Interiors Monthly December 2020

DECEMBER 2020

Design Signals

Buyers guide Supplement

New 2021 brochure out now

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Deal or no deal: the big question While hopes of a coronavirus vaccine rollout bring relief, a larger concern is still to be resolved From updates from many large interiors companies it is clear that consumers have been keenly buying furniture and flooring in the past couple of months. And even when stores are closed, sales haven’t vanished. Take ScS, for example: with the overwhelming majority of its stores closed in early November, it still managed to generate about a third of the orders it did a year ago. This again shows the importance of having a digital presence that delivers.

And while the pandemic has had a huge impact on businesses and people’s lives, we still don’t know what is going to happen with the greater issue: a Brexit deal or no Brexit deal.

During the second lockdown in England the country’s largest flooring retailers didn’t cover themselves in glory. Keeping stores open and claiming to be an essential retailer just wasn’t on. And when stores were closed to the passing public, persevering with appointments simply compounded the reputational hit to the market leader. While views will differ on whether not allowing a couple of people at a time in a large store was going to do anything to coronavirus infection rates when those shoppers could freely pop into a supermarket isn’t the point. Those were the rules and retailers were told to follow them. Trying to exploit a technicality, which I’m not even sure really existed, was cheap. There is no other word for it.

Thankfully all stores across England can re-open on 2 December (at least they can as I write this).

Congratulations to the winners of the Bed Industry Awards.

I know from being part of the judging panel for the retailer awards that there were many potential winners among the finalists. As ever, there were no simple decisions and while the finalists will be disappointed at not winning, being a finalist is something they should celebrate.

A merry (but safe) Christmas and a happy New Year to you.

Hopefully things will be very different in 2021.

INTERIORS MONTHLY DECEMBER 2020

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 4

Salone postponed to September 2021

8

ScS names new boss

10 Headlam predicts profits after sales boost

FEATURES 14 New products 20 Service 22 Experiences

The impact of the pandemic

26 Design

Spotting the smoke signals

34 Beds and bedroom

Bed Industry Awards winners, new source, protection

40 Laminate Upgrade

42 Living and dining

Adapting to change

44 Rugs

Looking forward

46 Wool Awards Winners

47 Buyers’ Guide Trust

56 Trends Cabincore Editor: Andrew Kidd

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

Furniture advertising (South): Tim Boden

DECEMBER 2020

Design Signals

Buyers guide Supplement

Think Rugs has recently launched its 2021 brochure with almost 1,400 SKUs now available across a multitude of designs and styles.

Visit: www.thinkrugs.co.uk

M: 07976 122 150 E: tboden@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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

Carpet, flooring advertising: Joanne Paull M: 07817 624 922 E: jpaull@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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

New 2021 brochure out now

Published by Interiors Media Limited Minerva House, Kinnings Row, Bordyke, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1NP E: enquiries@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Registered in England no. 6397722 Print: Knockout Print Design by Truprint Media © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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NEWS

Salone put back to September

Next year’s Salone del Mobile has been moved from April to September in the face of the pandemic, which saw 2020’s show postponed and then cancelled.

The 2021 event will for the first time combine Salone with lighting show Euroluce, kitchen show EuroCucina, Workplace, Special Project and the International Bathroom Exhibition. It will take place from 5-10 September.

‘Being able to hold the Salone next year is an absolute priority for all those of us whose lives revolve around design. We have tried hard over the last few weeks not to make announcements that might subsequently have to be revised in view of the evolving situation. Moving the dates of Salone del Mobile is not just a matter of rejigging the calendar, it also has to consider the many days needed to set up and dismantle the various pavilions, which in turn have to fit in with the demands of many other fairs held in the Fiera Milano spaces. Now that we have achieved the best possible all-round solution, thanks to the collaboration of Fiera Milano, we are in a position to confirm the new date,’ says Claudio Luti, Salone del Mobile president.

‘We believe that moving the fair to September will leave enough time for the ongoing acute phase of the pandemic to subside and that this will provide a real chance to kickstart design at global level. We all need the Salone in Milan. After such a lengthy period of physical and social distancing in every sphere, we would like to be able to see it as an opportunity for actual meeting and discussion, a chance for us all to share our excitement in a city buzzing with new ideas.’

Furniture Village to resume expansion Furniture Village is to resume expansion, buoyed by a significant increase in sales.

It will open a 24,000sqft store on Fosse Park, Leicester and a 30,000sqft branch at County Oak, Crawley on Boxing Day. Both will have a Carpetright concession.

The branches, which will be the chain’s first new outlets since 2017, increase its store portfolio to 54. Further expansion

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

is being considered, including possible locations in Scotland.

‘We are delighted to announce the opening of two new stores, in fantastic locations in Leicester and West Sussex.

We’ve spent the last nine months ensuring we can continue to offer the best of the best in terms of range and quality as well as service. Customer

JFS postponed until April The January Furniture Show will take place on 15-18 April next year, according to organiser Clarion Events, and will be rebranded as Furniture Show Birmingham.

‘Over the past months we have been working towards January, determined to deliver the strong show the sector needs. The large footprint of the show, combined with a very targeted professional audience, means that we remain confident in being able to fully implement the Government’s All Secure Standards guidance for event safety,’ says Cleere Scamell, JFS event director.

‘However, recent developments combined with the necessarily long lead times exhibitors need to prepare and present their products mean that it is important for us to be realistic, and put safety first at this stage.’

‘Additionally, after a turbulent year globally, there are significant supply-side issues in parts of the furniture sector, and this move will allow more time for material supplies to normalise.

‘We have had a very strong and positive response from regular visitors, who are in favour of moving to April.

Among buyers, 84% say they will certainly attend, and a further 13% are planning to attend when they have more details about the practical Covid-19 measures that we will be putting in place.

‘Particularly encouraging has been the response from those who have been unable to visit over recent editions of the show during what is the traditionally busy January period for the industry, but say they will now take the opportunity to visit in this new Spring window.’

safety will continue to be a priority for us and the feedback from all our existing stores continues to be overwhelmingly positive,’ says Charlie Harrison, Furniture Village commercial director.

Despite the lockdowns, the chain has seen sales jump by 25% since the beginning of April, with online sales showing a 90% increase. Head count has also grown, with 150 new roles created, taking the number of staff to 1,140.

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NEWS

ScS names Steve Carson as new boss Coronavirus has ‘made Loaf a better business’ The pandemic has made Loaf a better business, according to founder Charlie Marshall.

Marshall says coronavirus has strengthened the bonds between staff at the online and eight-store retailer.

‘The directors believe that the events around Covid-19 have strengthened bonds and made Loaf a better business in the face of adversity. There will no doubt be challenges ahead, but also enormous opportunities, and the directors would like to thank everyone for helping achieve these results,’ he writes in the company’s latest accounts.

His comments came after pre-tax profits rose from £2.6m to £3.3m in the year to 31 March as sales rose from £48m to £51m. Cash reserves rose by £3.9m to £20.4m.

The company has proposed

a dividend of £4m, up from £250,000 in the previous two years.

Marshall says the results ‘reflect the realisation of operational efficiencies, overhead cost management and a continued focus on developing a strong brand message and desirable products.

‘Since the end of the financial year the Covid-19 pandemic intensified in the UK. Sales were very adversely affected in the initial period, but the easing of lockdown measures has enabled a good recovery. This rebound is in no small part down to the decision to maintain marketing spend during lockdown. which the directors saw as a time of opportunity, as well as one of great uncertainty and concern.’

Shop Italy at home Italian furniture manufacturer Molteni&C has begun selling online. The company has introduced direct-to-consumer sales in the US, ahead of rolling out the opportunity to ‘other strategic markets’ next year.

In-stock products are shipped within 15 days while made-toorder items have a lead time of 13 weeks.

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

ScS has named Steve Carson as David Knight’s successor.

The Holland & Barrett group md will join on 6 January, with Knight retiring in July.

He had planned to leave earlier but delayed his retirement because of the pandemic.

Carson had been in charge at the health food retailer since March 2018. Previous roles include head of retail at Homebase, and director of retail at Home Retail Group.

‘Finding a successor to a ceo as capable and long-serving as David has not been easy but I believe that, in Steve, we have found an executive with the right mix of experience, skills and personality to take the group forward. This early appointment will allow Steve ample time to meet all the ScS team and understand the company’s approach to its customers,’ says Alan Smith, ScS chairman.

‘I’m delighted to be joining ScS and look forward to

getting to know the ScS team, the board and our external partners as we build on our successes, identify new and exciting opportunities and embark on the next stage of the ScS evolution,’ says Carson.

His appointment came as the chain saw orders jump by almost a third before lockdown.

Orders from 26 July to 31 October soared by 31.7%, but November’s performance is 65.2% lower as stores closed across England and Wales.

‘Whilst it is too early to provide clarity on the outlook for the weeks and months ahead, we are encouraged by the trading pattern the group experienced following the first lockdown, when business benefited from significant pent-up demand and an increased level of investment

by UK consumers in their homes. Whether this trend repeats itself following the second lockdown remains to be seen,’ says the company.

Emma sees UK sales almost double Bed brand Emma saw UK sales almost double in the third quarter. Sales jumped by 95% after it updated its product offer and cut the price of its Emma Original mattress.

Quarterly turnover figures are not provided.

‘These figures are a testament to the strength of our business model, strategy and execution. Even during the current highly uncertain macro environment we continue to deliver sustained growth. I am pleased to see that our strategy in 2020

bears fruit and UK customers keep trusting our brand,’ says Santosh Marrivagu, Emma head of UK and Ireland.

The company says it was the most searched-for mattress in the UK. It also reported strong sales in the Republic of Ireland after a major increase in marketing and introducing EU sizes, with sales increasing by 222%.

‘We aim to continue this success story by intensifying our activities in Ireland both online and offline,’ says Marrivagu.

RECRUITMENT If you are looking to recruit staff for your furniture or flooring stores,

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Your advert will appear in our jobs section on the website until the position is filled or you ask us to remove. Our weekly newsletter, which is mailed every Thursday to 7000 industry professionals, also includes a list of these latest jobs.

