Interiors Monthly December 2019

DECEMBER 2019

Immerse yourse in our wor lf l d a t t s of leep FurnhietuJanuary re Sho w

Trends SS 2020

Buyers’ guide

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Home of the UK’s biggest sleep brands

Join us at the January Furniture Sh ow

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Immerse yourself in our world of sleep Sunday 19 Jan – Wednesday 22 Jan 2020

The January Furniture Show is back and so are we! Join us for a sneak peek of some of our new products, chat with our experts, and test out over 45 different mattresses and incredible sleep solutions.

Home of the UK’s biggest sleep brands

EDITOR’S COMMENT

New owners – new futures?

The purchase of Bensons for Beds and Harveys and the all but confirmed takeover of Carpetright has proven that there are still investors who see a future for bricks and mortar retailing.

Alteri Investors, the owner of Brighthouse, has a track record of buying retailers across Europe and improving performance so is no novice when it comes to such deals. Its first investment fund more than doubled the money invested.

In the purchase announcement much was made of Alteri’s digital expertise and the group’s omnichannel presence, so it will be very interesting to see how Mark Jackson and his team’s strategy turns out now that it has new funds behind it.

One strategy that has paid off is that of Talal Shakerchi, Meditor ceo and noted poker player (he has won more than US$7m at tournaments).

Shakerchi lent the chain tens of millions of pounds (with whopping arrangement fees and one with a 18% interest rate, but admittedly unsecured) when it was hard to see where the retailer would raise funds. Meditor then bought Carpetright’s bank borrowings from Natwest and AIB, which combined with its 29.9% shareholding meant it was firmly in charge. Shakerchi is offering 5p a share (a total of £15.2m). The shares may have been at 9p when he made his offer but who else was going to do anything? No surprise that the chain’s board recommended the offer. Again, the message was we have the right strategy but need more money to make it work (and not to have to give those pesky trading updates). As I said last month, expansion requires deep pockets.

Having just had my sitting MP at the front door, I’ll mention the election: retailers always complain that elections cause them problems as consumers hold back on spending until they see who is in government. ScS and Topps Tiles confirmed this is happening this time.

On behalf of everyone at Interiors Monthly, a very happy Christmas and a prosperous January sale to all of you.

IMAGE: DUNELM

Three major chains have or are about to have new owners – who says there is no future for bricks and mortar?

Buyers’ guide

INTERIORS MONTHLY DECEMBER 2019

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 4

Bensons and Harveys bought

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Carpetright set to be sold

10 Election hits sales

FEATURES 12 New products 14 Service 16 Retail

SS 2020 trends from Sainsbury’s Home

28 Retail

Fludes celebrates its 90th anniversary

34 Buying groups

Bespoke marketing

37 Buyers’ guide

Flooring accessories, beds, carpets, living and dining LVT, underlay, protection, associations and more

56 Wood and laminate

Floors and walls

58 Beds and bedroom

Sales boost, full focus

62 Preview

January Furniture Show, Top Drawer, Spring Fair, Domotex

86 Review

Brussels Furniture Fair, IHGF Delhi Fair Editor: Andrew Kidd

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

DECEMBER 2019

Immerse yourse in our wor lf of sleep FautrtnhietuJanuladry re Sho w

Furniture advertising (South): Tim Boden Come and immerse yourself in the latest sleep innovations from the Silentnight Group this January.

Visit: www.silentnightgroup.co.uk

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 advertising: Joanne Paull T: 01732 441 130 E: jpaull@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Representative in India: Amarjeet Singh Gianni T: 0091 98390 35458 E: as_gianni@yahoo.co.in Trends SS 2020

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Home of the UK’s biggest sleep brands

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

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NEWS

Steinhoff sells Harveys and Bensons to Brighthouse owner Alteri Steinhoff International as sold Harveys, Bensons for Beds and its UK manufacturing operations to Brighthouse owner Alteri Investors, which says it backs the existing management to turn the business around.

‘With the backing of new owners, management will be able to drive continued improvement in the performance of the group, having already made progress with a series of initiatives launched in 2018. Alteri Investors is fully supportive of the management team, and will work with it to develop the strategy to transform the group’s profitability,’ it says.

‘This is exactly the type of investment opportunity our second fund was launched to find: trusted retail brands with strong management and the potential for profitable growth. We are really excited to support Mark Jackson and the team on a successful turnaround of the business and are confident that our operational capabilities, alongside the

injection of fresh capital, can help to build a market-leading, vertically integrated business with a strong omnichannel presence,’ says Gavin George, Alteri ceo and founder.

‘We are delighted to be teaming up with Alteri.

Throughout the sale process, it has demonstrated an in-depth understanding of our business and its expertise, not least in digital, will help turbo-charge our plans to drive the performance of the group,’ says Jackson.

‘The sale of Harveys and Bensons is the latest in a series of planned divestments by Steinhoff as we continue with our announced strategy of simplifying the group’s portfolio and deleveraging our balance sheet. We have enjoyed a long association with the businesses,’ says Louis du Preez, Steinhoff ceo.

Harveys and Bensons have 269 stores while the bed and upholstery manufacturing operates four production sites.

Combined they employ more than 2,700 staff.

Tempur Sealy looks to new areas with help of IMG Tempur Sealy has hired marketing and management company IMG as its licensing representative for the group’s brands as it looks to move into a wider range of branded products.

‘IMG will work with Tempur Sealy to build a licensing program across multiple home, travel, wellness and lifestyle categories,’ according to the company.

‘We are delighted that IMG, a leader in its industry, has agreed to this

partnership that offers its endorsement of our market-leading brands,’ says Scott Thompson, Tempur Sealy executive chairman.

‘Our portfolio of brands lend themselves to extension beyond the bedding and sleep category.’

‘Tempur Sealy has an outstanding reputation for providing top-quality mattresses and other bedding products.

Our aim is to help it move into other

Another deal for CF members The Carpet Foundation has negotiated its second members’ deal, this time covering estimating software with preferential terms with Measure Square.

The company’s iPad or smartphone software integrates with a laser measure for quick and easy room drawing.

‘This is another example of demonstrable financial value in being a Carpet Foundation member. Having seen

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

it in action, I genuinely would urge our members to give it a go as they won’t be disappointed. It could enable them to stand out from their competition with state-of-the-art measuring and estimating technology,’ says Andrew Stanbridge, Carpet Foundation chief executive.

The launch follows on from the tie-up with ebuyer for reduced electrical goods.

areas of the home and attract new global audiences, with comfort being the focus for every product.

‘It’s a very exciting project,’ adds Gary Krakower, IMG vice president of licensing.

Sun sells off ScS stake for £13.75m ScS’s major shareholder Sun European Partners has raised £13.75m by selling 6.25million shares in the chain.

The shares were sold at 220p a share, a discount of 18p. Sun had said it was looking to sell at least 5.38million shares.

As a result its holding has fallen from 40.2% to 24.6%.

It is Sun’s first major disposal of shares since ScS’s stock market flotation in 2015.

Meanwhile ScS has bought just under 2million shares at the same price so it can cancel them. This will reduce the number of shares to just over 38million.

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NEWS

Meditor makes its move Carpetright has recommended to shareholders that they accept the £15.18m takeover by its largest shareholder and owner of its bank borrowings.

Meditor already owns 29.9% of Carpetright shares, the chain’s bank borrowings – which are due to expire on 31 December – and is owed £25.7m by it. The offer, which has been backed by other large shareholders, is for 5p a share: 4p below the price at the time of the offer, but Carpetright said it needed £80m to repay its debts, fund working capital and continue with its renewal strategy.

‘We believe the offer is in the best interests of all stakeholders. While we have made significant progress with our recovery plan for the Carpetright group, our ability to invest in the future of the business has been constrained against the backdrop of limiting banking covenants and a very challenging consumer market.

‘With a recapitalised business and the backing of a committed new owner with the resources to invest for the long term, we will be able to complete our recovery in the private arena and emerge as a stronger business,’ says Bob Ivell, Carpetright chairman.

Habitat md resigns Clare Askem, Habitat md has left her role at the retailer after eight years in the job.

During her time in charge the chain opened minibranches within Sainsbury’s

‘I believe this represents the best outcome for all stakeholder groups. With Meditor's support and financial backing and without the constraints of a public market listing, Carpetright will be well positioned to compete more effectively. This will facilitate substantially increased investment in Carpetright's committed employees and its store estate as well as driving new initiatives and improvements.

‘I am excited about the long-term prospects and opportunities for the business,’ says Talal Shakerchi, Meditor ceo.

Carpetright: ‘long-term prospects’ Separately the chain said it had seen like-for-like growth in all markets. ‘The prolonged sales decline appears to be bottoming out. In H1 FY20, like-for-like sales growth has been achieved in all territories; however, the ongoing impact of negative consumer confidence and Brexit on the retail environment could present a challenge in the balance of the financial year.’

supermarkets and its first standalone stores in a decade at Westfield London (pictured) and Brighton.

Askem joined Habitat’s former parent Home Retail Group in 2006 as head of strategic development. Before this, she was commercial director at PC World.

Sainsbury’s bought Home Retail Group in 2016.

James Brown, Sainsbury’s general merchandise and clothing commercial director has been given responsibility for Habitat.

Ikea sees UK sales jump Ikea’s UK operation outshone its global performance in the past year.

UK sales rose by 8% to £2.1bn in the year to 31 August 2019.

This compared with a 5% rise across the group.

Its share of the UK home furnishings market grew from 8.4% to 9%.

It recorded 224million visits

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to its website over the year, with 19% of sales now online.

It said shoppers were keen to cut waste and single-use disposable plastic.

‘Despite a challenging retail environment, Ikea has seen another year of strong sales growth as we continue the transformation of our business,’ says Peter Jelkeby,

Interiors Monthly December 2019

Ikea UK country manager.

‘We know people’s shopping habits and expectations are changing, so continued investment in our shopping experience, our people and in adapting our operations to ensure we become a fully circular business by 2030, will be vital to secure the success of our business in the future.’

And Islington makes five for Arlo & Jacob Upholstery retailer Arlo & Jacob is to open its fifth store in January: its fourth in the past 18 months.

The company will open the 4,700sqft store at Islington Square, Upper Street, London on 18 January.

As well as presenting a range of 65 products, the new branch will have a café and a children’s play house.

‘We’re thrilled to be opening our second London showroom in Islington Square, as Upper Street is a well-known destination for home and fashion shopping, and Islington Square will further enhance the retail offer. It has a great mix of leisure, dining, office and residential uses and closely aligns with our targeted demographic,’ says Harvey Roberts, Arlo & Jacob commercial director.

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NEWS

Duo warn of election effect Topps Tiles and ScS have warned that politics has hit business.

‘It is clear that the ongoing economic and political uncertainties are continuing to impact consumer confidence and spending. However, the board is pleased to report that the business is trading in line with our expectations,’ Alan Smith, ScS chairman told shareholders at its AGM. ‘In the 17 weeks ended 23 November 2019, the like-for-like order intake decreased 7.1% and the two-year like-for-like order intake decreased 4%. This is an improvement on the like-for-like trading for the first nine weeks of the year [7.6% and 3% respectively] which we reported with our full year results.

‘The group continues to focus on delivering a value proposition with excellent customer service whilst increasing our resilience. This puts us in a strong position to take advantage of opportunities which will add value in the longer term once the economy and consumer confidence improve.’

Tops says, as has happened before, consumer demand has weakened since the election was called. Retail sales in the eight weeks to 23 November dropped by 7.2%. This compares with a 1.9% drop a year ago.

‘At the start of the new financial year, trading conditions have become more challenging, with consumer demand weakening further since the general election was called. Against this backdrop of heightened political and economic uncertainty, like-for-like sales in the first eight weeks have declined.

‘Whilst we expect external events will continue to weigh on consumer confidence for the immediate future, we remain confident that our marketleading retail offer and growing commercial operations give us a strong platform from which to deliver sustainable growth over the medium and long term,’ says Matthew Williams, Topps ceo.

Cormar boosts fleet for South Cormar Carpet Company has added to its delivery fleet with 10 new trucks, increasing the fleet to 80.

They will operate from the company’s Hemel Hempstead regional distribution centre, delivering carpets to retailers and contractors throughout the South East and South West.

Manufactured by DAF in Leyland, the vehicles feature Cormar’s recently updated branding, with a greater emphasis on the carpet being made in Great Britain.

‘We pride ourselves on our nationwide delivery fleet as it is an important offering to our independent retailers and local carpet shops, differentiating us from many of our competitors,’ says David Cormack, Cormar marketing director.

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

Outlet for Heal’s

Heal’s has opened an outlet store. The chain opened a 2,080sqft outlet branch on Chiswick High Road, west London on 3 December.

It will offer a selection of cancelled, returned and overstocked pieces all at significantly reduced prices, with up to 70% off across furniture, lighting and accessories, as well as branded products.

‘The success across our bricks and mortar stores over the last 12 months is a testament to our understanding of customer demand for designs that will last,’ says Hamish Mansbridge, Heal’s ceo.

True inspiration London kitchen, bedroom and bathroom retailer Day True has opened its third store. The four-storey location on Wimbledon High Street joins stores in Maida Vale and Chelsea.

The ground floor features bathrooms and a large kitchen with an Arabescato polished marble wall and surface. The framed glass atrium provides insight into outdoor living and includes a gin bar, tandoori oven and a Big Green Egg barbeque. The basement provides visitors with inspirational home spa concepts, while the top floor is a two-bedroom show home, typical of the limited square footage on offer in London.

