ISSUE
75
R E D E F I N I N G C O N T R A C T I N T E R I O R S S T Y L E L I B R A R YC O N T R A C T. C O M
N O T E
I N E X ISSUE
There’s something rather charming about neglected developments. Long-forgotten sites, buildings in decline, dark and gloomy interiors enshrouded in mystery; they all pique our curiosity. What’s even more intriguing; however, is when these developments are brought back to their former glory. One design firm featured in our exterior focus, Exrated, this month has achieved just that; increasing foot traffic across the once-abandoned land around a previous World’s Fair site in Quebec, Canada.
NOVEMBER 2019
Google ‘Expo 67’ and you’ll either be greeted with copious images of dilapidated buildings against a barren backdrop, or grainy, old-fashioned photographs donning vintage-style promotional graphics advertising the 1967 International and Universal Exposition. However, fast forward to 2019, and the site has been entirely redeveloped with a modern-day aesthetic, yet still retains its Expo 67 roots and many of the unique structures Montreal is known for. The event itself was considered the most successful World’s Fair of the 20th century; therefore, it was imperative that elements of the site’s past were preserved. To take a look at how this area of Montreal looks today, turn to page 56.
75
W E L C O M E
WELCOME TO
Moving inside, we’ve talked to the masterminds behind the exquisite designs of high-end wallpaper design company, Fromental. On page 66, we look at how Design Director Lizzie Deshayes’ 1930s-inspired serpent sketch became an eye-catching feature at Mayfair’s 2019 LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair. Elsewhere in this issue, we’ve caught up with newly appointed SBID President Tom Marquardt to discuss his new position. On page 74, Tom talks about his experience within the interiors industry and explains what he plans to bring to the Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID) in his presidential role.
Cover: Methven gives Inex an insight into the circular economy within the bathroom industry. See page 18.
Editorial: Rebecca Kemp rebecca@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
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.
Rebecca
Download the INEX app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Search 'Inex-online'.
Terms and Conditions:
Digital Design Manager: David Perry david@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Production Assistant: Philip Coyle philip@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Accounts: Jackie Dearman jackie@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Publisher: Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk
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.
3
Publisher: Cross Platform Media Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent ME18 5BZ Tel: 01622 232 725
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
C O N T E N T S
CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2019
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
4
10
18
EXPOSE
IN FOCUS: SPACE CONFIGURATION
KITCHENS & BATHROOM
Inex takes a brief look at Kartell’s brand-new collection, Venice – yet another successful collaboration between the Italian contemporary furniture brand and world-famous French Designer, Philippe Starck.
On the edge of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, one New York apartment was suffering from impeded views. Thanks to BAAO Architects, the apartment makes the most of its location.
Simon Cornelius, Head of Marketing at Methven, gives interior designers an insight into the circular economy within the bathroom industry.
22
42
46
INSPIRE
ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE
FF&E
‘Molly Club’, situated in China’s Wuhan Central Cultural District, has been designed as a millennial-focused multifunctional space that combines a club and restaurant.
Centre Point is one of the latest conversions to hit the London skyline. Its 82 apartments required modern hardware to reflect its location.
The splendour of London’s Belgravia has been reflected in the redesign of Eaton Place by property investment company Fenton Whelan – featuring KOKET furniture.
50
56
66
SMART HOMES
EXRATED
COLOUR, PAINT & PAPER
Today’s smart home has enhanced wellbeing and comfort, and has enabled us to take full advantage of convenient mod-cons; but what does the future of smart homes comprise? Simon Johnson at EnOcean reports.
This year marks 52 years since Montreal’s EXPO 67. Following the 1967 event, the site was repurposed for a variety of short-term uses. Fast-forward to today, and you won’t recognise the once eerie, desolate wasteland thanks to Lemay.
Inex looks at the inspiration behind Fromental Design Director Lizzie Deshayes’ hand-painted serpent-adorned wallcovering – aptly named ‘Les Boas’ – for this year’s LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair in London.
74
82
85
INSIGHT
SLEEP & EAT PREVIEW
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Following his recent appointment as SBID President, Inex caught up with Tom Marquardt to discuss his role as the first international memberappointed President.
Find out what’s on offer at this year’s Sleep & Eat event – running from 19 to 20th November at London’s Olympia.
5
C O N T E N T S
07
Inex rounds up the latest innovative products and high-performance solutions entering the interior design marketplace.
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
Maysa Lyndon 342 Swindon Rd Cheltenham GL51 9JZ
lyndon.co.uk
Showroom 7 Clerkenwell Rd London EC1M 5RN sales@lyndon.co.uk
E X P O S E
STUNNING SIMPLICITY FROM STARCK
Following several launches with Italian contemporary furniture brand Kartell, renowned French Designer Philippe Starck has put his unique stamp on a brandnew seating collection named Venice.
7
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
E X P O S E
I
nstantly recognisable, Starck’s previous work with Kartell includes creative designs such as ‘One More Please’, the Ghost collection and, perhaps more recognisable to high-street consumers, the Masters range. To celebrate the launch of the Venice chair; Kartell has travelled to the Italian city that inspired its design. The pieces of furniture are the real stars of the tour. The Venice seats – situated, ironically, in a gondola – play with the hues of the brightly-coloured facades of the Burano houses while the Starckdesigned Cara armchair offers a unique reading space overlooking the canal in the Acqua Alta bookshop. Hosting the Kartell creations are some of the most iconic buildings and venues in Venice, including the Caffè Florian, Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo and Palazzina Grassi, as well as the enchanting Piazza San Marco and the striking Palazzo Ducale. Central to the project, the Venice chair is a tribute that interprets the aristocratic mood of this city, blending discreet style with extreme comfort. The chair itself is fabricated using a complex injection moulding technique that makes it possible to accommodate the silhouette of the elemental design yet concurrently guarantee stability. kartell.com
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
8
E X P O S E
9
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
1 0
I N
F O C U S :
S P A C E
C O N F I G U R A T I O N
OPTIMISING SPACE
I N
F O C U S :
S P A C E
Located in Brooklyn, New York, this charming apartment boasted a stunning view across Prospect Park; however, its configuration failed to take advantage of its ideal location.