“A Phenomenal 6 weeks business in the first five days. The new Greenwood [Covid-modified] marketing produced a steady flow of customers over a longer period so we had no overcrowding and we beat target!”

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NEWS

Headlam expects profits to return after sales boost Headlam has seen a double-digit rise in residential sales in the past four months and it expects to see underlying profits of about £15m for the year.

‘Trading to date in the second half has seen a strong and sustained recovery to 2019 levels. Revenue for the four months to 31 October 2020 was down only 1.2% on the same period in the prior year, with November 2020 currently ahead of last year despite the lockdown in England and other restrictions in the rest of the UK,’ it says.

‘An exceptional UK residential sector performance has compensated for a significantly weaker commercial sector across both the UK and continental Europe, albeit there has been an improving trend across the commercial sector.

On a like-for-like basis, UK residential sector revenue was up 10.5% in the four months to 31 October.’

It says it expects underlying pre-tax profits to be between £14m-£16m, in contrast to analysists’ predictions of the group breaking even.

‘The company has increased its product purchasing in the last few months to support customer demand, and to further support customers through the initial weeks of Brexit and minimise any potential delays in receipt of product, the company is currently elevating its inventory

imm cologne cancelled The special hybrid edition of imm cologne planned for 20-23 January 2021 has been cancelled.

‘We’ve had to face the reality, even though it’s painful. In the end, because of the very dynamic way things are developing right now, the uncertainty among our exhibitors and visitors was just too strong,’ says Gerald Böse, Koelnmesse ceo.

‘Because the concept for the special edition was based on the offline and online formats being closely interlinked and mutually dependent, not even a purely digital event made sense under these circumstances.

‘Today’s cancellation is the right decision because it’s appropriate to the situation.’

10

position across its fastest-moving products.’

The group says it has continued with its Operational Improvement Programme, with several projects in the planning stage.

‘The two most significant currently underway are the network consolidation in the south east and transport integration.

‘Following the consolidation of businesses into the new Ipswich regional distribution centre, to be undertaken in the first half of 2021, and the closure of sites no longer required, it is now also proposed that the main warehousing and distribution operations of Domus will move to the Rochester site where capacity will be created following the consolidation. This will allow for the termination of existing leases in West Molesey upon their expiry in July 2021 and further network simplification.’

The group accelerated the roll-out of the transport integration project focused around more effective delivery fleet utilisation and completed this in the north in October, accounting for about a quarter of deliveries.

Full national roll-out is scheduled to be completed by early in the fourth quarter of next year, saving the company a predicted £4m a year.

Smallbone and Officine Gullo in ‘heritage’ showroom tie-up Kitchen and furniture retailer Smallbone and Italian kitchen manufacturer Officine Gullo will partner when the retailer’s flagship London showroom opens, it is hoped this month.

The Brompton Road, Knightsbridge showroom, which covers 15,000sqft over four floors, will feature its Iconic collection alongside Officine Gullo’s cooking equipment, sinks and taps.

‘The companies have their own specific backgrounds but that is the beauty of this partnership. We have two brands with a deep heritage working in a different but parallel local tradition. It makes perfect sense for us

Interiors Monthly December 2020

The Knightsbridge showroom is set to open

to work together. It makes me proud to see our specialist appliances powering these beautifully crafted kitchens,’ says Pietro Gullo, Officine Gullo director. Officine Gullo

opened its own 1,600sqft London showroom in March, days before the lockdown.

The date of the opening has yet to be set, subject to pandemic regulations.

N E W FO R AU T U M N W I N T E R 20

Our

Winter Edit HOME OFFICE A home office. The new necessity for any household.

Spare bedrooms, kitchens and dining tables have become a place of work, making use of the furniture already in place to keep us working throughout the year. However, our new collection of office chairs and desks can provide a space to keep you focused during the working hours and beyond.

Additions to our already popular furniture collections, including Madrid and Carbury, paired with one of the eclectic mix of swivel chairs, give combinations that will sit perfectly in any room.

View our full collection online at www.gallerydirect.co.uk NEW Forden Desk Grey, 5059413395857.

Overall W1300 D500 H760mm.

NEW Mcintyre Swivel Chair Grey, 5059413396045.

Overall W580 D540 H820mm.

GD Interiors Monthly - 1811.indd 1

Wed 18/11/2020 09:50:11

The most

Wonderful

time of the year...

A

s we start to draw the curtains on 2020, I don’t think any of us knew what this rollercoaster of a year had in store. Least of all the team at Victoria Carpets.

E

asiCare Heartland Heathers is an addition to the EasiCare Heartlands family, which is a collection of 12 subtle heather shades in a 10th gauge construction.

EasiCare Freedom has welcomed a heavier 50oz version to the collection called Freedom Xtra. This 100% EasiCare PP favourite has also enjoyed a colour refresh with the introduction of 24 new colours.

Not only have we expanded our product portfolio by welcoming a new division; Victoria Design Floors and Distinctive Flooring into the family, we have also been busy launching new product throughout the year. It James Caldwell, Sales Director: seems that even though there has been a global pandemic, the Company has stuck to it’s product development schedule despite national lockdown.

‘

And the development doesn’t stop there. We will shortly be launching Luxuria Velvet into the market before Christmas. 36 sumptuous colours made from 100% nylon 6.6 cut pile velvet. Exquisite branding will accompany a new POS offering exclusive to the Luxuria Velvet range.

It’s a testament to the sheer passion and determination that our colleagues at Victoria Carpets and Design Floors have, that we have been able to continue, pretty The Design Floors side of this business hasn’t been quiet either. much, as normal.

Since the retail stores reopened in May, we have been promoting Natureborn Frontier, EasiCare Heartland Heathers and a refresh of EasiCare Freedom into the market.

Natureborn Frontier is a 100% wool, 10th gauge range comprising of 14 colours: seven plain and seven linear. This has been launched to offer an entry price point loop carpet but looks fantastic for the money.

‘

We have recently restructured our product offer to make it clear and simple for both the retailer and the consumer by categorising its products into three sections; •Natureborn for all wool and wool mix products •EasiCare for its polypropylene ranges and • Luxuria, which is launching in December, will offer their most luxurious finish to date with a 6.6 nylon velvet.

Universal Flooring, one of the brands within the division, has enjoyed a specification upgrade to its popular Universal 55 Click range. This SPC collection of 14 plank and four tiles now boasts a builtin pad meaning there is no need for a separate underlay saving you both time and money on an install.

We are also just in the process of rolling out our own branded cleaning kits. This is a neat little pack which includes everything a homeowner needs to keep their new Victoria Design Floor clean including; everyday clean, freshen up, an applicator pad and those all important felt pads for protecting furniture legs.

Whilst some companies may take their foot off the gas at this time of year the team at Victoria are gearing up for several more product launches due early next year. But we’re not going to spoil the fun and tell you about them now, that can wait for next year!

Landscape Aspect

Wish all our of customers, friends and colleagues a happy and

peaceful Christmas.

MYVICTOR IA .CO.UK

Pictured: Natureborn Burford Elite, Sweep

NEW PRODUCTS

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1 A modern cut-pile look, Abingdon Flooring’s Olympus comes in a versatile weight that makes it an excellent all-round option. With a lifetime StainFree promise, the carpet offers a reassuring choice for family homes, where its bleach-cleanable quality is ready to tackle the toughest of common household spills.

Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk 2 As a centre of technical expertise, the Academy for Excellence in Flooring provides installers with the knowledge and skills to overcome the challenges that can adversely affect the quality of LVT

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

5

installations. With LVT being susceptible to subfloor condition and the ambient environment, correct preparation and product selection is a significant factor in the long-term viability of the installation.

Visit: www.quick-step-academy.co.uk 3 Kettal’s Net chair conserves a classic, elegant structure, with a smooth line for a calming and attractive appearance. Woven cords and aluminium tubing combine to provide a light, handcrafted look. The chairs are stackable and come in a multitude of cord, aluminium and fabric options.

Visit: www.kettal.com

4 Granorte’s Tradition collection is as close to original cork flooring as is possible to find today. Cork tiles are the purest use of the material and their history dates back over a century – a history to which Tradition stays faithful. The glue-down tiles have a natural sanded pre-finish ready for sealing.

Visit: www.granorte.co.uk 5 Potocco has added the option of anthracite and light grey coloured resin-coated quartz bases to its Anfora dining table. The table top is available in two sizes.

Visit: www.potocco.it 

Four bar Hexham This variant to the established eight bar Hexham spindle aims to give a cleaner, more contemporary look yet remains also able to cross over into traditional. A winner with painters.

Hexham Eight bar Our highly popular eight bar back plain spindle back chair is where modern meets the best of Victorian simple. Equally at home in town or country dining settings. Available in beech or oak.

Hoop back

Windsor Hoop Carver

An enormously popular and stylish hoop back with elegant good looks and features, robust enough even for contract. This is a quality beech chair that fits many bills.

We have taken a classic Georgian style an adapted it for modern living. The ageless lines evoke their traditional background but also harness a more modern edge.

Great as a stand-alone chair in its own right or a carver complement to our hoop or Hexham’s.

WATCH T HE F I L M AN D DISCOV ER O U R AWA R D W INN IN G D IS P L AY

Invictus LVT interiors monthly double page 202011.indd 1

Always a trailblazer when it comes to branding, Associated Weavers reinvents the in-store display & brings an experience unseen in the flooring business. With traditional samples and an intuitive digital module, InvictusÂŽ luxury vinyl flooring invites the customer on a fun-todo purchasing journey.

Share your Invictus #invictuscarpetflooring

GREAT FLOORING • INVINCIBLE PERFORMANCE

Share S Sh arre yo y your urr IInvictus nv n viic ctu tus #iinv # nv vic ic ctu tus sc ca arrpe petf tflo loo orrin ng #invictuscarpetflooring

A UK brand since 1964 www.invictus.co.uk

20/11/2020 13:02:14

NEW PRODUCTS

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6 Marking the company’s 55th anniversary, de Sede has introduced a new edition of its DS-55 recliner.

