Interiors Monthly November 2015 by Interiors Monthly

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November 2015

Interiors first for flooring, furniture and accessories

The Flooring Show Happy Harrogate

Exhibition guide Must see shows

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Andrew Kidd EDITOR

Reasons to be cheerful? Sentiment among consumers and economic indicators point to the next few months being positive for retailers As we approach the key winter period, it seems that large parts of the interiors sector are in good health. Many a retailer has reported an improved performance and suppliers have been investing in product development. With consumer confidence positive, the housing market moving, interest rates still low, wages on the up, and no signs of inflation awaking from its slumbers, the next quarter could be one of the best the industry has seen for quite a while, even if it’s not as good as 2006. You can’t keep a good man down, goes the saying, and so it has proved for Lord Kirkham. The publication of Tapi’s annual return has finally quantified the scale of the DFS founder’s involvement in the flooring chain (see page 6). And it turns out he’s the

monthly

Editor: Andrew Kidd November 2015

Interiors first for flooring, furniture and accessories

The Flooring Show Happy Harrogate

Exhibition guide Must see shows

Soft, luxurious, easy clean twist in Super and Elite qualities from Cormar Carpets

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

largest shareholder (along with 45 others). One of the most interesting events of the past few weeks was visiting John Cotton’s Mirfield plant in West Yorkshire where Mark Cotton, the group’s md, discussed his plans to banish mattresses (and later pillows and duvets) from going into landfill (see page 77). The company can clean, shred the materials back to fibres and reuse materials from mattresses that would otherwise have to be buried. Apart from the scheme’s green credentials, it opens up all sorts of possibilities, such as reducing the cost to retailers of collecting old mattresses when they deliver a new one. The old one would have a value rather than just a cost of disposing of it. And as the materials can be reshredded time and again, use of new virgin fibres could be cut dramatically. It’s a great initiative (although it did provoke a thought about how many people have slept in your hotel bed before you) and it’ll be interesting to see if the network of mattress ‘scrapyards’ envisaged by Cotton springs to life across the country sooner or later. Where there’s mucky mattresses...

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

Furniture advertising (South): Tim Boden T: 01732 441 130 E: tboden@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Primo Excellence from Cormar Carpets: soft, luxurious easy clean twist in Super and Elite qualities www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

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

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

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 TSS DIGITAL © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236

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INTERIORS MONTHLY NOVEMBER 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 6

Spanish move for DFS

Simpler message from Carpet Foundation

Carpetright ‘on track’

FEATURES 20

John Lewis has tracked how shopping habits have changed in the past year

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Underlay Focus, selling up and speed

Living and dining A prison restaurant with style

Wood and laminate Market growth and more choice

Exhibition guide Key international and UK shows

Beds and bedroom Highlights from The Bed Show

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Retail

Reviews The Flooring Show, Tent and Autumn Furniture Show

Software Making life easier

100 Trends Key colour influences

REGULARS 16

New products

Service

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NEWS

DFS targets expats with Spanish store acquisition DFS is to target the UK expatriate community in Spain after buying DFS Spain. The company, which trades as DFS Furniture, has been operating in San Javier near Murcia on the Costa Calida in southern Spain since 2003, covering the Northern Almeria, Murcia and Southern Alicante regions from a 5,000sqft store. DFS says the buy will allow it to target DFS advertising to the 800,000 expatriates in Spain, give it a showroom and return ownership of the DFS trademark in Spain. It has no plans to open any other stores. In the Netherlands it has opened a second trial store near Rotterdam, which at 10,000sq ft is half the size of the first Amsterdam branch. A third is planned. The trial of its UK 2,500sqft format is to be extended with a further two branches. DFS says it has been successful in targeting the ‘aspirational consumer’, in the UK where it believes its made to order and UK manufacturing ‘should appeal strongly’. It says it has increased its share of this market from 18% to 23% and wants to reach 25% by 2018. Sales of its branded collections such as Country Living and French Connection have increased by 75%. Pre-tax profits rose from £3.6m to £10.7m in the year to 1 August. Sales were up by 7% to a record £913.1m. In the UK sales climbed by 7.2% and by 4.7% on a like for

Sales of branded ranges rose by 75%

like basis. Of the UK growth, 1.7% came from existing stores, 2.2% from new branches, 1.7% online and 1.4% from Dwell and Sofa Workshop. Meanwhile, private equity firm Advent International has taken advantage of the increase in DFS’s share price since it floated in March to sell a 15% stake in the retailer. Advent raised £94.4m from the sale, reducing its holding to 38.2%. It sold the shares at £2.95, which was below the market price. DFS’s share price initially dropped on the sale but quickly recovered. When the chain floated in March Advent was unable to sell as many shares as it had wanted and the chain floated at £2.55, rather than the £3.10 it had hoped for. The share price was £3.22 as Interiors Monthly went to press.

Lord Kirkham is Tapi’s largest shareholder Lord Kirkham is the largest shareholder in flooring chain Tapi, launched by Martin Harris. Its first store opened in May and there are now 14 stores with a further six due to open shortly: Cardiff, Coventry (14 November), Glasgow Abbottsinch, Orpington, Peterborough and Watford. Its annual return for 2015, filed at Companies House at the end of October, lists 4,956,000 shares, owned by 46 separate shareholders. Lord Kirkham is the largest shareholder with 1million shares (20.17%), followed by Martin Harris (920,000) and Charles Harris (400,000). Sir Harry Djanogly, Lady Djanogly and Jonathan Djanogly each have 200,000 shares, as has Simone Davidson and Joanne Lindsay. Paul Jacobs, Philip Saunders and Scott Brash own 100,000

Interiors Monthly November 2015

There are now 14 Tapi stores

shares. Terry Moore has 75,000; Tom McCarrigle 60,000; Ralph Scott, Nicholas Kerman and Judith Wilett own 50,000 shares. Susan Clifton has 45,000; Johanna Constantinou and Wilem Tijink each own 42,500 and Karen Knighton, Tracey Skea, William Flatau, Jonathan Salt and Mark Cope each own 40,000. Other shareholders are Andrew Brown (35,000); Stephen Davis (30,000); Sir Dan

Moynihan, Jason Turner and Baroness Wilcox (25,000 each); Christine Harris (21,000); Laura Sharpe and Garry Postle (20,000 each); James Baker, Sheila HarrisTaylor, David Broome, Neil Anscomb, Antony Evans, Paul Lorimer, Angela Lorimer, Michael Sweeney and Graham Betts each own 10,000 shares while Lee Styles, Deborah Powell, James Broome, Matthew Broome and Richard Broome have 5,000 each.

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NEWS

Consumers to get a simpler message from Carpet Foundation The Carpet Foundation is to simplify its consumer marketing message to: Buy from a Carpet Foundation retailer. For the past few years the organisation has in effect been trying to persuade consumers to buy a carpet made by a CF supporting manufacturer from a CF retailer. The change comes as it tries to widen its manufacturer support with a new Patron Member status, which it hopes will increase the number of manufacturers backing it. Historically the organisation has been financially backed by subscriptions from Brintons, Brockway, Cormar, Ryalux, Ulster, Victoria, Westex and a sales levy on sales of their products through retail members, which was later replaced by a flat subscription fee. ‘The reality is that for the last five or six years, we have had to balance the message of promoting independent retailers as the carpet experts and people to go to with trying to give our manufacturer supporters a bang for their buck. We have been saying buy a CF manufacturer carpet from a CF retailer: it has been a bit of a challenge,’ says Andrew Stanbridge, Carpet Foundation chief executive. In a letter to CF retailer members he says the focus is now on them. ‘Now the message is simple, clear – and there is only one, and that is: “Buy from a Carpet Foundation retailer”. It is all about you, and you alone, from now on.

‘The Carpet Foundation manufacturers are all lining up behind this to demonstrate their continued support for independent retailers. They recognise that to grow, they need you to sell more carpet. They are also, I must stress, maintaining their financial support. ‘What will it mean for you? Simply, a more sharpened and focused message, signposting you as the people to buy carpet from. Over the coming months we have several initiatives planned, including a redesign of our website to reflect this, and we will update you regularly on what we have done and have planned. Exciting times lie ahead.’ John Duncan, Carpet Foundation chairman, held talks with potential manufacturing Patron Members at The Flooring Show and Interiors Monthly understands about six have agreed to join the new scheme with others very keen. In a letter to potential Patron Members he says: ‘Going forward, with the full blessing of our manufacturers, we will be focusing entirely on our retailers, while maintaining manufacturer support. Indeed, our manufacturers are adamant that they want to see the Carpet Foundation continue, and to be part of it. They are keen to demonstrate their support to the independent retailer and, as importantly, ensure that our industry has a trade body that can represent it.’

AHF nears £20m

Habitat sales increased

Six month boost for Homebase Homebase has enjoyed like for like sales growth in the past six months, helped by increased sales and big ticket items. The chain saw like for like sales rise by 5.6% in the 26 weeks to 29 August. Growth was broadly across all product categories, but particularly in big ticket kitchen, bathroom and furniture products. Sales of Habitat products in Homebase, including concessions, increased by over 30% compared to the

Interiors Monthly November 2015

same period last year. There are now 68 Habitat concessions. Performance of exclusive brands such as Habitat, Odina, Schreiber, Hygena and Qualcast continue to be of key importance to Homebase. The rebranding of the Kitchen Essentials range to Simply Hygena emphasises the good quality and stylish selection of kitchens. The Simply Hygena brand has delivered strong sales growth compared to the same period in 2014/2015.

AHF has seen sales rise by more than 5% in the past financial year on the back of higher investment. Sales were up by 6% to £19.5m in the year to 31 March at the 19-store chain as EBITDA increased from just under £350,000 to a little over £432,000. The chain spent £1.3m on new branches in Colchester, Northampton and Peterborough during the year, alongside group-wide investments to improve performance. This compared to £121,167 in the previous year. Matt Hesketh, AHF md, says the chain is poised to expand its geographic footprint in the coming months while anticipating growth from its present store portfolio. Current growth compares with a previous drop from £18.335m in 2013 to £18.2m in 2014. Hesketh has been a director of Anglia Home Furnishing Holdings since September 2011.

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NEWS

Essential loafing supplies in Battersea

Carpetright reported a positive trading performance

Carpetright progress ‘is on track’ Wilf Walsh, Carpetright chief executive, says his effort to revitalise the country’s largest flooring retailer brand ‘is on track.’ UK like for like sales rose by 4% in the 25 weeks to 24 October. This compares with a 4.9% rise in the eight weeks to 27 June and a rise of 7% in the 2014 equivalent period. Total UK sales climbed by 2.5%. In the Republic of Ireland, Netherlands and Belgium like for like sales were up 8.9% in euro terms and by 2.7% in total. The weakness of the euro resulted in a 6.9% drop in sterling sales. The group says its forecast of a drop in gross margin of between 50 and 100 basis points is unchanged and it still expects to make a group underlying pre-tax profit of £16m to £19m for the year ending 30 April 2016. ‘I am pleased to report that the group continued its positive trading performance during the period. In the UK we delivered encouraging sales growth against strong comparatives in the prior year and continue to gain market share. Sales in the rest of Europe have also continued to recover,’ says Walsh. ‘Our aim to revitalise the Carpetright brand is on track. We have made further progress with the strategy of rationalising and repositioning our store portfolio and are encouraged by the early performance of our four trial concept stores in the UK. We will update shareholders on progress of our strategic initiatives at the time of the interim results on 15 December.’ Walsh says trading in the year to date remains in line with management’s expectations and the view for the year as a whole remains unchanged.

Interiors Monthly November 2015

Etailer Loaf has opened its first standalone store, seven years after launching with a choice of a dozen beds and one mattress. The 8,000sqft store in Battersea, London, is described as ‘a slowroom, not a showroom’. ‘Our aim has been to make shopping for furniture online as simple and as hassle-free as possible. But there are still a large number of customers who want to see and touch the product before they buy. To respond to that demand we’ve created a seriously beautiful, bells and whistles store that we’ve filled with things to make people smile,’ says Charlie Marshall, Loaf founder. The store features chill-out areas, a children’s play area and an ice cream parlour. Along with its beds and sofas, for the first time Loaf is offering a collection of gifts and accessories including organic candles, bath lotions, tableware, cashmere blankets and other ‘essential loafing supplies’ in-store that are not available online. ‘Our main focus right now is on getting the brand magic absolutely spot on. Our move to bricks and clicks is all about reaffirming our core values and giving customers a fantastic shopping experience,’ says Marshall. Loaf’s upholstery and beds are made in Long Eaton while its mattresses are manufactured in Wiltshire. In 2014/2015 it had sales of £21.6m.

The store features chill-out and children’s play areas

Summer move

House prices up

Buying group Minerva is to move its summer members show to the National Agriculture & Exhibition Centre at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire next year. The group has booked 4,500sqm for the 17-18 May event. The Autumn Furniture Show is unaffected and will remain at The International Centre, Telford.

UK house prices rose by 3.9% in October compared with 2014, says Nationwide. Property values were up by 0.6% compared with September, putting the cost of the average home at £196,807. For first-time buyers, mortgage payments make up just under 35% of take-home pay, markedly less than the 52% reached in 2007.