C O N F I G U R A T I O N
ImagesŠFrancis Dzikowski/OTTO
1 1
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
C O N F I G U R A T I O N I N
F O C U S :
S P A C E
R
I N E X
econfiguration of the space, by Brooklynbased BAAO Architects, has allowed for optimum utilisation and uncompromised views of the neighbouring vistas. BAAO Architects was required to reconfigure the space to connect shared spaces and allow for flexible usage. As a result, the living spaces within the apartment have been consolidated into one large open-plan room. With picturesque views of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, this single area now boasts a flexible living-cum-dining space that can quickly be cleared of furniture to allow for yoga sessions led by the owner.
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
1 2
1 3
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9 I N
F O C U S :
S P A C E
C O N F I G U R A T I O N
C O N F I G U R A T I O N S P A C E F O C U S : I N
The palette features elements such as white oak, white and pops of colour to keep spaces light and airy I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
1 4
1 5
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9 I N
F O C U S :
S P A C E
C O N F I G U R A T I O N
C O N F I G U R A T I O N S P A C E F O C U S : I N
Elsewhere, at the hub of the home, the kitchen has been relocated to the centre of the apartment. This has been designed in a way that provides a visual connection towards the living-cumdining family space. The kitchen features a mix of IKEA cabinets and custom oak shelving with a Popham tile splashback. Countertops are a mix of oak butcherblock and Caesarstone around the sink. Meanwhile, in the master bedroom, the layout has been expanded into a suite of layered spaces. This has allowed for the creation of a small media room and provided a more secluded sleeping space for the owners. Providing privacy for the owners, BAAO Architects has separated the master suite from the family living area by using a terracotta-painted barn door as a partition. Throughout the apartment, the material palette features primary elements such as white oak, white and pops of colour to keep spaces light and airy; with bleached white floors to tie the areas together and reflect light. However, for the child’s room – which enjoys a corner view of Prospect Park – BAAO Architects used a pale yellow hue on the walls to brighten up the space. baaostudio.com
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
1 6
1 7
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9 I N
F O C U S :
S P A C E
C O N F I G U R A T I O N
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
1 8
K I T C H E N S
&
B A T H R O O M S
B A T H R O O M S & K I T C H E N S
A GUIDE TO THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY WITH METHVEN As 2019 comes to a close, it signals a positive outlook to raise awareness of more sustainable products and materials. Here, Simon Cornelius, Head of Marketing at Methven, discusses how simple changes can have huge environmental impacts and looks at the growing importance of manufacturing bathroom products with the principles of a circular economy in mind.
1 9
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
B A T H R O O M S & K I T C H E N S
A
way in which manufacturers can help towards reducing an environmental footprint is through a circular economy. A circular economy is an alternative to a traditional linear economy (make, use, dispose), in which manufacturers keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life. The principles behind a circular economy are to put in place processes, products and new business models that contribute to a resource-efficient, low-carbon economy. It has been hailed as a significant opportunity for business.
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
But some industries and sectors have been quicker to adopt circular economy principles than others. It is acknowledged that, in the absence of legislation, the bathroom industry is one that has been slow to adopt. However, with the launch of BS 8001 – the first national standard on implementing Circular Economy (CE) principles – the time has now come for bathroom manufacturers to get involved. But what is BS 8001? Developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI), the BS 8001 is explicitly a guidance standard rather than a certification, to help companies to integrate and introduce CE into their business, enabling them to take practical action to realise business 2 0
benefits as well as safeguarding the environment. Having been in development for more than two years, it is actually the first of its kind anywhere in the world, and the hope is that it will become the basis of an international standard so that the benefits of CE can be felt across the world. From the bathroom industry’s point of view, global shower manufacturer Methven was one of the pilot organisations and the only SME involved. Methven tested the content and structure of BS 8001’s core clauses through a programme of pilot sessions – specifically Clause 4 on the principles of the circular economy and Clause 5 on putting the principles into practice.
methven.com 2 1
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
B A T H R O O M S & K I T C H E N S
Opportunities for the bathroom industry to consider include moving from selling to leasing models through take-back of products to enable; for example, refurbishment and remanufacturing, and also looking to create products that are more circular, for example, products that are designed to be upgradable through modular design. The design phase is vitally important here because it is where 80% of the environmental impact comes into consideration. Therefore, the industry needs to be looking to design with repair, maintenance, remanufacture and upgrading in mind, as well as looking at how individual parts could potentially be harvested. The biggest environmental impact from the bathroom industry is – and will continue to be – water and energy consumption, rather than the materials themselves. In the future, the ErP Directive – which aims to help the EU achieve its target to reduce energy use by 20% by 2020 – will start to have more prominence and the scope will cover showers and taps, again requiring manufacturers to adopt standards in development to allow upgrade, repair and re-use of energy-related products. Water scarcity is another issue that will be ongoing, and as regulation is tightened, water metering expands across the UK and the price of water increases, it will become even more of a driver for consumers and, therefore, for bathroom manufacturers. All of these issues feed into CE and the need for very careful product design. However, aside from the energy and water efficiencies, one of the biggest challenges for the bathroom industry is product circularity. While a full bathroom replacement is not a regular occurrence, there are a number of products and components that can be, and are, replaced more regularly – such as showers, hoses and taps – and currently, these are largely disposed of. So what the bathroom industry needs to tackle are the business opportunities around repair, refurbishment and material recycling. And, in the most part, this goes back to the original design, manufacturing and reverse logistics processes, as well as straightforward protocols and services that allow for; for example, repair and recycling to take place without placing extra burden on the industry. From a manufacturing point of view, the need to find solutions to this issue may well be driven by supply chain pressures as component and material suppliers come under their own pressures.
