furniture research association.

It is at the centre of technical knowledge for the furniture industry. Updates from standards committee meetings are shared to enable members to follow key decisions and objections related to their business interests. Latest regulation changes and news on compliance affecting everything from timber to chemicals, from flammability to safety, is also made available. The standards database on the website contains a wealth of knowledge including a description of each standard, status, year, standard type and much more, exclusive to members.

From its annual Statistics Digest to quarterly standards updates, to research on the hot topics affecting the industry, FIRA funds and undertakes key research to help members understand trends, market conditions and regulations.

Visit: www.fira.co.uk

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

The Furniture Makers’ Company is the furnishing industry’s charity and a City of London livery company.

Its vision is to sustain a thriving British furnishing industry with a talented workforce delivering high quality products, which supports those in need from within its ranks and those who have served it in the past.

Whether you’re a student, designer, maker, business owner, retailer, current or former employee, it is here for you. It is here to help when times are tough with grants and support.

It encourages new talent with its extensive education programme, working with schoolchildren, students and young professionals to create a powerful workforce.

With its prestigious Guild Marks and other awards it recognises and inspires the highest standards within the industry.

None of these would be possible without its members and the support of industry professionals at fundraising events.

Every year it holds a wide range of fundraising events around the country, including clay pigeon shoots, golf days, five-aside football and evening dinners. Everyone is welcome and the charity would be delighted to see you at one of them.

Visit: www.furnituremakers.org.uk

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ASSOCIATIONS

Furniture and Interiors Education, Skills & Training Alliance FIESTA aims to address the furniture and interiors industry’s current and future skills needs by encouraging and inspiring new talent to join the industry, and ensuring relevant education, training and qualifications are in place to support them.

This new body aims to provide an employer-led forum that allows all its stakeholders to identify, clarify, promote and engage with all issues relating to education, skills and training at all levels, for all ages and for all sizes of businesses and sectors across the UK furniture and interiors industry.

It will drive the development of, and access to, the most appropriate and highest quality education, skills and training for all; inspire employers to engage actively in current and future education, skills and training needs, providing them

National Bed Federation

The National Bed Federation is the trade association for UK bed manufacturers and their suppliers. Its members account for about 75% of the total UK beds market turnover. The introduction of the NBF Code of Practice in 2013 has ensured an understanding and compliance with a comprehensive range of regulatory requirements relating to its members’ products.

The Bed Show, Gala Dinner and Bed Industry Awards, held every September in Telford, is recognised as the biggest and best event in the UK bed sector. The ninth Bed Show will be held on 18-19 September 2018.

The federation provides market intelligence with quarterly sales data reports; twice yearly consumer bed buying reports and mattress data from external annual statistical digests.

It promotes beds and sleep to the public: an ongoing programme of marketing and PR activity, promoting NBF Approved members and The Sleep Council.

Through its online platform it offer two courses: An Introduction to Beds, for anyone new to the bed industry, and the Sleep Sales Academy, for those involved in bed sales. It is helping to establish a register of approved mattress recyclers and, via its new Circular Economy Committee, will continue to engage with key stakeholders to tackle the disposal and recycling of used mattresses and beds.

Visit: www.bedfed.org.uk

with the reliable, authoritative guidance they need to make informed decisions and encourage new talent to enter the industry and existing talent to remain and progress where appropriate.

FIESTA is made up of The Furniture Makers’ Company, British Furniture Manufacturers, National Bed Federation, British Contract Furnishing Association, Association of Master Upholsterers & Soft Furnishers and the Kitchen Education Trust.

Visit: www.fiestalearning.com

The Carpet Foundation Set up in 1999, The Carpet Foundation is the UK carpet industry’s lead body. Its primary role is to address issues that concern consumers and to keep carpet ‘front of mind’. It is backed by 450 independent retailers and 18 of the leading suppliers to the UK carpet industry which between them produce over 60% of all carpet sold in the UK. Its retail members are the only retailers in the UK that have a Code of Practice approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. This gives carpet buyers peace of mind that they are buying from retailers that employ the bestselling practices and that they are covered in the unlikely event of a problem.

There is regular consumer promotion in home interest magazines through advertorials and public relations. Its website gives a comprehensive and impartial guide to everything that consumers need to consider when buying carpet while a Members Area provides marketing and technical support to help independent retailers in their business.

Leading the industry on international standards and technical and environmental issues, it collects, collates and publishes evidence to support the industry on a variety of issues including asthma, underfloor heating, mothproofing and buying online. The organisation also monitors upcoming regulations and issues that could affect the industry.

Visit: www.carpetfoundation.com ‚‚‚

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

39

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ASSOCIATIONS

Jackie Bazeley, BFM md

The Great British Furniture campaign helps to raise awareness of British made furniture

Expert support With a membership list that reads like a Who’s Who of the furnishings sector, the British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM) has been representing the industry for more than six decades.

It has a broad-based membership covering domestic, contract, office and kitchen manufacturers, as well as suppliers and retailers.

In addition to being able to use the BFM logo, there are a number of services that retail members can benefit from. They include commodity pricing data on more than 250 items which, given the currency fluctuations and increases on raw materials, has become an increasingly important tool for monitoring supplies.

The BFM’s Great British Furniture (GBF) campaign, which helps to raise awareness of British-made furniture, is open to retailers who source sufficient products from GBF manufacturing members. Launched nine years ago, a number of high profile names signed up in support, advocating Britishmade furniture with easily identifiable POS material. The GBF campaign and members will be promoted in consumer magazines through 2018. A full POS toolbox is available to manufacturers and participant retailers.

Members receive regular state of the furniture trade surveys and financial ratio data, plus an extensive array of official information on industry production and sales. They are granted access to exhibitor space discounts along with VIP benefits at the January Furniture Show. Members also receive solutions, advice and practical support as well as discount schemes.

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

Manufacturers also enjoy a number of benefits including access to expertise across a number of subjects such as export, the EU timber regulations, health, safety and environment and employment law, as well as access to solicitors on commercial legal matters.

The team is led by Jackie Bazeley, BFM md, who has 17 years’ experience within the industry.

Mike Dimond, BFM employment and membership affairs director, provides expert advice on national and regional negotiations with trade unions, statistics and trade data, survey work and analysis, plus employment information. He has been with the association for more than 15 years and is its specialist in employment law. He has developed an extensive array of templates for guidance in human resources matters and also analyses industry trading and performance data.

Steve Moore also plays an integral part at the BFM. The director consultant has more than 28 years’ experience within the industry and provides expert guidance on EU timber regulations, flammability regulations and exports.

Alistair Bromhead, BFM health, safety and environmental consultant, is responsible for helping member companies to understand and comply with legal requirements as well as promote best practice. He also visits companies to help them with risk assessments, monitoring and general audits.

The BFM will be exhibiting at the January Furniture Show (Hall 1, stand A90) promoting its benefits and highlighting a new service.

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Our British furniture manufacturers are committed to providing the highest levels of comfort, safety and quality to their customers - just three of the traits that make out Great British furniture ‘great’.

IT IS furniture for any age, style, budget or taste. IT IS for the traditional, contemporary, classical or modern home and office and contract markets. IT IS desired and admired the world over.

ASK if IT IS British or look out for the label

15:25:00

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ACCESSORIES

Display

Left: Create a lifestyle roomset Below: A capsule look

modes Home accessories are ideal for providing the finishing touch to an interiors display, as they add personality and give an overall complete look.

However, like everything in the interiors market, they are a personal preference, and so offering a varied selection to suit different tastes and styles is key. Whether selling in-store, online or both, similar principles apply for displaying products to achieve great sales.

It is important to consider your target audience to ensure you meet their known or perceived needs. And think about the different types of sales possible and how to achieve these.

Sales situations worth considering include: l Planned buying, where a customer is looking for a specific design or feature within a product, for example a large mirror that makes a statement; l Add-on sales, where they may see something that coordinates with that mirror they have just found, such as a matching lamp; l Gift buying, browsing for something special that is relevant, maybe some Christmas cushions or designer bedlinen; l Impulse buying when it’s so appealing they must have it.

A combination of retail display methods that showcase your best products in a themed roomset is often the best way forward.

For planned buying, ensure it is easy for customers to find what they are looking for and that any product information, including clear pricing, is on hand. Displaying coordinating and complementary products alongside these can generate impulse buying by tempting customers to purchase additional items.

Displaying accessories in a way that will help customers visualise how they will look in their home is a great way of impressing them, and can also lead to add-on sales if complementary accessories are cleverly mixed in. Remember, many shoppers will struggle to visualise how it will look

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

in their home and crave ideas, advice and reassurance.

For retailers who also sell furniture, lifestyle settings are ideal to show the overall look that can be achieved. For example, style a roomset with a bedstead and mattress, beautifully dressed in bedlinen, then add coordinating cushions, throws, artwork, mirrors, and accessories to entice customers to make extra purchases. If space is more limited, then go for a capsule look, with a smaller item of furniture and accessories arranged on and around it. Additional shelf space and bespoke merchandising units can be used to show even more products that would look great together.

For online shops, use images that show the individual item, but also mix in lifestyle shots showing coordinated collections, and again tempt customers to make additional purchases by suggesting complementary products.

Ensure your displays are visually attractive, as eye catching accessory displays can lead to impulse buys. Keep them fresh by changing things around, and trying different combinations of products.

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2 new directories home dĂŠcor and furniture

16 new furniture ranges bedroom, dining and occasional collections

353 new products including furniture, mirrors, accessories and soft furnishings

Top Drawer

January Furniture Show

Spring Fair

14-16 January | Stand K11

21-24 January | Stand 3-L20

4-8 February | Summer House

www.gallerydirect.co.uk 01795 439159

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BEDROOM (FITTED)

Organise your clothes with a fitted walk-in wardrobe

Creative

spaces A private dressing room is the ultimate luxury for fashionistas and those who just love their clothes. After all, here you are in the truest sense of the word surrounded by its treasures.

Everything has its place and is sorted by colour, style and pattern from its best side. In fact, a walk-in wardrobe is a bit like shopping in your favourite boutique. Every day. Right in your own home.

Thanks to flexible furniture systems, the fun in the dressing room starts with setting up. Cabinet and shelf modules in different sizes and shapes are put together to create exactly what you want. Whether over a corner, on two, three or four walls: design the existing surface exactly as you like it.

Additional custom-made elements ensure that every inch is used: chests of drawers and cabinets fill the space required under sloping ceilings, customised shelves integrate doors and windows into the overall concept. Precisely manufactured cabinets reaching right up to the ceiling provide maximum storage space, for example for rarely or only seasonally worn clothing.

When it comes to the specific module choice, it is also useful not only to consider spatial requirements, but also your own

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

wardrobe. With a variety of garments to house, a combination of floating and hanging surfaces, as well as closed elements and drawers, is ideal.

Wardrobes can be tailored to individual needs so that, from the collection of neckties to the maxi dress, every piece of clothing receives the place of honour it deserves. The rest is then a matter of taste.

Anyone who wants to integrate the walk-in wardrobe directly into the bedroom can harmonise the design with the rest of the interior.

Even if you do not have a whole room to use, the dream of a walk-in wardrobe can still be realised: maybe you have a passage from the bathroom to the bedroom? A winding roof gable? Or an empty corner in the hall? Almost any unused niche or even an area of the bedroom becomes a walk-in closet in no time – and thanks to the optimal coordination with the spatial requirements, it is often even more space-saving than a rectangular standard model.

Equally essential is a large-format mirror that guarantees everything is right. If you have some space left after that, simply decorate with carefully chosen home accessories.

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CEPINA – 1001 METRES ABOVE EVERYDAY

H19930034

CEPINA Bedroom in Picea Pine and basalt

CEPINA at a glance

5 front colours / 2 body colours / 2 cushion colours

- 3 wardrobe widths for hinged doors 200/250/300 cm

- 3 bed widths 140/160/180 cm

- 4 wardrobe widths for sliding doors 200/240/280/320 cm

- height adjustable base in 4 positions

- wardrobe height 223 cm

- panel with one or two

- 2 widths of chests 57/107 cm - 2 heights of chests 89/108 cm - interior finish Twist linen look

Front colours:

- 4 bed lengths 190/200/210/220 cm

Polar white

Basalt

Planked oak

Picea Pine

Grey mirror

Fabricmélange grey

Fabric Amaro anthracite

- bedside chest width 50 cm bedside chests - panel with Retro-look

Body colours:

Cushion colours: Polar white

LED lighting

Alpine glow á la CEPINA: these beautiful lamps are a striking feature.

That’s what I call a view: loving attention to detail is the soul of CEPINA.

Basalt

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BEDROOM (FREESTANDING)

True classics The definition of classic is ‘judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind,’ according to Oxford Dictionaries.

We need only look at the car market to see how some classics have evolved. The essence is still there but subtlety in shapes, material use, technology and colours ensure even the classics evolve into today’s products. Bedroom furniture is not quite so progressive, but the essence of change is still there. Furniture trends of green materials, industrial elements, urbanisation leading to smaller, storage efficient products, and the growth of smart technology, have provided the challenges.

New designs of products in this area are the most challenging because these ranges will hopefully be here for the long term.

So they must appeal to the Baby Boomers and Millennials and beyond, to ensure they earn classic status.

Materials used in classic furniture have had a period of substantial stability, with oak, mahogany, cherry and mango being the primary materials being used. Pressure on the environment and the evolving issues will without doubt change the base materials, but the essence of the classic design must remain.

