Inex December 20

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DECEMBER 2020

What a year it’s been. Suffice to say, when we entered the big 2020, little did we know, we’d be in for a surprise. COVID-19 has altered the very lives we lead. And, as we approach the end of – what’s been for many – a disastrous year, there’s much to look back on. Not only that, but there’s also a never-ending list of considerations that we need to bear in mind for 2021. Although there is welcome news of a vaccine on the horizon, implementation is a waiting game, and, currently, there’s no hard evidence of availability.

So, for the time being, we’ll be sticking to our social distancing guidance and listening intently for future lockdown information.

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WELCOME TO

All these newfound guidelines and Government advice have not only stirred our day-today lives, but they have also had a profound impact on the way we use and, ultimately, design buildings. This month, we’ve explored how the coronavirus pandemic has transformed the commercial market and look into the future of the sector. In our Expose article, Paragon Carpet Tiles’ Managing Director, David Rhodes, shares his predictions for the year ahead, with an exploration into the most significant commercial flooring trends for 2021. Turn to page 50 to learn more.

On another note, this month we are announcing a short hiatus for Inex magazine’s publishing. We will be temporarily pausing the publication until further notice, with republishing information disclosed in due course.

Finally, on behalf of Inex magazine’s publishing house, Cross Platform Media, I’d like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year!

I hope you enjoy this edition. Don’t forget, you can also access all of Inex’s features and product inspiration at your fingertips via the magazine’s state-of-the-art app. To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘Inex-online’ on the App Store or Google Play.

Cover: The Sanderson Design Group shares its thoughts on what key trends we’ll see come out of hospitality interiors throughout the next year.

See page 18.

Editorial: Rebecca Kemp rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Hannah Woodger hannah@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Digital Advertising: Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Jim Moore jim@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Print Design Manager: Jack Witcomb jack@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Rebecca

Rebecca Kemp rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @INEXonline Follow us on Facebook: @INEX Follow us on Instagram: @inexmagazine  Follow us on LinkedIn: @Inex Magazine

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No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photography or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literacy, photographics or artistic belongs to Cross Platform Media. The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearence or non publication of any advertisement.

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CONTENTS DECEMBER 2020

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KITCHEN

FABRICS & TEXTILES

SINKS, TAPS, BATHS & BASINS

In this most unusual of years, what trends are starting to emerge and, moving into 2021, what can designers expect to define kitchen design? Here, Neolith’s CSMO, Mar Esteve Cortes, flags a few of her favourites.

In this article, The Sanderson Design Group shares its thoughts on what key trends we’ll see come out of hospitality interiors throughout the next year.

As part of its refurbishment, the Estrel – Germany’s biggest hotel – chose Kaldewei bathtubs, shower surfaces and washbasins for over 1000 of its bathrooms.

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IN FOCUS: SPAS

Gilles Darmon, Director of KLAFS at Guncast, shares his dos and don’ts of sauna installation – from the areas typically overlooked by clients and designers to common pitfalls pre-installation.

FURNITURE

Häfele examines how designers can utilise tech-friendly furniture and products to future-proof buildings and help against the biggest threat to society we have ever experienced.

INSPIRE

The trend towards at-home gyms has become ever more prevalent, and one person who has seen this more than most is Owner of WeMakeGyms. com, Mark Reynolds.

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EXPOSE

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

David Rhodes, Managing Director of Paragon Carpet Tiles, shares his design predictions for the year ahead, with an exploration into the biggest commercial flooring trends for 2021.

Inex rounds up the latest innovative products and solutions entering the interior marketplace.

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SOMETHING IN THE KITC SURFACIN

Tastes remain eclectic as we and requests for understate remain in-demand

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G’S COOKING CHEN: 2021 G TRENDS

move towards the New Year, ed and extravagant patterns d simultaneously.

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ccording to the recent 2020 Renovation Nation report commissioned by money.co.uk, British homeowners have invested an average of £4035.70 each in their homes since the first coronavirus lockdown in March.

This comes as no surprise.

Without holidays or other costly annual expenses, thoughts have turned to home improvement, and many have decided to give their pad some serious TLC. Kitchen renovations remain popular, with over a fifth of the report’s respondents looking to refresh this particular room above all others. Particularly, these amateur improvers were looking for materials, fixtures and fittings offering luxury and longevity. When investing in surfaces, whether worktops, splashbacks, floors or walls, this balance of style and substance was even more important.