I N S P I R E
CHINA’S CREATIVE HUB FOR MILLENNIALS In modern-day China, the night-time economy is driving increasing demand for creative social spaces for young customers. Molly Club, an establishment combining entertainment and basic restaurant service, is one example of this trend, providing a relaxing place for young people after a long, stressful day at work.
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
2 2
I N S P I R E
2 3
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
I N S P I R E I N E X
At night, Chuhe transformed wi and catch
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
2 4
I N S P I R E
e Han Street is ith bright lights hy music
2 5
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
I N S P I R E
FACT FILE: PROJECT NAME:
Son Julia Boutique Hotel
MATERIALS: Concrete,
stainless steel, Changhong glass, terrazzo, mirror and wallpaper
PROJECT NAME: Molly Club
PROJECT SITE: No.6,
Building 4, Wanda Universal International Center, Han Street, Wuhan
SURFACE AREA: 300m2 PROJECT TYPE: Bar interior design
CONSTRUCTION: Lao Zhao
DESIGN: Jianhe
Architectural Design
T
he club is located in Chuhe Han Street in the Wuhan Central Cultural District, which has a total length of 1.5km. In the daytime, the street is known for its high-end fashion stores and some of the world’s top cultural projects. However, at night, the street is transformed with bright lights and catchy music. Molly Club has a restaurant on one side and a print shop on the other. Instead of a large, bold sign with a bright lightbox, the club is discreetly marked, with a discreet, small logo produced from flickering lights, placed beside the entrance. The extended entrance builds a connection between the space and its customers, while large circular windows within the folding door maximise music and light overflow from the club.
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
2 6
I N S P I R E
2 7
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
I N S P I R E I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
2 8
I N S P I R E
The interior is designed to encourage customers to forget the stress of work and enjoy the music
2 9
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
I N S P I R E I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
3 0
I N S P I R E
3 1
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
I N S P I R E I N E X
The designer included some intentional visual disorder within the bar area. Soft lines are applied to the building’s structure, and the top curve mimics the vaulted ceilings of large religious buildings, but just above head level. Modern lights in basic geometric configurations contrast with the wild look of natural plants. Through these strong visual contrasts, the interior is designed to encourage customers to forget the stress of work, enjoy the music and immerse themselves in a truly relaxing space.
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
3 2
I N S P I R E
3 3
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
I N S P I R E I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
3 4
I N S P I R E
3 5
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
I N S P I R E I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
3 6
I N S P I R E
3 7
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
I N S P I R E I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
3 8
I N S P I R E
3 9
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
I N S P I R E
The club also features many interesting scenes. For example, the narrow staircase is built to resemble a precipitous canyon, where customers passing each other shoulder-to-shoulder have an unforgettable exploratory experience. A light ball hanging at the top of the stairs makes walking up and down feel like a valley stroll at sunset. To meet a variety of customer requirements, the VIP area is located on a mezzanine, where customers enjoy a commanding view of the club. There are also upstairs private rooms with their own DJ system. Whereas, in the afternoon, these rooms are used as a catering area with warm yellow lights; in the evening, they become a cosy and exclusive bar area bathed in red light. jh-architecture.net
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
4 0
I N S P I R E
4 1
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
4 2
A R C H I T E C T U R A L
H A R D W A R E
H A R D W A R E
Architectural ironmonger, Allgood, and renowned door and window fittings manufacturer, Samuel Heath, have joined forces to supply the hardware requirements for the redevelopment of one of London’s most iconic landmark buildings, including a suite of bespoke door fittings designed and manufactured in conjunction with Conran and Partners.
4 3
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
A R C H I T E C T U R A L
BESPOKE HARDWARE LIFTS ICONIC TOWER
2 0 1 9
H A R D W A R E A R C H I T E C T U R A L
C
onstructed as an office block in 1966 with 34 storeys, Centre Point stretches to 117m in height and has dominated the London skyline for many years. One of the capital’s original skyscrapers, its dazzling facade gets its sparkle from the Portland stone used in the manufacture of the concrete from which its honeycombed structural exoskeleton is constructed. In 2011, Centre Point was acquired by property investment and development company, Almacantar which embarked on a £350m project aimed at re-establishing Centre Point as one of the capital’s foremost destinations by transforming the building and its immediate surroundings into a mixed-use venue comprising restaurants, retail outlets and 82 luxury apartments. Conran and Partners was appointed as the architectural team for Centre Point Tower and tasked with delivering Almacantar’s vision to create highspec modern residential facilities whilst retaining the building’s 1960s heritage. Instrumental in producing this retro-contemporary feel was the visible hardware that would be used within the apartments as well as throughout the common areas.