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1 The As Long As You Like It table is Sverre Uhnger and Thomas Jenkins first collaboration. It can be made to any length and combines ash and Norwegian Larvikite stone. Visit: www.thomasjenkins.co 2 Encapsulating the aspiration and desire of luxury lifestyle brands, A Taste of Luxury is the latest concept in top end carpet retailing from Lano Carpets. Bringing together SmartStrand, SmartStrand Silk, wool, bamboo and polyamide collections, the concept redefines the manufacturer’s premium carpet, presenting a sophisticated look to attract aspirational buyers. Visit: www.lano.com 3 The DG painted bedroom collection is the latest launch from Kettle Interiors. Representing the reintroduction of contrasting top furniture into the supplier’s portfolio, the DG range is in-line with the

Interiors Monthly November 2015

latest emerging trends in the sector. The collection features a contrasting oak top and the option of oak or metal knobs supplied with every piece. Tel: 01536 444 960 4 Laura Melhuish-Sprague founded Melhuish & Sprague after winning the New Designers Harlequin Award in 2014. Her fabric designs are hand-painted and designed to blend with traditional and modern interiors. Visit: www.melhuishandsprague.com 5 The PR dining chair is Kettle Interiors’ first upholstered style. Finished in a durable linen-look fabric, PR makes a luxurious addition to any dining room, its classic styling blending well with both contemporary and traditional settings. With natural finish oak legs, PR complements Kettle’s oak dining tables. Tel: 01536 444 960

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SERVICE

Richard Renouf

Listen and learn Customer expectations should be managed early on Jim knocked at Mrs Reed’s door. He wasn’t looking forward to this visit; dealing with difficult customers was the worst part of his job, and he knew Mrs Reed would be more difficult than many. ‘Hello,’ she said, ‘you’d better come in.’ She led the way into the bedroom where the bed had already been stripped for inspection. Jim could see the hollows, one on each side of the bed. How many more times was he going to have to deal with a complaint like this? ‘There are the dips I was telling you about. This is the most uncomfortable bed I’ve ever slept in. Now, what are you going to do about it?’ she asked. ‘Let me have a look,’ said Jim, and he started prodding and poking the bed with his fingers. The springs were sound, he could feel the tops and they were at the same height in the dips as they were where settlement had not taken place. ‘Mrs Reed, I’m checking by hand, but would you mind if I put my full weight across the bed by lying on it?’ he asked. ‘Please do. You’ll soon see exactly what I mean,’ she replied. Jim stifled a sigh as he did what he

Settlement occurs on upholstery as well as mattresses

Interiors Monthly November 2015

could to make the inspection look thorough. He knew the issues here, and that she was unlikely to be happy with what he had to tell her. He also knew that this, like all the similar issues he’d dealt with over the years, could have been avoided. Where should he start? The possible responses were ready and waiting, but there were some questions first. ‘Did you try out the mattress before you chose it?’ he asked. ‘Yes, but it’s not like sleeping on it for a night.’ ‘Did the salesperson explain about the type of fillings?’ ‘He said they were good quality, so why have they gone like that?’ ‘Does your husband find it uncomfortable too?’ ‘He could sleep anywhere, so what does that matter?’ Jim took a deep breath and then began the long process of explaining. Each point he made was challenged: ‘Quality fillings will settle.’ ‘Well why did no-one tell me that?’ ‘It’s because you always tend to lie in one place.’

‘Who doesn’t, a bed should be fit for that purpose!’ ‘The fillings are always compressed when you lie on a bed, so it won’t affect your comfort.’ ‘It affects mine, what are you going to do?’ Stalemate was reached quickly. The more Jim tried to explain, the more Mrs Reed was unconvinced even though she eventually gave up her fight. If only these things had been explained as part of the sales process. If only the manufacturers were more upfront in their sales literature. And if only the boss hadn’t put pressure on the sales team to make each sale as quickly as possible. Taking the time to ensure each customer had chosen a product that was right for them and to manage their expectations on simple issues like settlement was too negative, the boss had often told him. If only the boss could have listened to Mrs Reed. Visit: www.richard-renouf.com Richard Renouf is an independent furnishings consultant

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RETAIL Left: Rug sales rose by 14% Right: More Ebbe Gehl dining furniture was sold

Personal touch John Lewis customers opted for individuality Pouffe sales were up 30% on last year, with the House knitted pouffe (above) the bestseller while sales of ready-made curtains rose 19%

Interiors Monthly November 2015

The past 12 months have marked a major turning point for the nation’s homes. Customers abandoned neutral colour palettes and entered a more adventurous, glamorous era of interior design, according to John Lewis. Pinterest boards provided inspiration on every element of the home, while Airbnb showcased an array of enticing properties, raising the bar for people’s own homes. In response, customers cleverly updated their abodes with small, stylish touches to keep rooms looking fresh and stylish. Due to ‘the Pinterest effect’, cushions, rugs, curtains and lighting were among the top 10 search terms of the year across its website, the retailer reveals in its How We Shop, Live and Look report, covering July 2014 to August 2015. Finishing touches for a quick-fix makeover all increased in sales: mini houseplants: 888%; metal table lamps: 52%; readymade curtains: 19%; rugs: 14% and black picture frames: 8%. Customers were also more confident about making design choices and

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RETAIL

John Lewis customers now spend more than £1,000 on a sofa

wanted autonomy in their home styling. Its Colourbox rug service, which allows customers to specify a rug’s colour, textile and pattern, saw a 33% increase in orders on last year. The same was true of upholstery, where customers opted to choose the style and fabric of bespoke items, such as armchairs and sofas. This service saw a 10% lift in sales. To showcase their stylish new interiors, customers went big on lighting. Sales of statement pieces such as crystal ceiling lights increased by 23% on last year and the average spend on lighting rose by 6%. More adventurous lighting preferences were also evident in choices of warm copper and brass finishes, epitomised by the strong sales of progressive designs from Tom Dixon in a palette of metallic colours. A consequence of the new national flair for interior design was that kitting out a home became more closely linked to fashion trends, with ‘Young Fogies’ scouring stores for a retro look to match their wardrobes. The 1970s was en vogue on the catwalks of Tom Ford, Prada, Pucci and Gucci, as well as in home decor. This meant strong sales of patterned wallpaper in retro shades of brown and orange and the return of the pouffe, macrame cushions, and sleek, minimalist wood cabinets. But rather than recreating the living

Interiors Monthly November 2015

rooms of their parents, the younger generation modernised and personalised the look, with utility lighting and neutral throws to counterbalance the use of bold, block prints. As well as enjoying fun home fashion trends, customers invested in statement pieces of high quality furniture to give a strong focal point to a room. Through its Design Collective range, the chain collaborated with some of the best design talent, with sales of the range increasing by 6% on last year. Danish designer Ebbe Gehl’s distinctive

Scandi-style dining furniture in pale oak was a particular success, with sales up by over 9%. Bethan Gray’s Genevieve bedroom range, with its elegant structures and understated designs, sold 36% more than forecast. Further evidence of a willingness to invest more in key pieces was seen in the increasing average spend on sofas, which is now more than £1,000, compared to 2012 when it was about £870. Across the chain furniture sales increased by 6%. Visit: www.johnlewis.com

Sales of the Vitra Eames lounger rose by 758%

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Need for six applications Interfloor prioritises consumer and contract demand Interfloor’s continued focus on primary underlay applications is helping drive its growth. ‘There is growing demand in six key applications. The primary ones have always been comfort and durability, but we have also defined underfloor heating, heat insulation, sound insulation and hard flooring as being of significant interest. These applications are shaping both consumer and contract demand,’ says Steve Woodhead, Interfloor marketing director. Comfort Consumers increasingly want outstanding levels of comfort, well above the standard levels of luxury. Woodhead says an increasing number of Tredaire underlays are up to 65% higher than the conventional standard for luxury. These products include Sensation, Colours Red and Titanium. Durability Premium durability applies to underlays that offer 100% recovery from pressure indentations. Crumb rubber underlays with densities over 400kg per cum provide this and are suitable for dining rooms and staircases. Duralay System 10, Treadmore and Durafit are tried and tested solutions. Underfloor heating These underlays need tog values of less than 1. Duralay pioneered this niche with its Heatflow range of low tog underlays from 0.3tog to 0.8tog. Its Heatflow Carpet and Heatflow Wood and Laminate underlays continue to tap into this growing market. Heat insulation Such underlays reflect the growing interest in products that help to keep living rooms insulated and minimise heating bills. Some Tredaire PU underlays have tog values between 2.4 and 3.1; up to 50% better than competitor products,

Interiors Monthly November 2015

according to Woodhead. The highest tog underlays include Dreamwalk, Sensation and Softwalk. Sound insulation Sound insulation underlays for carpets are useful in addressing noise reduction to combat noisy neighbours. Some Tredaire PU foam and sponge rubber products have decibel ratings of more than 40. These include Colours Red, Dreamwalk and Sensation. Hard flooring Duralay was the first manufacturer to develop special noise reduction underlays for wood and laminate floors. Offering up to 30% noise reduction, these high density 700kg per cum sponge rubber underlays include Silentfloor Gold and Timbermate Excel. Visit: www.interfloor.com

Duralay Treadmore

Duralay Silentfloor Gold

Tredaire Sensation

Duralay Silentfloor Gold offers up to 30% noise reduction for wood and laminate floors

Why so many retailers ask a 101-year-old to help them retire. At the Lynch Sales Company, we’re proud to have helped so many retailers retire. We’ve done so in a way that maximizes the value of their businesses while allowing for a smooth transition to the next generation of ownership. Our copyrighted retirement sales plan can generate 50% or more of your store’s annual sales volume in 30 to 60 days. This provides the funds necessary for you to leave your business with peace of mind while you pursue your next “career.” To learn more, call the Lynch Sales Company today for a complete outline, including a copy of our easy-to-understand, one-page contract, or visit www.LynchSales.co.uk

MORE THAN 100 YEARS OF INTEGRITY AND RESULTS Serving the U.S., Canada and the U.K. *VU[HJ[ .HYL[O 7YPJL ࠮ ;el: +44 (0) 1243 37836 ࠮ www.LynchSales.co.uk Copyright 2015 Lynch Brothers Licensing Corporation

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For more information call us on 01297 33533 email us at: sales@axminster-carpets.co.uk or go to: www.axminster-carpets.co.uk

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UNDERLAY Floorwise underlay presenters highlight the benefits of products including Performance Lush and Performance Tread

Point of up-sell Retailers should make the most of added revenue streams The underlay sector is as fiercely competitive as ever, but consumer perception of a brand can have a huge influence on the products they choose and the amount they spend on something they’ll often never see, reckons Richard Bailey, Floorwise md. ‘Most consumers know that they really should buy underlay with their new carpet and are prepared to apportion some of their budget to it. The trouble is most don’t fully appreciate the benefits of a new underlay. Knowing you need it to make everything feel a little more comfortable underfoot and really understanding the benefits of underlay are two entirely different things. It’s the job of the underlay brand to change this quickly and simply at the point of sale,’ he says. Consumers may spend hours researching carpet options, but few put the same emphasis into underlay and so enter the purchase relatively blind. If sales staff offer a nondescript underlay as ‘right for the job’, they are likely to opt for this without much thought as to what might be better.

Interiors Monthly November 2015

‘This is a huge opportunity wasted as underlay can add an extra revenue stream that shouldn’t be ignored,’ he says. Floorwise has invested heavily in the marketing and presentation of its underlay, believing this is just as important, if not more so, in securing sales through educating consumers at the point of sale. ‘We’ve innovated with phrases such as “bounce-back-ability”, simple and clear to understand performance charts and our tread stations that allowed consumers to feel the difference between underlays. These initiatives have always been driven at the point of sale, whether through underlay sample covers, dedicated displays or our new underlay presenters, presenting the advantages of underlay where it’s needed most,’ he explains. The complete guide to foam underlays and The complete guide to rubber and felt underlays present the advantages of quality underlay in a way that’s easy to understand and gives potential to up-sell. Identifying the key benefits of underlay such as increasing the life of carpet, absorbing sound and keeping rooms

warmer, these large format presenters also look at the specifics of each underlay, identifying the comfort and durability on a simple sliding scale. ‘We’ve found a resolute differentiation between each product that gives homeowners a clear idea as to the suitability and comfort of an underlay is far more effective than muddying the water with similar underlays that blur the boundaries between specifications, comfort, durability and suitability,’ he says. The use recommendation chart makes it even easier for consumers to work out what underlay they need and makes it simpler for salespeople to up-sell to a better quality product. Whether that is for added comfort in the bedroom or a more durable and lasting density for the hallway is down to the individual needs and wants of the consumer. ‘With the Floorwise underlay portfolio in hand, retailers have the ideal brand and tools to make the very best of a valuable added revenue stream,’ adds Bailey. Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk

on tre

ca ts rpe s price North Wales, Cheshire Matt Bell 07870 237241 Scotland James Hall 07787 140136 Yorkshire, North East England Steve Allitt 07971 952873 East Midlands Charlotte Jarvis 07460 875070 Northern Ireland Shane O’Neill 00353 87 6491119 South West, South Wales Adam Nicol 07785 738975 London, Berkshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, South East Jon Marsh 07976 795821 Zac Marsh 07828 663325 Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire Richard Cooper 07860 525245 Belgium D[äXZ J Peeters 0032 475 71 08 69 0032 51 320 543

ble

North West, Midlands, Southern Ireland Paul Hugo (Sales Manager) 07813 714498

, at a f f o r da

Representation:

RANGE NAME

BACKING COMPOSITION

BEDROOM BLISS BARBADOS BROOKLYN GARDA GARDA GARDA SUPREME FESTIVAL ISTANBUL NEW IZMIR KENSINGTON carved MILANO NAPELS NORFOLK NEW FARO NEW FARO MANHATTAN OPERA PICASSO PALERMO PRADO QUEENS RICHMOND HILTON ROMA RACHEL SATURNUS SYMPHONY SYMPHONY SENSUALITY SENSUALITY DELUXE SIENNA SILKY TELSTAR TORINO TORINO TORONTO VANCOUVER BERNABEU NOU CAMP OLD TRAFFORD OLYMPIC SAO PAOLO

heavy felt ab ab felt ab ab felt ab felt woven ab felt felt ab felt ab ab felt ab heavy felt ab woven woven felt ab/felt felt ab ab ab felt ab felt felt ab ab ab preco preco preco preco preco

100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp ZETALON ZETALON 100 % pp ZETALON 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp 100 % pp

H & V Carpets are a leading Belgium carpet manufacturer, supplying roll stock only, via retail oulets. Our collection of over 20 ranges gives a wide and varied choice for every budget. We pride ourselves on providing on trend carpets, at affordable prices. Contact your local area rep to view the full collection and begin to enjoy prices and product that are second to none. H&V Carpets BVBA, Nijverheidsstraat 26, 8760 Meulebeke, Belgium

