Interiors Monthly February 2021 by Interiors Monthly

FEBRUARY 2021

Rugs

Online discoveries

Design icons Investments

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Onward and upward With stores to remain closed, 2021 continues to look like 2020, but performance wasn’t as bad as feared The thought that a year ago I had returned from a week in Germany (Heimtextil, Domotex and imm cologne) and had just come back from five days in Birmingham before preparing to visit flooring manufacturers in Belgium, is today somewhat surreal. We now know that mixing with large groups of people from across the world in early 2020 wasn’t the best idea: ignorance was bliss, or was it just luck? A year on and 2021 is still looking very much like 2020, with almost 38,000 people in a UK hospital with coronavirus and non-essential retailers still firmly closed (apart from collection and home delivery). A report in the Daily Telegraph claims the re-opening of non-essential stores is pencilled for April in England, subject to the rollout of the vaccination programme and a sufficient drop in infections. While this is still speculation, it will mean retailers will have been physically closed for at least a third of 2021. How many will be able to hang on until then? There is of course the argument that if we are allowed to stand within 2m of others while in the supermarket, why can’t we visit a large interiors store by appointment where it is just a member of staff and a customer – but let’s not go there. The pandemic continues to lay waste to the exhibitions sector, with the rescheduled January Furniture Show, Heimtextil and Ambiente among those that will not see a 2021 edition. While show organisers have scrambled to introduce online alternatives, with varying degrees of success, furniture and flooring really are products you need to see and feel physically if you are planning on buying significant amounts. I suspect Salone in September will be the year’s first major exhibition, and even then what travel restrictions will be in place: both going and returning? The ONS retail sales figures for 2020 make brighter reading and were surprisingly better than I expected. A 13% drop in furniture sales is significant, but considering the length of lockdowns, a reasonably positive outcome, while the flooring sector astounded by showing a sales rise. Let’s hope it continues.

INTERIORS MONTHLY FEBRUARY 2021

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 4 Mixed fortunes for furniture and flooring sales 8 Emma sees sales rocket 10 Pandemic continues to hit exhibitions

FEATURES 14 New products 20 Service 22 Experiences

How coronavirus continues to impact business

24 Retail

John Lewis SS21 trends

30 Upholstery

Positive attitude

32 Vinyl

Ultragrip makeover

34 Home office

Fitting in

36 Fitting

The importance of two

38 Living and dining

Less is more

40 Rugs

Online switch, Mediterranean feel, simplicity

50 Accessories

Get the look

51 Design

Icons as investment Editor: Andrew Kidd

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

FEBRUARY 2021

Rugs

Online discoveries

Perfect design keeps function unseen… welcome to Spektra

Design icons Investments

Visit: www.himolla-uk.co.uk

Furniture advertising (South): Tim Boden

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

Perfect design keeps function unseen... welcome to Spektra

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NEWS

2020: mixed fortunes for furniture and flooring retail Furniture and lighting retailers saw a double-digit drop in sales in 2020 but flooring retailers reported an annual sales increase last year, despite the pandemic and lockdowns. Office for National Statistics figures tracking the average weekly retail sales of furniture, lighting and household articles (excluding appliances, paint, DIY, glass, and musical, video and audio equipment) showed that sales for the year fell by 12.34%. After a modest increase in January, sales dropped in February and March before lockdown began. Sales in April were less than a quarter of what they had been in 2019. From July onwards the sector enjoyed six months of growth, although performance varied from month to month, with July recording the only double-digit growth. The average weekly sales value for each month were: January £283,013,000 (+1.29%); February £272,167,000 (-7.96%); March £200,657,000 (-26.72%); April £59,972,000 (-78.61%); May £97,590,000 (-64.64%); June £227,587,000 (-16.86%); July £282,508,000 (+14.67%); August £275,722,000 (+2.61%); September £303,893,000 (+4.45%); October £350,149,000 (+8.21%); November £324,724,000 (+2.83%); December £325,104,000 (+7.84%). April and May’s sales figures were the lowest since at least

January 1986, and it was only the third time the average has been below £100m since March 1986. ONS figures for flooring retailers revealed an overall increase of 3.41%, despite stores being closed for long parts of the year. October saw the highest sales since March 2008, and was the fifth highest sales figures since at least January 1986, behind November 1996’s average weekly sales of £59,581,000; November 1995 £58,967,000; November 1997 £58,737,000 and March 2008 £58,081,000. March, April, May and December recorded the lowest sales figures since at least January 1986, when December 2015 had average weekly sales of £22,492,000. The average weekly sales for each month were: January £22,982,000 (-14.03%); February £27,762,000 (-0.45%); March £21,203,000 (-22.5%); April £6,970,000 (-75.83%); May £5,965,000 (-79.23%); June £23,804,000 (-15.15%); July £35,335,000 (+21.46%); August £34,189,000 (+21.33%); September £43,063,000 (+53.28%); October £58,037,000 (+65.34%); November £35,640,000 (-6.34%); December £21,978,000 (-20.22%). The figures do not take inflation into account, with widespread price increases reported since the summer.

Sales leap at DFS and ScS DFS saw sales almost a fifth higher in the second half of 2020, despite store closures and the pandemic. Sales in the 24 weeks to 13 December were up 19%, with online sales 76% higher. Like-for-like orders in the first 11 weeks were down by just 5%. The group also extended

its banking facilities, allowing it to resume paying dividends. The spike in orders last summer has helped ScS to a double-digit sales increase for the past six months. Sales for the 26 weeks to 23 January 2021 increased 13.9% to £182.3m. ‘This increase is due to the significant order intake

growth seen in June and July 2020 following the first lockdown, together with the strong trading in the first quarter of the current financial year. Unlike the first national lockdown, and in line with government guidelines, our distribution centres have remained operational throughout the period and

Covid fine

customers inside, despite the regulations only allowing for home deliveries or collection. It had a warning letter from the council on 7 January and numerous contacts on 7 and 8 January to provide advice on how to operate in line with government guidance. ‘There is no excuse for blatant disregard of the rules. We’re not talking about genuine mistakes here, but

deliberate breaches of the rules. There is simply no excuse for any business to be breaking the rules and we will not hesitate to fine and close down any establishment that puts public safety at risk. Businesses must put the safety of their staff and customers first,’ says Cllr Steve Evans, City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for city environment.

Wolverhampton flooring retailer Mayfair Carpets, in the city’s Park Lane, Fallings Park, was fined £1,000 and issued with a prohibition notice for continuing to operate during lockdown. City of Wolverhampton Council officers visited the premises on 9 January and found that it was letting

Interiors Monthly February 2021

continue to deliver goods to our customers,’ says the chain. As of 23 January, its order book is £90.5m (including VAT), £16.8m higher than a year ago. Due to increased restrictions across the UK, the chain began its winter sale with 57 of its 100 stores trading on Boxing Day. Following further restrictions, 37 stores then closed on 30 December, with the remaining 20 closing on 4 January. ‘The group's online sales channel continues to make good progress, with the half year seeing an increase in order intake of 98% when compared to the same period in the prior year,’ it says. ScS ended the period with cash of £91.8m, plus access to banking facilities of £20m.