As the surfaces used in the kitchen-diner space shape the overall design, choosing a quality, high-spec material is essential.

Stylistically, ensuring you capture the zeitgeist and avoid the passé is almost as crucial.

So, in this most unusual of years, what trends are starting to emerge and, moving into 2021, what can designers expect to define kitchen design? Here, Neolith’s CSMO, Mar Esteve Cortes, flags a few of her favourites, straight from the kitchen.

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Streamlined kitchens

It can be tempting to overcomplicate but remember, beauty often lies in simplicity.

Following a less-is-more approach, clean lines create a relaxed vibe with a pared-back aesthetic which harmoniously blends form and function. Further, curating colours tone-on-tone will help unify the space, emphasising the home’s role as a sanctuary from the outside world.

Some of the most successful statement kitchens use only two or three different colours on a large scale, creating expansive backdrops which allow other interior features to stand out.

This approach is underlined with a certain degree of utility, and with an accompanying focus on integrated appliances and hidden storage options. Moreover, lightweight surfacing options, particularly in neutral wood or marble patterns, cut to size, are proving popular to maximise space, creating an uncluttered and elegantly refined environment.

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A room for living in

For many households, the kitchen is the social hub of the home. Recently, it has also assumed the role of remote office and, for many, has become the most lived-in room.

Therefore, this space must be simultaneously attractive, comfortable and practical.

Consumers are looking to invest in quality. Using high-spec surfaces is the best way for designers to deliver this. With an increasing focus on longterm value and qualities such as stain resistance, hygiene and lowmaintenance design being integral to the purchasing decision, how a material performs is just as important as how it looks.

No-one wants to make an expensive investment in a weak product.

In my opinion, a consistent guarantee of quality is an undervalued attribute but one which any manufacturer of luxury kitchen products is keen to uphold. Designers need to look to those who deliver on this claim and produce visually-stunning materials with underlying strength and reliability.

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Extroversion defines this trend, mixing opposing colours to achieve visually powerful kitchen cabinetry and worktop/splashback combinations. It’s not just limited to monochrome; the whole spectrum can be embraced, employing bright and unusual shades for a punchy but playful effect.

It’s worth noting that when bold cabinets are specified, choosing a lighter worktop will add gravitas to the room, removing any risk of gratuity.

This approach also allows the designer to play with colour combinations and varying textures.

Woodgrain surfaces are enjoying a revival thanks to an increasing appreciation of Japandi design principles, in which light wood and dark stone offset one another.

Other textures such as matt and polished can also be used to create juxtaposition, creating compelling interest within the room.

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Two-tone home

Hideaway

As kitchen tech and new gadgets continue to evolve in 2021, we see an increased effort in designers hiding them from view, especially in urban kitchens, where they are increasingly being built to smaller specs.

Integrating appliances within kitchen furniture is an effective way to incorporate the latest devices into the space without them dominating the room.

Each year, I’m amazed at the ingenious ways in which this can be achieved. A good example is setting a hob into a kitchen island to create an attractive and functional visual statement.

Undermount sinks are a great option too, delivering a more discreet, cleaner look than inlaid metal options which tend to scratch, stain and blemish easily.

Further, specifying the sink basin in the same material as the worktops and splashbacks creates a sense of continuity within the space, and blends it with its surroundings.

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Island life

Embracing the casual living movement, which has dominated 2020, kitchen islands have risen to the top of the UK homeowners’ wish lists.

Not only do they provide a central focal point in the room, but they also serve a useful purpose, providing a fixed spot for informal dining, a workspace, a culinary prep station and storage. A kitchen island can help unify the room’s overall look, as the colourway chosen for this central feature will dictate the design of the rest of the space. When we can socialise again, I think the kitchen island will provide the ideal way to integrate cooking and entertaining, making this important room feel welcoming and inclusive.

Interior design is often a reflection of the current state of society, and the past year has given us lots to consider. These are just some of the many new trends I’ve seen emerging. What is clear is that quality is equally as important as appearance, particularly in the kitchen environment and, more specifically, its surfaces.

Against the backdrop of the waning coronavirus pandemic, I feel it’s this sentiment which has the potential to define or, perhaps, dominate the design agenda in 2021.

Whatever the trend, whatever the brief, I urge designers to think holistically about the materials they use in their 2021 project. Their clients will thank them all the more for it. www.neolith.com/en

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2021 FABRIC TRENDS It probably doesn’t come as a huge surprise that whilst we’ve had to change the way we live our lives this year, our habits and comforts have changed in tandem. Escaping from the everyday for a weekend at an opulent hotel or idyllic farmhouse abruptly came to an end, and we had to seek those luxuries from our own homes.