Obeetee targets UK retailers across India.

US$65m turnover Our longrug company standing Obeetee is to community launch in the support helps to UK this month, keep traditional and is looking artisanal skills, to secure handed down distribution through among retailers generations, with a view to thriving in the having product in store in January.

Obeetee intends to reach stores by January local communities and villages ‘Our ethos is where our workforce is based,’ says Karen founded in quality craftsmanship Skinner, Obeetee Europe manager. and we are extremely proud of our Obeetee operates out of Noida, India impressive history. We are passionate and New York, servicing the international about maintaining the time-served market via a retail partner portfolio that creative traditions used to produce includes Soho House, Anthropologie and our extraordinary woven carpets by Restoration Hardware. our 15,000plus independent weavers

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NEW PRODUCTS

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1 If you’re looking to splash out on some new tools this Christmas as a little work-related treat and to boost your productivity, then pop along to your local Floorwise trade counter and pick up your copy of the supplier’s latest Flooring Tools brochure.

Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk

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2 Abingdon Flooring’s StainFree USA Collection has three ranges: New York, with a 12mm pile height and eight colours (including Platinum, pictured); Dallas, with a 15mm pile height and 14 colours; and Miami with a 16mm pile height and 14 colours. All three are available in 2.5m, 4m and 5m widths.

Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk 3 The Academy for Excellence in Flooring has expanded the content of its Master Installer Luxury Vinyl and Laminate courses to include Quick-Step’s new Rigid Vinyl floors. ‘With Rigid Vinyl’s ability to accommodate a wider breadth of subfloor conditions, it’s important that we make sure our professionals understand the product’s limitations as well as its many benefits. We’ve restructured our course so they can confidently assess the site conditions, as well as understand the product’s technical capabilities,’ says Lee Thompson, Academy technical manager.

Visit: www.quick-step-academy.co.uk 4 Balta has strengthened its UK sales team. Martin West has joined as key account and new business development manager, along with Richard Austin as Northern England representative and Clint Carver as Scotland, Northern Ireland, Northumbria and Cumbria representative. Pictured left to right: Gary Aspinwall, Darren Ridgwell, Paul Hampton, Zac Marsh, Richard Austin, Filip Poelman (sales director), Martin West, Clint Carver and Mark Viner.

Tel: 00 32 5662 2211 5 IVC Group will add Artesia, a collection of design-focused styles including geometric tiles and over-sized terrazzo in a palette of modern greys, to Leoline at Domotex. Inspired by sleek contemporary living, Urbanista will be Avenue’s new cushion vinyl range for 2020, featuring on-trend wood and tile designs, including cool stone effects and herringbone layouts.

Visit: www.ivcgroup.com

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

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SERVICE

Richard Renouf

Stay calm

Planning can help avoid stress at Christmas Wouldn’t it be nice to have a stress free Christmas? But it seems the pressure comes from all angles: buying cards and presents for family and friends and planning celebrations whilst juggling with the demands of our customers who want everything perfect and in good time for their once-a-year opportunity to show off their home and out-trump their visitors. What better than a new carpet or suite in time for the wine-spilling, mincepie-crumbling season?

The customer is always right, they say. ‘They’ being the customers. I’ve yet to find one who would willingly agree to delay a delivery until after Christmas, or at least not grumble when you explain what’s not possible, and why. They must have the best possible Christmas, even if it’s at the expense of ours.

But there are ways to minimise stress during the festive season. The appearance of mince pies in the shops every year would remind us to send out a ‘to-do’ list to our store managers to help them prepare for the Christmas rush and

Don’t get stressed by Christmas

to manage in such a way that problems were avoided and complaints reduced.

Start thinking about Christmas well before December. You’ll know the lead times for what you sell, and how some suppliers can guarantee their delivery schedules but others are… shall we say, a little bit flexible? Let the customer know Christmas delivery can’t be guaranteed, and check the delivery confirmations when you receive them so you can manage the customer’s expectations.

Check through your outstanding order

The weather could affect your deliveries

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

file. The closer you get to Christmas the more frequently you should do this. It’s surprising how often something gets missed, and it’s better to keep checking than to find out when the customer calls and you can’t answer their query.

Check with your suppliers how they are doing. Is everything going to plan, or might there be problems with a particular product or manufacturer? If so, which customers might be affected?

Plan for issues such as the weather.

I’ll never forget the heavy snowfall a few years ago when the roads were impassable for just one day. The knock-on effects were huge and, although it was a national problem, there were many customers who refused to accept delays and insisted ‘it wasn’t their problem so we’d better get it sorted’. We managed a couple of miracles, but we were a hundred or so short of their expectations.

If you’re going to be delivering and installing, have you planned your diary to match? You could even book the fittings well ahead to ensure they can be done.

There might be an occasional problem, but that will only mean managing an exception or two, not trying to cram in as much as possible at the last moment.

Call your customers before they call you. Even if you have bad news. More complaints result from customers only finding out about problems when they chase. Show you care and they will respond. And if disaster does strike, do your best to recover their disappointment. Whether it’s something on loan to see them through, or a Christmassy gift by way of apology, a little goodwill goes a long way.

I hope you have a great Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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

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RETAIL

Northern lights

Sainsbury’s Home has identified four trends for SS 2020 ‘The arrival of spring presents a new opportunity to transform the home or simply refresh the look with the latest collections and home trends, available in stores from January 2020. We’re launching some exciting and unique pieces, including handfinished tableware and a graphic woven pouffe. Each trend also includes a bespoke and exclusive fragrance, designed to evoke the scents of spring and welcome in the new year,’ says Rona Olds, Sainsbury’s Home head of buying homewares.

‘Our design studio has drawn inspiration from near and far for our spring collection,’ adds Andrew Tanner, Sainsbury’s Home design manager. ‘This season introduces the Estuary collection, which is inspired by the textures of the English countryside; the clean, minimalist Nordic Spring range, and Wilderness, a decadent celebration of tropical glamour and perhaps our boldest collection yet.’

Visit: www.sainsburys.co.uk

1 NORDIC SPRING This capsule range embodies sleek Scandi simplicity, full of functional, beautifully designed cookware and unrefined patterned tableware.

The amber glasses and water jug cast a rich glow that softens the idiosyncratic dash print of the monochrome tableware, which is enlivened with eye-catching napkins. Mango wood and dark marble accessories bring yet more layers of warmth and texture. The cast-iron pan is the centrepiece of the collection with a premium yet utilitarian design that complements the matte black ceramic storage pots and wooden utensils.

1 Seat cushion, £10; Spot reactive glaze side plate, £4.25; Spot cereal bowl, £3.75; Spot dinner plate, £4.25; Spot mug, £3.50; napkins (pack of four), £8 (matching tablecloth and runner available); glazed pasta bowl in apple, £3.75; serving bowl, £15; amber tumbler, £3.50; amber hiball, £3.50; amber water jug, £12

2 Silicone and acacia ladle, spoon, turner and spatula £4.50; oriental cone

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grater, £5; acacia and wood circular board, £18.50; acacia and wood long board, £16.50; batter jug, £9.50; 22cm round enamel pie dish, £5.25; 42cm enamel oven dish, £9.50; cast-iron casserole, £35; measuring cups, £10; ceramic milk jug, £3; salt and pepper pot, £10; pestle and mortar, £18.50; Spot reactive glaze cereal bowl, £3.75; Spot side plate, £3.75; Spot dinner plate, £4.25; Spot mug, £3.50; amber hiball, £3.50; amber tumbler, £3.50; amber jug, £12; napkins  (pack of four), £8; tea towels (pack of three), £6

A UKAbrand UK brand sincesince 19641964

RETAIL

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ESTUARY Aesthetically influenced by the quintessential British countryside, this classic trend features relaxed, homely pieces for everyday living.

The soothing spring colour palette combines soft green and watery hues, showcased in the painterly pastoral scenes of the cushions and bedding that have been hand-painted by the design studio. Artisanal carved objets, recycled glassware and delicate faux floral arrangements complement this timeless style, finished with the bespoke Flower Meadow scented candles and diffusers. Each piece of tableware is handmade, with organic, unrefined shapes and a tactile natural glaze meaning no two pieces are the same. The gentle pastel shades of salmon pink and mint green can be woven into any table setting for a spring-like symphony of colour.

1 Cement pot succulents (three assorted), £6; large glass candle, £12; large fern in green and white ceramic pot, £20; recycled glass jug, £10; watercolour painted double duvet cover, £21; linen print cushion, £14.

2 Butterfly and dragonfly embroidered cushion, £14; linen print cushion, £14; framed hangings 5in x 7in, £7; 8in x 10in, £9; large glass candle, £12; otter objet, £12; wildflower green bouquet, £16; stacking wicker basket, £14; throw, £18

3 Recycled glass jug, £10; wildflower green bouquet, £16; large glass candle, £12; duck objet, £14; baby duck objet, £6; glazed dinner plate in yellow, £4.25; glazed pasta bowl in apple, £3.75; linen print cushion, £14; stacking wicker basket, £14; throw, £18; wicker pouffe, £35

4 Glazed pasta bowl in slate, blush and yellow, £3.75 each; glazed cereal

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

bowl in slate or blush, £3.75 each; glazed dinner plate in blush, slate or apple, £4.25 each; glazed side plate in apple or yellow, £3.75 each; glazed mug in blush, slate or yellow, £3.50 each; recycled glass jug, £10; wildflower green bouquet, £16; white flower arrangement in glass jar, £16; runner, £12; stacking wicker basket, £14; linen print cushion, £14 

the show

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1 1 — O 7. — 2 O 2 S K O LO OD GO Content determines form. Lifestyle impacts on design. The international consumer goods sector prepares for the coming year at Ambiente.

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RETAIL

2

1

3 LOFT LIVING This modern industrial trend channels lofty warehouse vibes with pieces for living, dining and bedroom. The range is characterised by a striking mustard, tonal grey and black colour palette, featuring graphic geometric textiles and colour-block two-tone tableware.

Utilitarian brushed-metal accessories and tan leather detailing offer a nostalgic nod to industrial style, whilst monochrome typography and cityscape motifs inject Brooklyn-esque charm. The powdercoated metal side table is a hero piece that doubles as a spacesaving storage basket for smaller living areas.

1 Pouffe, £35; print cushion with piping 50cm x 50cm, £14; woven geo cushion 30cm x 50cm, £10; table, £60; tripod table lamp, £35; sand timer, £12; agave in ceramic pot, £30; aloe in cement pot, £16; large fern in green and white ceramic pot, £20; monstera leaves plant on footed pot, £22; trailing house plant in mustard pot, £5; plant in terrazzo cylinder pot, £26; potted plant in basket, £30

2 Monstera leaves plant on footed pot, £22; large fern in green and white ceramic pot, £20; aloe in cement pot, £16; plant in terrazzo cylinder pot, £26; trailing house plant in mustard pot, £5; table, £60; woven geo cushion 30cm x 50cm, £10; print cushion with piping 50cm x 50cm, £14

3 Print cushion with piping 50cm x 50cm, £14; woven geo cushion 30cm x 50cm, £10; table, £60; trailing house plant in mustard pot, £5; plant in terrazzo cylinder pot, £26; pouffe, £35

4 Two-tone mug in grey or yellow, £3.50 each; Speckle pasta bowl, £3.75;

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

Speckle cereal bowl, £3.25; Speckle side plate, £3.25; Speckle dinner plate, £3.75; tea cup, £3.75; stainless steel milk jug, £8



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Prism Seen in a new light

Shown: Amber

We’ve added new fresh shades to Prism, our best selling wool rich carpet, to complement both contemporary and classic interiors. Presented in ten jewel rich fine heather tones, this beautiful, vibrant cut pile carpet will breathe new life into any room of the home. It is of course crafted by our dedicated and experienced team at our mill in Rochdale, using the finest raw materials, to ensure the consistently high quality you’ve come to expect from Penthouse.

Available in 40oz and 50oz options, and guaranteed full 4m and 5m widths; Prism offers a great choice of affordable colours and superb performance, without compromise.

For samples and further information call 01706 639 866 or email sales@penthousecarpets.co.uk

penthousecarpets.co.uk

RETAIL

2

1

3

WILDERNESS Wilderness is a decadent, maximalist trend defined by vivid jungle prints and gilded accessories. The design team has hand-drawn a series of tropical motifs across cushions, throws and bedding that invite you into a verdant, sultry otherworld. Tropical greenery and exotic animals are brought to life with a dramatic panel-printed bedlinen set, interspersed with turquoise-accented pieces such as the tasselled cushion. Burnished gold accessories include quirky animal objets and an elaborate feather-embellished side table with a chamfered-edge glass top.