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
Conran and Partners selected Samuel Heath to collaborate on the design and manufacture of the fittings, developing a suite of coordinating hardware, including handles for the main entrance and interior doors, escutcheons, thumb turns and releases, pull handles, flush pulls, wardrobe pulls and shower door handles. Samuel Heath’s Specification Sales Director, Rolando Guselli, explains: “Conran and Partners were looking for a manufacturer who could provide the complete design and manufacture service for the hardware required and invited us to work with them on this prestigious project. “Our ability to produce rapid prototypes and metal prototypes gave very tangible feedback at key stages, allowing the design team to appreciate how the products would look and feel before they went into final production stage.” Visual cues for Centre Point residences’ interiors were taken from some of the building’s original facade and finishes which favoured geometric patterns and monochromatic styling. This theme has been extended to common areas and apartment interiors. 4 4
Conran and Partners have employed a dark palette across the internal spaces, while using brighter, lighter palettes to enhance the lightness of the habitable spaces and the feeling of being in the skyline. They have made generous use of black-stained and blondelimed oak throughout the scheme as well as natural stone and terrazzo. The bespoke levers and handles were designed to complement this theme, referencing Centre Point’s strong geometric patterns in an elegant manner whilst providing a highly tactile cue to the luxurious feel of the apartments. Tim Bowder-Ridger, Senior Partner at Conran and Partners, comments: “The proprietary ironmongery products used in the scheme draw their inspiration from the original spirit of Centre Point Tower, enhancing the sense of place, and are of an exceptionally high standard.” Centre Point Residences underlines the value of designers working closely with architectural ironmongery manufacturers at the early stages of a project. It is also a showcase for the very best in British-designed and -manufactured hardware. samuel-heath.co.uk
4 5
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
A R C H I T E C T U R A L
H A R D W A R E
F F & E
BRILLI IN BELG
One of the grandes Eaton Place is no wonders of luxury. investment compa took on a redesign, created a luxurious i
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
4 6
F F & E
IANCE GRAVIA
st streets in London, o stranger to the So, when property any Fenton Whelan it followed suit and interior wonderland.
4 7
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
F F & E
T
he Penthouse at Eaton Place stretches across the top three floors of a two-building complex providing breathtaking views of Central London. A perfect blend of contemporary and classical styles was input to reflect the character of the historic building while creating an unmatched level of luxury and sophistication. Each floor is thoughtfully designed with splashes of KOKET and other luxurious furniture to create a space as stunning on the inside as the view on the terrace. Upon first entering the third floor, the master suite along with two extra bedrooms are each touched with ambition and highquality luxury furniture while maintaining a cosy feel. Walnut wardrobes and panelling, gorgeous marble, polished brass details and champagne crystal accents beautifully adorn each room. On the fourth floor are the kitchen, living and dining rooms and an additional bedroom. Here, two emerald velvet KOKET Vamp Sofas add an extra touch of luxury by bringing a pop of colour into the space. A bespoke feature wall with Daino Reale
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
marble and sycamore veneer details serves as a beautiful focal point in this majestic living area. Throughout this floor, intimate wallpapers, antique accessories and a variety of finishes with luxurious furnishings prove Fenton Whelan’s attention to detail pays off in the most stunning of ways. The fifth floor boasts an entertainment suite and sprawling terrace. Fenton Whelan thought of everything, from the underfloor heating up to the coffered ceilings with mood lighting. Sophisticated finishes delight, from darkstained black oak floors with antique bronze trim and American walnut doors with bevelled bronze mirror inlay to glass pendant lights and a custom bar area. A masculine sofa is accented by the lovely luxurious KOKET Naomi Chair’s feminine silhouette complementing the room’s warm appeal. Fenton Whelan has sincerely outdone itself, showcasing its talent for detail; the finest luxury furniture and top-quality finishes, with yet another project of pure prestige. bykoket.com 4 8
F F & E
4 9
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
H O M E S S M A R T
P THE FUTURE OF SMART HOMES
Smart homes promise increased comfort, convenience and wellbeing, and these promises are already being delivered – at least in some sectors of the market, writes Simon Johnson, Sales Manager UK at EnOcean. I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
redictions for the future vary. The trajectory is upwards, of course; though there is uncertainty about how quickly it will grow, and where it will lead. What does seem certain is that the intelligent home will be an area of dramatic evolution over the next decades, driven by social, economic and environmental factors. As well as styles and fashion, smart homes will address many of the challenges of demographic change, sustainability and housing needs. Evidence for growth is the number of home devices connected through the Internet of Things (IoT). In Europe, this reached 22.5 million at the end of 2017, according to a research report from market analyst Berg Insight. Growth is forecast to reach 84 million homes in Europe at the end 5 0
of 2022, representing a market penetration of 35%. (source: https://www.buildup. eu/en/news/twenty-twomillion-smart-homes-europescience-fiction-reality). According to a 2019 survey by OnePoll, on behalf of Smart Home Week (source: https:// www.smarthomeweek.co.uk/ smart-homes/), there are now 15 million ‘smart homes’ in Britain. 57% of homes now have some sort of smart device to control appliances such as the lights, security, kettle or vacuum cleaner, and more than four-in-10 adults use smart technology to work their television, while a further one-in-three often control their music with a gadget. 45% of those polled intend to make their home even smarter, with half of adults believing this will save them time and money in the long run.
H O M E S S M A R T
Image©Vimar
The smart home market will grow via two channels: DIY (mainly via Smart LED Lighting) and modular homes. Shortage of housing, the product of demographic change and low national build rates for the past 40+ years (source: https://fullfact. org/economy/house-buildingengland/) is leading towards the growing trend of modular factorybuilt houses which by their very nature lend themselves to smarter building techniques and the installation of smarter technology.