Along with ergonomic updates, the leather trumpet foot gives way to a modern, slim star stand.

Visit: www.desede.ch 7 With the option of unusual finishes such as lead, liquid metal and dark wood tones, Rastelli’s R1 shows how aesthetics can take the lead in the kitchen, even where the emphasis is on scaled-down practicality. The opportunity remains to express great character, thanks to simple but precious detailing.

Visit: www.rastellidesign.it

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8 In a range of bright colours including blue, green, yellow and red as well as classic black, Floorwise’s Dolphin Knife makes sure your knife is always recognised on site. And for fitters looking for that extra edge, the quick-release blade system of the Dolphin Knife 2000 delivers a well-built precision tool that makes it easier to keep a super-sharp cut.

Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk 9 As part of its updated Richelieu programme, Louis de Poortere is introducing textured carpet styles that benefit from the precise control of the Wilton weaving process. Dune is a cut-pile style with an intermittent row of loops; Preference combines high cuts and low loops for a ribbed texture; and Hermes (shown) is a multi-height cut pile. All are available in 144 colours.

Visit: www.louisdepoortere.com 10 Under the theme of Reimagining Comfort, Balta is showcasing the first steps in its long-term product development programme in a series of one-on-one digital meetings. Bookings are available for the Season Launch Event, which runs until 15 December.

Tel: 00 32 5662 2211

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

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Introducing EcoFelt The perfect partner for your Penthouse Carpet Providing sumptuous underfoot comfort, combined with superior sound absorption and thermal insulation; we recommend our EcoFelt underlays to enhance the performance of your carpet.

Comfort Recycled wool rich felt, suitable for Heavy domestic.

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Majesty Recycled wool rich felt with recycled rubber crumb back, suitable for Super Heavy domestic.

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29/03/2019 17:43

SERVICE

Richard Renouf

Just a minute…

A lazy shortcut leads to later problems The voice was familiar, and his name flashed up on my phone when he called, even though we hadn’t spoken for several years. John (not his real name) is a well-known broadcaster for a radio station covering a wide area, and his speciality is championing consumer complaints on behalf of his listeners.

We’d first spoken when I worked for Qualitas – the predecessor to what has recently become the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman – and the highlight of that time was visiting his studio with a consumer who was complaining that her carpet was not black. When strong light shone through it the carpet looked navy blue, she said, so we had an interesting discussion about dyes and magpies. It ended with John playing a recording of members of the public who had been shown the carpet and asked to say what colour it was. ‘You’re the only person in the world who thinks that’s not black,’ he said. ‘I don’t think I can help you.’

Then we sometimes spoke while I was working in customer service. He disagreed with one of my responses on one occasion and challenged me, live

The clearly visible hole

20

Interiors Monthly December 2020

on air, to meet him at the customer’s house. I did, and found immediately that I had been misinformed and so was completely wrong. I said so and gave my apologies and promised to sort the issue out, all on tape.

When he’d switched the recorder off he commended me for my honesty and said I had done the right thing to hold my hands up. It would actually enhance the company’s image when he broadcast the outcome the next day, he said.

John still calls me occasionally when he needs some technical input about flooring. But this time he didn’t need help for a consumer, he was calling about his own carpet. Fitted three years ago, there was now a hole along a seam and he wasn’t getting any response from the retailer, one of the industry’s larger names. He sent me some pictures.

Clearly the fitter had left out one of the most important steps when seaming a carpet: sealing the edges to prevent fraying. It’s essential and the pictures showed why. A shortcut that would have saved less than a minute was now not only affecting the carpet but could easily become another feature on John’s radio

The repaired carpet

show and risk the reputation of the company concerned and the flooring trade in general.

We discussed some options. There was no spare carpet to allow the seam to be remade, not even enough for a patch. I had a contact or two that I could speak to in order to try to get a response from the retailer. Or I could speak to the manufacturer and see if it was still possible to get some yarn so the seam could be made secure and new tufts sewn in.

‘Who could do work like that?’ asked John. I gave him some suggestions.

‘Leave it with me and I’ll get back to you,’ he said.

He was true to his word. All sorted, thanks to you, came the message. Had a brilliant company out yesterday and they sorted out the problem with my carpet. Very happy. Sadly, the retailer still hasn’t responded to my complaint.

Best wishes, John.

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

Sq M

EXPERIENCES

Demand, no supply

With the second lockdown in England about to end, our industry correspondents report on shortages from mattress springs to cabinet board, and the worsening situation at British ports THE MANUFACTURER In common with all suppliers, we are now in the midst of supply issues like none of us have ever experienced.

Those of us who have been in the trade long enough will remember the boom of the 1970s, when it was not uncommon for British manufacturers to be on extensive lead times and retailers always carried stock.

That was before the globalisation of the supply base, however, and it was all driven by the boom in consumer home spending of that era.

Since then, we have all grown used to being able to buy whatever we want, whenever we want it.

What we have now is a global supply issue that cannot be easily resolved by moving production between locations and factories.

The supply of foam and mattress springs has dominated industry conversations recently. However, as cabinet suppliers we are also experiencing difficulties obtaining board materials such as MDF, MDP, plywood and even cardboard.

Factories have generally adapted their

Core Products’ Dallas collection

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

STOCK IMAGE

Core Products

Disruption to shipping routes is adding to supply problems

workplace practices to maintain production, but without raw materials, maintaining output is a struggle.

We have had no option other than to assess every product we make and, where

necessary, redesign to suit the materials that are available.

We have also had to take radical action and consolidate what capacity is available into our most popular lines to ensure supplies, which is pretty much the same thing we all experienced during the first lockdown, when supermarkets had to reduce the versions of a particular item available to buy.

In these unique circumstances it is the best and only way to ensure continued supplies.

To further compound this, the shipping of goods is becoming increasingly problematic, with empty containers (where needed) in short supply and destination ports such as the UK unable to accommodate many more unloaded ones due to lack of space.

Shipping routes are also disrupted, which is making arrival dates unpredictable.

Amidst all this, there is still stock arriving – but for the first time in recent years we are seeing a return to retailers stocking product to ensure they are able to satisfy their customer demands.

Mike Rowley, Core Products ceo

EXPERIENCES THE RETAILER Fludes Carpets Well, now we know for sure. As I write this, a second shutdown is upon us, with no clear indication that this will be the last – although there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon in the form of a possible vaccine. Let’s hope that this news bears fruit and that sometime in 2021 we will see a good recovery for everyone.

As a retailer, it comes as a real body-blow to be told to close stores to customers at a peak time of trading: this will inevitably cause many retailers to return disappointing year-end results. However, because we have been trading since returning from the first shutdown at staffing levels of about 50%, there are plenty of tasks to catch up with.

At present, though, the emphasis is on getting the goods in from the suppliers and getting them out to be fitted for our customers. This is proving to be more difficult than normal due to the unreliability of the suppliers.

If the problems with shipping from Europe – and in particular, from Belgium – continue as at present, then it doesn’t bode well for the New Year when new import regulations become a reality. Time to buckle up for a rough ride.

We have been advised by some of our suppliers that there have been issues with getting product and raw materials out of Europe, and also that prices will see an uplift due to increased raw material costs. Each month we have to address this with a new price catalogue, and a large number of new price tickets have to be produced.

Lockdown has brought deserted streets

The communication and IT problems facing Headlam at Tamworth recently have been felt by a significant number of retailers, and this does make you realise that you can over-rely on one group of suppliers.

Fortunately there are plenty of alternative suppliers. This means that we do not have to put all our eggs in one basket.

One positive pointer for the near future is the number of telephone and email enquiries we have received in the last fortnight. There is clearly a good level of business to pick up when we are able to re-open our stores.

People do seem to accept that getting things done before Christmas is unlikely, although we have taken a number of requests to fit carpet and flooring previously

purchased online. This is not something we undertake, and when we explain this to the customer we get the odd curt comment.

We hope that we will have a short burst of business until Christmas and then be able to trade strongly and uninterrupted from January through to the end of March at least. We need to see a sustained level of business to make up for the loss of these four weeks in November. However, there appears to be more discussion about the possibility of a further period of closedown before Christmas and again afterwards. This is not an encouraging thought.

Our focus at present is to do general housekeeping and re-merchandising in the stores. We also focus on administration duties such as cash-flow management, ensuring fittings due to be done are in stock and ready to go, and that we have underlay and accessories to see us through.

A couple of good things that have come out of this further shutdown are the extension of the furlough scheme at 80% until the end of March and the provision of the support grant for the closedown of stores available from local authorities. I applied last Friday and received payment on Wednesday. This is further evidence of government support for non-essential retail.

A truly sobering thought is that some of our staff may still be furloughed until the end of March. This means that they will not have been to work for a year.

Happy Christmas, everyone.

Andy Laird, Fludes Carpets md

Shoppers are hoping for pre-Christmas fitting but accept it may not happen

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A UK brand since 1964

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DESIGN

Smoke signals

Emerging trends in a radically changed year

111 Navy Chair by Emeco



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Interiors Monthly December 2020

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W W W . C O N D O R - G R O U P. E U

DESIGN Skin, designed by Piero Lissoni for Glas Italia

When we were children, smoke signals signified a Native American camp or the burning bonfire of a surviving hero.

We were in absolutely no doubt about this. In any case, signals should never be underestimated, rather seized upon and analysed: they indicate which paths to take and bear witness to evolutionary hypotheses and upcoming trends.

The design world also has its own scouts, who send up smoke signals, and therefore logically, has a rear-guard that develops these signals over time.

What we want to do is to try and identify these phenomena as they emerge, if possible, or at least before they’ve really struck home, so as to be able to process them analytically, not necessarily critically.