1 Palm leaf double duvet cover, £14; cushion 43cm x 43cm, £10; flamingo lamp, £45; gold palm leaf table, £55; gold candle, £5; trailing plant in hanging basket, £8; monstera leaves plant on footed pot, £22; plant in terrazzo cylinder pot, £26; succulents in round dotted pot (three assorted), £6; trailing house plant, £8; aloe in cement pot, £16

2 Gold palm leaf table, £55; monkey objet, £6 3 Leopard photo holder, £3.50; gold palm leaf table, £55; gold candle, £5

4

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

4 Animal printed velvet cushion, £14; gold palm leaf table, £55; monkey objet, £6; ; cement pot succulent (three assorted), £6; monstera leaves plant in footed pot, £22; large fern in green and white ceramic pot, £20; agave in ceramic pot, £30; hanging planter, £12; potted plant in basket, £30; monkey tealight holder, £8; boxed candle, £4; trailing house plant, £8; plant in terrazzo cylinder pot, £26; flamingo lamp, £45

Inspire Source design-led furniture pieces, curated home accessories and DGCWVKHWN Ć’PKUJKPI

springfair.com

RETAIL

Towards the century

The Worthing store in 1970

Flooring retailer Fludes is celebrating its 90th anniversary It was a day to remember for many reasons: 29 October 1929. Across the world, financial markets reeled from the Wall Street Crash. Meanwhile, local residents in Wallasey and Birkenhead in the Wirral might have marked this as the date when Leslie Flude opened a shop that supplied linoleum and carpet squares.

People must have thought that he was crazy to start a business at such a difficult time but Flude was obviously confident in his business prowess and salesmanship and he was proved correct. Though even he might have been surprised that, 90 years later, Fludes Carpets would still be providing flooring to residents in the south-east of England.

Sandwiched between then and now there has been a second world war, the Cold War, other economic upsets such as the Suez crisis, the three-day week and more recently the banking crisis,

28

Interiors Monthly December 2019

not to mention plenty of other events that would put any business under pressure. History shows us that there will always be ups and downs, but Fludes Carpets has survived them all.

Flude was in the Navy during the Second World War and his wife Gladys and the family kept the business running.

After he was demobbed he returned to ďƒ˘ďƒ˘ďƒ˘ the shop, but he believed that

The Birkenhead store in 1931

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19/08/2019 19/08/2019 10:59:2710:59:27

RETAIL

Topping out the store extension in Newhaven in 1968

moving to the prosperous south-east would be prudent. In the 1950s, the company opened stores in Hastings, Eastbourne, Brighton and Worthing.

The stores in the Wirral were closed and some of the staff relocated to the south coast. Over the 1960s and 1970s, the Fludes chain grew along the coast to Bournemouth and into the West Country, with over 20 stores in all.

When Leslie Flude died, his son Dudley took over the business, and in the years following, Dudley’s sons Robert, Richard and Adam joined him. During the late 1990s and up to 2010, Richard ran the business with his brother Robert. Richard retired in 2010 and Andy Laird took over as md. Robert retired in 2018 and his son James is still with the business today.

Fludes now has five stores across Sussex and one in Boscombe, Dorset.

A 1932 advertisement

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

‘The period of 90 years has seen huge changes both in the type of flooring people want and the lifestyles they enjoy.

The huge demand for fitted carpets in the late 1960s and 1970s came when people did spend more time at home and more money on their home,’ says Laird. ‘Today, flooring retailers have to fight for the share of a household spend that now includes computers, holidays, eating out and second cars – a huge difference to the golden era of the 1960s and after.’

Laird recounts the times when foamback carpets were all the rage and customers would queue up before the stores opened to get a bargain. ‘You would ask them to form a queue and wait to be served. Happy days!

‘Today, the choice of product for the floor is huge: smooth flooring, carpets and rugs in a range of different colours, textures and raw material all vie for the customer’s attention. The Internet, outof-town retail sheds, man-with-a-van fitters, department stores and DIY chains all hustle for customers to shop with them. I wonder what Leslie Flude would say if he was here today?

‘People told him that opening a shop in such a turbulent time during the Wall Street Crash was crazy, but he succeeded.

His business principles were really very

simple: have a good relationship with your suppliers, sell good products at sensible prices, have good-looking stores, happy and professional staff and keep your customers happy. It all sounds easy, doesn’t it?

‘I wonder if Fludes Carpets will get a telegram from Buckingham Palace in 10 years time?’

Visit: www.fludes-carpets.co.uk

A 1936 receipt

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BUYING GROUPS The new signage was fitted in two days

One Stop shop

Carpet 1st modular display units

Members are taking advantage of a bespoke marketing service In the 40 years since Metro Group introduced the concept of pooling buying power to compete against the national chains, a lot has changed in the marketplace. No longer just looking to achieve the best terms and prices, Metro has been expanded dramatically to also assist its members to sell the best performing products at a profit.

What has been developed is a group of independent retailers from the smallest one-man operation to multiple-outlet businesses. Retaining independence is important to Metro members, who are given the opportunity to participate in group activity which is almost always optional and very rarely compulsory. This allows them to use all the best benefits of group membership

while being 100% in control of their own businesses.

Metro’s marketing service has a distinct advantage: it is completely bespoke.

Metro understands that retailers work in differing marketplaces and locations, so having the ability to access a whole host of marketing resources means that Metro members have a wealth of experience and facilities custom made to suit the independent flooring retailer’s needs.

When a member moves premises or expands it is a perfect opportunity to seek support from the bespoke service offered by Metro. One such project was undertaken by The Carpet Stop, a growing Midlands retailer that was opening a new large roadside showroom in Bulwell, Nottingham.

Work on the former convenience store was pre-planned

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

Steve and Adam Moralle from Metro surveyed the site while it was still a convenience store, taking dimensions and looking to see what they could work with. With such a huge roadside presence it was decided to run with 23m and 9m upper signs, window graphics, wall and post signs, along with internal pricing systems and ceiling-hung POS displays. Every aspect of the work was carried out by the Metro team by the deadline for the store’s opening. All signs were fitted in only two working days.

Another benefit of group membership is the Carpet 1st own-label displays.

Most retailers understand the benefit of rebranding but so often this can create a mismatch of displays and stands. Metro’s Carpet 1st display stands have been designed to be completely modular, with a wall, lectern, corner and staircase unit with standard or bespoke graphic panels, allowing the retailer to put whatever products they choose on display. All of the POS is designed and created in-house at Metro’s own studio so it’s easy to change should members wish to do so.

The marketing service is completely mobile and equipped with printers, cutters, tools and access equipment.

Backed by a studio in the north-east of England, the team travels the four corners of the UK working on-site with members on whatever project they need assistance with.

Visit: www.carpet1st.co.uk

LIGHTING

Magic numbers

The shade is available in steel, copper and aluminium

The K 831 has a new edition New life for a beautifully designed classic lamp: the K 831 pendant blends tradition and superior quality with timeless and functional design. Originally produced

by Kandern, the 1931 lamp design is now offered in a re-edition by Midgard.

The lamp’s most outstanding feature is its rotatable round shade, which allows the user to direct the light according to personal preferences and needs.

David Einsiedler and Joke Rasch, founders of the Hamburg-based

interdisciplinary PLY company and, since 2016, owners of the historical Midgard lamp brand, have developed the re-edition of the lamp. The iconic lamp collection includes a choice of different colours and materials as well as an optional fitting to adjust the lamp’s height.

Einsiedler and Rasch have deliberately based the re-edition on the original design’s functional principle, which was influenced by the Bauhaus, while

The cable and shades are available in several colours

36

Interiors Monthly December 2019

introducing a contemporary form and using modern materials.

The K 831’s most significant design feature was – and still is – its reflector: attached to the lower, semi-spherical part of the holder, it can be rotated and tilted in all directions. This flexible light source perfectly ties in with the philosophy of the inventor of directional light, Curt Fischer, and his Midgard brand, founded in 1919.

Like all Midgard lamps, the K 831’s shade is carefully handcrafted: steel, aluminium or copper is turned manually, using traditional methods. The aluminium version is optionally available with powder coating, while the steel shades come with an enamel finish in five different colours (pearl white, pale green, concrete grey, traffic black and charcoal, all with a white interior surface).

Featuring a turn-switch, the K 831’s holder is made of Bakelite.

Like the original, the K 831 is mounted with a textile-covered cable, also available in different colours (charcoal, light grey, neon yellow, orange and red).

The cable comes in any desired length and, thanks to a flexible wall fitting, the height of the lamp can be adjusted easily. The lamp boasts a E27 socket that can also take LED bulbs.

Visit: www.midgard.com

IMAGE: DUNELM

Buyers’ guide

BUYERS’ GUIDE

Flooring accessories

However large your home office the floor will need protecting

Making the difference

IMAGE: STROOLMOUNT

Companies have invested in POS

for those and so picks the cheapest items on offer as she’s at her maximum budget already. But often these cheaper items aren’t as stylish, or when it comes to grippers not as effective, and for a few pounds more she could have had a much better look. After all, the extra cost of trading up is still a fraction of the IMAGE: INTERFLOOR

Flooring accessories are often the forgotten child of the sector.

Imagine: Mrs Smith has spent ages deciding what type, colour and style of flooring she wants and how much she can spend on it. And then at the end she’s asked about the intricacies of door bars and beading. She hadn’t allowed

Castors can protect floors

38

Interiors Monthly December 2019

overall spend and probably translates as pence per sqm.

To encourage Mrs Smith to trade up, manufacturers have widened the choice of finishes available, increasing the chance of creating that perfect look that simply has to be bought. One leading supplier has door bars in 10 finishes.

Suppliers have also been upgrading the POS for accessories such as door bars and stair rods so that customers can see them properly, rather than have them dragged out of a box that’s been sitting in a back room.

Without flooring accessories, floors just don’t work, regardless of floor type, so retailers should be proud of them and show them off.

Of course the use of accessories doesn’t end when the floor has been fitted. Floors can need protecting from heavy furniture and frequently moved items such as dining chairs or home office chairs. Having invested in her floor, Mrs Smith can hopefully see the value of protecting it from damage for just a few pounds.

BUYERS’ GUIDE

FLOORING ACCESSORIES

FLOORING ACCESSORIES

For more than 35 years Floorwise has been the number one choice for flooring professionals. It has bought together its range of underlays, adhesives, profiles and other accessories for wood, laminate and LVT floors in a new brochure.

Products include screeds and patch repair compounds, acoustic and UFH underlays, reliable adhesive solutions, stick-down profiles and foil-wrapped scotia in popular wood effects. With an extensive range of tools, Floorwise provides a one-stop-shop for all professionals serious about wood, laminate and LVT installations.

Tel: 01509 673 974 Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk

For finishing touches which turn a good flooring installation into something exceptional, Interfloor’s Gripperrods Premier edgings are the perfect choice. The premium edgings are available in modern finishes that complement current interior design trends: brushed steel nickel or elegant bright chrome.

Both finishes are available in five specialist trims. Premium quality self-adhesive Coverstrip is perfect for finishing materials of a similar thickness, while stick-down Ramp Edge gives a smooth transition between different levels. In addition, Single Edge, Dual Edge and Zig Zag profiles will join carpet to a range of different materials.

Tel: 01706 238 810 Visit: www.interfloor.com

FLOORING ACCESSORIES

FLOORING ACCESSORIES

As your feet pound up and down the halls at the January Furniture Show seeking new products, remember a vital element that’s not on show: Protect and Care screw-in glides and stick-on felt from Stroolmount. You won’t see them as they’re hidden from view. But they cushion the impact of furniture feet on any flooring, to help prevent scratching and any weakening of joints when furniture’s moved. These clever buffers are the best kept secret of manufacturers, fitters, retailers and interior designers, saving thousands of pounds in damages, but costing as little as 1p.

16 years of quality bonding! Tuskbond has established an excellent reputation throughout the UK and Europe for its range of flooring adhesives. All of its adhesives are manufactured and filled in the UK using original formulations, in its dedicated mixing plant in Nottinghamshire. This allows it to select, develop and create the best products for its customers’ needs.

Tel: 01623 722 661 Visit: www.tuskbond.co.uk

Tel: 01942 271 271 Visit: www.stroolmount.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

39

IMAGE: CURT BAUER

IMAGE: BONALDO

BUYERS’ GUIDE

More than half of shoppers bought bed linen

A fifth of consumers bought a mattress and bedstead

Beds

Grounds for positivity

40

Interiors Monthly December 2019

were bought direct from the ‘tech mattress’ firms such as Eve, Emma and Simba, suggesting that while some of these companies are throwing money at the market, they are only picking up about a quarter of those sales.

Retailers are reaping the benefits of the advertising and consequent increase in interest in these products. When the current unsustainable marketing ends, or at least is significantly reduced, it will be interesting to see if consumer interest

in the sector is maintained or falls away.

In the meantime, retailers need to take advantage of their rivals doing their advertising for them. * An online panel survey with a broadly representative sample of people who have purchased a mattress within the last six months, by age, gender and region. A total of 500 interviews were conducted during September 2019 by DSJ Research.

IMAGE: FLOU

The latest consumer research into buying habits for beds and mattresses may not seem all that upbeat at first glance, but there are positive indicators.

Consumers spent less on buying a bed or mattress between March and September 2019 than in the previous six months, according to the National Bed Federation’s polling of 500 people*.

Average spend dropped by 8% from £582 to £538.

While buying the bed or mattress, shoppers also spent on other products, giving ample opportunity for add-on sales. Over half bought bedding and pillows (59% and 57% respectively) and 46% bought a mattress protector. A quarter bought a mattress topper pad and more than a fifth (22%) bought a headboard: a not inconsequential buy.

What of the shoppers’ main purchases?

Some 31% (down 2%) bought a standard flat mattress and 26% (up 3%) bought a roll-up mattress. (Just over a fifth bought a mattress and bedstead or mattress with divan base respectively.)