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s commercial and hospitality environments are striving to succeed and learning to adapt, it’s important they consider what truly brings peace in our new normal.

The Sanderson Design Group shares its thoughts on what key trends we’ll see come out of hospitality interiors throughout the next year.

Being greener, in every sense

Bringing the outdoors in has been so key for 2020, COVID-19 has left people longing to connect with the great outdoors. Biophilia is real now more than ever. As humans, we are attracted to the beauty in nature, so creating a space that brings those feelings of warmth is paramount. Country spas and hotels will be looking to create a space that brings a real sense of relaxation, and this will show through their interiors. Sanderson’s collaboration with the National Trust couldn’t have come at a better time, inspired by the natural and cultural heritage of the trust’s country homes, garden and fenlands, it gives the industry an opportunity to create a space that brings comfort to our everyday.

Not only are we going to see designs that are inspired by nature, but 2021 will welcome more concepts of how we can produce more sustainably. The world we live in is so precious.

Consumers want to be reassured that the products they surround themselves in, are produced in more eco-friendly ways, whether that’s production methods, sustainable fabrics or transportation.

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More than just texture

Texture is so important when it comes to interiors. People have an innate desire to touch something that is visually attractive, but clients now want more than just a visual sensation. Whilst hotels are working harder to create spaces that are perfect for Instagram, taking it that step further to create a story alongside it will really resonate and stick with the audience. Creating designs that have provenance and offer something new where it’s not just a visual or superficial attraction. Why not showcase a piece of history on the wall to create a certain sense of feeling in addition to its vision? Palladio from Zoffany is doing just this, witnessing an iconic moment in time, this launch is a celebration of new and original designs presenting an unexpected parallel between this launch and Palladio’s inaugural 1955 launch.

Columns is a striking example of this authentic display of history.

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The need for escapism

Whilst many haven’t been able to travel to their favourite holiday destinations, it only seems right to bring them home instead. The trend for ‘holiday-inspired’ interiors gives everyone a chance to feel like they can escape the everyday. With many luxury hospitality groups considering renovation under the current restrictions, clients are seeking to reinvent their spaces, placing paramount importance on the element of relaxation and retreat with interior spaces. From Moroccan-inspired colour palettes to secret sun traps trending on Instagram and Pinterest, creating a serene haven is a growing trend. Harlequin’s Mirador collection, launched earlier this year, does exactly this. Mirador is the Spanish word for ‘lookout’, featuring designs that are full of Spanish and African influences and come alive with eye-catching, inspirational designs to open up a treasure trove of international style filled with feeling. www.stylelibrarycontract.com

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THE JOYS OF WELLNESS IN THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL

The Estrel – Germany’s biggest hotel – is in the centre of Berlin. With 1125 rooms and suites, four restaurants, three bars, a summer garden with its own landing pier, a state-of-the-art wellness area and gym, this property offers its guests every luxury. Adjoining the four-star-plus hotel is the Estrel Congress Center, where more than 75 conference rooms provide the ideal setting for events and conventions. As part of its refurbishment, the Estrel chose Kaldewei bathtubs, shower surfaces and washbasins for over 1000 of its bathrooms. Thanks to these superior steel enamel bathroom solutions, the bathrooms have been transformed into exclusive sanctuaries, surrounded by, but far removed from, hectic city life.

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he Estrel offers an intimate ambience and modern design that shapes the character of the spacious rooms and suites. In addition to the numerous standard and deluxe rooms, accessible rooms are also available.

Whatever a guest’s room requirements, the Estrel will meet them with its junior, deluxe and executive suites or its presidential suite, which also features antique furnishings. Located on the 17th floor, the 250m 2 presidential suite is one of the hotel’s highlights. As a privatelyrun property, creating an intimate ambience and ensuring guests are given individual attention are paramount for the Estrel Berlin.

This includes special features such as the Estrel summer garden with its own landing pier, from where guests can embark on a cruise on the Spree through Berlin.

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The guest bathrooms: personalised comfort of the highest standard

At the Estrel, guests can experience shower surfaces, washbasins and bathtubs made of sustainable Kaldewei steel enamel which, thanks to state-of-the-art add-on accessories, promise unparalleled relaxation.

