Interiors Monthly March 2018

MARCH 2018

Beds and bedroom Supplement

Belgium Interiors land

NEW 2018

COLOURS

SIRIUS & ORION

EDITOR’S COMMENT

In search of a safe harbour?

The popularity of buying groups seems to be on the increase as retailers look for exclusivity More retailers have seen the benefits of being a member of a buying group. Leekes has joined Minerva – which also recruited nine retailers from exhibiting at the January Furniture Show and is hopeful of signing up several more – while the flooring buying groups continue to boost their memberships.

It seems buying groups are now getting the message across that membership means no loss of independence while retailers are seeking exclusivity of products, branding and business services that the groups can provide.

Is this the start of a growing movement where buying group membership is the norm for the independent retailer or is it just an element of retailers seeking shelter in a welcoming harbour?

The reviews of Heimtextil and the final part of the January Furniture Show in this issue reveal plenty of new products that suppliers are hoping will tempt retailers. I’ve already seen several interesting looking products that will be debuted in Milan next month, some of which feature in the show preview.

Next month we’ll bring you highlights from Ambiente, which had a real buzz about it, and the rapidly developing Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair.

One company looking firmly to the future is Harrison Spinks.

The bed manufacturer is investing £1.8m in a wire drawing facility at British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant. This will create a closed-loop production process and increase the quality of the wire. Eventually 400tonnes of ultra-fine wire will be made every week. The wire will not only be used in its springs, Harrison Spinks will also be exporting it. Who says we don’t make anything in this country any more?

The Flooring Show will have a new look when it returns in September, with the new organiser Ocean Media changing the floorplan to accommodate the demand for larger stands from exhibitors such as Cormar, Abingdon and Whitestone and those companies making a return such as IVC Group.

Belgium

New Lattice from the Bubblegum & Liquorice collection Visit www.avenuefloors.co.uk for samples

INTERIORS MONTHLY MARCH 2018

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 4 6 10

Mixed fortunes at DFS Online upholstery retailer fined Sporting endorsement

FEATURES 14 22 25

New products Service Beds and bedroom Preparing for bed, sporting links, industry first, family business, building on success, flying start, web makeover, modern approach, individual style, tailored sleep systems, meeting UK demands, technological advances

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Best of British Innovation driver, Great British Furniture, forefront of design, colour and design choice

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Belgium Mature collections, funding boost for production, exponential expansion, man-made success, cleaning up with stain-resistant carpet, vinyl quartet, LVT double, deep embossed laminates, debut bonanza, growing artificial grass, upholstery fabric, six carpet launches

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Carpet

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Review

Paint and pile January Furniture Show, Maison & Objet, Heimtextil

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Preview Salone del Mobile, Hong Kong International Home Textiles and Furnishings Fair

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

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

Furniture advertising (North): Jarrod Bird

Sirius and Orion, part of Invictus by Associated Weavers, have new colours for 2018 www.carpetyourlife.com

NEW 2018

COLOURS

SIRIUS & ORION

T: 01565 631 397 E: jbird@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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

Representative in India: Amarjeet Singh Gianni T: 0091 98390 35458 E: as_gianni@yahoo.co.in Published by Interiors Media Limited Minerva House, Kinnings Row, Bordyke, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1NP T: 01732 441 130 F: 01732 362 919 E: enquiries@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Registered in England no. 6397722 Print: Knockout Print Design by Truprint Media Š Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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NEWS

Leekes signs up as Minverva member Nine-outlet interiors chain Leekes has joined buying group Minerva.

‘Clearly Minerva is long established and very well respected in the industry and we are looking forward to the opportunity of being part of the group.

While we have a long tradition of working independently with our supply base rather than as part of a buying

group, when we started talking to the Minerva team, we were pleasantly surprised to see how simple and efficient their operation was with its low overheads and administrative costs and we are delighted to be joining a group of fellow furniture experts,’ said Emma Leeke, Leekes md.

‘We are absolutely delighted and very

proud that such a prestigious family business as Leekes has taken the decision to choose Minerva as its preferred buying group partner. We anticipate that the significant addition of this major retailer will further strengthen the buying power and reputation of the Minerva brand,’ said Martin Lukehurst, Minerva chairman.

Ups and downs at DFS, but modest growth expected Underlying sales have slipped for DFS in the past six months but Sofology enjoyed double-digit growth and the chain expects a stronger second half.

Sales, excluding Sofology, in the six months to 27 January were down by 3.5%. But, including Sofology, the acquisition of which was completed on 30 November 2017, sales were up 4%.

The chain said online sales and Dwell ‘have once again grown strongly’ and that like for like momentum strengthened during the half. Sales growth in the current half is expected to be stronger.

Sofology saw 2017 sales about 13% higher than 2016.

Four DFS stores were opened in the UK, one in the Netherlands along with five Dwell and five Sofa Workshop branches within DFS stores.

‘We recognise that the living room furniture retail market is likely to remain challenging in 2018, given current consumer confidence levels. However, with the benefits of strategic investments feeding through, our expectations for the full year are unchanged. We continue to expect modest growth in EBITDA in the 2018 financial year (excluding the impact of acquisitions) driven by the annualisation of product margin and operating cost efficiencies over the second half of the financial year,’ said Ian Filby, DFS ceo.

Harrison Spinks is all wired up Harrison Spinks has invested in a new £1.8m wire drawing facility on British Steel’s site in Scunthorpe, which will create 22 jobs.

It will use a 40,000sqft British Steel building to house an initial two wire drawing lines, set to be installed at the end of April.

These lines will draw the ultra-fine wire used to manufacture Harrison Spinks’ pocket springs, using steel rod from British Steel. The investment will initially create nine jobs with 13 more to follow when a further six wire drawing lines are installed. These will produce about 400tonnes of fine wire each week.

The company received a £150,000 grant from the North Lincolnshire

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

Wire rod being manufactured by British Steel at Scunthorpe

Council’s British Steel Support Fund, which has helped facilitate the move of Harrison Spinks’ wire drawing machines to Scunthorpe.

‘We have a long-established relationship with British Steel – it provides the high quality wire needed for our innovative spring technology.

Partnering with British Steel to launch our new wire drawing facility in

Scunthorpe not only means we can recycle all steel waste, creating a closedloop production process, but also allows us to develop a higher grade wire quality, enabling us to produce industry-leading springs for our mattresses,’ said Richard Essery, Harrison Spinks Components md.

As well as producing wire for springs, the wire drawn in Scunthorpe will be exported.

NEWS

Online retailer fined for 36 consumer law breaches A Leicestershire online upholstery retailer and its owner have been ordered to pay almost £55,000 after being prosecuted by Trading Standards.

Abdul Farooq Dad, the owner of Maymun, admitted 36 breaches of consumer protection laws and regulations – on both his and his company’s behalf – at Loughborough Magistrates Court.

Last year Leicestershire Trading Standards began investigating the company after complaints from customers.

In March a sofa was purchased and it was found to have no flammability regulation labelling and later failed a flammability test. The sofa had been described as being made from leather but was PVC. ‘The furniture business… uses several trade names – including Sofas4Less and Sofa Superstore – selling furniture through its website, Sofas4Less.bargains, and through online sites such as eBay and Amazon,’ said prosecutor Adam Pearson.

He added that Dad’s company also broke the law by omitting either the registered company name, or registered address, or both, on its website or eBay and Amazon pages.

Bailiffs acting on behalf of one customer were sent to an empty property in Illife Avenue, Oadby.

Trading Standards discovered that consumers were often directed to a derelict factory unit in Marjorie Street, Belgrave, where Maymun has been based before a fire in 2016 destroyed the building.

Pearson said when customers were able to contact the

company they faced ‘aggressive commercial practices.’ He said that on one occasion a man who had received the wrong sofa and rang up to complain was told by a member of staff: ‘I know your name – it sounds like a refugee’s name – I also know your address and will come round to your house.’

A woman whose fish tank was smashed by delivery men was also abused over the telephone. She was told: ‘You won’t get anything out of us so go ahead – do your worst.’

In mitigation, Louise O’Driscoll, defending, said: ‘Through me, my client makes an unreserved apology to anyone who has not had a successful relationship with him and his company. We say he was negligent in the various steps he failed to take but he didn’t intend from the outset to cause any harm.’

She added that steps have since been taken, including staff training, to rectify the issues and compensate customers where necessary.

Dad was ordered to pay a £25,000 fine, £480 compensation to one customer, £16,168 costs and a £170 victim surcharge. The company was fined £12,500 and told to pay a £170 victim surcharge.

‘It’s an extremely serious issue and Trading Standards will vigorously investigate and prosecute any sales of unsafe goods – and reports of businesses trading unfairly and abusing customers. We hope this prosecution serves as an example to others,’ said Paul Davis, Leicestershire Trading Standards team leader.

Market challenges hit Laura Ashley profits Laura Ashley has warned that it will not meet anticipated profits amid ‘demanding’ trading conditions. First-half pre-tax profits fell from £7.8m to £4.3m.

‘Trading conditions have continued to be challenging during the six months of the year to 31 December 2017. The impact felt due to the weakening of sterling, year on year, was the most significant single factor in the fall of profit before tax. The board has reviewed the first half results and forecasts for the remainder of the year to 30 June 2018 and, given the continued market challenges, considers that net pre-tax profit for the year will fall below market expectations,’ said Khoo Kay Peng, Laura Ashley chairman.

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

UK sales dropped from £133.4m to £122.9m as its Homebase concessions were closed. Like for like sales fell 0.5%.

For the 26 weeks ended 31 December 2017, the split of UK sales was: home accessories 36%, furniture 28%, decorating 19% and fashion 17%.

Furniture sales for the 26 weeks fell by 9% with like for like sales down 4.4%.

‘Although this was quite a difficult half for furniture, we had some success with new ranges. Our new season product range has recently been launched and, supported by our promotions, free delivery and IFC, we are confident that the quality, diversity and style which it offers will drive improved performance during the coming year,’ said Peng.

Home accessories sales dropped by 3% with like for like performance up 4%.

Seasonal gift and accessories ranges were the star performers, while lighting also recorded significant growth.

Decorating sales fell by 10.9% with like for like sales down by 3.9%. The closure of 22 Homebase concessions had an effect on this category.

‘Trading conditions have been demanding during the first six months of the year. Like for like sales for the six weeks to 10 February were within expectations. We expect conditions to remain challenging for the second half but are confident that the brand and the company are well positioned to deal with these challenges,’ said Peng.

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That’s why, as the world’s best-selling recliner, our support includes: New consumer website National consumer adver tising campaign Retailer training programme Showroom POS and tools Brand new collections Visit la-z-boy.co.uk to find out about stocking our luxurious ranges.

NEWS

The end for Warren Evans

Hyde & Sleep provides mattresses to the AJ BXNG team including Anthony Joshua (pictured right)

Hyde & Sleep boxing clever Online mattress retailer Hyde & Sleep is the latest company to follow the path of sporting endorsement.

The retailer has become the official sleep partner to AJ BXNG, the team of boxers led by world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

‘People often ask me about my prefight routine, how I prepare and how I get a good night’s sleep, especially when on the road. On average, I like to get seven to eight hours a night but if that fails, I’ll have another hour to recover after breakfast,’ said Joshua.

‘When the AJ BXNG team are travelling and staying in hotels, it can take a while to get used to a different

bed. Lawrence Okolie, Josh Buatsi and I are really looking forward to partnering with Hyde & Sleep; with their mattresses, we’re guaranteed to sleep well at home, at training camp and even before a flight. When all our focus is on training, it’s great to know we’ve got sleep sorted,’ he said.

‘As a British brand, we’re really proud to support AJ BXNG and we can’t wait to see what’s next for the rising stars. We’re looking forward to working with all three athletes and seeing the full Hyde & Sleep product range become part of their entourage,’ said Andrew Tyler, Hyde & Sleep founder.

Bed retailer and manufacturer Warren Evans has closed down with the loss of 287 jobs after failing to find an outside investor.

In January the 14-store chain appointed restructuring firm Duff & Phelps to find investment, with a deadline of the end of March, but it was appointed administrator on 6 February.

Customers have been told that all orders due for delivery on 15 February or later are cancelled and they would have to seek a refund from their bank or credit card provider, if they paid by card. A closing down sale ended on 24 February.

‘Despite strong like for like sales in the pre-Christmas period, the picture moving into 2018 has been dramatically different and this has impacted the search and scope for new investment,’ said Allan Graham, joint administrator.

‘Warren Evans is rightly recognised as one of the UK’s leading bed, mattress and furniture retailers, but trading conditions are exceptionally challenging with the business hit by rising manufacturing costs and the continued squeeze on consumer wallets and confidence.