But here the devil is in the detail: the research found that just 5% of total sales

Pocket springs were the main core for 43% of mattresses

BUYERS’ GUIDE

BEDS

BEDS

Pioneer bedmaker Breasley offers a bed for everyone with refreshed lines and new collections in 2020. Its flagship Salus range continues to wow customers with its luxurious, top-end credentials together with a suite of headboard, base and fabric options to exceed all comfort and style expectations. Uno, one of the first rolled and boxed mattress collections in the UK market, justifies its sector-leading position with a consolidated collection featuring new models. Always innovating, family-run Breasley is developing exciting new products and technologies which are expected to launch during the coming year.

Tel: 01629 823 680 Email: customerservices@ breasley.co.uk

Mammoth has a clear vision: to provide relaxation, serenity and better living through the science of comfort. Its advanced health products use proven materials and technologies unique to the bedding industry. The exclusive Medical Grade Foam technology has been proven in clinical trials to deliver superior postural support and greater pressure relief than standard memory foam. Mammoth’s commitment to innovation, testing and product development has led to partnerships with leading UK health organisations including the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Leading sports associations choose Mammoth to help members achieve the best health benefits sleep can offer.

Tel: 0845 838 7767 Email: enquiries@mammothuk.com

BEDS

BEDS

Since 1924 Sleepeezee has been designing and crafting handmade, high-quality pocket sprung beds. A wide product portfolio sees Sleepeezee offer mattresses to suit each individual, from luxury natural mattresses to technically advanced memory foams. A Royal Warrant from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales is a mark of excellence and the best of British quality, underlying Sleepeezee’s reputation for creating superior products and delivering excellent service.

Sonlevo has been developed with two goals: innovation and luxury. As well as postural support its Avid foam technology offers 400% greater airflow than standard foam, ensuring the consumer greater control in body temperature. Avid technology and pocket springs combine in five mattress types to allow consumers clear choice, all backed with multiple storage options, designer headboards and sleep accessories to deliver the complete sleep solution. Sonlevo proudly partners with the PFA and Football Medicine and Performance Association, delivering unique posture support and comfort to members.

Email: marketing@sonlevo.co.uk Visit: www.sonlevo.com

Tel: 01634 723 557 Visit: www.sleepeezee.com

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

41

BUYERS’ GUIDE

Colour is on its way back, such as Dulux’s 2020 Colour of the Year, Tranquil Dawn

Carpet

Correcting the balance For carpet, 2020 is likely to be the year that displays in retailers’ stores get a welcome facelift. No, not a rush to replace display units, but rather what they are carrying.

For the past few years many a flooring store’s carpet display was in effect a wall of grey. Forget 50 Shades… if you added up the samples on show from suppliers it was more like hundreds. And for the average shopper, it was confusing why virtually everything was basically the

42

Interiors Monthly December 2019

same colour. Where was the choice?

After years of virtually ignoring grey, the industry embraced it wholeheartedly – too wholeheartedly, to the point that it suffocated almost everything else.

While other textile sectors embraced grey and then, as fashion changed, were entranced by other colours, the carpet sector couldn’t move on.

Until now.

Whether a result of consumer demand being fed down the supply chain, or

suppliers and retailers simply being bored looking at nothing but grey, or suppliers deciding they could grab a slice of a market that is being largely ignored – or a combination of all three – colour is on its way back.

Not riotous neon shades, mind (unless for children’s bedrooms) but controlled subtle pastels. Grey isn’t going to go away: it’s just that the balance is being corrected so those wanting something different are no longer being ignored.

BUYERS’ GUIDE

CARPET

CARPET

British manufacturer Abingdon Flooring uses top grade materials, technology and performance alongside an understanding of retail trends to provide outstanding carpet ranges to suit all budgets. Recently launched Stainfree Sophisticat, debuted at The Flooring Show, brings luxury and practicality to the retail market and is available in 16 new on-trend colours, all with the benefits of bleach-cleanable yarn. Understanding the retail sector and responding to consumer demands have seen Abingdon continue to thrive and its ongoing commitment to developing new ranges keeps it ahead of the competition.

Tel: 01274 655 694 Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

The StainSafe collection by Balta Carpets brings homes bleach-cleanable carpets in an extraordinary array of styles, from traditional wool-like Berber effects through to the latest cut-pile looks for today’s interiors. Proven in homes for more than a decade, StainSafe brings the quality and value of Balta, Europe’s largest carpet manufacturer. So, whether choosing a classic heather twist or a modern Saxony look, buyers can be confident of the very best combination of cleanability, wear-resistance and affordability. For a great range of familyfriendly bleach-cleanable carpets that make any home more comfortable, it has to be StainSafe.

Tel: 00 32 5662 2211 Email: broadloom@baltagroup.com

CARPET

CARPET

Advanced processing methods result in flooring products that allow you to expand and enhance your product range.

The leading innovations and creativity of Betap enable you to maintain and improve your market position. A true experience in the fine art of creating floorcoverings.

Tel: 00 31 03 8386 1060 Visit: www.betap.com

During 2019 Cormar Carpet Company has seen record numbers of retailers register for its online trade portal. Why? Customers have everything in one place, from ordering to account details and order status, plus access to Cormar’s free consumer sampling service. Fully responsive, it’s accessible from mobile devices through to desktop PCs and offers completely secure access 24/7. So whether you’re in store or at a customer’s home you can access your trade portal account whenever it’s convenient.

Tel: 01204 881 234 Visit: portal.cormarcarpets.co.uk

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

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CARPET

CARPET

At the forefront of design and innovation in the natural flooring market, Crucial Trading has long been the go-to place for natural fibres such as sisal, coir, sisool, seagrass and jute. Having worked with these materials for over 30 years, Crucial Trading has an innate understanding of how to balance the ingredients to create innovative and beautiful new colours, blends and designs. Award-winning new weaves and colourways are constantly being added to all of the collections. Visit the website to see all the options, which are categorised by fibre type and then by design, and are available as carpet and rugs.

As one of the leading carpet producers in Europe, Lano Carpets has unrivalled manufacturing capabilities and flexibility. Lano has a quality carpet to suit all of your needs, from bleach-cleanable carpets in its Essenz and Touchdown collections to high-end residential carpeting in wool, nylon and bamboo. Not forgetting the unique SmartStrand Forever Clean fibre floorcoverings, the world’s most forgiving carpet, offering high performance, the easiest cleanability and low environmental impact due to the bulk content of the fibre being renewably sourced. Watch for new collections launching in 2020.

Tel: 01562 743 747 Visit: www.crucial-trading.com

Tel: 00 32 5665 4000 Email: marketing@lano.be

CARPET

CARPET

Take a fresh approach to carpeting homes with Springtime, crafted at Penthouse Carpets’ Lancashire mill using a special blend of hardwearing undyed wools, in a choice of nine comforting shades. Penthouse Carpets has used its 50 years of expertise in creating top quality floorcoverings to bring you this superb range of naturally resilient, easy to clean carpets, which has the added bonus of being fire retardant without the need for chemical treatments. Available in 40oz and 50oz, and 4m or 5m widths, finished with its signature traditional jute backing for effortless fitting, Springtime is the natural sustainable choice.

Tel: 01706 639 866 Visit: www.penthousecarpets.co.uk

Sedna carpet is soft, luxurious and durable. It is made with Econyl regenerated nylon, a yarn made from recycled waste material such as old carpets and abandoned fishing nets collected from the bottom of the sea. Sedna thus helps to save thousands of beautiful sea creatures like sea turtles, dolphins and seals from being stuck in this life-threatening waste. Sedna carpet has an ECO FusionBac textile back, made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles.

Interiors Monthly December 2019

Tel: 01422 431 100 Visit: www.sedna-carpet.com

BUYERS’ GUIDE

T H E U LT I M AT E I N E A S I C A R E LU X U RY C A R P ET FO R YO U R H O M E E N J OY T HE P U RE LU X U RY O F T HIS FIN E 10 T H G AUG E HE AVYW EIGHT Q UA LIT Y IN 20 E LEGA N T COLOUR S WITH L A ST IN G STA IN - RE S ISTA N C E .

V I CTO R I ACAR P ET S.CO M

CARPET

CARPET

Victoria Carpets is seeing a move towards a more expressive colour palette, with softer pastel tones beginning to make inroads into now ubiquitous grey palettes. There is no denying that grey ranks as one of the most popular colours at almost every price point; however, there are signs that style-savvy consumers are starting to look for a hint of colour.

This gradual shift is a key trend to watch and Victoria Carpets has developed the palette for its new Ultimate Impressions collection to reflect this. With colours such as Grandeur, Plush and Abundant, this luxury heavyweight quality delivers an all-important touch of colour.

Tel: 01562 749 300 Visit: www.victoriacarpets.com

For more than 40 years Westex has supplied and manufactured high quality flooring solutions. Choose from its range of premium woollen carpets and luxury synthetics. Manufactured at its UK site, it controls each process from design to delivery, including its hallmark special dye service. Westex is renowned for colour excellence and its specialist dye house can produce any colour to meet a customer’s specific requirements.

Tel: 01274 861 334 Visit: www.westexcarpets.co.uk

Living and dining A question of size

While modern UK homes have relatively small living and dining rooms (if they even have a dining room), putting space at a premium, it seems for the upmarket European design sector more is better when it comes to living room and dining tables. Arketipo’s Prince, for example, with 

LIVING AND DINING Steve Bristow Furniture is an established family-run business which has invested in the design, development and manufacture of a unique range of contemporary quartz furniture products, launched in 2019. New technology enables its skilled craftsmen to bend and shape quartz (the world’s fourth hardest material) to create stylish pieces for residential, hospitality and commercial projects. It is proud to manufacture in the UK with all its furniture being handmade in its Devon workshop. The company aim is to offer customers timeless, high quality furniture to enhance all interior and exterior design projects. Bespoke commissions are undertaken.

Tel: 01626 330 337 Visit: www.stevebristowfurniture.co.uk

Arketipo’s Prince

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BUYERS’ GUIDE its sweeping lines and curves, measures 300cm by 135cm, while Stua has introduced a fourth size option to its Solapa coffee tables: 120cm x 120cm, joining the 60cm x 60cm, 60cm x 120cm and 40cm x 120cm options.

Massproductions has just launched its longest ever product: the Landa dining table is available in up to 460cm (with 330cm and 200cm options). The design is based on two parallel steel beams that enable an exceptionally long frame, and the result is a visually lightweight construction.

‘Focusing on length for this project felt especially fitting since some freedom of movement is particularly desirable in a table. It is also much nicer to look at chair legs than table legs,’ says Chris Martin, Massproductions designer-in-chief and co-founder.

To mark the 10th anniversary of Alain Gilles’ design Big Table (measuring 300cm), Bonaldo issued a special edition where the steel legs of the original have been painted the same shade as the marble top. Only if you have the space.

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Stua’s Solapa

Massproduction’s Landa

Bonaldo’s Big Table

LIVING AND DINING

LIVING AND DINING

Julian Bowen is a dynamic furniture wholesaler based in the East Midlands. It designs and develops products for all areas of the home, reflecting current market trends, functionality and a wide-ranging product offer. Its design team travels the world to find the best manufacturing partners and develops products to the highest quality, offering market-beating value for money. It can ensure an efficient delivery service to your premises or direct to your customer on its Direct Home Delivery fleet or through your own carrier. Visit Julian Bowen at the January Furniture Show in Hall 4, stand E20.

Renowned for setting trends and for its influential design styles, this year’s January Furniture Show sees Rowico UK not only doubling the size of its stand but also its impressive product portfolio to include stunning new ranges of traditional Scandinavian furniture. Exhibiting at its customary location in Hall 1, its latest quirky themed stand will once again be the launchpad for eagerly awaited new lines, range expansions to firm favourites and the exclusive unveiling of 14 ultra-contemporary Scandi-inspired collections. Head on over to stand C52 to see how the company earned its innovative reputation.

Tel: 01623 727 374 Visit: www.julian-bowen.co.uk

Tel: 01249 821 748 Visit: www.rowico.co.uk

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

Rugs Staying power

If there is one design that is almost guaranteed to be part of a retailer’s rug offer it’s a floral. But that doesn’t mean it has to be all roses or pansies.

Audenza opted for the jungle with its Palm Jungle design, which creates an instant impact and, although boldly patterned with palm fronds, has a calming serenity with its tones of green and stone. Made from 100% wool, the rug is hand tufted in India.

Cox and Cox’s Florentine rug is hand knotted and woven from wool and viscose yarn in shades of warm white and charcoal, designed to replicate a weathered antique piece. With a traditional floral design, it has a unique dip-dye effect that is created by hand and therefore is unique to each rug.

Zuiver’s Tante Lien rug adds a splash of colour with its aged look and bold colour palette. The viscose/polyester rug has a anti-slip synthetic rubber backing.

Clockwise from top left: Florentine, Tante Lien, Palm Jungle and Midnight Moods

Mindheart’s Midnight Moods rug brings the Persian rug design up to date with the addition of bright polka dots.

The contrast of the traditional winding

woven floral motifs with the bright geometric pops of colour creates an exciting 21st century take on this classic rug design.