A furniture design depends on many factors but one without doubt is versatility. A product, of course, needs to be made to a quality standard to stand the test of time, but must also have the solutions to be versatile.

It needs to have the SKU depth to provide the options to be a master bedroom setting or a secondary bedroom setting. It must also master the notion of being timeless – lasting, classic, enduring, ageless, permanent. It needs to be able to transcend anything that has gone before.

Fashion, social and economic factors will play a part in product design but true classics find a way through short-term fashion interpretations to ensure it will be around for the long term. Using a well-known retailer quote for product, a product to have a lifespan well beyond the norm it has to have and display a magic that is undeniable.

Versatility is vital in furniture design

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BEDS (MID MARKET)

An example of an ingredients list

Consumers want to know what materials are in their beds

Inside story

Until recently if anyone other than the manufacturer wanted to know what was inside a mattress, the only solution was to cut it open: not particularly useful when it comes to using it.

Now there is a move towards transparency, designed to appeal to the ‘conscious consumer’ who looks for quality and wants to know exactly what is in the product they are purchasing. It takes inspiration from food labelling, allowing buyers to educate themselves on the ethical and quality components that go into making mattresses.

It is remarkable and illogical that you get more information about the contents of a bag of crisps than you do in a mattress that may cost more than £1,000. At a time when consumers are expecting full product disclosure on everything they buy being able to highlight the features and benefits of the components that go into a mattress could convince shoppers they are making a sensible investment and not paying over the odds for something they don’t fully understand.

It may also make them ask what is inside mattresses from manufacturers that are not disclosing the information, after all if there is nothing to hide why not list it.

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

Bamboo: excellent insulating and moisture wicking properties.

Bondafelt: a support layer that creates a firmness to the sleep surface.

Compressed poly: ensures durable padding for stability.

Dipryl: a spun bonded fabric for an additional construction layer.

Edge guard: a high density foam strip surrounding the entire sleep surface for edge to edge support.

Flange liner: part of the Unirail construction to provide greater durability and edge to edge support.

Geltex: a gel infused foam that offers pressure relief, body support and breathability.

Grey polyester: a soft spring unit insulator pad that provides an additional support layer.

I-Fibre: vertically laid thermally bonded polyester that enhances the comfort and support of the mattress.

Latex: inherent breathable qualities complement the spring system and provide excellent resilience and comfort.

Memory foam: a high density, slow recovery foam that moulds to the body’s contours to relieve pressure points and provide correct underlying support.

Mohair: a natural insulator that keeps you warm in winter and cooler in summer.

Pashmina: a resilient fibre that provides warmth across the entire sleeping surface.

Pillow-top liner: a woven fabric for an additional construction layer.

Poly tufts: tuft tapes found in a tufted mattress for constructional durability.

PostureTech CS spring system: assists and supports pressure points, providing a softer feel that gradually gets firmer as pressure increases.

PostureTech ZD spring system: combats both weight and movement to avoid motion disruption.

Powerpack: a centre zoning layer that provides additional support.

Rebound cotton: soft and durable, wicking away moisture to preserve comfort throughout the night.

Rebound polyester: incorporated in the mattress for an added comfort layer.

Slick wool: provides superb breathability with excellent cooling properties.

Topaz: a spring unit insulator pad that provides extra support.

Ultraspring: a layered thermally bonded polyester wadding that provides a soft comfort layer.

Unirail: encases the springs inside the mattress to provide greater durability and edge to edge support.

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HYBRID BEWARE OF CHEAP IMITATIONS (...or expensive ones, for that matter)

When launched, Sealy’s revolutionary Hybrid Collection was hailed as the most innovative development in bed technology in years. With innovation comes the inevitable imitations. We know this is the sincerest form of flattery but we feel it’s our duty to let you know the truth - that imitations can often have limitations.

Sealy’s Hybrid Collection embraces the most profound advancements in sleep technology. It contains Geltex, our unique, gel-infused foam (which provides breathability, pressure relief, comfort and support) and Sealy Smart Fibres, endorsed by Allergy UK. You just can’t imitate those ingredients.

There are other Hybrid beds out there.

But why settle for anything less?

To find out more about this innovative collection, call the Sealy Sales Team on 016973 20342

www.sealy.co.uk

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BEDS (UPMARKET)

Promoting luxury Consumers’ lives are getting busier, so bedrooms are expected to fulfil growing expectations and become a personal sanctuary. So it’s no surprise that there is a willingness to spend more on quality items that will stand the test of time and introduce a touch of luxury into the home.

This consumer trend presents retailers with an opportunity to maximise revenue through the sale of upmarket beds. To capitalise on this, they must effectively demonstrate the product’s quality, design credentials and functionality – all of which can be achieved through some simple techniques in the showroom.

It is crucial to ask customers the right questions, as it is the information communicated to them that will be key in making the sale. Retail consultants need to be able to thoroughly advise on a supplier’s products and values, including any services or bespoke options such as support levels, sizing and design features.

Inspirational displays, where the bed is a key feature, and supporting visual materials such as images, actual cut throughs and containers of fillings clearly explain the key brand and product features and benefits will assist in the sales process.

The right visual display is also essential. Retailers must create an environment that is inspirational, relaxed and warm: after all consumers should feel comfortable in taking their time to lie down and try their favoured choices. Little things count: the mattress must be kept clean, turned regularly, square to the base, and dressed with attractive pillows and soft furnishings to finish the look without getting in the way.

Retailers should also ensure their displays effectively illustrate the versatility of their product range. Bedrooms can be challenging rooms with limited space, but big design aspirations. Examples of different storage options and headboards will assist retailers in communicating the breadth of choice available when purchasing an upmarket bed.

It is crucial to ask the right questions as consumers are looking for a personal sanctuary

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

051_IM_1217:000_IM_0017 30/11/2017 16:24 Page 1

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BEDS (MATTRESS PROTECTORS)

Not all are equal

Maximising every sale possible is vital and can provide shoppers with additional benefits they may not have thought of. This is the case with mattress protectors, a category that can sometimes be overlooked.

With every new mattress a protector should be sold. This will help the mattress last longer and keep it free from stains. This is clearly beneficial for the customer and the store, in the form of an increased sales value.

But not all mattress protectors are created equally.

For higher levels of customer satisfaction it’s important to offer one that is both waterproof and comfortable. Many cheap versions are not waterproof and therefore offer no real protection.

On the other hand, many cheaper versions use technology that is not breathable. These will leave your customers hot, sweaty and unsatisfied with their purchase.

What is needed is a mattress protector that is comfortable, waterproof and breathable to increase the life of the mattress, while keeping it free from any stains.

When recommending a mattress protector to customers think about guarantees. If there is a problem with the product, it will be you your customers come back to complain to. Look for products that offer, for example, a 10-year product guarantee or benefits such as a anti-stain guarantee. Some offer further benefits such as having the mattress professionally cleaned if the protector fails and if it cannot be cleaned, the mattress will be replaced. Such aftersales support adds large amounts of value for the customer and should encourage them that the extra investment is well worth it.

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Mattress protectors can help extend the life of mattresses

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BUILDING TRUST ON STRONG FOUNDATIONS; GROWING SALES TOGETHER. MARKETING ETING

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Contact Protect-A-Bed® to unlock your full sales potential. sales@protectabed.co.uk | 02087310020

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BLINDS

Mixed dressing Blinds can be an impactful way to update a room with different options. There are five main types of blinds.

Roller blinds offer privacy and effective light block. In a variety of colours and patterns they can be manufactured to suit almost any room. Fabrics come in various formats from sheers that allow plenty of light into the room, to blackout, that are ideal for bedrooms. A variety of fascia and bottom bar finishes are available to give a bespoke finish. Vision blinds are the latest variation of roller blind, which have two layers of fabric to give a zebra-like effect and greater light control.

Motorised roller blinds are also increasingly popular and these can be controlled via handset, wall switch or smart phone.

Vertical blinds offer excellent light control and are available in many colours and designs. They are versatile and suitable for all rooms; tracks can even be curved to suit bay windows. This style of blind can be controlled via cord/chain, wand or motorised. The louvres can be tilted to gently control the amount of light that enters the room. This feature also allows the level of privacy to be altered.

Wood Venetian blinds offer privacy while allowing plenty of light into the room through angling of the slats. Suitable for living room, kitchen and bedroom when blackout is not required; this style of blind has seen an increase in popularity over recent years. Wood Venetian blinds are not suitable for conservatories or south facing windows as the wood can warp under extreme heat, neither are they suitable for French, bi-fold or sliding doors due to the stack of the slats when the blind is retracted. Manufactured from various materials including basswood, oak and composite PVC, they can be used to give a plantation shutter effect at a lower cost.

Aluminium Venetian blinds offer similar functionality to wood Venetian blinds and are less prone to warping. This style is most commonly found in kitchens, although becoming more popular in other parts of the home because they are compatible with non-drill systems such as INTU and Perfect Fit, which fix to the window glazing rather than the window recess.

Pleated blinds are typically used in conservatories because they look great and fold neatly away. The fabrics often have solar protective features to help keep conservatories cool and protect furniture from harmful UV rays. They are also

Wood Venetian blinds have become more popular

compatible with non-drill systems so are being used in other parts of the home including living rooms and bedrooms. New honeycomb pleated fabrics are energy saving, noise reducing, and offer a high degree of blackout. With no visible cords they are also pleasing on the eye.

Roman blinds are made from woven fabrics and are particularly popular for living rooms. Good for windows that could be overwhelmed with curtains and great for insulation, Roman blinds offer a soft and contemporary window furnishing option.

Where possible install window blinds that do not have cords.

Certificated safety devices must be installed with the blind when this is not possible. Do not place a child’s bed, cot, playpen or highchair near a window to prevent accidents.

Window blinds should be installed by a professional in line with child safety standard BS EN 13120.

Top tips

Roller blinds can suit almost any room

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

Do you require a dark room? Roller, pleated or Roman would work best in a blackout fabric.

Is your room slightly damp or humid? Use a faux wood Venetian or a roller blind in a wipe clean or PVC fabric.

Is your room overlooked and you require privacy? Venetian or vertical blinds would work best as the slats or louvres can be tilted to give privacy while allowing light into the room.

What colour/design should you pick? Large prints work better in larger rooms and can be used almost as a feature wall.

Smaller geometric designs tend to look better in smaller rooms.

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WWW.ROL-LITE.CO.UK

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BUYING GROUPS

Buying groups can develop exclusive ranges for members

Many buying groups hold exhibitions for their members

Combined strength The principal objective of a buying group is to increase the profitability of the retailers that are its members. Collective buying power means that retailers can buy products from suppliers at a better price than if they bought them directly from the manufacturer or supplier.

Membership of a buying group may also give access to products from a supplier or manufacturer that they do not have a trade account with.

Because of the combined buying power, many groups will also develop exclusive products for its members, allowing them to be the only retailer in a geographic area selling that product.

Buying groups have also created brands that their members can exclusively use.

Some have also taken ranges from manufacturers and renamed every product so that consumers cannot directly compare them with the manufacturer-branded original.

As well as buying on a larger scale, members may benefit from annual rebates from suppliers if they purchase set levels of products. This can add up to tens of thousands of pounds, and can have an impact on which products they recommend to their customers.

But it not just about combining buying power: buying

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

groups offer their members a wide range of services.

These may include central payment where the supplier is paid by the buying group, ensuring the supplier is at no risk if the retailer runs into financial problems. Members can also simplify their payments by having one bill, from the buying group, to pay rather than individual bills from many suppliers.

Marketing support is also offered, for example, roomset photography, POS material, and signage and displays that smaller retailers could find prohibitively expensive.

Services can include access to trade exhibitions, advice in areas such as training, personnel, procurement, legal advice and IT; pre-negotiated deals on vehicle purchase, debit and credit card processing fees and utilities.

Finally, there is the opportunity to discuss experiences, trading performance, common issues or problems or any other topic with fellow members at regional and national meetings.

Many retailers say this is an often overlooked benefit of being a member of a buying group as it gives them the opportunity to talk to other people who may have had similar experiences.

All buying groups stress that membership enables a retailer to enjoy the buying power and services of a much larger retailer but with no loss of their independence.

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The UK’s leading furniture & home buying group since 1987 AWARDS

For more information please contact: Peter Mallinson t 0121 711 2200 e peter.mallinson@aistores.co.uk www.aistores.co.uk

AWARDS 2011

WINNER 2017 WINNER

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CARPETS (MAN-MADE FIBRE)

Synthetic qualities Today, tufted carpet is the most popular style of carpet in the UK, accounting for over 70% of carpet sold for residential use.

Much of the carpet sold is made from synthetic yarn either in cut pile or loop pile styles. Tufted carpet first came to the UK in the 1950s and, being considerably cheaper than woven, it made fitted carpets affordable to the mass market.

Although most of the synthetic carpet sold in the UK for residential use is polypropylene, not all synthetic carpets are the same. The three synthetic fibres used most commonly are nylon, polypropylene and polyester. Though they are all bi-products of the oil industry, all three have slightly different properties. However the ‘feel’ of the carpets produced from them can be similar.

Historically nylon has tended to be the premium synthetic carpet fibre with a high degree of resilience and durability, though with a higher average cost price as a consequence.

Polyester and polypropylene are known as stain resistant fibres and though not as resilient as nylon, are generally less expensive.

Polypropylene carpets are by far and away the largest volume selling tufted carpets in the UK today. And while the fibre brand names may differ, the fibre remains very much the same.