UNDERLAY

Time frame Next day delivery and pre-tackifying are speeding up fitting

Aimed at bringing Axminster quality from the floor up, Axfelt from Axminster Carpets is part of the widening demand by customers for a more sumptuous feeling to their carpets, says Hilary Clements, Axminster Carpets marketing manager. ‘Underlay is an essential but often not understood part of the customers’ purchase of carpet. A good underlay can make a significant difference to the finished room and life of the carpet. It not only helps to reduce wear and tear but keep the carpet looking better for longer,’ says Clements. Axfelt is now available for palletised next day delivery if ordered by noon. ‘By using our own yarn and wool in manufacturing Axfelt, we not only reduce our environmental impact but can ensure our customers have unrivalled performance for wear, sound, less noise underfoot and insulationgiving quality foundations under the carpet of their choice,’ says Says Simon Wright, Axminster Carpets technical director. Axfelt Triple Layered Underlay comprises a hard wearing top layer, made from 100% waste wool, a middle layer from waste wool, nylon carpet and edge trimmings, and a base layer, manufactured using rubber granules from recycled car tyres. The finished underlay provides a tog rating of 2.2. QA Flooring Solutions’ WorkForce Rapid underlay is designed to make

Interiors Monthly November 2015

installation quicker and easier thanks to its pre-tackified backing allowing it to stick to the subfloor without wet adhesive, saving a lot of fitting time on double-stick installations. WorkForce Rapid is a heavy traffic

Left: QA Flooring Solutions’ WorkForce Rapid Below: Underlay is an essential purchase for carpets, such as Axminster’s Dartmoor

underlay, suitable for heavy domestic and commercial installations – in particular for areas of high wheelchair traffic. Visit: www.axminster-carpets.co.uk Visit: www.qaflooringsolutions.com Something for everyone: Novostrat aims to offer an underlay for every room and every application. Sonic Gold Excel (pictured centre) offers up to 22dB noise penetration resistance; Sonic Classic can be used with underfloor heating; Graphite is an economy underlay; Comfort comes in three qualities and Combat two. Email: Tony.taibi@ novostrat.com

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LIVING AND DINING

Serving time A prison restaurant with style Bollate prison in Milan is the first prison in Italy to open a restaurant to the public, in a project designed to connect ‘the outside and the inside.’ The InGalera restaurant was designed by architect Augusta Comi, who chose Pedrali’s Volt chairs, with and without arms, in white and beige and Inox tables with a white powder coated base. ‘The design concept of the InGalera restaurant comes from the observation of the clean and rigorous lines of the typical prison environment, places where functionality is held in high regard. ‘The use of pastel colours, which reflects the theme of the window frames on the facade, gives the room a character of lightness and elegant simplicity,’ she says. Bollate is known for its emphasis on prisoner rehabilitation and nine prisoners work in the 52-seater restaurant, five in the kitchen and four in the dining room, alongside a professional chef and maître d’. Visit: www.ingalera.it www.pedrali.it Pedrali’s Volt chairs and Inox tables are on the menu at InGalera

Interiors Monthly November 2015

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MATTING

Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club and Ronnie Scott’s are among the users of Ingenius

Make an entrance Jaymart’s matting allows for corporate logos and keeps water out Jaymart’s Ingenius heavy-duty polypropylene entrance matting with a rubber crumb back has proved popular with corporate hospitality clients including National Trust, Jamie Oliver’s restaurants, Cath Kidson, Yo Sushi, JD Wetherspoons, Cafe Rouge and Garfunkel’s Restaurant. This product has recently been specified by the Bosworth Hall Hotel which is set in a 17th century mansion

Interiors Monthly November 2015

with 11acres of grounds near Market Bosworth, Leicestershire. It has period features such as four-poster beds, oakbeamed ceilings and cast-iron baths. Ingenius is chosen because it retains its efficient dirt removal properties even when wet, says Paul Macfarlane, Jaymart sales director. Moisture removed is trapped below the walking surface of the mat, preventing ingress tracking. ‘Unlike coir matting, it is colourfast and

doesn’t moult. This makes it an ideal material choice for logo mats and for the more prestigious entrances we incorporate Ingenius into our GrimeGrabber and Alligator-Forefront aluminium based entrance matting systems,’ he says. Ingenius is available in anthracite, tan, black, blue, red, green, grey, slate, brown and yellow. Tel: 01985 218 994

WE’VE GOT IT COVERED With our superb range of Flooring. Featuring high performing products that offer an unmatched level of performance, longevity and quality.

Call us now to ﬁnd out more on 01985 218994 or visit www.jaymart.co.uk Jaymart Rubber & Plastics Ltd. Roman Way, Crusader Park, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 8SP

WOOD AND LAMINATE

Drivers for growth Sales are increasing despite strong competition The UK’s wood floorcovering sector, which includes solid wood, engineered wood and laminate, accounts for 16% of the overall UK flooring market, according to AMA Research’s Wood and Laminate Floorcoverings Market Report – UK 20152019 Analysis. Growth has been positive since the low point in 2011, and demand for wood floorcoverings has continued to get

better into 2015, with improvements in the underlying economy, a recovering housing market, and higher levels of business confidence and investment all helping to boost growth. But, the market is subject to strong competition from other smooth floorcoverings products, particularly LVT. The share of wood was affected by the decline in demand for laminate which

Rustication: Kährs has introduced the Småland collection of 10 rustic oak wood floors as part of its Supreme Range. It features a timber surface with a unique composition of knots, graining and cracks. The very rustic, undulating appearance is complemented with a range of surface treatments including brushing, handscraping, sawing, staining and smoking, which create a multi-faceted surface. The multi-layered boards measure 2420mm x 187mm x 15mm and feature Kährs’ glueless Woodloc joint. Visit: www.kahrs.com

Interiors Monthly November 2015

began around 2008. However, over the past year, there have been signs that wood and laminate are once again beginning to regain share in the overall floorcoverings market. Laminate, the largest product category, continues to act as a strong driver of growth in the overall wood floorcoverings market, and while both engineered and solid wood have become more affordable, laminate’s environmental credentials have made it an increasingly popular choice in the commercial/contract sector, says AMA. Sales of laminate continued on an upward trend in 2014 and into 2015, benefiting from growth in the housing market and strengthening consumer confidence. The solid and engineered woods sector has been less volatile than laminate. As with laminate, solid and engineered wood floorcoverings returned to growth in 2012 after four years of decline in 2008-2011, which had seen the value of the market fall by an estimated 14%. AMA estimates growth for the sector in 2014 was 3%. The accessories sector accounts for around 5% of the total wood and laminate floorcoverings market. China remains the dominant supplier of wood flooring imports to the UK, while Poland is the dominant European supplier-country, more than doubling its share of UK imports since 2010. ‘While domestic DIY installations of wood floorcoverings are still below prerecession levels, there is a degree of pentup demand in the market and consumer confidence continues to improve as a result of low inflationary pressures and a strengthening economy,’ says Jane Tarver, AMA Research research executive. Despite reasonable growth, the market value is forecast to remain some 13% lower than its pre-recession peak in 2007. AMA forecasts that sales will rise by about 3% to 4% annually to 2017, before slowing slightly in 2018-2019, when it estimates the market will be worth £335m. Visit: www.amaresearch.co.uk

WOOD AND LAMINATE

Lindura in Oak and the POS stands

Engineered for action Interfloor has expanded its offer with Lindura Interfloor has recently launched the Lindura range of Meister engineered wood floors. ‘Meister is a German manufacturing company with a reputation for quality, innovation and design flair. Featuring 30 colours, with matching accessories, this is a premium range specially selected for independent retailers and flooring contractors. With Meister’s outstanding 35-year “Longlife” residential warranty, this range is on-trend for the consumer and comes with Interfloor’s three to five-day delivery service as standard,’ says Steve Woodhead, Interfloor marketing director. He says Meister’s reputation for innovative products is again evident with 3D finishes and the new Lindura range that combines a wood layer with wood powder technology, and an HDF core, to give a harder wearing floor that is more resistant to indentation. Interfloor also provides a complete marketing package including a modular POS system, accessory sample boards, a design-led brochure, a consumer sampling service and a consumer marketing programme through Facebook. ‘Our range of Meister Laminate and Nadura flooring has proven very popular with retailers since its launch in 2014,’ he says. The range includes 42 decors, an expanded selection of colour matched accessories, backed up with a dedicated 60-page brochure, POS and a consumer sampling service. All Meister laminates incorporate an HDF core for greater durability and the collection features narrower, longer and tile formats as well and some planks with a non-repeat decor. The unique

Nadura flooring, which uses wood powder technology, is incredibly hard-wearing and comes with an unprecedented lifetime warranty for residential use, he adds. Most of Meister’s flooring products incorporate its patented Masterclic Plus click system which produces a more secure locking mechanism and reduces installation time. ‘The response to the Meister laminate range has been outstanding. Customers seem to love the brand. We believe our new range of Meister engineered wood will offer a unique solution that will be equally popular,’ says Woodhead. Interfloor, tel: 01706 238 810

Meister Nadura in Anthracite Slate

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

PANELS

Swift Group offers a large range of holiday homes

The tongue-and-groove system speeds up the assembly process

Holiday maker Unilin’s Durelis panels are at the heart of Swift Group’s holiday homes Swift Group is the UK’s leading leisure vehicle manufacturer and the only manufacturer to make touring caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes. ‘It all started with the production of the first Swift touring caravan in 1964,’ says Tom Anderton, Swift Group marketing manager. It now has approximately a 40% UK market share in touring caravans. In the 1980s it began manufacturing motorhomes and in 2004 entered the holiday home sector. ‘Swift has grown organically and through acquisition over the years,’ says

Interiors Monthly November 2015

Anderton. To develop and grow further, it is targeting new demographics and developing products to attract new people into the industry. ‘Our key values such as quality, reliability, outstanding technical support and customer satisfaction remain the basis of our success and have created a very strong brand. For this reason, it is crucial for us to use materials and parts that support these values,’ he says. Unilin’s Panels division provides a range of materials used by Swift Group. ‘We were in search of a high quality

product that met all our requirements for a solid floor construction in our holiday homes. Solid, reliable flooring is the basis for any quality home construction. We were not going to compromise on quality,’ Anderton explains. ‘In 2006, our supplier James Latham suggested using Durelis 18mm particleboard. We have not regretted this decision for a moment. Unilin Panels manufactures products to the same high standard as our own. ‘The proof is in the boards: they are consistently manufactured to the highest quality standard. This was crucial to us. In addition, these boards are resistant to the volatile weather conditions and high humidity levels in the UK.’ Anderton says that the boards are ideally suited for Swift’s holiday homes, with the boards mounted on to the frame of the home and the flooring added. ‘Durelis’ unique composition ensures that swelling and linear expansion remain limited in comparison to traditional OSB/3 boards. The TopFinish surface, with its increased concentration of natural paraffin in the surface, increases the moisture resistance of the boards and guarantees airtightness,’ he says. The tongue-and-groove system speeds up the assembly process at Swift’s Cottingham, East Yorkshire factory. ‘This is quite important to us given the number of holiday homes we manufacture each year. And thanks to the durability of these boards, our customers and ourselves are both assured that their “second home” will remain the perfect destination for a leisurely holiday for many years to come,’ adds Anderton. Visit: www.unilinpanels.com

17—19 January 2016 Olympia, London

Exhibition guide

HOME Experience the new, beautifully curated world of Home at Top Drawer. Discover a carefully edited, global cross-section of products from the ﬁnest brands and designers. Be part of the evolution of Home at London’s international event for creative retailers: Top Drawer.

Malaysian International Furniture Fair

EXHIBITION GUIDE

Chinfon (above) and Ivorie International (top right) will be among the exhibitors

Asian extravaganza MIFF is heading for another sellout With four months to go, the Malaysian International Furniture Fair, the largest global furniture industry event in southeast Asia, is packing in Malaysia’s biggest manufacturers and pavilions from China and Taiwan for its 22nd edition. With 80% of the 80,000sqm of stand space already booked by leading Malaysian furniture companies and overseas exhibitors, MIFF 2016 is set to be another sellout. The show opens the 2016 buying season in Asia at the Putra World Trade Centre and Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre. Confirmed Malaysian companies in the bedroom, dining, living and outdoor furniture sector includes Poh Huat, TA, Evergreen Fibreboard, Heveapac, LB, Home Upholstery, Sern Kou, Sweet Home, Intergo, Deep, Idea Style, Supreme Tropical, Kinheng and Hin Lim. Office product suppliers include Merryfair, Euro Chairs and Oasis.

Another attraction for buyers is the Muar Hall featuring manufacturers from Malaysia’s key furniture producing town that accounts for half of the country’s furniture exports. Leveraging on the strategic position of MIFF as a gateway to south-east Asia and other emerging global regions are returning pavilions from China and Taiwan. This time, the China Hall will feature 100 companies showing office, outdoor and home furniture, mattresses, fabrics and leather. Forty of the exhibitors are organised by Shunde Furniture Association which had a rewarding debut at MIFF 2015. The Taiwan Hall will group 30 companies displaying household and office furniture, chairs, glass accessories and interior decor. Other international exhibitors include Indonesia’s Cahaya Sakti Furintraco, Metropole Purnama Citra, Beta Foam,

Wahana Lentera Raya; South Korea’s Sung Yong, DSP and Sun Safes; and India’s Supreme Industries. MIFF 2016 is anticipated to host 500 exhibitors from 12 countries. In 2015, the event attracted 18,000 visitors from 130 countries with a significant number of first time buyers and sales totalling US$865m. ‘We are extremely pleased with the strong response. The present global economy is a very challenging one for all industries. An increasing number of exhibitors are responding to competition and requests for new products and designs, so we can look forward to more at MIFF 2016. Cost and reliable suppliers are crucial in these times. And when it comes to quality and value, MIFF is certainly the market place not to be missed,’ says Karen Goi, MIFF general manager. Visit: www.miff.com.my

NEXT EVENT: 1-5 March 2016, Malaysian International Furniture Fair, Malaysia 38

Interiors Monthly November 2015

IMM Cologne

EXHIBITION GUIDE

Sebastian Herkner (left) discusses with Dick Spierenburg the design for 2016’s Das Haus

Unconventional living A concept for a house like no other is being designed This year’s Das Haus – Interiors on Stage is being designed by German designer Sebastian Herkner. With this event IMM Cologne wants not only to provide a stage to young designers and architects whose work is already considered pioneering; the intention has always been to create a space in which the possibilities of interior design can unfold freely. ‘The series of “houses” proves us right: where else could we have so impressively realised such diverse, holistic visions of living and be able to present these so intimately to a large public, if not here at the heart of one of the largest interior design fairs,’ says Dick Spierenburg, IMM Cologne creative director. ‘With the house from Sebastian

Herkner we are now about to take a new departure: starting with the exotic, flowing room ensemble of the BritishIndian designer couple Doshi Levien; through the equally green and elegant home of Lucha Nichettos; the seductively feminine house of Louise Campbell, with its Scandinavian rustic charm; to the slightly strange and compact architecture full of small wonders presented to us by Neri & Hu, we now basically return home again with the fifth design.’ But Spierenburg says those who expect a conventional, familiar experience will surely be disappointed. ‘On the contrary, Sebastian Herkner appears to be presenting an interpretation of living that moves

farther from the norm than all other houses to date. He has designed a round, transparent, open construct that, with its movable textile wall elements, which are in fact hardly even walls anymore, differs a great deal from the fair architecture,’ he explains This contrasts with the massive architectural building with the almost delicate inner life admired at the last IMM Cologne. ‘What the openly visible interior of the new house will ultimately look like, and how the designer will design a house without solid walls with colour, patterns and furniture, may prove to be one of the most exciting surprises of the upcoming IMM Cologne,’ adds Spierenburg. Visit: www.imm-cologne.com

NEXT EVENT: 18-24 January 2016, IMM Cologne, Germany 40

Interiors Monthly November 2015

WWW.IMM-COLOGNE.COM

The event for rooms and bathrooms at imm cologne.

