Interiors Monthly October 2019

OCTOBER 2019

Ã…rsdag

Massproductions

Stand review

The Flooring Show

A S EN V SE T N O

The True Bedmakers From the prize sheep on our farm, to the award-winning springs we coil ourselves.

We go beyond convention to create the ultimate in luxurious comfort, giving you a mattress that has been lovingly grown and handmade in the heart of Yorkshire.

Cortec™ our new spring technology is the future and the reason we won component of the year at the NBF Bed Show 2019.

Because your sleep is our craft.

H A R R I S O N S P I N K S .C O.U K

Harrison Spinks National Interiors Monthly Ad_210x297.indd 1

25/09/2019 11:38

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Brexit sees DFS feel the pinch The market leader has joined others hit by the double blow of uncertainty and the slow housing market It’s the topic most people have agreed about for a few months now, but without any tangible confirmation that it’s affecting a major player: Brexit uncertainty and a slow housing market have hit footfall and orders at DFS in the past few months.

‘Subdued’ was the word Tim Stacey, DFS group ceo used, without putting an exact number on it. And with, at the time of writing, no sign of what outcome we are going to have over Brexit, the likelihood is that things will stay subdued. A Brexit extension to the end of January will rather put a dampener on the key pre-Christmas period.

Of course the state of the housing market is a direct result of the political uncertainty: resolve that and house sales should pick up, boosting interiors sales. Retailers at The Flooring Show said they have had lots of outstanding quotes for a while but consumers weren’t ready to commit at the moment.

Also unwilling to commit to each other were mattress-in-abox duo Eve and Simba, with merger discussions coming to nothing. I raised the question when Eve floated on the stock market if it would make a profit before it ran out of money.

While it has cut its marketing spend by a third, losses have been reduced and the return rate is flat at 12%, I still stick with my original thought that the only companies that will make money from this sector are those that actually manufacture the mattresses.

Eve had £12.5m of cash at the end of June, but since the merger talks ended, investors value it at just £6.8m. Neatly sums things up.

It is with sadness that we report the death of Glenn Harding, former Flooring One controller. He was as respected and generous a figure in the industry as you could find and it has missed his presence since illness forced him to retire in 2016.

The winner of the Interiors Monthly subscription draw at The Flooring Show was Nigel Lakin, of Lakin Carpets & Flooring Co, Tamworth. Congratulations to him.

INTERIORS MONTHLY OCTOBER 2019

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 4

DFS hit by lower footfall and orders

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Dunelm sees profits leap

10 John Lewis: own-brand is the future

FEATURES 14 New products 20 Service 22 Wool

Campaign for Wool Wool Carpet and Rug Awards

36 Beds and bedroom

Bed Industry Awards

40 LVT

Quietly, with nature

46 Vinyl

Fashion rules

50 Design

Massproduction’s anniversary

62 Review

The Flooring Show

Editor: Andrew Kidd

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

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

Furniture advertising (North): Jarrod Bird T: 01565 631 397 E: jbird@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Sedna: super-soft carpet saving sea life from Associated Weavers Visit: www.carpetyourlife.co.uk

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

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

Published by Interiors Media Limited Minerva House, Kinnings Row, Bordyke, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1NP T: 01732 441 130 F: 01732 362 919 E: enquiries@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Registered in England no. 6397722 Print: Knockout Print Design by Truprint Media © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236

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NEWS

Double blow hits DFS DFS has seen ‘subdued’ sales orders over the past three months as Brexit and the housing market deter shoppers.

‘Recent trading conditions have reflected the increasingly uncertain political and economic backdrop and we have seen reduced levels of footfall, which we attribute to lower levels of consumer confidence and housing transactions, the two key drivers of the upholstery market.

‘Although we have had some success in driving conversion to mitigate this trend, we note that over the first 12 weeks of the financial year, order intake levels have been subdued,’ says Tim Stacey, DFS group ceo.

‘Our financial performance in the year ahead will inevitably be dependent on broader political and economic developments and at this stage it is difficult to predict what will happen specifically within the upholstery market.

However, we remain focused on those variables we can control and on executing our strategy, which we believe puts us in a strong position over the long term.

‘Our trading performance for the last financial year was good overall, as we continue to execute our new strategy to lead sofa retailing in the digital age. Like-for-like growth across all brands and all channels, especially online and in Sofology, has enabled us to grow our market share.’

Pro-forma sales for the year to 30 June rose 14.4% to £1.28bn with pre-tax profits 31% higher at £50.2m.

Lucas to invest £10m in 75,000sqft store Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire independent furniture retailer Lucas is investing £10m in a new 75,000sqft store and 30,000sqft warehouse Located at the entrance to Aylesbury on the A41 Bicester Road, adjacent to Aylesbury Vale train station – with links into London Marylebone station – it will be one of the largest independent furniture stores in the South East of England.

The store will be spread over two floors, ‘in a light and airy environment’ designed to display the furniture in fully accessorised roomsets.

It will include car parking for more than 100 cars and an in-store café.

‘Lucas has served Aylesbury and the local area for over 120 years and we are very excited to announce our next step in our long

history. With an investment of over £10m, this is a real commitment by Lucas to Aylesbury. Lucas will continue to offer the level of service, exceptional advice and product only an independent store can provide,’ says the company.

The warehouse will be built next to the store.

‘This will ensure all the furniture is taken into a modern facility processed through a QA process before being stored on high bay racking awaiting delivery to the customer.’

In addition to electric vehicle charging points, the store will include roof solar panels designed to help meet most of the store’s energy requirements.

Construction is expected to be completed next summer.

Eve shares plummet in wake of merger talks collapse Shares in Eve have plunged by more than 40% after it told shareholders that merger talks with fellow mattress-in-a-box company Simba had broken down. The company is now valued at less than £7m.

‘The board of Eve has decided that now is not the right time to pursue the potential merger and that it is more appropriate to focus on

the Eve rebuild plan.

‘The board will continue to seek further acquisitive growth opportunities, in addition to its focus on driving organic growth, in order to support its focus on a path to profitability,’ it says.

It also warned that losses would be higher than expected. ‘Overall trading has been more challenging

than previously anticipated.

The economic backdrop combined with heavy discounting and promotional activity from our competitors has led the board to conclude that 2019 revenues are now likely to be in the range of £25m-£27m.

‘Management’s focus on optimising overheads and operational costs has

Sainsbury’s to axe more Argos stores Sainsbury’s is to close as many as 70 Argos stores, replacing them with space inside its supermarkets.

The group said the closures were part of a reorganisation of its store portfolio that will see up to 15 supermarkets

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and 40 convenience stores closed, while 10 new supermarkets and 100 convenience stores will open.

10 of these convenience branches will have space for an Argos.

Mike Coupe, Sainsbury’s

Interiors Monthly October 2019

chief executive says the reorganisation is part of a package of £500m of cost cuts.

‘Argos continued to grow market share in key categories, but sales were impacted by reduced promotional activity,’ he adds.

supported a stronger EBITDA performance, with first half losses 50% lower year on year.’

Brand recognition had risen from 10% to 15% and its return rate was stable at 12%.

Draper’s news La-Z-Boy UK has promoted Mark Draper to commercial director after two years as director of marketing and national accounts. Tristan Pyke has been named as head of sales for independents. Adam Morley has been promoted from marketing manager to head of marketing.

‘It’s fantastic to see the advances in brand awareness and customer perception of La-Z-Boy over the time I’ve been with the company and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to spearhead the future phases of the brand’s commercial developments in this territory,’ says Draper.

HORIZONT NEW GENERATION by Nolte

NEW

SAVE THE DATE

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SALON DU MEUBLE

FURNITURE SHOW NEC

03. -06 NOV. 2019

19. -22 JAN. 2020

We look forward to seeing you!

We look forward to seeing you!

27.08.2019 16:52:29

NEWS

Profits leap at Dunelm Dunelm is to pay shareholders an extra £64.6m in dividends after a jump in profits.

The chain says it will pay a special dividend on top of the £41.4m of final dividends. Shareholders will receive £121.2m for the year to 29 June.

Pre-tax profits rose by 35% to £125.9m as sales rose 4.8% to £1.1bn. Like-for-like sales rose by 10.7%, with in-store sales 7.7% higher and online up 35.1%. Like-for-like sales were 12.1% and 37% higher respectively in the fourth quarter.

‘We improved the customer offer in our stores. Our product selection and sourcing has been focused on offering more style and better value to customers and we reinvigorated our special buy product programme, both in store and online, with more frequently changing offers, helping to provide greater inspiration and newness to our customers.

We have also extended our furniture and seasonal ranges to increase choice,’ says Nick Wilkinson, Dunelm ceo.

‘We see significant scope for continuous improvement across all price bands and taste types. We are rebalancing the proportion of lines at opening “good” price points, for example, in our dinnerware and glassware ranges. We are also targeting a material increase in our online-only ranges with plans underway to add a net 6,000 products in FY20, many of which will be own label products. Some of these online-only products will be displayed in store and will be available to order for home delivery.

‘Our furniture product offer is also set to strengthen as we grow own-brand options and extend colour choice on

some of our best-selling products, for example printed fabrics for our occasional chairs and painted versions of our living room cabinetry collections.’

Fulham Road showcase for Italian style Italian furniture manufacturer Giorgetti is to be the latest brand to open a store in the Brompton Cross area of West London. The 121-year-old company will open the 3,741sqft triple-fronted store at 52-58 Fulham Road in November.

‘We are particularly proud to enlarge our monobrand retail network with the opening of London,’ says Giovanni del Vecchio, Giorgetti chief executive. ‘Our vision of creating unique and sartorial articulated architectural projects for our customers needed a proper window

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

in the British capital, which represents a point of reference for residential and hospitality projects worldwide.’

Over the past 18 month Giorgetti has significantly expanded its network of owned stores, opening branches in Hong Kong, Boston, Copenhagen, Paris, Stuttgart and Houston, along with a design studio in New Delhi and operated monobrand outlets in China and Vietnam.

Pictured is the Skyline modular sofa launched this year.

Dunelm’s furniture offer has been extended

Cost cutting boosts profits Cost cutting helped upholstery manufacturer Lebus substantially increase pre-tax profits last year, despite a dip in sales.