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NEWS

Emma sees sales rocket while Eve cuts losses Emma – The Sleep Company saw sales rocket by 170% last year as sales climbed from €150m to €405m. The company says it sold 1.5million mattresses across the 26 countries it operates in, making it the largest directto-consumer bed brand. Emma says it ‘expanded its profitability’ but no figures were released. ‘I am excited, grateful and proud that we are progressing at light speed to make Emma the number one global sleep brand. A turnover of €405m in 2020 proves that our three levers to globally scale the business are well-chosen: growth in new markets, increasing market share in existing markets and expanding our omni-channel strategy,’ says Dennis Schmoltzi, Emma ceo and co-founder. The company introduced the Emma Motion smart mattress in France and the Netherlands last month before rolling it out to other countries. Its features include the ‘Infinite AI Sensor’, a mat that uses an artificial intelligencebased neural network to permanently detect the user’s sleep position, and the ‘Silent Move IQ’ technology, which ensures that the mattress automatically, silently and smoothly adapts to each change of sleep position. In the coming months, Emma will also launch more sleep tech products, such as the Emma App. It will also add to its offer with the customisable, upholstered Emma Bed, which will be launched in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, Sweden and Denmark. Eve Sleep has slashed its full-year EBITDA losses from £10.7m to £2m for 2020. Sales rose by 6% to £25.2m, helped by growth of 18% in

Profit for Tapi Tapi made a profit in the second half of 2020 amid a post-lockdown sales surge. The flooring chain estimates that sales for the year were up 30%, with growth as high as more than 40% from June to October when stores were open. James Sturrock, Tapi ceo says the continuing roll-out of stores, Homebase concessions and mobile showrooms along with online activity accounted for ‘an improved and pleasing underlying growth rate in 2020. The business as a result has been EBITDA positive in the second half of 2020.’ The chain saw sales rise by 23% to £97.5m in 2019, its recently filed accounts show – largely due to store openings – while pre-tax losses grew from £15.3m to £17.5m.

Interiors Monthly February 2021

the second half. January trading ‘has started well’, it says. ‘Eve has exited 2020 in far better shape than it entered the year. Losses have been reduced throughout the year, ahead of initial expectations, through a focus on profitable sales channels and product mix improvements, including taking the decision to exit Amazon UK from September. The company has also maintained its tight control of overheads and a continued focus on improving marketing efficiency and effectiveness, on a marketing budget, which was 51% lower year-on-year.’ The company says it had done particularly well at its higher priced products, such as the Premium Hybrid mattress and Spindle bedframe, and had been able to increase prices in November. It had cash of £8.3m at the year-end.

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‘Satisfactory’ result at B&S as homewares trade remains strong Furniture chain Barker & Stonehouse saw operating profits jump by 17% to £2.96m in the year to 29 March 2020 as sales dipped 3.2% to £75.06m. The 12-store chain saw pre-tax profits rise from £1.834m to £2.022m as gross margin rose from 46.3% to 46.6%. ‘Turnover dropped slightly during the year, due to the global pandemic and culminating in the stores and warehouses being closed in March. Despite this, operating profit showed an increase of 17%. Gross margin has been maintained and cash has improved to just under £5m,’ says the company accounts. ‘The group disposed of the final legacy property in Teesside and the loss on that

disposal is included in these accounts. In all circumstances, the directors consider the results to be satisfactory. ‘Since re-opening, post-lockdown, trade in all stores has been above that of last year, due to a degree of pent-up demand. ‘Despite this year's unprecedented Covid situation, the company is up to date with its corporate PAYE, VAT, taxation liabilities and with all landlords. Our suppliers have also been paid on time throughout the year. ‘Like many homewares businesses, the company has traded strongly since the year-end despite the pandemic,’ it says.

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NEWS

No JFS or Heimtextil in 2021 The January Furniture Show organiser has abandoned its efforts to hold the show in April, instead reverting to its traditional January date next year. Clarion Events had hoped to hold the event at the NEC from 25-28 April. Now this will not happen, with the next JFS scheduled for 23-26 January 2022. ‘While this has of course been a difficult decision, the safety and success of our exhibitors, visitors and suppliers remains our number one priority. The uncertainty surrounding live events that comes with the current national lockdown, combined with the expected timeline of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, means that postponing the show to its traditional January slot in 2022 is the best decision at this stage,’ says Zoë Bonser, Clarion Events portfolio director. ‘Whilst we are all missing physical shows, opportunities to do great business are still abundant. We are thrilled to

be in the testing stages of a new offering that will meet the needs of our audience in the absence of live events and continue to complement them once they return. ‘Having been busy researching and listening to the needs of our customers, JFS will continue to be the place for the furniture industry. We plan to connect with all our customers to discuss these exciting opportunities in the coming weeks, and we are looking forward to announcing more detail soon.’ Meanwhile Messe Frankfurt has cancelled exhibitions it rescheduled to April and May, including Heimtextil (pictured). In September the show organiser said it was postponing all shows in the first quarter of 2021, and would hold them later. Now these have been cancelled, with Messe Frankfurt saying further postponement would not help exhibitors. Heimtextil will now take place from 11-14 January 2022, with Ambiente from 11-15 February 2022.

Domotex has been cancelled as a physical and online event, instead replaced by a digital day. The flooring exhibition had previously been moved from its usual January timing to 18-20 May, as a mixture of online and traditional features at Hannover. This has been abandoned for a Domotex Digital Day on 20 May. The conference format ‘will address current topics with top representatives of the industry, and provide an interactive business platform.

Exhibitors will be able to present their products and innovations, and embrace business, networking and connecting. The opportunities for participation will be in our online store soon,’ says Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Domotex global show director.

Interiors Monthly February 2021

Meanwhile, AIS’s planned online version of its Furniture Show has been pushed back to March. The event replaces its established exhibition at Cranmore Park. ‘Since the introduction of the third UK lockdown, we have taken time to review the feasibility of the show with AIS members and suppliers. As a result, we feel the best course is to defer, says Julian Cox, AIS director of furniture. The new dates are: 15-28 March (AIS members) and 22-28 March (non-members).

Oak Furnitureland has named Mike Coupe, former Sainsbury’s chief executive as chairman. Loaf has appointed David Meredith, former John Lewis head of operations as operations director. Foam producer GNG Group has promoted Darren Potterton, healthcare division md to group md. Philip Whittell has moved to be chairman of the group. UK Flooring Direct has hired Sean Lawe, former Specsavers group supply chain director as coo.

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1 Abingdon Flooring is forecasting the popularity of the Nordic Neutrals trend this year, for mindful spaces that allow us to be thoughtful and creative. With settings that enable us to embrace working from home while also providing opportunity for relaxation, they offer a wellbalanced interior, particularly when home working may see the adaptation of common living spaces. www.abingdonflooring.co.uk 2 The revamped Richelieu collection from Louis de Poortere is available in an

architect folder, the perfect tool for interior designers looking to explore the creative potential of this extraordinary broadloom carpet collection. Richelieu features 144 colour options, three velvet weights and three textured styles. Visit: www.louisdepoortere.com 3 Made from recyclable plastic, Diemmebi’s Upgrade chair converts to a small step-ladder when turned upside down. It supports up to 130kg and can be used indoors and outside. Visit: www.diemmebi.com

4 With four classic laying patterns – Ladder, Herringbone, Shipdeck and Mosaic – and 10 wood decors, the Chateau laminate collection from BerryAlloc brings a parquet look to suit any interior. From chic Ibiza beach house to Deco townhouse, Chateau’s enduring styles always feel elegant. Four-sided bevels add definition for a more authentic effect. Visit: www.berryalloc.com 5 GAN has switched production of its Garden Layers to recycled PET. The rug uses 882 bottles, the mattress 703 and the roll 224 bottles. Visit: www.gan-rugs.com 

Interiors Monthly February 2021

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NEW PRODUCTS

6 SCAB Design’s Finn chair is available in four versions: steel frame and upholstered seat and back with wooden core; steel frame and wooden seat and back; wooden frame and upholstered seat and back with wooden core; and wooden frame, seat and back (pictured). Several steel and wood finishes are available. Visit: www.scabdesign.com 7 The Floorwise Rewards programme gives something back every time you purchase qualifying Floorwise brand products from your local distributor, from budget to high-value and bestsellers. Rewards start from just 300 points with Amazon Echo Dot and Fire tablets rising to Jura coffee machines, 50in LED TVs and iPhones. Visit: www.floorwise-rewards.co.uk