RUGS

RUGS

Hanlin is a major wholesaler of cowhides, reindeer hides, springbok hides, blesbok hides, Icelandic sheepskins, sheepskin rugs and sheepskin accessories. Its range of cowhides has been hand selected for their quality and striking natural markings. As no two cowhides are the same, Hanlin offers a unique service of providing photos of every hide for your selection. Having recently moved to new premises in Redditch, Worcestershire, its showroom also offers the opportunity for retailers to visit and select stock on site. To book an appointment, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

The four core brands of Ultimate Home Living Group – HMC, Ultimate Rug, Prestige and Rugstyle – have been under continuous development to make each a leader in its field, tailored to its target market. Introductions in the viscose contemporary and classical offers, the launch of Keshan Heritage, and expansion in on-trend colours in its Chinese hand-carved 3D polyester ranges have led to rapid growth in its profile and customer base. Ultimate Display Company has also seen growth, working with customers on innovative display methods and practical solutions to all aspects of carpet handling.

Tel: 01564 702 116 Visit: www.hanlin.co.uk

Tel: 0161 339 2148 Visit: www.ultimatehomeliving.com

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

Feature Head size/colour to suit Standfirst style standfirst Most retailers agree that staff company name and development is critical to business success

Above: Cult Furniture’s Cult Living Orb light Below, left to right: Abode Living’s Marimekko Kuiskaus woven throw, Wallsauce’s blue-toned cherry blossom wallpaper

LVT

Japandi could be the next big trend Japandi is the latest interpretation of minimalist interior style and ‘less is more’ lifestyle, combining the rustic informality of Scandi with the sophisticated clean lines of Japanese interiors. Bringing together the best of both cultures, Japandi offers a pared back yet homely feel that is both sleek and comfortable.

For those who love the simplicity and practicality of Scandinavian design but are keen to introduce warmer tones, Japandi could be just the thing.

Embracing both the Scandi principle of hygge, a comforting concept of cosiness

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

and well-being, and the Japanese notion of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in imperfection, this style brings a more relaxed version of minimalism.

To update a Scandi interior, focus on adding warmth and visual interest by introducing Japanese style aspects such as rich colour tones, elegant lines and artisan furniture.

The rich yet subdued colours of Japanese style add an appealing depth that enhances warm wood tones.

Choose a single shade such as slate blue, charcoal grey, forest green or plum red

on walls or furniture and combine with light wood flooring and textured soft furnishings in natural materials to create a relaxing ambience.

Japanese style is characterised by an intentional combination of natural materials such as wood, leather, linen and paper, so consider warm tones of oak, walnut or maple for flooring or statement pieces of furniture.

Combine an eclectic mix of furniture in mellow wood tones with a light Scandi floor, or introduce a warmer toned floor to coordinate with light Scandi furnishings. Those who yearn for a polished concrete floor will be pleased to hear this will also blend well with Japandi’s clean, uncluttered style.

Placing comfortable seating close to windows will make the most of any natural light. Adding a profusion of houseplants will bring the natural world into the home, while adding patterned throws, rugs and cushions introduces other interesting and cosy textures. A few moments spent in mindfulness or meditation in such a setting is sure to provide a sense of peace through the long days of winter.

BUYERS’ GUIDE

LVT

LVT

From the highest quality design flooring to easy-fit click systems Distinctive Flooring’s portfolio provides an extensive choice of flooring solutions to ensure the perfect finish, whatever the requirements. Create an authentic wood or stone finish instantly with its beautifully designed LVT flooring. Suitable for every home and room its ranges offer a wide variety of colours to suit every taste. Practical, durable and easy to clean, transform rooms with elegant, low maintenance LVT. Distinctive Flooring also offers a comprehensive wear guarantee for both residential and commercial applications across the entire range.

Karndean Designflooring sees flooring differently. It travels the world in its quest to bring you exceptional floors that inspire and delight. From the ancient forests of Europe to the Australian outback, Karndean Design Flooring seeks out expressive and intriguing forms in the natural world to influence its unique designs. By combining these original features with cutting edge design, it creates simply beautiful floors to love for a lifetime. Its extended Van Gogh range includes Natural Prime Oak (pictured) offering a classic light oak design with sandy tones and soft grain details, ideal against statement furniture or bright colour schemes.

Tel: 01274 655 690 Visit: www.distinctiveflooring.co.uk

Tel: 01386 820 100 Visit: www.karndean.com

LVT

LVT

Moduleo offers a diverse portfolio of design floors to excite retailers and consumers alike. A division of the IVC Group, Moduleo is available as a traditional dryback installation and with the simple-to-install CLICK technology system. The durable flooring is ideal for any space, be it home or office, and offers luxury solutions for natural-looking, reliable boards.

Inspired by today’s lifestyles, Moduleo continually researches trends and performance, ensuring every floorcovering meets needs and expectations. Textured designs ensure a natural look and provide longevity with stain, water and scratchresistance properties.

Westex LVT is a high-quality LVT which offers long-lasting durability whilst creating the look of an authentic natural flooring material. Westex LVT is available in a choice of wooden plank or stonework tile designs. Its wooden plank comes in a range of 12 colours and a choice of two finishes: Natural, with a characteristic knotted feel; and Select which gives a cleaner-looking wood appearance. Westex Stonework tiles are available in six colourways and with or without feature strips to replicate the appearance of traditional grouting.

Tel: 01332 851 500 Visit: www.moduleo.co.uk

Tel: 01274 861 334 Visit: www.westexcarpets.co.uk

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

Underlay Being greener

Where comfort and price were the overriding factors when it came to choosing underlay, increasingly consumers are asking questions of the environmental impact of the product.

Manufacturers have long stressed the recycling aspect of underlays: be it old car tyres for crumb rubber or upholstery offcuts for PU foam, but now the main story is preventing plastic entering landfill or the sea.

One of the most recent introductions has proved there is a market for a greener underlay. Between its July launch and November, SpringBond has recycled one million PET bottles. Some 85% of the underlay is made from the bottles and other single-use plastics.

Distributed by Headlam, SpringBond is manufactured in Yorkshire by Texfelt, a world leader in eco-engineered carpet underlays and a partner of non-profit

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There are 12 recycled bottles per sqm

organisation Plastic Oceans UK which addresses plastic pollution. SpringBond helps combat the millions of tonnes of plastic entering the oceans each year through the upcycling of waste plastic using Texfelt’s state-of-the-art technology.

SpringBond is fully recyclable at the end of its useable life, and can be placed into the customer’s recycling outlet, thereby helping to reduce the waste sent to landfill. SpringBond also improves household air pollution due

to the absence of harmful chemicals in the manufacturing process.

Each role of SpringBond uses 180 plastic bottles, the equivalent of 12 bottles per sqm of 11mm underlay.

As an everyday visible sign of reducing plastic waste, which consumers want to see action on, it seems certain recycled PET bottles and other single-use plastics will become the principal material of more underlay ranges, as has already happened in some carpet collections.

UNDERLAY

UNDERLAY

Getting the best from flooring starts with choosing the right underlay. Floorwise has created a comprehensive brochure that makes it easier to choose the right underlay for carpet, wood, laminate or LVT floors. Its comprehensive range of over 50 problem-solving products has been chosen to provide flooring professionals with solutions to a variety of site challenges including high footfall, acoustic, thermal and double-stick elements. The range provides a variety of cost points from luxury through to budget options, without compromise on delivering the best results for professional fitters. The brochure includes a recommendation guide.

Interfloor is Europe’s largest manufacturer of underlay and flooring accessories, and supplies to flooring retailers, distributors and flooring contractors in the UK and around the world. Its diverse range of products includes the three most popular forms of underlay: polyurethane foam, sponge rubber and crumb rubber. Its proudly British-manufactured brands include Tredaire underlays, synonymous with underfoot comfort, and Duralay hardwearing underlays ideal for the contract market. Duralay also includes specialist underlays for use with underfloor heating, LVT and hard flooring.

Tel: 01509 673 974 Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk

Tel: 01706 238 810 Visit: www.interfloor.com

Interiors Monthly December 2019

BUYERS’ GUIDE

Protection

Protect the new mattress (and Teddy)

Adding value

Like any large ticket purchase, after investment in a piece of furniture or flooring most people would want to make sure the item was protected, either physically in the form of a protector for a mattress or a warranty or care kit for other furniture or flooring. After all, we insure other things like cars, homes and electrical items.

Protection products can be a welcome add-on sale for retailers: for example, 46% of people who bought a bed or mattress bought a mattress protector according to the NBF’s latest consumer research.

When it comes to protecting products the key is training sales staff to convince shoppers that an extra purchase, at a fraction of the price they are about to pay, is a sensible thing to do and offers great value for money. Companies have successfully shown that salespeople can significantly increase conversion rates: boosting profits without the need for attracting extra customers.

Long gone are the days when many shoppers’ experience of making a claim on their warranty was poor service and an apparent determination to find loopholes to avoid fixing the problem. Today warranty providers are highly regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and must follow strict rules.

Accidents will happen

Protect the new mattress (and Teddy)

PROTECTION

PROTECTION

Guardsman has been providing furniture care and repair services for more than 100 years. Customer service and compliance are at the heart of everything it does, offering industry-leading coverage to consumers through a variety of flexible and bespoke plans. Guardsman recognises the qualities that make each of its retail partners unique and so ensures its plans and furniture care products are designed to meet their individual needs.

Guardsman – keeping business partners happy, customers returning and sales and profits increasing.

Protect-A-Bed, a global leader in healthy sleep products, specialises in significantly driving mattress protector sales with its retail partners. This success is built on trust, unique marketing, specialist sales training and the highest quality of mattress protection. Combine this with its award-winning service support and its innovation for new in-store display systems, and its promise to its partners generates success.

Tel: 020 8731 0020 Visit: www.protectabed.co.uk

Tel: 01235 444 700 Email: info@guardsman.co.uk

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

Associations

Associations can help those who need it

The lifeblood of the industry Where would we be without the industry’s associations? These bodies are often forgotten about, but play a vital role in many aspects across the sector.

Without them there would be no one trying to encourage consumers to buy British manufactured furniture; no one resolving disputes between consumers and retailers across flooring and furniture; no one sitting on committees setting the standards that all companies must adhere to – often regarding

highly technical issues that few people understand.

There would be no one lobbying the government to pay more attention to the needs of the industry, be it apprenticeships, flammability rules or recognising economic impact; no one encouraging the training and development of those installing products; no one to speak up for those of the industry who have fallen on hard times; no one to encourage the next

Associations help set standards

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

generation of designers; no one to cry foul when a design has been copied; no one to foster environmental responsibility; no one to reward high quality manufacturing, no one to urge on good design; no one to recognise the best; no one to try to ensure the products we buy are safe.

Without these associations the interiors landscape would be a very different place: one that would be very much poorer.

Associations help with training

BUYERS’ GUIDE

ASSOCIATIONS

ASSOCIATIONS

Forget pre-conceptions that joining the Carpet Foundation costs thousands. Membership is £35 a month. For that you get access to the TSI accredited Code of Practice (not a deal maker but a deal clincher), promotion of you and your carpet to the consumer (in the last three months our retailers have been signposted as retailers to buy from in six leading home interest magazines), technical and conciliation help, preferential rates with suppliers such as Ebuyer and Measure Square, and much more. There’s never been a better time to join: a Which? survey of 2,100 people put independents top as people to buy carpet from.

Co-founded by the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) and the National Institute of Carpet & Floorlayers (NICF) to provide specialist training for the floorcovering industry, the Flooring Industry Training Association is an independent, not-for-profit organisation – run by industry, for industry. It has two specialist training centres at Loughborough and Kirkcaldy with fully equipped practical and lecture areas. Improve your knowledge and efficiency. Increase the range of products you fit. Complete jobs with greater confidence. Grow customer recommendations. Maximise your profitability. More than 90% of attendees rate the instructors 10/10.

Tel: 01562 755 568 Visit: www.carpetfoundation.com

Tel: 0115 950 6836 Visit: www.fita.co.uk

Invest in your future Strengthen your skills Improve your confidence

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Gain a competitive edge

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ASSOCIATIONS

BUYING GROUPS

The National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF) promotes excellence and ethical practice within the field of domestic flooring installation. It provides support to members with a range of benefits and services to make running their businesses as simple, profitable and stress-free as possible, and promotes assurance of quality of workmanship to the general public. Its online directory allows consumers to search for local floorlayers and also to leave reviews.

In the 40 years since Metro conceived the concept of pooling buying power to compete against the national chains, a lot has changed in the marketplace. No longer just looking to achieve the best terms and prices, Metro has been expanded dramatically to also assist members to sell the best performing products in the marketplace at a profit. What has been developed is a group of independent retailers from the smallest one-man operation to multiple-outlet businesses.

Retaining independence is important to members, who use the best benefits of group membership while being 100% in control of their own businesses.

Tel: 0115 958 3077 Visit: www.nicfltd.org.uk

Tel: 01204 393 539 Visit: www.carpet1st.co.uk

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

Exhibitions IMAGE: SALONE DEL MOBILE.MILANO ALESSANDRO RUSSOTTI

Travel the world

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It’s often said that you could fill your diary by visiting interiors trade exhibitions, and it is almost true. From Frankfurt on 7 January 2020 to Brussels on 11 November there are more than 80 Salone del Mobile, Milan mainstream exhibitions covering residential interiors products in 2020 (a slight reduction on 2019). Thankfully for buyers December and (largely) August are fallow months, while September almost requires you to buy a pair of shoes for it specifically.

And why are there so many? The simple answer is they bring buyers and sellers together in an efficient way. Research by the Association of Event Organisers found that 34% of trade show visitors are high influencers who spend double the amount as other visitors. These high influencers also spend four times more in the next year than they did at the show.

But shows aren’t just about getting retailers to place orders.

The sector has increasingly come to realise that exhibitions are as much a marketing initiative as a chance to fill order books.