‘Over the past year the business has been growing its market share with major investments in new product development. However, the search for a new investment partner has proved to be ultimately unsuccessful, and so the business and management were left with no option but to go into administration,’ said Graham.

Stand bookings are up for The Flooring Show The organiser of The Flooring Show has seen a major increase in stands sold for the September exhibition.

Stand sales are 16% ahead of 2017, according to Ocean Media, with some long-term exhibitors including Cormar and Abingdon increasing their stand sizes and being joined by companies returning to exhibit at the show after a break. So far, some 83% of 2017 exhibitors have rebooked for 2018.

Karndean, Furlong Flooring, Lano, Brockway, Victoria, F Ball, Ball & Young, Interfloor and Egger have all rebooked.

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

New companies confirmed for 2018 include Floortrain, IVC, Staingard, Barth 1873, NMC UK and Home Creations.

‘It’s exciting to see companies like IVC returning to the show, having not exhibited for many years, but it’s equally satisfying to be able to accommodate space increases with loyal customers like Whitestone Weavers, Cormar, Abingdon and Distinctive Flooring,’ said Wendy Adams, Ocean Media show consultant.

The 2018 floorplan is being changed to accommodate the space increases, which in turn is opening new

opportunities for other manufacturers to take part in the event or move halls.

‘The show team has been out meeting with exhibitors, supporters and trade association teams to listen to and discuss fresh ideas for attracting even more key retailers to the show,’ she said.

‘The Flooring Show has a solid base of support throughout the industry, but it’s our job to improve the offer where we can. By working closely with the industry, we will continue to add to the show’s content and attract more visitors,’ added Adams.

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Look out for NEW Sirius and Orion As you probably know, at Associated Weavers we’ve adopted this Maori warrior as a superstar image for the Invictus brand. It’s a quality collection of styles, named after some of the stars he might worship – Centaurus, Orion, Pegasus, Perseus and Sirius. His facial expression says it all. The sheer determination to succeed with a winning performance.

Superstar talent all around the home Like all well-respected superstars, Sirius and Orion have enviable talents. Both have been crafted from our soft saxony 100% polypropylene yarn and they each

The entire Invictus brand now comprises almost one hundred different colourways. And, to make it even more appealing for 2018, we’ve taken our most successful ever single product – Sirius – and recoloured it, together with Orion, to create a stunning new look for your showroom. To add impetus to this major relaunch, we’re strengthening the existing colour bank and refreshing our sampling offer to make Sirius and Orion our most alluring styles ever. If you’re looking for a star-studded boost to your sales during these drab winter days, add some new colour to your life with big names like Sirius and Orion from Associated Weavers.

have 20-year stain and wear warranties.

They are available in 2m, 2.5m, 3m, 4m and 5m multi-width variants with fusion backing for ultra-warmth, and both are 100% bleach cleanable. Orion weighs in at 1695gms but, like our Maori warrior, Sirius is the heavyweight at 2370gms. Both are potential winners for your store.

Celebrate a winner with Invictus Durable, hard-wearing – and invincible.

That’s what keeps Invictus at the forefront of today’s carpet retailing scene. With thirty new subtle shades between them, Sirius and Orion offer the perfect complement to home décor schemes. If you want a superstar to perform at your store, you can contact your local area manager or alternatively you can contact the sales office on 01422 431100.

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

NEW PRODUCTS

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3 EU Ecolabel: SE/035/001

1 Unilin is the first flooring manufacturer to receive the EU Ecolabel for its direct pressure laminate (DPL) flooring. By adding the EU Ecolabel to its standard-produced Pergo, Quick-Step and Balterio laminates, it delivers on its promise to produce healthy, sustainable flooring while also further strengthening its market position.

Visit: www.unilin.com 2 Extra wide and with more quality zinc-coated rust-resistant pins, Floorwise’s Diamond Gripper is ideal for the latest generation of superthick PU underlays, holding fast even with 10mm and 11mm thick qualities. Diamond Gripper is available pre-nailed for concrete, wood and dual-purpose.

Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk

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3 The Academy for Excellence in Flooring’s 6,500sqft Stockport facility’s ground floor has been refreshed, showcasing some of the latest laminate, engineered wood and vinyl floors from Quick-Step. These include the Majestic waterproof laminate super-long and extra-wide planks, as well as the chevron patterned Intenso engineered wood.

Visit: www.quick-step-academy.co.uk 4 For SS18, Lano is launching a range of artificial grass qualities, including the Pro Lawn collection (pictured) for premium duties.

Replacing Aster and Marigold, it has overhauled its popular Easy Lawn collection with the introduction of Anica and Valeria, bringing the collection up to date in this fast maturing market.

Tel: 00 800 5266 5266 5 Centred around three designs in the Heriz, Bakthiari and Hadchlu patterns that formed some of its bestselling face-to-face wool rug qualities from the 1960s until the 2000s, Louis de Poortere’s Antiquarian collection reinvents these iconic designs for today’s homes. A modern cotton flatweave with a heavy handdistressed effect, it gives an authentic worn look.

Visit: www.louisdepoortere.com

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

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MILANO RANGE | WINNER OF THE FURNITURE AWARDS 2018 | DINING CATEGORY

MILANO The Milano collection features a beautiful inlay chevron design, and is made using European oak and rustic oak structured veneers which show the natural beauty of the oak grain and knots. Finished in a specialist matte lacquer, which keeps the timber looking natural and dry, with brushed out grain, the range is tactile to touch and looks amazing.

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new directories home dĂŠcor and furniture

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new products including furniture, mirrors, accessories and soft furnishings

Simply Stylish Flooring Big impact.

Small footprint.

To add to their comprehensive product range of luxury cushion flooring – Furlong Flooring now offers even more.

Our new prayer book display system now features even more fantastic slip resistant ranges – w with a variety of 5, 10, 15 & 20 year warranties.

Featuring specially selected samples on top, this space saving POS also houses a collection of sample books within the main stand.

Availa Available in 2, 3 & 4 metre widths, with plain, wood, tile o or patterned designs in both foam or luxury felt backings – there’s a range to suit everyone.

PRAYER S BOOK PO Y A L DISP ABL)E AVAIL es astic rang

To take advantage of this fantastic POS stand contact us today.

(8 fant

www.furlongflooring.co.uk

I

Sales: Preston - 01772 696 787

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Dartford - 01322 628 707

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Gloucester - 0845 520 0800

NEW PRODUCTS

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6 Cormar Carpets has revamped Sensation Heathers, now available in two weights with Original and New Feeling and 15 colours, including 10 new ones with more contemporary neutrals and greys such as Riga Surf and Bergen Frost. The 100% Luxelle polypropylene range is available in 4m and 5m widths.

Visit: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk 7 Wittmann has updated Johannes Spalt’s 1960 3/4 Constanze armchair. Spalt wanted to ‘create intelligent furniture that enables the cultivation of an interior culture’.

Visit: www.wittmann.at 8 Home and lifestyle retailers attending the Spring Fair in Birmingham were treated to an extraordinary display of rug styles from Flair Rugs, as the company showcased its latest introductions and enduring favourites. The latest Luxmi range took centre stage with visitors shown delights such as Solitaire, Persian Fusion (pictured), Cairo and Alpaca.

Visit: www.flairrugs.com 9 Karndean Designflooring has introduced a 200-page A4 brochure packed with lifestyle photography and close-up imagery demonstrating the knots, grains and textures found in each realistic wood and stone design. It features Karndean’s complete portfolio of gluedown, loose lay and rigid core designs including the latest Korlok,

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

Kaleidoscope and Art Select plank, parquet and basketweave.

Visit: www.karndean.com 10 Duck egg blue dominates the introductions of Avenue’s updated Bubblegum & Liquorice collection with Sagres (pictured) and Dots representing colour updates to existing designs. New for 2018, the exotic Magali and Shalimar also feature the shade, the latter harking back to tiles of grand Parisian residences.

Visit: www.avenuefloors.co.uk

LOOKING FOR EXTRA MARGIN AND SUPPORT? No need to go it alone!

An independent buying group for the independent retailer

Why not consider Minerva

Great portfolio of suppliers Generous rebate scheme in operation Networking opportunities with other member independents We host our own exhibitions with hospitality Cost effective

NO

NO

Central invoicing

loss of independence

If you missed us at the January Furniture Show. Get in touch!!

- Don’t Miss out Strength in Partnership

See us at the Manchester Furniture Show 15 - 17th July 2018 www.minervafurnishers.co.uk Tel: 01249 716195 Email: admin@minervafurnishers.co.uk

{Surprisingly affordable}

For further information contact: Athena House, Olympus Park, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 4NF Accredited Supplier

Tel: 01452 881 777 | www.thegreatchaircompany.com

NEW PRODUCTS

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11 Louis de Poortere enjoyed an extraordinarily busy stand at Domotex, and along with updates to existing collections, the manufacturer launched the Antiquarian collection and showed the results of its collaboration with Romo Group: an exquisite collection of hand-tufted and flatweave rugs based on some of its most recognisable designs.

Visit: www.louisdepoortere.com 12 With the launch of a bespoke sofa brand, as well as introductions to its sofabed, mattress and bed frame ranges, this year’s January Furniture Show proved one of Hyder Living’s most successful appearances yet. The Living Bespoke Sofas collection was a highlight with visitors keen to understand the flexibility on offer through the custom programme.

Visit: www.hyderint.com 13 Flair Rugs made its debut at Domotex showcasing great-value styles relevant to the European region, including the outdoor-ready Florence, flatweave Verona and the bold Infinite collection. It also demonstrated its ability to create premium styles with Solitaire, from the Luxmi collection, certainly catching the eye of many visitors.

Visit: www.flairrugs.com 14 Continuing the high-impact visual identity established at last year’s Domotex, Lano presented its fibre brand concepts – Halcyon, Essenz and Touchdown – as well as the premium X Collection,

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

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underlining its capabilities of producing everything from great value polypropylene ranges to the finest wool and nylon qualities.

Tel: 00 800 5266 5266 15 Granorte showed excellence in cork product design, harnessing the natural material’s aesthetic and performance qualities to deliver innovative flooring products. One of the highlights on its Domotex stand included the availability of Kenko on selected styles, a 0.25mm polymer wear layer that is PVC and plasticiser-free. Made in Japan, Kenko means Granorte products use 10-times less plastic than equivalent vinyl/HDF floors.

Visit: www.granorte.pt

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SERVICE

Richard Renouf

Fit for purpose Test products to ensure they do what you say they can ‘The chairs have been broken by the customers in the restaurant,’ said the barrister. ‘My client has seen customers in this restaurant tipping the chairs on to their back feet, and that’s what caused them to break.’

He paused and looked at me, expecting a reaction, or at least a comment. ‘Don’t you agree?’

‘No, sir,’ I said, addressing the judge as a witness is meant to do. ‘The chairs have broken because they are not strong enough to use in a restaurant.’

The judge’s pen paused and he looked towards the barrister.

‘These chairs wouldn’t break unless they had been misused, would they?’ asked the barrister.

‘There are several ways they might break and some of these might be misuse, but they could easily break in normal use,’ I replied.

The barrister turned to his client, the chair maker, and they exchanged whispers. The chair maker pointed to the chair brought along as evidence. The

Scratchproof or scratch resistant?

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

barrister said: ‘My client says would you please try to break this chair?’

‘If it breaks it may not be repairable,’ I said.

‘My client understands that, but he believes it will be harder than you think.’

I picked up the chair and held it with one hand at the bottom of the back leg and the other at the bottom of a front leg. I moved my hands apart gently. A cracking sound echoed around the chamber. I held up two separate parts of the chair. The barrister’s face fell and his client looked down at the floor.

That was the moment I knew that the chair maker had lost the case. I was not super-strong, the chair was simply not fit for purpose and had not been tested for its suitability for use in a busy restaurant.

It had been the same in a previous case where I was introduced to a ‘new and revolutionary material that did not dent or mark’ and so the lack of marks on a drawer edge could not be taken as evidence that it had not been misused.

I’d been handed a piece of the material

Stitching or fabric issues?

(foil covered MDF, nothing new after all) and given the challenge. A simple tap with the case of my tape measure and I didn’t even check before I handed it to the judge.

‘Of course it will mark, sir’.

The judge looked and then handed the board back to the other side.

I did not win the cases, the other sides lost because they had made bold claims about their products that were unrealistic.

There’s no substitute for testing that something will do the job it’s meant to do. Whether it’s a chair frame or cabinet door, seat cushion or carpet tile, testing can show whether an item is fit for purpose. It’s better to have the testing done before a failure occurs, and to have the evidence ready in case something does go wrong because of misuse or abuse.

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

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15 & 16 May 2018

Exclusive Show for Flooring Buying Group Members Over 60 leading brands converge at one place this May for The Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show.