More than 1000 of the hotel’s bathrooms feature Cayonoplan, Superplan and Superplan Plus shower surfaces so guests can enjoy a wonderfully invigorating experience. In addition, the Pure Duo bathtubs – some fitted with Kaldewei Skin Touch and Sound Wave – guarantee delightful bathing that stimulates all the senses. While the Skin Touch wellness feature delivers a naturally rejuvenating effect, guests can immerse themselves in the resonant vibrations of their favourite music with the 3 0

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Sound Wave bathtub audio system. In keeping with the elegant and aesthetic bathroom design, the wellness experience is rounded off with over 500 Puro undercounter washbasins. In this way, Kaldewei once again meets the hotel industry’s demanding requirements for aesthetic, long-lasting and sustainable bathroom solutions.

FACT FILE:

Steel enamel: for sustainability in the bathroom

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Thanks to the resilient surface made of superior steel enamel, Kaldewei bathroom solutions show no signs of wear and tear even after years of intensive use and cleaning. Once their long useful life comes to an end, they are fully recyclable, making them ideal for sustainable hotels. “We are delighted that our high-end bathroom solutions are helping to make the Estrel Berlin a very special place for rest and regeneration. Kaldewei and Estrel are two brands that fit perfectly together and meet the highest standards,” concludes Managing Director, Franz Kaldewei.

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Four-star-plus hotel 1125 rooms and suites

KALDEWEI PRODUCTS:

665 Cayonoplan, Superplan and Superplan Plus shower surfaces, 15 Puro Duo bathtubs with Sound Wave, two Puro Duo bathtubs with Skin Touch and Sound Wave and 554 Puro undercounter washbasins

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PROFESSIONAL SAUNA INSTALLATION TIPS Gilles Darmon, Director of KLAFS at Guncast, shares his dos and don’ts of sauna installation – from the areas typically overlooked by clients and designers, to common pitfalls pre-installation.

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auna installation doesn’t need to be complex at all. Many homeowners assume they need a very large room to house a sauna cabin, which is no longer the case. Our products are becoming more innovative and streamlined – the KLAFS S1 sauna, for example, has been designed to meet the growing demand for space-saving solutions and can retract to the size of an ordinary bedroom wardrobe. KLAFS at Guncast offers a full design consultancy and installation service to help our clients in their wellness journey.

When KLAFS are brought on to a project – either when we’re approached directly by a client or through an architect as part of a wider project – we try to arrange a site visit with one of our expert consultants as early as we can into the process. There are a number of considerations that need to be taken into account early on, and it’s always best that the team and our client are on the same page from day one.

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dimensions as the room that it’s going in. While virtually any room can be used for a sauna – from small basements to attics with sloping ceilings – a sauna cannot fill up the entire room, and we do have specific space requirements that need to be taken into account. Crucially, we have to allow at least a 50mm cavity around the sauna cabin, for ventilation purposes.

This will not only allow air into the cabin but also provide an extra layer of insulation and act as a humidity barrier. We also suggest allowing a minimum 250mm void above the cabin for assembly purposes, and to allow room for ventilation pipes (which can vary from 100 to 180mm). In some instances, it is not possible to have the pipes running on top of the cabin, in which case the void on the side of the cabin must be increased. These are all things that we can advise on, so we always recommend that the client measures their space and sends the measurements to us in the first instance, and from there we will be able to assess the different sauna sizes that they are able to fit into their room.

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On a similar thread, while we’re establishing what the dimensions of a client’s sauna will be, another important factor to consider is the cabin height.

Where possible, we always recommend having a low sauna to trap the heat. Obviously within this, a number of factors need to be considered – such as how many tiers of benches the client wants in their sauna, how many people will be using the sauna at one time and how tall the users are. From a design perspective, while saunas with lofty ceilings may look impressive, we’d always advise against this so that the client doesn’t end up sitting in a cold sauna. It’s essential that the sauna installation does not just plan for the aesthetics but is also considering how the sauna will function from a usability standpoint.

Another area often overlooked during the installation of a sauna – particularly when the sauna is part of a larger renovation project – is the flooring of the room that the sauna is going in. Our sauna cabins sit on top of the existing floor, so if clients have a specific flooring requirement for their sauna, then this needs to be fitted before KLAFS go in to install the cabin. There are a number of different types of flooring that can be suitable for a sauna, from tiles to untreated wood, and we are always happy to offer advice to our clients ahead of the installation process. If our clients do need to undertake any flooring work beforehand then obviously this will impact the timelines of their sauna installation, so we always want to make sure that this has been factored in from the outset.