The pandemic has wrought a radical change to our lifestyles and prompted the cancellation of all the great international meetings. However, the fact that activities have been brought to a standstill hasn’t meant that reflections on design – or more specific thinking around how the sector should tackle the emerging problems – have slowed down. Business thinking has focused on matters such as the development of ecommerce, on one hand, and the study of hygiene procedures and easily sanitised materials on the other: glass, first and foremost, such as Piero

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

Lissoni’s Skin collection for Glas Italia.

Equally, ways of marking out spaces such as screens and dividers have seen a renaissance, as have ways of ensuring comfortable smart working: small desks, easily accommodated in bedrooms, and chairs that are a cross between office and domestic. Desks include the essential Era model by David Lopez Quincoces for Living Divani, Tucano, designed by Monica Förster for Zanotta, with a steel frame and shaped leather top, and the sophisticated solid wood MO Bridge Small Desk with woven strips conceived

by Sinsaku Miyamoto for Ritzwell.

A large variety of screens have also been devised during this period, some hugely decorative and some more technical, as well as sound-absorbent – now much-needed, even outside workplaces, thanks to the recent forced domestic co-existence. Caimi Brevetti has always worked with this type of furniture, and has now come up with Sepa Rolls, designed by Sezgin Aksu, steel screens with Snowsound fabric that can be juxtaposed and are equipped with wheels for easy movement. Philippe Nigro and Manerba are presenting the multifunctional Stem bookcase-divider

Tucano, by Monica Förster for Zanotta

PHOTO BY ANDREA FERRARI

DESIGN

Five to Nine, designed by Studiopepe for Tacchini

system that can be fitted with padded elements to create individual phone booths. The back panels can be covered in a fabric of choice to ensure a good level of sound-absorption.

Thanks to a sudden obsession with ‘green’ solutions, designers, philosophers and architects have swiftly turned themselves into ‘gardeners’. Everything has to be green, although there are those who forget that nature is expressed in a far broader range of colours – brilliant white salt pans, grey basalt cliffs, expanses of black lava.

Obsessions aside, there’s no doubt that a renewed ecological and environmental sensitivity has blossomed and spread.

It is a movement that, in some ways, is reminiscent of the great ‘green’ wave of the 1970s.

In moral, as well as financial terms, sustainability is the word that drives this phenomenon. Working towards sustainability is a tough and unrelenting commitment, totally unlike the green show (or, as per the jargon, green washing) we’ve recently witnessed. Many companies really have gone down the eco-sustainability route: opting for biodegradable or easily recycled materials, simple assembly and disassembly, with an eye to wrapping and packaging quality. Consumers seem to appreciate these product attributes, not just verbally but also by accepting the inevitable price increases. An indirect consequence of this new attitude is an increasingly strong awareness of the need to make objects last over time and the ability to adjust, restore and freshen them up. which means the industry must really focus on all levels of post-sales service.

Recycling is also a huge concern. For example, during World War Two, Emeco produced the 1006 chair for the US Navy,

Daiki Outdoor Armchair, designed by Marcio Kogan/mk27 design for Minotti

using recycled aluminium. Now, 75 years on, they’ve used plastic Coca-Cola bottles to make the 111 chair – named after the number of plastic bottles used to make a single chair – harnessing the principle of upcycling, ie turning waste material into something of greater value, much more interesting than that of recycling.

Directly related to the green explosion of the last few years, and the more recent demand for apartments with balconies and homes with gardens, the production of outdoor furniture is in full swing.

Curiously, although widespread attempts

to imitate nature have been seen in every sector, from upholstery to the art of table dressing, it is the outdoor sector that often avoids any mimesis with the natural environment for which its products are destined, instead aiming for an aesthetic assonance with high-end interiors, which means sleek lines and good quality materials. Basically, the most important pieces in living areas have been taken outside, which obviously involves a thorough revisiting of materials, as we have seen with Minotti’s Daiki Outdoor collection, for example,  Era, designed by David Lopez Quincoces for Living Divani

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PHOTO BY SALVA LOPEZ

DESIGN

Adell, designed by Lievore + Altherr Désile Park for Arper

which sets the seal on the company’s partnership with Brazilian designer Marcio Kogan/studio mk27. Arper’s moulded shell Adell lounge chair, designed by Lievore + Altherr Désile Park, creates an indoor/outdoor link.

Although nature keeps out of designs for outdoor furniture, it makes a forceful appearance in art design. The work of

Shah armchair by Etro Home Interiors by Jumbo Group

many young designers (just a niche movement for now) is crammed with straw, mud, fungi, hemp and cork.

Furthermore, as an indirect consequence of this, a new, rough approach to furnishing design, while more discernible in interiors, is hardly in short supply out of doors. The collections showcased by Ethimo, for instance, contain two such Rafael, designed by Paola Navone for Ethimo

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

examples: Luca Nichetto’s Pluvia and Paola Navone’s Rafael collection.

The influence of Instagram, which no longer presents itself as a platform for communicating visual experiences but rather as a legitimisation tool, is incredibly powerful right now. Every image (and therefore every product) has to work with the immediacy of the social networks, capturing the retina in the blink of an eye. This calls for a general softening of the message, and so the images are full of captivating colours and sophisticated details. The objects are never presented on their own, but often harness the power of accumulation, of superposition (see, for example, the generous size and abundance of tassels on the Shah armchair produced by Etro Home Interiors

by Jumbo Group).

The rooms put together by stylists (this year’s emerging stars) end up looking like backdrops or Wunderkammer. The Five to Nine daybed, designed by Studiopepe for Tacchini, is a clear example of this visual immediacy approach, like the sharp Kimono chair in transparent moulded polycarbonate, designed by Ramon Esteve for Vondom.

Connected to some extent with Instagram-mania, 1980s styles are making

DESIGN

Kimono, designed by Ramon Esteve for Vondom

MO Bridge Small Desk, designed

by Sinsaku Miyamoto for Ritzwell

Stem System, designed by Philippe Nigro for Manerba

a strong comeback, with precise reference to the post-modern look, in fairground colours with archetypal architectural elements, columns and round arches.

Paolo Badesco and Costantino Affuso’s Crystal Palace wallpaper for Wall&decò is a case in point.

Seaside stripes are back, lacquered or in laminate (a material that is enjoying renewed aesthetic appeal). Pink, yellow, blue and sea-green alternate with Venetian influences (real or fake), cement tiles (real or fake) and precious marbles (real or fake). However, there’s no longer any question of judgement in terms of value, the only judgement applies to the taste of anyone suggesting a mix – seen as transgressive in the eyes of other people.

When it comes to upholstery, a return to the early 1980s is obvious in the overblown shapes, where the structure plays a fairly minor role and the support is practically on the floor. The idea is to suggest comfort visually, and then experientially (particularly within the context of home-cinema, a dream shared by many during lockdown). The Japanese designer Keij Takeuchi’s Ripamonti armchair for DePadova can be interpreted in this way, for example. Patricia Urquiola takes up the 1980s reference with her Ruff armchair for Moroso, but she interprets it in a more geometric vein, with a backward tilting backrest. Roberto Tapinassi and Maurizio Manzoni have used tailored quilting to give volume to their Odea 2 for Roche Bobois.

The upholstery market then seems to take two very different directions: the soft, sculptural lines mentioned earlier on one hand and, on the other hand, slimmed-down design, hovering above ground and with visible structural details, as in the Octave collection conceived by Vincent van Duysen for Molteni & C. Beds follow the same lines, boasting triumphant upholstery and quilted materials or spare, clean lines. Matteo Nunziati’s Gaudi for Flou belongs to the latter category, with solid wooden details similar to those featured by the designer in his Tela lounge chair for Rubelli.

The resurgence of interest in decorative schemes typical of internal architecture is becoming increasingly obvious, especially where coverings are concerned, from wallpaper to tapestry to fabrics. Every surface, whether horizontal or vertical, is a palette on which 

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DESIGN Ruff, designed by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso

Octave, designed by Vincent van Duysen for Molteni & C

to tell stories. As well as oriental echoes, which have been popular for some time, there is an appetite for the exotic, like some of Henri Rousseau’s naïve paintings, with tigers, lions and leopards in the midst of the jungle.

It’s not just a case of decoration pure and simple, wallpaper is also a prime subject of material research (waterproof fibreglass papers, for instance, the commitment to sustainability, increased sound-proofing power), along with the quality of digital image reproduction, which can now be totally customised.

The same approaches and trends apply to tableware, with plates emblazoned with large leaves, exotic insects and mythological monsters.

When it comes to rugs, graphic patterns are to the fore, such as Jaime Hayon’s Silhouette for Nanimarquinqa, but so are shapes, in a bid to break with the regulation geometric rectangles, squares and circles, with composite outlines, fringes, cut-outs and superimpositions.

Some producers in this sector have also embraced the challenge of sustainability and recycling. Patricia Urquiola has worked with Gan on scrap felt, for example, coming up with a chromatic effect suggestive of building material in the Nuances collection.

Generally speaking, rug design veers increasingly between two extremes: absolute neutrality, in which it takes on a background role for minimalist furnishings, such as the elegant Poetry

Poetry, designed by Maja Johansson Starander for Kasthall

Ripamonti, designed by Keij Takeuchi for DePadova

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

DESIGN Nuances, designed by Patricia Urquiola for Gan

Stage, designed by Mae Engelgeer for cc-tapis

designed by Maja Johansson Starander for Kasthall and Inga Sempé’s Volentieri for Magis, and in contrast outright aggressiveness, undoubtedly mediated by the world of contemporary art.

An emblematic example of this latter trend is the Gesture collection for which cc-tapis brought in five leading designers: Mae Engelgeer, Yuri Himuro, Sabine Marcelis, Philippe Malouin and Patricia Urquiola.

A version of this article originally appeared on Salone del Mobile.Milano’s Magazine website: magazine.salonemilano.it

Gaudì, designed by Matteo Nunziati for Flou

Silhouette, designed by Jaime Hayon for Nanimarquinqa

Crystal Palace, by Costantino Affuso for Wall&decò

Volentieri, designed by Inga Sempé for Magis

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BEDS AND BEDROOM

The winners

Above: Harrison Spinks Velocity 8750 mattress

The Bed Industry Awards made its virtual debut The winners of the Bed Industry Awards were revealed online for the first time last month. The cancellation of September’s Bed Show saw the awards announced on YouTube on 26 November.