CREATE. FURNISH. LIVE. THE INTERNATIONAL INTERIORS SHOW 18.â&#x20AC;&#x201C;24.01.2016 Where the interior design world comes together. First is best: in January, the key trends and business momentum are determined at imm cologne. Experience the global furniture industry focused in one place and discover a unique range of furnishing ideas, living accessories and exclusive interior design â&#x20AC;&#x201C; up to the latest concepts from the bathroom and interior design sectors at LivingInteriors. International Business Media Services Ltd., 42 Christchurch Road, Ringwood BH24 1DN Tel. : +44 1425 48 68 30, Fax : +44 1425 48 68 31, info@koelnmesse.co.uk

Heimtextil

EXHIBITION GUIDE

Trend Theme Park

Meeting place Where the textile industry convenes Distinguished by future oriented designs, trends and innovation, it‘s not surprising that Heimtextil is the leading trade fair for home and contract textiles. Visitors can discover more than 2,750 international exhibitors and brands in one location and leave Heimtextil feeling inspired and energised for the coming year. More than 68,000 visitors will see a product spectrum which is a reflection of the current market and future designs. Product offerings include: floor; wall; window; sun/decorating systems; upholstery; bed; bath; table; design; technics and digital print. In addition, visitors navigating through the halls will see ‘special interest’ products in three categories: Green Directory, textiles for the future; Contract Creations for hotels and restaurants, and

Coupon Business for special trade and interior decorating business. Visitors will be able to feast their eyes on the successful Trend Theme Park which showcases future design trends in the textile sector. For 2016 it has been moved to a more accessible and central position in Hall 6.0. Bed is just one of the product sectors covered at the show Hall 4.0, the original 2016/17: connecting what’s natural with location, now hosts the growing product what’s digital or artificial to create the areas of upholstery and window, and the ultimate comfort. decorative and furniture fabric section Heimtextil 2016 promises to be a will be significantly larger. journey of exploration and discovery Members of the Trendtable will be on where the industry connects and trade hand to predict the interior design trends relations are made. in textiles for the coming season, with Visit: www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com ‘Well-being 4.0’ the key theme for

NEXT EVENT: 12-15 January 2016, Heimtextil, Frankfurt 42

Interiors Monthly November 2015

New Perspectives Heimtextil brings together all the most exciting innovations in textile interior design under one roof. Only here will you ﬁnd more than 2,700 exhibitors from all over the world showcasing such a comprehensive and high-quality range of products and ideas. High-calibre events on key industry topics, including sustainability, provide additional inspirations. And with the theme park “Well-Being 4.0” Heimtextil offers unique insights into the trends of 2016/2017. Come to the industry’s leading international trade fair – in 2016 from Tuesday through Friday. For further details and tickets visit heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83

NEW: Tuesday – Friday

12 – 15. 1. 2016

January Furniture Show

EXHIBITION GUIDE

Bumper edition JFS will have extra features for next year The January Furniture Show is the biggest furniture show in the UK for retailers. A furniture show has taken place at the NEC in the late January buying slot for more than 25 years and next year the January Furniture Show will occupy the five main halls of the venue covering 60,000sqm. With more than 400 exhibitors, most of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading furniture manufacturers and suppliers are attending including major brand names and newcomers, volume and flatpack to top end upholstery and cabinet, beds and a full range of decorative accessories. Supported by the British Furniture Manufacturers Association (BFM) the best of British manufacturing is fully represented. BFM says no other show is able to match this line up and is the place to come for genuine British-made furniture. Some of the best known international brands are also well represented, from the typically stylish European design houses of Italy, Germany, France, Belgium and Poland, to the less well known but up and coming suppliers from Romania, India, Malaysia and China. Halls are clearly laid out to help buyers navigate the aisles, with refreshment points and plenty of opportunities to compare all thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current and best in the UK marketplace as well as the latest trends, launches and recent arrivals. For 2016 there is a new Flooring Showcase in Hall 2, offering an opportunity to meet with some of the best names in floorcoverings and explore the potential to expand into new areas. Also new will be a Fabric pavilion in Hall 1 which will allow buyers to create bespoke upholstery ranges on the spot. Visit: www.januaryfurnitureshow.com

The show will occupy five halls at the NEC

NEXT EVENT: 24-27 January 2016, January Furniture Show, Birmingham 44

Interiors Monthly November 2015

International Furniture Fair Singapore

EXHIBITION GUIDE

Great expectations IFFS has been revamped More than 450 exhibitors from around 40 countries will take part in the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2016/33rd ASEAN Furniture Show, co-located with the Decor Show and for the first time also with FurniPro Asia, a trade exhibition for the woodworking and furniture production industries. IFFS 2016 will feature a selection of the best among local and international design. Names on the international scene such as d-Bodhi, District Eight Design, Ethnicraft, Far East Furniture, Halo, Heritage Home Group, Hugo Sofa, Koda, Nitori, Oliver B, Saprori, Sunbrella and Wicker Kane Gracia, will showcase their latest products. The show will have a fresh concept and a new tagline of Design, Inspiration and Trade. A newly curated layout that includes a main piazza and a new outdoor pavilion with a garden boulevard concept, are just some of the novelties of the 2016 event. A display of innovative materials as well as a gallery of ArtForms will showcase how furniture products and accessories can be transformed into art pieces and sculptures. Design STARS (formerly Asian STAR) has evolved and will now go beyond Asia to feature award-winning designers from Europe and the Americas, adding a cosmopolitan flair to the show. Some of the confirmed designers for 2016 include: Arturo Erbsman (France), Henry Hsiao from nbt.STUDIO (Taiwan), Daisuke Kitagawa from Design for Industry (Japan), HsinChun Wang from HCWD Studio (US), Olivier Polmanss (France) and Studiohiji (Indonesia). The Decor Show offers a spectacular showcase of the latest designs and trends for soft furnishings and home decorative items from an assorted collection of premium exhibitors. To make IFFS an even more holistic event, the annual co-located SingaPlural

More than 450 exhibitors will take part

will return for its fifth edition. It will feature the best design elements from the multi-faceted creative spectrum including advertising, architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, as well

as interiors, furniture, graphic and fashion design through installations, exclusively curated design spaces, symposiums and many other activities. Visit: www.iffs.com.sg

NEXT EVENT: 10-13 March 2016, International Furniture Fair Singapore 46

Interiors Monthly November 2015

Ambiente

EXHIBITION GUIDE

More than 4,810 companies will take part and almost 134,000 visitors will attend

Look to the future Trends for 2016/2017 take centre stage Ambiente is the largest trade fair for dining, giving and living. Visitors will capture whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new for the consumer goods market, hands will be shook and business will be made at the annual industry event. More than 4,810 international exhibitors will fill 26 exhibition halls, launching and showcasing their latest products. This is likely to attract some 134,000 trade visitors looking to source and build their core and supplementary product lines for the coming year.

On offer is an international product spectrum ranging from kitchen trends, houseware and storage, table top designs, to unlimited gift ideas, accessories and jewellery, young and trendy products for the home to upcoming interiors and seasonal decoration designs. More than 180 UK companies will exhibit at the show. For the 2016 edition, visitors can witness the unveiling of tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s styles and designs at the 2016/2017

trend show and experience the trade fair to the full by seeing the comprehensive programme of events, award presentations and special product launches. The contrast of the 2015/2016 trends of the demand for simple white porcelain and accessories mixed with intricate colourful tapestry designs covering flooring and furnishings, highlights the complexity of the home and interiors market. Visit: www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

NEXT EVENT: 12-16 February 2016, Ambiente, Frankfurt 48

Interiors Monthly November 2015

12 – 16. 2. 2016 Spot on: With its Living area, Ambiente opens up an international universe of interior design, furnishing and decoration. Experience coming lifestyles and beneﬁt from a unique product selection in all styles at the world’s most important consumer goods trade fair. Discover the future and be inspired by a fascinating product diversity. Information and tickets at ambiente.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83 info@uk.messefrankfurt.com

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Ambiente 20

London Fabric Show

EXHIBITION GUIDE

Guy Trouveroy, Belgian ambassador, talks to exhibitors at the 2015 debut event

Return match London Fabric will again take place at Stamford Bridge Following the success of its debut in February, the BFM will host the second London Fabric Show at Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge stadium next year. Expanding on this year’s event and held in directors’ boxes at the ground, the 2016 show will feature the fabric and leather of around 30 mills and suppliers from Belgium, Spain, Italy, Turkey and the UK. It will give British upholstery, carpet, rug, bed and mattress retailers and manufacturers a unique opportunity to see some of the best fabrics available all at one venue. Exhibitors, including AB Home Textiles, Abraham Moon & Sons, Boyteks, Nigel Holmes Agencies, Symphony Mills, Ter

Molst International, Verstraete & Verbauwede, and Warwick, are all bringing new weaves, designs and colour palettes. Cottons, linens, velvets, chenilles, bouclés, lining fabrics and tweeds, and everything from mattress ticking to light and heavy duty jacquards will be on display, along with leathers, faux leathers and synthetic fabrics. Most of the mills exhibiting have in-house design teams and offer buyers the opportunity to customise their fabric choices, ensuring exclusivity in designs and colour combinations. While traditional methods of weaving still abound, fabric production has seen

huge advances with high-tech production methods. This is particularly evident in new flame retardant fabrics. Several exhibitors at the show are at the forefront of this technology and will show buyers how this is improving the manufacture of even safer fabrics, many of which exceed current regulatory requirements for both domestic and commercial use. In addition to visiting London Fabric Show 2016, visitors will have the chance to have a tour of Stamford Bridge and as the venue is close to Chelsea Harbour, they can also combine this with a trip to The Design Centre. Visit: www.bfm.org.uk/londonfabric

NEXT EVENT: 29 February-1 March 2016, London Fabric Show, London 50

Interiors Monthly November 2015

29th February & 1st March 2016 Chelsea FC, Stamford Bridge, London The BFM is delighted to announce that the London Fabric Show returns to the Executive Boxes of Chelsea FC in 2016. Exhibiting will be over 30 companies from Belgium, Spain, Italy, Turkey and the UK featuring fabrics, leathers and synthetics for upholstery, beds, carpets and soft furnishings. For information and to register your attendance go to:

www.bfm.org.uk/londonfabric or contact Mike Dimond on 01494 569124

Export Furniture Exhibition

EXHIBITION GUIDE

Malaysia is looking to increase furniture exports to £2.4bn by 2020

Home-grown talent The show promotes Malaysian design The Export Furniture Exhibition will occupy nine halls at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, up from six last year, with the show covering 30,000sqm. More than 300 furniture exhibitors from Malaysia and the region will showcase their latest designs and fresh collections as the show marks its 12th edition. The Malaysian Furniture Promotion Council (MFPC), Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) with the support of the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities and EFE have cooperated to create the Professional Designers Programme (PDP), which will see a hall dedicated to the designers event. PDP seeks to increase export values of Malaysian furniture by encouraging local manufacturers to venture into own design manufacturing as opposed to the current own equipment manufacturing

model. This programme is a catalyst to the development of furniture design, uniting professional industrial and product designers and Malaysian furniture manufacturers. MFPC is confident the promotion of Malaysian furniture will be more successful and hopefully translate into a more dynamic export value of £2.4bn by 2020. This is the goal set by Malaysia’s National Timber Policy. A team of four professional designers from Italy and Belgium will mentor 12 Malaysian furniture designers, consisting of eight from MTIB’s design house Tanggam, and four designers from recipients of the Malaysia Pride recognition. At the end of the programme, the organisers plan to have 20 prototypes produced by the participating Malaysia Pride recipients and approval from the

Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia on eight original designs created by the professional designers. EFE 2016 will showcase the prototypes. For the first time, the show will feature a China Export Pavilion, to provide opportunities and networking facilities for Malaysian manufacturers to export to the world’s second largest economy. The Malaysian government has voiced keen interest in being part of China’s ambitious Belt and Road crosscontinental and maritime integration plan oriented towards cooperation, not only to achieve domestic economic growth but also to drive development of countries along both routes. Building on the foundation of the current collaboration between Malaysia and China in various sectors, more opportunities can be harnessed to meet the needs of respective countries. Supported by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation and MTC, the China Export Pavilion will further enhance exports to China. With Malaysia chairing the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council and the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community due by the end of 2016, EFE is a powerful platform for Malaysian companies to meet new customers, reach out to their existing clientele, and also to further increase brand awareness in the region. Visit: www.efe.my

NEXT EVENT: 5-8 March 2016, Export Furniture Exhibition, Malaysia 52

Interiors Monthly November 2015

EXHIBITION GUIDE

Dates have been set for next year’s event Recognised as the UK’s largest bed exhibition, the National Bed Federation has confirmed The Bed Show will be back for a seventh year, returning to The International Centre, Telford on 20-21 September 2016. ‘Our sixth Bed Show was another great success,’ says Jessica Alexander, NBF executive director. ‘We had over 70 NBF members exhibiting – among them some of the biggest names in the bed industry, including suppliers as well as manufacturers – many of which have already indicated to us they’ll be back next year. ‘The Bed Show amounts to a one-stopshop for bed retailers and buyers and will