Smart homes today
Right now, the greatest potential growth in home automation could be described as the “slightly cleverer home”. Typically, a smart home consists of LED lighting that is controlled via an app on a tablet or smartphone. This poses two issues. First, is it really any more convenient than a familiar simple intuitive wall-mounted switch?
Secondly, there are growing security concerns wherever a smart home is connected to the internet. A better solution could be to use battery-free selfpowered switches that connect to lighting and other controls via radio signals. Without the need for mains wiring, these ‘lick and stick’ switches and sensors speed up the installation time and minimise disruption. Home entertainment is another candidate for battery-free switches. As well as controlling light levels and colour, pushbuttons can now link to ‘smart speakers’ allowing volume control or playlist selection. The integration of HVAC and window shading is also possible with battery-free controls and self-powered sensors and the use of standard frames like System 55 also provide the opportunity to offer a huge range of colours and finishes for switches and accessories – styles to match every home. 5 1
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
H O M E S S M A R T
“The next 10 years will see home automation develop into systems that do not require a highly technical systems integrator” – Simon Johnson, Sales Manager UK at EnOcean
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
5 2
H O M E S S M A R T
Smart homes promise increased comfort, convenience and wellbeing, and these promises are already being delivered – at least in some sectors of the market, writes Simon Johnson, Sales Manager UK at EnOcean.
5 3
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
H O M E S S M A R T I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
5 4
The next 10 years
Single applications and easy operation will also be the smart home door opener in the near future, particularly in the DIY market. Interoperability of different products will broaden, enabled by a systems or platform approach. Central functions from wall switches such as ‘all off’ will become a standard feature – simple, intuitive, convenient. Switches will further develop to be the core controller in the home covering control for lighting, heating, shutters, security and many more smart solutions – all with a recognisable finger tap. Already there is the possibility to, for example, dim all the lights and turn the heating down with a single switch. Similarly, a house with a ‘panic button all on’ would allow all the lights to be turned on if the homeowner heard a sound in the garden with a single switch next to the bed. The next 10 years will see home automation develop into systems that do not require a highly technical systems integrator. Slightly smarter homes will become the standard, and a qualified electrician will carry out the installation – accelerating the path to smart home take-up. For new-build homes, prefabricated modular homes, which can flexibly be adapted to individual and changing demands (e.g. ambient assisted living – AAL), will replace the classical approach 5 5
H O M E S
of brick-built houses. Highly flexible technologies will give wireless smart home solutions the necessary future-proof approach. Smart buildings will only be truly sustainable and future-proofed with resourcesaving technologies such as energy-harvesting switches and sensors. Energy savings and higher comfort should not cause a collateral problem – the change and disposal of billions of batteries. People will strongly demand sustainable technologies.
S M A R T
Battery-free wireless switches for lighting control, HVAC, shading and home entertainment can be powered by the kinetic energy harvested from the switch operation itself; sensors can also use solar energy or heat differential. This means that they can be placed virtually anywhere quickly, simply and maintenance-free. Organisations like the EnOcean Alliance bring standards and qualifications that ensure rangewide interoperability of devices from multiple manufacturers. This multi-manufacturer alliance also offers comfort to the developer/ homeowner that installed devices will be supported into the future.
Further in the future
Moving towards truly smart homes, light-powered occupancy sensors will link wirelessly to intruder alarms. In addition, they can switch the heating off when nobody is around. Similar capabilities are available by equipping windows with contact sensors powered by light. Safety and security can also be extended; for example, using lightpowered CO2 sensors or flood detection with kinetic sensors. Soon, such smart technology will be simplified yet further by the introduction of new self-contained multisensors. A solar-powered device will be able to collect a range of data – light levels, humidity, temperature and also detect vibration. Our way of living will change significantly as it already starts today with new working environments – demand-based services, agile buildings that flexibly adapt to changing needs, resource-saving living to protect resources for next generations. Smart applications will be part of our daily lives and routines. Artificial intelligence based on resource-saving technologies will significantly help to meet the challenges of climate change, demographic change, rising prices and limited space. enocean.com I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
E X R A T E D
REVIVING MONTREAL’S REMNANTS Over half a century after 50 million visitors first discovered the iconic destination, the original heart of EXPO 67 has had a total makeover as the new Espace 67 by multidisciplinary design firm Lemay. The firm has brought its unique brand of design to rethink, restore and reshape the mythical site on Île-Sainte-Hélène via a vast redevelopment project.
Image©Marc Cramer
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
5 6
E X R A T E D
5 7
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
E X R A T E D
Image©Marc Cramer
D
efined by a whimsical new central concourse linking the island’s Biosphere to Alexander Calder’s monumental Trois disques sculpture, the transformed multifunctional site now features a 65,000seat natural amphitheatre as well as a riverside walkway. The project also introduces an event village and natural agora, eloquent public spaces that can accommodate a variety of functions year-round. “Lemay’s concept blends the enchanting natural setting and rich historic past of this exceptional site, to offer a truly versatile space,”
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
said Andrew King, Partner and Design Principal at Lemay. “It has been reborn as a destination unto itself, now able to fully accommodate a wide range of major events.” With its record-breaking number of visitors, the 1967 International and Universal Exposition (EXPO 67), was the most successful World’s Fair of the 20th century. Held for six months in Montreal 5 8
with 62 nations participating, the exposition afterwards remained as a standing collection of international pavilions known as ‘Man and His World’ on the two islands hosting it: Île-Sainte-Hélène, which had been greatly enlarged, and Île-Notre-Dame, which had been entirely created for the event. EXPO 67 is still fondly regarded as a social, cultural, political and
E X R A T E D
Image©Marc Cramer
Image©Marc Cramer
technological landmark moment in Canadian history. The revitalisation of the site is a legacy of the City of Montreal’s 375th anniversary in 2017.