‘The annual awards have become an important highlight in the bed industry year, and while we have been unable to hold the Bed Show itself because of the coronavirus crisis, we felt it was vital to go ahead with the awards,’ says David Moffitt, National Bed Federation president. ‘They are a valued opportunity to recognise stand-out companies and, particularly during such a difficult year, we thank all those who put themselves forward to be judged and congratulate our award winners and finalists.’

The finalists of Small Bed Retailer of the Year (1-9 stores), sponsored by Hypnos, were: Now to Bed (Prestatyn); Peter Betteridge Furnishing (Kingsbridge); Prestige Beds (Blackburn) and The Winchester Bed Company (Winchester).

The winner was Prestige Beds.

‘An outstanding application within a tightly contested field. It highlighted its achievements in growing sales and effectively adapting to the pandemic while simultaneously increasing profit margin and expanding its workforce, despite the

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

challenges retailers have confronted. It also developed and leveraged its own in-house brand which it says has given it a true competitive advantage,’ say the judges.

The finalists of Large Bed Retailer of the Year (10-plus stores), sponsored by Sleepeezee, were: Dreams; Furniture Village; John Lewis and Sussex Beds.

The winner was Furniture Village.

‘Furniture Village showed real industry leadership during the first lockdown this year, stealing a march on its rivals, going the extra mile across its stores, making customers feel safe and getting stores back open at the earliest available

Mattressonline

opportunity. It generated strong sales success, has invested in staff and product development, and raised the profile of the importance of sleep,’ say the judges.

The finalists in Online Bed Retailer of the Year, sponsored by The Vita Group, were Land of Beds and Mattressonline.

The winner was Mattressonline.

‘Mattressonline delivered a strong financial performance while investing in marketing and successfully revamping its product offer. During lockdown it supported its suppliers and expanded staff. In the past year, it achieved a 61% rise in website traffic and a 52% rise in

BEDS AND BEDROOM The Vita Group

sales. But it was not just top-line growth that meant it won: it also achieved record annual profits,’ say the judges.

The finalists in Bed of the Year, sponsored by John Cotton Nonwovens Division, were: Harrison Spinks – Velocity 8750 mattress; Hypnos – Orthos Origins range; Jaybe – Benchmark mattress range and Sleepeezee – Jessica bed.

The winner was Harrison Spinks.

‘Harrison Spinks has reacted to the needs of today’s market without compromising its core principles. Ecoconscious, compact and delivered straight to the customer, Velocity really is a product for our times: a pocket-sprung mattress that, through the introduction of new technology, rolls and can be conveniently delivered direct to the consumer, therefore taking the mattressin-a-box market to a welcome, new higher level aligned with the existing Harrison Spinks brand position,’ say the judges.

The finalists in the Sustainability Award, sponsored by Zero Waste Scotland, were: Bekaert Deslee; Harrison Spinks; Hypnos; Jaybe and Silentnight.

The winner was Bekaert Deslee.

‘There were nine criteria we had to score across, and every company scored well. Several chose two or three of the criteria to emphasise. Sometimes it was net-zero carbon, sometimes material recycling, and in this most difficult of years, we appreciated it where we were told about the work they were doing with their staff and local communities. But

Furniture Village

Bekaert Deslee

we came to a unanimous decision to select Bekaert Deslee as the winner because we especially liked the senior management commitment to sustainability and the application of new digital technologies to making it a more sustainable business,’ say the judges.

The finalists in Component Product/ Machinery of the Year, sponsored by CPS Group, were: Boytek’s VGuard ticking; Enkev’s GOTS certified fillings; Handy’s Tuft Length Adjustor and Kaymed’s iGel Advance Foam.

The winner was Enkev.

‘There is a plentiful demand for Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) products, being organic, plastic-free and free from potentially harmful chemicals, used to meet UK FR regulation. The NBF’s ethos is to encourage transparent, sustainable products that are good for the consumer, the environment and most importantly, our industry. Enkev’s submission, by qualifying for GOTS, is our deserved winner. With supply chains disrupted and people asking more questions about what they buy, where it comes from, and what the environmental cost might be, this solution opens the door to a brighter future,’ say the judges.

The finalists in Covid 19 Community Champion Award, sponsored by Furniture Village, were: John Cotton; Millbrook Beds and The Vita Group.

The winner was The Vita Group.

‘We found this a very difficult decision to make as all three were very close on

our scoring. However, we felt The Vita Group entry just edged it with the diversity of its activities, including several innovative products. Going forward, the impact on its business is likely to be significant and these initiatives will continue to benefit both the local and wider communities,’ say the judges.

The judges were: Retailer awards: Richard de Melim, The Furnishing Report; Andrew Kidd, Interiors Monthly and Bernard Eaton, Greenwood Retail.

Product awards: Steve Adams, Mattressonline; Jerry Cheshire, Surrey Beds; Paul Farley, Furniture News and Paul Stott, The Virtual Works.

Sustainability Award: David Fitzsimons, Oakdene Hollins; Izzie Eriksen, Zero Waste Scotland and Mark Allison, FIRA. Community Champion Award: David Woodward, WCFM and John Hancock, former NBF president.

Visit: www.bedfed.org.uk

Prestige Beds

Enkev

Prestige Beds

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BEDS AND BEDROOM

New source

Shoppers can find advice and retailers online The National Bed Federation has launched a new source of independent advice about beds and mattresses for consumers that also directs them to their nearest NBF stockist. The website bedadvice.co.uk aims to fill the gap in guidance about bed buying, following the merger of The Sleep Council with The Sleep Charity.

‘We’re keen to ensure that people still have ready access to impartial, expert advice about beds and mattresses and have done this with a new, consumerfacing platform which is quite separate to the NBF website. Our main website has always offered a wealth of advice about how to buy and care for a bed, and of the 50,000plus unique visits each month, the vast majority are from consumers looking for information. By establishing a separate, more consumer-friendly website,

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

the idea is to make that information even more accessible to anyone searching for help about anything to do with beds,’ says Simon Williams, NBF marketing and membership manager.

As well as explaining how to choose a new bed or mattress, the website also carries frequently asked questions, plus a product search for anyone seeking a specific type of bed. This will highlight the NBF members that make what consumers are looking for.

Reasons for buying a new bed made

by NBF members are explained and there is also a search facility which will guide members of the public to their nearest retailer stocking NBF brands.

‘The important aspect is that we are closing the loop and not only highlighting the reasons for buying a mattress made

by NBF members but also helping them to find stores which sell NBF brands,’ says Williams.

‘Going forward we envisage a greater level of video content and less text as we know that consumers are increasingly likely to engage with visual rather than written content. In the past, The Sleep Council has acted as our consumer-facing resource, offering advice about beds within the wider context of sleep. As its role evolved, culminating in the merger with The Sleep Charity this summer, it was important for us to retain the NBF’s role as an independent source of impartial, expert advice through a consumer-friendly, online resource that serves to both help the public and benefit our membership.’

Visit: www.bedadvice.co.uk

BRAND

BASSADO

R

JESSICA ENNIS HILL

A

M

Introducing the

AWA R D W I N N I N G M AT T R E S S

Sleepeezee will donate £20 for every mattress sold to the Sheffield Children’s Hospital

“Sleep matters to our everyday performance. That’s why I’m proud to work as ambassador for Sleepeezee, one of Britain’s leading mattress makers.”

E V E R Y T H I N G’S E A S Y W H E N YO U S L E E P E E Z E E

www.sleepeezee.com

1800 SPRINGS

EDGE TO EDGE SUPPORT

STAYCOOL™ GEL

HYPO-ALLERGENIC

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Protect-A-Bed POS

Line of defence

Mattress protectors can limit bacteria growth ‘The industry continues to endure unprecedented times as the country combats the pandemic. It’s clear that maintaining high levels of personal hygiene is paramount. The benefits of washing hands regularly have been well documented, but bed and furniture retailers can also provide solutions to limit the growth of bacteria in customers’ mattresses. Our protectors will protect mattresses while creating a cleaner

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

sleeping environment.,’ says Paul Lake, Protect-A-Bed national sales manager.

The company’s Therapeutics range of protectors is embedded with copper, graphene and charcoal to increase and enhance the sleeper’s wellbeing.

‘We are constantly evolving and innovating. Protect-A-Bed has a long history in creating revolutionary products and this range is particularly exciting. It features our innovative

technology combined with materials known to help many with joint relief and relaxation, mineral absorption, heart health and a healthier immune system, as well as having anti-ageing properties.’

‘Protect-A-Bed is a specialist in the mattress protection category. No one 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.

‘It’s also why we focus on advancing the mattress protection category, taking it to new levels of innovation.

The Therapeutics range is the perfect example.

We also continuously build frameworks that are simple for retailers to implement in order to achieve extremely high sales in the category.

Focus is key: lots of small improvements together often lead to significant improvement in performance. We know we can instantly increase sales for any retail partner.

‘Product innovation is only one element in how we unlock greater sales for our partners.

Another is our specialist sales training, which is vital to unlock sales potential. Our team is incredibly adaptive to support this in any retail environment.

We support our training through a bespoke reward system via the ProtectA-Bed Platinum Club. Since the Club’s launch, the results have been excellent.

Both existing and new partners have joined and are benefiting from the focused approach to growing sales,’ says Zamet.

Visit: www.protectabed.co.uk

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LAMINATE

Egger PRO Comfort Flooring in Natural Vidoria Oak

EGGER PRO Laminate Flooring Aqua+ in Berdal Marble

Flooring for the future Egger’s PRO collection is getting an upgrade Launching early in 2021, Egger’s PRO flooring collection builds on the success of its current offering, with upgraded products, on-trend decors, realistic textures and a new flexible CLIC it! installation system.

For the first time, retailers will have access to an international pool of decors, offering freedom to create a personalised product offering tailored to their needs.