Upholstery Slowing but still growing

As a mature market, upholstery remains largely a non-essential purchase with lengthy replacement cycles and therefore can be deferred in times of economic constraint.

According to AMA Research*, single sofas are the fastest growing sector and now account for over a third of the market.

‘Modern and contemporary furniture seems to favour alternative combinations rather than the traditional threepiece suite. This is reflected in the range of design options now offered, including corner, U-shaped and chaise sofas,’ says Hayley Thornley, AMA Research’s head of research.

‘Subtle patterns are being used, and stronger colours are growing, in line with neutral decor and contemporary designs.

‘Total sales are forecast to continue growth to 2022, although the rate is expected to be lower than in the last few years.’

Single sofa sales show the fastest growth

*AMA Research Upholstered Furniture and Beds Market Report – UK 2018-2022

EXHIBITIONS

UPHOLSTERY

Vietnam International Furniture and Home Accessories Fair (‘Vietnam – The factory produces Furniture for the World’) is the largest international furniture fair in Vietnam and one of the biggest furniture fairs in south-east Asia. VIFA-EXPO 2019 had 519 exhibitors with 2,420 stands covering 36,500sqm, and 12,328 visitors of which 5,014 were international buyers from 103 countries. VIFA-EXPO 2020 is scheduled from 11-14 March 2020 at Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center, Ho Chi Minh City and will showcase products across furniture, home decoration, furnishing, handicraft and accessories.

Alpha Designs is a progressive UK manufacturer at the forefront of design and fabric, and is looking forward to exhibiting once again at the January Furniture Show to present its new SS 2020 models and current models in new, vibrant fabrics. The collection has been designed and developed with a leading furniture designer to continue the growth of Alpha Designs in the marketplace, alongside its current successful commercial ranges, by offering a breadth of styles, with total flexibility on fabrics. This from a family company with a can-do attitude and a member of BFM means Alpha is offering an extremely enticing proposition.

Email: info@hawacorp.com.vn Visit: www.vifafair.com

Tel: 01902 492 937 Email: barry@alpha-designs.co.uk

Interiors Monthly December 2019

BUYERS’ GUIDE

Vinyl Pastel style

With pastels set to be the trend for 2020 – Dulux’s Tranquil Dawn colour of the year, for example – how does that work with vinyl? You can create a country home feel by combining colours with floral patterns or for a modern apartment look when paired with pure whites, metallics and clean finishes. If you are not a fan of patterns but don’t want to go for an all-over colour then using partner hues will provide interest in the room.

When choosing the flooring to match these schemes, play on the natural with light woods or white finishes, which will give that light feel and real wood floor look. Pastels take on a dramatic twist when paired with dark colours such as charcoal, midnight or deep petrol blue. You can stay bold with same colour accessories or soften harder edges with fabrics, lighting and accessories. For a loft living look, poured concretes and solid dark flooring work perfectly with these schemes.

Software Digital decisions

Picture the scene: you are about to go on a retail equivalent of Mastermind. Here you will be faced with a barrage of questions about how your business is performing. Not how it performed in the past financial year, but how it is performing now. Can you answer?

Obviously giving detailed answers to precise questions is going to be difficult, so you are allowed to bring your tablet with you. This, you realise, is going to make things very much easier as the software you recently signed up for to help run your business enables you to retrieve any fact you want in a few clicks: and you can do it in the TV studio thanks to the Cloud. What, you wonder, would you have done before?

VINYL

SOFTWARE

Leoline brings cushion vinyl that delivers the very best in design integrity for floors that are beautiful and practical for the home. From authentic replications of traditional oak with realistic plank textures to faithful terrazzo and ceramic designs for the modern interior, it offers an exceptional choice of looks. Water-resistant, comfortable and durable, Leoline floors also feature Superguard protection. This permanent layer makes cleaning easier and protects from stains and scuffs. In 2m, 3m and 4m widths, Leoline can be loose-laid in most rooms for a fast and economical fit.

Making style easy since 1997.

RetailSystem is the UK and Ireland’s leading software provider for the furniture and bed industry. More than 850 stores benefit from this multi-award-winning cloud software; whether for a single store with one user or multiple stores with a hundred, RetailSystem is simple, scalable and affordable, and will help drive efficiencies and margin. It features: stock control, mobile order processing, integrated accounting and financials, sales analysis and reporting, buying and stock control and ecommerce integration. All for less than a cup of coffee per user per day with no initial costs and free set-up, free training for life and no long-term contract.

Tel: 0800 032 3970 Visit: www.leoline.co.uk

Tel: 0131 440 7607 Visit: www.retailsystem.com

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WOOD AND LAMINATE

Walls can be transformed

Rushmore Chestnut

Transformation

Changing floors and walls can create a stunning look Bring a room to life with a combination of Krono Original laminate flooring and Kronowall 3D panelling. Choose from an incredible variety of designs: there’s a perfect laminate floor for every situation, from the first-time buyers’ new home to the finest contemporary residence.

Whether the choice is determined by aesthetics or budget, all the flooring is seriously hardwearing, very low maintenance and simple to fit. Pick from a variety of decors, including woodgrains, tiles and even concrete effect tiles; light or dark, textured or smooth, sophisticated or rustic, there is a style for every space, and they are all environmentally friendly and guaranteed for up to 30 years.

Plus now there is a radical twist with the 3D wall panelling, a simple and effective way to totally transform the look of any wall, easily fitted in a choice of uniform, staggered or ‘random’ patterns to create a beautiful, durable and stunningly tactile finish. Mix, match or contrast from the choice of finishes to create the look for a lifestyle, whether contemporary or traditional, bold or subtle. This is the moment to shape something totally original.

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

Kronospan high quality boards are manufactured in the UK and use only sustainably managed or recycled timber; they are environmentally friendly and extend the lifecycle of wood.

Kronospan has also created an app to help users experiment with looks and moods. It’s an essential tool for planners, specifiers and interior designers, allowing

them to select and try out ideas. The Krono Decor app – which can be downloaded from the Apple app store – provides an extensive overview of all flooring designs in the Krono Original collection. Get information on almost 150 different floors, including designs, sizes and dimensions.

Visit: www.krono-original.com

The panels have a tactile finish

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Bring a room to life with a stunning combination of Krono Original laminate flooring and new Kronowall 3D panelling. Choose from an incredible variety of flooring, from realistic woodgrains to equally effective stone tiling, all incredibly tough, easy to maintain and amazingly beautiful. Plus, there‘s our 3D wall panelling, a simple and effective way to totally transform the look of your walls, fitted in uniform, staggered or ‘random’ patterns creating a durable and stunning finish.

Decor featured: Kronowall 3D - 8475 Mustang Slate (AS). Krono Original® floor - 5542 Boulder Oak (HC)

For more information, please visit: www.krono-original.com To order samples, email: sales@kronospan.co.uk Installation is simple. To view our demonstration video, visit:www.krono-original.com/en-gb/installation-kronowall-3d Kronospan Limited, Chirk, Wrexham, LL14 5NT. Phone: 01691 773361 Email: sales@kronospan.co.uk

IM_KO_Floors_&_Walls_Ad.indd 1

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BEDS AND BEDROOM

Pure Grande Luxe

Forward

Sleepeezee has seen a significant sales rise Sleepeezee has seen significant growth with its independent and national customers nationwide during the 2018/2019 financial year, with a 30% increase in sales.

Earlier this year the Royal Warrant holder successfully unveiled its new brand proposition: Everything is Easy When you Sleepeezee, rolled out across its website, social media channels and supporting marketing assets in May. In addition to this, the mattress maker also announced a partnership with British doctor and TV presenter Dr Ranj Singh, designed to highlight the importance of sleep and the impact this has on our overall health and wellbeing.

‘It is this commitment, combined with the brand’s continuous innovation and market-leading approach, that has seen the company grow into one of the most well-known bed manufacturers in the world,’ says Amy Curtis, Sleepeezee marketing manager.

‘We are extremely proud of what we have achieved to date. The successful launch of our new brand proposition and the collaboration with Dr Singh has

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

not only supported our market growth and brand awareness, but has also contributed in further cementing Sleepeezee as one of the leading bed manufacturers in the industry.

‘As we head into 2020, we are looking forward to another successful year of collaborations, product launches and exciting projects that will strengthen the brand even further.

‘We also take great pride in our sustainable approach to business and being the first bed manufacturer to receive the Planet accreditation. This accolade recognises our commitment to sustainability and responsible manufacturing, ensuring that all beds are recyclable at the end of their life: giving customers complete peace of mind.’

Visit: www.sleepeezee.com

Campaign for Wool Wool Superb 2800

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Full focus

The company will be adding to its offer in January

Specialisation has brought rewards Protect-A-Bed, the award-winning specialist in mattress protection, has reported strong sales throughout 2019, achieving positive year-on-year growth.

‘To continuingly build success takes focus, hard work and drive. These are qualities Protect-A-Bed has continuously demonstrated in our achievements in helping retail partners significantly grow sales. Nobody else in the category has the same passion, drive and focus to grow sales and that’s why we are the leading global brand in healthy sleep,’ says Simon Zamet, Protect-A-Bed ceo.

‘We continuously build frameworks that are simple for retailers to implement in order to achieve extremely high attachment rates. Focus is key: lots of small improvements often lead to significant improvement in performance once compounded. Therefore, we know we can instantly increase sales within this category.

‘We are constantly evolving and innovating. We are extremely excited to launch a new therapeutics range at the January Furniture Show. Initial feedback from a segment of our retail partners has been phenomenal. The range will feature copper, graphene and charcoal embedded within the protectors to increase and enhance the sleeper’s wellbeing. This is a must-see for all our existing retail partners and bed retailers who want to offer their customers the best possible sleep experience.

‘We have developed a world-class programme honed over years of experience, built on a singular focus. This

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

includes a unique sales training and motivational programme, our best-inclass mattress protection collection and bundled guarantees, new state-of-the-art display bays, award-winning customer services and claims resolution, and a next-day delivery service where required.’

‘Our drive for innovation and sleep improvements is fierce. As a business we are constantly looking to help drive sales for all of our retail partners. Product innovation is only one small element of how we unlock greater sales for our partners. Another is our specialist sales training, which is vital to unlock sales potential and our Protect-A-Bed team is incredibly adaptive to support this in any retail environment,’ says Paul Lake, Protect-A-Bed national sales manager.

‘We do this through a bespoke reward system through the Protect-A-Bed Platinum Club. Since its launch, the results have been excellent. Both existing and new partners have joined and are benefiting from the focused approach to growing sales. The Platinum Club has been designed to build, recognise and reward success with unique promotional and discount opportunities, sponsored incentives and tailored POS solutions as well as membership rewards.

‘Our ability to upskill your team and increase revenue by maximising every sales opportunity is well documented.

We can manage every step of the process for you and build a reward scheme via the Platinum Club. There is nothing to be lost and everything to be gained.’

Visit: www.protectabed.co.uk.

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Professional Sales Training & Motivational Programme Best in Class Product Innovation and Cooling Technology Genuine 15 Year Guarantee Programme State of the Art Dynamic Display Bays Award Winning Customer Service & Claims Resolution Proven To Increase Profit Next Day Service

January Fur niture Show Hall 5 Stand 5-J45

Visit us at the

January Furniture Show, 19-22 January, Birmingham

PREVIEW

62

Eclipse bunk bed

Fullerton bed and Clermont bedroom

Set to go

Julian Bowen is planning its largest product launch 2019 has seen an acceleration in growth for Julian Bowen. The East Midlands company, multiple winner of Interiors Monthly Awards for Best Furniture Wholesaler and Best Customer Service (Furniture), has reaped the benefits of an aggressive investment programme focused upon delivering an everimproving customer proposition and experience.

The January Furniture Show saw the largest product launch in the company’s 34-year history with innovation across all categories, which has been extremely well-received. Julian Bowen intends to make an even bigger impact at the 2020 January Furniture Show with new corporate branding and an all-new exhibition stand designed to showcase a diverse range of furniture developed by the company’s design team.

This will build upon established strengths in dining and bedroom with new ranges of oak bedroom and dining furniture, painted furniture and an extensive selection of contemporary dining and occasional ranges.

The company is an acknowledged leader in children’s furniture and this remains a key focus, with some innovative and highly functional new designs including: the Aurora highsleeper, which combines multiple storage options with a desk, mirror and hanging space; the Eclipse, a contemporary bunk with pull-out desk; and the Trio, a highly specified triple-height bunk in a lacquered finish.

Interiors Monthly December 2019

‘I am very proud of the way that Julian Bowen’s product range has evolved over recent years and am more excited than ever about our current newness in development. It is great to see the design team challenging themselves to create such beautiful ranges and to be adventurous.

‘I’m particularly excited about our expanding range of industrial dining and occasional furniture and highly contemporary fabric beds,’ says Emmett Lenaghan, Julian Bowen md.

The new fabric beds are designed to stand out and include the recently launched Fullerton, featuring a deep buttoned headboard finished in a highly tactile grey linen and including four storage drawers, and the Deco, an example of a contemporary classic design that exudes luxuriousness with an scalloped headboard finished in warm, grey velvet embellished with a brushed brass leg.

In addition to its focus on product, Julian Bowen is keen to improve every aspect of its customers’ experience.

2019 has seen extensive investment to add an incremental 20% of storage capacity with an even greater addition in the amount of stock held to ensure high levels of availability. This has been supported by significant investment systems to augment the firm’s logistics and customer service.