The concept
Recreating and building on the site’s original signature, Lemay successfully met the project objectives to recreate the spirit of EXPO. By integrating landscape and building architecture, urban design, brand image and signage, the firm created a new attraction in harmony with nature and culture, revealing the site’s genius loci, which is derived from its riverfront character, its
stunning views of the city, its historical significance and its diverse vocations. With its integrated design approach, Lemay developed a meaningful, adaptive reuse and holistic design strategy to create an original user experience via enhanced reception services, flexible event space and improved visitor orientation for this unique site connecting the 5 9
island’s north and south shores. It sculpted the space into a geometric pattern defined by inclined planes and the iconic central pathway, which now maximises views of the Calder sculpture. The latter draws visitors from the metro into the site with its distinctive seating areas, greenspace and breathtaking views of downtown, Old Montreal and the St. Lawrence River. I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
E X R A T E D I N E X
Image©Socié té du Parc Jean-Drapeau
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
6 0
E X R A T E D
6 1
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
E X R A T E D
Image©Marc Cramer
Image©Marc Cramer
Image©L emay
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
Image©Gilles Proulx - Socié té du Pa
2 0 1 9
6 2
arc Jean-Drapeau
E X R A T E D
Image©L emay
Image©Marc Cramer
Image©L emay
6 3
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
E X R A T E D
Image©Marc Cramer
In addition to improving visitor circulation, the redevelopment showcases the quality of the existing built and natural environment and makes architectural references to the site’s celebrated history, reviving the festive, unifying spirit of EXPO 67. The service pavilions near the site’s entrance and metro station signal its vocation as a celebratory venue. Their envelopes’ shape and treatment, which integrate with the landscape interventions, echo the vocabulary of EXPO 67. The pavilion roofs follow the geometric pattern of the pavers in the central aisle, inspired by I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
the triangular architecture of Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic dome, now known as the Biosphere. This triangular design is reproduced in the floor of the amphitheatre as well as in the perforations of the surrounding walls. The pavilions’ volumes, materiality, facades and lighting make them key wayfinding elements that guide visitors through the 6 4
site’s experience as they fulfil reception, information, restaurant and administrative functions. Their positioning also facilitates crowd management during events. The amphitheatre covers a huge area but can be adjusted to accommodate events of different sizes while offering an inviting, interesting space when not in use. The triangular pattern of the paving stones
E X R A T E D
Image©Marc Cramer
Image©Marc Cramer
Image©Marc Cramer
recalls the predominantly geometric shape of the Terre des Hommes era, evident; for instance, in the structure of Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic dome, now known as the Biosphere. Lemay’s thoughtful and strategic integration of nature, culture and site memory has created another unique urban destination, enhanced by a landscape signature highlighting the majestic river, spectacular urban and natural panoramas and the multifunctional vocation of a treasured site. lemay.com 6 5
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
P A P E R P A I N T
&
BEHIND THE SCENES AT FROMENTAL
C O L O U R ,
Founding partners Lizzie Deshayes and Tim Butcher created Fromental in 2005 with a mission to make the world’s most beautiful hand-painted and handembroidered wallcoverings. Combining the finest skills together with luxurious fabrics, their distinct style blends traditional high-end craftsmanship and artistry with a forward-thinking approach to design and creative techniques. The creative team is a collaboration of talented designers and craftsmen from London and China.
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
6 6
P A P E R & P A I N T C O L O U R ,
6 7
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
P A P E R C O L O U R ,
P A I N T
&
Image© Sarah Hogan
T
he creation of Fromental’s style-defining wallcoverings entails artists spending up to 600 hours elegantly painting and stitching individual panels. Fromental’s modern take on re-defining traditional styles to create new and exciting designs utilising both monochromatic and vibrant colourways has paved the way in reviving the wallpaper aesthetic. Having been fascinated by sketches of antique jewellery designs for many years, Fromental’s Design Director Lizzie Deshayes had been carrying around in her beloved sketchbook of ideas, a snake design inspired by a beautiful painting from the 1930s. Waiting for the right moment to bring this to fruition, the ideal opportunity reared its head when she was approached by the directors of Lapada to create a bespoke design for the brasserie at LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair 2019. Located in the heart of Mayfair, Berkeley Square, the fair is at the heart of London’s most affluent neighbourhood. 100 exhibitors present works from across the art, antiques and design spectrum including jewellery, furniture, tapestries, antiquities, clocks, ceramics, silver and fine art. One of only two events to be presented in Berkeley Square each year and a stalwart of the London social calendar, LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair presents works that appeal to both amateur enthusiasts and distinguished collectors alike.