The collection combines state-of-the-art technology with trends from across the world, to bring a market-leading range of flooring to the UK. Designed to meet the demands of both private and commercial interiors, the wood-based collection comprises Laminate, Comfort and Design GreenTec flooring. Each has bespoke benefits that contribute towards a safe, long-lasting, comfortable yet functional floor.

PRO Laminate is an all-rounder: easycare, hygienic and durable. It is available with Aqua+ technology for areas that require water resistance. PRO Comfort is warm, soft and quiet. It uses specialist cork layers to maintain heat and absorb sound. PRO Design Flooring GreenTec is robust, water-resistant and eco-friendly.

It has a class 33 and R10 slip rating, so it is suitable for commercial interiors that require a hardwearing floor.

Hand-selected by Egger’s team of experts, the collection focuses on the latest design trends, including marble, woodgrains and terrazzo decors. New for

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

2021 is Interior Match, providing the opportunity to match flooring and furniture with selected decors from the EGGER Decorative Collection 2020-22.

The PRO Flooring Collection 2021+ will use Egger’s new flexible installation CLIC it!. Featuring a multifunctional profile, the flooring can be installed in three ways: plank by plank, row by row or tapping. As well as easy installation, the new CLIC it! profile offers enhanced protection from moisture ingress for up to 72 hours on PRO Design GreenTec and PRO Laminate Aqua+ products, verified using the NALFA surface swell test.

Sustainability has been at the heart of Egger since it was founded in 1961.

All floorboards are manufactured using sustainably sourced, PEFC-certified

wood fibres from timber harvested from sustainable forests, and are 100% PVCfree, with no softeners or toxic dyes.

‘Quality and style are perfectly matched in the new Egger PRO Flooring Collection 2021+. With access to more than 170 international decors in a variety of board types and formats, customers will have freedom to create a bespoke product portfolio to suit their needs. Our extensive product range uses the latest trends and quality textures to ensure the design aspirations of the end-customer can easily be achieved,’ says Craig James, Egger UK national sales manager.

‘We can’t wait to share the full collection with the flooring market at the beginning of next year.’

Visit: www.egger.com

Egger PRO Laminate Flooring in Cognac Brown Sherman Oak

Whatever you have in mind, we have the right flooring solution for you.

All our shown decors are reproductions.

Discover the new Egger PRO Flooring Collection 2021+

Discover the brand new EGGER PRO Flooring Collection 2021+ where quality and style are perfectly matched to your and your clients’ concepts and ideas.

Our collection launches in January 2021 and comes with stunning new decors, exclusive textures, tools and services. Discover your ideas!

Âť Get a sneak preview at www.egger.com/pro-collection

LIVING AND DINING

Above: Augusta casual living in textured grey Above left: August bedroom in white

At home

Core Products’ 2021 collection reflects the new reality ‘Despite the challenges this year has placed on us all, Core Products is looking to the coming year with enthusiasm. For the first time in many months there is an air of optimism about the future with the prospect of vaccines and we feel this will reflect in consumer confidence. One thing is for certain: we have all come to regard our living spaces more, and this is shown in the products we are being asked to include in our 2021 collection,’ says Mike Rowley, Core Products ceo.

‘Most obvious is the move to working from home. Demand for home office chairs and furniture has far exceeded supply this year. The reality is that many consumers are now seeing this as a positive lifestyle choice, and for employers it is a significant cost saving, so the likelihood is that home working will be part of everyday life from now on.

‘We are seeing a movement in the design and concept of home office

Brooklyn home office collection

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

chairs away from the basic fabric models towards mesh with higher moulded back designs, and while black remains the most popular colour, more consumers are opting for a combination of black seating fused with a vibrant back cover. We have recognised this with our 2021 selection of chairs, which is now in stock.

‘Cabinet furniture has also seen a huge resurgence in sales, with the Augusta range being at the forefront.

With its clean lines, contemporary styling and affordable pricing it is no surprise that this range has proved so popular.

For 2021 this collection is being expanded considerably with three new finish options across a variety of pieces that blend effortlessly into bedroom or living space. In addition to the original antique pine and black stove-painted metal offer, we are adding a crisp white finish, a textured grey finish, and a coastal effect that infuses a driftwood look, contrasted with calico-effect drawer fronts and doors. All three ranges also feature metal handles and legs in a specially developed grey metal coating.

‘With the majority of our products being especially designed for easy home assembly and delivery they can be delivered safely and

quickly either to your store or direct to your customer’s home. Stock inventories are updated throughout the day so you can sell with confidence that your order will be dispatched promptly.

‘We have seen considerable numbers of retailers choosing to stock our ranges as they are a regular consumer request and ideal for those who have adapted their selling routes either with direct-tohome deliveries or order and collect facilities. Most packages are designed to fit into the average car ready to take home, which makes storage and handling easy too,’ says Rowley.

Full details of Core’s 2021 collection will be available in the New Year.

Visit: www.coreproducts.co.uk

Home study chair with mesh back

Our New Home OfďŹ ce Furniture Collection now in stock

& available for Direct Home Delivery

LFCH22-BL

LFCH28-BK

LFCH30-BK

LFCH29-OR

Thank you to all our customers for their support & patience throughout this past year. Our best wishes for Christmas & for a safe, healthy & happy 2021 from all at Core Products. www.coreproducts.co.uk

01738 630555

2020

Best at packed furniture supplier

sales@coreproducts.co.uk

RUGS

Sierra in Slate Grey

Royal Nomadic in Ivory Black

Looking forward

Think Rugs is anticipating a strong bounce back for the high street ‘As we come to the end of an incredibly tough year we would like to look forward in an optimistic manner to what 2021 holds for us. We look forward to a life without lockdowns, shop closures and disruption in the supply chain, and foresee a strong bounce back for the high street and all bricks-and-mortar stores,’ says Sam Tippett, Think Rugs md.

‘With that in mind we have prepared ourselves to ensure that we are in an incredibly strong position to supply all manner of businesses with our biggest range and largest stock holding.

September saw the launch of our 2021 brochure, with almost 1,400 SKUs now available and a further 100 launching in January.

‘Launches now available include new colourways and designs in our most popular Royal Nomadic and Boho ranges.

The popularity of these ranges continues to grow with trends, such as Recharged Wellness and Scandi Simplicity gaining momentum and driving demand.

‘Our recently introduced Craft range has been considerably expanded to include 14 options in a variety of sizes.

Taking inspiration from trends such as Metal Meets Rock and Brutal Force, Craft consists of metallic designs overlaid

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

on marble backgrounds. This is a range and style in its infancy that is already generating great impetus and driving forward to become one of our most popular ranges.

‘A launch for 2021 is the pleasing Sierra. With a focus on colour and

texture, this range is influenced by the Solace colour palette. It includes 14 colourways, each available in a fantastic high-density, soft shaggy quality. Already being very well received we believe it is set to become a staple for years to come.’

Tel: 01782 747 713

Craft in Ivory Gold

ACCESSORIES

Delivery counts

Above: contemporary style on the Agra coffee table Above left: cushions featuring detailed designs and metallic highlights, with the marble-topped Necton side table

Gallery Direct is experienced in drop shipping The latest Autumn/Winter product launch from Gallery Direct features more than 450 new lines across Christmas, home office, occasional tables, soft furnishings, accessories and lighting. All the new products are showcased in its Winter Edit, which has lifestyle photos as well as cut-outs of individual items. It is available to browse and order products online.

Gallery Direct is known for its design-led products, and the Winter Edit is no exception. However, as well as ensuring it has eye-catching, value-for-money lines that are designed to sell, it has also thought about other ways to help customers.

‘Putting our customers’ needs at the heart of our business is key to our success. With this in mind, all of our

Alberta bench with retro glass vases and faux palm trees

accessories and Christmas decorations are available for drop shipping and are in selling packs, ready to send to the consumer. This makes it easier for our customers to sell them, especially online, which is vitally important at the moment.

For example, our Christmas baubles are packed in twos or assortments of four or six, perfect for the end user,’ says Peter Delaney, Gallery Direct md.

‘As one of the biggest mirror suppliers in the UK we have years of experience in drop shipping fragile items, making us real experts in the field, so extending this to accessories and Christmas decorations has been no problem.’

The new accessories collection includes retro glass vases, realistic and decorative faux plants and stems, and contemporary pieces, all designed to add personality and interest to interiors.

A selection of soft furnishings is also included in the Winter Edit.

Attention to detail has been given across the collection, with intricate designs, hand-tied tassels, delicate embroidery and tactile textures.

Throws and cushions add a warm and comforting touch to rooms and can be selected to complement a colour scheme or add contrasting statement colours.

Visit: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

45

WOOL

Rugs to upholstery

Designs from Ruby Garder (above) and Abigail Weston (above left)

CfW’s Student Design Competition saw partnerships developed The winners of The Campaign for Wool’s Wool Week Student Design Competition have been recognised.

In the interiors categories, Holland & Sherry challenged students to create a fabric for interior furnishing and drapes; a contemporary patterned rug was the brief from Floor Story; Blackhouse wanted a new design and colourway of its Harris tweed Hebrides fabric to upholster a chair; and Margo Selby required a new design for an interiors and accessory fabric, to also feature on a carpet runner in collaboration with Alternative Flooring.

The winning students were: Louisa Knapp from Huddersfield University for the creation of a design for Alternative Flooring carpet and Margo Selby interiors fabric – Louisa received a work placement with Margo Selby; Abigail Weston from Central Saint Martin’s for the Floor Story rug; while Ruby Gardner from Glasgow School of Art won two – the Blackhouse and the Holland & Sherry fabrics.

The Floor Story rug, exclusively limited to 10 pieces, and Alternative Flooring’s carpet runner, plus Margo Selby’s fabric and cushion accessories, Holland & Sherry’s fabric and the Blackhouse chair are all available to purchase on request.

‘This student design competition is one of my favourite Campaign for Wool initiatives. I think it works for a host of good reasons. Firstly, it introduces the unique properties of wool as a fibre to student textile designers, sometimes for

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

the first time. And, having encountered wool, it often becomes a design habit.