If you’re a member of a flooring buying group make sure you visit to see the very latest in carpets, rugs, laminates, woods, vinyl, LVT’s, underlays and accessories. The show takes place at one of the UK’s premier exhibition venues - Cranmore Park with unrivalled show facilities, excellent catering and ample FREE car parking just minutes from J4 M42, only 8 miles from the NEC.

Register now at www.bgnfs.co.uk | e: info@bgnfs.co.uk Proudly supported by:

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Beds and bedroom

Sealy’s Premium Madison, with exclusive Posturepedic technology

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Premium Olympia

The big switch off A few simple changes before going to bed can improve rest Getting a great night’s sleep is something we can’t take for granted.

According to research from Sealy UK, 77% of Britons wake up each morning feeling exhausted, leading to increased stress, bad moods and a lack of focus.

However, the good news is there is a solution. It seems that there are a number of common mistakes we’re all making that are contributing to our sleepless nights. Tackling these could mean achieving a much more restful night’s sleep.

Go tech-free According to additional data from Sealy, 70% of people use some form of technology while in bed, with almost one in three admitting to being disturbed at night by their partner using a mobile device. As well as the disruptive beeps and buzzes, the bright blue light emitted by phones, tablets and TV screens impacts levels of melatonin, the sleepinducing hormone. Implementing a 30 minute tech-free zone before bed can reduce the negative impact these devices have on sleep.

Have a soft drink Many of us enjoy a glass of wine at the end of a long day, but alcohol can have a

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

negative impact on rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is often considered the most restorative stage of sleep. While you may fall asleep quicker after a couple of drinks, you’ll spend less time in the REM phase, meaning you’re more likely to wake up feeling unrested and drowsy.

Try a fruit drink or chamomile tea as an alternative.

Ditch the snooze button A lot of us are guilty of using the snooze button in the morning, however, this can make you feel more lethargic. The reason being that by dozing off for those extra minutes, we’re preparing our bodies for another sleep cycle, which is then quickly interrupted, causing a feeling of fatigue for the rest of the day.

The right mattress Sleeping on a mattress that is right for you and your body is vital when encouraging a healthy sleeping environment.

Mattresses need to be changed about every eight years, so keep track as an old mattress can make for an unhygienic sleeping environment.

Keep mattresses in shape by selecting one with zonal support. A mattress that is past its prime will slow the body’s

healing process that occurs while sleeping so it is vital to minimise stress on pressure points and aid spinal alignment.

Those suffering from allergies should select a mattress with hypoallergenic smart fibres and bug shield technology.

Encourage a cool and dry sleeping environment with a mattress that includes ingredients such as Geltex or Adaptive fibres.

There are a variety of sleep technologies available to ensure sleeping in cool, fresh and dry conditions.

‘It’s no secret that sleep is a vital ingredient to a healthy lifestyle. A good night’s kip not only leaves you bright eyed and bushy tailed, it also helps to improve your overall wellbeing. This includes improved mental and physical health, as well as lower blood pressure, risk of diabetes and weight gain, all of which are scientifically proven to be a result of achieving regular good quality sleep,’ says Neil Robinson, Sealy sales and marketing director.

‘However, modern life has a habit of getting in the way of this which is why a few simple measures can be taken to ensure your quality of sleep is not unnecessarily disrupted,’ he says.

Visit: www.sealy.co.uk

BEDS AND BEDROOM

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‘A good night’s kip not only leaves you bright eyed and bushy tailed, it also helps to improve your overall wellbeing’

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27

KENTMERE

NATURALS CARTMEL

LAKESIDE

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Combining natural fillings with 21st century technology, the brand new Sealy Naturals Collection boasts excellent breathability and advanced cooling properties.

The fusion of these elements, along with slick wool and Sealy Smart Fibres, sustains the mattresses’ durability, supportiveness and, most importantly, comfort. An inspired mix of mohair, bamboo and pashmina fibres adapt to your sleeping environment all year round, enabling you to wake up fully refreshed and rested.

www.sealy.co.uk

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

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Millbrook Beds has teamed up with parkrun UK and is undertaking a sleep study with Garmin

Healthy partnerships Millbrook Beds has formed sporting links to promote the benefits of sleep Millbrook Beds has agreed a three-year partnership with public running organisation parkrun UK, designed to promote the importance of a great night’s sleep to health.

More than 500 free, weekly, timed, 5km events are organised by parkrun UK on Saturday mornings with more than 130,000 people walking, jogging, running or volunteering.

Millbrook aims to highlight the impact sleep quality has on all aspects of a person’s daily life and has launched a national sleep study that collates sleep and lifestyle data of people of all ages. It hopes to engage with park runners all over the UK to give sleep insights and

Millbrook Beds provides beds for Team England

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

share with them the joy and benefits of a great night’s sleep.

‘We are delighted to partner with parkrun UK as our two companies both have a desire to see everyone living healthier lives. We know great quality sleep is important to good health and wellbeing and a great quality mattress is the key ingredient to that. A great night’s sleep makes you ready to get up and do something amazing on a Saturday morning like a park run,’ says Mark Croll, Millbrook md.

‘We are dedicated to creating a healthier and happier planet, which means promoting healthy lifestyle choices that extend beyond a Saturday

morning. We believe that good sleep is a critical and often overlooked element of good health and that is why we are delighted to partner with Millbrook,’ says Nick Pearson, parkrun UK chief executive.

The initiative is the latest by the bed manufacturer. In January it announced a partnership with Commonwealth Games England to provide the official bed for Team England. Building on its existing support for England and Great Britain Hockey, the partnership with Team England will run through April’s 21st Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia.

‘Rest and relaxation are a key part of an athlete’s preparation and I know the support of Millbrook Beds will help our athletes to rest easy in the build up to Gold Coast 2018,’ says Paul Blanchard, Commonwealth Games England chief executive.

The company is also undertaking a sleep study working with Garmin sleep trackers to gather and collate the sleep data of people of all ages, from an Olympic gold medal winning hockey player to a busy mum. The study aims to understand the impact sleep quality has on a person’s daily life.

Visit: www.millbrook-beds.co.uk

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...SLEEP. Eat. Train. Sleep.

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BEDS AND BEDROOM

Hat-trick Dunlopillo has won three Which? Best Buy Awards The Royal Sovereign mattress has held a Which? Best Buy Award for three consecutive years

Dunlopillo has achieved a bed industry first after being awarded three individual Which? Best Buy Awards for the Orchid, Millennium and Royal Sovereign mattresses from its Signature Bed Collection.

‘As we spend a third of our lives in bed it is critical that the mattress chosen will deliver quality. For Dunlopillo to be awarded not one, but three Which?

Best Buy Awards is a real testament to the premium quality of our products,’ says David Wescomb, Dunlopillo brand director.

The tests focus on several areas that

analyse the quality of the mattress.

Simulating 10 years of use, this test demonstrates to the consumer how the mattress will evolve over time.

One of the most notable comments from the Royal Sovereign Which? review says: ‘This is an excellent latex mattress that you can rely on. It’s very durable – it won’t sag or get softer over time, so even after years of use it’ll feel much like it did when you first bought it.’

Made from Dunlopillo latex with seven comfort zones, the mattresses all received five stars for comfort and durability.

‘We aim to provide a truly unique sleep environment and to be the first bed brand to be awarded three prestigious Which? Best Buys, in addition to being rated Best Pillow Brand and second Best Mattress Brand is a true accolade to Dunlopillo. The recognition that comes with these endorsements from trustworthy Which? is so important to us as a brand. Not only does it help consumers make informed decisions about their purchases, but it helps us further build trust with our customers, both new and existing,’ adds Wescomb.

Visit: www.dunlopillo.co.uk

Millennium (left) and Orchid (right) were awarded Which? Best Buys in the Consumers’ Association’s most recent tests

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

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BEDS AND BEDROOM

Salus I-Plus Absolute Comfort with Camden headboard Mike (left) and Darren Crowshaw

Salus Viscool Autumn 2650 with Richmond headboard

Family ties Father and sons are part of Breasley’s make-up When Darren and Mike Crowshaw became Breasley Group joint mds last August, some may have seen them as the new boys on the block. In reality, they have been involved with the bed industry for a considerable number of years, and are keen to stress the importance of being part of a family-run business.

Their father, Alan, with his partner Pete Walker, started the company in 1973, building it to be one of the UK’s largest independent foam converters. Darren started on the factory floor 17 years ago, and has been fully involved with the development and production of Breasley’s vacuum packed mattress business since its inception in 2005. His brother joined the business a couple of years later following a career in software development.

As part of the changes Alan became ceo and is still very much hands on when it comes to the day to day running of the business.

‘We have major investment plans for

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

machinery and production lines at both our Derby and Manchester factories, so it’s great knowing we have our dad’s expertise and full support behind us should we need it,’ says Mike.

Innovation is at the heart of Breasley’s philosophy in mattress and divan manufacture, and this is what has helped it become one the UK’s fastest growing independent mattress manufacturers.

‘I saw a quote recently – “Nothing remains constant except change itself” – and that sums things up, really. Last year saw a number of changes at Breasley, but this year we have brought together some key personnel from within the bedding industry including Rob King as sales director, Louise Chung to the new role of key accounts manager and Steve Haywood as group quality and compliance manager, enabling us to lead the way in design, production technology and customer service,’ says Darren.

‘The new Salus Bed Collection offers superb comfort and quality at very

competitive price points, plus we are extending the breadth of our Uno vacuum packed range to include several new models over the coming months, with exciting new technology and also a natural story. For us, innovation is about knowing when to change and listening to our customers’ needs and being able to adapt to market requirements.’

Breasley plans to continue to support trade exhibitions throughout 2018, including AIS, Minerva and the Bed Show, and it is confident it is the right decision.

‘The January Furniture Show proved to be a very positive start to the new year for us, and the buyers were out in force.

Tuesday was probably the highlight, when Hall 5 seemed at its busiest and had a real buzz about it. The show opens Breasley up to a much wider audience, which in turn brings some interesting enquiries and leads as well as new business, so our plans are to return in 2019,’ adds Darren.

Breasley Group, tel: 01629 823 680

PERFECT BRITISH COMFORT Handmade in the UK with premium zoned pocket springs combined with luxurious ďŹ llings for superb comfort and superior support. The Latex collection mattress features a blended natural Latex pillow top, responsive and durable it provides pressure relief and easy movement throughout the night. One mattress available in softer, medium and ďŹ rmer comfort.

For more information call 01282 851 111 or visit rest-assured.co.uk

A Business Built on

Family Brothers in Pedigree Arms Innovation and investment is the key to success Innovation and investment is the key to success

Constant innovation is at the heart of Breasley s philosophy in mattress and divan Constant innovation is at the heartmanufacture. of Breasley s This is what has helped the company to become philosophy in mattress and divan manufacture. one fastest independent This the is what hasgrowing helped the company mattress to become manufacturers in the UK. one the fastest growing independent mattress manufacturers in the UK.

2017 saw a number of changes at the In August of last Breasley Group with year, Darren and brothers Darren Mike Crowshaw and Mike Crowshaw became joint MDs of taking on the roles the Breasley Group. of joint MD. Their The brothers might father, Alan, who be seen as the new started the business boys on the block , in 1973 became but, in reality, they CEO, reinforcing have been involved the family s commitment to further investment and with the bed industry for a number of years, and expansion. This year, they have brought together key they are keen to stress the importance of being personnel from within the bedding industry, enabling part of a family run business. Our father, Alan, the company to lead the way in design, production technology and customer service. With the recent launch of the 2018 Salus Bed Collection, offering superb comfort and quality at very competitive price points, plus new models under the Uno rolled and boxed brand, the future looks bright for Breasley and their retail partners.

For more information, please contact the Breasley Group on 01629 823680 or email sales@breasley.co.uk

The Elder 3350 from the 2018 Salus Natural Collection

www.salusbeds.co.uk www.unomattress.co.uk

MADE IN THE UK

MADE IN THE UK

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Scoring on comfort Mammoth is building on its goals of innovation, health and wellbeing Mammoth is celebrating a successful start to 2018 after the winter sales and is now hoping to build on this by working with its UK retailers to drive footfall and increase sales.

With more than 200 UK independent stores stocking its mattresses, the company says everyone deserves a mattress that keeps them comfortable, helps them sleep better and feel refreshed and energised for the day ahead.

Mammoth’s modern mattresses, manufactured using its medical grade foam, combine tried and tested materials with advanced sleep and support technologies once reserved for the healthcare industry.

Designed to improve the performance and wellbeing of Olympians and elite athletes, the range has been expanded to give everyone the opportunity to be the best version of themselves.

It has partnerships with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Rugby Players’ Association and most recently became the official mattress and pillow supplier to Tottenham Hotspur FC. Mammoth works closely with its independent retailers, as well as Furniture Village and Bensons For Beds, to ensure their sales teams’ are fully briefed on the benefits of investing in a Mammoth mattress.