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
6 8
P A P E R & P A I N T C O L O U R ,
6 9
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
P A P E R & P A I N T C O L O U R , I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
7 0
P A P E R C O L O U R ,
P A I N T
&
Image©Sarah Hogan
Image©Sarah Hogan
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the custom wallcovering design needed to be extra special and one which complemented both the fair’s beautiful Central London surroundings and the spectacular works of art and antiques within the fair. With Lizzie’s initial idea having been inspired by a sketch of a piece of antique jewellery, the design and concept was a perfect fit, and after an initial concept meeting with LAPADA to fine-tune the details, her sketches began to come to life. With the brasserie walls totalling around 26m, Deshayes wanted the design to encompass the entire length of the space and flow throughout as though it was telling a story across the room. This was achieved by creating a panoramic, nonrepeating layout of writhing snakes; the rolling nature of the design’s layout, mimicking natural reptilian movement. By hugely increasing the scale of the serpents to a larger-than-life-size, it increased the drama and impact of the design, making it a very captivating scene to anyone entering the brasserie. One focus for Deshayes when enlarging the design to such a huge scale was maintaining the detail and authenticity of the reptiles. A huge amount of time was spent by the artists in the team, painting each snake at full scale to ensure that the true essence of the scaled design was realised, in terms of clarity and correct balance of colour. Overcoming design challenges such as these and achieving the desired result is something which Deshayes and her team relish. 7 1
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
P A P E R C O L O U R ,
P A I N T
&
Image©Sarah Hogan
The background for the snakes also needed to be carefully considered explains Deshayes: “We needed a backdrop which would lift the naturalistic-looking serpents; something exotic and organic-looking – nothing too floral or decorative.” Initially thinking of a tone-on-tone pattern, Fromental’s Co-Founder Tim Butcher happened upon an image of a mid-century cabinet door which, when re-drawn in graphic tones, was reminiscent of wild grasses – perfectly suited to snakes nestled in their natural habitat. This element of the design was to be further picked out during the fair by dried floral arrangements containing pampas grass and thistles, which were placed throughout the brasserie’s interior. Jewellery pieces were traditionally sketched out on brown tracing paper which had a lightly glazed finish. The metallic ground used for the base of ‘Les Boas’ was chosen to be vaguely reminiscent of its lustrous quality as well as to add depth to the geometric pattern. Once the wallcovering was installed, white highlights were then hand-painted on site to add further luminosity, thus bringing the snakes to life. Working in collaboration with other creatives is something which the Fromental duo both enjoy and excel at. Fromental recently collaborated with French crystal house Lalique to produce ‘Hirondelles’. This is the first of a range of hand-painted and hand-embroidered silk wallcoverings to cleverly incorporate Lalique crystal. Earlier in the year, Fromental revealed ‘Raw’ at Salone del Mobile 2019, a wallcovering designed in collaboration with sisters Elena and Cecelia Maresca from Maresca Interiors, inspired by their collection of modern Brazilian tapestries. Fromental has also recently finished its second collection with Timothy Corrigan, and a new wallcovering collection for Sophie Paterson in London.
Image© Sarah Hogan
fromental.co.uk I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
7 2
P A P E R & C O L O U R ,
P A I N T
ImageŠSarah Hogan
7 3
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
I N S I G H T
MEET THE NEW SBID PRESIDENT, TOM MARQUARDT Following his recent appointment as SBID President, Tom Marquardt, Founder of design firm marquardt+, sat down with Inex to discuss his years of experience within the interiors industry and talk us through his new role with the society.
Can you please provide us with a description of your career?
It has been beyond what I ever hoped for, starting out. I wanted to be in design since a child but ended up on a serpentine journey to where I am today. This is my fourth decade in design and at the helm of marquardt+. I have always used creative thinking to challenge trends and conventions. My career is built on it. This is the hallmark of my education, practice and work defining my career.
What will your new role at SBID entail?
As the first international member-appointed President, I hope to help dissolve borders and expand the connections between the UK profession and interior design around the world. I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
I also hope to further SBID’s commitment to both practice and education to further their vision, so aligned with my own. And honestly, what could be better than having this opportunity to help?
As a newly-elected President at SBID, what changes will you bring to the society? I honestly think the individuality of every SBID President intentionally expands the range, reach and goals of SBID. I see all aspects of practice that touch interiors and those it touches. This is my interdisciplinary design thinking. Past President Diana Celella’s expertise in healthcare, and President-Elect Chris Godfrey’s expertise in residential design have and will evolve SBID’s role as well, and so on... 7 4
I N S I G H T
7 5
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
I N S I G H T I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
7 6
Since I was a small boy, I was passionately obsessed with the formal visuals of film, advertising, product design and the built environments created to inspire what the future could be. I saw the connectivity in the experiences they promised that sometimes failed. It just seemed natural to become a designer to help make those aspirations real and successful.
Who has been your greatest source of inspiration throughout your career?
I will resist a singular answer, as it has been not ‘one’ person, but many over my career and life. I insist on providing this list as they all, in their own way, had a profound influence on my work and career, and still inspire me to this day: Arthur Frutiger, Richard Avedon, Eliot Noyes, Paul Rand, Raymond Loewy, Gordon Bunshaft, Myron Goldsmith, Peter Davey, Peter Buchanan, Norman Foster, Richard Rogers, Nicholas Grimshaw, Andrée Putman, Eva Jiřičná, Eva Maddox, Alfred Hitchcock, Luc Besson, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, my clients and my late parents – an engineer and an artist.
Who is your favourite interior designer?
Eva Maddox. Eva was a pioneer in design and established the concept of branded environments. She was trained as an Interior Designer and one of the first women to start her own commercial design practice in a renegade leadership role and changed the face of commercial design – still influencing practice models today. I had the privilege of working with Eva in her practice early in my design career – I even wrote to Eva while I was still in design school about her work and how I eventually wound up being hired by her.
7 7
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
I N S I G H T
What inspired you to work in interior design?
I N S I G H T I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
7 8
I N S I G H T
Who is your current go-to supplier?