8 The Academy for Excellence in Flooring is among the UK industry’s best training facilities, upskilling installers to deliver the very best in wood, laminate and LVT installations. At one of the Academy’s training courses, you can learn how to stop failures and protect the long-term integrity of your LVT installation, as well as avoiding costly remedial work and reputational damage. Visit: www.quick-step-academy.co.uk 9 Désirée has begun including near-field technology chips in its product labels, allowing owners to see information about that specific model including the designer, the finishes and the covers chosen and whether the covers are removable, and both assembly and care instructions. The innovation helps reduce paperwork and deters counterfeiting. Visit: www.gruppoeuromobil.com 10 Ethimo has expanded its teak Ribot collection with the addition of two stools (82cm and 92cm high), suitable for use indoors and outside. Visit: www.ethimo.com

Interiors Monthly February 2021

SERVICE

Richard Renouf

Know your limits

If you don’t have the correct skills, don’t take a job on I was glad we had used protection. Fortunately, being still a building site, the client had some dishevelled sheets of insulation that had been used for various non-standard purposes already, and they were ideal to put down on the floor while we tested the tiling. I’d spent several hours going round this luxury modern home. It was the dreamchild of the client and his wife, and he had managed the building project since the design stage. The latest smart technology had been incorporated throughout so everything could be controlled from his mobile phone. The walls and floors were all tiled, with metre-square Italian tiles on the floor and several tiled feature walls to break up the expanses of glass that looked out over wide balconies to the countryside beyond. The property was so unique it was the subject of several features in self-build and interiors magazines and, delayed only by the problems, it was of interest to a wellknown TV franchise, too. A keen contractor who had helped with various parts of the build had told the client ‘I can do that’, and so was commissioned to install almost £40,000 worth of hand-made ceramics. He’d quickly learned that the client wanted perfection when he was made to remove the tiles from a wall in the entrance hall because he had started from one side instead of centring them to the wall. As the job progressed, however, the tiler became convinced that the client was being unreasonable and rejected his list of snags. The mitres on the trims were meant to be like that, grout lines are never perfect, and the walls are definitely not square, he argued. The only agreed ‘defect’, as far as he was concerned, was that he’d hung three tiles upside down in one of the six shower rooms, so he was prepared to dock a

Interiors Monthly February 2021

day’s money from the outstanding bill so the client could get that fixed. During my inspection I’d looked at the leftover tiles and photographed the arrow on the back that indicated the direction of the pattern, making it easy for any reasonably competent tiler to work out the ups and downs of the job. I’d also checked the client’s snagging list and found a few other defects that he

The pattern doesn't line up because some of the tiles are upside down

The right way up is clearly marked

It was obvious the contractor had no idea of the requirements of the British Standards

hadn’t noticed. The door linings had not been fitted, so the edges of the tiles were visible, including voids where the tiler had not used a full spread of adhesive to bond the tiles. Most serious of all, there were similar voids around the cuts made for electrical fittings on the feature wall that was to house the TV and sound system. The client shared my concern. ‘Would you like me to try and pull a tile off?’ said the client. ‘They’re going to have to come down anyway.’ And that was why we’d laid the insulation panels on the floor, just in case. The client slipped his fingers into the void behind one of the large wall tiles and gave a gentle tug. Some 2.4sqm of tiles detached from the wall and balanced precariously between the edges of the tiles below and the tile held by the client. I caught it on camera, then quickly took the tiles down one by one before they fell and caused any injury. The blobs of adhesive used to make the tiler’s job easy pulled away from the tiles and the wall – they had clearly passed their ‘open time’ before they’d been smeared onto the wall. It was obvious the contractor had no idea of the requirements of the British Standards, nor of good working practices when tiling, but had simply seen an opportunity for some additional income. Fortunately, his shortcomings had been spotted before a serious collapse had occurred, with the potential for serious injury or worse. It was one of the more dramatic experiences of my inspection life, but it highlights the need to only take on jobs that we have the knowledge and skills to accomplish, and not to be tempted to try and earn a little extra doing something we are not competent to take on. Visit: www.richard-renouf.com Richard Renouf is an independent furnishings consultant

EXPERIENCES

Sit tight As lockdown rolls on with non-essential stores still closed, our correspondents continue to see supply chain issues and pricing uncertainty THE MANUFACTURER Core Products Adapting to the challenge is how we are having to face the supply difficulties. We have had to face the reality that the supply chains we have all come to rely on in the past will now be disrupted for a considerable time to come. There are numerous factors that are beyond anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s control. Shipping, for starters. Much has been written on this subject already but the fact is there is no short-term solution and we have to expect the inflated costs to be with us for quite a while yet. Raw materials have been particularly affected, but it is a worldwide issue

Boston

Interiors Monthly February 2021

affecting supplies of almost everything needed to manufacture or pack furniture. Manufacturing output throughout the world has dropped, in part because there are backlogs in dispatching goods but also the shortage of raw materials coupled with workforce absences. We are seeing factories scaling back production by 10%-40% for the coming year, which will further compound supply issues. Combine this with the enormous growth in online sales throughout the world and we are also now finding factories no longer wanting to export as it is far easier, given their limited

output, to service the local market. Core has already seen two of our suppliers withdraw from the export market so we know first hand the problems that this is creating. All of this is leading to price pressures, as factories are unwilling to commit up front on pricing, effectively forcing us to place orders up to eight months ahead with no pre-determined price. As distributors we have to adapt to these changes, the like of which we have not seen in over 35 years of trading. It certainly makes life interesting. Mike Rowley, Core Products ceo

EXPERIENCES THE RETAILERS Fludes Carpets We signed off the year with a whimper rather than a roar. Sales were hard to find after the first two weeks of December. Normally we see a good number of people anticipating the sale and coming in with solid enquiries. This year we had to make do with last-minute distress purchases. It was less a matter of ‘What are you looking for?’ and more ‘Here is a selection of carpets that are available, which would you like?’ In any event we picked up a handful of sales that made it worth opening. We opted to close between 22 December and 3 January as we really felt there would be little or no sales activity during that period We went into the Christmas break not knowing what would happen with the Brexit trade deal or what the likelihood was of another national shutdown. It was a score draw in the end: a fair result in the trade talks, which will allow easier conditions when dealing with our European neighbours, followed by the (necessary) decision that meant that non-essential stores had to close. I chatted with a number of retailers in our buying groups and also some nearby competitors about their thoughts regarding click and collect and conducting an

estimating service. There was a 50/50 split in what they would do. Some had decided to close throughout January and others to offer an arms-length service for a few days each week. As we would still be fulfilling our planned fitting work, and we had a fair number of deliveries in the system due to the Rhys Davies situation where it became a game of Find the Carpet, we took the decision to open on weekdays to field telephone and web enquiries. I expected that we would have a limited response to this approach but we have been making sales at about 50% of last year’s figures. Considering we are working on a limited staff and with a lower rate of expenditure, it made the enterprise worth doing. Looking forward to the next year is simple, provided that you have a crystal ball and a grasp of the likelihood of the new normal becoming clearer. We will be sticking to our current plan until Easter – namely, maximise sales, minimise costs and ensure that we protect our cash flow. The government has dug into its pockets again and produced opportunities of grants for businesses that have to close. And the local authorities in our part of the world have done fantastically well in getting

Distress purchasers had a limited choice

information out to businesses and making the due payments promptly and with the minimum of paperwork. So our view is that initially things will be tough but as the Covid-19 stats begin to look better and the vaccination programme progresses, customer confidence will grow. In the past couple of years we have suffered with Brexit uncertainty, a general election and a whole year of disruption. How can this year be any worse? Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and get stuck into the new normal. Andy Laird, Fludes Carpets md