Sales dropped by 4% to £39.1m in the year to 31 December. Pre-tax profits rose 28.1% to £1.25m. Margins were unchanged at 26.1%.

‘The fall in turnover occurred during quarters two and three, and coincided with the long spell of good weather.

Turnover recovered in Q4, with sales to all classes of customer increasing,’ says the company.

Overheads were cut by 7%, allowing the rise in profits.

‘At the year end, the momentum of Q4 carried on into Q1 2019.

‘The budget for 2019 is to increase sales and profit and the start to the year is ahead of budget.’

YOUR 2020 SALES SUCCESS STRATEGY 5 ESSENTIAL WAYS TO MAXIMISE YOUR SALES AND PROFIT • ADVERTISING – Most advertising does not work very

well. If yours isn’t, stop wasting your money now. Don’t blame the media, blame the message. Re-design your advertising campaigns using a benefits-orientated-style. Call Greenwood for effective copywriting know-how.

• PRODUCTS – Be ruthless with your precious floor space.

If a product or collection is not pulling its weight after being given a fair chance, then clear it and replace it with a better performing one. Test and measure the selling potential of all your products in a Greenwood Sale.

• SELLING SKILLS - Get good at selling. Most retailers

don’t employ a proper retail sales process for big ticket goods.

The most successful ones do. Invest time and money in quality sales know-how. Call Greenwood to arrange an effective sales training course for your team.

• COMPETITION – Check your competition to find out what they are offering. Avoid all-out price wars. Out-perform your competition on the most relevant beneficial points including choice, quality, value and service. Call Greenwood to mystery shop your competitors.

• PROMOTION – Promote your business effectively.

Every good retailer from Aldi to Harrod’s does. Consider using a ‘Greenwood’ sales promotion to increase sales, turn stock into cash and win future market share, while protecting your profit at the same time. Call Greenwood!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GREENWOOD SALES...

Take a look at our website or call us now on 01565 650101, or, send an e mail enquiry, and we’ll gladly call you to discuss the exciting possibilities we can offer you, without obligation.

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BOOKING NOW FOR 2020 Call Bernard or Donald today on 01565 650101

T H ET HE ESTA E STA B L I SB H L IESDH E D C A RCA P ERTP BE RT ABN RA DN D I N VI N I CVTIUCST®UN S ®OW N OW B R IBNRGI N S GYO S U YOL U XLU URXYU R Y V I NVYI LN FYLO L FO LO R IONRGI N G www.invictus.co.uk www.invictus.co.uk

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19/08/2019 19/08/2019 11:00:38 11:00:38

NEWS

John Lewis: the future is own-brand John Lewis sees its future in differentiating itself from rivals through ownbrand products.

‘The structural changes in retail remain a challenge and an opportunity.

Excess capacity of physical space coupled with subdued consumer confidence are adding to sales and margin pressure. In addition, a number of key operational costs continue to grow ahead of inflation.

‘Our response is to build brands which remain consistently appealing to our customers so that we create more differentiated, valuable and long-term relationships with them,’ says Sir Charlie Mayfield, John Lewis Partnership chairman.

Glenn Harding Glenn Harding, former Flooring One controller and buyer died on 25 August, aged 64.

Having worked for over 17 years for AIS/Flooring One, he was instrumental in the growth and expansion of the buying group, retiring in 2016 due to ill health.

He was a true gent of the industry with a reputation for his integrity and carried huge respect from Flooring One membership, suppliers and competitors.

He started his career in London at the Debenhams buying office before moving on to Topman and then Maple, Waring & Gillow. One of his longest spells was with Allied Carpets, followed by Littlewoods and B-Wise before moving to AIS in 1999.

He is survived by his wife Claudette, three children and six granddaughters.

Donations can be made to Sarcoma Research. Visit: www.sarcoma.org.uk

Eight for Loaf Furniture retailer Loaf has opened its eighth branch, near Bristol.

The 5,000sqft store is located at the Centaurus retail park, Cribbs Causeway.

It features a chill-out area with retro arcade games, colouring stations and an old-school ice cream parlour, a mattress testing arena and swatch station.

Loaf opened its first bricks and mortar outlet in Battersea, London in 2015 and has since opened stores in Notting Hill and Spitalfields, as well as Guildford, Wilmslow, Solihull and St Albans.

The flagship store on London’s Oxford Street

‘In John Lewis, we saw our strongest sales growth in areas in which we have made the greatest investment. We launched our second season of own-brand womenswear following the full redesign of our range last year; own-brand womenswear sales have grown 5.7%. In beauty, we also outperformed the market by 8.6%.

‘In home, we are redesigning every part of our range and have started with the relaunch of upholstery. Having grown the size of our home design team by 50% over the last 18 months, we will launch 3,000 new own-brand products this autumn. In addition, this month sees the relaunch of own-brand menswear and the launch of our first ever own-brand gift food.

‘Should the UK leave the EU without a deal, we expect the effect to be significant and it will not be possible to mitigate that impact. In readiness, we have ensured our financial resilience and taken steps to increase our foreign currency hedging, to build stock where that is sensible, and to improve customs readiness. However, Brexit continues to weigh on consumer sentiment at a crucial time for the sector as we enter the peak trading period.’

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

Proposte to stay with post-Salone timing Fabric exhibition Proposte is to continue being hosted immediately after Salone.

The show moved from its usual May dates to after the furniture exhibition this year, and has decided to carry on with this approach. Next year’s show will take place at Villa Erba, Como from 27-29 April (Monday to Wednesday, rather than the traditional Wednesday to Friday).

‘Seeing the success of the choice of dates for last year’s edition, we have decided to confirm the three days of Proposte immediately in the wake of the Salone Internazionale del Mobile of Milan,’ says Piercarlo Viganò, Propose chairperson. Viganò succeeds Mauro Cavelli, who has become vice-chair.

BRUSSELS FURNITURE FAIR 3 - 6 NOV 2019 SUN - TUE 9AM - 7PM & WED 9AM - 6PM BRUSSELS EXPO - WWW.FURNITUREFAIRBRUSSELS.BE

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A UKAbrand UK brand sincesince 19641964

NEW PRODUCTS

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1 Recognising a consumer demand for a luxury carpet suited to the modern busy home, Abingdon Flooring has introduced the Sophisticat range in 16 new colourways. With shades from neutrals such as Champagne to the cool turquoise tones of Azure (pictured) there is a colour choice to match all on-trend interior palettes and styles.

Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk 2 Balta has raised the bar for budget-driven StainSafe style with an update to its Aim High range with six new shades, and the launch of the high-low three-tone loop-pile High Life collection, bringing them together in a powerful presenter designed to maximise the appeal of these versatile carpets.

Tel: 0032 5662 2211

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3

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3 Fusing classic style and current trends, The MN Collection from Kettle Interiors features oak tops paired with soft grey painted cabinets to give an elegant look in living spaces and bedrooms. A handsome addition to any home, it is equally ready to take on duties in traditional settings or furnishing modern interiors in search of timeless pieces.

Tel: 01536 444 960 4 Even the most experience-hardened installer can gain new skills when they take up the challenges at the Academy for Excellence in Flooring. With 12sqm bays full of sinks, toilets, angles, stairs, curved walls and more, there are plenty of obstacles to face as you conquer tests in the Master Installer programme to become a certified Quick-Step installer.

Visit: www.quick-step-academy.co.uk 5 From its hand-picked fabric to its shimmering colours and patterns, the Splendore di Venezia rug collection from Louis de Poortere captures the elegant essence of classical Venice.

Splendore has seven designs: Dolomiti (pictured), Nuovo, Quadrini, Rombo, Laccetti and Cubetti and abstract Gattopardo.

Visit: www.louisdepoortere.com 

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

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QUALITY OAK AND PAINTED FURNITURE FOR HOME STORES

The MN Collection Welcome the classic style of the MN Collection to your store.

With beautiful oak tops, paired with soft grey painted cabinetry and adorned with chrome handles, the MN Collection exudes detailing from top to toe, including carved legs and bun feet. This is a stylish collection for any home available with discounts for display orders*.

The MN Collection starts from just ÂŁ45.00* *Only applicable on ďŹ rst-time orders. Container prices illustrated.

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NEW PRODUCTS

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6 With a characterful grain and light oak finish, teamed with boxy lines and metal hairpin legs, The IA Collection from Kettle Interiors is an industrial-style dining and occasional furniture range. With slender bar-style metal handles, soft-close drawers and metal runners, it is packed full of quality details to match its stylish looks.

Tel: 01536 444 960 7 The slender metallic structure of Baleri Italia’s Donna embraces the shell with a seat in the rear part of the back rest.

The chair is made of metal and is available in several versions: the outdoor version is made of tone-on-tone or contrasting microperforated metal; the indoor version

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

has a soft pad on the front that can be fully filled if desired.

Visit: www.baleri-italia.it/en 8 Conscious of growing consumer demand for easily accessible information, Balta has launched its updated website dedicated to StainSafe. Balta recognised the need to refresh its online portal to keep consumers informed on the key points of StainSafe fibres and tackle some of the most common questions and calls for advice that owners have about their carpets.

Visit: www.stain-safe.com 9 Floorwise has revealed a new look for its underlay brochure, building on the iconic

jumping imagery first shown with the launch of its Hyper recycled PU product range. The imagery can now not only be found across a vastly expanded recycled PU underlay range, but also across its rubber and felt carpet underlays.

Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk 10 Stua has introduced a fourth size option to its Solapa coffee tables: 120cm x 120cm, joining the 60cm x 60cm, 60cm x 120cm and 40cm x 120cm options. The tops can be in white, oak, walnut or black Fenix.

The legs can be black or white fibreglass compound in a choice of two different heights: 30cm or 36cm.

Visit: www.stua.com

Serenity. An easy-care, moth-proof alternative to wool.

STRESS FREE FITTING

Serenity is a game-changing carpet range that gives your customers the wool look they want with the easy-care finish they need.

Part of our affordable and popular Twist collection, Serenity is available in 17 modern colours and offers a classic wool look, with the benefit of our bleach cleanable Carefree fibre.