Polypropylene has gained business by being the best value synthetic fibre, which at a time when incomes are not growing as quickly as the cost of living, has given it a significant

Man-made fibre carpets come in many qualities

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

advantage. That coupled with the desire for many households to change their home decor more frequently and the many attributes that polypropylene has, such as stain resistance and bleach cleanability, have made it increasingly popular.

Polypropylene offers the advantage of stain resistance and bleach cleanability because the colour is added to it during the fibre production process, called ‘extrusion’. Colour is added to the polypropylene chips, then melted at high temperature as the fibre is made. As a consequence the colour is embedded into the fibre.

Over the past decade, soft polypropylene carpets have become popular as a consequence of the progress made in fibre extrusion. The use of finer filament fibres in multi-filament yarns creates a carpet with a softer feel. Deep pile soft carpets using soft, fine fibres can be suitable for all over the home.

Although polypropylene carpets are stain resistant, regular maintenance is still required in the home. Should a spill occur, it is advisable to blot it first with a dry cloth or kitchen towel to take as much of the liquid off the carpet, or scoop up soft substances. The carpet should not be rubbed or the pile surface may be damaged. Sponge warm water on to the carpet sparingly and blot the moisture with a dry cloth. For more persistent stains, use a mild solution of household bleach with warm water and again blot the moisture with a dry cloth or kitchen towel.

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Award winning manufacturers of wool and easy clean carpets for all around the home www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

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CARPETS (WOOL)

Natural choice Wool carpets are an underfoot luxury that you can sink your feet into. A popular choice for lounges and bedrooms, it is also a fantastic option for high traffic areas such as hallways and stairways, due to its ability to withstand natural wear and tear.

There are many styles, colours and textures and it can act as a neutral backdrop or a key focal point which means the flooring can truly reflect personal style and tastes.

Reasons to choose wool carpet: Durability: wool carpets are tough so they look newer for longer.

Great for insulation: wool adds luxurious underfoot comfort and warmth to the home as it acts as an insulator, improving heat retention and energy efficiency.

Noise reduction: carpet works as a barrier between floors by reducing sound transmission. Absorbing sound gives a sense of calm and tranquility.

Sustainable: shearing is essential for the welfare of sheep and wool grown on sheep that graze freely is 100% natural and sustainable.

Fire resistant: the inherent properties of wool make it slow to ignite and naturally fire resistant.

Anti–allergy: the minute scales on the fibre’s surface hold fine dust, reducing floating particles in the atmosphere. A simple vacuum is all it takes to remove these.

Easy to maintain: vacuuming is all it takes to maintain, and most stains can be easily removed if they are treated immediately.

The lifespan of a carpet varies depending on the quality of the materials used, the manufacturing method, where it is installed in the home, and how well it is maintained.

Not all wool is created equal – quality carpet needs strong wool, and some of the sturdiest wool comes from sheep bred in Britain.

Some wool-rich carpets use a blend of 80% wool with 20% nylon to create long-lasting luxury and optimise performance from both fibres.

Wool carpet can be created in different finishes too. Twist pile carpets use yarn with a higher twist than usual, to create a textured surface. These can also be created with a soft, velvet surface. Twist pile woven carpets are usually deemed hardwearing and most suitable for high traffic areas such as hallways. Loop pile carpets replicate the look of natural flooring such as coir and sisal. They are best avoided in homes with pets as claws can sometimes pull the loops out. Saxony carpets have a soft plush feel. As they can flatten they are usually used in low traffic areas such as bedrooms.

Carpets are available in different widths so measure accurately to plan the most economical way to lay it.

The pile is the part of the carpet that you stand on. Total pile weight refers to the amount of yarn used to make the carpet.

Denser pile carpets or a longer pile height often feel more luxurious and generally look new for longer due to the higher quantity of yarn included.

With a patterned design you might need to order extra carpet

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

Some of the sturdiest wool comes from sheep bred in Britain

Twist Pile carpets use yarn with a higher twist to create a textured surface

to match this up across rooms or in unusual shapes. Stairs with winders or half landings will need additional carpet to satisfy changes in pile direction.

A high quality underlay will keep a carpet looking its best for longer. Underlay and fitting costs need to be added in to the overall quote too.

Look out for any guarantees that the manufacturer provides.

Fitting is a skill so all carpet should be fitted in accordance with BS5325, the British Standard for the installation of textile floorcoverings.

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BRING YOUR

WITH BRINTONS CARPETS

At Brintons, we believe that a carpet is never just a carpet. For over 200 years we’ve seen it as a way to bring your home to life, helping you to express yourself, in ways that you never thought possible.

To discover more, visit our new residential website brintons.co.uk

© Brintons Carpets Limited 2017

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FLOORING (ACCESSORIES)

Perfect finish Often marking the difference between a good and a great installation, quality accessories should be carefully considered to ensure the perfect finish and to prevent premature wear, a tell-tale sign of inferior quality products that may lead to recourse long after the installation is complete.

With this in mind, quality should be first and foremost when selecting profiles. There are two primary concerns, the material and the finish, as these dictate how well the profile will stand up to wear. In terms of material, cheaper and thinner profiles are more likely to bend and dent, particularly when made from aluminium as it is a relatively soft metal.

While it may seem tempting to make savings initially, at pressure points such as doorways, profiles can come under heavy use and will be one of the first noticeable wear hotspots.

Whether matching light finishes with nickel, chrome or antique brass, matching wood-effects or selecting a complementing satin look, always select a profile with a durable finish.

Thinner finishes are likely to scratch with ease and will show signs of wear prematurely. As a rule of thumb; plated finishes are more durable than anodised and in turn, anodised finishes are more resistant to showing the signs of wear than polished surfaces.

Selecting the right type of transition is also important. From carpet to existing hard flooring at a lower height, an adaptable Z-edge could be chosen. With in-built gripper pins, these will hold the carpet in place. If using a heavyweight underlay and thick carpet, then consider using heavy-duty profiles as these are equipped with two-rows of pins for extra hold. From carpet to carpet, dual edge profiles can be used, again heavy-duty types will provide extra hold for thick carpet. LVT, ceramic and cushion vinyl transitions can be accommodated with cover strips or ramp edges.

For wood and laminate flooring, colour-matched finishes can

make for a more seamless look between rooms, though again it is important to make sure that they are good quality. Many flooring manufacturers now provide colour-matched profiles for each flooring in their collection, but if the doorway moves between two different finishes, then consider complementing satin finished metal profiles as these might look neater. There’s a range of profiles available for different applications that should be chosen according to duty.

With such a fundamental role in any stretch-fit carpet installation, grippers are another accessory in which quality should be the priority. Particularly with the popularity of deeppile carpets and thick underlays, a good quality gripper will ensure a lasting hold and prevent the lifting that can occur with cheaper products.

Gripper pin count and pin length is important, so long pin varieties should be used for thick pile carpet and underlays as this will ensure a good hold.

Nails should also be correctly selected for the subfloor, options for concrete, wood or dual-purpose, with the best grippers having a higher number of nails per length. Plywood width and quality can vary greatly, so make sure you consider this too. Wider grippers prevent damage to skirting and provide a stronger hold, with better quality plywood preventing pin movement.

In selected installations, for speed and efficiency, a stickdown gripper can be used. These are available with medium or long pins, so make sure you choose the correct pins for the task.

For any power-stretch fit, ensure the gripper used has a large number of pins for a stronger hold.

When it comes to flooring accessories, one thing matters above all else: quality. By choosing quality profiles and grippers, you can help to minimise any problematic installations and provide a better and more lasting end result.

Quality is vital

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

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FLOORING (FITTING)

Wooden floors need expansion gaps

All carpets should be installed in accordance with BS5325

Preparation rules When purchasing floorcovering there are important fitting related considerations that need to be taken into account to achieve a satisfactory finish. These are outlined in the relevant British Standard Codes of Practice: BS5325 (Textiles/Carpets), BS5808 (Underlays), BS8203 (Resilient Floorcoverings), BS8201 and BS8425 (Laminate/Floating Floors).

All floorcoverings should be acclimatised at 18°C-27°C for 2448 hours prior to installation.

The subfloor must be sound, smooth, level, dry and free from undulation. If it is not, it may have a detrimental effect on the finished article. Correct preparation can be achieved by using specialist preparation materials such as flooring grade plywood and/or smoothing compounds. As there are a variety of products available, consultation with a manufacturer of these products will help determine the correct approach to achieve an acceptable surface ready for the installation.

One of the main considerations to be addressed regardless of the selected flooring is the presence of moisture: the need to determine how much moisture is contained within the subfloor is essential and failure to do so may cause it to fail. Moisture can be quickly checked with a moisture meter. British Standards recommend that the results read less than 75% RH (relative humidity) for most products. When installing timber and certain engineered wood products it is advised that the RH is less than 65%. The use of a hygrometer is the most accurate way to determine how much moisture is present. If excessive moisture is found this can be addressed by use of a moisture suppressant, again consultation with the installer will help determine the best solution.

Textile floorcoverings, such as carpets, are one of the most

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widely installed flooring products and consideration should be given to their colour, quality, usage and area they are to be installed. A good quality underlay prolongs the wear and durability of the carpet while the gripper ensures the correct tension is held throughout the life of the product. All carpets should be installed in accordance with BS5325 and stretch fitted where appropriate. All joins should be sealed with a seam sealer and joined using a recommended seaming method.

Resilient products are only as good as the surface below so good preparation is paramount. Resilient flooring, such as vinyl, must be installed using an acrylic adhesive. Wherever the flooring could be subjected to excessive heat the use of a high temperature adhesive is advised. If the area is subject to excessive surface moisture an epoxy or polyurethane adhesive is advised.

Laminate flooring is generally a floating floor which means it is not permanently fixed and will expand and contract with humidity levels and temperature. An expansion gap is required around all fixed objects that allows the floor to move independently, this gap can be covered by use of a beading but must not be filled. An appropriate underlay is advised to help with residual moisture and sound transfer.

Timber flooring can absorb water, for example from the air, and must be acclimatised until it is within equilibrium with both the subfloor and the atmosphere of the area it is to be installed.

Securing the product is achieved by either the secret nailing method fixed every 200mm-300mm or an appropriate adhesive.

As the floor is a living product the use of an expansion gap around all fixed objects is essential, the floor may also require intermittent expansion as well depending on overall conditions.

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FLOORING (FITTING)

Improving skills The National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers is a not for profit trade association for the domestic flooring market.

Established in 1979 to further the interests of its members by promoting excellence in the fields of fitting carpet, laminate, domestic sheet vinyl, timber and LVT. It is committed to improving the knowledge and understanding of flooring installations to the end user as well as promoting the skills and excellence of its members who have gained their accreditation by passing knowledge exams as well as skills tests for the higher accolades. An installer can be approved to fitter, accredited fitter or master fitter level, with

master fitter being deemed the highest level.

Most, if not all, flooring manufacturers within the industry recognise the NICF and it is supported by a number of these companies.

As a trade association promoting excellence in the field of floorcovering installation, the NICF is proud to be a co-founder of the Flooring Industry Training Association. FITA provides short duration training courses and workshops, assessments and qualifications for the flooring industry, passing on best practice knowledge as well as advising on British Standards.

Visit: www.nicfltd.org.uk www.fita.co.uk

national institute of carpet & floorlayers

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7HO ZZZ QLFĂ WG RUJ XN (PDLO LQIR#QLFĂ WG RUJ XN