‘At Mammoth, we’re always looking for new ways to move forward, more ways to help our retailers, and better ways to drive footfall to the stores which stock our products,’ says Kris Wood, Mammoth head of marketing.

It aims to make sales teams’ jobs as easy as possible by offering a range of marketing material such as in-store POS, staff training, and consumer promotions, all backed by national advertising.

‘This helps give consumers confidence instore and online that they are investing in a great mattress for their own good, through a retailer with the knowledge to give them peace of mind. We are now taking the Mammoth brand further and higher, it’s no surprise that innovation, health and wellbeing are the main ideas at the very heart of the Mammoth ethos,’ adds Wood.

Visit: www.mammothcomfort.co.uk

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

Above: Pocket 3000 mattress Left: Mammoth is the official pillow and mattress supplier to Tottenham Hotspur FC Below: Mammoth wants its customers to feel refreshed and energised

correct at time of printing

Good nights great days >P[O ZV THU` ILULÄ [Z MVY IV[O retailers and consumers, should you join the Mammoth family?

Why choose mammoth?

Recommended by health professionals

As UK consumers become more health conscious, they are beginning to understand that sleep is a major part of wellbeing.

Mammoth develops mattresses for the health-conscious JVUZ\TLY ^OPJO OH]L ILLU ZJPLU[PÄ JHSS` [LZ[LK [V ZOV^ [OH[ they enhance and improve your customer’s sleep. You can also ILULÄ [ MYVT V\Y L_WLY[ THYRL[PUN Z\WWVY[ L_WYLZZ SLHK [PTLZ and testimonies from our brand ambassadors.

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enquiries@mammothuk.com 0845 838 7767 www.mammothmattress.com

Scientifically tested and shown to improve sleep

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Designed to be different Dormeo now has a customisable mattress The January Furniture Show set the fastgrowing mattress brand off to a flying start for 2018.

‘Retailers at the show commented on the brand’s commitment to produce ranges combining technology, comfort and value,’ says Mike Pitt, Dormeo UK md.

‘They appreciated the addition of the Octaspring 7500, giving more customers the option of choosing from the top of the range collection. The 7500 is a twolayer Octaspring mattress with an added layer of luxurious supportive latex placed on top of the breathable Octaspring memory foam spring layers, to enhance the extraordinary comfort and give a more responsive feel,’ he says.

Dormeo also unveiled the S Plus Mattress for 2018, the first fully customisable mattress. Designed for couples with different sleeping preferences, it is both soft and firm, inspired by the natural S-shape of the spine with an S-shaped layer of Octaspring at the heart of the mattress.

Support and firmness can be specified from a choice of eight comfort and support levels.

Different firmness Octaspring springs are placed across three zones of the S Plus Mattress, which not only provide better ventilation, but also the right level of support for the entire body, keeping the spine in alignment.

The mattress can be flipped to choose the softer or firmer side, or rotated from the core head to toe for softer or firmer support for neck and shoulders.

‘As a brand, we are fired up by an unwavering desire to be different and better. We are looking forward to bringing this unrivalled technology to the homes of more and more customers by introducing Octaspring into a wider range of sleep products. Wherever we use Octaspring technology it also increases our eco-responsibility – something we take seriously,’ says Pitt.

To help allergy sufferers, Dormeo offers protective fabric treatments.

‘Our award-winning technology and

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

S Plus mattress

Octaspring 8500 has a layer of memory foam

The company is looking to educate consumers

unique product offering is ever evolving, and our aim continues to be to deliver optimal comfort and value to customers,’ he says.

‘We look forward to further growth globally and here in the UK, through supplying our valued retailers and consumers, and to expanding the Dormeo presence in an already growing

number of national and independent retailers. We are continually introducing online content to help educate customers on the importance of healthy sleeping,’ adds Pitt.

Dormeo’s ranges are showcased throughout the year at its showroom in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

Visit: www.dormeo.co.uk

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Taking the future on board Swanglen has revamped its online presence as it receives FSC accreditation Swanglen’s emphasis on showcasing the quality and style of the current range is reflected on its relaunched website along with recent changes at the company.

‘The highlight of this is the Signature collection. Launched at last year’s Bed Show, this range captures the demand for bigger, bolder fashionable floorstanding headboards. From the simple lines of the curved headboard to a magnificent 60in tall winged design,’ says Peter Ridpath, Swanglen sales director.

Traditional fabrics such as chenilles remain popular but the range also reflects the growing trend towards different fabrics such as crushed velvets, faux wools and a distressed leather look.

There is also a new satin material in a variety of colours.

‘Also featured is the successful kid’s range; recognising that today’s kids are not just content with basic pastel pinks and blues, this collection features a stunning collection of colours and fabrics ideal for any style conscious teen and pre-teen,’ he says.

It is almost three years since Swanglen embarked on a process of consolidating product lines and investing in research and development and the results have rewarded that long-term thinking.

The first major step was using upholstery fabrics on headboards and bed frames. This delivered a range that was tastefully designed and on-trend and sent a message that Swanglen was looking to refresh and revitalise the sector.

Following that initial work, the nextday range of headboards was launched.

‘There are many advantages to a nextday range: easy to handle and deliver and a perfect add-on sale for people buying a new bed. However, there are many challenges and we were one of the first manufacturers in this sector to seriously tackle these to deliver a quality product. The results have been well worth the investment in time.

Customers are amazed at the quality and finish we can achieve on a next day offering, and the success of the range is

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

Right: Manhattan Below: Starburst Bottom: Chrystal

testament to that,’ says Ridpath.

Also featured on the website is the newly awarded Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation.

‘We have always put great emphasis on our quality standards, having been members of the NBF and FIRA among

other industry bodies for many years.

FSC accreditation was the next step in demonstrating our corporate social responsibility, and I’m delighted to say that we are playing our part in this important initiative,’ adds Ridpath.

Visit: www.swanglen.co.uk

Now with FSC certification

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NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHES MARCH 2018 Our new site emphasises the outstanding quality and style of the current range and highlights our new Signature Collection.

Also featuring our newly awarded FSC certification playing our part in corporate social responsibilty.

Contact Peter Ridpath on 07834 258092 or visit swanglen.co.uk

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Above: Origin Style 5 in Oak and Flow Style 1 in Gloss White (below)

Satisfying modern spirit Kindred offers classic and contemporary fitted furniture Kindred is a premium bedroom brand offering retailers a fresh and commercial approach to fitted furniture. By challenging the fitted bedroom market, it is seeking to satisfy what the modern consumer is asking for.

The full collection unites form and function, featuring a balance of wardrobe styles, popular colour choices, various handle selections and a full internal accessory range delivering bespoke and tailored possibilities.

Premium finishes are offered whether it’s a modern painted collection or the refined details of a classic woodgrain.

Guided by a passion for history and reimagined for the 21st century, the classic collection is timeless and refined.

The two ranges, Chapter and Origin, allow retailers to create a vision of traditional elegance in any consumer’s home.

In contrast, the modern collection seamlessly integrates contemporary style within the architecture of various bedroom styles. Sculpt, Esker, Flow and Parity are the four ranges completing the modern family.

The full colour palette for both collections is designed to be timeless, yet on trend. For classic, the painted woodgrain includes partridge grey,

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

porcelain and stone. For modern, anthracite, cashmere, dove grey and white are available in both gloss and matt-painted options.

A full installation package, premium delivery options, UK-stocked product with the quality of rich Italian craftsmanship, specialist design advice and two state of the art design centres in both the North and South of the UK, are offered.

Visit: www.kindred.co.uk

Sculpt Style 1 in Anthracite

Premium design at competitive prices • Matching chests of drawers All ranges available from stock • Direct Home delivery & Installation service available Visit our showrooms at: Northern Design Centre: 01325 505599 Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe Co. Durham DL5 6EQ

Southern Design Centre: 01325 505588 778 Buckingham Avenue Slough Trading Estate SL1 4NL

Become a Kindred retailer: enquiries@kindred.co.uk

www.kindred.co.uk

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Oh so individual Bretz has taken Ohlinda into the bedroom Three years after introducing the Ohlinda modular sofa for Bretz, Carolin Kutzera has taken her design into the bedroom with a bed.

In 2015 the sofa was awarded an Interior Innovation Award and this year the chair won a German Design Award.

The bed retains the pleated finish of the sofa and its use of large pillows.

It is available in 160cm, 180cm and 200cm widths. The boxspring mattress is 28cm high and has seven zones containing 1,800 individually wrapped pocket springs (on the 200cm model) with an 8.5cm memory foam layer and removable velour cover.

Visit: www.bretz.com

The mattress has up to 1,800 pocket springs

The Ohlinda sofa was launched in 2015

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

“SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE (SINCE 1852) OF THESE.” Eric Mostert, Hästens Partner, Netherlands

HÄSTENS PROFERIA

We want you to join The World of Hästens. For more information on becoming a UK stockist and selling Sweden’s finest handmade beds contact: oliver.bowen@hastens.com FUL F I L L I NG DR EA M S S I NC E 18 52 HAS T E N S . COM

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Hypnos is carbon neutral and each bed meets an individual’s needs such as support and size

Super king size Regal Elegance mattress with alpaca comfort layer, low profile continental divan base and Caroline headboard, all in Cedar 19315 Mint fabric

Unique sleep systems All of Hypnos’ beds are tailor made British bed manufacturer and Royal warrant holder, Hypnos, has been handcrafting luxury beds for more than 100 years. As a trusted supplier to the finest homes, palaces and hotels around the world since 1904, Hypnos is renowned for providing a relaxing and rejuvenating night’s sleep. Each Hypnos bed is made in Princes Risborough and is tailored to an individual’s needs, from the level of support and comfort, to size and styling ensuring that customers can choose the most comfortable bed for them.

For those looking for firmer support, the Orthos Elite Support collection of four models – Wool, Silk, Cashmere and Alpaca – are filled with natural materials that help to regulate body temperature.

Complete with Hypnos’ trademarked ReActive pocket spring system, the springs adjust to different body shapes and weights, vertically spreading downward pressure, while the

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

substantial natural and sustainable fillings provide superior comfort and support to relieve back tension.

Mattresses are finished with a natural cocona Belgian damask that uses activated carbon derived from recycled coconut husks and naturally occurring minerals, to keep the body cool and dry whatever the season.

Boasting a softer and more luxurious feel, the Natural Collection is handcrafted using natural materials such as alpaca, silk and horsetail to provide supreme comfort and support. A layer of intelligent pocket springs give head to toe zonal support to contour the shape of the body.

The Luxury No Turn Collection only needs to be rotated not turned. Like all Hypnos mattresses, it carries a 10-year guarantee and is available in a range of different tensions and feels.

E-Motion is designed to be the

ultimate in bespoke bedroom living and functionality. This fully adjustable sprung divan supports a pocket sprung mattress that allows the head and/or feet to be raised for comfort – perfect for reading before bed or simply to relax after a long day. The collection is available with a wireless or corded control for ease of use.

‘As three-time winner of the NBF Bed Manufacturer of the Year award, we are constantly striving to provide the ultimate choice in style, comfort and luxury – we believe that one size does not fit all. Customers recognise the quality of the Hypnos brand, but are also more aware of environmental issues than ever before, which is why we’re proud to be the only carbon-neutral bed manufacturer in the world with all our mattresses made with sustainable materials,’ says Amanda Castle, Hypnos marketing manager.

Visit: www.hypnosbeds.com

For over 70 years we’ve led the way in British bed making All of our mattresses, upholstered bases and headboards are handcrafted from our home in the heart of Lancashire. We’re also immensely proud to be the UK’s most trusted sleep brand – as chosen by customers across the country who also rated us to be the best in innovation, quality and service too.

Proud to be the UK’s most trusted bed brand

Traditional bed making handcrafted here in the UK

Every mattress is tried and tested in our SATRA-approved testing lab

We’re committed to sustainability and protecting our environment

For more information call 01282 851111 or visit silentnight.co.uk

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Hitting the spot Wiemann understands its UK customers After more than 10 years of selling to the UK, Wiemann has a good idea of what retailers and consumers want. This year, it promises to continue providing a first class level of service and increase its portfolio of innovative products.

‘We’ve seen excellent figures from the January sales. We’ve also exhibited at a number of positive trade shows including the January Furniture Show and imm cologne, with our Kansas, Cayenne and Berlin ranges taking centre stage. Not to mention the popularity of our new for 2018 carcase finishes, pebble grey and hickory oak,’ says Simon Hewitt, md of Wiemann’s UK and Republic of Ireland agent, Litmus Furniture.

‘There’s been significant growth in our business within the past five years: we’re aiming to continue our success and are constantly looking at ways to expand.’