Floor Coverings December continued to be busy, but we would expect that in our trade as the run-up to Christmas is usually crazy, with clients wanting their new flooring fitted in time for the family to descend on them (pre-Covid). I did think we would keep our promise to complete all our installations before

The vaccination programme will lift confidence

Christmas. However, we were massively impacted with Associated Weavers’ carrier going bust and the knock-on effect of not receiving the carpets we’d ordered until the middle of January. We also had the concern of Brexit, but we are pleased that it didn’t end in the

headache it could have been. We would normally carry out four or five jobs between Christmas and New Year but due to Covid this was not the case and we ended up having to furlough staff during this period. Lockdown three came, and to be honest the beginning of January was slow. A number of staff we didn’t bring back to work and instead used the furlough scheme. We are still carrying out installations in properties where homeowners are happy for us to do so, obviously taking full precautions by wearing PPE and social distancing. Our showroom is officially shut but we are able to measure and offer a sample service, which is bringing in a bit of business, but honestly it’s very tough. We had such optimism for 2021 but, as for so many businesses, Covid has come back and kicked us in the teeth. Fingers crossed, with vaccines now being administered we are hoping for light at the end of the tunnel. Taro Strowgger, Floor Coverings owner

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

RETAIL 2 1

The new space age John Lewis has three key trends for SS21

‘Spring always brings possibility and excitement with it as a new season begins and this feeling of optimism is even more welcome this year,’ says Philippa Prinsloo, John Lewis head of product design, home. ‘The design and buying teams have worked at pace to turn around new ideas and products that will help our customers navigate new ways of working and living. Our homes continue to fulfil multiple functions and flexible living remains a key trend, with home offices and gyms becoming the new normal. ‘Now we have worked out how our homes can work for us functionally and how best to utilise the spaces we have, as we enter SS21 we can refocus and explore design and style in our interiors like never before. ‘Sustainability, ethics and accessibility are at the core of our business and we are continually improving our practices. We continue to seek out suppliers and

Interiors Monthly February 2021

craftspeople creating and making products in the UK. The commitment to bringing customers the highest quality products with uncompromised value season after season has never been stronger. We believe that style should have no limits and budget should not be a barrier when it comes to good design. ‘Our rent and reuse initiatives are continuing into SS21. After the huge success of our first furniture rental trial where we saw 86% of products rented out in the first 24 hours, we are looking to continue this rental service in the spring. ‘Over the past 12 months we’ve seen an increased interest in interior design from our customers, measured in part by the huge success of our virtual home design appointments which launched in April. The living room came out top as the most requested space customers needed help with, whilst colour, soft furnishings and flooring were all popular topics. We are rolling out our 3D visualisation tool

to stylists in all of our shops to allow this virtual experience to be used in every appointment to elevate the service for our customers. ‘Each of our new season trends has its own story and distinct style, bursting with ideas to help our customers reimagine their spaces,’ says Pinsloo. ‘We’ve delved into our archives to uncover designs of the past which we have reworked to bring into the present. From wallpaper to cushions, pattern and colour are prominent throughout Heritage Revival and echo the way our customers are shopping as they embrace bolder design choices. As we transition into spring the prospect of spending more time outside the home is on the horizon. Modern Mediterranean captures that feeling of relaxed indoor/outdoor holiday-style living with tactile natural materials and the sun-drenched shades that we are all longing for.’ Visit: www.johnlewis.com

RETAIL 2

MODERN MEDITERRANEAN Inspired by the design and culture of southern France, this trend embodies creativity and modern Mediterranean living. A curation of beautiful materials alongside sun-bleached hues of terracotta, plaster and pistachio coupled with soft pastels creates a calming, laid-back vibe. The indoor/outdoor style that is evocative of a relaxed holiday feel makes these spaces inviting and sociable, places you want to spend time in. Rattan really makes a statement here: from bed frames to storage its tactile properties and natural finish work well in any room. You can really play around with colours and layering to

2 3

achieve this look, mixing and matching tableware and ceramics to give an eclectic, individual feel. 1 (opposite) Double rattan bed frame £599; rattan bedside table £199; Vitra Eames DSW side chair in Mustard £390; washed cotton bedspread in Plaster £80; washed cotton cushion in Plaster £30; luxury velour throw £65; velvet cushion in Olive £20 2 Platform medium two-seater sofa £1,699; Hendricks loveseat £599; Tuck armchair £349; West Elm Pillar glass coffee table £277; jute

4 2

pouffe £79; Skye jute rug £80; Rectangle U shopper basket £30; Anglepoise Type 75 floor lamp £235; plain cotton cushion £12 3 Estate 6-10-seater extending dining table £899; Estate four-seater bench £399; Chevron Knot jute rug £100; Le Creuset stoneware coffee press £57; West Elm ceramic carafe vase £25.50; Original BTC Christie ceiling light £439; linen cushion in Plaster £30; washed cotton cushion in Slate £30 4 Oak rattan sideboard £599; Scandi round oak mirror £180; Littala Nappula plant pot £61; LSA International Epoque round vase £65; Broste Copenhagen Asger vase £40; West Elm ceramic bottle vase £21.75; Serax Costa pot in Honey £42; Dartington Crystal Cushion tall posy vase £30; Rectangle U shopper basket £30; House by John Lewis Callum ceiling light £30 DESIGN FOCUS: Rattan ‘The rattan trend is still with us and we’ll see much more of it in 2021 as we seek interest and tactility in every finish around the home. Rattan can look earthy and humble, at peace with any Scandi-style room, or sleek and sophisticated, especially when pale rattan meets a black painted frame. Introduce it into the home where you would usually opt for plain wooden designs, such as dining chairs or storage, for a shot of extra texture that is timeless and rooted in craftsmanship and that you’ll love for years to come,’ says Wil Law, John Lewis home  design stylist.

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

RETAIL 1 2

NATURAL SCANDINAVIAN Inspired by the growing trend for flexible living, Natural Scandinavian is forward-looking in its design and style credentials. Comfort and quality take precedence in this minimal aesthetic that provides space for escapism and a slowing of pace. Low-slung chairs, textured rugs and soft linens promote a harmonious scheme. There’s a nod to the enduring Scandi aesthetic of warm neutrals and pale woods mixed with bold, linear lines and sculptural lighting that provide focal points and definition. Ceramics in organic shapes contrast with the architectural influences of abstract prints and hexagonal furniture. 1 Tranquil sideboard £450; rattan stool £125; Type 2 framed print and mount £120; Inky Blue II framed print and mount £25; Leaf table lamp

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Interiors Monthly February 2021

£100; Garden Trading Stratton indoor plant pots, set of two £15 2 Rise sofa in Saga Grey £599; Bridge chair in Storm Grey £349; Slipper lounge chair in Boucle £299; Tranquil sideboard £450; hexagonal coffee table £179; Aztec indoor/outdoor rug £150; Hiko ceiling light £175; Bronte by Moon herringbone throw £95; Blackout hand-painted textured monochrome abstract framed canvas £225 3 Rise Sofa in Saga Grey £599; Aztec indoor/ outdoor rug £150; Hiko ceiling light £175; Bronte by Moon herringbone throw £95; Blackout handpainted textured monochrome abstract framed canvas £225; linen cushion in Plaster £30; velvet cushion in Auburn £20

