Yates takes top role at French Bedroom

Furniture and flooring etailer French Bedroom has a new md.

After three years as head of brand, Holly Yates has been promoted. Founder Georgia Metcalfe has become creative director.

‘Holly perfectly shares my “anything is possible” mantra, coupled with my pace of work: she knows a morning idea can be an afternoon implementation. It’s a fast-paced, deepthinking, quick decisionmaking environment so the

Kasthall joins NOD fold

Rug producer Kasthall has become part of the Network of Design group.

The Swedish manufacturer has joined the Altor-owned group – established in 2020 – which also includes String Furniture, Byarums Bruk, Photowall, Wall of Art, Norling Studio, Cooee Design, Kid’s Concept and Grythyttan Stålmöbler.

connection, chemistry and interdependence Holly and I share is imperative. Yet we can also be polar opposites, bringing different angles and ideas to both boardroom and creative sessions. When you have a working partner who knows what you’re thinking and can osmotically absorb information, you know you have the best,’ says Metcalfe.

Price rises fall

Furniture retail price inflation fell again in August and is now less than half of what it was four months ago.

The rate for household furniture dropped from 6% in July to 4.2%. In August 2022 it was 15.6%, and as recently as April it was 8.6%.

Over the past 12 months the rate has averaged 14.9%, but has been falling every month. The Office for National Statistics says ‘the downward effect was spread across a wide range of lounge, bedroom, kitchen and dining room furniture’.

The flooring inflation rate continued its topsy-turvy pattern in August.

The rate for carpets and floorcoverings dropped from 9.9% in July to 7.6% in August. In August 2022 it was 8.1%.

‘We are thrilled to embark on this exciting partnership with the fantastic individuals and brands at NOD. I have every confidence that our collective expertise and dedication to quality and craftsmanship will propel Kasthall toward an inspiring future. This partnership opens up endless opportunities for innovation and growth. We are eager to explore these opportunities, as they allow us to accelerate Kasthall's digitalisation journey, our geographical reach, and possibilities to explore new market segments,’ says Johan Bergh, Kasthall ceo.

‘Kasthall is the perfect fit for Network of Design, it brings high design quality, a strong international brand, respect and care for craftsmanship and sustainability in the production in Kinna, Sweden. Together, we will ensure that floors in homes all over the world will enjoy Kasthall's design and quality,’ says Therese Hillman, NOD ceo.

Over the past 12 months the rate has seen constant increases and falls.

Both carpets and rugs and other floorcoverings saw the rate decline. Carpets and rugs dropped from 10.6% to 8.4% –it has averaged 6.9% over the past year – while smooth flooring saw the rate drop from 7.3% to 5.9%: almost a third of what it was in April.