8ČżÉ? Ôˇ Ę&#x192;ČąÉ? Ć´,Ǩ) ORJÉ&#x203A; WÉ&#x203A; Ę UĘ?É&#x2122;ÔŠÉ? ČŠĘ&#x2018;Ę&#x2013;QÉ&#x2019; Ę&#x2039;É&#x161; DFĘ&#x17D;ČžHĘ?LÉ&#x20AC;HÉ? Ę&#x2013;QVWɪɸȾĘ&#x2018;É $FČŞHVÉĄ WÉ&#x203A; DĘ?ʧLČŞÉ? Ę&#x2039;QÉ? ȹɰĘ&#x2122;É&#x17E; Ę&#x201C;UĘ?É&#x2122; Ę&#x2018;ĘŠČźĘ&#x2018;ʢȲĘ&#x2018;QČŞHÉ? Ę&#x2039;QÉ? ČżHDVĘ?ȸHÉ? Ć´,Ǩ) Ę&#x2013;QĘ?XVʤʢɨ Ę É Ô¸HVĘŁLĘ?QÉŞOÉĄ %XĘŁĘ&#x2013;ȸHVÉĄ 6ĘŚĘ SÉ&#x203A;Ô­ +É°Ę&#x2122;ÉżĘ&#x2122;Ę&#x2013;ȸÉ? ԾȯĘ&#x2018;ʢĘ&#x2013;QÉ&#x2019; Ę?XĘŁĘ&#x2013;ȸHVÉĄ DĘ?ʧLČŞÉ? Ę&#x2039;QÉ? ȹɰĘ&#x2122;É&#x17E; ʨLĘ&#x192;É&#x201C; Ę?LĘŁĘ XÉ&#x20AC;HÉĄ 8ČżÉ? Ôˇ Ę&#x192;ČąÉ? Ć´,Ǩ) 'Ę?ȡHVʤLÉ&#x2039; *ĘŚLČŤÉ? WÉ&#x203A; )ORĘ?ʢĘ&#x2013;QÉ&#x2019; ÔľÉ&#x2018; ĆŤ,Ćź$ VWĘ&#x2039;QGĘ&#x2039;UÉ? ʤUĘ&#x2039;Ę&#x2013;Ę&#x153;Ę&#x2013;QÉ&#x2019; FĘ?ĘŚUČżHÉĄ Â&#x2013; É&#x2C6; É­KĘ&#x2039;QČŞÉ? WÉ&#x203A; Ę&#x2013;Ę&#x203A;Ę UĘ?É&#x192;É? Ę&#x2018;ĘŠLVʤĘ&#x2013;QÉ&#x2019; ÉŞĘ?ÉľĘ&#x2122;LʤȲHÉĄ ČľHĘ&#x2039;ʢÉ&#x161; WÉ&#x203A; £ɢ Ę?É&#x201D;Ő&#x201D;Ę&#x2018;ČžĘ&#x2018;Qɢ ¤RĘ?ʢĘ&#x2013;QÉ&#x2019; ʤʪȟHÉĄ ČľHĘ&#x2039;ʢÉ&#x161; ȸĘ&#x2018;ÉŚ Ő&#x160;ÔžĘ&#x2013;QÉ&#x2019; É&#x20AC;HÉ­Ę&#x2022;Ę&#x153;LĘĄÉ&#x201A;HÉĄ Ę&#x2039;QÉ? ĘŚÉ&#x17E; WÉ&#x203A; GDÉ&#x20AC;É? ȡHĘ&#x192;KRGÉĄ 0ĆŠĆł%(Ç&#x203A;6Ć­Ç?3 Ç&#x201E;Ç&#x2019;Ćť2 3Ćş2ĆżÇ?'Ç&#x160;6 Ç&#x201A;Ćľ85 Ǩƹ,Ç&#x160;1Ç?6 Ç&#x20AC;,7+ 7+( Ç&#x201E;Ç&#x153;Ćť8ĆşÇ&#x201E;1Ǩ( 2) ƚƞÇ&#x201E;Ćą,Ç? < Ç&#x20AC;2Ç&#x203A;Ć°ĆłÇ&#x201E;Ç&#x2022;6Ć­Ç?3

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LAMINATE

Laminate flooring is easy to maintain

Realistically practical Laminate flooring is made from high-density fibreboard. This is made from wood fibres mixed with a small amount of resin that is highly compressed. A printed pattern (usually woodgrain or tiled effect) is pressed on to one side of the board and a balancing layer on the other side to reduce any tendency to warp. Digital printing techniques allow some designs to be printed directly on to the boards without a separate print layer.

A transparent coating of melamine is applied over the print to create the wear layer. This may be embossed with a grainy effect to create a more realistic looking surface. On the highest quality boards the embossing will more closely match the grain of the pattern printed on the board. Embossing can also give the appearance of aged and distressed boards Boards are cut into individual planks and profiles are machined all round the planks to enable them to be interlocked to create a continuous â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;floatingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; floor. The edges may also be V-grooved so they look like individual planks when they are laid. The V-grooves are lacquered in a matching colour. Planks may be grooved on the two long sides only, or on all four sides to create the look of individual floorboards.

Each plank can be made to look like a single floorboard, or

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two or three rows of smaller boards creating a strip-planked look to give an impression of space in a smaller area.

When fitting laminate flooring the subfloor must be flat and dry. It should not vary by more than 3mm over 2m unless the manufacturer states a different tolerance. Underlay can be used to minimise noise between the flooring and the subfloor.

The flooring must be able to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity, so an expansion gap must be left all round the perimeter (including around radiator pipes). Door bars with allowance for expansion must be fitted in every doorway and lengths over 8m (or as stated by the manufacturer) must be broken up with expansion breaks. Heavy furniture such as kitchen units should not be fitted over the flooring as they will restrict expansion.

Laminate flooring is easy to look after and needs only vacuuming or cleaning with a microfibre duster. No water or cleaning chemicals should be used. Spillages need to be blotted up quickly to avoid moisture ingress at the joins.

Traditionally laminate was not suitable for bathrooms, but some newer products are waterproof making them suitable for every room.

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LIVING AND DINING

Cabinet making Living and dining room cabinet furniture can be made from a variety of materials: solid woods, natural or synthetic veneers, and man-made engineered boards (such as chipboard or MDF) or a mixture of each.

The colour, feel and overall appearance of a solid wood product gives the most authentic feel to cabinet furniture. As a wholly natural product, solid wood will show knots, grain/ colour variation and other features. Solid wood products will have a tendency to move with temperature and humidity changes and panels will move against each other. The colour can also change as the wood mellows and matures. Woodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique nature can also mean that panels and adjoining pieces of furniture will not always be an exact match in terms of colour and grain. Other features, such as medullary rays within oak can be perceived as a fault but are actually an inherent part of the wood and should be considered to add unique beauty to the individual piece.

Shoppers may well look for products certified by the Forest Steward Council or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. These organisations have developed sustainable standards for forest management and operate programmes that verify compliance. Both organisations operate certification schemes throughout the timber supply chain, to ensure timber is sustainably sourced.

Veneers consist of thin layers of wood with a fine or decorative finish that are applied to various types of material.

This could be timber or board materials. Advantages are that the furniture itself can be more stable and less prone to

movement or warping than solid wood. Grain and colour match can be better, but because the veneers are wood they can be subject to movement with changes in temperature and humidity.

In some cases, wood veneers can give the look of real wood at a lower price. This is not always the case, as finely decorated or finished veneered items can be expensive due to the level of skill needed to select and apply the veneer.

Synthetic veneers are also used extensively on cabinet furniture. These are paper, PVC or high pressure laminates that have been printed, and sometimes embossed, to represent the feel and appearance of real wood. They too are usually bonded to chipboard or MDF. These have a uniform colour and grain structure.

Modern production printing methods mean todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s synthetic veneers give a realistic alternative to solid wood or natural wood veneer that will be hard to tell apart. Scarce exotic woods that are no longer available in solid or natural veneer are also available as synthetic veneers.

Manmade boards such as chipboard and MDF have the advantage of being more stable than solid wood. They are less likely to warp, split, shrink or expand when temperatures and humidity vary. Chipboard and MDF are available in large sheet form, which makes them ideally suited to the production of large storage items.

As a smooth board that can be cut and shaped without leaving a rough edge, MDF is particularly good for achieving clean painted finishes.

Living and dining room cabinet furniture can be made from a variety of materials

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LVT

Most LVT designs look to replicate wood and stone

Easy care Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a popular choice for the home due to its flexibility and durability. Not only is it warmer underfoot than its natural counterparts and compatible with underfloor heating, it is also waterproof and suitable for any room including kitchens and bathrooms. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also easy to clean with sweeping and mopping.

Most designs look to replicate real wood and stone with intricate knots, grains and textures. Unlike real wood and stone, it does not require costly or time consuming maintenance such as sanding, waxing or polishing. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available in individual planks and tile formats, and choosing the right LVT floor will depend on different factors including the size, style and space.

LVT started as a traditional gluedown product, which remains popular, but it now comes in a click system, whereby the tiles and planks simply click together with no need for adhesive, and loose lay, which means tiles feature a friction-grip backing that secures the floor firmly in place without adhesive.

The original LVT floor is a traditional gluedown product with many options to make the floor individual and personal including borders, design strip grout effects or alternative laying patterns as opposed to a straight lay floor. For example, a floor can be laid on a 45 degree angle to make a space look bigger or in a chevron layout to add a point of interest. There are also many different designs to choose from such as skinny planks, extra-long, random tile and parquet pieces.

Fitting and sub floor preparation is vital when it comes to installing the perfect gluedown floor. Done badly, it can result in an uneven floor or lifting. The laying surface must be

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completely smooth and level to ensure the flooring can be fitted accurately, and that tiles can fit snugly together without gaps. The recommended subfloors are also absorbent, so that adhesive can bond properly, which is unlikely to be the case with a non-porous material such as the existing flooring. It should be installed by a professional fitter with expertise in the various types of subfloors. Adhesives are equally important with many different types depending on the subfloor.

Loose lay requires no adhesive and offers an easy to install option for customers looking for less downtime when it comes to the installation. As well as providing a solution for temporary flooring, loose lay can offer acoustic benefits by helping to reduce noise transfer to rooms below. It can be perfect for customers who want to reduce noise levels in busy playrooms, bedrooms and garage/loft conversions, without the need for underlay. Likewise, if a piece needs replacing you can simply lift a plank or tile and drop in a new one.

Click locking LVT floors are an alternative to laminate and engineered hardwood click floors, offering the same benefits of realistic wood-effect designs, but with the durability and waterproof qualities of traditional gluedown LVT. No adhesive is required and it can be quick to install.

Click locking floors have evolved with the introduction of rigid core. Uniquely, rigid core LVT designs can be installed over most existing hard surface floors, including ceramic, original parquet or uneven subfloors, without the worry of exposing any imperfections. Like loose lay, rigid core requires no underlay and offers enhanced acoustic benefits, reducing noise transfer to rooms below.

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PROTECTION PLANS

Accidents happen

A furniture protection plan is an underwritten insurance product for new furniture. It differs from other insurance products and warranties as there are no excesses to pay or renewal costs and it covers a customer’s furniture against accidents. They can claim for as many incidents as they need, up to the value of their furniture over the duration of the plan, which is generally three or five years.

The protection plan must be purchased before the furniture is delivered, therefore applies to new items only. When an accident does happen the customer simply logs a claim with their care provider directly who will do their best to repair the damage. If that can’t be done they will look to source replacement parts or even a replacement item if parts cannot be sourced.

Coverage differs dependent on the type of plan and the provider. For example, some protection plan providers cover for unidentifiable damage and others do not. Therefore it is beneficial to check the level of coverage your provider gives and any restrictions they apply.

Plans can cover accidental staining and accidental damage for example, a rip, burn or scratch and even structural damage once the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Items covered range from fabric and leather sofas, to beds, dining tables and even mattresses.

Customers will fall into three main groups: yes, maybe and no. The yes group will be looking for a care option: you just need to tell them what it is and how they get it. The maybe buyers are aware of the product, they recognise a need, but aren’t sure it applies to them. Those in the no group do not believe they need it and this is where the crucial sales training plays its part.

Protection plans are a good opportunity to add value to your

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Staining will be covered by protection plans

customer’s purchase, allowing them to enjoy their furniture the way they truly want to; choosing the colour and fabric that they really want with peace of mind that their furniture is protected.

Regulated insurance products such as furniture protection plans are covered by Financial Conduct Authority regulations.

They needn’t be feared, with the right supportive partner, protection plans are also an opportunity to unlock additional profit and growth opportunities. To protect your brand, providers should give ongoing training to maximise sales and profits to ensure compliant selling.

Getting the initial sale is key, but the follow up service is also crucial to ensure your customers remain happy and satisfied, increasing the likelihood of them becoming a repeat customer. Therefore it’s critical to ensure your furniture protection plan provider’s level of customer service is a positive reflection of yours.

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RECLINERS A lift and rise chair can prove to be a wise buy for the future

Raising sales

The style and design of a recliner and how it will fit in with your customer’s decor is vitally important to closing – but especially opening – a sale. The more you can help your customers lay back and relax, while you focus on their preferences, the more you’ll be able to present them with a recliner they cannot resist.

Naturally the more options and features a range of recliners has, the more choice it offers your customer – and the more opportunity you have to become involved in the buying decision. You might want to point out, for example, that an electric recliner is more suitable and easier than a manual for certain customers. That dual motor models adjust the backrest and footrests individually. Or that a lift and rise mechanism can help people with uncertain mobility, and prove a wise buy for the future.

Comfort is paramount

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Know your customers The more you know about your customer the more likely you are to be able to help them make the right choice. If you can picture the inside of your customer’s home you can be sure their lounge will accommodate a fully reclining chair. You’ll be able to recommend products with spacesaving integral footrests or, if space isn’t an issue, chairs with separate footstools. Rechargeable battery packs that avoid hazardous trailing wires are a stylish option for recliners that will be taking centre-stage, and a matching pair of chairs in different sizes – for people of different heights, for instance – bring a touch of design cohesion to a room.

Customers consider comfort and individuality to be paramount. Almost as soon as they sit down they’ll know whether they’re experiencing that satisfying ‘and relax’ feeling. But by focusing on their practical needs you can go a step further in helping them find their perfect recliner.

The optimum height, depth and width of the seat, for example. The option of an adjustable headrest.

Correct lumbar support and the height of the back and arms; essential to long-term sitting. They’re all important, but the foundation for comfort is to make sure your customer can rest their feet easily on the floor with the back upright.

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Our range of luxurious leathers and fabrics come in a fabulous range of colours ensuring the choice of chair becomes completely personal.

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RUGS

Adding personality Customers may be generally confident in the style of rug theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like for their home, but ask them about fibres or proper sizing and they might stare back at you blankly. Choosing a rug is more than just picking the pattern, texture or colour.

They need to decide whether they want the rug to fill the floor or define an area of it. A rug that runs close to the skirting boards will fill the space, bringing everything in. Placing two or three smaller rugs in the same room will break it into defined zones, creating a sense of space. If going for this approach, make sure they consider choices in unison, ensuring they coordinate rather than clash. If the intention is to place a rug under furniture, then plenty of edge needs to show, generally a minimum of 10cm around all sides.

Choosing the right material and quality of rug can have a huge impact on life expectancy, ease of living and suitability for the room. Recommending the right material is just as important as getting the right size or style.