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Design focus: Trestle round dining table ‘The design is inspired by sculpture and architecture and we’ve used traditional craft techniques to create the arches and ribbed details. I designed this table specifically for open-plan spaces as the round and lozengeshaped tops are less intrusive in a room and the spindles give a sense of visual lightness,’ says Daniel Rawlings, John Lewis senior designer, home. 4 Trestle round dining table £499; Scandi dining chair £299; Harmony Ribbon semi-flush ceiling light £85; Bronte by Moon herringbone throw £95

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RETAIL 1 2

HERITAGE REVIVAL

3 2

Colour, pattern and detail are at the core of the Heritage Revival trend. Once again, archives have been explored for authentic sources of inspiration and designs rich in history that have been reimagined and brought back to life. The colour palette of ochre, mallard green and sage is paired with dark wood and warm metals. Wallpaper remains a strong favourite and surprising designs have been used to capture the essence of this trend. Combine old favourites and new pieces to achieve this eclectic look – and remember this is a celebration of colour, so be bold with your choices. 1 Canopy velvet chair in Mustard £549; Classic turned console £179; Classic turned side table £99; female nude sculpture with marble base £60; Pols Potten Prickle brass ornament £32; Pols Potten Grandpa cup and saucer, set of four £129; Fruitful Palm III framed print £50; Gooch luxury distressed Kazak rug £700 2 Cosy sofa in Quartz Velvet Green £1,149; Swept armchair £649; Button footstool, large £425; West Elm Cosmo side table in Antique Brass £139; Melena large side table £150; Harlequin Rhythm rug in Saffron £595; Cade round mirror in Antique Gold £149; Keegan floor lamp £150; Orb multi-armed ceiling light £195 3 Walnut pedestal dining table £599; Moritz velvet dining chair £299; Gooch Luxury handKnotted traditional Ikat berber style rug £525; Pols Potten Twiggy candle holder stand £130; Ethan ceiling light in Copper Lustre £350; Stacked China With Plum framed canvas £70; Classic turned console £179; Bubble ceramic table lamp £125; 4 Mid-century Sweep upholstered bed frame in Saga Mustard, king size £799; Juliette wallpaper £40 per roll; Marble side table £199; Rio cushion in Green £50; cotton velvet cushion in Ivy £25; cushion in Evergreen £60; Gooch luxury distressed Kazak rug £700; Showwood four- drawer chest in Jade Green £499; Canopy velvet chair in Mustard £549

Interiors Monthly February 2021

4 2

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UPHOLSTERY

Rhine

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himolla’s latest range is poised for stores and the roadshow is returning ‘As well as sparkling new products and a range of marketing strategies designed to make the most of difficult trading conditions, himolla has comforting news for all our UK retail partners,’ says Rob Davies, himolla UK sales agent. ‘Firstly, there’s our Little/Big attitude to promoting positive success. As one of Europe’s largest and most progressive upholstery manufacturers we’re able to offer our retailers the solid support of a big organisation, whilst presenting customers with sales-winning designs and a huge range of styles and finishes. Our size also means we can continually introduce technological innovation and market-leading features – not to mention a convincing five-year guarantee – putting our products at the top of your customers’ shopping list. ‘The little part is that the company began in a small workshop in Germany over 70 years ago with craftsmen building furniture with real quality and lasting design appeal. That original dedication to customer satisfaction and longevity is still with us today, as is our determination to manufacture

Interiors Monthly February 2021

Chester

responsibly, with due regard to sustainability, planning, production methods and logistics. ‘Spektra was an immediate hit at last October’s at home show and our latest range now promises success in showrooms too. No wonder: it’s a symphony of sleek, designer style and sales-winning features, including optional battery packs and heart balance. Spektra is available in 10cm steps with two seat heights, wall huggers, beds and new designs. ‘Meanwhile, our top five UK sellers – the Rhine, Mosel, Themse, Swan and Chester ranges – all have refreshed sales appeal, plus new features like stepless, adjustable neckrests, backrests, longer footrests and optional battery packs. Chester even offers an electric neckrest.’ Next month will see a big step forward in marketing, says Davies.

‘Our travelling roadshow will be visiting our retail partners, giving our agents the chance to demonstrate our latest models, complete with top-of-the-market features and touch-of-the-button comfort. ‘With more people spending more time sitting at home we’re doing our utmost to make sure they’re seated comfortably – on a himolla sofa, or recliner.’ Visit: www.himolla-uk.co.uk

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Ultragrip has had a major revamp Beauflor’s popular Ultragrip collection has been given a complete makeover, with some exciting new designs and daring new collections. Designed for contemporary interiors, Ultragrip is not just striking, it is also practical and versatile. Ultra water-resistant, ultra non-slip, ultra durable and ultra hygienic – some ranges even have biocides added to kill off 99.9% of bacteria – it is perfect for trendsetting bathrooms as well as large, open- plan living spaces. The highly successful Blacktex range has been revamped and split into two separate collections: Eminence, which mainly features woods, and Empress, which is focused on tiles and uniform designs. As well as the current bestsellers, you will find a whole new range of digitally printed designs. Extra-large patterns are in vogue at the moment so several large tiles and plank sizes have been added to Ultragrip. Entice is the star of the show – an authentic replica of a traditional Victorian tiled floor, brought to life by high-definition printing and 3D special effects. As well as providing the opportunity to introduce a more vibrant colour palette to your customers, its geometric shapes and intricate patterns provide endless design opportunities. Follow the rules to create the classic look or let your imagination run wild and create a unique feature floor for halls and corridors or as a centrepiece in larger spaces. It is often difficult for customers to picture how a design will look in their own home from seeing a small sample. Beauflor has updated its sample books to include more room shots and has added a QR code to each sample, linked to a video, so that customers can see the pattern in detail. Colour swatches are also available for customers to take home and match to their interior, allowing sample books to remain in-store for others to look at, while customers can buy with confidence. The new Ultragrip collection has a 15-year guarantee. Visit: www.ultragripbybeauflor.co.uk Eminence Pacific Oak

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Interiors Monthly February 2021

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HOME OFFICE Brooklyn

Dallas

The continuing normal Designs need to be incorporated into everyday life ‘With us all having to adapt the way we live and work, working from home has become the new normal for many. While some are fortunate enough to have dedicated office space at home, most households are having to adapt space accordingly. This has created a series of interesting challenges when designing our new ranges as everyone has different needs and available space,’ says Mike Rowley, Core Products ceo. ‘When defining the new ranges we worked towards products that would either create a space to study or a more defined space to work from that at the end of the working day would not look out of place in the home. Using stylish finishes incorporating wood, stone and composite effects was also a key ingredient and all needed to be easy to clean and maintain. ‘With this in mind we developed five distinctive collections of furniture to make working from home easy and effortless. Foremost is the Loft collection of home office chairs (pictured) which encompasses a variety of designs, sizes and colours, from comfortable study chairs, which are great for occasional use, through to

Interiors Monthly January 2021

home office chairs with structured backs and contoured seats which offer more day-to-day support while you work. Hard-wearing fabrics and breathable mesh in traditional or contemporary colourways ensure these chairs look at home in any living space. ‘The new range of working from home furniture goes way beyond this, with matching bookcases and wall shelving. Simple standalone desks from our Loft range are ideal for occasional use in a bedroom or hallway. Combination bookshelf desks from our Harvard range provide efficient use of space as feature pieces, in a striking combination of

washed oak and carbon grey oak easy-to-clean melamine finishes. ‘Desks are also becoming a common feature in many downstairs areas and with this in mind we have added home office to four of our modern living collections, allowing a seamless transition between working and living space. The Dallas collection is a combination of crisp white and carbon grey oak effect that coordinates with a full range of occasional pieces, whilst an alternative look can be created with our Brooklyn range which combines metal with a bleached pine effect.’ Visit: www.coreproducts.co.uk

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FITTING

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The ballroom and adjoining corridors of Grosvenor House saw new carpet installed

Dual bonding can help make future refurbishments easier When installing carpets over large areas such as hotel corridors and function rooms it is important to use an adhesive that will develop a strong enough bond

to hold floorcoverings firmly in place over the lifetime of the installation. However, such adhesives will require mechanical removal when the time

Styccobond F3 is a water-based rubber/resin flooring adhesive

Interiors Monthly February 2021

comes to replace the carpet. To counter this problem, adhesives have been developed that allow the creation of a peelable bond, stopping carpet or underlay moving laterally when subject to normal foot traffic but allowing them to be easily lifted, without significant damage to the subfloor, when they need to be replaced. Dual bond systems such as this can help to save time and expense when it comes to future refurbishments.