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Similarly, with flooring, another mistake often made with domestic saunas is that clients think they need to install drainage on the floor of their sauna. While drains are suitable for steam rooms that produce high levels of condensation, they are not required for a sauna. The heat from a sauna will end up drying the drain trap and may release some nasty smells!

Lastly, when preparing to install a sauna, we always want to ensure that our clients are striking the right balance between design and budget.

There are many different types of wood that can be used in our saunas, and each of them have their own properties that will suit some clients, but not others. For example, solid wood cladding has much better heat properties than veneer panels.

Similarly, in terms of benches, clients will find that softwood benches are much more comfortable than hardwood benches because of their thermal properties – hardwood will retain the heat and may feel too hot to sit on.

Our saunas can be made totally bespoke, with clients able to choose from a huge array of personalisation options – from in-built speakers and ‘starry sky’ lighting, to high-tech infrared seats and energy-saving packages. When installing a sauna as part of a larger renovation project, we always try to work as closely as possible with architects, interior designers and developers to really make sure the sauna blends seamlessly with the rest of the scheme. www.guncast.com/klafs-wellness

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CONTACTLESS TECHNOLOGY AND COVID-19 – A PERFECT MATCH?

The rise of the ‘contactless society’ was already accelerating before the coronavirus became commonplace, but COVID-19 has provided an opportunity to rethink how we live, move and meet, says Paul Smith, Head of Specification Sales at Häfele.

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ow much more than simply an interesting design feature, hands-free technologies can play a vital role in keeping communities safe, with fixtures and fittings able to minimise touchpoints to protect the health of a building’s occupants.

Across residential, commercial and leisure settings, steps must be made to integrate features which don’t just facilitate COVIDsecure environments, but which complement the contactless society that looks set to dominate the future, and which also taps into upcoming design trends.

In the hotel industry, operators are looking at how they can reduce the number of interactions guests have with staff and other people around a building, as

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well as surfaces and doors. In response, manufacturers have introduced automated controls, which can reduce the spread of COVID-19, and enable a more efficient, high-tech experience.

Advanced door and furniture locking systems, such as Dialock from Häfele, have Bluetooth connectivity making it possible to activate them with third-party smartphone apps to act as a digital key. As well as enabling a user to lock and unlock doors to their room, gym lockers and furniture, they also tie into hotel management platforms to allow a guest to book a room, purchase goods, check-in, check-out and pay, all done digitally. During a time when the global pandemic has made people more aware of the number of touchpoints and 4 2

surfaces they share with other people, this technology is enabling hotels to offer their guests greater reassurance, without missing out on the key elements of their stay.

Settings that offer a variety of communal spaces – such as offices with reception areas, shared working areas, meeting rooms, leisure amenities and cafeterias – are increasingly being broken up to facilitate smaller numbers of people, so they can benefit from using remote access door technology, particularly systems which work together with automatic sliding or swinging door systems. Used in conjunction with flow control technology, a space can automatically limit the number of people using it at any one time, helping people to maintain social distancing.

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Furthermore, automatic orientation lighting, such as Gira’s Sensotec, features motion sensors which will switch lights on and off, dependent on when a room is in use. Not only does it improve convenience and efficiencies, but operators are able to work with a sleek and sophisticated piece of technology.

Other furniture lighting systems, such as Loox by Häfele, can also be app-controlled to allow a user to change the colour and brightness of a room, depending on their mood, time of day or activity. Lighting strips can be integrated into fitted furniture to save space and create an ambient, premium look, but offer the added benefit of a remote control function, via a smartphone. If used in a hotel,

for example, it would reduce the number of times a guest has to touch multiple switches, creating a truly contactless experience which will also minimise the spread of bacteria.

While it’s important to make buildings COVID-secure, operators must ensure other elements of safety aren’t being neglected.

Wedging doors open may improve ventilation and facilitate contactless movement around a hotel or residential tower, for example, but many of these will be life-critical doors. If they are held open without the correct products in place to close them in the case of a fire, it poses a huge risk. Electromagnetic hold-open door closers keep doors open in a safe and compliant manner until an alarm is triggered. From that 4 3

point, a sensor cuts the power to the door, ensuring it automatically closes, providing a barrier to the spread of fire without the need for human intervention.