Wool is one of the strongest and most resilient fibres, making it ideal for those wanting an enduring rug. Natural, warm and soft underfoot, the fibre is known for its colour-intensity and clarity. Wool is the requisite of higher-end qualities, which will generally be hand-tufted, or for the finest, hand-knotted by skilled artisans in India and Nepal. Texture can be hand-carved into the surface for added richness. As a natural product, all wool rugs have a tendency to shed at the beginning, but this should settle down after a few vacuums.

Another natural fibre, cotton, makes a sound choice for use in light-traffic areas such as bedrooms or studies. Soft underfoot, though generally thinner feeling than wool, cotton delivers beautifully rich and vibrant colour. The fibre might often be mixed with chenille for glossy accents and as they are machinewoven, cotton rugs tend to have a tight pile with a flat texture.

Made from plants and grasses, jute, seagrass and sisal are popular options for homes wanting neutral, natural colourings and texture. Fairly coarse to the touch these natural fibres are durable, although special care should be taken with spills to

Polyester and acrylic rugs can be hand-carved

make sure staining is avoided. Bringing an organic look to the home, these rugs can be brushed or vacuumed without worry.

Styles will often be hand-loomed or hand-tufted.

Polyester and acrylic yarns have dominated shaggy rugs, but are also available in short pile hand-carved styles. These fibres deliver really vibrant colour for rugs that make a strong statement in any living space.

Machine-made rugs are often constructed from polypropylene, a hardwearing stain-resistant fibre, and so are a practical choice in most areas of the home. From shaggy styles through to tight and dense cut and loop piles, polypropylene can also be found in flatweave styles that can be used in bathrooms or even outdoors.

Nylon is a durable fibre thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s becoming popular for its rich colour and softness. Ideal for giving a resilient rug capable of withstanding use in busy family spaces, it is available in brightly printed, modern designs. Washable and often with a non-slip latex backing, nylon rugs stand up well to wear.

Rugs are wonderfully creative and non-permanent; a low-risk way to bring a sense of personality into the home.

Wool is the requisite of higher-end qualities

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SOFTWARE (FURNITURE)

Easier life All you want to do as a furniture retailer is sell more furniture, but many of you are spinning so many plates you could be a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent.

It doesn’t have to be like this: there are systems that can make life easier, help to give better customer service and maximise marketing opportunities. It’s just such an enormous leap: moving from what’s (kind of ) working to something new.

So, what should you be looking for?

Business is simple on the face of it, and no matter the size of your business things are pretty much done the same way: you help your customers find the right product, give them a copy of the order, take their money, order the goods from the supplier or take them from stock. Those orders are acknowledged, then booked in when they arrive at the back door. You call the customer, collect the balance if there is one and deliver the goods. It doesn’t really matter if you are an owner-operated business running out of 1,000sqft or have dozens of stores with hundreds of staff, the template is the same.

So that’s the first thing you should be looking for – a system that allows you to keep operating how you want to operate, that’s intuitive and doesn’t dictate how you should do things.

It needs to be simple to use, some people are tech savvy, but who’s got the time to spend hours learning something new, besides it needs to be easy enough for everyone in the business to use no matter their age or technical ability. It is after all for furniture sales people not rocket scientists.

It should help you interact positively with your customers, so should be able to easily bring up customer order details and sales history and up to the second stock availability: there is nothing worse than keeping customers waiting while searching through box files for an old order or a spinning egg timer on an old system with a creaky server or selling them something we no longer have. So it should be Cloud-based and mobile.

Cloud-based because it means you don’t need expensive servers and boffins to keep them running and mobile because

Keep up to date

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

Software systems should help with customer interaction

sitting down at the furniture the customer is buying with an iPad or tablet, not taking them to a desk, really is the way to do it. Not only that but when you (inevitably) work from home or go to trade shows you want to be able to have all your information – sales, stock, purchases – instantly to hand.

Customer service today is more vital than it has ever been, so you need to be able to manage any service issues efficiently and easily, but not just the problems. Your customers should have the ability to track their orders online, like they do when the buy something as small as a pair of shoes, and you should be able to text your customers the moment the goods arrive, reducing dwell time and maximising cashflow.

You need to know the detail about your business too: reports that can show product performance, sales person performance, margins, and well, everything you need to know with one or two clicks.

Software needs to be future-proof as you don’t want to have to replace it in a few years, so it will need to be upgraded regularly without extra charges. The set up should be free along with training and support with no maintenance or service contracts. You want all of that and more, but don’t want to spend thousands of pounds doing it. Ideally, you should be able to have a monthly subscription with little or no contract.

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UNDERLAY

Underfoot comfort New carpet, as well as wood and laminate flooring, needs the correct type of underlay to make sure it looks great, performs well and lasts longer.

The Carpet Foundation’s Consumer Code of Practice approved by the Trading Standards Institute recommends that new underlay is bought with every new carpet to help it sit properly and wear evenly. Just as carpet may wear more in certain areas, so does the underlay, which is why it’s always better to use new underlay with a new carpet.

Similarly, hard floorcoverings need the right underlay to perform well in terms of noise reduction and heat insulation.

The main reason people buy underlay is for underfoot comfort. They also want it to make their carpet last longer, look better and, particularly for hard floorings, to reduce noise and add warmth. Here are some reasons for installing underlay: Best for comfort: to provide the cushioning that makes the carpet comfortable and luxurious underfoot.

Makes carpets look better: it protects the carpet and helps to prevent the pile from flattening, thereby helping the carpet look new for longer.

Improves insulation: to help keep in the heat that will reduce energy bills. Some studies have suggested that underlay can reduce energy costs by up to 15%.

Helps reduce noise: acts as a barrier to sound. A carpeted floor is quiet but a carpet with an underlay can be 2.5 times quieter.

Specialist underlays for wood and laminate floors can reduce inroom noise by up to 50%.

Makes carpets last longer: it acts as a shock absorber so carpets suffer less wear.

Improves hygiene: protecting the carpet pile makes it easier to clean and more hygienic.

There are two main types of underlay: rubber and polyurethane foam.

The right underlay will prolong the life of a carpet

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Sponge rubber underlay is available in flat or waffle patterns in a range of weights for different rooms. At the quality end of the market sponge rubber underlays offer luxury and high levels of underfoot comfort while delivering performance and durability for the lifetime of the floorcovering.

Flat and dense, crumb rubber is made from recycled car tyres and is good for busier areas where there is heavy footfall, for example on stairs, halls and living rooms; dining rooms where there is heavy furniture; or to support people with mobility challenges who use walking aids.

Polyurethane (PU) foam is made from recycled foam material and provides excellent comfort and performance levels with lots of thickness options and densities. Some PU underlays are constructed for low traffic use such as bedrooms with more dense products for higher traffic areas.

Within these main categories there are specialist underlays for different applications, for example laminate or LVT flooring or for use with underfloor heating. Acoustics can worsen if inferior or lightweight underlays are used with hard flooring.

It’s important to select the most suitable underlay to ensure the best flooring performance in different areas. Keeping noise to a minimum might be important for people living in flats, or for those who have young children, while people with underfloor heating will want an underlay with a low tog rating.

Areas that see a lot of traffic will perform better with a durable underlay, while a more economical option providing everyday comfort is perfect for a spare bedroom.

The combination of thickness and density is all important as a thick underlay with low density may not perform well. Typically, the thicker the underlay, the better quality it will need to be – 11mm is often used for luxury installations with 9mm and 7mm the common domestic thickness, but rooms with heavy traffic will need a thinner, denser pad.

Select a suitable underlay for the room and floorcovering used

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The UK’s number 1 underlay Tredaire underlays are designed to keep carpets looking as good as the day they were fitted and feel fabulous for longer.

Our outstanding range of underlays offer luxurious comfort whilst also insulating and reducing noise - that’s just a few reasons why we are the UK’s number 1 underlay brand.

For more information visit interfloor.com

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UPHOLSTERY (FABRIC)

Sitting comfortably It’s worth noting how fabrics perform and which ones are a good fit for family life and everyday living.

Chenilles have a beautifully soft look and feel, and are probably the most practical. Chenille can be well priced and generally has a good perceived value. This woven texture can suit country living or can be glammed up and often features damask patterns or can be mixed with metallic thread for a more lustrous feel.

In general fabrics with texture and tonality are good, as they hide any markings or dirt.

Top quality and expensive frames are made out of kiln-dried hardwood. The process of kiln drying removes all moisture from the wood, enabling it to retain its shape and stability over a long period of time. In a good quality frame, the joints get special attention. They are glued, dowelled, and screwed. The corners are further strengthened by the addition of reinforcing blocks for extra support and strength.

Plywood and particleboard frames are practical and costeffective but can be as hard wearing and carry a frame guarantee of 10 years in some cases.

The spring support system determines the quality of a sofa. It works in tandem with the frame and the filling. A sturdy frame provides an anchor for good seating support and filling augments it. Pocket springs are used in sofas to offer consistent support throughout its life.

An eight-way hand-tied spring system is one of the best support systems. The upholsterer connects each spring to the adjoining one with a strong twine. The twine passes front to back, side to side, and then diagonally in both directions, thus tying each spring securely.

Sinuous springs are S-shaped and run from the front of the seat to the back. These springs can be supported by additional wires that cross from side to side.

Web suspension, in which bands of webbing cross the seat and back, are then attached to the frame to make a platform for the cushions. Webbing can be made of either natural or man-made fibres, and if it is used alone doesn’t make for very

Fabrics with texture and tonality can help obscure dirty marks

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The choice of cushion filling will impact how it sits

strong support. However, in better-quality sofas, it is used with a tensioner that fastens the webbing securely to the frame.

The web suspension is the least preferable of the seating support options.

Cushions can be filled with a variety of materials: Small feathers with a slight natural curl act like a spring which gives added bounce and support and provides durability and warmth. Feather naturally has more loft, giving longer lasting comfort and cushion shape retention. This type of cushion has a luxurious natural filling that offers a ‘sinking in’ feeling.

Hollow fibre is a non-allergenic 100% polyester fibre, consisting of hollow strands that allow air to pass through, trapping it within the strand – therefore producing loft. This fibre creates a plump cushion with a medium to firm feel, suitable for all suite cushions. The filling tends to recover its shape more readily than feather, just needing to be plumped occasionally.

A mix of feather and hollow polyester fibre has the advantage of greater resilience than 100% feather. This cushion filling requires lower maintenance and will recover its shape quickly providing a firmer seating option.

Foam core filling is the best of both worlds. The resilience and stability of foam enveloped with a soft wrap that can be filled with either feather or fibre for the ultimate luxury.

High-density polyurethane foam is the firmest type of seat cushion interior and most resilient, meaning it will spring back into shape as soon as you stand. The higher the density, the firmer the cushion will be. Foam requires minimum maintenance and gives a neat appearance. With age and use the foam will soften slightly.

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UPHOLSTERY (FLAMMABILITY)

Fire guards The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended in 1989, 1993 and 2010) set levels of fire resistance for domestic upholstered furniture.

Domestic fire-related deaths in the home increased between the 1960s and late 1980s. The number of such deaths rose from 390 to 700 in the 1960s with further increases in the 1970s.

Despite a gradual decrease in the 1980s, there were 731 domestic fire-related deaths in 1988. This combined with the fire in the Manchester Piccadilly branch of Woolworths in May 1979 in which an electrical fault set alight upholstery causing the death of 10 people, 47 people being treated in hospital and six firemen injured, led to the introduction of the regulations.

Government research published in 2009 estimated the Regulations saved approximately 54 deaths per year and prevented some 1,000 house fires, which could have resulted in 780 non-fatal injuries.

It is illegal for a company to supply furniture (whether manufactured in the UK or abroad) not complying with the regulations, which essentially state that: Filling materials must meet specified ignition requirements; upholstery composites must be cigarette resistant; covers must be match resistant (with certain exceptions); a permanent label must be fitted to every item of new furniture (not mattresses and bed-bases); a display label must be fitted to every item of new furniture at the point of sale (except mattresses, bed-bases, pillows, scatter cushions, seat pods, loose covers sold separately from the furniture and stretch covers).

Regulations are enforced by local Trading Standards departments.

Permanent labelling on furniture assists enforcement officers and shows compliance with specific ignition requirements for covers and fillings. Permanent labels must not be removed.

Permanent labels need to be carried on all items of furniture with the exception of mattresses, divans and bed bases.

Furniture sold as a collection of items, such as three-piece

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suites, must have a label on each item. Permanent labels may be incorporated into other labels, for example care labels.

Display labels contain valuable information regarding the steps taken to ensure compliance and should be specific to each piece of furniture. These labels can be removed on delivery. Display labelling indicating ignition resistance must be attached to all new furniture (excluding mattresses, bed-bases, pillows, scatter cushions, seat pads, loose covers sold separately from the furniture, and stretch covers). Furniture sold as a collection, such as three-piece suites or a set of dining chairs, must have an appropriate display label on each item.

It is illegal for charity shops to sell furniture without permanent flammability labels, as such they will not accept donations without correct labelling, but individuals can sell furniture privately without flammability labels. Landlords must ensure furniture and furnishings provided meet the regulations.

Where necessary fabrics are Fire Safety treated with flame retardants to Regulations ensure fire safety in accordance have helped save lives with the regulations. Chemicals used must conform to European Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulations with regards to chemical safety.