F40 was used to secure the Grosvenor House underlay

FITTING

London’s Grosvenor House hotel

The type of bond achieved when using F Ball and Co’s Styccobond F40, for example, depends on when the floorcovering is laid into the adhesive. The water-based adhesive dries to form a transparent, permanently tacky coating. This will form a release bond for underlays, which can be part of a dual bond system, whereby the carpet is then adhered to the underlay using an adhesive that forms a permanent bond. Styccobond F40 and Styccobond F3 adhesives were used to adhere new luxury Axminster carpet in different locations throughout the ballroom and adjoining corridors of Grosvenor House, the five-star hotel on Park Lane, London, as part of a major refurbishment. Using high-performance, marketleading products meant the contractor Welwyn Design was able to achieve the perfect finish required for such an illustrious hotel. On arrival, the Welwyn Design team found that the existing floorcoverings had been removed, as refurbishment work was already underway at the hotel. The concrete subfloors were dry, clean and in good condition, so there was no need to use a levelling compound prior to the installation of the new flooring.

As the areas being re-fitted receive a significant amount of foot-traffic all year round, it was crucial that the installation was both quick and durable. Once the subfloors had been prepared, Styccobond F40 was applied to create a release bond for the new installation. When the adhesive had dried to a tacky coating, the contractors installed a new underlay to protect the carpet and provide added comfort. Styccobond F3 was then used to permanently bond the new 12-row Axminster carpet throughout the 4,000sqm area. Styccobond F3 is a water-based rubber/resin flooring adhesive, suitable for installing a wide range of textile floorcoverings, including hessian, felt, secondary latex and rubber foam-backed carpets, and cork tiles up to 3.2mm thick. ‘The adhesive offers excellent wet grab, rapidly builds up a high bond strength and is protected against biodegradation. It can be applied over F Ball Stopgap levelling compounds, structurally sound, smooth, dry subfloors of concrete and sand/cement screed, plywood, flooring-grade chipboard and hardboard. It is also suitable for use over normal underfloor heating systems and is approved for use in marine flooring

installations,’ says Chris McQuade, F Ball technical service officer. ‘We’ve used F Ball products for 30 years and never had any issues. The products work well, and their reps are available if you need advice. Obviously with such a large job for a very high-profile client, we couldn’t risk anything going wrong. With F Ball you know just what you’re getting: good, reliable products,’ says Simon Gauduchon, Welwyn Design director. Visit: www.f-ball.com

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

LIVING AND DINING

Less is more

The edges of the Cut dining table taper to 0.8cm as the pared-down design combines stability with lightness

Moreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2021 designs combine simplicity with style. Visit: more-moebel.de

The compact Harri S writing desk is designed to fit most spaces as well as being a stand-alone design. It is available in oak or American walnut.

Interiors Monthly February 2021

The Par chair may look simple but it quietly combines trapezoid, square, oval and rectangle shapes as the almost floating backrest encloses the occupant. It is also available as a swivel version.

LIVING AND DINING

Available as a side table and a coffee table, Cutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legs are inspired by a yachtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rudder. It is available in two heights and four diameters.

Harri has been expanded to include a walnut-topped side table and a coffee table with a marble top. They share steel legs with brass details.

The Lax tray table combines British green analine leather and brass legs

Inspired by a forest of birch trees, the Salo shelving system has 42cm deep solid wood shelves and is available in different sizes

The 30cm tall Cala coffee table has a 1cm dark grey glass top on a solid wooden base in an oiled and waxed or matt varnish finish

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

RUGS cc-tapis has expanded Bethan Laura Wood’s Super Fake collection with Super Fake Hot, a new palette of warm and vibrant tones. Visit: cc-tapis.com

French Accents highlighted its Bespoke Nepalese (including NA410D, pictured), 17th-century inspired Retro Classics and Khotan collections. Visit: www.farugs.com

Doing it online Physical fairs may be impossible but there are alternatives Cover Connect brought 37 rug companies from across the globe online, allowing buyers and interior designers to view the latest collections and talk to the producers, as well as see presentations and talks. These are still available online. Visit: www.thecoverconnect.com

Creative Matters highlighted its Halcyon collection, with soft lines and gentle hues reflecting a sense of peace and comfort in a turbulent world. Pictured is Redden. Visit: www.creativemattersinc.com

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Interiors Monthly February 2021

RUGS

Choudhary Exports debuted several in-house collections including Texture (pictured); Convergence, a limited-edition range of designs based on James Vella Clark’s paintings of Malta; and a collection by fashion designers Falguni and Shane Peacock. Visit: www.choudharyexports.com

Warp & Weft highlighted the second part of the Light & Shadow collection, Midday, by Deborah Berke Partners, inspired by the differentiation of line and texture that comes into focus under midday sun. The final part will be introduced this year. Pictured is Midday 1 in ivory. Visit: warpandweft.com

Kirkit Rugs uses hemp from the utilitarian striped flat weaves used in Anatolia to dry cereals, and fruit and black goat hair from recycled nomadic tents for its monochrome designs, including Moonrise (pictured). Visit: www.kirkit-rugs.com

Thibault Van Renne’s Artline is an artistic play of lines to create unique and simple, yet attractive patterns, with a choice of 15 colour combinations. Visit: www.thibaultvanrenne.com

Topfloor by Esti’s Matrix collection turns Gianluca Franzese’s mesmerising artwork into rugs. Pictured is Facet. Visit: www.topfloorrugs.com

Sambhav promoted its flagship Nouveau Orient collection, available as hand-carved, acid-washed and flat-pile. Pictured is Cityscapes. Visit: www.sambhav.com

Tamarian’s Loft Natural Charcoal gives space to a two-layered textured field, resulting in a subtle, multi-dimensional experience. Visit: tamarian.com

Interiors Monthly February 2021

NOA Living’s Energy Field collection includes Ion, which uses two shades of blue silk to represent meandering water. Visit: www.noaliving.com

RUGS

Tania Johnson’s Venezia collection is inspired by the myriad of textural surfaces and the faded grandeur of crumbling palazzos in Venice. The six designs include Smudge (pictured in Indigo Grey). Visit: www.taniajohnsondesign.com

Chilis from Villaprat is part of Luz Mendez’s Harvest and Other Moments in Chile collection. Visit: www.luzmendez.com

Knots Rugs’ new Origami is created by blending seven shades of blue, deep green and teal, to emulate the refracted light from the construction of these angular forms. The heavily saturated Tibetan wool yarn provides the deep hue, while the integration of Chinese silk in the lighter areas emphasises the contrast between light and dark, giving the illusion of tessellating prisms. Visit: www.knotsrugs.co.uk



www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

PHOTO: FELIX SPENCER

RUGS

Floor Story debuted 19-19’s six Bauhaus inspired designs, created by Child Studio, including Benita (pictured). Visit: www.floorstory.co.uk

Sahar presented an anthology of its designs over the past two decades to mark the 20th anniversary of its Domotex debut: the first time it has shown previous designs together. Visit: www.saharcarpets.com