A one-stopshop for buyers and retailers

continue to present its unique mix of both bed manufacturers, all with British manufacturing bases, and component suppliers. The reason we continue to be successful is that we are organised by the bed industry for the bed industry,’ she adds. Again, only NBF members will be

The Bed Show

Organised for and by the industry

invited to exhibit at the event. Since the introduction of the independently audited code of practice, buyers can buy with confidence knowing all the exhibitors are meeting their legal obligations and supplying products that are safe, clean and honest. Visit: www.bedshow.co.uk

NEXT EVENT: 20-21 September 2016, The Bed Show, The International Centre, Telford

www.bedshow.co.uk www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Brussels Furniture Fair

EXHIBITION GUIDE

Voyage of discovery The fair continues to draw new exhibitors The Brussels Furniture Fair has proven to be a voyage of discovery through many new products and collections. Thousands of furniture retailers visit in search of new collections for the shopfloor. In the past few years, interior designers have also been finding their way to the exhibition in ever-greater numbers. Standards of the presentation and the products on offer have also risen markedly in recent years, and this year about 300 exhibitors, chiefly from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and France, will present their collections. The show is based on two key cornerstones. First, there is the Belgian furniture industry. For Belgian manufacturers, the fair is a key export platform, as about 60% of visitors come from abroad. The visitor mix of Belgian industry professionals and foreign buyers means that Brussels is a truly European meeting point for the furniture industry. The international aspect is the second important cornerstone of the event and is why most loyal exhibitors come back. The show is divided into seven segments, each with their own distinctive character. The largest and most important segment is City, in halls 3, 4 and 5, with hall 5 the Belgian heart of the show. Kids’ Corner is a sub-section of City in hall 4 and shows furniture for children in a different setting. Functional, commercial and colourful

collections can be found in Mozaïek. This is a multi-faceted and contemporary mix that features collections from the entrylevel segment of the market. Brussels by Night is the place to be for beds, bed technology and bedroom furniture. Fusion presents the lifestyle segment: romantic living in 2015 is becoming more contemporary and more sleek, with influences from all around the world. The Dutch party continues in the Patio, where in time honoured tradition, a number of Dutch exhibitors present themselves in Holland à la Carte. This year, the stand concept is based on the Dutch masters of Baroque painting. For the Dutch visitor, entering this hall is rather like coming home, but foreign buyers also find their way here to BKS

together with 3B, Carpet Creations, Cartel Living, Chita, De Kussenfabriek, HE Design, Helderr, Jamé, Jess, Klotz, Kluskens, Nouvion, Spinder, Sumisura, Teugra and Ztahl by Dijkos. Bax Meubelen, Expo Trading, Foucault, FreeLight and Timbermatch will make their debuts. Square is the place to be for design. Previous exhibitors such as Coesel, Joli, Koinor, Neo Cocoon, and Nicoletti will be joined by Akante, Brühl, Dienne, Domitalia, Era, Jan Kurtz, Lourens Fisher, Machalke, Slide Art, and YellowGreen. Art director Siegrid Demyttenaere has identified three key trends which will be illustrated with products that visitors see as they pass through the passages between halls. Visit: www.furniturefairbrussels.be

More than 300 companies will take part

NEXT EVENT: 8-11 November 2015, Brussels Furniture Fair, Belgium 54

Interiors Monthly November 2015

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Brussels Furniture Fair

EXHIBITION GUIDE

Gautier will be showing its modular, children’s and bedroom ranges at Brussels

Neighbours welcome Gautier is expecting UK retailers in Brussels For more than 50 years Gautier has been designing and manufacturing contemporary furniture in the Vendee region of France. This rich manufacturing history continues to drive its global success, with it continuing to focus on producing the finest furniture for living, dining, adult and children’s bedrooms. Some 95% of its furniture is manufactured in France as it looks to be an ambassador of stylish French living. Last year Gautier invested in new manufacturing facilities at its original Le Boupere factory to manufacture upholstered beds. The result was the launch of the Premium range, which sits at the top of a distinctive modular range of adult bedroom collections. This year has also seen a further €10m investment in its core manufacturing

Interiors Monthly November 2015

plant to ensure Gautier’s manufacturing capabilities remain at the forefront of technology while maintaining both its quality and environmental credentials. As well as European retailers, the company expects to see UK buyers at the show. ‘Gautier has been established in the UK for more than a quarter of a century. This year has seen further growth across all product categories, with our ever-popular children’s and teen ranges finding favour among a whole new generation,’ says Harvey Roberts, Gautier UK md. ‘However, it has been the latest modular living, dining and storage ranges which have really caught the imagination of consumers, and a cornerstone of success has been that retailers are

able to drive sales across categories.’ Roberts says the company is now well placed to strategically expand its retail network by introducing its successful concept within additional retailers in targeted locations across the UK. ‘We are looking for furniture retailers with whom we can partner and develop a great business and who share the company’s spirit of entrepreneurialism and passion to exceed customers’ expectations. With a proven in-store concept, a pipeline of further beautiful new products, extensive planned marketing activity, a dedicated support team in St Albans and a national DHD solution, there is every reason to believe that the success of Gautier in the UK will continue,’ adds Roberts. Visit: www.gautier.co.uk

Indonesian International Furniture Expo

EXHIBITION GUIDE

Infinite innovation IFEX hopes to build on the success of its previous fairs March heralds the third Indonesian International Furniture Expo (IFEX) organised by The Indonesia Furniture and Craft Association and takes the theme of The Essence of Infinite Innovation. The purpose is that innovation in the furniture industry and crafts has never ended: it has to be conducted continuously in terms of design, innovation and exploring raw materials. Relentless innovation is a must for this industry to compete with similar products from other countries. Not only innovation, there are new designs and modifications needed to develop endlessly. As previously, the event is supported

by the Indonesian government ministries including the Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, and the Ministry of Forestry along with local government and national stakeholders. Attendees come from countries including China, Taiwan, Belgium, France, USA, Italy, Singapore, South Africa, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Austria. The third IFEX will take place at the Jakarta International Expo and looks to boost the growth of innovation and creativity from furniture and craft manufacturers nationwide to produce superior products that have optimal added value and can become the market leader in the global market. It also hopes

to build the positive image at international level that Indonesia produces some of the best furniture and handicrafts. Again, the show will feature the Hall of Excellence. Participating companies were chosen to showcase the best quality products and innovation with the latest designs, including limited editions. The hall is strictly curated and the number of companies applying to be in the hall is higher than in 2015. For 2016 new halls, B3 and C3, covering 10,000sqm are occupied, allowing an increase in the number of participants as well as the variety of products on display. Visit: www.ifexindonesia.com

Left: IFEX will take place at Jakarta International Expo Bottom left: Indonesia president Joko Widodo visited the 2015 show Below: Hall of Excellence

NEXT EVENT: 11-14 March 2016, Indonesian International Furniture Expo, Jakarta 58

Interiors Monthly November 2015

Beds and bedroom

Celebrating 65 years of Posturepedic design

The Bed Show The International Centre, Telford

BEDS AND BEDROOM The winners and runners-up gather with Ebrahim Patel, National Bed Federation president and awards host Gyles Brandreth

Masters of their class The Bed Industry Awards celebrated their fifth year ‘The Bed Industry Awards, now in their fifth year, are the pinnacle of excellence and this year the competition was stronger than ever with the quality of entries improving year-on-year, giving the judges an ever harder task. Once again the awards demonstrate that the bedding industry has some brilliant

companies doing very brilliant things – and it’s great to be a part of that. Well done to our winners,’ says Ebrahim Patel, National Bed Federation president. Awards were presented to the winners and runners-up by Patel and Gyles Brandreth, host of the Bed Show Gala Dinner.

The judging panel comprised: Chris Edward-Thorne, Cabinet Maker editor; Richard de Melim, Furnishing Report editor; Paul Farley, Furniture News editor; Andrew Kidd, Interiors Monthly editor; Bernard Eaton, Greenwood Retail md and Jessica Alexander, NBF executive director. Multiple Retailer of the Year: Furniture Village Winning for the second successive year, the judges again felt the company demonstrated a strong commitment to developing its bed business and delivered a strong performance over the past 12 months, significantly increasing sales and average order values. It has also been progressive in taking its bed business forward across all fronts, for example all staff have completed the Sleep Council Sales Academy training course, not just bed salespeople. The judges also commented that such progress is particularly difficult at the higher end of the market. Highly commended: Bensons for Beds Commended for its commitment to move away from a pure price focus, while efforts to improve customers’ shopping experience was praised as refreshing and delivering encouraging results.

Interiors Monthly November 2015

Our latest achievement... We’re proud to announce that our Classics 1200 Pocket Deluxe mattress has been awarded a Best Buy. describe it as being “one of the best-value mattresses we’ve tested”

Visit www.silentnight.co.uk

The Bed Show The International Centre, Telford

BEDS AND BEDROOM Bed Manufacturer of the Year: Harrison Spinks Described as a true leader in the sector, in the past 12 months the company has seen further developments in its own internationally recognised, world leading spring technology in the pursuit of greater sleeping comfort. Highly commended: Breasley Consumer Products and Kaymed UK Breasley, which is celebrating 10 years in business, was praised for its achievement across the board, resulting in steady, sustainable and profitable growth. Kaymed was recognised for its innovation in thermal mattress technology successfully supported by a well thought out trade and consumer marketing campaign.

Bed Etailer of the Year: Mattress Online The company is making good headway in a tough market, delivering profitable growth in a price sensitive sector, with a strong focus on good customer service and taking account of wider issues such as the environment.

Bed Component Supplier of the Year: John Cotton The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s non-wovens division won for its innovative, patented solutions to customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; problems and its focus on tackling the challenges of the circular economy agenda and ensuring it was ahead of the game. Highly commended: Deslee Clama Congratulated for its impressive, internationally recognised, innovative design, creating products providing consumer benefits as well as solving issues for both retailers and manufacturers. Independent Bed Retailer of the Year: Newbridge Street Bedding Centre The death of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s founder last year might have seen the demise of the business, but it inspired the management team to try even harder. On the back of customer research, the business has re-engineered its focus and implemented a new direction. The judges applauded all the retailers in this sector that are embracing the online challenge, moving away from price-driven messages towards selling better sleep, emphasising customer service and staff training and taking an imaginative approach to marketing. Highly commended: Land of Beds This independent demonstrated excellent branding, an impressive online performance and exceptional marketing skills.

Interiors Monthly November 2015

Relyon not only make the most comfortable beds in the world, they create years of wonderful, restful nights’ sleep for every customer.

Relyon’s ‘best beds in the world’ strapline has arguably never been truer. The Heritage and Classic collections have been given a contemporary overhaul with a stunning range of new upholstery fabrics for the divans and headboards and crisp, clean and white super soft viscose ticks for the mattresses.

Made in the UK

www.relyon.co.uk

The Bed Show The International Centre, Telford

BEDS AND BEDROOM Right: Teramo Below: Zoe Gillings freestyles a bed

A sporting chance Sealy’s latest campaign highlights the link between sleep and sport success ‘The stand was absolutely buzzing,’ says Neil Robinson, Sealy marketing director, at the end of The Bed Show. ‘We were amazingly busy but having sporting stars there as well really topped off everything. Not surprisingly, retailers were all particularly impressed with our remarkable array of Which? Best Buy Awards, but our sports celebrities were all about what bed is going to give them the best night’s sleep as they understand there is an intrinsic link between good quality sleep and sporting success. The range of mattresses Sealy now offers ticks the right box with most people whether they want a Hybrid, a Pocket, a Profile, an Ottoman, or one of many other beds in our extensive catalogue.’ David Haye, former WBA world heavyweight boxing champion patiently signed autographs in between telling visitors about how sleep impacted on his training regime and sporting performance over the years. ‘It’s a vital component when you’re training hard and competing: it’s important that you’re alert and at your best physically.’ ‘At 6ft 3in and being an ex-world heavyweight and cruiserweight champion, who defeated six world champions during his career as well as a lot of notable contenders, I’m certainly not going to dispute anything he says,’ adds Robinson. On the opposite side of the sporting spectrum, Zoe Gillings,

Interiors Monthly November 2015

BEDS AND BEDROOM Below: Former boxing world champion, David Haye, signed autographs and posed for pictures Bottom: The ottomans are electrically powered

The Bed Show The International Centre, Telford

Left: Profile Reflect

Britain’s Olympic snowboarder, had the same message. ‘I’ve represented my country all over the world and have always found that the amount of quality sleep I get has a direct impact on my performance. I work incredibly hard with an intensive training schedule throughout the summer and I need around nine and a half hours sleep a night to be at my best. I’ve slept on a lot of beds over the past 10 years and my Sealy is by far the best I’ve ever experienced. It supports me completely and has helped me recover from minor strains and injuries, making sure my sleep routine is consistent and of a high standard,’ she says. Gillings launched the Bed Selector App that will help customers ensure they get exactly the right Sealy bed for them. ‘We were delighted to have had two of the UK’s leading sportspeople involved in our presence at the show this year and they were both extremely popular with visitors. Our World of Sport campaign is about demonstrating that link between sleep and sporting success: something we’re passionate about,’ says Robinson. ‘Sleep helps athletes to recharge and refocus and makes sure their bodies are in prime condition for training and competing, as well as recovering from injury. We’re both proud and excited that so many high profile and successful British sports stars choose to be Sealy Deeper Sleepers – everyone from England rugby players to Premiership footballers – and across a wide variety of disciplines... they can’t all be wrong in wanting to get the very best sleep so they can to perform to the maximum.’ Away from the high profile visitors, Sealy showed off its Which? Best Buy beds, the Napoli and Teramo from the Pocket range, alongside its Profile models and its new powered Ottomans to maximise storage space. ‘Zoe was very taken with it – well, what better place to store one’s spare snowboards?’ adds Robinson. Visit: www.sealy.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Anniversary Deluxe

Anniversary Latex

The Sealy Anniversary Collection is a unique celebration of 65 years of orthopaedically correct Posturepedic design. This stunning new range includes state-of-the-art Zero Deflection and Core Support spring systems, along with Mini Pocket Springs, Latex and Edgeguard. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an exclusive range epitomising the enduring quality of luxurious and supportive Sealy beds. For more information on these beds, call our Sales Hotline on 016973 20342.