Recently Wiemann’s investment programme has focused on improving delivery capacity by up to 50%, which involved increasing the number of delivery and installation fitting teams, warehousing space and its fleet of delivery vehicles.

‘Design, style, innovation and practicality are all factors that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to creating a popular bedroom furniture range. But what’s key for a successful business is excellent customer service.

There’s no better measure of service than customer feedback – it’s the true evaluation when they come back for your products because they appreciate what you’re offering,’ says Kai Schwenke, Wiemann export manager.

Litmus Furniture benefits from agents across eight territories who help customers with service and orders.

‘Our sales team ensures that all our customers are fully supported and looked after. They are all vastly experienced and are all well respected by the retail trade,’ says Hewitt.

‘Wiemann continues to create innovative, unique products that combine practicality and functionality to a high standard and represent great value for money. We constantly evaluate

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

Top: Kansas wardrobe Above: Almeria Left: There is a vast choice of accessories to complete wardrobes

our products, looking at the bestsellers and working to improve our offerings.

Updates on range accessories this year have expanded our smart, unique interior lighting solutions and we have plans to upgrade the sliding wardrobe collections, review the internal fittings and the soft-closing door options. New

carcase colour options are also being considered,’ says Schwenke.

‘To win in the bedroom sector today you have to offer plenty of choice and flexibility – as well as good value. It needs to be easy for the customer and the salesman,’ adds Hewitt.

Visit: www.wiemannuk.co.uk

Create the perfect bedroom display!

Bedrooms of distinctive style, quality and value

Berlin

Cayenne

Kansas

made in germany enquiries@wiemannuk.co.uk | www.wiemannuk.co.uk

Nolte Cepina

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Express Cargo

Express Sunny

Email: orders@nolte-mobel.co.uk www.nolte-mobel.co.uk

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Having the edge Technology is important for Hyder Beds’ developments

Alpinia 3000 mattress and Dune headboard (above), are part of Hyder’s expanded offer

Hyder Beds specialises in manufacturing beds and mattresses with cutting edge technology.

The latest ranges Hydro-Gel, Advance Foam and Natural & Organic have been created with market leading design innovation, quality and natural materials to energise and recharge the soul, mind and body after a comfortable sleep to ensure a healthier lifestyle, says Majid Ifrahim, Hyder Beds director.

It is a matter of pride for the Dewsbury, West Yorkshire company that it manufactures, displays and distributes its comprehensive range of products direct to the trade as well as an increasing number of bespoke beds being manufactured specifically for clients such as specialist retail or Internet stores nationwide.

‘Hyder Beds has a very simple mission: “No Frills, Just Facts”, producing the ultimate sleeping comfort. It’s so much more than just a hollow philosophy or something we hang on the walls. This mission literally drives everything we do,’ says Ifrahim.

‘It’s for this reason that we emphasise so much research and development. The

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process of designing better beds and mattresses starts from the inside out.

Though most people don’t spend their days thinking about beds and mattresses, almost everyone has a suggestion or two. And the best suggestions can often be found within our beds,’ he adds.

Visit: www.hyderbedsltd.com Ottoman in stone

A W A R D - W I N N I N G C O M E S

A S

S T A N D A R D

The pursuit of perfection – beautiful handcrafted pocket spring beds, with a Royal Seal of Approval and an unrivalled 10 year guarantee. Hypnos offers exquisitely tailored beds; sublime comfort; a choice of design options; a commitment to sustainability; a strong consumer brand and excellent support.

Contact us to discover our NEW Collections including the Orthos Support Elite collection, the E-motion adjustable bed and the EasyStore™ drawer divan base.

www.hypnosbeds.com T: +44 (0) 1844 348200 | E: sleep@hypnosbeds.com Hypnos is proud to be Carbon Neutral, complying with PAS 2060.

Handmade in Britain with a 10-year guarantee

BEST OF BRITISH

Driving innovation Parker Knoll is at the forefront of contemporary design The Parker Knoll story is a thoroughly British tale. From humble beginnings in a simple workshop in London, the brand has put down roots in the heart of British furniture design, establishing itself as a leading manufacturer in the UK. All the sofas and chairs at Parker Knoll are hand-crafted in Britain to the highest of standards, drawing on 148 years of experience. With an ongoing commitment to driving innovation and being at the forefront of contemporary design, it continues to introduce an array of models, fabrics and collections to its portfolio.

Parker Knoll continues to bring motion to new heights with its latest collection, evolution. Following the success of last year’s launch, the brand has extended the collection, adding a modular corner group to the increasingly popular design 1701 range. It has also introduced design 1801, featuring clean, contemporary lines, arm detail and adjustable headrests.

The Classic collection will also see the introduction of Devonshire, a casual classic with gently sweeping arms and delicate detailing. This timeless design demonstrates another step change from Parker Knoll with a more modern, relaxed approach to both shape and fabric direction.

Statesman

Also new for SS2018 is a range of luxury plains and beautifully detailed chenille designs, in a range of stripes, medallions and damasks.

‘Experience unparalleled style, supreme comfort, and a unique British heritage with Parker Knoll’s exclusive

Parker Knoll unveiled its latest designs at the January Furniture Show

launches for SS2018, manufactured in Britain to the finest quality, all of Parker Knoll’s sofas and chairs are designed and developed to stand the test of time and provide ultimate comfort,’ says Donna Bellingham, Parker Knoll chief executive.

Visit: www.parkerknoll.co.uk

evolution design 1702

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BEST OF BRITISH

Promoting home-made furniture BFM continues to raise awareness with its latest Great British Furniture campaign British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM) has long been flying the flag for British-made products and has relaunched its influential Great British Furniture (GBF) campaign.

Revealed at the January Furniture Show, alongside its new Association Code of Practice, approved members are free to use GBF POS material to promote products made in the UK. The campaign, originally launched more than 10 years ago, has proved an important promotion, raising awareness of the key factors that make British-made furniture great in the eyes of consumers, retailers, contract specifiers, architects and the wider international audience.

Its key messages include the diversity of the industry, positioning British furniture as traditional, contemporary and everything in between; suiting any financial budget; and appealing to the more morally or ethically aware.

‘Since the Brexit vote and given the current exchange rate, there’s never been a better time to fly the flag for British furniture. Our revamped campaign will help to continue to promote the industry and encourage participation from our members,’ says Jackie Bazeley, BFM md.

The association also has a new website (www.greatbritishfurniture.co.uk) for the GBF campaign to support its heightened profile.

Visit: www.bfm.org.uk Above: Approved members can use GBF POS Right: The campaign has a new website

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

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

ASK if IT IS British or look out for the label

BEST OF BRITISH

Progressive upholstery Alpha Designs has expanded its offer Alpha Designs Upholstery specialises in contemporary fabric upholstery, manufactured at its Wolverhampton factory.

‘We once again surpassed all sales expectations on our new models at the January Furniture Show, successfully launching Tiffany, Hudson, Brooke, and Finley, with also a new velvet fabric treatment on the established Vincent collection,’ says Barry Webb, Alpha Designs sales director.

‘These proved to current and new customers who visited the stand that we continue to be a progressive UK manufacturer at the forefront of designs and fabrics.

The new spring ranges, designed and developed with a leading furniture designer, offer a breadth of styles with flexibility on fabrics across all models.

Webb says this, alongside its current successful commercial ranges and can do attitude to its business, will help continue the growth of Alpha.

Alpha Designs, tel: 01902 492 937 Top: Tiffany threeseater Above: Hudson fourseater Left: Brooke fourseater and chair

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ALPHA

D E S I G N S

Finley

ALPHA DESIGNS UPHOLSTERY LIMITED T: 01902 492937 F: 01902 493700 E: sales@alpha-designs.co.uk Unit 1, Stag Industrial Estate, Oxford Street, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 7HZ

BEST OF BRITISH

Hipster Stripe

Expression Check

Goodbye bland – hello colourful A fun range of beds from Sweet Dreams The Funky Boutique collection, launched in 2017 and exhibited to acclaim at the Bed Show, is one of Sweet Dreams’ highly successful British bedframe stories.

It is a fabric-upholstered collection of British-made divan-frame hybrids, offering both colour and design choice in an unusual way.

The upholstery to the bed frame and headboard border comes in three colourways: buff, plum and smoke. Then, the headboard makes a serious style statement. It comes in rounded or square shapes, Hipster or Expression. Set into it is a fabric pattern in a choice of four designs: Floral, Stripe, Check and Travel.

Each of the fabric inset designs is available in three colourways: sepia, mulberry and ebony that coordinate with the upholstery shades.

Funky Boutique frames come in four sizes: 120cm, 135cm, 150cm and 180cm and can be ordered with or without drawers. Other choices include a wood or new style metal leg, a matching accent chair, and an ottoman box.

Visit: www.sweetdreamsuk.com

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Expression Travel

Hipster Floral

Belgium

New Lattice from the Bubblegum & Liquorice collection Visit www.avenuefloors.co.uk for samples

BELGIUM

All grown up Avenue has created three mature collections Avenue Floors’ Bubblegum & Liquorice has matured for 2018, with some of the more outlandish looks replaced by sophisticated approaches to tile and geometric design.

Duck egg blue dominates the introductions with Sagres and Dots representing colour updates to existing designs. New for 2018, the exotic Magali and Shalimar also feature the shade, the latter inspired by tiles of grand Parisian homes. Elsewhere the strong black/white theme remains, the new Siena a twist on the diamond pattern of York.

‘We’ve also improved the quality of the collection by adding our new embossing technology to add texture and depth and really bring these free-spirited designs to life,’ says Maaike Dickx, Avenue Floors product manager.

Dickx has also created Ultimate Tones, with 16 tile and stone designs, and Ultimate Timber, with 16 wood designs; high end design collections with a higher specification. ‘Ultimate Tones and Ultimate Timber are very different, very

Ultimate Timber’s Brighton

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modern collections, looking for the border between Scandinavian design and urban modernism. It is for those who want the advantages of vinyl but with the high end design look. It has to be social media worthy: these media are globalising high end trends faster and faster and making them “available” to a larger audience. So vinyl has to follow these trends at a quicker pace,’ she says.

The collections use sharp HD printing, an ultra-matt high protective PU lacquer, and a V-groove on eight of the wood designs that come in 150cm x 20cm planks.

‘From on-trend wood herringbones in pale, modernist hues of grey to minimalist, seamless terrazzo for elegant yet time-faded tiles, this is a collection that embraces the complex layers of textures and materials in the urban frontier. Ultimate Tones‘ simplified, muted aesthetic is understated and elegant, defining the space and setting an assured look in the home,’ adds Dickx.

Visit: www.avenuefloors.co.uk

Ultimate Tones’ Clark

Bubblegum & Liquorice’s Siena

BELGIUM

Top left: Sierra Oak Above and left: IVC’s new plant pictured top left of IVC’s Avelgem site (left) will produce LVT 24 hours a day

Global ambitions IVC Group has injected more capital into LVT production IVC Group’s target is to double its global production capacity of LVT to meet increasing demand from consumers and the contract sector.

It has invested in a new factory at its headquarters at Avelgem. The plant was able to operate at full capacity at the end of 2017 and will make IVC’s next generation of LVT suitable for uneven surfaces. The first products will be available in the second quarter of this year.

The group has ambitions to become

the global leader in the LVT market and is aiming for annual production of 15million sqm from the new factory.

The 226,000sqft factory – the equivalent of almost three Wembley pitches – is the world’s largest LVT factory.

It will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and has created 200 jobs.

It uses energy from the group’s wind turbines and water from the River Scheldt for its cooling processes. All factory waste is recycled and reused

in the production process.

‘High-grade, modular vinyl flooring has become a global success because of its innovative designs, realistic look and creative design potential. Thanks to the new, showcase factory, which boasts the latest lean manufacturing processes, we can produce higher quantities more efficiently. In addition, we are benefiting from doubled warehouse capacity,’ says David Bigland, Moduleo UK and Eire md.

Visit: www.ivcgroup.com

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BELGIUM

Inspired designs Moduleo plans to offer even more choice this year Moduleo is set to increase its product portfolio exponentially in 2018 with the launch of many designs.

Building on the successful release of new Impress lines in 2017, Moduleo, which is part of the IVC Group, will introduce decors across its Transform and Select ranges, including concretes, grey oaks and a selection of patterned tiles.

Terrazzo and Cementine-style tiles will bring these classically Italian and

artisan styles into luxury vinyl flooring.

A combination of historical inspiration and state of the art technology has enabled it to create modern floorcoverings with scratch and stainresistant properties, as well as an enhanced bevelled edge and embossed structure.