Harcourt Collection uses silk from recycled saris for its Mystic Sari Silk collection. Visit: www.harcourtcollection.com Paulig’s Makalu brand showed its vegetable-dyed Domus collection, available in 325 colours. Visit: www.makalu.de

Rug & Kilim celebrated its 40th anniversary with designs from its Scandinavian, Texture of Color, Mid-Century Modern, Burano, and Homage (pictured) collections. Visit: www.rugandkilim.com

Interiors Monthly February 2020

Kristiina Lassus’s Komo is available in light grey and brass (SLT pictured) and dark gold and dark brown. Visit: www.kristiinalassus.com

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DO YOU

have the knowledge and skills to be

LVT FITTER OF THE YEAR 2021? THE COMPETITION FORMAT IS AS FOLLOWS: 1). *You do NOT need to be an NICF member to enter this competition. Applicants must be aged 18 years or over on Wednesday 31st March 2021. NICF Council members are excluded from entering. 2). Deadline for entry is Wednesday 31st March 2021 — at 23:59 hrs. 3). Entrants are first required to complete a questionnaire giving the most full and accurate answers possible. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on the answers provided and 14 fitters will be selected to progress to the Semi-Final practical trials. 4). The Semi-Finals will be held on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th June 2021 at the FITA Training Centre, Loughborough. 5). The 6 Finalists MUST be available to attend a briefing day on Wednesday 28th July 2021 at the FITA Training Centre, Loughborough. 6). The Final is at The Flooring Show, Harrogate, Sun 19th to Mon 20th September 2021.

ENTER ONLINE NOW!

www.nicfltd.org.uk/FOTY-Competition The Final will be held at The Flooring Show, Harrogate in September 2021 Fitter of The Year LVT 2021 Competition is kindly sponsored by

NICF FOTY LVT 2021_CFJ Jan 2021.indd 1

30/11/2020 10:40:34

RUGS Meandros in orange

Dipylon in pink and blue

With joy

Hesperides

A new collection takes its inspiration from the Mediterranean ‘I’m intrigued by the way rugs and soft floor finishes have been a constant throughout almost all of human history. They are both ways of expressing ourselves, our values, our personalities, our loves and passions whilst also turning surfaces that can otherwise be forgotten, walked over and ignored elements of our homes into places to relax and dwell,’ says designer Adam Nathaniel Furman. While it may be a while before many of us see the Mediterranean in person, Furman’s latest designs for Floor Story have taken inspiration from the region. ‘The pieces are designed to be Armerina in multi

Interiors Monthly February 2021

landscapes of pleasure,’ he says. The 13 Good Weave certified rugs, a combination of hand-woven and tufted styles, are made in India from 100% New Zealand wool. Furman has drawn on his love of craft, pattern, architectural history and travel to reference ancient ruins, geometrics on ancient pottery, sunsets, radial Roman mosaics and the strong primary shapes of marble pavements in the Classical Greek Pantheon. ‘I work hard to make sure that everything I design embodies a kind of voluptuous sensuality, expressed through colour, texture, pattern, form Pantheon in blue

and ornamentation. The designs are intended to immerse you in history and tradition, but treat both with lightness, irreverence and fun. This collection brings references and techniques from ancient times and the more recent past into the present, with joy.’ The rectangular hand-tufted piece is named in honour of the Dipylon Master, who produced some of the greatest pottery of the pre-Classical period, festooned in repetitive linear ornament. The square pieces are called Pantheon after the great pavement in that monument that inspired the bold and simple forms, while the gradient piece is Hesperides, for the nymphs of the golden light of sunset. The circular piece is called Armerina, after the mosaics of Piazza Armerina in Sicily, and the hand-woven rectangular piece in multiple colours is Meandros, a love letter to the most ancient of the Mediterranean decorative motifs. ‘We are delighted to be collaborating with Adam on the Mediterranean capsule. His combination of tone and form come across beautifully, and the classical Greek and Roman roots of the designs bring surprising and delightful rugs that typify our love of pattern and colour,’ says Simon Goff, Floor Story founder. www.floorstory.co.uk www.adamnathanielfurman.com

Things don’t always follow the design

Life

There may be times you need

have in mind

CAN

often throw some curve balls

HELP

We will always be there for

YOU The Furniture Makers’ Company the furnishing industry’s charity

The Furniture Makers’ Company has been supporting the welfare of employees in the interiors and furnishing industry for more than 100 years. If you or someone you know is in need of financial support, let us help. Visit our website www.furnituremakers.org.uk/assistance or contact 020 7256 5558

This advertising space was generously donated by Interiors Monthly in support of The Furniture Makers’ Company’s welfare campaign. The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers’ Charitable Funds incorporating the Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association is a registered charity in England and Wales (no. 1015519) and a registered company (no. 02759359) in England and Wales

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RUGS

Simplicity Deirdre Dysonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2021 collection has taken different inspirations 48

Interiors Monthly February 2021

Concertina

RUGS

Unfolded

Deirdre Dyson’s collection for 2021 is inspired by two everyday materials: paper and stone. In a deviation from previous collections, where themes have typically centred round the natural world, Paper & Stone focuses on the beauty of simplicity at a time when life feels rather more complicated. Having briefly explored paper in the past, Dyson has rediscovered interesting ways to manipulate the material, with an emphasis on form, texture, light and shade, using a subdued colour palette. The seven Paper rugs include Fold Out, reminiscent of childhood with a playful paper-chain design, and Unfolded, which incorporates only seven shades yet manages to createa three-dimensional

effect. Note Paper and Offcuts both depict a craft cutting mat background, while Love Letter is a discarded note with symbols for hugs and kisses. In addition, there are also three intricate stone-themed wall hangings, such as Blue Stone, which is woven entirely in silk with wool ‘grouting’. ‘I have often used overlapping or crumpled paper in my paintings. It’s fascinating to me how a two-dimensional surface can be transformed into three dimensions just by using the same colour in many different tones,’ says Dyson. ‘For this collection, I set myself a challenge: not only to find seven ideas on the subject of paper that demonstrate its different uses, but also to create a

Love Letter

Offcuts (on floor) and Note Paper

three-dimensional image using wool and silk instead of paint.’ Through her work as a fine artist, Dyson creates striking colour palettes and compositions that will enhance any surface, whether through an interplay of wool and silk to achieve a 3D stair-like effect as in the Concertina rug, or the Dry Stone wall hanging, which features 13 natural stone hues. ‘I have become interested in hanging rugs on the wall, and this collection includes panels that can also be adapted for the floor. They represent the stones used in walls and floors and highlight the amazing decorative skills of those who work with the material,’ she says. Visit: www.deirdredyson.com

Fans

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

ACCESSORIES

Get the look

Above: Vintage floral cushion on the Verona armchair, with the Trivago rug in silver Above left: Cushions and throws, including the Fortaleza and Copacabana tassel cushions

More than 1,300 new products have been introduced Gallery Direct’s recent SS21 launch featured more than 1,300 new lines across its product categories. They are showcased in the 2021 lookbook, which features five trends: Milan, Retreat, Orangery, Japandi and Curious + Chic. The lookbook is designed to introduce the new items, as well as to help customers put looks together to create stunning displays, by showing coordinating products that work together to give the feel of the trend. One of Gallery’s key categories is soft furnishings, which features occasional seating, rugs, cushions, throws, bed linen, bedspreads, doorstops and draught excluders, with the SS21 launch including a varied selection of new products. ‘We’re really excited about our SS21 launch. We’ve worked hard developing a diverse new range of products to add to our catalogue, expanding our offer to give customers even more choice,’ says Jayne Zalega, Gallery business development director – textiles. Gallery’s rug collection now features 63 different designs, many of which are available in four sizes. The materials used include cotton, wool and jute. The range offers a wide choice, from natural muted tones to bolder colours, eye-catching monochrome geometric designs to more subtle patterns, and from textured surfaces to deep pile. The SS21 collection features a selection of new cushions, from luxurious velvets to textured patterns in soft muted colours and from bold monochrome floral designs to faux fur. Many of the cushions are in larger sizes to make a