Anniversary Ortho

www.sealy.co.uk

The Bed Show The International Centre, Telford

BEDS AND BEDROOM Left: Science of Comfort was Mammoth’s main message Below: John Tuton and staff talk to customers

Best yet Mammoth enjoyed its most successful show Mammoth Technologies celebrated its best Bed Show, having exhibited for the past four years. The company saw a sharp growth in national and key AIS accounts and increased product uptake from existing customers. The Club Supersoft Collection was launched, featuring exclusive foam with marbled effect design, and showcased alongside its bestselling medical-grade foam mattresses. ‘This was a fantastic show for us and it was great to see existing clients and introduce new national and independents to our collection. Listening to our retailers is a priority and the feedback we had received was that there is a need for high end innovative mattresses with evidence to boot. It worked. The launch of The Club Supersoft Collection had a fantastic response – it was one of our most successful products of the show and will be hitting shopfloors ready for Boxing Day sales,’ says John Tuton, Mammoth founder. The Club Supersoft Collection is made from the company’s most advanced pressure-relieving technology – super

Interiors Monthly November 2015

soft medical grade foam combined with Posture Cell medical grade foam which sit on a layer of 2,000 individual pocket springs. ‘This collection offers superior circulation, comfort and pressurerelieving benefits, and each product has integrated washable mattress protectors, high-spec Tencel cooling cover and our cast iron 10-year warranty,’ he says. The collection sits on the latest luxury tailored bed base. The top end model, the Supersoft 3000 divan, features a further 1,000 pocket springs upholstered internally. This is made for the consumer who wants high end, no expense spared. ‘My background is in medical beds and seating, providing 24-hour care for those in hospital and rehabilitation institutions. The medical industry is driven by innovation to provide the highest level of comfort and support for

patients. I’ve taken this “science of comfort” ethos and applied it to our products for the wider consumer market. We want to change perceptions – buying a mattress shouldn’t be based on price point. We spend a lot of time in bed, and having the right pressure relief and comfort is essential to our long term health,’ explains Tuton. Mammoth mattresses combine medical science with ergonomics and have been clinically proven by Northumbria University’s Sleep Science Centre to aid sleep. The company is accredited to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, Newcastle University’s School of Bio-Sciences, the UK Chiropractic Patients Association, and benefit providers to the British Athletes Commission, and English, Welsh and Irish Rugby Players Associations. Visit: www.mammothuk.com

www.mammothuk.com | enquiries@mammothuk.com

The Bed Show The International Centre, Telford

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Regal benchmark Hypnos showed off its extensive range Hypnos unveiled its Regal Collection. The mattress features a quilted matrixpattern designed to create a series of individual upholstery cells that act as an independent comfort zone. These actively help to provide total body support, ensuring postural alignment and maximising comfort. The mattress also features a mix of wools, including cashmere and pashmina, along with bonded coconut fibres in the coir-top divan giving a breathable foundation to the mattress. Chris Ward, Hypnos marketing director, says the integral and sewn-in blanket of extra fillings and comfort cells enhances the appearance of the bed, creating a stand-out product that looks different from other mattresses on the market. ‘Exhibiting this year gave us a great opportunity to show off our extensive product offering and the supreme comfort that these offer, as well as the stylish new Regal Collection. It’s the sixth time we’ve attended the show and we’ve been working incredibly hard to become a benchmark in the luxury bed market around the world. Events like this provide

a great platform to be able to showcase our craftsmanship and design efforts and to meet with other like-minded bed manufacturers and, most importantly, engage with customers,’ he says. ‘Our customers know that Hypnos beds come with comfort as standard but when coupled with our bespoke design options, including headboards, fabrics, divan styles, hidden under-bed storage options and feet, they know they’ll be getting something which is really special. ‘The Regal Collection has been designed with supreme levels of comfort in mind and boasts the ultimate in luxuriously firm comfort and total body support, which can be personalised with the addition of a loose comfort layer packed with sumptuous pashmina wool. It was great to be able to debut these noturn mattresses and their coir-top low

profile divans at the show. We’ve had some fantastic feedback and orders already,’ adds Ward. Hypnos’ craftsmen at its Princes Risborough workshops hand-build Hypnos’ bespoke mattresses using time honoured methods that combine skilled techniques with sustainable and natural materials. It is this attention to detail that has won Hypnos multiple accolades, with the company most recently being awarded The Furniture Makers’ Company Sustainability Award 2015. The family run business prides itself on creating beds that are 100% recyclable at the end of their life. It uses the finest environmentally-friendly upholstery materials in its divans and headboards, alongside FSC or PEFC certified timbers sourced from ethically managed forests. Visit: www.hypnosbeds.com

Regal Collection Signature mattress with topper

Interiors Monthly November 2015

SIESTA BEDS COMFORT & QUALITY ASSURED Est 1986

Sandringham 1,000 Quilted Pocketed Set

The Bed Show The International Centre, Telford

BEDS AND BEDROOM Vogue Beds showed its five brands including the revamped Sports Therapy and Swift collections, as retailers appreciated the one-stop-shop aspect of the group as it looked to offer beds and mattresses at every price point along with innovative models.

Adjustamatic introduced Air 20 and Air 25, a breathable, threedimensional mattress range combining encapsulated sides, pocket springs and air foam technology. The construction creates airflow through the mattress. The Air 20 is 20cm deep with 900 pocket springs, medium feel and suitable for adjustable beds. Air 25 is 25cm deep, has 1,500 pocket springs and has a more luxurious feel.

Sleep mode There was plenty to see at this year’s event, here’s some of the highlights. Visit: www.bedshow.co.uk

Carpenter unveiled its Climate Collection of mattresses, pillows and toppers using Thermic technology to keep the temperature close to the skin within 28-30degC. Its Check Point indicator panels show when pillows, mattresses and toppers are clean, mid-cycle and need washing. Indicator particles are integrated into an embroidered circular badge sewn on to the mattress/pillow cover that reacts, by changing colour, to different contaminants such as dead skin cells, body fluids, mite excrement or mites.

In partnership with Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Hilary Devey, Duvalay launched its Hilary Devey collection of five mattresses, including Diamond, a premium luxury mattress with 2,000 pocket springs and a summer and winter side. The collection is accompanied by a range of ottoman and platform-top divan bases with various storage options, a selection of headboards and bedsteads in a range of jewel and neutral shades, and a choice of velvet, crushed velvet and damask fabrics.

Interiors Monthly November 2015

Feel like a Goddess, sleep on a Hes a

New from the Hes a Upholstered range, the Imogen

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Hes a Natural with Galaxy Base

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The new Washington Headboard

The Bed Show The International Centre, Telford

BEDS AND BEDROOM Harrison Spinksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Harrison Bed Tailor collection has six mattresses in the Natural collection and four in the Luxury. Pictured is the Solitaire.

Sareer showcased its Pocketo range, a collection of six pocket sprung mattresses with spring counts including 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000 and 5,000. Options include memory foam, cool blue memory foam, gel, reflex plus foam and latex, pure new wool, pure silk or cashmere silk

Highgate Beds introduced the Renoir range of handstitched mattresses, combining a high spring count and air suspension technology. Offering 4,000, 7,000 and 9,000 pocket springs, the mattresses come with a range of mix and match headboards and fabrics.

Dura Beds launched the Naturals collection, including Natural Bronze, a 1,500 pocket sprung mattress with cotton and wool filling. Natural Silver has 2,000 pocket springs, a layered wool pad and a hand-tufted finish. Natural Gold offers 3,500 pocket springs and cotton, wool and cashmere filling and a hand-tufted finish. There is a choice of a platform top or sprung edge, two headboard designs and three fabric options. It also added six models to its posture care range, featuring various support systems and luxurious fillings.

Shire Beds was one of a number of manufacturers taking a temperature control approach to its latest additions. EcoGel and EcoCool were added to the EcoShire range. EcoGel incorporates gel technology to control temperature and humidity along with foam for support and comfort. EcoCool features Cool Blue memory foam, engineered to be cooler than traditional models. With encapsulated side support, both have 2,000 pocket springs and an anti-bed bug finish. The company also extended its range of base colours.

Shakespeare Beds launched the Natural range of three hand side-stitched mattresses with 2,000, 5,000 and 7,000 pocket springs. Also new was Fusion, an encapsulated pocket sprung mattress with cool gel, and Cool Comfort an open coil model with cool gel.

Interiors Monthly November 2015

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The Flooring Show Happy Harrogate

Exhibition guide Must see shows

Soft, luxurious, easy clean twist in Super and Elite qualities from Cormar Carpets

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The Bed Show The International Centre, Telford

BEDS AND BEDROOM Sweet Dreams introduced the Royal Pillowtop collection, including the Sovereign 6000 Memory combining 4,000 pocket springs and memory foam in the mattress and 2,000 minisprings in the pillow-top; the eight-strong Enchanted Beds range and three upholstered frames including Monet (pictured).

It was the first year at The Bed Show for MA Living, and it looked to make a statement with Scala, a contemporary, continental designed bedstead, shown in 100% wool with a silver stud design. Also new was Erin, another contemporary design with a deep buttoned detailing on the headboard and shown in a Shetland camel colour wool mix.

Bodyease launched the Motion Gravity range of luxury adjustable beds. The collection comes in different comfort levels with the Flex Fit 2,000, Flex Fit 4,000 and Flex Fit 8,000 frames, and bed bases from divans with fully sprung or platform tops to bedsteads. Designs include Savoy, Blenheim, Ambassador, Rio, Torino and Morino. New mattresses, Cloud 800, Cloud 400 and Cloud 200, complete the range.

Burgess Beds showed its latest bedstead, Izzy, with a gentle curved headboard and on-trend French seam, available with a choice of feet. Also new was the Diamante headboard shown in faux wool with matching upholstered bedside tables and an upholstered bedding box. The company also introduced its GOTS and Soil Association organic mattress collection, manufactured with no chemical treatments or pesticides. There are three spring options: Pure 3000, Pure 1500 and Pure 1000.

Silentnight introduced spring-free Miraform mattresses featuring ergonomic zoning with micro cavities to align the spine and provide superior pressure relief, in a choice of memory foam or Geltex comfort layer.

Interiors Monthly November 2015

BEDS AND BEDROOM

The Bed Show The International Centre, Telford

John Cotton is investing to see the materials in mattresses, pillows and duvets reused

Born again Mark Cotton wants to eliminate mattresses going to landfill and reuse the materials Mark Cotton, John Cotton group md, has a vision and is investing heavily to back it. Cotton wants to see no more mattresses go to landfill, with the materials in mattresses being reused, not just once, but several times. In December the company will install new machinery at its Mirfield, West Yorkshire plant, which will take the first step in making Cotton’s vision a reality. ‘Mattresses going into landfill is a big, big problem. Clearly products are still going to landfill. The machine is being installed at Christmas and the first materials will come in January. Sixty per cent of the materials we use are sustainable so we’ll be looking to create new products that today, for example, use virgin polyester. So we’ll be

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The Bed Show The International Centre, Telford

BEDS AND BEDROOM able to ratchet that proportion up.’ Cotton sees a network of companies springing up across the country taking mattresses apart and sorting the component parts before John Cotton cleans and re-fiberizes them ready to make new products, be they mattresses or in other sectors. ‘This will enable an industry. Any low cost entrepreneur can get tools and rent a premises and start deconstructing materials if there is somewhere to send the raw materials on to rather than landfill. Landfill will cost £100 a tonne: if they can alleviate that cost then it’s worth getting into this,’ he explains. ‘I think it’ll be local to many of the waste sites around the country and/or retailer collection sites. Wherever the logistics works people will set up. Materials that would be going into the land today will have a value not to landfill them. There is an illegitimate practice of some people buying these mattresses and recovering them, so this will be an alternative. This a trading up of product development and finding areas to put these products. ‘We’ll clean them and re-fiberize them into new fibres and create whatever product we need to create out of that. It

can be the fabric, the insulator pad, the pads inside. The ambition is to do the whole lot. ‘We’ll be able to re-fiberize these materials and we’ll be able to do it again seven years later when it comes back, it’s not just a one time thing. If a retailer offers a service to take away a mattress when a new one is bought, rather than being a cost it can be a benefit. The springs can be smelted down and the other materials will come here,’ he says. Above: Mark Cotton (right) with his father John, and the Mayor of Wigan, open the Snuggledown showroom

John Cotton, John Cotton Group chairman, received an MBE for services to business in Yorkshire last year

Interiors Monthly November 2015

John Cotton is the sole mattress filling supplier to Silentnight, Sealy, Hypnos and Vi-Spring and supplies another 150 manufacturers. ‘We have a huge span of filling materials made on different types of machines so we can customise our products more than anyone else, which is one of our competitive advantages. We have 13 or 14 different machines so you can have wool made on this line and it will have this density and have this property and feel like that, or have it on this line and it’ll be different. It’s the same feedstock but you’re making different products, so that’s quite unique, and blending the feedstock to different recipes,’ he explains. Cotton also wants to give a second life to pillows and duvets, something the group knows quite a lot about, having about 40% of the UK market. It produces 20million pillows and 10millon duvets a year and supplies most of the industry, from discounters such as Wilkinsons, B&M and Poundstretcher, to fashion specialists such as Primark and Matalan through to supermarkets and department stores including Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, BHS and John Lewis, along with textile specialists such as The White Company and Dunelm. It also supplies Ikea, Jysk and Amazon. At Mirfield pillows and duvets for the value end of the market are produced, while its Wigan plant is home to its upmarket Snuggledown of Norway brand. A third manufacturing plant, in Poland, caters for the Swedish, Danish, Polish, German and Czech markets. Visit: www.johncotton-nonwovens.co.uk

“Huge thanks to our valued employees and customers, I’m immensely proud to www.johncotton-nonwovens.co.uk have received this prestigious award on your behalf.” 01924 496571 Mark Cotton • Group Managing Director • John Cotton Nonwovens Division markb@johncotton.co.uk