Moduleo’s Moods collection will also be expanded in 2018. Introduced in 2016 to allow greater design innovation and Left: Impress Bohemian Right: Impress Mustang Slate Bottom right: Impress Santa Cruz Oak

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inspiration through its variety of shapes and unique combinations, larger shapes and new patterns will be introduced later this year.

Product and design developments have all been made possible due to IVC Group’s new environment-friendly plant in Avelgem, enabling the company to meet increasing demand from architects, construction specifiers and consumers.

Visit: www.moduleo.co.uk

BELGIUM

among the style-conscious, it is the result of extensive development.

‘We were careful to make sure that Halcyon came to market with all the right attributes, developing yarns that met our strict quality standards and which would give homes wonderful softness, silken luxury and lasting colour to be enjoyed for years to come,’ says Birger.

‘Covering a spectrum from the look of the very best velvets to the classic elegance of supersoft polypropylene, it’s a premium collection with huge potential and one we are confident will be a great success.’

The collection is launching in three qualities: Cashmere and Cashmere Luxe in a supersoft PP and both offering the same palette of natural colours; and

Halcyon days Lano is expanding its man-made fibre offer The growing dominance of man-made fibres in the residential carpet sector comes as little surprise to Birger Karlsson, Lano Carpets sales and marketing director.

‘Since polypropylene became widespread, we’ve been working hard to develop its potential, looking for ways to maximise its value and stain-resistance benefits, while improving its softness and resilience,’ he explains.

‘The plateau of this achievement is our Eccelena Silk yarn available in the Touchdown collection. Exquisite underfoot, yet still brilliantly stainresistant and great value, it’s a fibre that ticks many boxes for homeowners and the Touchdown collection is certainly popular.’

But it hasn’t stopped with Touchdown and Eccelena Silk. Halcyon is its most recent innovation, capitalising on the move towards premium synthetic fibres.

Presenting the ‘new luxury’ of supersoft polypropylene and silk-like velvet polyester qualities that are popular,

Top left: Cashmere Luxe Above: Touchdown Imagination Left: Bamboo Velvet

Pashmina is Lano’s first foray into luxury silk polyester styles. Soft and with a premium saxony look, it also benefits from permanent stain-resistance.

As Birger is keen to point out, Lano is also committed to the continued development of its luxury carpet range, The X Collection. Demonstrating the versatility of Lano, the range features supersoft premium nylon, the naturally therapeutic qualities of bamboo, the performance of SmartStrand Silk and the

longevity of pure new wool carpets.

‘At Lano we have quality at our heart, it truly is the ethos of our business.

Whether that’s in our value-focused Essenz polypropylene for homes on a budget, a Cashmere style for those splashing out on a luxury look, or discerning homeowners wanting a style from The X Collection, each provides unbeatable quality for the price-point,’ he adds.

Lano: tel: 00 800 5266 5266

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BELGIUM

Clean sweep Balta has boosted its StainSafe offer

Soft Noble Deluxe

Balta had a new location at Domotex

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Soft Noble Deluxe is the latest StainSafe addition to the Balta Carpets collection, bringing permanent stain-resistance in 4m and 5m widths.

The cut-pile style comes in a 10-strong palette featuring greys and neutrals. ‘Continuing the graceful look of Soft Noble, but in a heavyweight 1,800g per sqm pile, Soft Noble Deluxe brings a premium feel thanks to its indulgent 15mm pile,’ explains Geert Vanden Bossche, Balta marketing director.

That said, it still offers the excellent value that has always been a hallmark of StainSafe styles. Rated suitable for heavy domestic use, Soft Noble Deluxe can be used throughout the home. The two-ply 100% polypropylene yarn ensures resilience and wear resistance and comes with a 15-year wear warranty.

‘With Actionbac for better stability and easier fitting, Soft Noble Deluxe is a super-thick style that brings all the performance of StainSafe carpet to homes looking for a welcoming and luxurious carpet,’ he says.

The Made in Heaven display is now rolling out to retailers across the UK. Featuring two supersoft polyester styles – Angelic and Aurora – the display presents a bold look designed to stand out in-store. Using a new design finished in purple with angel imagery, the lectern has a compact footprint.

‘With its large 22in x 22in samples, this new look lectern really allows the softness and gorgeous colour palette of Made in Heaven to shine while delivering maximum visual impact,’ says Vanden Bossche.

‘Made in Heaven, with the “beautifully soft carpet with a hidden strength” strapline, has been created to capitalise on the heaven-like luxury of the polyester yarn and to offer a less masculine approach to carpet branding. We’re confident these new lecterns offer something different and will help retailers by clearly communicating the benefits of this fibre that’s rapidly growing in popularity,’ he says.

Made in Heaven carpets are bleach cleanable and offer impressive stain-resistance. In a resilient two-ply yarn and polyester fibre, there is a 15-year wear warranty on the 2,000g per sqm Angelic.

Both Angelic and Aurora are rated heavy domestic and

BELGIUM

Duncan Buchanan and his wife Patricia

Rolls of honour The Made in Heaven display is rolling out to retailers

come in a palette of 12 neutrals and subtle pastels.

Balta’s European launch of the Made in Heaven and Odyssey brands proved a catalyst for a busy Domotex as it quickly settled in to its new location at the show.

With a stand impressive in its diversity of brand and product offer, Balta underlined its position as Europe’s largest carpet manufacturer to an audience of 45,000 trade visitors from more than 100 countries.

Alongside the Made in Heaven and Odyssey residential broadloom launches, the company showed its expanding Leonis collection, introductions to the StainSafe range and welcomed Pro Nature, a flatweave rated for commercial use.

Satino too saw expansion, while a new range of premium Luxury Carpet Tiles (LCT) in nylon or polypropylene meant there was plenty for customers to see.

‘As the world’s leading flooring show, this year with a record 106,000sqm of exhibition stands, our attendance at Domotex helps us to position ourselves among the best global flooring brands,’ says Vanden Bossche.

‘As such, it is a major focal point of our product cycle and this year we were delighted to present two brands capitalising on the latest generations of stain-resistant fibre for the home with Made in Heaven and Odyssey.

‘Representing the changing status of synthetic fibres as the go-to yarns across every price-point, Made in Heaven and Odyssey are set to be key components in the product mix for 2018. In Made in Heaven, we have perfected a solution-dyed polyester yarn, while in Odyssey, we draw on hardwearing solution-dyed nylon. Both offering lasting fade-free colour and luxurious comfort,’ adds Vanden Bossche.

Visit: www.balta-carpets.com

Duncan Buchanan, Balta Group sales director UK, turned 70 at January’s Surfaces exhibition in Las Vegas. A milestone birthday was marked with a party at the Mandalay Bay Hotel.

He joined Scottish floorcoverings distributor, Gainsborough (latterly to become Headlam), in Glasgow as a sampler and merchandiser in 1966. His first retail sales role came at the same company in 1968 and he’s not looked back since.

Buchanan went on to join GAF (the forerunner to Tarkett) to sell a revolutionary 12ft wide cushion vinyl flooring to retailers across Scotland. His success didn’t go unnoticed and he then moved to Forbo Novilon.

Although enjoying this success in vinyl and linoleum sales, Duncan’s heart lay in the softness, warmth and larger market of carpet. Joining New Venture Carpets, we wind the clock forward to 1989, when Buchanan was headhunted by then owner of the family business, Filip Balcaen, to become ‘Balta’s UK man for the UK’. He began his work boosting the fortunes of the company in the UK, taking turnover from £3.5m in 1989 to some £120m last year in his role of Balta Group sales director UK. When quizzed on his most memorable moment, Buchanan’s answer was straightforward: ‘My lasting memory has to be the opening of the Carpetright account in 1993. After some intense negotiation, I struck a deal with Lord Harris for all 120 Carpetright stores at the time, a total of 960 rolls. That remains my biggest single order to date and it seemed to happen in an instant. I came out of the meeting and did a handstand on the side of the A13. An indescribable feeling that only comes with those really big sales.’

‘As a member of the Balta family and a long-time friend, we would like to say thank you to Duncan for his loyalty and service. We hope there are many more to come,’ says Geert Vanden Bossche, Balta marketing director.

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Made in Heaven combines both supersoft luxury and incredible durability for carpets that looks fabulous and which will stay that way for years to come.

Using the latest eco-friendly polyester ďŹ bres with easy bleach cleanable properties, Made in Heaven is designed to withstand the pressures of modern life.

A unique two-ply polyester twist also provides a lifetime of stain resistance and ďŹ bre bounce-back in an enticing mix of natural colours.

Available in three exquisite qualities with long warranties.

T: +32 (0)56 62 22 11 E: info@baltagroup.com www.baltagroup.com

BELGIUM

Santorini

Stucco

Modern quartet Beauflor has added on-trend styles Four contemporary ranges have joined Beauflor’s collections.

Broadway, Vintage and Tessuto are part of the Tex collection, while Cocoon is in the Power range.

Tex has a textile backing, making it easy to loose lay with the backing covering any minor imperfections in the sub-floor. The textile backing is also sound absorbent and provides a useful extra layer of thermal insulation, handy for renovations or for use in older buildings.

Broadway is a selection of 10 soft grey designs including the mixed width plank look Painted Wood, stone tile look Brooklyn and the concrete style Broadway.

Vintage’s eight wood and tile styles emphasise the look of used floors, while Tessuto has 11 designs including textile styles Damask and Tweed and hexagonal Santorini.

Power’s designs have an extra matt finish, with Cocoon offering 10 soft wood and tile designs, including Stucco with the look of faded mosaic tiles and cube outline pattern Cubes.

Visit: www.beauflor.com

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Damask

BELGIUM

Double delights BerryAlloc is adding to its LVT offer Beaulieu International Group’s BerryAlloc brand is launching two LVT collections in April: Elite and Spirit.

Elite is available in Click and GlueDown and has 18 designs in wood that are embossed to reflect the natural touch of timber, and 11 in stone. Highlights include Elegant Natural, Elegant Grey and Cracked Dark Brown in the woods, and Montreal Greige, Ontario Black and Pittsburgh Anthracite in stone. It features the company’s DreamClick and Rigid technologies.

Spirit has a more modern feel, with 12 wood and six tile designs, both in Click and GlueDown. Highlights include Palmer Chocolate and French Light in wood and Concrete Light and Concrete Dark in stone.

Visit: www.berryalloc.com

Right: Spirit Palmer Chocolate Far right: Elite Elegant Natural Dark Below: Spirit French Light

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BELGIUM

Scanning nature Extra deep embossing is available for BerryAlloc’s latest laminates

Above: Eternity Canyon Light Below: Stone HPL Natural Slate Bottom: Retro Chic Blue Grey

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Out with the old and in with the new was how BerryAlloc decided to go forward with its laminate in 2018. The collection has been redesigned and re-engineered, with 17 new collections.

For the first time it has exclusive designs due to its investment in scanning timbers and reproducing them with extra deep embossing.

Cracked Oak looks like naturally dried timber planks; Barn Wood has a New England feel; Retro Chic is

styled as worn tiles; and The Gyant is available in extra-long planks.

There has also been investment in its MattLook finish, which has been upgraded for a matt finish in even the brightest of lighting, and renamed Xtra Matt. The Hydroplus waterproofing system has also been applied to more ranges, giving a much wider choice of bathroom options.

Its high pressure laminate range also saw a makeover with six new colours: Nyhavn, Embassy Row, Karl Johan, Magnificent Mile, Lafayatte and Potsdamer. Its HPL ranges can be installed without expansion profiles over 225sqm or a length of 15m.

Visit: www.berryalloc.com

BELGIUM

XL Impressions Origami

Wessex Twist Elite

Twists and turns Wessex headed Ideal’s many introductions Ideal introduced no fewer than 27 collections in January. Debuts were spearheaded by Wessex Twist, available in Supreme in 1,350g per sqm weight and Elite (1,860g), in 4m and 5m widths and 14 colours.

The soft polypropylene Velluto range was expanded with Faye in 12 colours, 4m and 5m widths and a weight of 1,150g, with a third Velluto range in development. Dublin Twist was recoloured with nine new shades.

Monsoon saw the introduction of a stripe

and new colours. Zorba was recoloured with blues and reds while pinks, blues and purple were added to Dalton.

Highlights from its Carus contract offer include level-cut-loop Waves and Origami from the XL Impressions range; Impact Cover and Vogue from the XL Impact range: large patterns produced on an infinity machine; and Split + Caractere, where the colours of Caractere are used in the stripes of Split.

Visit: www.ideal-bintg.com Visit: www.carusflooring.com

Velluto Faye

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BELGIUM

Funding firsts

Bloom has three heights

BIG has invested in its needle felt and artificial grass brands Investment has brought a different way of doing things and an industry first to Beaulieu International Group’s artificial grass division.

BIG has invested in production and is now extruding its own yarn for many ranges, giving it more control over products and their development. The top selling Oryzon Amazonia and XTinguish are among those that will be switching to in-house produced yarn.