Totally mothproof, this range also features our soft Combi-bac® backing, making fitting easier, reducing creasing, scuffing and offers improved delamination – everything for a perfect finish.

Serenity - outstanding features

Our industry leading 10-year guarantee protects against more than just food and drink – it covers absolutely everything, with the one exception of gloss paint.

As you’d expect from Furlong Flooring, the Serenity range comes with all our service guarantees, including fast response, product quality and excellent customer service.

100% bleach cleanable fibres. Keeping your carpet looking great and easy to clean.

To find out how we could be your ideal flooring partner contact Furlong Flooring today.

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

SERVICE

Richard Renouf

View from the top

Some things in life are worth the extra effort ‘I’m going to report them for breaching the Trade Descriptions Act!’ said the loud voice behind me. It was not a phrase I’d expected to hear halfway up Snowdon. ‘They don’t tell you it’s this hard in the brochure. This is like real mountaineering!’

The speaker was a middle-aged lady.

She had the right gear for the changeable weather conditions and she looked every bit the experienced mountain walker – unlike her sister, who was a little more rotund and sporting tight leggings, a T-shirt and a lightweight waterproof jacket tied around her waist. Both were red-faced and puffing from exertion.

They found a space on a nearby rock as I was finishing my sandwich, and slumped down with groans of relief.

‘How much further is it?’ they asked. ‘’About a kilometre. You should be there in about half an hour,’ I said.

‘Phew! We’re meeting relatives at the top. They’re going up by train and we have to be there within the hour or we’ll miss them! It wasn’t this hard when I walked up the other route last week,’ said the well-kitted out lady.

The ‘other route’ was the track beside the railway that runs up to the Snowdon summit café. It’s longer and maintains a steady gradient that the train can cope with as it hauls coachloads of passengers who would rather pay £30 to see the view from the highest point in southern Britain than take the time and trouble to walk there.

I suspected she was now thinking her family had made the wiser choice, or at least that she should have taken the easier route rather than one of the more demanding tracks cut centuries ago by miners through the rockier eastern terrain.

A bulldog pulled at his owner’s lead.

The owner and his friend were both red-cheeked and out of breath, but they were grinning. ‘This is hard, but it’ll be worth it to get to the top!’ they said.

The sisters made it to the summit ahead of their welcome party and were able to enjoy a hot cuppa in the café, a luxury few mountain summits can offer. Perhaps it’s this facility that lures more people to the top than any of the other mountains in North Wales, even

Clouds may obscure the way, but those who rise above them are well rewarded

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

though this is the highest and has been the training ground for many of the world’s top climbers, even a stoppingoff point on the way to Everest for a few exceptional (or wealthy) individuals.

In fact we all got there, as did dozens of others, in spite of the less-thaninviting conditions. But no one else was griping about the hardships they had overcome: it was all part of the experience.

So when I took a call today from a retailer who was upset at the problems he was having resolving a customer complaint, and the difficulties he had dealing with a particular supplier and the pressure being exerted by the customer, and how much this was costing his business, I thought of all those going up the mountain. It may have been harder than they expected but the rewards were there for those who kept going, however difficult it may have seemed.

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

sh d! fre dde ew a N des a sh

Prism Seen in a new light

Shown: Amber

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

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

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

penthousecarpets.co.uk

WOOL

Simply the best Campaign for Wool’s fourth Wool Carpet and Rug Awards, in association with British Wool, recognised the finest wool flooring. The awards were presented during The Flooring Show in September.

Visit: www.campaignforwool.org; www.britishwool.org.uk

Winner

Perpetual Textures Finalists: Grosvenor Wilton’s Marrakesh (centre) and Ulster Carpet’s Linea (above)

Residential Woven Winner: Brinton’s Carpets’ Perpetual Textures ‘Sophisticated and understated for simplistic modern living, Perpetual Textures takes inspiration from natural fibres and textures to add a calming influence to any home. The discreet

colour palette gives a contemporary twist to nostalgic prints and was influenced by the beauty of chenille, corded and tweed fabrics, inspired by rattan and handwoven techniques.’

Residential Flatweave

Winner

Winner

Winner: Alternative Flooring’s Simone and Cassidy ‘The new colour combinations of Wool Iconic Stripe are inspired by tie-dye style, updating this crafty technique and bringing splashes of fashionable colour to flooring. These sophisticated pure wool stripes capture the spirit of iconic musicians from rock and reggae to jazz.’

Finalists: VM Carpet’s Tuohi (top right) and Roger Oates Design’s Borders (right)

Winner

Ryg

Innovation in Wool Carpet or Rug Winner: Ulster Carpets’ Ryg ‘Ryg is one of three urban textures within the terræn collection that explores designs from sources as varied as angled shadows and light from urban architecture, sculpted concrete surfaces,

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

Finalists: Alternative Flooring’s Strawberry Meadow (centre) and Gaskell Woolrich’s Marble Arch (above)

and the more familiar hounds-tooth design from furnishing and fashion. The design demonstrates Ulster’s unrivalled design and manufacturing capabilities.’ 

Discover the StainSafe® difference today Made with bleach-cleanable fibre that’s soft and tough, StainSafe carpets are ready to take on the challenges of family life, so you can be confident of carpet that’s always easy to look after.

Visit the new website today to discover the difference at stain-safe.com.

baltacarpets.com

View and download our stain removal guide on the website stain-safe.com

WOOL

Winner

Fresh Kiwi

Residential Tufted Winner: Adam Carpets’ Fresh Kiwi ‘A tonal herringbone in 10 feel-good colourways that slots into the trend “all geometric” perfectly. The understated simplicity

Finalists: Ulster Carpets’ Frond (centre) and Crucial Trading’s Wool Harbour (above)

of the design makes it a perfect backdrop to any room. The exciting palette lends itself to a broad spectrum of interior styles.’

Winner

Below: Finalist Grosvenor Wilton’s Design Folio

Residential Creative Marketing Initiative Award Winner: Ulster Carpets’ Vescent ‘Ulster created strong branding that highlighted the distinct differences between the six contemporary designs and 21 colourways in the Vescent collection while retaining an overall continuity. This formed the basis of a comprehensive marketing campaign that harnessed the growing importance of digital alongside the more traditional forms of print media.’

Winner

Waterlake

British Wool Carpet Award Winner: Alternative Flooring’s Waterlake ‘Alternative Flooring joined designer Ella Doran and Yorkshire Sculpture Park to tell the story of wool by creating Waterlake, a limited edition runner using the fleece from the sheep at the sculpture park. The pattern by Doran is inspired by Yorkshire

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

Finalist: Brockway Carpets’ Llama Strata (above)

Sculpture Park, and dyed in colours from Doran’s palette.

The yarn is woven by Alternative Flooring on narrow-width Axminster looms, bringing together traditional techniques  and contemporary design.’

F o r den C ollec t ion The perfect collection to give you that cool, space conscious, apartment living vibe. Our Forden and Carbury, similar in style, are made using solid Oak & Oak veneers designed to create the look of stylish modern living. Available in both a matte brushed black and grey finish. The grey provides a calming influence on the stronger black oak veneers.

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Fri 20/09/2019 09:29:13

WOOL Winner

Pimpernel

Homes & Gardens’ Award for Design Innovation Winner: Style Library’s Pimpernel ‘Designed in 1876, Pimpernel is one of William Morris’s greatest designs. With its mirrored symmetry and curling stems circling

Finalists: Amy Kent Bespoke Rugs’ Penguins (centre) and Grosvenor Wilton’s Greenhouse (above)

wind-swept flowers, this glorious rug brings a huge personality to any room of the home.’

Winner

Seascape

Homes & Antiques’ Rug Design of the Year

Finalists: Style Library’s Strawberry Thief (centre) and Floor Story’s Chroma Primary (above)

Winner: Abigail Edwards’ Seascape ‘Inspired by rolling waves of a tempestuous sea, the hand-drawn design has been translated with wool and art silk to create a

subtle shine when it catches the light. The rugs are GoodWeave certified, guaranteeing no forced labour was used in production.’

Pelham Winner

Country Homes & Interiors’ Award for Best Use of Texture and Pattern for the Modern Country Home Winner: Roger Oates Design’s Pelham ‘Taken from Vernon, an existing all-over design, Pelham has been carefully considered to complement it – they carry a similar

Finalists: Flock Living’s Earthy Autumn (centre) and Cormar Carpet Company’s Southwold (above)

pattern and can work individually or together for stairs, rugs and runners. Colourways include smart neutrals and warm, rich tones.’

Winner

Designer Ella Doran

Wrong Angle

Design Sector Designer Collaboration of the Year Winner: Floor Story with Sebastien Wrong’s Wrong Angle ‘Wrong Angle uses a community of rugs layered into interconnecting grids to frame a space.

Hand-knotted in India, it is crafted with 100% wool, with a low 20-knot count for a worn-in look.’

Finalists: Floor Story’s Chroma Primary (centre) and Alternative Flooring’s Waterlake (above)



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Interiors Monthly October 2019

Softissimo TH E ULTIM ATE ELEGAN T TOUCH

LECTERN AVAILABLE Ask your AW Area Manager for full details!

H OW S O F T C A N YO U G O ?

Made with the newest generation polyester yarn: iVerse ®

A UK brand since 1964 carpetyourlife.co.uk

When looking for carpet that’s soft, durable and easy to clean, Softissimo is the answer!

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11/09/2019 9:47:16

WOOL Marmalade Winner

Design Sector Hand Knotted Rug Winner: Floor Story’s Marmalade ‘Marmalade was inspired by the city of London and the sleekness and balance of its Art Deco architecture. GoodWeave certified free from enforced labour, Marmalade is made in

Finalists: Amy Kent Bespoke Rugs’ Jinka (centre) and Floor Story’s Leopard in Gustav (above)

Nepal, hand-knotted from wool and silk in an exquisite 80-knot quality to bring beautiful depth and shimmering highlights to the multidimensional pattern.’

Kimpton Fitzroy London

Winner

Commercial Woven Carpet Design Installation of the Year Winner: Brintons for the Kimpton Fitzroy London ‘As part of an extensive refurbishment programme, Brintons supplied carpets for key public areas within the five-star Kimpton Fitzroy London hotel, a Grade II listed landmark building in Bloomsbury. The pattern features a strong linear

Finalists: Brintons for Celebrity Edge cruise ship (centre) and Ulster Carpets for the Abbey Hotel, Bath (above)

border, bringing a modern element that still harmonises with the period of the building. A steel grey and neutral colour palette complements the sophisticated and contemporary interiors of the hotel.’