The Bed Show The International Centre, Telford

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Pushing the boundaries Harrison Spinks says it will continue to lead the way in bed manufacturing Harrison Spinks was hailed as Bed Manufacturer of the Year at the Bed Show. It was commended as a true leader in the sector which in the past 12 months has seen further developments in its internationally recognised, worldleading spring technology in the pursuit of greater sleeping comfort. ‘We are constantly pushing the boundaries to innovate comfort and lead the industry on new ways of manufacturing beds. We are the most vertically integrated bed manufacturer in the world from drawing our own wire for our springs to growing natural fibres on our own farm, so to be recognised with such a prestigious award for all of our hard work is fantastic,’ says Simon Spinks, Harrison Spinks md. ‘While we are way ahead of the competition for high spring counts, luxury natural fillings and high quality products, we are always looking to improve our processes and products to lead the way as Great Britain’s best bed manufacturer.’ Established in 1840, the fifthgeneration family business manufactures high-end luxury beds under the Harrison, Somnus and Spink & Edgar brands. All mattresses use the company’s unique patented spring technology as well as natural fillings supplied from its own Yorkshire farm. Over the past 12 months the company, which has more than 600 stockists in 11 countries, has also increased its staff from 372 to 450 as a result of the business’s growth and development. Visit: www.harrisonspinks.co.uk

From left: Daniel Spinks, project manager designate; Simon Spinks, md; and Peter Spinks, chairman, celebrate the company’s National Bed Federation award

Radiant

Solitaire

Interiors Monthly November 2015

Best of British The pursuit of perfection â&#x20AC;&#x201C; beautiful handcrafted pocket spring beds, ds, with ds w a Royal Seal of Approval and uisitely sitely tely tailored t an unrivalled 10 year guarantee. Hypnos provides retailers with exquisitely beds; sublime comfort; a choice of design options; a commitment to sustainability; a strong consumer support. nsumer brand and excellent exc Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out try the gorgeous new Regal Collection today! ection ti toda day

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

REVIEW

The Flooring Show Harrogate

Right: Victoria Twist in Pecan with Heart Throb stripe Below: Victoria Twist in Domino stripe Bottom: Debonair in Galant Grey

Developing partnerships Victoria Carpets made several introductions The show provided the perfect platform for Victoria Carpets to showcase its latest initiatives, introduce products and POS as it looked to demonstrate its commitment to developing partnerships with its stockists. Headlining the new collections was Victoria Twist, boasting 36 contemporary cool tones and warm shades, complemented with six loop stripes. The 80% wool/20% polypropylene carpet is available in 40oz, 50oz and 60oz qualities, with the coordinating 100% wool three-ply loop stripes available in a 35oz weight. Other new wool mix collections showcased were Debonair and Atlas Berber. The 80% wool/20% nylon two-ply Debonair twist has

20 shades available in a 45oz weight. The rugged 50oz, 80% wool/ 20% polypropylene, two-ply Atlas Berber twist has a naturally distinguished appearance characterised by the subtle light and dark flecks of colour. The 50oz super soft Aura has 20 shades designed for colour schemes where customers are looking to inject a touch of their personality and uses Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 100% Colour-loc polypropylene. Launched just over a year ago, First Impression saw four pastel shades added to the Soft Touch collection, which uses 100% Colour-loc polypropylene two-ply, 10th gauge twist. The 16 colours are available in a 63oz weight. Visit: www.victoriacarpets.com

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The Flooring Show Harrogate

REVIEW

Inspired Excellence

Moods

Premiere performance TCS made its first Harrogate appearance TCS The Carpet Specialists made its show debut following its launch in the UK and Republic of Ireland markets earlier this year. The Inspired range of carpets extends the company’s established furniture offering and two recently appointed sales representatives now cover Cumbria, Fylde Coast, Wigan, Warrington, Cheshire, East Lancashire and Merseyside Focused on the independent retailer, TCS launched in the Republic of Ireland in 1998 and has built a major operation across the UK and Ireland in furniture and bedding. The move into carpet was announced at the end of last year, and this summer it began rolling out its POS to retailers. It offers a collection of polypropylene carpet ranges, each having 10 designs and colour choices. There is a mix of textures, materials and patterns. All are chosen and designed based on current market trends covering versatile plain twists as well as a wide selection of heathers, stripes and saxonies, including options in the silky and super soft sectors. Eight further ranges are under development for launch at the end of the year. As well as the product offerings, TCS

Interiors Monthly November 2015

Space-saving displays are available to retailers

has designed studios to be as spacesaving as possible, with wall ladder displays or corner displays to suit retailers’ floorspace. ‘Harrogate provided us with the opportunity to speak to our customers to find out what they want in order to ensure we keep exceeding their expectations and growing the business with our customers help and feedback,’ says Thomas Small, TCS founder. ‘We believe it’s important to give the independent retailer something exclusive to enable them to compete successfully with larger retailers. The reaction from retailers was even better

than we could have hoped for and the general impression is that our range is fresh and modern.’ With a substantial stockholding in Heysham, Lancashire, the company can offer a rapid service and has ample capacity for growth as the flooring business adds to its furnishing portfolio. The company also showed its bed collection. It is offering free in-store studios and staff training with its range of Royal Coil mattresses and beds to carpet and flooring retailers. TCS provides a DHD service meaning retailers do not have to carry stock. Visit: www.tcsthecarpetspecialists.com

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The Flooring Show Harrogate

REVIEW

Axminsterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jacob

On parade Once again, everything flooring could be found at Harrogate Abingdon Flooring launched Supersoft Pastel in 4m and 5m widths and 16 colours. Rustique is a textured heather twist in 4m and 5m widths and 10 colours. Wilton Royal has five new colours. Charter Supreme Gold saw greys, stony beiges and duck egg blue added while Anniversary Twist is now available in multi-width. Pennine Loop has eight new contemporary colours; Mendip Stripe and Malvern Stripe have been recoloured. Aquatec was updated for a softer feel and improved performance. Adam Carpets introduced more trend mood boards. Axminster Carpets showcased its online carpet selector and app, challenging retailers to view the CGI roomsets on an Oculus Rift virtual reality device. It is designed to inspire customers and enable them to choose between carpet swatches in different roomsets: from a farmhouse dining room to a loft-style living area. Users can instantly change the design of the carpet by clicking on the swatches. Customers can also switch between different wall colours, allowing them to imagine what the carpet would look like in their own homes. Ball and Young expanded its accessories collection

Interiors Monthly November 2015

with a selection of UK-made stick-down profiles. Balterio added a new POS unit. Barnscroft showed additional colours for its British sheepskins, including baby pink, butterscotch, spotty Jacobs and brown tipped dyed. It also added designs to its cowhide mosaics. Beauflor introduced four Ultragrip ranges, giving the collection a more contemporary look: Buzz, Galaxy, Project (all 2.5mm) and Magnum (4.3mm). Buzz features shades of blues and greens with a Victorian tiled floor inspiration. Project is a collection of plain designs, Galaxy features grey and beige tiles. Magnum is a wood collection including deep wood embossing. Betap Tuftingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ocean twist comes in six colours and a 4m width; the Adventure loop has five colours and a 4m width; Dalesman has 10 heather shades while Jamaica has nine. Sophie and Redesa are polyester ranges in 10 and 13 colours respectively. Amailia is an artificial tufted grass collection in 2m and 4m widths with heights from 18mm-40mm. Brintons debuted City Plaid, a modern take on a traditional tartan. Brockway Carpets previewed Dimension Heathers, with

The Flooring Show Harrogate

REVIEW

Kingsmead’s Shades of Grey Rocky Slate

32 colours, three weights and 4m and 5m widths. Four years after introducing online ordering, which now accounts for a quarter of orders, Cormar Carpets previewed the next generation which reflects the use of smartphones and tablets. Product descriptions are shown by branding, for example buying group membership, live stock positions are shown and information such as prices and delivery can be hidden so it can be used in front of consumers. Distinctive Flooring revealed POS with updated branding, a new brochure and website, and six more colours for Vintage parquet. F&X Carpet’s Luna has felt backing made from recycled plastic bottles; Florida uses the Aevita fibre; Essenta has a 37% biocontent fibre; Joy is a velour in a 4m width and five colours and the 100% wool Santorini uses a nine-ply yarn. Furlong Flooring introduced Chiltern Highlights with 12 heathers and Chiltern Pastel with 12 muted colours to its Regency Carefree collection. Sumptuous Moods is a bleach cleanable two-ply saxony in 18 heathers. Its wood collection saw Natural Solutions Emerald updated with new colours including European greys and whites while Urban also had new colours. Gaskell Wool Rich’s Marble Arch uses three-ply 100% New Zealand wool yarns in greys and greens. Hadleigh has five additional colours. H&V Carpets’ Prado Saxony is a collection of six beiges and greys; Manhattan is a 90oz saxony in five colours; Sienna is a budget saxony in five colours; Toronto is a speckled twist in eight colours, while the bestselling Izmir saw the addition of 10

Bronte Carpets promoted the benefits of its custom-made carpets with POS in an app style layout. The company can manufacture in widths from 0.5m to12m with no waste and also makes to plan shapes such as L and T to further reduce waste and avoid joins.

Interiors Monthly November 2015

REVIEW

The Flooring Show Harrogate

Oriental Weavers’ Renaissance

Laughing for charity: The comedy night at The Flooring Show, organised by Dave Francis (pictured left) raised £9,050. This has been equally split between Children’s Variety, CLIC Sargent and Candlelighters (pictured). ‘It was a fantasic evening and the important thing was to raise funds for these three charities. Many thanks to everyone who came and donated so generously,’ says Francis.

silver and beige shades to its palette. Ideal highlighted the supersoft Touche collection made up of the polyamide Silk and Satine, polyester Monza, polypropylene Grace and Charm. It also debuted the wool-look Great Outdoors and the heavy Dorset Bay and Riverside. Also on show was a ladder POS unit with carpet tile samples packaged to look like LP records. Interfloor added the Jazz 12mm underlay, Titanium 9mm underlay and Flamecheck flame retardant underlay to its offer along with an underlay brochure. Kingsmead Carpets’ Roxburgh is a 80/20 twist in 12 colours and three weights; Georgian Carpets’ HardTwist is a 50/50 available in 12 colours, two weights and 4m and 5m widths; and the four-ply Stoddard Finland has seven colours in 4m and 5m widths. Fantastic was added to the Clean Easy range in two weights with action back and felt back options, 14 colours and 4m and 5m widths. Manx Carpets showed the 100% wool Natural Styles in three designs and six colours in 4m and 5m widths; Pandora Plains in four weight options, and the two-ply Ashworth Heathers comes in 15 colours and 4m and 5m widths. Mercado’s Matterhorn is a 60oz two-ply saxony in a 5m width and Amore is a 70oz version; the supersoft Soft Touch Supreme is available in six colours; Satin Touch is a super soft bleach cleanable range; the 90oz Luxury 90 comes in six colours and the 60oz Mega Saxony in a 4m width and seven colours. Millennium Weavers showed Ultra Twist, a 62oz

Beauflor’s Porto

polypropylene twist in 4m and 5m widths and nine colours, mainly greys and beige with a black. Inspiration is a 53oz softtouch saxony in 13 colours and 4m and 5m widths. It also previewed its first artificial grass collection with six styles. Arden is a wool blend loop and coordinating stripe in 11 colours from Mr Tomkinson. Allure uses the iSense yarn with four ranges: Desire, Extravagance, Indulgence and Escape. Oriental Weavers showed Renaissance. Machine woven on a jacquard loom, the designs are intricate and detailed. Inspired by traditional designs the rugs are re-created in modern colourways. Richmond is machine-made with a colour palette of neutrals and grey shades to create traditional and patchwork designs. The hand-made Winslow is loom knotted using 100% wool and finished with an antique wash. RFMS-UK introduced a free trial version of its software that can store five estimates before an upgrade is needed. Thomas Witter’s Naturally is a 31oz 100% wool loop pile in two designs, seven colours and 4m and 5m widths. Luxury Twist uses the same yarn in 40oz, 50oz and 60oz weights in 10 colours. Ulster Carpets introduced a rug edging service for Braeburn, Boho, York Heritage Twist and Open Spaces, and added six shades including four greys to Dubai. Westex’s Natural loop has 14 new colours while Ultima Twist has been updated with 15 new colours of chalks and tonals, increasing the number to 120. Visit: www.theflooringshow.com

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The Flooring Show Harrogate

REVIEW

Lano enjoyed a hectic Harrogate as retailers from across the country visited its stand to see the launch of The Taste of Luxury concept that features SmartStrand and SmartStrand Silk qualities; the increasing profile of the super soft and stain-resistant Eccelena yarn; the popular Easy Care collection; and a successful rug promotion. Visit: www.lano.com

‘With a huge amount of interest in our products, The Flooring Show provided us with an opportunity to tell retailers about the new on-trend styles now available in Easy Clean, Extra Strong Easy Clean and incredibly soft polyamide fibres. The response was excellent, with really positive feedback on the assortment of styles and colours,’ says James Caldwell, Crown Floors sales coordinator. Visit: www.crownfloors.co.uk

Stand points

The Quick-Step Master Installer scheme is now in its third year of operation and interest from retailers and installers at this year’s show was exceptionally high. Keen to learn about the benefits of the scheme that certifies workmanship for two-years, visitors also discovered the many other opportunities available at the Academy for Excellence in Flooring. Visit: www.quick-step-academy.co.uk ‘We used The Flooring Show to demonstrate that Avenue cushion flooring is very relevant to today’s style and cost-conscious homeowner. Along with providing a beautiful aesthetic to interiors with ease of installation, maintenance and great comfort and longevity, we also ensure that Avenue delivers the very best in service, a fact we were keen to highlight at the show,’ says Victoria Hemelaer, Avenue product manager. Visit: www.avenuefloors.co.uk Brintons’ stand featured a custom carpet inspired by its archive and photographic quality with a spectacular ‘Olympic Rug’ made using Brintons HighDefinition technology. ‘The show was a wonderful opportunity to promote the benefits of our wool-rich products. We are known for our rich heritage but we wanted to illustrate our passion for carpet and how our expertise makes almost anything possible,’ says Natalie Littlehales, Brintons marketing manager. Visit: www.brintons.co.uk

Interiors Monthly November 2015

‘The launch of Aevita demonstrates that recycled content carpets do not need to carry a cost disadvantage, nor do they need to have any style or liveability trade-off,’ says Gordon Hugo, F&X Carpets UK sales manager. ‘With stain-resistance, resilience and softness, carpets made with Aevita tick all the right boxes for homeowners looking for carpet that fits in with modern life.’ Tel: 07976 607 657