Interiors Monthly February 2021

statement. Copacabana, with its textured geometric design and hand-tied tassels, is 80cm long and can be used bolster style, or combined with other cushions to create a spot for relaxing. ‘Great attention to detail has been given across the range. The Fortaleza tassel cushion, for example, features a stunning combination of printed design, embroidery and hand-tied tassels to produce this beautiful cushion in lovely

The rug offer has been expanded

subtle tones,’ says Zalega. On the occasional seating side, there is a collection of pouffes in a range of textures, colours and designs to suit different interiors. The new additions include a selection of larger pouffes which are 80cm wide, including Soto with its top featuring a textured design, with complementary sides in a soft natural fabric. Visit: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

1 2

Stool 60 by Alavar Aalto for Artek in 1933; £436; UK

PHOTO: MIKKO RYHANEN

DESIGN

CH24 chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen in 1949; average sale price £780; most popular in Iceland

Added value Furniture can also be an investment

Research by Heal’s has identified the top 22 vintage designs that people are looking to buy and their average sale price. The 1960s are the most popular designs, with seven making the list. This is followed by the 1950s with six, proving the popularity of midcentury designs. No design more recent than the 1970s makes the list, while the oldest is from the 1800s: a Sheraton mirror. In terms of manufacturer, Knoll stands out with seven products. The retailer has also developed a top ten of items it believes will become future investment classics (see pages 56, 58).  Visit: www.heals.com/blog

Methodology: To work out the top iconic investments, Heal’s used a list of furniture sold from 1800 to 1990. To this list, it analysed sale prices from the last five years, along with number of Google searches, sales by country and Google Trend data 2015-2020. Modern classics were judged on current rrp; Instagram data; Google search volume and Google Trend data, and SEMrush data over the past 12 months.

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LC3 chair by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1928, produced by Cassina since 1965; £7,154; US

PHOTO: LOUIS POULSEN

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PH5 lamp by Poul Henningson in 1958 for Louis Poulsen; £587; Netherlands

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

DESIGN 2 5

6 2

Soriana sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina in 1968; £16,340; Mexico

Diamond chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll in 1952; £940; US

Atollo lamp by Vico Magistretti for Oluce in 1977; £1,568; Sweden

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Eames lounge chair by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956 for Herman Miller/Vitra; £5,618; Netherlands

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Arco floor lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos in 1962; £1,685; UK

Interiors Monthly February 2021

DESIGN 10 2

Saarinen dining table by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1957; £2,644; US

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Wassily chair by Marcel Breuer for Knoll in 1925; £2,362; Australia

Florence Knoll sofa by Florence Knoll for Knoll in 1954; £5,725; Germany

13 2 14 2

Planter lounge chair by Warren Planer for Knoll in 1966; £9,640; US

Noguchi table by Isamu Noguchi for Herman Miller in 1948; £3,918; New Zealand

 

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

DESIGN Barcelona chair (right) by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich in 1929, produced by Knoll since 1953; £8,311; Netherlands

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LC4 chaise longue by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1928, produced by Cassina since 1965; £3,338; France

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Regency giltwood mirror by Thomas Sheraton in the 1800s; £3,225; UK

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Sectional sofa 1076 by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin in 1967; £7.950; US

Panton chair by Verner Panton in 1967 for Vitra; £575; Germany

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21 2 Papa Bear chair by Hans Wegner in 1969 for PP Mobler; £14,210; Sweden

Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen in 1958, produced by Fritz Hansen; £7,159; Germany

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Bocca sofa by Studio 65 for Gufram in 1970; £6,609; US

Interiors Monthly February 2021



NEW FRIBO

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Fribo is the very essence of minimalistic and universal design creating a true timeless furniture collection that exudes class. Fans of minimalism will love this collection in alpine white or add a warm atmosphere with the golden ribbeck oak. In stock for next day delivery. Send us an email or sign up for newsletter.

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TOGETHER WIITH

DESIGN

Salina bed by Lisa Gould Sandall for Ercol in 2018; £1,070; 134% rise in popularity; most popular in US

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Future classics

Omega chair by SecretLab in 2018; £349; 117%; Singapore

2 3

PHOTO: STEFANIA GIORGI

By tracking past investment pieces, and the popularity of more modern items, Heal’s predicted the homeware to buy and treasure until it’s time to sell it on 4 2

Rabbit chair by Stefano Giovannoni for Qeeboo in 2016; £179; 100%; Italy

Bellhop lamp by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby for Flos in 2018; £175; 100%; UK



Interiors Monthly February 2021

Smart software for furniture retailers

MYVICTORIA.CO.UK

Area Sales Managers Victoria Carpets & Design Floors house an extensive portfolio of both carpet and hard flooring (LVT) solutions. We are looking for three enthusiastic, results driven individuals to strengthen our UK sales force.

Area 1 - NORTH LONDON Area 2 - NORTH EAST Area 3 - NORTH WEST The ideal candidate must be able to demonstrate: • The ability to build and maintain strong customer service relationships • Be self-motivated • The ability to multi-task, manage time effectively and produce IT based data on time, every time. • Display a ‘can do’ attitude • Residential based customer facing sales experience Benefits of the role include a competitive basic salary, uncapped bonus, company car, phone, tablet and expenses.

Applicants should send a CV and a covering letter to Mark Paice at mark.paice@myvictoria.co.uk

RECRUITMENT If you are looking to recruit staff for your furniture or flooring stores, looking for sales staff or reps for your manufacturing outlet, then INTERIORS MONTHLY offers a great package! Our online package is just £175. 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. If you have both online and quarter page recruitment advert in our magazine, the cost will only be £250! Costs for larger recruitment adverts are available upon request.

Please contact Jarrod on E: jbird@interiorsmonthly.co.uk T: 01565 631 397

Sit back and let RetailSystem transform your furniture and bed business Improve your operations with ease, using cloud-based software from the UK’s leading supplier • Control all areas of your furniture and bed business, from buying and stock control to sales and customer service • For businesses of any size— from single location to multi-store operations • No equipment to install, maintain or update

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Client

RetailSystem

Artworker

Calum

Director

Glen Turner

Modification Date

24/08/20 1:44pm

0131 440 7607

info@retailsystem.com

File Name

34668 Quarter Page Ad 92x128mm

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Finished Size

92 x 128mm

Artwork %

100%

Bleed

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Residential Sales Executive 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 a vacancy within our Residential Sales team. The successful applicant will have responsibility for developing sales through our Independent retail accounts covering the following areas: • N. Ireland, Donegal and Isle of Man 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 22 February 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

DESIGN 2 5

Tip Ton chair by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby for Vitra in 2011; £269; 100%; UK

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Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970; £3,285; 100%; Germany

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Love Handles vase by Anissa Kermiche for Anissa Kermiche in 2018; £340; 100%: UK Pao lamp by Naoto Fukasawa for Hay in 2020; £125; 90%; Brazil Louis Ghost chair by Philippe Starck for Kartell in 2002; £267; 25%; Germany

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Arc side table by Julie Begtrup and Ditte Vad for Woud in 2019; £455; 100%; India

Interiors Monthly February 2021

Interiors Monthly February 2021

Articles inside

Accessories

Home office

Retail

Pandemic continues to hit exhibitions

Mixed fortunes for furniture and flooring sales

Living and dining

Fitting in

Emma sees sales rocket

Upholstery