Turfgrass has introduced the Lushtex collection, with its first range Bloom.

Bloom is the first artificial grass to have two pile heights and a third thatch height, making it even more realistic.

BIG has also invested in its needle felt operations, including two new production lines. One is capable of producing 6m wide event products, doubling its production capacity.

It has also introduced Ligna, a collection of five dark grey carpets with highlights.

A number of products including Bedford, Magnum, Primavera and Ultracord, have been relaunched.

Visit: www.beaulieu-needlefelt.com Visit: http: turfgrass.net/en

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Amazonia will be produced with in-house yarn

Bedford has been relaunched

BELGIUM

Above: Tavelmo weaving plant Right: Movelta offers a range of fabrics Below: Piece dyeing facilities are available

From start to finish Movelta provides textile solutions for upholstery The Movelta Group is a verticallyintegrated textile group with its own preparation, weaving, dyeing and finishing plants, run by the third generation of the founding family.

It offers a wide range of fabrics and exports upholstery fabrics across the world. Some fabrics are dual purpose and can be used for upholstery as well as for curtains.

Its Movelta subsidiary specialises in weaving velvets while Tavelmo specialises in flatwoven fabrics.

Waesland provides finishing treatments such as piece dyeing, tumbling, flame retardant finishes, Teflon finishes, Easy Clean finishes, not only for its own companies but also for external customers.

Devantex specialises in exclusive custom-made velvets for the high end market.

All treatments are done in-house in Movelta‘s 645,600sqft manufacturing facilities.

New and popular in finishes is the Easy Clean treatment, in which the fibres of the fabric are hardened at the molecular level so most stains cannot get though the treatment, allowing the stain to

be easily removed with water.

Movelta can also provide exclusive designs using in-house digital and transfer printing technology.

Visit: www.movelta.be

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BELGIUM

Carpet sextet Six more ranges for Millennium Weavers

CONTACTS

Obsession is the jewel in Millennium Weavers’ crown

Millennium Weavers has added six ranges to its portfolio.

Obsession, a soft feel polypropylene saxony, is the jewel in Millennium Weavers’ crown. The deep pile range has nine subtle colours and a 2,200g per sqm weight in 4m and 5m widths.

The 100% soft polypropylene Glamorous Twist complements Ultra Twist in a 1,800g weight with 10 new colours in 4m and 5m widths.

Desire Silk & Stripe, in 1,000g 100% soft polypropylene, has two modern new stripes in a 4m width with eight

The company has been studying trends

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plains in 4m and 5m widths.

Intense is a 1,400g soft polypropylene twist in 12 colours and 4m and 5m widths.

The 2,100g polyester Admiration Heather, in 4m and 5m widths, has 12 heather colours and adds to the existing Admiration Supreme and Admiration ranges which were launched last summer.

The 1,000g New Millennium Twist has been further enhanced with 12 new colours in 4m and 5m widths.

Visit: www.millenniumweavers.eu

Head office Industrie Park, Klein Frankrijkstraat 38, 9600 Ronse, Belgium, tel: 00 32 5550 9050; email: sales@millenniumweavers.eu Daniel Alp, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire, Essex, London, tel: 0745 578 0336, email: danielalp82@yahoo.co.uk Kenneth McNeill, Scotland, tel: 0796 835 3878, email: kennethmcneill@aol.com Mark Keepfer, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, South West Wales, tel: 0797 6700 222, email: keepfer@hotmail.co.uk Nicky Craig, Birmingham (West Midlands), Warwickshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, tel: 0758 3085 591, email: nickycraigflooring@mail.com Trevor Hayfield, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, tel: 0781 1198 79, email: trevorhayfield@gmail.com

Passion Silk Heather AVAILABLE

4&5M

Features & Benefits • • • • • •

100% Luxury Millsoft Polypropylene Easy Maintenance with this Bleach Cleanable Carpet Heavy Residential Suitability Stylish Collection of 11 Modern Colours Peace of mind with our Wear & Stain Warranties Value, Style, Comfort & Performance

CARPET

Stroke of genius Adam Carpets has teamed up with The Little Greene Paint Company Adam Carpets has released a brochure coordinating its Castlemead Twist and Fine Worcester Twist ranges with The Little Greene Paint Company’s paints.

‘It is great news that we have started to work with The Little Greene Paint Company,’ says Eamonn Prescott, Adam Carpets sales and marketing director.

‘The company’s colour experts have recommended paint shades specially to coordinate with each of the 125 carpet colours that make up our Castlemead Twist and Fine Worcester Twist ranges, meaning a luxurious, soft floor can be a true focal point for consumers and interior designers.’

Each of the carpet colours have three paint suggestions: a ‘neutral’; a ‘tonal’ and a ‘you might consider’.

‘The natural synergy of the two companies and the products made it an obvious yet innovative project for us to undertake together. As fellow manufacturers, we understand Adam Carpets’ heritage and share a similar pedigree, so it was very satisfying to see how beautifully our products can be combined to further enhance one another,’ says David Mottershead, The Little Greene Paint Company md.

Visit: www.adamcarpets.com

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Above: The 32-page brochure Left: Three paints are suggested for each carpet colour Below: Castlemead Twist (pictured) and Fine Worcester Twist are coordinated with The Little Greene Paint Company’s paints

Egger PRO Laminate Make a splash with Aqua+. www.egger.com/aquaplus

EGGER has expanded its PRO Laminate Aqua + decors from 10 to 18.

The trend orientated collection provides a high quality, functional product for both commercial & domestic applications, suitable for steam & machine cleaning. Five times more resistant to water swelling than standard laminate, the flooring is well suited to bathrooms, kitchens, restaurants & bars.

For more information contact us at EFPUKsales@egger.com

January Furniture Show NEC

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Abingdon Flooring highlighted Country Life, a heavyweight chunky, Stainfree Saxony in tri-colour polypropylene in 12 colours. Pastel colours were added to Grande.

Adjustamatic targeted the posthospital market with the Aviemore autovariable bed. When people leave hospital they can still require treatment so a bed that can be raised means carers do not have to be towering over the patient. Aviemore is designed to offer the same functionality but in a style that fits in the home. It has a motor that can lift 28stone and a mattress from 40cm to 95cm.

Alexander & James’ introductions included the deep and cocooning Henderson with velvet, wool and leather combinations and the compact curved Jean with mid-century legs for a vintage classic look.

Ashley Manor’s debuts included the high back Linford with gentle curves in cut velvet and Farrow: Cotswold cottage inspired in delicately patterned chenille.

Bedstretch is an extension that sits between the head of the bed and the wall, attached by the screws that would hold the headboard in place. Its height is adjustable and it comes in five lengths to fit any bed. When not in use it folds and fits into a bag.

The BFM introduced its Association Code of Practice, to demonstrate the industry’s commitment to quality and service. Members signing up for the scheme can become BFM Approved Members, certifying that at least half of its products are made in the UK. Bluebone had a new collection of mango small accessories including serving platters, wine bottle rack and a standalone shelf unit. There was also a kitchen island on wheels with a hanging rack, designed as a versatile, portable piece that can fit into small spaces.

Core Products refreshed the Corona range in grey wax and new items include a wine rack and a storage trunk with sliding top.

Devonshire Pine & Oak’s Lundy collection includes a kitchen larder, sideboard, TV cabinet and occasional tables. The industrial trend was acknowledged with a dining table sporting iron legs, and metal chairs.

Distinctive Flooring introduced display stands that are easier to access.

Ercol’s Aradeo is a compact modern

Interiors Monthly March 2018

Fantastic five The NEC’s halls were filled with innovation, here’s a selection of what was on offer

Top: Vogue Beds’ Medi Therapy Above: La-Z-Boy’s Lisbon Left: Kelston House

REVIEW

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

January Furniture Show NEC

Above: Wiemann’s Kansas Left: Gallery Direct’s Foundry sideboard Below: Julian Bowen’s Astrid bed

dining collection in pale oak with a glasstopped table and minimalist dining chairs. The Noto recliner in leather or soft cover, has solid oak arms. Prizzi is a sofa range in a selection of sizes as well as a snuggler, armchair and footstool. It is upholstered in cream leather with armbutton detailing and solid oak turned legs. The Bosco bedroom range complements the solid oak detailing of the Bosco designs.

Gallery Direct’s Foundry is an industrial styled dining and occasional collection, using solid oak tops and hand-brushed bronzed metal legs. There are two sizes of dining table, 180cm and 240cm, dining bench, sideboard and console, side and coffee tables. Boho is a collection of living, dining and occasional furniture, featuring a patterned frieze of blind fretwork. The Brixton living and dining furniture collection uses solid European rustic graded oak with burnished resin tops. Bronte offers classic dining and occasional furniture using painted mahogany solids, complemented by quartered oak parquet inlaid veneers. The Acacia Camden range offers loft living styling while Cookham is a range of updated farmhouse dining furniture and Milano features an inlay chevron design.

Gooch Oriental Carpets debuted the Loribaft hand-knotted Persian rug in cream in several sizes. The Sahara hand-tufted plain rug is aimed at the independent sector after success in the multiple sector with a similar product.

Woburn, in New Zealand wool, comes in four sizes and features a traditional floral pattern.

Hayden Park showed its first range of powered recliners. Among the offerings in the sofa range will be a pulldown panel on which users can place their phone for automatic recharging. Other models will have USB points.

Highgrove Beds updated its POS, introduced the Equasleep temperature control system alongside the Ergosense soft mattress and the 5,000 pocket spring no-turn Sanctum Sovereign Embrace.

John Sankey‘s compact Albert chair has a contrast border and button-edge detail. Firbanks was extended with a chair.

JTW introduced the Urban Chic brand of fabric upholstery.

Julian Bowen showed 37 new collections or updates. Highlights

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included the Richmond dining and occasional collection, painted in Elephant Grey with pale oak tops; Salerno is an oak Shaker bedroom range; the Astrid fabric bed combines Scandinavian design with contemporary light oak splayed legs and grey linen upholstery with a buttoned headboard; the Pegasus High Sleeper features a pullout wardrobe with integral storage drawer, a desk with further drawers and cable holes while the ladder includes hidden storage cupboards at every step.

Kelston House introduced Manhattan, a living and dining collection with walnut veneer and painted aluminium detailing.

It expanded its table offer with an elliptical oak design in a choice of four finishes and a large oak dining table featuring epoxy resin filled splits.

La-Z-Boy UK debuted the contemporary Urban Attitudes collection, designed for urban living it hides the reclining mechanism in the side of the armrest so it looks like a static chair. There are 60 cover options.

Lebus Upholstery’s Asha is a high back design including a corner unit; Lusso features a compact chaise longue; Izzy is a snuggler design with stud detailing; Tessa is a button-back sofa; Yasmin has a high back and slim arms and Coco has a high back and pillow arms.

In evidence at Mark Webster Designs was the trend for furniture made from reclaimed wood where Barnyard, made from recycled pallets, was expanded. It also debuted its range of compact furniture under the First brand.

The Minerva buying group returned to the show after its debut in 2017 and as a direct result saw nine retailers with 13 stores join this month. ‘The group is in discussions with several other quality independents who are extremely interested in joining in the very near future. These additions significantly add to the buying power and strength of the group, which continues to evolve and build on its very solid foundations,’ says Roy Beagent, Minerva group business manager. Minerva will exhibit at the Manchester Furniture Show in July for the first time.

Nolte’s bestselling Mercato bedroom collection is available in new colours and with additional items. Latest features include a 42cm depth wardrobe instead of the usual 69cm. The new Cepina bedroom set in planked oak is

Interiors Monthly March 2018

Ercol’s Aradeo

Alexander & James’ Henderson

Highgrove Beds’ Holstan

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January Furniture Show NEC

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‘Alpine meets industrial meets loft living’.

Park Lane Beds showed its eightstrong range of mattresses including some with 6,000 spring counts.

Rama Carpets showed the new Passion collection featuring pinks, greys and a splash of orange. The Heritage range from Kathy Ireland Home, features abstract industrial-style designs in highlow pile. It also introduced its first own brand range, Mayfair.

SMG provided information on its new branding service where businesses can create their own brand, helping to reduce price comparisons and portray a consistent image in-store.

Stroolmount introduced recliner glides to make heavier items of furniture easier to move. They have a bigger than usual surface area to fit big, heavy pieces such as recliner chairs.

The Great Chair Company showed its debut collections of dining and accent chairs, with its main ranges held in stock in the UK for next day delivery.

Torelli’s Olivia glass-topped dining table can be extended by a simple swivelling motion, and the lower deck of a two-storey coffee table emerges by swivelling it out.