It is possible to buy upholstery not treated with flame retardants as long as the product meets the full requirements of the regulations, for example if it is naturally fire retardant.

Curtains, bed throws, blankets, quilts or bedcovers arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t covered by the regulations. But, under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 there is an obligation for manufacturers, suppliers and retailers to provide a safe product.

The regulations apply to upholstered outdoor furniture suitable for use in dwellings, including homes, conservatories, caravans, and so on. The regulations donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t apply to garden furniture which is unsuitable for use in dwellings (ie garden furniture that would not physically fit indoors), non-upholstered garden furniture (for example deck-chairs and parasols) and cover fabric of any removable canopy. All upholstered cushions are required to satisfy the regulations, and each item should have a permanent label.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy completed a consultation on updating the regulations in late 2016, but at the time of publication has yet to publish any proposals.

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UPHOLSTERY (LEATHER) Pigmented leather can be produced in a range of fashionable colours

Skin deep Leather is a natural product with unique characteristics: style, comfort, and durability. It will have been subjected to many environments and may bear natural marks and blemishes.

Natural scars show that it is the real thing and should not give cause for concern.

Several types are used in upholstery.

Full aniline leathers have a soft natural feel and have the advantage of showing the natural leather off at its best, including evidence of natural marks and blemishes. Because they don’t have a top coating the leather breathes more easily and is cooler to sit on. Full aniline leather may need additional care and is likely to show all the signs of wear and tear. It will take on a lived in appearance, which is a natural characteristic adding to the charm of the product and is not a fault.

Pull-up (waxy/oily pull-up) is a type of aniline leather that has an extra top treatment of oil and/or wax effect. These leathers are designed to become distressed looking through time and use. However, it will scratch easily and is not recommended for households with pets.

Semi-aniline leathers have a soft finish and have been both dyed through and have a thin finishing layer on the surface.

This allows the natural characteristics to be seen, while also protecting against soiling and aiding the use of cleaning products.

Pigmented leather has a surface finish that gives a more soil

resistant and durable finish that is easy to maintain. This type of finish allows leather to be produced in a range of colours.

Nubuck leathers are buffed to give a velvet-like nap. This brushing breaks the surface and makes the leather incredibly soft. However, this can result in it being easily soiled.

Antique leather has surface lacquers applied that are designed to rub off in use and give an antique or lived-in appearance. The surface colour is designed to wear in this way and consequently the overall appearance will change more than with other types of leather.

Bi-cast is produced from the lower split of leather by melting a type of glue on the surface, then rolling on a film of coloured polyurethane. This varies in quality and can lighten when stretched and scratch easily. It is usually produced in darker colours and when scratched, it lightens.

Over time leather will age with a tendency to stretch and soften. This can be particularly noticeable in the seating areas if cushion interiors relax over time. This can create a ‘puddling’ effect on seat cushions particularly if the seat is made from one piece.

In addition to real leather, there are a number of synthetic or faux leather materials available. These can be a low cost, hard wearing alternative to real leather and can be realistic.

A leather sofa, not marked as 100% leather, may use faux leather for the back and sides of the sofa.

Leather is a natural product with unique characteristics

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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VINYL

Smooth style Cushion vinyl flooring is bestowed with several notable features that ensure it deserves close inspection by anyone looking for a floor that’s practical and stylish; it is a floor certainly worthy of more than its reputation as an economical choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

Style is one of cushion vinyl’s real strengths as it comes in a huge array of looks ranging from classic wood and stone to architectural effects and bold abstract patterns. Few floors can match its versatility, though it’s important to make sure that what is chosen looks authentic, so keep an eye out for surface textures that follow the pattern beneath.

Known for easy installation, it is great for DIY projects or quick room refurbishments. For rooms below 15sqm it is possible to fit without having to glue or tape to the subfloor. A relatively recent innovation, cushion vinyl with a textile backing, also brings this advantage to larger areas – textile-backed cushion flooring is more stable than standard foam-backed alternatives – so can be loose-laid in larger rooms up to 40sqm.

Another plus is the absorption of subfloor irregularities.

For practicality, it scores highly. With a low maintenance finish, it’s easy to keep dirt at bay, though not all floors are created equal so make sure you recommend styles featuring a PU wear layer treatment as this will help to prevent lasting scuffs and marks. With these specially treated surfaces, most stains or marks can be wiped away. Just like any other floor, regular vacuuming or mopping will rid dirt build-up and reduce the chance of scratches and damage. With nowhere for dirt to hide this low maintenance surface makes it hygienic too.

To make sure the cushion vinyl being put forward is up to the

Vinyl can be used in many rooms

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task, it’s important to consider wear rating, with the EN 13329 standard an accepted norm. Cushion vinyl flooring can range from Class 21 (light domestic use such as spare bedrooms and bathrooms) right up to Class 33 (heavy commercial use). For most domestic applications, Class 23 (heavy domestic use) will be sufficient, even in busy family spaces.

For homes looking for a floor that’s quiet, cushion vinyl is the best choice and through a special acoustic backing, there are floors that can reduce sound by up to 21dB. Great for family spaces, playrooms and reducing noise between apartments, it is among the quietest of all smooth floorcoverings. By the same token, it is also a great insulator and helps to keep rooms warmer. It is also safe to use with underfloor heating, as long as relevant recommendations are adhered to.

When recommending cushion vinyl to customers, it is certainly worth reminding them to avoid rubber-backed door mats and furniture protectors as these can cause yellowing on the surface through a process called plasticiser migration. Also, in areas with lots of sunlight such as a conservatory, or where heavy furniture is moved often – dining rooms a prime example – it is better to stick the floorcovering directly to the subfloor.

Doing this will prevent soft spots and rucking respectively.

A practical and versatile option for the home, cushion vinyl is enjoying something of a renaissance of late, chiefly due to the product’s excellent design characteristics. With a new generation of more authentic looking floors, as well as some ‘out there’ designs, there’s never been a better time to sing the virtues of this stylish, practical, durable and costeffective option.

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British Wool Beauty & Style.

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08:57

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ACCESSORIES

More options Gallery Direct’s offer continues to expand

Occasional tables

The launch of Gallery Direct’s A/W 2017 collection expanded its catalogue still further. New products include a selection of occasional tables and chairs, along with mirrors, textiles, accessories, lighting and artwork.

‘We are always looking to the future to predict trends and continue to stay ahead of up and coming interior style developments, and are fully focused on keeping on trend but affordable.

Therefore we are continually developing design-led, value-engineered products and collections to keep our catalogue fresh,’ says James Hudson, Gallery sales and business development director.

The range of occasional tables now includes Menzies with a black metal base, which is offered as a coffee and a side table. Canterbury, with a metal base and glass top, is also available in two options. Other additions are Wesley, with its unusual deep top, Highgate, and the Epsom Tripod Table.

Carnaby has been added to the occasional chairs range. It features a wooden frame, upholstered in leather or fabric, with stud detailing. The fabric option is available in a denim look with a light frame or a soft stone-washed fabric with a dark frame. For the leather version, customers can choose from a deep chocolate colour with a dark frame or tan leather with a light frame.

There is a selection of new mirrors to

suit different tastes and styles of interior, from the Bellingham with its geometric bevelled design to the traditional Rushden, offered in silver and gold, and as a leaner and rectangular wall mirror.

Textiles saw the introduction of products across existing categories. Soft brushed cotton bedlinen was added to the Kilburn & Scott collection, including two childrens’ designs, Hedgehogs and Wild Winter. Cushions with embroidery in bright tribal colours have been added, and Gallery’s metallic trend has been extended with copper metallic cushions with a deep planetary colour palette.

A new category, doorstops, features a range of animal characters.

The Home Decor collection has more table lamps, pendants, accessories and artwork.

Next month will see more introductions.

‘We are producing two new directories, Home Decor and Furniture, for January.

These will include “get the look” features for our ranges, to give customers ideas for how to display the products to their best advantage.

‘Our January launch will feature 16 new furniture collections, along with a great selection of mirrors, wall art, photo frames and textiles, as well as a brand-new product category,’ adds Hudson.

Visit: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

Aztec embroidered cushions

Doorsteps

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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BUYING GROUPS

Members have access to Orderlink, POS and regular updates

Flexible purchasing Orderlink is just one of many facilities available to SMG members It is not just financial advantages that SMG membership offers, there is access to several useful services to help retailers run their businesses.

Of the many benefits available, the Orderlink central purchasing service is one of the most popular. Retailers can purchase any product from any SMG approved supplier without the need for a direct account.

Purchases are made via the Orderlink office without complicated form filling and the products are delivered directly to the retailer. There is no delay in receiving delivery when orders are placed this way and it gives retailers a flexible way to manage their purchasing.

‘Orderlink has always been one of SMG’s strongest offers to retailers. It saves them having to open accounts with suppliers that they might only buy from a couple of times a year. It also

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avoids the need to pay over the odds to get these products either with a local obliging retailer or wholesalers. Our suppliers love it too – they only have to deal with one account – it’s a win-win,’ says Mike Reed, SMG head of group operations.

Central purchasing is just one of the reasons retailers join SMG. There are discounts, rebates, promotions, the business support package and the facility to buy furnishings as well as flooring. SMG also offers debranding and own branding as well as extensive marketing aids.

Visit: www.smg-group.co.uk

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FOUR things you need for Business Success...

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SMG The National Furnishing Group 9 The Markham Centre, Station Road, Theale, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4PE Telephone 0118 932 3832 Fax 0118 930 4515 Email info@smg-group.co.uk Web www.smg-group.co.uk

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BUYING GROUPS

A marketing manual provides images, POS and templates for advertising and brochures

Boosting independence Flooring One offers members a variety of services Flooring One represents 134 members from 202 outlets providing a comprehensive membership package that will help and assist any retailer.

Flooring One is the specialist carpet and floorcoverings division of Associated Independent Stores, the largest independent non-food buying group of its kind in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The group overall has close to 350 members with a combined retail turnover of more than £2bn from 1,300 stores.

The group supports independent retailers ranging from single high street shops to flagship department stores and specialist retailers across the UK and Republic of Ireland. Included within the group are specialist divisions such as Intersport and Play-room.

Marketing support covers a large range of items including a marketing

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

manual with roomset images, lifestyle photography, advertising templates, brochures and POS. A rug manual featuring bestsellers and on-trend designs, again with beautiful photography, is also available. All images are available on a DVD to help support retailers with all their marketing requirements.

Flooring One holds an annual show at Cranmore Park, Solihull, in May in conjunction with the other major flooring buying groups where more than 60 of the leading brands converge on one place. The Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show showcases the latest in carpets, rugs, laminate, wood, vinyl, LVT, underlays and accessories.

‘There are many reasons for joining Flooring One: you remain independent and gain multiple benefits; you improve profitability through better buying

terms, exclusive ranges, promotional prices and rebates; Flooring One rebranding gives members differentiations in the marketplace and higher margin opportunities,’ explains Mandy Powell, Flooring One office manager.

‘Retailers also receive support and advice from the Flooring One team and regular visits from the Flooring One merchandisers,’ says Peter Karra, Flooring One buyer.

‘They also receive a comprehensive buyers’ guide and range plans; free online training; bespoke ticketing to help improve in-store POS and they can use the Cenpac central payment system, an efficient way for members to process transactions with suppliers while the procurement division saves members thousands of pounds,’ he adds.

Visit: www.flooringone.co.uk

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92metro_IMDec17_Interior Monthly Template 28/11/2017 12:20 Page 92

BUYING GROUPS

In-store assistance Changing circumstances require different approaches When Metro Group was formed in 1979, the main goal was to create a buying power that could protect and compete against the national chains that dominated the marketplace. Now large retailers are faced with the same issues as the small independent and it has taken the form of the Internet. More specifically the smartphone.

You can walk into a retailer’s showroom and enjoy its hospitality, heat, light, displays and most important, the staff’s experience and advice, free of charge. We can listen carefully as we are guided towards the most suitable products that fit our budgets and take on board the reasons to choose specific types and styles to make sure we make the right choices. Then once we have decided we can simply take out our mobile phone and find it cheaper online or somewhere else.

This problem affects all kinds of retailing where products can be specifically identified. After all, it is the consumer’s right to choose where and what they buy. The problem occurs when the margin is removed from sales to the point that retailers begin to close because they can’t compete. As prices are driven down, overheads increase and retailers can no longer justify the costs of their rent, rates, utilities and wages.

One of the areas Metro has focused on is own-branding to help retailers sell the most successful products in the marketplace under the Carpet 1st own brand. Some Metro retailers take this even further and completely rebrand.

Avonvale Carpets in Bath has rebranded every product in-store with the help of Metro’s marketing team which changed every display header and label to be represented by Avonvale Carpets.

This comprehensive project demonstrates how a retailer can use Metro’s bespoke marketing service well beyond what they would be able to do themselves without expensive professional help. Plus the service can be used again in the future.

Visit: www.carpet1st.co.uk

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

Avonvale Carpets has rebranded its complete offer

093_IM_1217:000_IM_0017 01/12/2017 11:18 Page 1

Being part of the UK’s leading

Better Terms - Make More Profit

flooring buying group has many

With Group buying power in the region of £50 Million, Metro gives you the opportunity to buy flooring from suppliers you may already deal with at the lowest prices and best terms in the UK.

benefits that you will be able to measure in terms of extra profit..

Members deal direct with suppliers and choose who they deal with without interference from the Group.