COVID-19, without doubt, has contributed to the acceleration in contactless access technologies, but several manufacturers had begun bringing them to market way before 2020. Across various environments – hotels, serviced apartments, office, student accommodation and more – there will be an urgent need to review the fit-out of spaces to reduce cross-contamination on touchpoints, but to also create designs which will be relevant long after the pandemic has passed. www.hafele.co.uk/en I N E X

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KEEPING ACTIVE AT HOME As we near the end of this rather turbulent year, full of changes, ups and downs and uncertainty, one thing is for sure, new habits are being formed, and a new normal is emerging, not least in our active lives. A very evident change is the way in which we have adapted our exercise routines this year. At the start of the year, it was essentially the only reason we were allowed to leave our homes, during lockdown. This then forced existing gym bunnies and novices alike to become inventive and to take up new challenges. We became a nation of long-distance runners, looking to household objects to use as weights and tuning into online classes and Zoom PTs. I N E X

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s the year has evolved, as has technology, flexibility and the ease at which we now workout from home. The trend towards at-home gyms has become ever more prevalent, and one person who has seen this more than most is Owner of WeMakeGyms. com, Mark Reynolds.

Mark set up his business back in 2015 and has gone from strength to strength ever since. WeMakeGyms.com is dedicated to the design, supply and management of innovative, industryleading gyms in private homes and commercial spaces in the UK and worldwide. Whether it’s an at-home personal workout room, a corporate or commercial gym or the focal point of a large residential development, the experienced fitness specialists at WeMakeGyms.com provide an endto-end service for creating the perfect fitness space.

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WeMakeGyms.com can design, fit and manage everything from simple equipment requests to fully functioning home gyms, with the latest technology and gym equipment, based on the client’s requirements – from cardio machines to fitness walls, yoga spaces and strength-based areas.

In the current COVID-19 aware climate, the home gym industry is booming as people opt to invest in a safe, effective and private workout. During lockdown, WeMakeGyms saw an increase in its already busy roster, with enquiries including highly motivated home gym projects for members of the public and

premier league footballers who needed equipment for their lockdown training schedules. WeMakeGyms already has an impressive client list, with private homes including those of elite spor ts stars and celebrities, as well as commercial projects for residential developers.

Commenting on the spike in at-home gyms during 2020, Mark says: “Up until the last few years, the home gym was perceived to be something only the rich and famous could afford, but that has all very much changed since COVID-19 reared its head. Firstly, a home gym can be as elaborate or simple as you like, from jumping up and down in your 4 5

bedroom, in front of your favourite Instagram Live personal trainer, to cornering off a section of your living room, with some cardio equipment and weights, to a fully functioning separate room, garage, basement or outhouse, ventilated, airconditioned and adorned with the latest fitness technology.

Cost shouldn’t scare anyone off either, as long as there’s space in a flat/house, we can tailor a gym design to individual budgets. Health and fitness analysts in the UK have reported that gym memberships have fallen by almost 20% this year, and revenue generated by the UK gym and fitness industry could also fall by as much as 28%.

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Whilst we, as a nation, are keen fitness enthusiasts, the prospect of returning to the gym after the first lockdown dwindled, as people had formed new ‘at-home’ habits and according to industry experts, it takes humans on average only 66 days for a new behaviour to become automatic. Having spent just over 100 days in lockdown, people became extremely inventive, and in doing so, have created their own fitness regimes.

We saw a huge spike during this time for athome gyms and we were very fortunate to have fared in the weather of coronavirus, and whilst part of our business model is working with commercial and corporate clients, it is our personal/ at-home sector, which is especially booming.

More so than ever, is the aforementioned cost, and whilst a fully equipped at-home gym can cost from £2k upwards, what our clients have to factor in, is the cost of a yearly gym membership, circa £600, or the rising trend of fitness classes. This can start from £10 and go to almost £30 per session, which can double or treble per household, dependent on the number of those in one household, meaning it can all quickly add up.

Therefore, the appeal of an at-home gym, becomes ever more prevalent.

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Whilst we, as a nation, are keen fitness enthusiasts, the prospect of returning to the gym after the first lockdown dwindled, as people had formed new ‘at-home’ habits and according to industry experts, it takes humans on average only 66 days for a new behaviour to become automatic. Having spent just over 100 days in lockdown, people became extremely inventive, and in doing so, have created their own fitness regimes.