Vale Bridgecraft introduced its first contemporary high end sofa, Mode. It comes in a hardwood beech frame with springs in the arms and back and higher density foam than its usual products.

Vogue Beds updated its Therapy brand with the Medi Therapy and Medi Sports Therapy mattresses and the introduction of the Climate Cool fabric and upholstered headboards.

Wiemann introduced a semi-solid model: Lido, a bifold combi and slider wardrobe in semi-solid wood complemented by bronze mirror or magnolia finishes. Cayenne, a dual depth left or right aligned wardrobe was added to the VIP collection along with the dual depth hinged Cannes and the 79cm deep slider Cadiz with new lighting. The core collection saw the addition of Almeria, a contemporary white overbed range based on the bestselling Luxor; the Shaker style Helsinki and oak reproduction Sydney.

Willis & Gambier’s Maze collection was given a more modern look with the use of lighter-coloured oak. The new Boston dining range is in an oak finish that is heat and water-resistant.

Visit: www.januaryfurnitureshow.com

Interiors Monthly March 2018

Adjustamatic’s Aviemore

Libra’s Botanical collection

Maison & Objet Paris

REVIEW

Top of the design ladder

JAGER & JAGER

CASPER SEJERSEN

Cecilie Manz is Maison & Objet’s Designer of the Year

FRITZ HANSEN

DURAVIT

Top right: Ladder for Nils Holger Moormann Right: Luv for Duravit Below: Pouf for Fritz Hansen

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

Cecilie Manz remembers that as a child she would slip away to the studio in her ceramicist parents’ house to sink her hands into the clay…

Developing that early creativity she earned a diploma in object and furniture design from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1997, then moved to Finland to further her education at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki. The next year, she founded her own studio in the heart of Copenhagen.

Even though she needs the vibrant feel of the city to feed her creativity, she is still happy to commute to her suburban home and garden to reconnect with the elements.

Not unlike other Danish designers, the balance she maintains between civilisation and nature is vital to her creative process.

Much in the same way that her lifestyle and relationships with family members contribute to fuelling her inspiration. She readily admits that the ceremony for the Crown Prince Couple’s Culture Award she won in 2014, presented to her by the Prince and Princess of Denmark, was certainly one of the highpoints of her career. A career that spans 20 years as she patiently honed her skills to emerge today as one of the major figures of Scandinavian design.

Her first project, The Ladder – a ladder that doubles as a chair – was quickly picked up for production in 2000 by Nils Holger Moormann, after the German designer spotted the prototype in an interior design magazine. The other project that jumpstarted her career was the Caravaggio lamp in 2005, with Fritz Hansen’s Lightyears brand. There is now a whole collection of lamps.

Heeding the call to experiment, Manz has worked on such diverse projects as sofa throws, a minibar for a

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Left: Minuscule for Fritz Hansen Right: Earthenware for Fritz Hansen Below: Everyday Life exhibition Bottom left: Caravaggio for Fritz Hansen Bottom right: Workshop chair for Muuto

FRITZ HANSEN

Maison & Objet Paris

REVIEW

More than a style, the Scandinavian approach she defends, which is too often distorted in her opinion, ‘should reflect the actual lifestyle of these countries’. In her work, this is often achieved through subtle play on shades of grey associated with brighter colours.

Colour is a fundamental element in her creative process and she always develops a specific palette in the earliest stages of each project, because it is a way to assert the product’s identity.

Her Scandinavian heritage is also self-evident in her effort to strip her creations of any superfluous element, focusing on the essential, oblivious to the fact that her ceaseless pursuit of uncluttered lines presents a new challenge every time.

As the show’s Designer of the Year, Maison & Objet presented an exhibition of her products, displayed in a warm and homey atmosphere – the underlying theme that defines every one of her creations.

Visit: www.maison-objet.com/en/paris

MUUTO

Wallpaper* show, a series of wooden armchairs, a collection of dining tables and chairs for Fritz Hansen, glass vases, and several models of portable speakers for B&O Play – the more affordable brand recently launched by fellow Danes Bang & Olufsen, she has been collaborating with since 2014.

Despite her taste for experimenting with new materials and exploring original functions, whenever she sits down at her drawing table the process is invariable. Every new design starts with countless sketches and models and a close dialogue and collaboration with the manufacturer. A visit to the production line may refine the result and match the techniques used in each particular factory.

During the autumn, Manz often visited Japan to collaborate with Actus on a project named Moku and also to co-curate Everyday Life – Signs Of Awareness, an exhibition at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa on its 150th anniversary of the relationship between Japan and Denmark.

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

Heimtextil Frankfurt

REVIEW

Clark & Clark’s Elementa sees wide width, flame retardant satin prints combine with delicate watercolour sheers and fashionable velvets, all woven with Trevira yarns. Marbling and mottled lava patterns swirl throughout the collection, taking inspiration from the earth’s natural elements.

Interior angles Around 70,000 visitors from 135 countries descended on Frankfurt to see the latest textile products and trends.

Visit: www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com Hooked on Walls’ two Classy damask prints have surprising colour combinations for a contemporary look: think ochre yellow and baby blue or bright pink with deep-sea blue.

The French Riviera is the inspiration for Curt Bauer’s Le jardin sur la Côte d’Azur, where fresh green tones harmonise with bright accent colours such as yellow and fuchsia and give classic designs vigour and novelty.

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

Libeco’s new sheer fabric collection has more body to it than usual and a stonewash linen look.

Prestigious Textiles’ Phoenix presents a luminous cast of marbled textures and metallics, including glistening embroidery and burnished foil print plus shimmering chenille for statement upholstery.

REVIEW

Heimtextil Frankfurt

Mascioni’s Urban Match represents an attitude that is defined by instinct and feelings, willing to act regardless of doubts, simply transferring inputs that pass through mind to body.

Bellora’s Sea Lights range is defined by the intense colours of the Mediterranean’s different nuances.

JAB Anstoetz’s Honey is part of the Innovation collection where designs are deliberately reduced and limited to simple, graphic motifs with base colours of white, beige and grey.

Iliv’s Nordic is inspired by Scandi style with rich colours in retro designs.

There is a choice of six colours, including tangerine (pictured).

Welcome spring with cloudy flowers, good-mood colours and delicate patterns with Gardisette’s Cloud: (left to right) Cloud curtain; Smile voile; Life curtain; Nori cushions and Paint fabric.

Erismann’s Vintage wallpaper collection of 39 designs sees washed-out patina effects combined with gold and silver for the look of a bygone era.

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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Advertising feature: EGGER Dark Abergele Oak

Make a splash with EGGER PRO Laminate

Valley Oak Smoke

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

EGGER has expanded its range of laminate flooring with Aqua+ technology from 10 decors to 18. Featuring the latest ceramic and woodgrain decors, the collection provides a high quality, functional product with style.

The new range of Aqua+ decors are part of the EGGER PRO Flooring 2018-2020 collection that provides solutions for both commercial and private interiors.

EGGER’s innovative collection of 18 Aqua+ decors features the latest technology, providing a water-resistant floor that is well suited to bathrooms, restaurants, kitchens and bars.

Not only is it more cost effective than glued and grouted ceramic tiles, but the company says it is also the only laminate floor in the market that can be steam cleaned.

Scott Wolters, EGGER Flooring Products UK sales manager, says: ‘The EGGER PRO Laminate Aqua+ is already a firm favourite and the new decors will be a welcome addition to the collection. We get great feedback about Aqua+. It provides a high quality finish that does not require special gluing or sealing joints and is easy to install.

Customers like the fact it can be used across a number of application areas and interiors.’

Advertising feature: EGGER

Cortina Oak White

Specialist technology and matching accessories An EGGER Aqua+ board is five times more resistant to water swelling than a standard laminate due to specially developed high density fibre (HDF) core board. This unique technology also prevents warping if the environmental conditions change in the interior. Waterproof skirting is available in matching decors, along with sealer, moisture barrier underlay and mats, to ensure maximum water-resistance and a high quality consistent finish.

Trend-led decors Design experts at EGGER have travelled around the world to source the latest texture and decor trends as inspiration for the new Aqua+ range.

Woodgrain decors are available in a classic board format 8mm/32 (1291mm x 193mm) and feature 11 oak and walnut finishes. Material decors are available in a kingsize board format 8mm/32 (1291mm x 327mm) and includes seven granite, stone and concrete finishes. Both board formats offer a fantastic choice of decors when choosing flooring for a specific interior or application area.

Blue Halford Oak

EGGER guarantee G All of the Aqua+ decors come with a lifetime warranty that covers domestic use for 30 years and commercial use for five years. This gives peace of mind that a high quality, resilient and functional product is being installed that can be relied on.

G EGGER PRO Laminate Aqua+ comprises 18 decors across woodgrains and materials.

G An EGGER Aqua+ board is five times more resistant to swelling than standard laminate, due to specially developed high density fibre (HDF) core board.

G EGGER PRO Laminate Aqua+ is installed using UNIfit! which is 40% faster than other systems.

Quick and easy installation Like the majority of flooring in the EGGER PRO collection, Aqua+ boards are installed using UNIfit! which is 40% faster than other systems. This is due to EGGER’s flexible and floating installation technology that means no tools are required and multiple installers can work simultaneously in one room. As well as saving time and money the UNIfit! click system has a sturdy connection and is easy to install around doors, pipes and radiators.

EGGER (UK) Limited Anick Grange Road Hexham, Northumberland NE46 4JS Tel: 01434 602191

Dark Santino Stone Visit: www.egger.com www.facebook.com/eggergroup www.instagram.com/eggergroup www.linkedin.com/company/eggergroup

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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Salone del Mobile Milan 17-22 April

PREVIEW Show organiser Salone del Mobile Milano will host Living Nature La Natura dell’Abitare in Piazza del Duomo, a single 5,380sqft space, conceived with energy saving criteria in mind, containing four natural, climatic microcosms next to each other. It is designed to explore whether or not a space, urban or domestic, can become more humanfriendly through the sustainable use of natural resources.

Style statement

The glass diffusers of Luceplan’s Lita family of lamps have vertical line detailing.

Molteni&C has expanded Teorema, turning the chest of drawers featuring rotating elements into a storage unit where containment and open glass parts are superimposed to create a single solid with a densely faceted surface.

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Interiors Monthly March 2018

The 57th edition has As well as being at Rho, Vitra its first will host an exhibition, Typecasting: An Assembly of Iconic, Forgotten and New manifesto Vitra Characters at the former La Pelota sports with a arena in Via Palermo. declaration of intent of what to expect from the show, here’s some highlights of what will be on offer.

Visit: www.salonemilano.it

Hanger is the first design by Chinese designer Lea Chan for VG Newtrend.

PREVIEW

Opera Contemporary’s debuts include a chair with a slightly curved silhouette for the backrest with diamond pattern stitching.

Salone del Mobile Milan 17-22 April

Aston Martin’s latest sofa draws attention to its frame lightened by empty spaces and enriched by asymmetrical details such as one single armrest or a lateral table as the natural continuation of the structure.

Living Divani has expanded its Era collection of armchair, chair and a set of tables to include a sofa and easychair.

Marioni’s Joe table combines a brushed brass structure with black lacquered wood and craquelet celadon inserts. It is available as a circular or console table.

Formitalia’s Overseas sofa has showwood sides while the Sunrise armchair has a metal base with a pale golden satin finish, along with the Cigar pouffe.

MisuraEmme, which has taken part in every Salone del Mobile, has added the option of Sahara Noir marble to its Gaudi table.

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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Hong Kong International Home Textiles and Furnishings Fair 20-23 April

PREVIEW

98

More than 18,000 visitors are expected

No place like the home The April event encompasses the blossoming world of textiles Modern consumers are spending more on staying in rather than going out which means interest in home decoration is high. The HKTDC Hong Kong International Home Textiles and Furnishings Fair, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, featured more than 290 international textiles and furnishings suppliers in 2017.

The 2017 event attracted over 18,000 visiting buyers as they sourced a vibrant selection of textiles, furnishings and greeninspired hotel and catering products produced by an increasing list of international fair participants.

Led by the design-inspired Hall of Glamour and its rich selection of top quality brands, other notable zones highlight the latest topics in the home textiles and furnishings industry, including: baby and bedroom textiles; bathroom and kitchen

Interiors Monthly March 2018

textiles; carpet and floorcoverings; design solutions and trade services; upholstery and furnishing and window fashion and accessories.

With popular product demonstration and launch sessions, the show has an interactive experience that allows buyers to meet with suppliers and view and feel the products. The networking reception and connection-based events bring industry players together in a relaxed atmosphere. Expert seminars provide an overall impression of the prevailing trends and market developments.

The show runs alongside the HKTDC Hong Kong Houseware Fair while the HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair takes place from 27-30 April.

Visit: www.hkhometextilesfair.hktdc.com/ex/03

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