Hall of Fame Award Winner: Shaun Lewis ‘Shaun Lewis began his career in the carpet industry in 1970 at Tomkinson Carpets, working in the pattern room and sales office. In 1980 he became a field sales representative, initially covering the North-West of England, then East Anglia and then the SouthEast. Following much success, including awards as Salesman of the Year, his true potential was recognised and he moved back to Kidderminster in 1990 as national sales manager.

His key attributes of great energy and enthusiasm, allied to strong commercial awareness, meant he achieved huge success

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

in this position, which he held with distinction until he was head-hunted and moved to Victoria Carpets in 2001 as national sales manager. He was promoted to sales and marketing director in 2004.

In 2014 he moved to Brockway Carpets as its first sales director. Once again his great energy and positivity, along with an ability to recognise the need for change and a clear understanding of the market and commercial opportunity, have been key to seeing Brockway’s sales increase by over 40% in the time he has been at the company. He has also served on the board of the Carpet Foundation and been chairman of Kidderminster’s Charity Golf Tournament for many years, raising tens of thousands for Macmillan Cancer Care and local charities.’

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England

7. – 10. 1. 2020

BEST OF BRITISH

New look

THE

The show will return to Stamford Bridge Below: The new logo

The BFM has given its fabric exhibition a revamp One of the furniture industry’s most select events is modelling a fresh new look for its forthcoming iteration.

The BFM Fabric Show – London takes place on 25-26 February 2020, once again returning to Chelsea Football Club’s West End Stand at Stamford Bridge.

As part of the BFM’s activity to broaden the scope and appeal of the event – and

Nick Garrett

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

to set a framework to expand the concept geographically – a new logo has been developed.

And there has also been a slight change of name, with the BFM Fabric Show – London replacing the previous London Fabric Show title.

Nick Garratt, BFM md has been working with the association’s team to roll out the new look and feel for the event.

‘The 2020 show will feature a fresh look and new branding, aligning it more closely with the BFM while retaining its admired and unique character. As well as the new design, the name change is also being rolled out for the first time. The BFM Fabric Show – London has been adopted as part of our plan to add further shows in the future and to ensure our name remains within all the titles,’ he says.

‘Together with the board and the BFM team, we have taken stock of the requirements of the association’s role in our industry and looked at how we can make it even more relevant for the future.

BFM is the voice of our industry, providing

effective representation and a range of appropriate services that embrace the needs of and add value for our members.

‘Within that framework, we are building up a range of activities to take our work further forward, and part of that includes enhancing and even extending our events schedule.’

Prestigious companies from the UK, Belgium, Spain, Turkey and Italy have already re-booked their place at the show, joining the line-up of more than 35 exhibitors drawn from specialists in a variety of upholstery and soft furnishing fabrics as well as fabric treatments.

‘This event provides upholstery manufacturers – both BFM and nonBFM members – and retailers with an unsurpassed opportunity to view new fabric selections from choice producers and suppliers in one hit, without leaving the UK. Plans are in full swing and the timing of next year’s event is perfect, with the show neatly positioned after JFS and before other fabric events in Europe.’

Visit: www.londonfabricshow.uk

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BEST OF BRITISH

150 at 150

Hoxton Grand sofa in Bracklyn Charcoal

Parker Knoll is celebrating a milestone with new collections Parker Knoll has been expertly handcrafting sofas and chairs since 1869.

This year marks 150 years of great British furniture making for the brand, which it will be celebrating with an extensive campaign of commercial activity including new collection launches that pay homage to its past whilst embracing the future.

This activity began at the January Furniture Show, with the launch of Collection 150.

Drawing on the brand’s recently restored Frederick Parker archive, Collection 150 has been designed to celebrate Parker Knoll’s rich heritage as well as its founder’s commitment to develop sofas and chairs that are a product of skilled design, high quality,

Fitzroy chair in Bracklyn Teal and Blomfield Teal, Fitzroy footstool in Hampstead Teal

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

elegant proportions and supreme comfort.

The collection takes specific influence from the 1920s and 1930s, a defining period for Parker Knoll as post-war Britain formed. During this time it was commissioned by Cunard to furnish all the rooms of its ocean-going liners, from the sofas and chairs to beds and occasional furniture.

Collection 150 is a celebration of this style-defining period, combining Art Deco influences with a contemporary aesthetic to create a collection of finely designed sofas and chairs that offer refined style and an abundance of comfort.

Comprised of two sofa collections, Hoxton and Wycombe, alongside their complementary chairs Shoreditch and Fitzroy, the range is a celebration of

beautiful shape and intricate detail.

From the buttoned Wycombe to the deep-seated Hoxton, these shapes are beautifully offset by chairs that offer choice of style with co-ordinating fabric stories.

To really bring the collection to life, Parker Knoll has again developed a new fabric collection. Working with specialist mills, it has commissioned and developed a refined colour palette including contemporary plain weaves combined with cotton velvets and rich textured structures. These fabrics are beautifully accented by designs that have been influenced by artists, fashion, society and architectural elements from the Art Deco period.

Visit: www.parkerknoll.co.uk

Wycombe Grand in Bracklyn Charcoal, with large cushions in Blomfield Auburn and small cushions in Welton Auburn

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BEST OF BRITISH

Luxury Silk 1500 from Hand Crafted

Zelda Pillowtop 1500 from Defined Edge Support

Home grown The range of Sweet Dreams’ beds – made in Lancashire – has been expanded Sweet Dreams revealed its latest Britishmade beds at September’s Bed Show.

The first new collection was the Pocket Air Pure range of divans. The mattresses employ the Lancashire manufacturer’s Pocket Air spring system, and feature new FR chemical-free fabric covers for a safe, pure sleep. The fabric is produced using inherently flameretardant yarns and so avoids the need for a chemical treatment to introduce flame retardancy. The natural wicking effect of the two-fold viscose yarns means the fabric provides a cool and comfortable sleeping environment. A simple heat finish preserves the natural integrity of the fabric, which is pleasant

to touch and to sleep on. The end result is a mattress cover that’s safe, comfortable and free of chemical flame retardant.

A mock five-box side stitch border and either tufted or microquilted tops characterise the four beds, all with either 3,000 or 4,000 pocket air springs. The beds come in three sizes and the bases offer a wide choice of storage and four colourway options.

The new Hand Crafted collection of three models has hand-crafted side stitches to the mattress border and elevates the mattresses to a level not previously associated with mid-market products. The luxury quilting is testament to Sweet Dreams’ investment

in new Dueffe quilting machinery which brings high-end finishing to affordable collections. Natural fillings such as silk and cashmere maintain the luxury theme throughout. The beds are offered in three sizes and the bases come with Sweet Dreams’ usual options, plus a special low option on platform top bases.

Defined Edge Support comprises six beds in three sizes featuring foamencapsulated pocket springs, offering attractive specifications such as pillow tops and luxury fillings. The bases, with drawer storage options, come with a choice of wooden or chrome-effect legs, in six velvet colourways and contrast tape.

Visit: www.sweetdreamsuk.com

Pure Angelic 4000 from Pocket Air Pure

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

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BEDS AND BEDROOM Tony Lisanti, National Bed Federation president (left) and returning host Gyles Brandreth (right) presented National Bed Retailer of the Year to Dreams

Being the best The ninth Bed Industry Awards recognised the cream of the sector The winners of the Bed Industry Awards were revealed at the Bed Show Gala Dinner last month, with Dreams, Linthorpe Beds and Mattress Online winning the retailer awards.

The evening was hosted by broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, and was attended by more than 450 guests from the industry. The awards, now in their ninth year, recognise bed retailers, manufacturers and suppliers representing the best in inspiration, design, growth and innovation.

Dreams won the National Bed Retailer of the Year. ‘It was a close call in this contested category. However, there could only be one winner and we were impressed with its fifth straight year of improvement including like-forlike growth.

‘This company is also driven by its innovative approach to customer service and retail, including investment in training and partnerships with the Team

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

Vispring

GB Olympic athletes,’ said the judges.

Bensons For Beds was the finalist.

North-East of England retailer Linthorpe Beds won the Independent Bed Retailer of the Year. ‘The winner had an impressive sales increase in the qualifying period, with a high double-

digit like-for-like sales rise, which stemmed from investment in marketing, the website and strong add-on sales.

It took a bold, brave move to refurbish its flagship store as well as a second store and in committing to a new van fleet to defy the notion that traditional

BEDS AND BEDROOM Harrison Spinks

Linthorpe Beds

Vitafoam

retailing is dead,’ was the verdict.

Button & Sprung, Sound Sleep and The Winchester Bed Company were finalists.

Mattress Online was named as Pure Online Bed Retailer of the Year. ‘In a year of change, Mattress Online was a strong winner, enjoying a double-digit profit increase on the back of mid-single digit sales growth, and saw customers trading up. With a good clarity of entry, it showed great use of interactive features such as LiveChat and video to enhance the customer shopping experience.’

Argos was the finalist.

The Bed of the Year prize went to Vispring with its J Marshall No 4, praised for ‘targeting a different type of consumer to the brand’s traditional one.

It aims to challenge both existing and disrupter brands with a sleek, modern finish… beautifully upholstered and backed by superb marketing materials for retailers.’

Taking the Innovation of the Year trophy was Vitafoam with FReefoam.

The judges felt this winning innovation ‘could have significant benefits to

UK mattress producers, retailers, consumers and the environment. Not waiting for any potential changes to UK flammability regulations which could see the banning of certain FR chemicals, this new TCPP-free foam material doesn’t compromise on quality, performance or fire retardancy.’

Winning Component of the Year was Harrison Spinks with Cortec – ‘a truly innovative component that is set to

redefine comfort technology and potentially change the bed industry.

Five years in the making, this glue-free, patented pocket spring system has already enabled the development of the world’s first 100% recyclable luxury sustainable mattress.’