We saw a huge spike during this time for at-home gyms and we were very fortunate to have fared in the weather of coronavirus, and whilst part of our business model is working with commercial and corporate clients, it is our personal/athome sector, which is especially booming. More so than ever, is the aforementioned cost, and whilst a fully equipped at-home gym can cost from £2k upwards, what our clients have to factor in, is the cost of a yearly gym membership, circa £600, or the rising trend of fitness classes. This can start from £10 and go to almost £30 per session, which can double or treble per household, dependent on the number of those in one household, meaning it can all quickly add up. Therefore, the appeal of an at-home gym, becomes ever more prevalent.

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One last factor i in, with so many w alarm for 6am to a thing of the pas on time, because and that can now To summarise, w classes and the in professionals prov and a new norma supportive of one clients are startin cost-effectivenes

www.wemakegy

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is the changing environment we find ourselves working from home, the prospect of setting the get to the gym before work has all but become st. You no longer have to get to a fitness class at home you determine when you work out w take place at any time of the day or night. whilst I am a huge fan of the gym, fitness ncredible service my fellow fitness vide all over the globe, the world is evolving al is being created. Whilst we must all be e another in every business sector, what our ng to see is the pure flexibility and long-term s of an at-home gym.

yms.com

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One last factor is the changing environment we find ourselves in, with so many working from home, the prospect of setting the alarm for 6am to get to the gym before work has all but become a thing of the past.

You no longer have to get to a fitness class on time, because at home you determine when you work out and that can now take place at any time of the day or night.

To summarise, whilst I am a huge fan of the gym, fitness classes and the incredible service my fellow fitness professionals provide all over the globe, the world is evolving and a new normal is being created.

Whilst we must all be supportive of one another in every business sector, what our clients are starting to see is the pure flexibility and long-term cost-effectiveness of an at-home gym. www.wemakegyms.com

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THE BIGGEST FLOORING TRENDS OF 2021 At the start of 2020, the commercial flooring landscape for the year was predicted to be very different from what it is now. Like many industries, the pandemic had a huge impact on the biggest trends of this year.

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hen the Government introduced social distancing measures in March, businesses across the UK were forced to adapt.

Pandemic-proofing became essential, and workspaces and offices were renovated to offer greater protection to employees and reduce the spread of the virus.

In the flooring market, practicality reigned supreme, as facilities managers and specifiers searched for solutions that could reinforce all-important regulations.

With COVID-19 seemingly around for a while, this trend is likely to follow us into the new year.

In this article, David Rhodes, Managing Director of Paragon Carpet Tiles, shares his predictions for the year ahead, with an exploration into the biggest commercial flooring trends for 2021.

Practical designs

Although a vaccine may be on the horizon, there is much uncertainty over when it will be widely available. With this in mind, it’s still imperative that any commercial or public environment is COVIDsecure and protects the people using it; pandemicproofing really is here to stay.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that practical interior solutions will rule the roost in 2021, as businesses look to abide by rules and regulations.

Changing the placement of furniture is one of the easiest ways that people can be kept apart, but this alone is simply not enough.

Studies show that pedestrian flow systems can assist in the fight against coronavirus and reduce personal contact between individuals. Therefore, it’s no surprise that directional walkways and floor signage have risen in popularity this past year; a trend which will continue to grow.

Using flooring design to create borders and dedicated areas has also become favourable. For example, laying carpet tiles in a square pattern or in a line can help distinguish zones and pathways which can assist with wayfinding. It’s predicted that this will remain popular until the end of the pandemic.

The latest innovations, like those in our Guide carpet tile range, provide clear instructions to remind employees and visitors to keep a safe distance from one and other, whilst still seamlessly blending into existing flooring designs.

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Every year, there are a whole host of colour predictions in the world of interior design, and, more often than not, neutral colours take centre stage.

However, in 2021, we predict that things will be a little different, with both neutral tones and vibrant colours fighting to contrast against each other.

Colour contrasting is by no means a new trend, but it’s certainly something we’re bound to see a lot more of. When it comes to flooring, colour contrast can enable designers to deliver truly unique, stand-out designs. Using bold colours against softer neutral hues can also help emphasise flooring borders, zones and pathways within a building.

When it comes to neutral colours, as the go-between light and dark, grey is said to be the most versatile. It is also the perfect base colour, especially in the flooring world, as grey can contrast bright colours perfectly, such as orange, yellow and pink. Though we can’t claim that grey will always be on-trend, it will always be a chic staple.

Although practicality is still very much king, it doesn’t mean that commercial interior designers can’t have fun with flooring. One trend which we expect to take off in 2021 is pairing bold colours with daring patterns. Those who want to create striking and unusual designs may look to combine both to create truly unique flooring.