In October, the company appointed Chris Atkinson, formerly The Great Chair Company sales director and VIDA

Living national sales manager, as its commercial manager, with a focus on working with Julian Bowen’s existing sales team to develop the firm’s established independent business as well as new opportunities.

‘The independent furniture market is an enormously important and highly valued part of Julian Bowen’s customer focus and a key to our future strategy.

Chris brings a wide range of experience from both the wholesale and retail side of the fence and is completely customer focused. We are always looking to improve the service we provide to our customers and Chris is going to add a lot of value,’ says Lenaghan.

Visit: julian-bowen.co.uk

Lucerne chair

JULIAN BOWEN

New Deco Velvet Bed Bentinck House, Park Lane Business Park, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Notts NG17 9LE tel: (01623) 727374 fax: (01623) 754555 email: sales@julian-bowen.co.uk web: www.julian-bowen.co.uk

All Products are available for Direct Home Delivery

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January Furniture Show, 19-22 January, Birmingham

PREVIEW

Connor

Ari recliner

The big reveal La-Z-Boy will debut six models and more Recliner specialist La-Z-Boy UK is preparing to unveil new ranges, new options and new covers at the January Furniture Show.

After a bumper year of product launches during 2019, La-Z-Boy will use the year ahead to focus and enhance its key collections – keeping ahead of trends and always with a focus on widening its consumer appeal.

Its ‘Connoisseurs of Comfort’ consumer advertising campaign established the brand’s effort to attract a younger, more family-oriented and female-focused demographic to its fanbase. Introducing characters who each appreciate a specific element of La-Z-Boy products, the campaign aimed to introduce an emotional connection between the

brand and its target markets.

Following this scene-setting work, over the past three years La-Z-Boy has built and refined its two key product collections to embrace its expanded target groups.

‘While Comfort Studio is home to our more traditional product ranges, it also pushes boundaries with the introduction of much more contemporary style points such as European-inspired silhouettes on Cassia and middle-seat recline function on our Everett corner group,’ says Mark Draper, La-Z-Boy UK commercial director.

‘Urban Attitudes features more compact sizing for apartment living or town houses and overall is designed for a younger demographic who may look beyond the norm for their living room

suite. Most models are on metal or wooden legs and feature power recline options with a concealed mechanism, offering style and comfort, hand in hand.’

Six new products will be introduced at the show, across both collections. In addition, new options will be exhibited in some top-selling ranges, such as corner group configurations for Rogue and a Lift ‘n’ Rise model in Winchester.

An expanded collection of covers in both fabric and leather will be offered across much of the range, adding even greater choice for customers.

‘We’re confident that we’ll be offering all retailers a perfect match for their customers’ tastes and we can’t wait to introduce our new additions,’ says Draper.

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

Cassia

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

CGI BY

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January Furniture Show, 19-22 January, Birmingham

PREVIEW

Nido three-seater

Can do

Alpha will introduce its SS 2020 designs As a progressive UK manufacturer of contemporary upholstery at the forefront of design and fabric Alpha Designs is looking forward to exhibiting once again at the January Furniture Show. It will be at Hall 1, stand E85 to present its SS 2020 new model collection all in new vibrant

fabrics, with of-the-moment styles and stitching and piping treatments to enhance the offer.

These 2020 collections, which have been designed and developed with a leading furniture designer, will continue the growth of Alpha Designs in the

Nido snuggler

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

marketplace alongside its current successful commercial ranges, by offering a breadth of styles with total flexibility on fabrics across all models. All this from a family company with a can-do attitude â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a member of BFM. Tel: 01902 492 937

Alpha Designs will again be showing in Hall 1

Contact: Barry Webb - 07702 603971- barry@alpha-designs.co.uk Stand Info: Hall 1, Stand E85

Elegant upholstery, handmade in the UK by a family company with passion, dedication and care

ALPHA DESIGNS

Nido in Deluxe Wood

January Furniture Show, 19-22 January, Birmingham

PREVIEW

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Colorado

Milford

Show exclusives GFA will be highlighting two initiatives ‘We will be returning to the January Furniture Show again this year, in Hall 5 on stand E40. We’re looking forward to it!

It’s such a huge part of Global Furniture Alliance’s year and always kickstarts our new range of products. Our stand seems to get bigger each year, and we always worry that we won’t be able to fill it.

We always manage it though. This year is set to be one of our most impressive stands yet,’ says James Painter, Global Furniture Alliance md.

‘We have been working hard on what we believe to be GFA’s biggest and most exciting launch since its inception 15 years ago. It’s been over 12 months in the making and involved many trips back and forth to the Far East to ensure new product is fresh, commercial and up to standard.

‘2020 will see the eagerly anticipated launch of two new ventures for us. The first is a collection of stylish and commercial sofa sets. Every detail has been chosen meticulously, from electrics to the design, fabrics, leathers, foam, stitching detail and seat comfort. Each sofa set will have the USP of a matching swivel recliner. We’ve really thought about how people live and use their living rooms and not everyone has the

Interiors Monthly December 2019

space for the standard 3+2 seater sofa any more. The inclusion of a recliner gives the consumer choice. We’re really excited to see where this new concept takes us: we are continuously looking for the new “it” fabric as well as a product that combines both comfort and style.

‘Our second new venture is an exclusive collection of British-made accent pieces. It will comprise five models in an exciting swatch of 20 different

fabrics: some will be stocked and the rest will be on a made-to-order four to six-week lead time. This has also been a very exciting project for GFA. We’ve thought about retailers and how to make it as easy as possible for them to sell our products. We felt a condensed range, with a swatch of fabrics that can be mixed and matched on any chair made sense. We are planning some cracking deals for the NEC to really entice retailers,

Dallas

PREVIEW

with the aim of getting some good floor placement numbers.

‘We will also be expanding our core product: the swivel recliner chair, working with new electric integrated footstools, contemporary bases and stylish fabrics. For the first time, swivel recliners won’t be at the forefront of our offering, but they will certainly still have a notable presence on our stand.

‘For us, the January Furniture Show is the absolute standout exhibition to showcase our developments and introduce them into the market. It’s a key date in the calendar that for us goes

Wilby

back well over a quarter of a century. It’s fun and exhausting but unmissable.

‘We hope to catch up with our current customers and introduce ourselves to new customers we have yet to meet. We obviously would like a lot of new floor placements on our new ranges , which will vindicate all the hard work that has gone in to this project.

‘We will continue to scour the world for new ideas and products, and that process starts again in January with visiting Cologne before our NEC launch.

‘With all the uncertainty of Brexit and consumer confidence severely tested , we have still managed to grow as a business. For that reason alone I am very pleased with the way 2019 has gone for GFA. The uncertainty with fluctuating dollar rates has proved difficult to track whilst trying to maintain current prices.

Buying dollars of course gives you some certainty, until they run out. It has also been very challenging out there for a number of our customers and we have tried to help where we can in respect to deals and maintaining prices. In an ideal world my prices would have gone up but I’m looking at the longer term.

‘This year we have invested in an impressive new showvan which was

received very positively by our regional agents and has brought great business from our loyal customers. It has an easyaccess side door, is carpeted throughout and comes equipped with heating, electric sockets and lighting. It was certainly due an upgrade to show off our range of products in the best way. We are all very happy with how it turned out; the graphics are sharp and the stylish photography really stands out.

‘At the start of the year we undertook the huge task of replacing and updating our current swatch process, which had worked so well for us for 10 plus years.

We now have the means to provide customers with professional swatch books for each of our models to aid with the selling process and to help showcase our products on the shop floor. It’s been a massive investment, but it’s another professional step forward.

‘We are also continuously looking for ways to raise money for charities. This year we supported the Stroke Association and Macmillan Cancer Support by holding many bake sales and raffles. The Stroke Association Is a charity close to GFA’s heart so we do try and support them every year where we can.’

Visit: www.gfa.uk.com

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

January Furniture Show, 19-22 January, Birmingham

Peru

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January Furniture Show, 19-22 January, Birmingham

PREVIEW

70

Madina chair

Scandinavian bed

Reinterpreting Fifty Five South is bringing a new look to Nordic design Fifty Five South brings luxury furniture and accessories to the wholesale market, and this premium brand will be showcasing two innovative takes on interior trends at upcoming trade shows in 2020, including January Furniture Show and Spring Fair.

The luxe approach to interiors has firmly established itself in recent years, with many consumers drawn to objects inspired by the glamorous epochs of the past. Fifty Five South will be introducing black luxe, a style that still indulges in key materials such as velvet, smoked glass and minerals, but has a distinctly monochromatic aesthetic. Motifs and silhouettes are released from conventional restraints, with eclectic global influences adopted to add greater depth and variety to the look.

Statement furniture for the living room includes the Madina sofa and chair.

Dressed in sumptuous black velvet, these substantial pieces reference the classic Chesterfield design with their deep button tufting but the reflective feet create a contemporary finish. The curvaceous Rococo chair and footstool feature birchwood frames, cabriole legs, and tactile velvet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; perfect for bringing grand chateau style to the living room.

Interiors Monthly December 2019

Hints of exotic Arabesque culture can be found on ceramic accessories such as the Renne collection and black Daria jars, while a subtle boho traveller vibe is expressed via the metallic mango wood Sirsa sideboard. And given that home entertaining has never been more relevant, the Vita drinks trolley, with its agate surfaces and sleek frame, is sure to make an impression.

As well as reinterpreting luxe style, Fifty Five South will be showcasing a fresh approach to Nordic design. Modern Scandinavian is the latest development in this evergreen lifestyle trend, with more colours and interesting forms taking its characteristically minimalist yet cosy approach to the next level. The balance between aesthetic and function and the celebration of natural materials ensures that despite its evolution, the look remains a familiar friend.

Its Scandinavian bed collection features the muted colour palette that hallmarks Nordic design, with both headboards and frames covered with textured fabric. However, black metal wire frames and dark wood finishes, such as those on the Salvar storage range, offer a brooding counterpoint to more conventional pale colours. Debossed

ceramics and terrazzo accessories update the Nordic trend through interesting shape, texture and pattern.

Natural materials such as wool, fabric, wood and stone remain core to the look, and organic shapes, like its Surak teak wood dishes, defy man-made production and mass consumption. Imperfections are celebrated, no more so than on the Hygge dinnerware with its uneven silhouette that brings wabi-sabi philosophy alongside hygge and lagom.

Visit: www.premierhousewares.com

Rococo chair

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January Furniture Show, 19-22 January, Birmingham

PREVIEW

Brand news

Above: Italian cabinet, upholstery and bedroom manufacturer ALF will show its latest designs

More than 500 companies will be at the NEC Many household and familiar industry names are among the 500 exhibitors filling five halls of the NEC next month.

Big name UK brands will again show alongside popular brands from Europe and the Far East.

From volume to high-end, every category of furniture retail is covered.

Many of the exhibitors also supply contract – and a dedicated Contract Trail identifying those companies is available to view on the JFS website and will be available on a Route Map that can be

Ancient Mariner Furniture will highlight its latest supply of modern and traditional designs

collected at the show’s entrances.

The organisers make a further commitment to ensuring that JFS is a fully comprehensive furniture and interiors show, with lighting and beds having their own dedicated sectors once again, after their successful introduction at the 2019 event.

New brands make an appearance in every hall and visitors will see new launches in all the main furniture categories, accessories including rugs and flooring, and furniture services.

‘A quick look at some of the new ranges that will be on show from established world-class companies and developing brands at JFS in January instantly says it is going to be a great show. There is no lack of design flair, dedication to the manufacturing process or understanding of current market trends for furniture and decor in UK from the wide cross-section of exhibitors that we have in 2020,’ says Cleere Scamell, JFS event director.

Visit: www.januaryfurnitureshow.com

Devonshire Pine will unveil its 2020 bedroom, dining and living designs



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Interiors Monthly December 2019

January Furniture Show, 19-22 January, Birmingham

PREVIEW Birlea’s Bella armchair and two-seater sofa have a plush pink velvet fabric and distinctive quilted shaped back

Ashwood will show its latest upholstery designs, including Maison

Tamarisk will showcase its latest UK-made upholstery

Culinary Concepts will celebrate its 21st anniversary with its latest furniture, lighting and homewares

Collins and Hayes will celebrate its 150th anniversary with new designs and fabrics

Core Products’ introductions will include a new version of Corona Grey designs for modern compact homes

Think Rugs will display its latest ranges



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Interiors Monthly December 2019

Moritz Bedroom Collection

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January Furniture Show, 19-22 January, Birmingham

PREVIEW

Ercol will celebrate its 100th anniversary with three new ranges and a reissue

Scatter Box will highlight new cushion designs

Furniture Link will display its latest ottomans and accent chairs

Kettle Interiors will introduce its Signature by Kettle Interiors brand at the show, including the IB collection

Rowico UK has doubled the size of its stand for its 2020 launches

Mlily will showcase its 2020 collection

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

Lebus will look to build on the success of Pasha and Dakota (pictured), launched in January, with the new Perth and Haven collections

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Come and see us at the January Furniture Show 2020 for exclusive new product launches.

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Top Drawer, 12-14 January, London

PREVIEW

Early bird

More than 1,500 brands will be on show The quest to shine the spotlight on the very best in design-led products across the lifestyle spectrum continues, as Top Drawer brings a bold start to 2020 with its new Live Design campaign.