Protect Margins with Carpet 1st You have the choice to sell products using the original brand name and identity or as Carpet 1st giving you exclusivity in your area and protecting margins from online traders.

Whichever branded option you choose, they are the same products, the same prices and delivered through the same supply chain.

Bespoke Marketing Support Metro offer members unique dedicated support with our own marketing department specialising in bespoke solutions for

leaving you free to run your business your way.

independent flooring retailers.

Our own mobile print and merchandising vehicle delivering unique, bespoke materials to your own specification and designs.

free on-site, bespoke marketing support

with your first years group membership

our fully marketing vehicle with on board printing and sign making equipment.

Since 1979 The Metro Group has helped retailers like you make more profit - call today for more information

metrogroup Metro House, 21 Chorley New Road, Bolton BL1 4QR • tel (01204) 393 539 • www.carpet1st.co.uk

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WOOL

British Wool has a new range of attractive and informative POS options for retailers. The POS provides a key talking point for critical consumer interaction in-store and is available in a variety of sizes and styles.

Smart choice Versatility and resilience make wool the fibre to use in carpets and furnishing British wool is a quality fibre for interior textiles and furnishing that is highly regarded by the global textile industry. It provides many appearance and textural design benefits to a wide range of interior products with the added value of the fibre’s proactive functionality. These many ‘smart’ attributes provide a range of unmatched benefits across an extensive portfolio of products.

British wool is the number one choice for carpet manufacturers due to its excellent appearance retention. This is due to the fact that British wool is a uniquely strong, robust fibre that will repeatedly bounce-back to resist tracking and flattening: preventing those worn pathways through the home. This resilient characteristic will ensure the carpet looks better for longer, needing less frequent replacement and providing excellent value for money.

Inherently safe due to its high water

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

and nitrogen content, wool does not easily ignite and usually selfextinguishes. As a major surface in the home, a wool carpet is a safe choice as it can prevent the speed and spread of fire considerably.

Wool has a breathable function in product that can absorb and release humidity to acclimatise to the internal air of the home, keeping it warm but never hot, and cool but never cold. This function permanently removes internal pollutants, cleaning the air within the room. Wool carpets and rugs are easy to care for – regular vacuuming will keep it fresh.

British wool provides excellent structure to fabrics used in upholstery, curtains and blinds. It is strong enough to withstand regular use without suffering distortion or wear and tear. The natural elasticity of the fibre will prove a great asset to those key purchases of

sofas and armchairs because the fit of the fabric will easily adjust to the shape of the furniture and once fitted, maintain its shape for many years. In curtains and blinds the crisp character of the fibre prevents crushing and creasing.

Today, British wool is chosen as a key ingredient in mattresses made by the leading bed brands in the UK and across the world. It provides a comfortable mattress with superior support and stability. Wool padding in a mattress resists continuous pressure from the nightly sleep and will recover its original form over and over again to ensure it does not lose its shape or structure.

Additionally, wool bedding provides the perfect sleep environment: beds, duvets, mattress toppers, pillows and blankets will continuously acclimatise with the sleeper to achieve quality sleep.

Visit: www.britishwool.org.uk

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11:34

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MESSE FRANKFURT/JOCHEN GUNTHER

MESSE FRANKFURT/THOMAS FEDRA

Heimtextil Frankfurt 9-12 January 2018

PREVIEW

Spreading out

Upholstery fabrics will be just one sector at Heimtextil, including bedding, bathroom, curtains, wallcoverings, textiles, flooring, and window systems

MESSE FRANKFURT/JOCHEN GUNTHER

An additional hall means there is even more to see The product range for furnishing and upholstery fabrics will be significantly expanded at the 2018 event. Suppliers of furnishing and upholstery fabrics have increased in recent years reinforcing Heimtextil’s position as the industry’s most important international meeting place.

Upholstery and decorative fabrics will be presented in five halls: 3.0, 3.1, 4.0, 4.1 and the new 4.2.

In Hall 4, there will be more than 400 manufacturers, among them international names such as Deltracon and Muvantex from Belgium and Tali from Italy. Top brands such as Archroll, Bill Beaumont Textiles and Chess Designs from the UK, Blom Lina Maria from Finland, Cancelli from Italy, Erotex from Israel, Green Street Fabrics from Belgium, Pro Loom from Germany, Samac from Italy, Sankrin World and Textil Roig from Spain will be exhibiting for the first time at Heimtextil.

The range of decorative and upholstery fabrics in Hall 4.2 offers

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

individual solutions for architects and interior designers.

As part of the new Interior.Architecture.Hospitality Expo, contract trade visitors can expect to see functional product solutions for the interior decoration sector, such as textiles with acoustic functions or special abrasion-related properties. Together with partners such as magazines AIT and Allgemeine Hotel- und GastronomieZeitung (AHGZ), Bund Deutscher Innenarchitekten (Association of German Interior Designers, BDIA), industry promoter hotelforum and online platform World Architects, the expo will also offer visitors guided tours of the trade fair and lectures in the new lecture area in Hall 4.2.

Another highlight awaits visitors in Hall 4.2 in cooperation with Trevira. For the first time in several years the company will take part in a community presentation with its CS partners: Baumann Dekor, Engelbert E Stieger, Fidivi Tessitura Vergnano, Georg und Otto

Friedrich, Getzner Textil, Jenny Fabrics, Johan van den Acker Textielfabriek, Mattes & Ammann, Mersem Textile, Pugi RG, Spandauer Velours, SR Webatex, Getzner Textil, Swisstulle, Teksko Kadife, Kumas, Tessitura Mario Ghioldi & C, Torcitura Fibre Sintetiche, Torcitura Lei Tsu, Vlnap, Wagenfelder Spinning Group and Wintex.

Around 50 textile manufacturers will be in Hall 3. Highlights in Hall 3.1 include presentations by international brands such as Alhambra/Tormes Design and Zeconzeta from Spain, Damaceno & Antunes – Evo Interior Fabrics from Portugal, Fryett’s Fabrics from the UK and CTA and Tolino from Italy.

Heimtextil is also recording steady growth among leather suppliers with Ehrlich Leder, Jos Schreyeck Inh Wilhelm Funke, Futura Leathers, Gruppo Mastrotto and Prodital Italia among those in Hall 3.0.

In Hall 6, three floors will be devoted to exhibitors from Asia.

Visit: www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com

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January Furniture Show NEC 21-24 January 2018

PREVIEW

Hyder Living will be adding to its offer of sofabeds, bedframes, ottomans, mattresses and children’s bedroom furniture. Pictured is Sandringham.

Bentley Designs will introduce eight cabinet ranges while showing its most recent bedroom and dining collections. Pictured is Turin.

Home again Pacific Lifestyle’s introductions will include Copenhagen (pictured), the dark and modern Cyoto and the gold metallic Sapporo

Nolte Mobel’s Cepina bedroom range has clean lines, traditional materials and delicate details designed to transform the bedroom into a paradise free from everyday concerns

Enjoying increased sales of its painted collections, Devonshire Pine & Oak will add to its bestselling Lundy (pictured) range at the show ‚‚‚

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

The UK furniture industry will once again assemble at the NEC next month.

Here are some of the new designs to look forward to seeing. Visit: www. januaryfurnitureshow.com

099_IM_1217:000_IM_0017 01/12/2017 11:21 Page 1

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January Furniture Show NEC 21-24 January 2018

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Left: Marlborough Below: Cruise Bottom: Lennon

Flagship Marlborough will headline Sweet Dreamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; UK upholstery display Sweet Dreams will be showcasing its latest ranges at the NEC. Alongside its core range of divans, frames and mattresses there will also be an extensive display of upholstery: many will be models not previously seen.

Marlborough, a four-seater corner unit with unusual styling, is the flagship for the British-made collection. Featuring Duratech carded fibre to the seat cushions and with buttoned back cushions, the sofa comes in a range of 48 fabrics. Other new British-made models include Lennon, Zappa and Donovan, all with a retro feel.

In the non-UK upholstery range, recliner models in fabric such as Trieste and the Urbino corner unit, sit alongside faux and part leather recliner models. A selection of these will be displayed.

In beds, models from the luxury Pocket Air, Royal Pillowtop, Pocket Spring, Well Being and Enchanted collections will be on show, giving buyers a chance to see recent models and acquaint themselves with bestsellers such as Gwen Cashmere 1000, Gabriela 2000 and Cooler Touch 1000. They will be complemented by more everyday divans from the Ortho and Comfort collections as well as childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beds.

In bed frames there will be a selection of new wooden frames not previously exhibited. Some, including Cruise and Hathaway, have bedroom cabinet to match.

Visit: www.sweetdreamsuk.com

Interiors Monthly December 2017

Britannia Mirrors_Wp.qxp:Layout 1 01/12/2017 11:21 Page 1

Manufacturers and Wholesalers of Quality Framed Mirrors Britannia Mirrors Ltd Unit 5, 87 Lockfield Avenue, Enfield, Middlesex EN3 7PY

Tel: 020 8804 0392

www.britanniamirrorsltd.co.uk Email: sales@britanniamirrorsltd.com

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January Furniture Show NEC 21-24 January 2018

PREVIEW

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Building on success Left: Albany Below: Kennedy

La-Z-Boy has a raft of new products It’s been a hugely busy year for La-Z-Boy UK, following the success of its high street exclusive Originals Collection, launched in January.

The firm is committed to build on what it is doing well, investing in a number of strategies designed to promote the brand’s USPs to a wider audience and gain maximum value from its ranges.

As well as relaunching its UK website with a consumer-focused interface, La-Z-Boy has rolled out branded in-store furniture galleries and is set to launch its first nationwide press and TV standalone advertising campaign.

Now it has also announced the launch of a number of products at the January Furniture Show.

Following the demand for the Originals Collection it is introducing products to the range, as well as a host of new models in the popular Comfort Studio collection.

‘We’re also excited to be introducing Urban Attitudes, which is a new contemporary range fusing the benefits of both motion and static furniture. The collection offers the technology of La-Z-Boy reclining mechanisms, but with the look of a static product. This is like nothing else currently on the market in the UK,’ says Dave Darragh, La-Z-Boy UK sales director.

‘Additionally, we are introducing a

Interiors Monthly December 2017

branded cabinet furniture range for the first time in this country. We are expecting huge interest in all of our new introductions and we will be continuing our focus to provide the very highest quality of products which epitomise our brand values.’

The timing of the show falls opportunely for La-Z-Boy UK as it comes between the launch of its press campaign, starting this month, and its TV advertising, due to begin in early February.

‘We are investing more in consumer advertising than any other furniture manufacturer, and the raft of products

we will be introducing at the NEC will be highlighted by the support from our mainstream television campaign, starting just a couple of weeks later,’ claims Darragh.

‘In addition, we’re currently planning the launch of a beds products range for 2018, allowing retailers to capitalise on the La-Z-Boy brand equity generated by our ongoing marketing. We’re hoping that when consumers try out our products, the quality will convince them to remain loyal to the La-Z-Boy brand and rely on us to furnish the rest of their home,’ he adds.

Visit: www.la-z-boy.co.uk

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January Furniture Show NEC 21-24 January 2018

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Kleo by Bluebone is made from former Javanese fishing boats

Great catch Bluebone gives fishing boats a new lease of life Furniture importer and wholesaler Bluebone hopes buyers will be hooked on a new line it is introducing to the market at the January Furniture Show – Kleo by Bluebone.

Elaine Anderson, Bluebone sales manager, says the range, crafted using the timber from disassembled Javanese fishing boats, is one of the most exciting in her 18 years with the company, so much so that Bluebone has taken an additional stand just to showcase the brand.

‘We have used this factory previously and we do have some pieces in our existing range, but we’ve decided to launch a standalone collection with its own branded stand. We are making a major investment.

‘All of the Kleo by Bluebone collection is made from brightly-coloured boats that have been dismantled once they are finished being used for fishing in Java. It is a lovely story.

‘We have such great images too, which retailers can put on their shopfloors to create interest. It is something their sales

Interiors Monthly December 2017

staff can really get behind,’ she says.

The company is exploring the possibility of putting installations into branded stores to show the full picture.

Each piece is individual with different colours of the paint running through.

This, she says, makes it more difficult for copies to be sold online.

‘It is a nice counterbalance to online, and sold so much better if people can see it in person,’ she explains.

Bluebone already has high hopes for selected models.

‘The furniture has a metal casing, and there are two or three items that have a white powder-coat finish on the metal and they really stand out as fresh and contemporary because the white metal looks really great against the reclaimed timber. There is a round dining table that really is a showstopper,’ adds Anderson.

Visit: www.bluebone.co.uk

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IHGF Delhi Fair Spring New Delhi 23-27 February 2018

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Many product categories will be on show

India link Handicrafts abound at the 45th edition of the exhibition The IHGF Delhi Fair returns to the India Expo Centre & Mart, New Delhi, for its Spring 2018 edition from 23-27 February.

Among the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest congregation of handicraft exporters, this show is an essential meeting ground for the international gifting and lifestyle products industry. It has taken shape over 44 editions, encompassing the complete supply chain of home fashion and utility, collectables, gifting and fashion accessories.

The Autumn 2017 event brought together more than 3,000 exhibitors in 14 show sectors. This upsurge in participants was met with quality buyer traffic and contributed to a substantial amount of orders and enquiries. Buyers attended from all over the world with impressive numbers from the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, South America, Middle East and Asia.

Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top manufacturers, exporters and artisan groups will be among almost

Interiors Monthly December 2017

3,000 participants while overseas buyers are expected to turn out in large numbers. Visitors also get access to the 900 permanent showrooms in the Mart, on four levels at the India Expo Centre.

Spring 2018 will see significant expansion in all categories, varied in inspiration, processes and materials. Art metalware, electroplated nickel and silverware, wood carvings, furniture and accessories, glassware, fashion jewellery and accessories, hand-printed textiles, shawls, embroidered goods, lace, toys, homewares, decorative, gifts and general handicrafts, home textiles and home accessories, candles and incense, pottery, terracotta and ceramics, nautical instruments, Christmas and floral decorations, dry flowers and pot pourri, hand-made paper products and leather crafts offering unparalleled access to exhibitors drawn from all major manufacturing hubs, artisan clusters and craft pockets of India.

Theme pavilions and regional representations bring opportunities to source directly from artisans and entrepreneurs besides established exporters from these provinces. The new Designers Forum will present collections from selected established as well as upcoming Indian designers.

IHGF Delhi Fair is organised twice a year by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), a non-profit organisation and the main organisation representing handicraft manufacturers and exporters across India.

EPCH provides comprehensive information about the sector to international buyers and organises and leads participation in trade shows, buyerseller meets, conferences and study tours. It has facilitated its 10,000 plus member exporters to customise and offer unique styles and quality products to the global sourcing community.

Visit: www.epch.in

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If you’re in the business of furniture, we’ll see you in January.

Register now at januaryfurnitureshow.com

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Domotex Hannover 12-15 January 2018

PREVIEW

It’s all about you The central theme is individualisation Domotex will mark its 30th anniversary next month with a new hall configuration, a new official opening day and immersive display zones by exhibitors, artists and emerging designers.

The show will have a strong focus on the trend of product individualisation, as reflected in the keynote theme of Unique Youniverse. This theme will find concentrated expression in Hall 9, which will house a series of display zones by exhibitors, artists and budding young designers.

‘The show will immerse its visitors in a totally new and captivating world of trends, innovations and lifestyle,’ says Andreas Gruchow, Deutsche Messe director responsible for Domotex.

‘Visitors and exhibitors alike can look

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

forward to a wealth of concrete ideas that will help them grow their business and keep up with the trends and innovations that are shaping the future of their industry,’ he adds.

There will be about 1,400 exhibitors from more than 60 countries. Apart from Germany, the biggest exhibiting nations in terms of display space are Turkey, India, Belgium, China, the Netherlands, Iran, Italy, Egypt and the USA. A revamped hall configuration physically clusters allied product groups, and is designed to make it easier for visitors to find their way around.

Halls 2, 3 and 4 house the biggest offering of hand-made carpets and rugs seen anywhere in the world. Halls 5, 6 and 7 are home to machine-woven carpets and rugs. Hall 8 is the gateway to

the latest carpet creations from the world’s most innovative designers and labels. Displays of resilient floorcoverings and LVT are concentrated in Halls 11 and 12. Halls 12 and 13 house parquet, wood and laminate flooring. Hall 13 offers the latest flooring application and installation products and solutions.

There are two tram stops serving the exhibition centre: Messe East and Messe North and the Messe Laatzen train station. A My Domotex shuttle service will take visitors to wherever they want to go in the exhibition grounds.

After many years of large numbers of visitors attending on the Friday, before the official opening on the Saturday, the show has switched to a Friday to Monday format.

The show is focusing on the

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PREVIEW

individualisation trend and its effects on the flooring industry.

‘In today’s globalised and digitised world, consumers are increasingly looking for ways to express their individuality. Consequently, the products and services they use to shape their lives – including their home lives – are becoming more personalised and tailored to their needs and preferences.

Domotex is picking up on this trend, because if other products can be tailored to lifestyle preferences, then the same should also be true of floorcoverings,’ says Gruchow.

Hall 9 is the new jewel in the crown, being the home of the Framing Trends display area, a diverse and immersive showcase in which established companies, industry newcomers and artists will engage with the keynote theme in an array of displays.

Framing Trends comprises four zones, where visitors can experience and interact with all kinds of out-of-the-box ideas and designs. In the Flooring Spaces zone, floorcoverings companies will stage product showcases that play with

and reflect on the individualisation trend.

Next door, exhibitors will partner with interior designers to craft inspiring spaces and lifestyle realms in the Living Spaces zone. In the NuThinkers zone, students and young designers will redefine interior design with an array of unconventional ideas and product prototypes. The Art & Interaction zone will present the keynote theme of Unique Youniverse with exhibits from the worlds of art and design, paired with interactive multimedia displays.

The NuThinkers zone is for alternative thinkers who can envisage a world beyond the mainstream. Displays will include a new kind of floor heating system inspired by reptilian thermoregulation, a self-driving robotic painter that can create personalised floors, and virtual reality software that uses body movement to create individualised spaces in real-time.

The Endless Uniqueness installation offers an interactive perspective on the keynote theme. For this, 50 creatives, including Germany’s 10 best interior designers, were each asked build their

Domotex Hannover 12-15 January 2018

Domotex will display flooring trends, innovation and lifestyle

personal interpretation of the Unique Youniverse theme in the form of their favourite items and flooring staged inside an open mirror box. The boxes are opposite a giant mirror kaleidoscope that reflects the boxes and the visitors walking among them. As they walk through this mirror installation, visitors can change and rearrange the materials in the boxes, thereby creating their own unique design universe.

Another Hall 9 highlight is the Carpet Design Awards. The internationally coveted award honours the best new designer rugs in eight categories. Twenty four shortlisted designs will be on display for the duration of the show.

Hall 9 will also have a key focus on the promise of virtual reality as an interior design tool. Deutsche Messe has developed the hackvention event series in which companies can use virtual and augmented reality to develop concepts and prototypes for individualised products. A number of exhibitors are taking part and the fruits of their foray into VR and AR will be on show.

Visit: www.domotex.de ‚‚‚

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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Domotex Hannover 12-15 January 2018

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Innovations and updates A glimpse of what can be seen at the event Balta Carpets’ key highlights include the European launch of the solution-dyed polyester yarn Made in Heaven and solution-dyed nylon Odyssey collections.

Made in Heaven will be introduced in three styles, Aurora, Angelic and Gracious, while Odyssey will launch with Portofino, a 2,100g per sqm pile weight saxony in 10 colours.

‘These two, big new collection launches represent the changing status of synthetic fibres as the go-to yarns across every price-point,’ comments Geert Vanden Bossche, Balta Group marketing director. ‘With stain resistance, softness and endurance, Made in Heaven and Odyssey are set to be key components in our product mix for 2018, joining our existing stain-resistant polypropylene fibres in StainSafe and Leonis as well as the supersoft Satino.’

These existing fibres will see developments, including an update to the StainSafe Noble collection and several new ranges. The Satino nylon range is to be expanded with Glamour, a two-tone heather-look in 10 colours and 4m and 5m widths.

The show will also see the launch of Pro-Nature, a flatweave suitable for commercial use and the introduction of premium Luxury Carpet Tiles in nylon or polypropylene fibre options.

Flair Rugs will make its debut at the show. ‘Europe represents a fantastic opportunity for us and Domotex is a key platform,’ says Sinead Donohoe, Flair head of marketing.

‘While our ranges have been developed with UK homes in mind, the continued globalisation of trends means there is a good degree of relevance to make many of our styles just as perfect for homes in the Benelux, Germany, France and further afield. The strength of British design in rugs such as Splinter and Blossom will help to differentiate and strengthen our brand’s appeal.’

Granorte is introducing Kenko, using a Japanese-made 0.25mm thick polymer to provide a wear layer on its engineered cork flooring. PVC and plasticiser free, the use of the polymer marks Granorte’s

Interiors Monthly December 2017

Louis de Poortere’s Antiquarian

Granorte

resolve in reducing reliance on plastics.

‘This year’s Domotex is a significant one for us,’ says Paulo Rocha, Granorte product and research and development manager. ‘Not only for the unveiling of our new corporate identity, but also for a significant step-forward in product technology with the introduction of Kenko. Waste plastic is rapidly filling landfill and toxifying our oceans, presenting an increasing hazard to the natural world, so we are determined to do everything we can to reduce our reliance on it in Granorte flooring products. This new polymer helps Kenko to use 10 times less plastic than equivalent vinyl/HDF floors; a significant

reduction without any adverse effect on the performance of the floor.’

The show will see the European launch of Lano’s Halcyon, its first foray into solution-dyed polyester. The Essenz collection of stain-resistant polypropylene carpets will see more colours in the classic look of Pembridge Twist and Fairfield Creations. Its Landscape Collection of artificial grass will have two additions in Easy Lawn – Anica and Valeria – and the new Pro Lawn range of six, high-end qualities.

The X Collection will be expanded with three supersoft nylon styles joining Satine and new Bamboo Touch and Bamboo Velvet. The collection will also

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Domotex Hannover 12-15 January 2018

Balta Carpets’ Aurora

Quick-Step

Lano Carpets’ Cashmere luxe

experience colour updates to Mayfair Velvet, Satine and Oasis.

An exclusive collaboration between Louis de Poortere and Romo Group brings to the market rugs inspired by the trendsetting fabric designs from the Romo and Villa Nova brands.

Romo is renowned for its assorted library of classic and contemporary fabrics and wallcoverings offering a diverse style and timeless elegance enriched with a sophisticated colour palette. In collaboration with Louis de Poortere, Romo has created a collection of hand-tufted and flatweave rugs featuring timeless designs in contemporary shades.

Flair Rugs’ Luxmi Solitaire Sion

Louis de Poortere has also teamed with Villa Nova for a range of flatweave and hand-tufted rugs.

Drawing on its own library of archive patterns and reinventing them with a modern take, the Belgian maker will also continue to expand its vintage designs with the introduction of Antiquarian under the Louis de Poortere brand.

The Mad Men collection, inspired by the golden age of advertising in the 1950/60s, will also have updates.

Quick-Step will be telling the story of its research and development, giving insight into the brand’s process in creating laminate, LVT and engineered wood floors.

‘We’ll be giving visitors a unique glimpse into how we develop Quick-Step floors, working to make beautiful solutions that are ahead of the market in quality and aesthetics,’ says Sophie Hautekeete, Quick-Step international PR manager.

‘In each Quick-Step floor there is an experience waiting to be had. From the meticulous craftsmanship in creating beautiful surfaces with unique narratives to innovations that create a lifetime of quality, owning a Quick-Step floor is something special.’

Visitors will also be able to see the brand’s 2018 flooring ranges, including Majestic extra-wide and long laminate.

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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Brussels Furniture Fair

REVIEW

Quality and quantity Buyers were out in force at this year’s event There was an optimistic mood at the 80th Brussels Furniture Fair despite a difficult year for the Belgian furniture trade.

‘Over 90% of the exhibitors with whom we have been able to speak were downright enthusiastic,’ says Lieven Van den Heede, Brussels Furniture Fair director.

‘Following last year’s decline, this year’s visitor numbers showed a slight increase of 2%, but above all, it was the sales figures that were good, and in some cases excellent. For some time now, due to the concentration in the market, the success of a trade fair has been unrelated to the number of visitors. Sadly, however, this is the only yardstick by which trade fairs are judged. The quality and buying potential are harder to measure, but are far more important. And luckily, both were present in profusion,’ he says.

Exhibitors are following the trend towards the high quality and high standard that befits an international trade fair, says Van den Heede.‘This was particularly apparent to visitors who had been absent for a number of years. The

Top and above: Once again the show had trend areas

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Interiors Monthly December 2017

2017 Brussels Furniture Fair is not the same as the 2014 edition, let alone that of 10 years ago. Major efforts at product innovation were the order of the day.

This time, manufacturers went right to the core of product development, coming up with genuine innovations.

The results of this could be seen on the trade fair floor, and this was reflected in the buyers’ enthusiasm,’ he explains.

The Balthazar Awards were presented, with winners receiving a certificate and 12litre bottle of Drappier champagne.

The Best of Belgium award was won by Mintjens Group for Bloom. ‘The Bloom collection stood out for its huge versatility of lifestyle ambiances, based on a relatively limited number of cleverly designed material and styling options,’ according to the judges.

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Brussels Furniture Fair

Clockwise from top left: Recor’s Home; MTE Theuns; Kluskens’ Désio; The Balthazar winners collect their certificates from Lieven Van den Heede; Mintjens’ Bloom; Era

Joli with the Wire chair, and Boone with the Cubed+ were runners-up.

The Best International Balthazar was awarded to Era Grupa from Croatia for its entire collection. ‘The surprising thing about Era Grupa’s collection was its international appeal. It stands out for its versatility, originality and durability.’

Discalsa with the Fioco Table and Jan Kurtz with the Sit’s concept were the runners-up.

For the Ecology category, MTE Theuns won with the Göteborg collection. ‘Oak is becoming scarcer. That’s why with Göteborg, MTE Theuns has made the ecological switch from traditional oak to FSC ash, in an evergreen retro style. The only Ecology runner-up is Kluskens with Désio. This sends a subtle signal to the sector that there is still work to be done in this area.’

The Balthazar in the innovation category was awarded to Recor Group with the Recor Home Collection. ‘With this new lifestyle brand, Recor has developed a striking conceptual innovation in a short space of time. From product design to marketing, everything is focused on the new consumer, defined in five different target groups.’

Moome with Hugo and Passe Partout with the Low Dining concept were runners-up.

Visit: www.meubelbeurs.be

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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