‘The annual awards are a valued opportunity to recognise stand-out companies in the bed industry. We congratulate all those who put themselves forward to be judged, and celebrate those who were finalists and award winners,’ said Tony Lisanti, National Bed Federation president.

The retailer awards were judged by Richard de Melim, Furnishing Report editor; Andrew Kidd, Interiors Monthly editor, Dan Squires, Cabinet Maker editor; Bernard Eaton, Greenwood Retail md and Lisa Artis, NBF PR and communications manager.

The product awards were judged

by Paul Farley, Furniture News editor; Steve Adams, Mattress Online md; Jerry Cheshire, Surrey Beds md; Paul Stott, Paul Stott Design director and Simon Williams, NBF marketing manager.

Visit: www.bedshow.co.uk/awards Mattress Online

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

37

UPHOLSTERY

Cerchio chair

Curvy

Cerchio snuggler

Alpha Designs’ latest collection has curves at its heart Alpha Designs is a progressive UK manufacturer at the forefront of design and fabric, which it demonstrated once again at the recent Manchester Furniture Show with the launch of its Cerchio collection: a versatile, curved series of pieces that can evolve into both corner

groups or sofas in various sizes, presented in new vibrant fabrics.

Designed and developed with a leading furniture designer, Cerchio continues the growth of Alpha Designs in the marketplace, with the new collection sitting alongside its current

successful commercial ranges. The new launch expands its portfolio with a breadth of styles complimented by total flexibility on fabrics across all models, which from a company with a ‘can do’ attitude offers an enticing proposition.

Tel: 01902 492 937

Cerchio sofa

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

ALPHA D E S I G N S Elegant upholstery, handmade in the UK by a family company with passion, dedication and care

Cerchio Corner

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

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07/12/2017 16:43

LVT

Cambrian

Natural

Think rustic

Organics Stone captures the beauty of limestone Harvey Maria’s Organics Stone is a new collection of natural stone-effects, perfect for creating a modern rustic style.

A classic design for the kitchen, bathroom or bootroom, the collection is offered in a gentle palette of natural shades. The designs can be laid to create a seamless, elegant finish or feature strips added for a classic flagstone look.

Organics Stone is an incredibly resilient floor that’s durable and very easy to keep clean by sweeping, vacuuming or mopping with a neutral detergent. It is also waterproof and can be installed over underfloor heating.

The new designs capture the natural beauty of limestone in four shades – Natural, Portland, Jurassic and Cambrian – each with an authentic mottled appearance, a flat-matt finish and a bevelled edge.

A rectangular format, measuring 30.5cm x 45.7cm, gives Organics Stone

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

a heritage-inspired feel. At just 2.5mm thick, the tiles are fast and easy to lay in new rooms or existing schemes, without having to reduce door heights or risk ‘boxing-in’.

Other stone-effect designs include Harvey Maria’s Organics Edge – a series of four matching tiles with a seamless square-in-a-square motif.

Visit: www.harveymaria.com

Cambrian

Inspired by age-old woodlands.

Designed for modern interiors.

Expanding its array of contemporary and classic timber designs, the Van Gogh collection welcomes six new colourways. Creating a neutral backdrop, the mix of fresh, clean and neutral tones including French, distressed and reďŹ ned oak hues allow home decorators to accessorise from the ground up.

karndean.com/VG2019 Featured oor: Greige Oak VGW110T

PRIMO NATURALS At Cormar Carpet Company, we’re proud of being an award-winning, British, family-run business, making carpets in Britain at our two mills in Lancashire since 1956. ‘Primo Naturals’ is the latest addition to our hugely successful Easy Clean Twist range. Made from 100% Excellon Polypropylene, Primo Naturals is bleach cleanable and comes with a 10-year stain & wear guarantee.

Perfect for high traffic, domestic areas of the home such as the living and dining room as well as the stairs. Produced using a durable 2-Ply yarn, the range is both pet and family friendly.

Primo Naturals comes in 13 stunning heather shades and is available in both 4 and 5 metre widths.

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk portal.cormarcarpets.co.uk

LVT

Keeping the peace LayRed is designed with silent acoustics in mind Moduleo has expanded its product portfolio with a new engineered vinyl floor covering, LayRed. LayRed was designed with a soft feel, beautiful aesthetics and silent acoustics in mind. The new collection, which boasts integrated underlay, a lifetime guarantee and exceptional sound absorption qualities, is perfect for uneven floors and can be used straight over existing flooring, including tiles or with underfloor heating.

Manufactured using reinforced methods, the 12-layered flooring can bridge gaps and slight unevenness in the subfloor. With minimal preparation required, LayRed uses Click technology which removes the need for adhesive and instead uses a practical tooth-groove connection.

‘We’re always challenging ourselves to come up with flooring solutions that live up to high expectations and tackle the different challenges of building or renovating at home. With LayRed, we take innovation in vinyl flooring to a whole new level. It is focused on satisfying the way consumers live today,’

Classic Oak

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

Brio Oak

says Matthew Brook, Moduleo UK & Eire national sales manager.

With a total of 31 SKUs inspired by nature, seven wood and four stone, the collection was created with pin-sharp details and beautifully embossed textures to suit any renovation project.

Moduleo utilises state-of-the-art technology to create grains, knots and grooves that fully mimic the surface texture of wood and stone, resulting in authentic structure and depth.

‘Full of charm and character, one of LayRed’s finishes is Country Oak, available in six shades ranging from dark brown to light grey. The design is perfect for creating a homely feel.

Throughout the planks, grains and pronounced knots add plenty of depth and character to the floorcovering.

‘The collection also includes a Midland Oak design. While still incorporating a warm feel, the elegant finish comes in natural light and dark shades – perfect for brightening up any room while maintaining a rustic chic.

‘For interior design lovers, LayRed Brio Oak incorporates a finish plucked straight from nature. From light to grey, these softer shades offer a touch of elegance to a room.

‘A perfect finish to bring a natural sense of cosiness, LayRed Classic Oak is contrasting yet complementary to other design elements. The pure wood comes in beautifully brushed classic aesthetics. From light to dark, the flooring will become a staple piece of any room.’

Each LayRed design is protected with a TwinGuard protective layer. Cleverly engineered, the floor is protected from both scratches and dirt penetration, ensuring the design floor remains in perfect condition.

Visit www.moduleo.co.uk

LAYRED PERFECT ON EVERY LEVEL ®

Soft strong and silent, LayRed is engineered for every challenge.

Featuring an integrated underlay it offers exceptional performance even on uneven floors. Ideal for renovation projects, waterproof LayRed is scratch and stain resistant, keeping floors in perfect condition for many years to come.

moduleo.co.uk/layred

.01 DESIGN

.02 COMFORT

NEW

.03 STRENGTH

VINYL

At home

Bolon and Missoni Home have collaborated again

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

Flame Patch is now available in Black

VINYL

Flame in Stone

Bolon has expanded its Missoni Home collection, increasing its woven vinyl flooring offer.

‘We are so proud of our long-term relationship with the Missoni family which has led to some bold and creative collections over the years. The 2019 collection is an eye-catching explosion of colours that are well suited to any interior projects with a one-of-a-kind desire,’ says Annica Eklund, Bolon chief creative officer.

Two new patterns have been added to the collection. Trinidad is a vibrant, colourful striped pattern most recognised from one of Missoni Home’s iconic rug designs. This becomes a striking design feature wherever it is laid.

Fireworks is inspired by one of Missoni Home’s signature fabrics and features a strong graphic pattern with a flowing gradient.

The classic Zigzag is available in three new colours: Turquoise for a strong visual character, Green for a natural vibe and Red to give any space a lift. Flame is now available in Pineapple and Stone, and Flame Patch in three brand new colourways: Lagoon, Wood and Black.

‘The novelties for 2019, such as the multi-coloured Trinidad and Black and White Fireworks inspired by the space-dyed fabrics of Missoni Home, offer additional unique touches to a collection that reflects the distinctive characteristics of Missoni,’ says Rosita Missoni, Missoni co-founder and Missoni Home creative director.

Visit: www.bolon.com

Fireworks options include Black (shown) and White

Trinidad

Zigzag is now available in Red

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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Helping make the world a Ball & Young manufacture all their Cloud 9 range and other ranges of PU underlays from recycled material resulting in a major step to avoiding landfill.

A closed and capped landfill site can take tens of years to be deemed as safe from leaching liquids and gases.

O Many thousand tonnes of PU have gone into Cloud 9 products avoiding landfill.

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O

The Brand Leader

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DESIGN Odette barstool

One step at a time Massproductions is celebrating its tenth anniversary

Magnus Elebäck (left) and Chris Martin

It all started, like so many things, with a longing to make a difference. When Magnus Elebäck and Chris Martin decided to launch Massproductions they had already been colleagues for about 10 years. All they could see was a future churning out ideas for large companies such as Ikea. So with the intention of finding a new client, and with a will to create something with

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a lasting impact, they travelled to imm Cologne in 2008. With them, they brought a hefty catalogue of competent industrial design.

And there was a match: a German furniture company asked them to create a chair. The deal eventually fell through, and the two were forced to make a decision: to scrap a chair they loved, or to produce it themselves. Not long after, they started looking for the right production facilities.

From that one chair, a company grew.

2009 saw a successful launch, a first order: Sweden’s KTH Royal Institute of Technology’s School of Architecture; and a first retailer, DePadova of Milan.

In the following years, more furniture was added to the Massproductions collection. First came the Tio tables; the low, playful Harry stool; the swivelling Odette barstool. As the company expanded, the projects became more ambitious. In order to make the Mega sofa Martin spent time at an upholstery factory, and for the Crown easy chair

completely new production tools had to be developed.

Today, Massproductions is an accomplished, award-winning furniture company that has opened up markets on every continent except for the polar regions. ‘But,’ says Martin, ‘if someone asked us how it started, they would probably get two completely different answers. To me, it seemed almost like an accident, but I later realised Magnus was more scheming.’

The beginning Elebäck: ‘We didn’t approach it as one cohesive project, we just took it one step at a time.’

Martin: ‘At the very beginning, when we first got asked to make a chair out of metal wires, I remember saying, “Why would you want to do that?” And the client said, “It’s just fun to work with metal wires”. I didn’t realise at the time that it would become my entire life.’