Reaffirming its position as the UK’s premium lifestyle trade show, the Live Design campaign illustrates the elements that make the iconic show about so much more than just buying and selling: a place that also stimulates the sharing of ideas and experiences.

‘Passion for design is at the very heart of our DNA and shared by everyone who is part of Top Drawer – from retailers, exhibitors and designers to our curators, speakers and organising team,’ says Alejandra Campos, Top

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

Drawer show director.

‘The 2020 Live Design campaign captures both the individuality and togetherness of this design community, and celebrates its love and passion for innovation and creativity. As we open the international calendar, Top Drawer SS20 is the destination for creative buyers to source the newest products from the very best design-led brands and new names – and to discover the latest trends and be inspired with our unique show content and features.’

The considered expansion of the show’s curated sectors and the introduction of more networking opportunities in previous editions have enriched the Top Drawer experience

and deepened the connection between buyers and suppliers. With exciting collaborations with the Design Museum, Heal’s, Selfridges, Oliver Bonas, UAL and global insight agency Flamingo, it continues to attract the highest calibre of retailers and contract buyers from over 100 countries.

Registration is now live and the new website introduces tools to allow buyers to easily browse and select their favourite products from the over 1,500 brands on show across 10 carefully curated sectors: Home, Gift, Greetings & stationery, Fashion, Craft, Spotted/ Pulse, Play, Wellbeing, Food emporium and Retail clinics.

Visit: www.topdrawer.co.uk

F O R S O M E , S L E E P I S S O M E T H I N G T H AT J U S T H A P P E N S .

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Somnus National FP Interiors Monthly 210x297.indd 1

26/11/2019 13:05

Spring Fair, 2-6 February, Birmingham

PREVIEW

Clear focus

The show will have a new layout

The Spring Fair will have a revamped layout With only two months to go, the Spring Fair has reiterated a clear focus on the latest and greatest interiors products, with a dedicated and fit-for-purpose layout for the 2020 show.

For the first time the Spring Fair Home & Living offering will bring to

Buyers recognise the growing role of interior design

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

life the synergies of the Living Accents & Decor, Floral, Cook & Dine and The Summerhouse sectors. The new layout reflects the increasing importance retail buyers from across the industry are putting on fabrics, furnishings and other interior design products in order to deliver essential sales and profits.

Following a successful re-edit of Autumn Fair 2019, which created a renewed look-and-feel, Spring Fair 2020 will now boast two distinct sourcing destinations as part of a new show layout: Gifts and Home & Living.

As a one-stop shop for everything that retailers, interior designers, contract buyers, hospitality professionals and architects will need to stay fresh and on-trend in 2020, Spring Fair will help visitors navigate the newest interior design pieces that can go to make a retailer’s year.

The show’s commitment to delivering relevant, trend-led and market-focused insight will see the renewal of its partnership with colour trend expert Colour Hive following a highly fruitful Autumn Fair 2019 pairing. Colour Hive will be on hand throughout the show

to offer advice on the colours that will bring vitality and warmth to interiors in 2020 and beyond. Its vibrant trends installation will be hosted in Hall 6 and will fuel the imaginations of visitors, helping them understand how trend stories develop into finished products.

The show’s Home & Living offering will span Halls 6 through to 20, providing visitors with the largest continuous collection of home and living products across Europe. Show attendees from the homeware retail and interior design industries will be able to discover the must-have home decor, furniture, textiles and soft furnishings. Visitors can look forward to seeing new ranges and staple furniture pieces from the likes of Light & Living, One World, Pharmore and Minster Furniture.

These carefully edited sectors will enable attendees to get hands-on with the season’s best design-led products from a handpicked selection of home and giftware suppliers, including visitor favourite bellwether exhibitors such as Coach House, Hill Interiors, The Libra Company and Parlane.

Visit: www.springfair.com/welcome

Domotex, 10-13 January, Hannover

PREVIEW MYK Berlin

Louis de Poortere

Forging ahead Sonia Wedell-Castellano became Domotex global director in Autumn 2018. She explains the changes she has made to the show ‘In rapid response to the wishes voiced by our exhibitors and visitors, we have opted for changes in the fair’s layout,’ says Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Domotex global director. ‘Previously, premium suppliers were located in the immediate vicinity of the special Framing Trends showcase. They will now go back to their traditional market environments, in their respective halls.

‘For visitors, this means shorter distances and easier on-site orientation.

We are also addressing our target visitors in an even more differentiated and more targeted way.

‘Some 1,500 exhibitors are anticipated in 2020: Rug Star by Jürgen Dahlmanns, Naziri, Creative Matters, Galleria Battilossi and Rica Basagoiti will be showing in the handmade carpets segment; in the category of machine-woven carpets we

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

are looking forward to Oriental Weavers, Carmel Carpet, Royal Hali, Prado Egypt, Stefany and Reinkemeier. US Floors, Windmöller, Moderna (MeisterWerke) and IVC will be exhibiting their resilient floorcoverings, while ter Hürne, Decospan, Bimbo, Swiss Krono and Forestry Timber will be presenting parquet, wood and laminate flooring.

The manufacturers of installation technologies include Mapei, Selit, Välinge, Unifloor, Uzin Utz and Küberit.

‘Of all Deutsche Messe events, Domotex is by far the most international: this applies to exhibitors and visitors alike. German exhibitors account for some 12% of display space, with the international share consequently running at 88%. This is naturally quite an achievement for the world’s leading marketplace for floorcoverings and

carpets. That said, we also aim to expand our exhibitor line-up by attracting more exhibitors from Germany and the rest of Europe.

‘As a result of the changes made to the show’s layout Hall 8 will now be devoted entirely to the Framing Trends display. Hall 8 will star as the pulsating, emotive heart of the event, with visitors being welcomed and wowed by a large textile horizon showing projections of atmospheric images.

‘Our new lead theme of Atymsphere will address how floors can improve our sense of well-being. In a series of frames, we’ll be showing the contribution that a floor’s appearance makes to a room’s overall atmosphere, how its texture dampens noise and how ecological production techniques make for a healthier indoor climate. 

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PREVIEW

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‘Manufacturers, artists, universities and, for the first time, start-ups will take up these and numerous other characteristics to create soothing, personal worlds of experience via their creative approach.

‘Our partner agency Schmidhuber will moreover be staging four pavilions consisting of furnished themed rooms so as to make the lead theme even more tangible. Hotel – Sustainable illustrates the impact of materials and furniture, including acoustic panelling in a hotel room. Wellness – Green Living emphasises health-promoting and environmentally friendly aspects. Conference – More than Floor focuses on acoustic solutions, going all the way to upholstered seating landscapes, while Health – Wellbeing features a yoga room for relaxation.

‘In the space between these focal points, the advantages of outdoor floors and a flowing transition from indoors to outdoors will be highlighted. The aim is not only to provide inspiration to retailers, designers and architects but also to illustrate concrete areas of application.

‘We are the world’s only global business platform for carpets and

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

floorcoverings. At Domotex you can see and experience the entire range of products on offer by the global floorcoverings industry. Here you can get an overview of trends in the international market and keep abreast of the latest developments.

‘Manufacturers and buyers as well as partners, architects and designers from

Osta Carpets

all over the world come together at Domotex. The show attracts visitors of extremely high calibre, nearly 90% of whom play a decisive role in their companies’ buying decisions. New business relationships and co-operation opportunities are emerging that were hitherto inconceivable. ’ Visit: www.domotex.de/en/

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WHAT IS OUR AIM? s To promote excellence and ethical practice within the field of flooring installation. s To promote understanding and awareness of the British Standards Codes of Practice for the installation of floorcoverings. s To make running your business as simple, profitable and stress-free as possible by actively promoting the interests of you, the skilled floorlayer. s Promote assurance of quality of workmanship to the general public.

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REVIEW

On the up

63 companies made their debut

Brussels saw an unexpected rise in visitors ‘Following last year’s fall, visitor numbers increased again this year. This is a highly encouraging result, given that sales in the furniture trade in Belgium and in the majority of our neighbouring countries were pretty disappointing this year.

‘Not only did the Brussels Furniture Fair see a visual upgrade but once again it also became more international.

This year, our visitors came from some 52 countries, including 18 outside Europe. Foreign visitors climbed to more than 65%,’ says Lieven Van den Heede, Brussels Furniture Fair general manager.

‘We would have been happy to settle in advance for this positive result. Prior to the fair, the market signs were not favourable. Of our neighbouring countries, only the furniture trade in

the Netherlands was seeing positive sales. We were therefore braced for fewer visitors again, which would have been no real surprise given the difficult market.

‘The opposite proved to be the case: there were 3.57% more visitors, with an increase in almost all markets. It was only from the UK and Ireland that there were 30 fewer visitors. The protracted regulatory questions around Brexit are just part of the explanation; we also know that two flights on which buyers were due to travel were cancelled.’

For the first time in a decade the number of Belgian visitors rose, now making up 34% of the total. Visitors from the Netherlands rose to 27%, while the show made progress in its largest export market, France, with numbers up by 4%.

274 companies took part

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

‘There was a marked upturn in interest from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This is our strongest growing market, with an increase of almost 12%. The quality of the German language visitors was also outstanding, with a number of head buyers from a series of key groups attending.’

The show had 274 exhibitors (six higher than 2018) of 18 nationalities, all European bar one. Some 63 companies made their debut at the show.

The UK is the fourth largest export market for the Belgian furniture industry, although far behind France, Germany and the Netherlands. Exports in the first half of 2019 rose by 5.6% to 17.6m Euros, according to trade association Fedustria.

Visit: www.furniturefairbrussels.be 

Visitor numbers from almost every country grew

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REVIEW

This year the show presented four Balthazars Awards

BEST OF BELGIUM

BEST INTERNATIONAL

MINTJENS SLEEPLINE: RIALTO

HIMOLLA: SIGNA

‘A stunning symbiosis of two sleep worlds: box springs and wooden beds. The upholstered headboard has an almost sculptural design, and its flowing contours reappear in the rounded feet and edges of the bed, the chests of drawers and occasional pieces. In close-up, the sophistication of the veneer and upholstering are clear. Rialto epitomises the phrase “craftmanship is mastery”.’

‘What an innovative, not to say revolutionary metamorphosis at himolla. Signa is young and trendy, whilst retaining the familiar comfort. Reclining functions are concealed with great refinement. You have to discover them… the finesse lies in the small angles and seams, for example in the concealed footrest.

And how about the sheer suppleness of the adjustable back?

Signa attests to a daring and highly successful new design vision from himolla.’

Laureates: Kluskens – Adam and Urban Cotton – Queen

Laureates: Mathy by Bols – Asymetry and Saunaco – Cas audio

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‘Wow, Rom! You see it, you love it… and you will be surprised.

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Laureates: B-Etnika – Rominna dining chair and Vipack – Casami

‘The innovative answer to a pressing demand from the market: the need for practical, beautiful and affordable furnishing solutions for people in need of care. Your own, familiar reclining armchair can be transformed into a care armchair: all you have to do is replace the base. This brilliant, modular solution successfully meets emotional, functional, budgetary and ecological needs.’

Laureates: Revor – Circular mattress and LS Bedding – App Ergosleep Ecosystem

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REVIEW The show promoted a powerful ecological theme

More than 7,000 visitors attended

Priorities

IHGF Delhi Fair connects the world with a new take on sustainability The Autumn edition of the IHGF Delhi Fair drove home a message of sustainability and responsible manufacturing.

In keeping with the show’s theme of Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle, colossal installations of trees, animals and butterflies were made from 50tons of industrial waste, including plastic, metal, wood and fabric: exemplifying traditional Indian lifestyle values and practices with reimagined creativity using cast-off everyday materials.

Expressing cosmic representations that expound on the ecological balance between nature and mankind, the installations were a means towards a messaging of Indian beliefs and practices anchored on the five great elements of cosmic creation: Vayu (air), Agni (fire),

50tons of waste was used to make installations

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Interiors Monthly December 2019

Varuna (water), Prithvi (earth) and Akash (sky/space/ether).

As a country, India prides itself on a long history and tradition of harmonious co-existence between humans and nature, with craft practices contributing to sustainable lifestyles. The show built on workmanship, artisanship and innovative use of natural derivatives among raw materials, and endeavoured to complement this affirmation by projecting these traditional values of being at one with nature and taking a step towards building a consensus on practising sustainable trade and living.

More than 7,000 trade visitors from 110 countries visited the show to see its 3,200 exhibitors.

A substantial amount of products at the show were influenced by what is

going on in the world around us. As climate change envelops the world at a much faster pace, treasuring the environment has become a top priority and ethical style has gained greater momentum than ever before.

Responsible manufacturing has taken centre stage and the idea of zero waste has spurred many to think outside the box.

The displays strongly reflected a trend of connecting back to one’s roots, to simplicity, to nature, to home, to family and to pure and authentic experiences. Regional crafts brought in from the length and breadth of India reflected unique local cultures, native uses and indigenous techniques in staged exhibition areas, themed pavilions and collective displays.

Repurposed materials and new design alignments brought out innovative creations in this category.

Among initiatives to minimise waste, show organiser the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts replaced bottled water with metal flasks that could be refilled at water stations at the venue.

The show, the largest congregation of handicraft exhibitors under one roof, is known for showcasing India’s unrivalled product propositions which are backed by contemporary design inspiration, hand-crafting skills and a varied raw material base.

The 49th edition of IHGF Delhi Fair will be held from 15–19 April 2020.

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