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Tent London/Superbrands London

REVIEW Poiat expanded its Lavitta collection, inspired by a folding garden chair made by designer Timo Mikkonen’s grandfather

International sights Tent London and Superbrands again offered a diversity of design at the Old Truman Brewery. Visit: www.tentlondon.co.uk

Mum’s Fair Trade, ecofriendly products – from jewellery and lighting to furniture and rugs – are made by mothers in South Africa, Cambodia, Bolivia and India

Daniel Schofield’s Aurelian vases have a smoked glass base and solid ash tops to catch falling leaves and petals and present them as a continuation of their lifecycle Dizeno‘s Hayka bedlinen is available in hay or straw designs with a mouse

Interiors Monthly November 2015

REVIEW

Sonia Winner’s Rothko-esque Grey and Deep rugs are inspired by the bold fields of colour which characterise the work of abstract expressionist artist Mark Rothko

Lune Design showed its Tzeno wall shelf combining wood and Corian

Tent London/Superbrands London

Oak Forum, by Z-Parket at Solid Floor, comes in 10 colours, 14mm tri-plank, 21mm multi-plank or solid versions with widths of 183mm – 240mm

Malafor has expanded its collection of inflatable furniture with the AIR armchair and three stools, featuring an improved fabric and visible stitching Neo/Craft introduced a third size to its Diamond pendant light alongside new colours for its Steel Stand trestles, while the Steel Stand Table top is 5mm thick

Inspired by the Pompidou Centre, the struts between the shelves of Magnino Fine Furniture’s English sycamore Bookstack shelving system act as pivots of cantilevers while the books hide the vertical supports

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The Autumn Furniture Show

REVIEW

Rauch’s Bayamo

Corndell’s Annecy

Showing off the best Highlights of what was on offer at The International Centre, Telford Almost 80 companies took part in the recent Autumn Furniture Show, organised by Minerva Furnishers Guild. Breasley showcased its Bionix mattress. Unlike a traditional adjustable bed where the base does the work and controls the bed’s position, the workings of the Bionix are inside the mattress. It comes with a remote control to set positions. Corndell highlighted its Annecy range of bedroom furniture, available in seven hand-painted colours and a choice of hand-painted or oak veneered tops with a limed or satin finish. The Porto elm dining range with painted rustic bases took centre stage for Furniture Origins. Porto is the sister product of Lisbon which is an all over elm version of this range. New Trend Concepts used the show to launch Palinuro to the UK market, a leather reclining sofa with an adjustable headrest. Rauch introduced the Bayamo wardrobe range from its Select brand to the UK market. There are a number of colour choices, glass, matt glass and mirror options for the sliding doors, and a selection of five handle colours. Shankar debuted the Camberwell accent chair, a Regency-inspired design with buttoned upholstery available in grey and cream. Also new was the Newbury accent chair available in three colours, charcoal, grey weave and natural and featuring solid rubberwood legs. It

Interiors Monthly November 2015

added two colours, grey and white, to its bestselling Krista dining chair. Moving away from its usual gloss finish and opting for a more mainstream look, UK-CF launched Ultimate Fusion, a cabinet range in oak and soft cream fronts or walnut and grey fronts. The collection which is supplied fully assembled includes a main TV cabinet, a freestanding cabinet with LED lighting, a storage drawer unit and wall units, and to complete the offer there is a dining table and chairs, coffee and lamp tables.

UK-CF’s Ultimate Fusion

Vale-Bridgecraft showed Roma, a highback, curved arm sofa with a narrower seat aimed at the 55-plus market and available as a single-seater chair, twoand-a-half and three-seater sofas and power and manual recliner chair options. The Vintage Sofa Company added a vintage leather coffee table to its current offering with a Union Jack motif on the top and also patchwork beanbags available in a combination of leather, fabric and Harris Tweed. Visit: www.theautumnfurnitureshow.co.uk

SOFTWARE

Estimating efficiency RFMS-UK is combining desktop and app software It is getting harder and harder for retailers and estimators to decide whether to invest in software and equipment to help their business because there is so much to choose from. RFMS-UK is trying to make this process easier by introducing a range of products that start off free and progress through to the most sophisticated product available with free demonstrations before deciding to upgrade. All you need to get started is a smart phone or tablet, says Brian Gray, RFMS-UK director. The MeasureMobile3 app is free to download from Google Play, iTunes and Windows Store. The app enables a project to be created, customer details entered, rooms drawn (with or without a Leica Laser Disto measurer), cutting plans calculated and finally a PDF quote produced which can be emailed directly to the customer. ‘This provides a very professional image for the estimator and is available at no additional charge if the estimator has a suitable phone or tablet,’ he explains. For the company that has a number of people estimating, it is only a small step to connect them back to the office. The Measure Standard desktop product, with the Cloud option, allows quotes to be available at the office within seconds of them being completed at the customer’s house. The Windows-based desktop product can also be used to generate appointments for the estimators without the need for them to be in the office: the Cloud allows information transfer both ways. As the company expands into the commercial arena, an upgrade to Measure Premier allows the estimator to import architects’ drawings and PDF drawings to the desktop and trace the rooms – providing a quick and professional solution for these larger jobs. It also handles more complex quotations and 3D room views. Both Measure Standard and Measure Premier interface with the RFMS Business Management Software System. Visit: www.measuremobile3.com

Right: MeasureMobile3 is available for Android, iOS and Windows Below: Measure Premier is designed for complex projects

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SOFTWARE

The Computers for Flooring team

Ticking all the boxes Computers for Flooring tailors its software to customer needs Computers for Flooring is proud to know that two of its valued customers are award winners. Martin Phillips Carpets won the Best Flooring Retailer (3 plus stores) category in the Interiors Monthly Awards in 2014, and this year Floor Coverings scooped the Best Flooring Retailer (1-2 stores) award. ‘Floor Coverings joined the Computers for Flooring family in 2011 and it has been a pleasure watching the immense dedication and professionalism of the team result in a hugely successful business enjoying continued growth,’ says Kristian Bailey, Computers for Flooring md.

Interiors Monthly November 2015

Taro Strowgger, Floor Coverings owner, feels that his success has been a collaborative effort. ‘Four years ago my office manager showed me an article that said Computers for Flooring will help run your business and give you more time with family. Then we were really struggling to keep up with all of the paperwork the business was generating so I was completely snowed under. I purchased Computers for Flooring’s Carman software and four years later I take two or three holidays a year, my turnover has doubled and I have a family life. ‘If Carman disappeared tomorrow I really don’t know how I would cope. It is

the best product I ever purchased for the company.’ Carman is a user friendly, cloud-based management system designed by the flooring industry for the flooring industry. ‘We work with industry specialists to ensure that our software ticks every box when it comes to running a successful flooring business. We recognise that every business is different, which is why we offer tailored solutions. From independent operators to multi-site organisations, we understand your needs and have a package to suit you,’ says Bailey. Tel: 0845 869 8403

SOFTWARE

Geared to retailers Plans and quotes are done simply and quickly ‘If you’re thinking of using estimating software then I would certainly give MasterPiece a call as I now wouldn’t use anything else. After trying several other systems I found that MasterPiece was simple to use and the online and telephone support is good,’ says Jon Evans, owner of Leighton Buzzard retailer All 4 Floors. ‘MasterPiece has a very simple drag and drop system for planning. Being a one-man band with constant measuring every day I’m now able to complete my plans and quotes in minutes. Gone are the days of sitting down each evening with various pads and graph paper,’ he says. Charles Pearson, MasterPiece Systems md, says recent enhancements give closer alignment with the way UK

Permutations of which carpet will go in every room in a house can be handled within the same job

retailers operate. For example, the software now directly supports retailers who price with underlay and fitting included and also those who quote ballpark prices without having measurements. ‘Integration with other UK systems such as Swan Retail is bearing fruit, with

more retailers who sell carpet and furniture coming on board. We have formalised the interaction with LVT suppliers such as Karndean; this gives the retailer the benefit of having the LVT supplier’s product set fully supported for tile planning and costing,’ says Pearson. MasterPiece Systems, tel: 01737 355 831

RETAIL SALES REPRESENTATIVE COVERING NORFOLK, PART SUFFOLK & PART CAMBS Mercado is the largest distributor of floor coverings in the UK, based in Leeds, with service centres at strategic locations including Bristol, Southampton & Chelmsford. Currently a vacancy exists for a self motivated individual to fill the above post, managing and developing an established sales area. Candidates will need to demonstrate sales and customer facing skills as well as an ability to operate in the field unsupervised. Experience of flooring products or a distributor/retailer environment will be a distinct advantage although not essential. Mercado offer a full benefits package including company car, excellent salary structure, Sick Pay Scheme, Pension Scheme and Life Assurance. To apply please email your CV with accompanying letter to Adam Medhurst at adam.medhurst@mercado.co.uk Closing date: 30th November 2015

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TRENDS

Past colours the future Dulux’s 13th annual Colour Futures report reveals what it expects the key colour trends to be in the coming year ‘The theme for Colour Futures is Looking Both Ways, encouraging us to both anticipate the future and appreciate the past,’ says Louise Tod, Dulux senior global colour designer. ‘Digital and modern techniques are certainly here to stay, but we look for inspiration from the past to be able to design for the future. This theme of duality is the driving influence for 2016 and opposites are seen in all our colour and design trends this year.’ The 2016 palette offers a muted yet elegant approach to colour that centres on soft mid-tone shades. The overall feeling continues to be warm, but with greater subtlety. Brighter colours have moved away from primary colours to an intriguing collection of subdued yet intense colours. Think coral, not orange; ochre not yellow; and midnight, not blue. This is a friendly palette but with a dark, mysterious side. Dulux’s 2016 Colour of the Year is Cherished Gold, a goldinfluenced ochre, which is bright enough to attract attention and combines well with other tones. ‘Gold and tones of gold are being used everywhere in the design world. It is a recurring colour and material at design fairs and in graphic design, as well as in architecture, fashion, beauty and interiors decorating. Cherished Gold is a beautiful next step, a natural evolution and transition from Copper Blush, the Colour of the Year in 2015,’ adds Tod. Visit: www.colourfutures.com

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Interiors Monthly November 2015

Heritage and Future: By looking at the past we are able to design for the future. One should take inspiration from the past to gain confidence in the next steps forward. This colour palette focuses on reds that reflect our rich heritage, but also has a bright contemporary feel that points to the future.

TRENDS

The Grid and Letting Go: Modern day technology has resulted in a basic human desire to go ‘off grid’ and distance oneself from the hustle and bustle of life. But freedom is only understandable within the context of a framework – you can’t break the mould if you don’t have a mould in the first place. Hence the colours in this palette are vivid and playful, yet they are still held back by the black and white of the grid. This trend also sees a number of graphic painting techniques at play to represent the grid.

Words and Pictures: We live in an age of visual saturation with every moment captured on social media. Words, whether spoken or written, are forever being condensed in our fastpaced lives. Words are restricted and shortened on social media, while we increasingly communicate using pictures alone. This trend celebrates the pairing of words and pictures and the corresponding colour palette uses the blue of ink and grey of graphite in contrast to tones used in smartphone and social media graphics.

Dark and Light: The mystery and beauty of night is recreated in the Dark and Light palette. Many of the colours blend seamlessly, recalling the tones of both dusk and dawn during the ‘golden hour’. This is also reflected in the ombré inspired paint effects featured in the trend.

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Product Manager – East Midlands – permanent role Package offering; Competitive salary £33,000 + Car, Contributory pension, life assurance & 24 days Holiday QEP are a world leading supplier of tiling equipment, flooring, tools & accessories, operating in over 70 countries around the world. We offer both branded and own-label portfolios throughout the Home Improvement, Construction & Trade sectors. Products are supplied into all major channels including the; DIY Sheds, National and Regional Merchants, Independents, Mail Order and Tarde Specialists. QEP has grown both organically and through a number of astute, targeted acquisitions. The business leads the innovation agenda for the category and is an established, collaborative partner with all of the major Sheds/Merchants.

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We have a great opportunity to join the UK division in the exciting and varied role of Product Manager who will… Become the product champion for the Flooring & Personal Protection Equipment portfolios, working as part of the Marketing team to create, develop and deliver the product road map within the overall long term strategy of the business. Research and analyse the market, to identify and understand; competitor and consumer trends. Range management – Manage the product life cycle across the business, discontinuing & managing exit plans where necessary and communicate the SKU status within the business. Effectively manage the product mix to maximise the profitability for the business. Range review analysis – working closely with Sales & Operations to analyse key account AWS figures & supplier MOQ’s to increase sales and maximise inventory performance. Flooring product / category management experience within DIY, Trade or similar FMCG channels essential Educated to degree level Commutable to Ashbourne near Derby Quantitative and business analysis skills Proven track record of launching NPD Knowledge of marketing principles & practices with experience within B2B environments Please send a full CV to Simon Murphy at smurphy@qep.com

RETAIL SALES MANAGER We have a vacancy for a Retail Sales Manager who will be responsible for the development of Retail Sales in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Key responsibilities will include: • Day to day management of the Ulster Retail Sales team. • To manage and develop business with our account base and all related activities. • Direct management of the Retail design team based in Kidderminster. • To explore and develop other stock business opportunities. Applicants should have experience in Retail Sales with ideally two years experience of managing a field sales team. Successful applicants should be able to demonstrate how they can use their experience to take on the responsibility of the position. Apply in writing to The Personnel Department, Ulster Carpets, Castleisland Factory, Craigavon, BT62 1EE or email to recruit@ulstercarpets.com before our closing date of Monday 30th November at 12 noon. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer

SALES and MARKETING MANAGER BFM Ltd has been a trade association since 1949 and has therefore represented the interests of the British furniture industry for more than 65 years. There is currently a vacancy for an enthusiastic and motivated Sales and Marketing Manager to recruit new members from manufacturing companies, from all the furniture sectors and the wider industry. The successful candidate will also provide on-going customer service to current members. The role is positioned at a competitive salary with benefits. The job description is available on request. Applications/requests should be made to: Jackie Bazeley, Managing Director, The Clare Centre, Wycombe Road, Saunderton, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4BF or by email to: jackie.bazeley@bfm.org.uk