E: ‘At that point we already had a lot of experience and knowledge from 

Tio chair

Albert bar stool

production and development, partly thanks to having travelled around the world to different production sites.’

M: ‘At Ikea we always worked closely with product developers. We knew much more about how to get a product into the world compared to a lot of other designers. So when our initial German client failed to produce the metal wire chair and subsequently dropped out, I said to Magnus: “We should make it ourselves.” And Magnus was like “What?”

I said “It’s just metal wires, anyone can produce it.” And Magnus said “You’re crazy, Chris!” and I said “Luck favours the brave”. I'm kidding. We just thought it was a bit audacious, a bit cheeky, to produce it ourselves.’

E: ‘There weren’t any “designers becoming producers” companies around at the time. Maybe that’s why it took some time for us to figure out how to do it. Massproductions started out more as a hobby project: as a way to make this one chair. We never really planned to build a company around that chair.’

M: ‘I felt like we didn’t have a choice.

Either shelve it or do it ourselves. And we really wanted to see it made.’

E: ‘It seems telling that it all started from a product point of view. Still to this day, we always do that.’

M: ‘And when the chair finally came into production, that’s when Magnus’s brilliant marketing and company building skills kicked in. I had the design, and he simply built the company around it.’

E: ‘We should really call it a project, not a company.’

Building the business E: ‘At the time of inception for Massproductions, we were partly

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frustrated with our current work situations, but also with the world of design in general. Designers were being used as marketing tools. And the poster name situation also became an obstacle for us in our work: Not being a “face” meant not getting access to the good production facilities.

M: ‘So that was plan A, to create something with a lasting impact for an already existing company. We didn’t realise how hard it would be to find interesting companies to work with, and then how hard it would be to get them to pay. And then, pretty soon, you start realising why you would fall into the marketing trap of making comedy pieces in order to get attention and build yourself as a celeb designer. But we’re not cut out for that anyway.’

The mutual dream E: ‘As far as our vision for a modern furniture company goes, the structure is actually already there: with the designer and the producer on equal terms. The designer and producer close to each other, in the same company, together. The norm is that you’re a producer, and you bring in a consultant that designs. The design consultants are temporary, they only come in and do a few projects. This means they can never have a deep knowledge of the company, like Chris with Massproductions.’

M: ‘And those designers also work for all your competitors, which is a strange structure. So you have a handful of designers who are working for just a handful of companies. The collections end up looking a bit eclectic. Our vision is for a single design team to build a holistic collection.‘

E: ‘In theory that’s an easy thing to say: that all the furniture should be done by one and the same designer. But to be able to do that, and still keep it interesting, you actually need a really brilliant designer.’

Inspiration M: ‘That first furniture fair we did was a success and we got our first order from the Swedish School of Architecture. They wanted the Tio chair for their courtyard.

The school was later partly destroyed by a fire, but the chairs were saved.’

E: ‘DePadova’s initial order was for 60 white Tio chairs. It also happened to be the raw model for Massproductions.

It used to be our hero company.

DePadova created some great furniture in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, because the relationship between the company’s management and their producers was on even terms. That’s just the way Massproductions is structured.’ 

Waiter chair

Award winning comfort Best Underlay Manufacturer

interoor.com 01706 238 810

DESIGN

Ferric table

Producing in Europe E: ‘We started out by trying to produce the Tio chair in Sweden, making it super-local.

But there was no mid-sized industry left in Sweden to produce the kind of volume we could handle. Which made us turn to Poland, where we’d been in the 1990s.’

M: ‘I wrote to the Polish embassy and they answered with a list of Polish metal workers. So we went to Poland, and just drove around visiting them. That’s how we met a nice metal worker: a good, suitable collaborator. And now 10 years on, we’re still working with them.’

Martin on Elebäck M: ‘There was the two tables incident.

This was before we were business partners, back when we were working for Thomas Sandell and Thomas Eriksson, respectively. I was still working for Sandell, but Magnus quit his job and opened up his own office, just down the road, where he was working on all these nice projects for Ikea.

‘I used to go and visit him, and he had two big desks in his office: one was covered with computers and prototypes and bits and bobs, and the other one was, mysteriously, completely empty.

It was a beautiful table by the Italian company UniFor, called Less, designed by the architect Jean Nouvel. I couldn’t understand why Magnus didn’t use it.

I went round for coffee several times, and eventually I realised that the empty desk was for me. He hadn’t told me to quit my job or anything, he just invited me over for coffee by the UniFor desk.’

Consultancy v in-house E: ‘We went from being well-paid consultants with a lot of spare time to

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poorly paid furniture producers with no spare time at all.’

M: ‘We had it great before. Lovely jobs, no hassle, just do a bit of work every now and then, send an invoice and then spend the rest of the time shopping around for Apple products to reduce the VAT bill.

Now it’s more like working three jobs.

Running a furniture company is also surprisingly bad for your back and your hands: all that hammering and carrying and lifting and re-boxing. It’s actually very little designing cutting edge furniture.’

The team behind Massproductions E: ‘The first person we recruited was Martin Hernandez, our brilliant operations manager. He’s been with us for a very long time. Chris met him by the sandpit in the playground.’

M: ‘I was actually there playing with my son, Harry, and I got talking to Martin and his son. I learned that he was a project manager for an architectural company in Barcelona but had relocated to Stockholm. Then around 2011 we needed some help short term, and that has since turned into long term. But we did work like crazy, especially when it was just me and Magnus. We had to do it all ourselves. Then there was a shift, where we got help.’

E: ‘It wasn’t actually that long ago, around the start of 2018. Thanks to having been able to build a team around ourselves, the work is not backbreaking any more. When we started to separate the operations part from development and marketing, that made a big difference. Our operations team takes care of the daily goings on, which means we’re on our way to the dream scenario, where we can fully focus on the

Draft table

development of great pieces without the interruptions involved in the everyday work of running a company.

We want to fully focus on the product.’

M: ‘That’s what we’re good at, that’s what we’d like to do.’

E: ‘That’s what’s always in the back of our minds: to create an environment where we can fully focus on producing.

That’s probably, like, 35 years into the future. But right now the whole team – logistics, purchasing, customer support, quality control, production management, and also HR – everyone makes a big difference. We’re still at a point where every single person has their own purpose and function, which has to be performed for the company to work.’

Mistakes M: ‘The Crown easy chair was one of our more ambitious projects. As we developed it we made actual production tools in aluminium. There was a lot of work and a lot of investment. And then when we launched it the reception was completely flat.’

E: ‘It wasn’t actually flat at all. People strongly disliked it. And then it kept being really slow for about five years.’

M: ‘And we really have to thank the influencers here, because then they started promoting it on social media and from there it spread like wildfire.

Now it’s a hit product.’

E: ‘The unique thing with our collection, and Chris’s designs in general, is that a product doesn’t necessarily become an instant hit, but there’s so much quality that sooner or later people start appreciating it.’

M: ‘It’s actually quite easy to make a chair, and there are plenty in the 

DESIGN Dandy sofa

world already. But to do something that really adds to the history of furniture design is very difficult. Furniture is such an important part of our culture and affects how we live and feel. It’s our goal to make pieces that enrich our lives.’

10 years from now E: ‘Our goal for the future is pretty easy to sum up: we started out with a vision about how a modern furniture company should be run. And in 10 years we’re

probably going to be there. We’re not going to change, it’s just going to be more refined.’

M: ‘We’ll be doing what we’re already doing, just less of the tricky stuff. Right now, we’re fortunate enough to be running a successful, award-winning company. But success or not, it would still be about getting an idea for a piece of furniture, and then trying to get it produced. And that’s the way it will be in 10 years, too.’

Crown armchair

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

Jig armchair

E: ‘We’re taking the first step into a passage that will eventually lead to a new phase of the company’s life.’

M: ‘It’s a very slow industry. We focus on heritage, and you don’t get heritage in 10 years.’

E: ‘10 years in the life of a furniture company is nothing, really. It’s more like a good but tough upbringing, which will build character for the rest of your life.’

Visit: www.massproductions.se

Rose chair

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PREVIEW

Essential viewing JFS will feature a host of brands With extended show sectors and full of UK and international returning brands of note, the January Furniture Show returns to the five main halls of the NEC from 19-22 January.

Building on successful show developments from JFS 2019, the 2020 iteration will feature an extended Beds at JFS sector with more bed companies introducing their latest beds, mattresses and sleep accessories.

Major brands including Silentnight, Sealy and Millbrook are among those returning to show their newest models.

New exhibitors will be revealed in the next few weeks, forming a powerful assembly of some of the best bed and mattress companies in the UK market.

Light at JFS was another success story in 2019 as Hall 2 came ablaze with interior and exterior lighting of every kind. JFS in 2020 will see both new and returning lighting companies deliver lights of every kind, from simple table lamps to extravagant chandeliers and in styles from traditional to ultra-modern. Searchlight, Girard Sudron and Impex Russell are just a few of the notable returning brands revealing their latest lighting designs.

Exclusive high-end European cabinet and upholstery is always a must-see at JFS and in 2020, Hall 2 will deliver prestigious brands from a number of European countries including Denmark, Italy and The Netherlands. Ego Italiano, Skovby and Hartmann are just some of the returning brands. Italia Living, ROM, ALF and Camel Group also make a

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welcome return, showing the best of European furniture glamour and style.

UK manufacturers and suppliers will abound throughout the five halls of the show, dominating in upholstery with big name brands including Duresta, G Plan, Buoyant, Ashley Manor, Parker Knoll, and Michael Tyler showing the abundant design flair and manufacturing skills within the British Isles. Cabinet heroes including Bentley Designs, Ercol, Rowico, Baker Furniture, Kesterport, Carlton & Vintage, Corndell and VIDA Living will also return with new ranges

in a wide mix of reclaimed, traditional and new materials.

Interior furnishings are a JFS highlight with companies including Gallery Direct, Kelston House and Libra releasing their comprehensive new collections for 2020 at JFS: mirrors, art and modern tableware will all be on show in a rich patina of colours and materials.

The 500plus exhibitors are set to once again grab attention with new collections and trend-setting designs: the 21,000 visitors will have a lot to see.