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Carpet tiles are on the up

In 2020, businesses were made to adapt indoor spaces to adhere to social distancing guidelines. At first, temporary solutions, like hazard tape, were put in place but as the pandemic continued, more permanent solutions were introduced.

Materials which were moveable, versatile and durable were preferred.

In flooring, carpet tiles grew increasingly popular; a trend which is expected to stay with us for years to come. Unlike normal carpets, tiles are easier to install and move about, as they can be lifted and interchanged with ease – which is ideal in the current climate. They can also be installed with minimal disruption.

Carpet tiles also provide limitless design possibilities. Interior designers have greater creative freedom, as tiles can be mixed and matched with different colours and patterns, it’s even possible to apply custom designs.

These can be arranged and laid in different ways to create flooring which is distinctive and unique.

Some of the latest solutions, like those in Guide, enable businesses to display impor tant messages in a simple, stylish and effective way. When the carpet tiles are no longer required, they can simply be removed and replaced, without the need to replace the entire flooring. www.paragon -carpets.co.uk

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MIRRORED CABINETS FROM KEUCO

There are three aspects that need to be considered for the perfect lighting setup: basic, accent and functional lighting. While basic varieties light our way, accent lighting injects a feel-good factor into the concept. Contrast-rich and expressive lighting generates a stimulating atmosphere in the bathroom and creates cosy accents. Conversely, the focus of the washing area is on functional lighting.

From warm to neutral white and up to daylight white – the spectrum of colours ranges from warm yellow to cool blue. You can enjoy the perfect light at any time of day: cold in the morning to wake you up and warm in the evening to help you relax.

Introducing the Royal Modular 2.0 from KEUCO; a stylish modern cabinet that combines state-of-theart technology, such as intelligent LED lighting with adaptable storage and modern design elements. There’s a saying, ‘one size fits all’, but in the case of the Royal Modular 2.0, it’s one cabinet to fit all sizes. With widths of 500mm now through to 2100mm, options of two heights and two depths, recessed or wallmounted and the option to be with or without illumination, this cabinet can be designed to fit any bathroom wall and match any size of wash basin.

www.duravit.co.uk 01908 286680 info@uk.duravit

www.keuco.com 01442 865220 admin@keuco.co.uk

LIGHTEN UP YOUR BATHROOM

KI LAUNCHES COLONNADE, A NEW MODULAR SYSTEM TO REDEFINE OPENPLAN OFFICES

Protects with a Natural Look

Colonnades have been used in architecture throughout human history, defining places that bring people together. From temples to markets, town halls to palaces – the idea of creating functional spaces within and adjacent to these permeable structures is as old as civilisation itself. ‘Colonnade’ by KI brings this human-centred design to the open-plan office by creating collaborative, user-controlled, activity-based work settings – quickly, sustainably and cost-effectively. This highly customisable, free-standing modular system utilises a series of simple steel and aluminium components that are made for ‘hacking’.

Anchored by 800 Series storage and modular shelving, the stanchions and gantry system can support all sorts of accessories, flexible furniture and equipment to make collaborative working better.

3062 MATT Natural Ingredients Highly water repellent Extremely hardwearing Natural look, light reflections are defused.

www.kieurope.com info@kieurope.com I N E X

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0207 404 7441

Nevez Designed by Lyndon

Lyndon 342 Swindon Rd Cheltenham GL51 9JZ +44 (0) 1242 584897

Boss Design Boss Drive Dudley West Midlands DY2 8SZ +44 (0) 1384 455570

sales@lyndon.co.uk lyndon.co.uk

sales@bossdesign.com bossdesign.com

London Showroom 7 Clerkenwell Rd London EC1M 5PA +44 (0) 20 7253 0364

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From Ocean Pollution to Noise Solution UK based acoustic solutions manufacturer Soundtect® began 10 years ago when their engineering team launched a pioneering process to recycle the carpets they manufacture for exhibitions into acoustic panels as a third generation product.

Soundtect® has grown into a Worldwide supplier of acoustic solutions with a wide range of products for walls and ceilings which not only reduces noise, but adds positive design features to any indoor space.

Soundtect® Ranges include; 3D Panels, CLASS Ceiling Baffles, CLASS Rafts and Freestyle, a semi-rigid felt used for wall applications, hanging partitions, ceiling rafts... in fact just about anything!

0203 040 2939 Showroom: 3, Albemarle Way, London EC1V 4JB

enquiries@soundtect.com

www.soundtect.com