Secondly, students are introduced to top wool-using brands, and get a sense of how they operate. Several students in past years have ended up working for these brands, so it has been a happy result for all,’ says Nicholas Coleridge, The Campaign for Wool chairman.

‘Finally, the competition is yet another way of reminding us that wool, ahead of all alternatives, is the most versatile, natural and most ecologically friendly. The primacy of wool should be taught in every school, as well as at every fashion and textile college. We are so grateful to the brands for inviting the students into their

businesses – carpet and rug designers, as well as fashion houses – and we applaud the students for giving fleece a chance.’

‘The Student Design Competition is an ideal opportunity for the worlds of textile and fashion education to connect with industry in a series of collaborations that showcase the environmental credentials and diverse applications of wool in lifestyle and fashion. By creating these partnership opportunities with leading brands, the students are able to add a strong commercial dimension to their course work in preparation for careers in the industry,’ says Peter Ackroyd, The Campaign for Wool coo.

Visit: www.campaignforwool.org

Louisa Knapp’s fabric and carpet design, with Ruby Gardner’s upholstery fabric on the chair

BUYERS’ GUIDE

INTERFLOOR

INTERFLOOR

For finishing touches that 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 to complement current interiors: on-trend brushed steel nickel or elegant bright chrome, 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 levels. In addition, there are Single Edge, Dual Edge and Zig Zag profiles for joining carpet to a range of different materials.

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 hard-wearing underlays ideal for the contract market. Duralay also includes specialist underlays for use with underfloor heating, LVT and hard flooring.

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

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

CASTELAN GROUP

STAINGARD

The success of its business is built on one thing: the service it offers customers – yours as well as its own. That’s why everyone who works for Castelan considers your customers to be their customers. It’s why its business and claims centres are UK-based and why it is committed to looking after your customer right to the end of the job. It’s why it has invested heavily in the IT systems that make its service so flexible and has an enviable culture of quality. It is, in short, why it’s been so successful. And why its clients, and 1.5milllion of their customers, trust it.

Staingard, the UK’s specialist for insured care plans, care kits, mattress protection and floor glides, has remained strong and consistent with supply throughout the pandemic, and has in fact increased production to manufacture sanitise products, to help meet the demand of the country. Whether you’re a retail group or a sole trader, if you are looking for a partner to supply the highest quality, value-added products to enable you to maximise margins and increase profits from your existing client base, while supplying a genuine benefit to your customers, make Staingard your first call.

Visit: www.castelangroup.com

Visit: www.staingard.co.uk 

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

ABINGDON FLOORING

BALTA

Abingdon Flooring creates high-quality carpets for today’s homes. With brands that offer a huge choice of style, colour and suitability, it believes that everyone should be able to choose their flooring with style and comfort in mind. That’s why it ensures that practical performance comes as standard with its StainFree for Life guarantee. Abingdon has always been committed to an ongoing testing cycle. Along with top quality materials, this means its carpets remain at the forefront of performance. Matched to its investment in exemplary service, including track and trace logistics software, it’s with you every step of the way to more beautiful floors.

Balta is Europe’s largest carpet manufacturer, making tufted and woven carpets that live up to the expectations of today’s homeowner. From the luxurious Eternity collection inspired by nature’s spring blossoms to the modern sophistication of Satino, the soft and strong Leonis collection and practical StainSafe carpets, Balta has an unrivalled selection of tufted styles. And for homes embracing the great outdoors and looking to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, its Nature collection of weather-resistant flat-weave carpets presents beautifully individual patterns and colours.

Visit: www.abingdon-flooring.co.uk

Tel: 00 32 5662 2211

HUGH MACKAY CARPETS

CORMAR CARPET COMPANY During 2020 Cormar Carpet Company continued to blaze a trail with market-leading new carpet launches while continuing to embrace online technology. Its online carpet trade portal saw orders break through the 1 million mark since its launch in 2012. Stockists can sign up and access their accounts at any time via portal.cormarcarpets.co.uk.

Visit: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Hugh Mackay Carpets specialises in quality wool and Axminister carpets and has been at the forefront of the industry for more than 100 years. Both stock ranges and custom options are crafted with style and quality in mind.

Its bespoke and custom designs are constructed using the ‘design it’ creation studio – this is where design dreams become a reality. The Visualise It app takes customers on a journey in the comfort of their own home. They can upload an image of their room and install products virtually, to immediately see the transformation a Hugh Mackay carpet can make.

Visit: www.hughmackay.co.uk

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

BUYERS’ GUIDE

PENTHOUSE CARPETS

SEDNA

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 have 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 the brand’s 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 that will no longer get stuck in this life-threatening waste. Sedna carpet has an Eco FusionBac textile backing, made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles.

Visit: www.sedna-carpet.co.uk

THINK RUGS Think Rugs has launched its 2021 brochure, with almost 1,400 SKUs now available across a multitude of designs and styles. It imports its rugs from India, China, Turkey and Belgium and has a large stock of contemporary and traditional designs in wool, acrylic and polypropylene at its 50,000sqft warehouse in Stoke on Trent. All operations are currently running as normal, with services available to supply any style of business. New launches now available include colourways and designs in its most popular Royal Nomadic and Boho ranges, while Craft has been expanded to 14 options in a variety of sizes, and the new Sierra range to 14 colourways.

Visit: www.thinkrugs.co.uk

VICTORIA CARPETS Luxuria Velvet is the latest collection from Victoria Carpets.

This stunning range is made from 100% nylon 6.6 and carries a deep cut pile, accentuating the feel. With delustered yarns giving an elegant matt finish, Luxuria is showcased in 36 colours with names inspired by ballets and ballerinas, such as Sugar Plum Fairy, Bussell and Pavlova. Available in both 4m and 5m widths, Luxuria is also moth-proof, boasts a 20-year wear warranty and recently won Gold Award in the 2020 Flooring Innovation Awards in the man-made category.

Visit: www.myvictoria.co.uk 

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

ALPHA DESIGNS

KOMFI

Alpha Designs is a progressive UK manufacturer at the forefront of design and fabric, a family-run West Midlands business that places great emphasis on providing a personal service with a can-do attitude. It continues to grow at a rapid rate. The mission statement of the business is still based upon the original key goals of offering its retail partners protection and flexibility by having interchangeable fabrics across all models, which on an unbranded product with no online presence remains an enticing proposition.

2020 saw the launch of the new Komfi collection, which has now established itself as an innovative range of mattresses, offering buyers a comprehensive range of products focusing on comfort, sustainability and competitive pricing, along with a 10-year guarantee. The collection features the Active range, with Komfi’s unique 100% recycled Ecofoam, and the Sensory range featuring the company’s exclusive ViscoGel technology for the ultimate sleep experience. All Komfi mattresses have been designed to be fully recyclable, are supplied vacuum packed to enhance their carbon footprint, and are made in the UK to approved National Bed Federation standards.

Tel: 01902 492 937

Tel: 01924 950 300

MAMMOTH

PROTECT-A-BED

Mammoth has a clear vision: to provide relaxation, serenity and better living through the science of comfort. Its products use proven materials and technologies unique to the industry.

Its exclusive Medical Grade Foam technology has been proven to deliver superior postural support and greater pressure relief than standard memory foam. Its commitment to innovation, testing and product development has led to partnerships with UK health organisations including the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Many leading sports associations choose Mammoth to help members achieve the best health benefits sleep can offer.

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: 0845 838 7767 Email: enquiries@mammothuk. com

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

Visit: www.protectabed.co.uk

BUYERS’ GUIDE

SLEEPEEZEE

SONLEVO

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: to deliver luxury and innovation. As well as postural support its Avid foam technology offers 400% greater airflow than standard foam, ensuring better body temperature control. Avid technology combines with pocket springs in five mattress types, all backed with multiple storage options, designer headboards and sleep accessories, for the complete sleep solution. Sonlevo proudly partners with the Professional Footballers Association and the Football Medicine and Performance Association, delivering Avid’s unique posture support and comfort to members.

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

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

THE FOAM COMPANY

VARIMATIC

The Foam Company has a heritage that goes back more than 30 years and is extremely proud to be a UK manufacturer.

Only the highest quality components are used and product development is at the forefront for the coming year with exciting new ranges due to launch. Within the Sleepshaper range, a wide selection of sizes and models are available for express delivery, from 14cm bunk-bed mattresses to a 2,000 pocket-sprung luxurious model featuring wool, silk and cashmere. A space-saving display for stores has resulted in huge demand for the recently launched mattress rack and bed bundle, which comes with six single-size mattresses, a single divan and mattress rack with full POS package.

Tel: 01235 529 148

Supplying the best adjustable beds is not just about the ability to manufacture but understanding the product, the market and the users. Varimatic can offer a full staff training programme to ensure that your sales staff understand not only its products but their benefits for your customers. More than 65 years of experience ensures Varimatic understands both the medical and lifestyle needs for adjustable beds and can supply a flexible range to suit every budget. Find out more about the offering, including how to create a special package for you.

Tel: 07568 337 084



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BUYERS’ GUIDE

FLOORWISE

INVICTUS

Floorwise delivers premium quality and great value flooring installation products and accessories through a nationwide network of independent distributors. With Floorwise you can enjoy fast and local access to carpet underlay, wood and laminate underlay, profiles, grippers, tools, adhesives and screeds, and stair nosings. Chosen by fitters for their quality and ease of use and loved by customers for their value and quality, Floorwise brand products won’t let you down.

Associated Weavers stands out from the crowd for UK presence, branding and in-store solutions. The Invictus luxury vinyl flooring concept and display are no exception. The attractive branding and visuals will be the highlight of any store, immediately attracting customer attention. The in-store display brings an intuitive digital experience, guiding users through an efficient and fun purchase process. The symbiosis between traditional samples and digital journey is previously unseen in the flooring business. Invictus brings a well-balanced collection of 84 SKUs: wood, stone and parquet designs in Dryback and Rigid Click. For more inspiration, customers can use the online room visualiser.

Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk

Visit: www.invictus.co.uk

LEOLINE

VICTORIA DESIGN FLOORS

Leoline cushion vinyl flooring makes homes more beautiful, comfortable and an easier place to be. With faithful recreations of nature’s wonderful organic patterns, as well as ceramic tiles, architectural finishes and abstract designs, Leoline is a great way to add unique style to any room. Add in comfort, warmth, noise reduction and an easy-to-care-for surface and it’s simple to see why Leoline floors are such a popular choice in homes across the land. And with the introduction of new Protekt permanent antibacterial technology, Leoline makes homes safer too. For the very best in cushion vinyl flooring, it really has to be Leoline.

Distinctive Flooring and Universal Design Floors were combined in January, with the two flooring brands now residing under the Victoria Design Floors banner. Universal has recently enjoyed a specification upgrade to its popular Universal 55 click range. This SPC collection of 14 planks and four tiles now boasts a built-in pad, meaning there is no need for a separate underlay, saving both time and money on an install. It has also introduced its own-branded cleaning kits. This is a neat little pack includes everything a homeowner needs to keep their new Victoria Design Flooring clean.

Visit: www.leoline.co.uk

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

Visit: www.myvictoria.co.uk

BUYERS’ GUIDE

METRO GROUP

MINERVA FURNITURE GROUP

In the decades 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; it allows them to use all of the best benefits of group membership while being 100% in control of their own businesses.

Minerva Furniture Group was formed in 1990, with offices in Corsham, Wiltshire, close to the M4 corridor. The management team are all trade professionals who interact with the membership. Members are independent furniture retailers in the UK and Republic of Ireland. More than 120 approved suppliers, from all domestic furniture sectors, work with the group. There is no central buying or compulsory purchase. Benefits of membership include a rebate scheme, container programme, product sourcing and member-to-member networking. The group also hosts two major furniture exhibitions each year, in the spring and autumn, at a central UK location.

Visit: www.minervafurnituregroup.co.uk

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

NICF

FURNITURE IN SCOTLAND

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 leave reviews.

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

Furniture in Scotland represents award-winning furniture and accessories. It supplies the best adjustable beds available in the UK, with training and marketing to support your sales; Mattressgard protectors from Staingard; plus furniture care products and warranties offering you extra profit opportunities. It also supplies Core Products’ flat-pack furniture, both to your store or DHD direct to your customer’s home. Core Products offers traditional and contemporary products designed for fast delivery and easy assembly. Get in touch to find out more about Furniture in Scotland’s offering, including creating a custom-built package for you.

Email: gavin@furnitureinscotland.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

FURNITUREPAY

RETAILSYSTEM

Accounting and merchant solutions tailored for furniture and bed retailers. FurniturePay uses its incredible buying power to negotiate rates and deals on furniture and bed retail must-haves: credit-card processing with Barclaycard and QuickBooks Online. This approach allows it to negotiate rates that deliver tremendous savings to members on the products and services they need every day to conduct business operations. Take advantage of all its offerings or pick what is right for you. Either way, you win. Come see how FurniturePay’s partners Barclaycard and QuickBooks Online can benefit you and your retail business.

RetailSystem is the multi award-winning EPOS. The EPOS makes a retail business run better – from the sales floor to stock. Without it, life’s a bit chaotic. An EPOS designed and built by a furniture retailer for furniture and bed retailers, its goal is to help its retail clients run their furniture businesses better. RetailSystem brings it all together: manage and control all areas of your furniture business from buying and stock control through to warehousing, sales and customer service. RetailSystem will help you run things more efficiently and profitably. Book a free demonstration today and see how RetailSystem can help you.

Visit: www.myfurniturepay.com

Visit: www.retailsystem.com

WEBSYSTEM WebSystem is a modern platform designed specifically with furniture and bed retailing in mind, not like the outdated, ‘steam-powered’ clunky interfaces from the last millennium you may see available. WebSystem recognises the furniture and bed industry is being hampered by antiquated systems with disjointed thinking and that’s why it provides awardwinning omnichannel solutions that can handle anything you need. WebSystem mixes ecommerce, RMS, CRM, EPOS and accounting for furniture and bed retailers at an extremely affordable cost. It’s an award-winning ecommerce solution that’s now powering furniture and bed retailers globally. Learn more today.

Visit: www.retailsystem.com

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

STEVE BRISTOW A specialist in working with natural stone, all hand-crafted in its Devon workshop, Steve Bristow creates luxury furniture that combines the finest materials with contemporary design.

Tel: 01626 330 337 Email: info@stevebristowfurniture.co.uk.

Visit: www.stevebristowfurniture.co.uk

MADRID

MADRID - Available in a crisp clean white or a contrasting bold matt black. Complete with either silver metal handles or brown leather ties, changing the look of the collection completely.

Coming soon... Sign up to our newsletter to be updated!

RAPALLO

NEW RAPALLO - Rustic yet modern, finished with old-style wooden fronts and matera grey top with matt black handles. Creating the perfect setting within any home.

Furniture To Go have more than 50 unique collections. All in stock for next day delivery.

No MOQ. Ecommerce support.

Just call us: 02380 517067 and let’s see how we can support you. info@furniture-to-go.co.uk | www.furniture-to-go.co.uk

TOGETHER WIITH

TRENDS

Cabin fever

The cabin nestles in the landscape

Cabincore has arrived ahead of winter As the winter sets in and people continue to work from home, using technology that enables us to work wherever we are, many have sought to be closer to nature, away from cities, or to curate spaces in their homes to focus, feel inspired or simply to relax and unwind. This has seen increased interest in cabins: cabincore.

Among architecture and design practice Olson Kundig’s projects has been a cabin in Stowe, Vermont, while vinyl producer Atrafloor has produced a range of cabin-inspired flooring.

The compact cabin in rural Vermont emerges from its hillside site, rising into the pines and maples to establish an intimate gathering place in the trees.

Intended to bring family closer to one another and to the forest region where they have owned land for generations, the cabin’s 750sqft footprint is an efficient and economical framework from which to experience the densely wooded landscape. An elemental material palette of steel, wood and

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Interiors Monthly December 2020

concrete draws inspiration from the untouched wilderness all around.

The cabin is composed of three levels: the lowest portion nestles into the site

The top floor is occupied by a large living area

and contains a garage that doubles as a games room, as well as a single bedroom and toilet; the middle portion consists of the main entrance, two small 

Smart e-commerce for furniture retailers

Residential Sales Executives – 2 Vacancies Ulster Carpets’ is one of the world’s largest and most progressive carpet manufacturers, servicing global retail and contract markets. Due to retirement we have 2 vacancies within our Residential Sales team.

The successful applicants will have responsibility for developing sales through our Independent retail accounts covering the following areas:

Omnichannel done right.

Fully integrated Website and EPOS. NO ONT UPFR S COST

1.

Lancashire, Cumbria, Dumfries & Galloway, Halifax & Huddersfield 2. West & South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Lincolnshire, Humberside We offer a competitive salary, company car, medical cover, contributory pension scheme and profit related pay, along with good development and progression opportunities.

To apply send your tailored CV and a covering letter detailing which position you are interested in and how you meet the following criteria: 1.

Sales experience ‘on the road’ as a manufacturer’s representative (ideally a minimum of 2 years); 2. The ability to achieve sales targets, provide details of results and achievements; 3. The motivation and enthusiasm to grow and increase sales in the territory.

Applications should be emailed by Monday 4 January 2021 at 12 noon to recruit@ulstercarpets.com, or by post to The Monitoring Officer, Ulster Carpets, Castleisland Factory, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 1EE. To speak with a member of our team telephone 028 38334433.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer

Steely mattress advert.indd 1

Stream product content, stock availability and product information directly from your RetailSystem EPOS. Orders are captured automatically. Meet customer web expectations with a true unified solution. WebSystem.

TH E B E N E FITS

• Stylish, responsive, customer-facing websites for furniture and bed retailers • Simple shop window or fully-transactional platforms

• Full e-commerce capabilities and real-time inventory data • Designed and built by industry experts

For more information visit www.retailsystem.com/uk/websystem.

Alternatively, call us on 0131 440 7607 or email us on info@retailsystem.com.

Client

RetailSystem

Artworker

Calum

Director

Glen Turner

Modification Date

20/11/20 2:45pm

File Name

37411 WebSystem Quarter Page Ad 92x128mm

Proof Stage

PRINT

Finished Size

92 x 128mm

Artwork %

100%

Bleed

3mm

24/09/2020 16:54

TRENDS

The cabin has windows on all sides

bedrooms and a bathroom; and the top level is one large living area. Locating the main living spaces on the upper level maximises views of the Green Mountains to the west and the Worcester Range to the east. A single continuous staircase of steel and maple hardwood connects all three levels.

Inside and out, materials are left in their raw state, with weathering steel external sidings and exposed timber ceilings. The site’s slope and an external steel stairway allow for entrances on the lower and middle levels. Throughout,

58

Bedrooms are on the first floor

poured and cast concrete elements in the kitchen and bathrooms continue the emphasis on straightforward, simple materials, with radiant heat incorporated in the concrete floors of the living area.

‘It’s no surprise that the cabincore aesthetic is trending at the moment, with rustic textures and cosy fabrics perfect for this time of year. If you’re not lucky enough to live in a cabin in the woods, then our winter collection will certainly transport you there. Simply gazing down at the floor will carry you to that lodge by the lake or in the

Galleon

Stockholm

Nordic

Malmo

Interiors Monthly December 2020

mountains – even if you live in an urban apartment,’ says Catherine Jacob, Atrafloor head of design.

The six designs in the collection are: Malmo, with a Scandinavian log effect; Nordic, a rustic wooden plank effect; Cream Knit, a cosy close-up of a soft knitted pattern; Galleon, a wider woodplank effect with a mahogany stain; Stockholm, with stripped-back lightwash wooden planks, and Snow, which captures snow-covered ground.

Visit: www.olsonkundig.com www.atrafloor.com

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