Visit: www.januaryfurnitureshow.com

Sell the Room Everything you need: LIVING | DINING

UPHOLSTERY | CABINET | BEDS | INTERIOR ACCESSORIES LIGHTING | FLOORING | FABRICS | SOFT FURNISHINGS

Register now at januaryfurnitureshow.com

REVIEW Home Is Where The Heart Is

Serax

Raine & Humble

On message Top Drawer highlighted key trends Top Drawer opened its doors for the A/W19 edition from 8-10 September, welcoming a bevy of buyers and designers from the likes of Sebastian Conran Associates, Arnotts, Fenwick, Rockett St George, Petersham Nurseries, Habitat, Soho House, FOUNDiiD, OKA, John Lewis, The Conran Shop, Heal’s, Dunelm, Cotswold Co., MOHO London and The White Company.

Amongst the show’s 10 highly curated sectors sits HOME; the September edition of Top Drawer’s fastest growing sector, and the January edition’s largest.

With an exclusive range of brands to suit all needs, it is here that everyone from interior designers and department stores to independent retailers and gallery shops could find something to

make their offering truly unique.

Exhibitors showcasing their wares included Grand Illusions, Alessi, ZAIM Design Studio, Hyggen, PR Home, Raine & Humble, Seletti, Serax, Also Home, BlissHome, Eva Solo (by Forma House), Ambar Living, Chandan Whittle, Barton Croft, Amara Living, Gluggle, Hannah Turner Ceramics, Parlane and Recipe by Hill Interiors.

Global insight agency Flamingo identified four key trends ahead of the A/W19 edition of the show. These were: Grounded Rituals: A natural autumnal, earthy, tactile vibe that is tied to nature and wellbeing. These everyday items are elevated through the craft of honest materials, simplicity and uniqueness, while the pared-back palette enhances Present Time

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Interiors Monthly October 2019

the quiet rituals of this restorative environment.

Introspection: Soft winter pales and warm neutrals create meditative and conceptual clean palettes, grounded in natural materials. Mixed textures and collections of objects speak to the multiple inputs from our surroundings, dialled down into introspective muted colours and calm tonal blocking.

Modern Vestige: Classic shapes are given contemporary looks through juxtapositions of emerging tech with heritage craft: from 3D printing to etched surfaces. Hard materials are embellished with delicate detailing that speaks to a future archaeology of treasured items. Rich textures and luxe gleaming metals add sumptuous elements to rough and irregular black surfaces of unearthed pasts.

Soft Assembly: Imperfect shapes that are soft and rounded add an irreverence to a blue-based autumnal palette. The retro modern feel is both reassuring and playful with pop brights in smooth finishes and graphic prints.

Top Drawer will return to Olympia London from 12-14 January 2020, where it will present a global edit of more than 1,500 brands across its 10 expertly curated sectors: Fashion, Gift, Craft, Spotted/Pulse, Home, Greetings & Stationery, Play, Food Emporium and Retail Clinics.

Visit: www.topdrawer.co.uk

REVIEW

Centre stage for Abingdon Flooring was Sophisticat. ‘We’re really excited to add Sophisticat to our StainFree carpet offering,’ says Martin Peace, Abingdon sales director. ‘Drawing on our expertise and lead in carpet technology we can combine practical elements such as bleach-cleanable yarns and stain resistance with the finesse of luxury-feel fibres.’ Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

Adam Carpets previewed a range of modern patterned carpets with 12 designs in 35 colourways to gauge retailer feedback.

Visit: www.adamcarpets.com

A strong display The lineup was impressive for The Flooring Show 2019 at Harrogate

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Canadia saw strong interest in its herringbone laminate at the show. It launched 20 floors at the show in laminate and engineered wood and was pleased with the response to the new colour matched profiles on display.

Visit: www.canadia.ie

Carpet Runners UK specialises in custom-length hallway and stair Wilton carpet runners. More than 90 runner designs are available along with the matching plain landing carpet. The offer can be shown on one compact display stand. Email: retail@carpetrunnersuk.com

Cavalier Carpets introduced Plush, a supersoft microfibre polyester carpet, and previewed development work. A new modular metal POS stand allows swatches to be easily displayed and used while taking up minimal floor space.

Visit: www.cavaliercarpets.co.uk

Computers For Flooring provides management software for carpet shops and flooring retailers. Its Carman specialist software enables companies to manage customers, suppliers, finances and more, with store performance and real time information dashboards. Visit: www.computersforflooring.com 

Interiors Monthly October 2019

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REVIEW

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COREtec demonstrated its new herringbone in its Naturals collection, featuring eight colours and using the COREtec click installation, which makes it perfect for uneven floors.

Visit: www.coretecfloors.com

Cormar Carpet Company expanded its Easy Clean Twist range with Primo Naturals, using a two-ply yarn, in 13 heather shades including Wild Honey, Pecan, Walnut and Sterling Silver. The 100% polypropylene carpet comes in a choice of 4m and 5m widths.

Visit: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Cormar Carpet Company demonstrated the latest updates to its online ordering portal, including a track driver feature that shows when a delivery will arrive and a feedback function so the company can add further updates reflecting what retailers ask for. The portal allows real-time stock availability checking and product overviews. Visit: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

F Ball and Co, the UK’s leading manufacturer of subfloor preparation products and adhesives for floorcoverings, used this year’s show to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its Loyalty Card scheme, which is free to join and rewards flooring contractors with cashback every time they purchase products. Visit: www.f-ball.com

The star of Fells Carpets’ introductions was Artisan Wilton, a modern twist with a traditional feel and a unique colour blend. Carl Cummings, Fells commercial director says he was pleased to be back at the show and it was very productive and very good to see lots of friendly faces.

Visit: www.fellscarpets.co.uk

Moving furniture and other heavy objects around the home can be a real challenge, which is why consumers the world over use products like Floorgard Gliders and Felt Pads. With an Elastomer rubber backing and PTFE glide surface, Gliders ease the task while protecting floorcoverings, and its Felt Pads offer great wear characteristics. Visit: www.floor-gard.com

Interiors Monthly October 2019

REVIEW

Furlong Flooring gave visitors their first look at Revelation, the recently launched addition to its everyday collection. It is available in 16 colours, including heathers and plains. It also demonstrated its latest display stand, showing both carpet and wood flooring samples, designed to allow shoppers a wider range of the company’s products. Visit: www.furlongflooring.co.uk

Urban Landscape is Furlong Flooring’s latest wood flooring range, crafted to meet the needs of consumers looking for a natural floor with an authentic aged appearance. Hand-finishing techniques have been beautifully employed to bring out the beauty and texture of rustic European oak while traditional stains bring sophisticated style. Visit: www.furlongflooring.co.uk

Green & Brown, a leading supplier of interiors for trade customers and commercial projects, showcased a wide range of design-led products including blinds, curtains, cushions and its most recent launch, handmade lampshades. All Green & Brown interior furnishings are made to measure in-house in Grange Moor, West Yorkshire. Visit: www.green-brown.co.uk

Hadfields’ debuts included the Cuppello collection. The stand was extremely well received, and attracted a lot of compliments and attention, which led to plenty of sales.

Tel: 0161 430 1400

Flooring wholesaler and distributor Kellars continues its rapid growth with the recent acquisition of Scottish-based Floor Covering Distributors and merger with MCA Floorwise and Floorwise (North East). Dave Francis, Kellars commercial director, said the show was one of the busiest he had experienced in 32 years in the industry and that footfall to the stand was extremely high. Tel: 0161 443 0970

Kingsmead Carpets’ Natural World uses three-ply New Zealand wool yarn in two designs and 1/4 gauge. Temple Twist is a 1/10 gauge 80/20 mix using New Zealand wool in 15 colours, while New Berber Attraction is a 50% polyester mix.

Visit: www.kingsmeadcarpets.co.uk



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REVIEW

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Lano enjoyed a fantastic show, receiving incredible feedback on the look and feel of the stand as well as compliments on the three new polypropylene ranges showed, which will be launching in the coming months. Soft Distinction was singled out by many customers. Visit: www.lano.com

Lifestyle Floors showed its quirky side, giving out tea towels featuring pen portraits of its team and inviting visitors to create their own for a second edition. New POS display stands for laminate and LVT took centre stage alongside the Scandi engineered wood. Visit: www.lifestyle-floors.co.uk

MasterPiece updated the cloud version of its estimating software to allow carpet seams to be adjusted manually. The Windows version introduced greater ease of use in taking details from architects’ plans and the search facility for LVT products was improved.

Visit: www.masterpiece-system.com

Steve Depport, Metro Group operations manager, says he was delighted with the quality of independent retailers that visited the buying group’s stand during the show. He says there was a great deal of interest in its bespoke marketing package which specialises in providing dedicated solutions to independent retailers. Visit: www.carpet1st.co.uk

Millennium Weavers was delighted to showcase its two newest products: Sentimental and Sensual. Sensual in Cloud Blue was the main feature for the stand carpet and was received with great positivity by all visitors to the stand. As well as the existing portfolio Millennium also previewed new ranges Addiction and Attraction. Visit: www.millenniumweavers.eu

Moduleo introduced a new demo stage to this year’s stand featuring live fittings of its newest range of engineered vinyl flooring: LayRed. Demonstrations highlighted a number of key USPs of the collection, including its ability to be installed on uneven surfaces, its silent acoustics and great comfort levels. Visit: www.moduleo.co.uk/layred

Interiors Monthly October 2019

REVIEW

For very room and every budget there is a Novostrat underlay. There are 10 underlays in the Novostrat portfolio, from the very highest specification Sonic Gold Excel to the best budget branded quality – all designed to suit the cost-to-performance criteria required.

Visit: www.novostrat.com

As one of the largest rug suppliers in the UK, Oriental Weavers sources a variety of handmade and machine-made rugs, from contemporary to timeless traditional designs. Its collection is fully stocked in its Leeds warehouse with no minimum order and delivery in as little as 48 hours free of charge. Visit: https://owbmk.b2b-payments.co.uk

Penthouse Carpets introduced two new on-trend colours to its extremely popular range Prism, available in 40oz and 50oz, 4m and 5m widths.

Visit: www.penthousecarpets.co.uk

Whether you are a contractor, distributor, specifier, architect, facilities manager or end user, Quantum’s website has been designed to help you pick the correct stair nosing or accessory for your needs.

Visit: www.quantumflooring.co.uk

Quin Global made its show debut alongside the recently acquired Gekko brand. ‘We were delighted at how the market reacted to the re-branded range of Flexi Spray adhesives. There was a great deal of interest at our stand and the products presented under the new Flexi Spray brand,’ says Allister Fowler, Quin Global md. Visit: www.quinglobal.com

As well as promoting the extensive benefits of group membership to the independent retailer, SMG showcased the latest addition to its own brand portfolio Pure: Pure Curtains. The Pure ‘pick’n’mix’ of products and units gives maximum flexibility and choice to retailers and won SMG the Flooring Innovation Award 2019 for POS. Visit: www.smg-group.co.uk 

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REVIEW

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Flooring now has a first line of defence against attacks from furniture: Stroolmount’s multi-award-winning Protect and Care solutions. From castors and flooring repair kits to cushioning under chair legs and padding for moving furniture, Stroolmount’s specialist protection products have been relied upon by trade customers since 2005. Visit: www.stroolmount.co.uk

Visitors to the Ulster Carpets stand enjoyed an exclusive look at the latest additions to the timeless Grange Wilton collection. Suitable for extra heavy wear, the 10 new colours include five plain shades and five heathered shades, bringing the overall Grange colour palette to 40.

Visit: www.ulstercarpets.com

Venture Floorcoverings had a host of product introductions including Augusta, a Saxony in 10 colours and 4m and 5m widths; the Savannah twist in 10 colours. The 1,200g per sqm Ottawa and 1,500g per sqm Sandy Lake share the same 12 colours. Beverly Hills has 10 shades while the 2,500g per sqm Calder Castle has 12. Tel: 01274 655 694

Victoria Carpets introduced Ultimate Impressions, a 10th gauge 80oz carpet in 20 colours and 4m and 5m widths. Heartland Ultra is a 70oz range in 16 colours. Royal Velvet will be available in 26 colours when it launches in January. Visit: www.victoriacarpets.com

White Crow Studios creates flooring CGI for retailers, designers and manufacturers for marketing and advertising campaigns. It has become a specialist in creating all kinds of flooring material, showcasing it within

3D roomsets. Visitors to the show were also able to try its virtual reality flooring configurator.

Visit: www.whitecrowstudios.co.uk

Interiors Monthly October 2019

REVIEW

Roaring success

The company is already making plans for 2020

Distinctive Flooring showcased an extensive range of LVT Distinctive Flooring had yet another exciting year at The Flooring Show as it unveiled a complete range of new products, which was warmly greeted by retailers and contractors.

The company showcased an extensive range of LVT in formats including stoneeffect and mosaic tiles and wood-effect planks, herringbone and parquet. As well as the core glue-down range, it also offers an SPC Click range to ensure suitability for any installation including wet rooms and spaces subject to extreme heat and cold such as conservatories.

A key highlight for the company during the show was winning Gold in

the Flooring Innovation Awards in the Design – Smooths category for its Tapestry Collection. Tapestry comprises 16 individual 9in x 9in mosaic-style tiles offered in six colours. They can be used alone or alongside the matching Shoreline Flint tiles or Wildwood planks to create a truly unique look.

The company was also proud to support the show’s Trend Hub, with its Suburb planks from the Aspect Urban Collection featuring in the Traveller roomset. Designed by Apricot Lime Interior Design, the Art Deco inspired roomset showcased ‘an understated glamour’ which demonstrates ‘attempts

Tapestry won a Flooring Innovation Award

to bring order and control into our lives at a time of great uncertainty’.

Mixing an opulent colour palette with luxurious textures such as crushed velvet, marble and moody dark woods, the roomset demonstrated Distinctive’s product beautifully in situ, helping visitors to visualise it in a realistic installation.

With The Flooring Show 2019 being another great success for Distinctive Flooring, the company is already beginning to plan for next year’s show and looks forward to introducing visitors to more new product ranges in 2020.

Visit: www.distinctiveflooring.co.uk 

The Traveller trend roomset

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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REVIEW

Rug Anti-Kreep works on several types of flooring

Adding value

Interfloor highlighted its Duralay and Tredaire brands

Interfloor showcased its brands and POS Interfloor, the UK and Europe’s largest manufacturer of flooring accessories, prides itself on providing quality products that take newly installed floorcoverings to the next level in terms of performance, as well as creative POS materials which help drive sales for retailers.

This year’s The Flooring Show gave retailers an excellent opportunity to find out more about Interfloor’s marketleading brands Tredaire, Duralay, Gripperrods and Stikatak, and its range of marketing support materials.

In addition to its award-winning underlays, profiles and accessories, Interfloor also boasts an impressive suite

Visitors could learn about Decibel

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of marketing materials, including eye-catching in-store POS displays as well as tools suitable for home visits.

‘With retail conditions the toughest they’ve been for some time, we recognise the importance of providing not only quality flooring products but also support that helps retailers and installers get the very best sale,’ says Gary Cowley, Interfloor sales director.

‘Our goal is to add value to our customers, providing high-quality products that enable them to be successful. We do this by doing more than just distribute products. We are focused on providing our customers with better products, better brands and better service.’

New to the POS materials for Interfloor’s successful high-end Gripperrods Premier profiles range is a branded estimator roll, ideal for use during home visits to show customers how these high- quality metal profiles are the perfect finishing touch for their chosen new flooring. The estimator roll contains samples of the profiles, available in brushed steel, nickel and chrome finishes, which are suitable for joining floors of different materials, different heights and between doorways. A sample box and wall-hangings are also available, designed to give retailers an upsell opportunity as they complete

their in-store sales process.

‘Our Premier metal profiles have been a huge success with everyone since their launch. Our POS makes it very easy for retailers to offer their customers a choice of trims and upsell this luxury option whether they are selling in-store or at the customer’s home. We’ve been delighted with the feedback to date,’ says Cowley.

Visitors also had the opportunity to see the Decibel Soundseal System, a unique, noise-reducing construction solution that is designed to be buried within the sub-floor and is suitable for refurbishment and new-build projects.

Already very popular in construction, Decibel products are certified and extensively tested to European standards. This innovative method can offer a saving in both cost and weight, whilst giving excellent acoustic benefits.

It’s a method that is set to become increasingly popular in the coming years both in the UK and across Europe.

Also on show were displays of Interfloor’s Premium High Density underlays including the award-winning Tredaire Palladium; the latest addition to its Duralay brand – a range of LVT underlays; and a new Rug Anti-Kreep, suitable for use on carpets, ceramics, tiles, wood, laminates and vinyl.

Visit: www.interfloor.com

REVIEW

Breathe was on show

Luvanto Premium stand

Looking good QA Flooring Solutions introduced new POS alongside products The QA Flooring Solutions stand remained busy throughout The Flooring Show, generating a continuous buzz of interest thanks to its innovative product demonstrations and sleek new POS offering.

QA Flooring Solutions used the exhibition to demonstrate two new product ranges: Luvanto Click Herringbone and Luvanto Pace.

Luvanto Click Herringbone is an SPC parquet click system that is so easy to use, even a young child managed to install a sample successfully in the demonstration area.

Luvanto Pace is a self-adhesive LVT plank (or tile) that once stuck down can be lifted and re-stuck to the floor up to 10 times without the need for additional adhesive. This significantly reduces sub-floor preparation time and costs, allowing fitters to install up to 150sqm per day.

‘For visitors in Hall B it was impossible to miss the imposing bright green Luvanto Premium stand that QA Flooring Solutions unveiled at the exhibition.

This slick new POS is an incredible improvement on the existing Luvanto in-store offering,’ says Andrew Mitchell,

QA’s demonstration area drew crowds

QA Flooring Solutions marketing manager.

‘The new, full-sized display boards make it incredibly easy to showcase the Luvanto range without taking up too much space. And thanks to a plethora of storage options available, including several drawers, the Premium Stand is not only elegant but functional – ideal for busy showrooms.

‘The Premium Stand drew in the crowds throughout the show, with new and existing customers impressed with the in-store display unit. The Luvanto green colour stood out thanks to the bright artificial lighting.’

Breathe, a next-generation eco-friendly underlay, was also on show. ‘It is completely bio-degradable and the ideal solution to the growing concern from the industry and consumers on the environmental impact of PU underlay. Green credentials often come with a cost, but with Breathe the underlay comes in at half the price of an equivalent density PU underlay.

‘We had a fantastic show this year. It was great to share the obvious progression of our Luvanto brand with the trade and reinforce our eco-friendly ethos when it comes to sampling and presentation. We have a great group of customers and I was really surprised at how many shared our enthusiasm for reducing waste and searching for greener solutions,’ says Mitchell.

Visit: www.qaflooringsolutions.com 

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Spreading the messsage

Being green Recyclability was at the heart of Ball & Young’s message After 55 years in the interiors industry and 20 years at Ball & Young, Peter King, Ball & Young northern regional manager is retiring. He began his career as an upholsterer, aged 14, in 1965 and has had roles in retail as well as with carpet manufacturers.

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Ball & Young used the exhibition to emphasise the environmental credentials of its PU underlays. All are manufactured from recycled materials, resulting in a major step to avoiding landfill.

A closed and capped landfill site can take decades to be deemed safe from

leaching liquids and gases into the environment.

Many thousands of tonnes of PU have gone into Ball & Young’s Cloud 9 and other underlays, avoiding landfill.

The underlays in turn can be recycled.

Visit: www.underlay.com 

Ball & Young highlighted its environmental credentials

Peter King

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REVIEW

In the spotlight Hugh Mackay highlighted four collections and its new app Hugh Mackay chose to highlight four collections: Quintessential Twist, Durham Edition, HassleFree Finesse and Luxury Saxony Polyprop.

It also spotlighted its Visualise It app.

The consumer takes a photo of a room with their smartphone and the app will show it with a Hugh Mackay carpet. And

Visualise It follows the earlier Design It

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if they save the image with a postcode it will provide information about the six nearest Hugh Mackay stockists.

Visit: www.hughmackay.co.uk

Quintessential Twist was highlighted

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