This depends on the client, and specifications appropriate for the support of the project outcome. However, my current favourites are: Heartwork: A simple, welldetailed, Brooklyn-based manufacturer of modern office products that stimulate my inner modernist iDOGI: SBID exposed me to them and their over-the-top elegance with Italian glass Maya Romanoff: Hand-made surfacing materials like no other, art for walls really – plus, they are my clients Tecno and Walter Knoll Furniture: Just because it is all so beautiful Vola Faucets: Who doesn’t love faucet hardware in colours, by Arnie Jacobson? Carnegie Fabrics: Function meets fabrics with fashion, durability and beauty in harmony, sheers that provide definitive acoustical properties and upholstery that can stand up to bleach, and they are too clients.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge for interior designers?
Owning the full process and responsibilities of their work. There are many entities outside of interior design, especially in commercial, taking on services that are normally part of the interior designer’s responsibilities, such as project management and specifications. Interior design is a profession, and it is important that as designers, we drive the full process and own, as well as charge for, what we do. Expanding the roles of who is doing what is ‘sold’ to the client as being faster and cheaper when, in reality, it can compromise quality and the intent of project outcomes. Too many players opens up accountability, liability and responsibility issues. It is our clients, projects and integrity that suffer. 7 9
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
I N S I G H T
How do you approach your projects?
We are client-driven, meaning client brand truths, functional needs, personalities, aspirations and success live in our clients, and set the framework to create exceptional solutions. It is why m+ work reflects individual clients, and there is not a marquardt+ design style.
What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
To stay open as a practice for over three decades in the face of three economic downturns – and my threeyear sidestep into corporate interiors leadership.
What has been your most notable project to date?
Each one is notable to each client. Honestly, this is too difficult for me to answer, but if forced, the Chicago Shotgun Flat, which has a special place in my heart.
What advice would you offer to those considering a career in interior design?
Find your passion and go for it. There are so many career options with an interior design degree. The only limitations are those you impose on yourself. I say this to all my students every semester I teach and mean it.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge for newly qualified interior designers? Being open to the first opportunity and knowing that if it is not right for you, you don’t leave the profession. Use that experience to find exactly what is right for you – because there are options. I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
8 0
How do you believe Brexit will impact the industry?
Time will tell. Until the process and outcome are clearly defined, no one can accurately surmise the impact and plan accordingly.
What do you think interior designers can do to alleviate the downfalls associated with Brexit?
Again, until it’s defined, it is hard to advise. I could say, prepare for the worst, so if it isn’t bad, then you are well ahead. But, it is really dependent on your area of practice, self-confidence and ability to adapt to change. Design knows no borders, which may sound Pollyanna, but there are many countries where strict borders exist, and those practices are still prolific. I guess it is how you define downfalls and change with Brexit. No crystal ball here!
What can we expect to see from you over the next year?
Increasing involvement in the industry through SBID, new m+ project work and a new m+ website – which is to be seen; especially as we are designing it ourselves. marquardtplus.com sbid.org
8 1
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
I N S I G H T
Also, making sure internships are paid. If a firm cannot afford a basic salary for an intern, then they should not be offering them a position. It is just good business, regardless of what an entry-level designer gains in experience – experience should not be substituted for a salary; it is a benefit.
P R E V I E W E A T & S L E E P
SLEEP & EAT RETURNS TO OLYMPIA WITH THE THEME OF ‘SOCIAL FLEXABILITY’ Sleep & Eat returns to London, Olympia, from 19 to 20th November with an ambitious programme set to scale new heights and live up to the show’s reputation as Europe’s leading hospitality design and innovation event.
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
8 2
W
ith the theme of ‘Social FlexAbility’, the show will be exploring what design can contribute to human interaction in our age of digital disconnection and how hotels, restaurants and bars can be in the vanguard of social connection. Six Sleep & Eat sets will brave this question while the Sleep & Eat conference will include sessions that debate the issue and give a stage to some of the most significant leaders and influencers today. As in previous years, the event will also feature an international exhibition. Reflecting the growing convergence between hotel, restaurant and bar design, the exhibitor line-up includes many companies which supply all three sectors, as well as cruise ships and spas.
P R E V I E W E A T & S L E E P
This November will see the Sleep & Eat debut of Tarkett, the worldwide supplier of innovative and sustainable floorcoverings; YPRT, the Turkish manufacturer and fit-out contractor behind a number of major hotel projects in Europe; Catalano, the Italian manufacturer of ceramic collections combining cuttingedge technology with traditional craftsmanship; Kriskadecor, the Spanish creator and supplier of bespoke metal elements, from wallcoverings to lighting; UK brands Prestigious Textiles and The Fine Cotton Company; and Marie Martin, a line of exclusive lighting by Dutch company, Lumière. As always, newcomers will be joined by an array of Sleep & Eat veterans, including Astro Lighting, Arte, Style Library Contract, Morgan Furniture, Bang & Olufsen, Laufen and VitrA, to name but a few.
Global game-changers
The conference will feature hospitality game-changers from around the globe, including CEOs Amar Lalvani of Standard International, Josh Wyatt from NeueHouse and Christoph Hoffmann of 25hours Hotels. Panel discussions will feature debate about how brands need to manage new hybrid offerings, design as a means of delivering physical and psychological wellbeing and what makes for a guilt-free guest experience when climate change is so high on the agenda. Development Roundtables will give delegates the chance to talk face-to-face with leading developers, operators and industry consultants including Maria Adamo of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Irene Hoek of Rosewood Hotels and Philip Lassman of Accor. 8 3
One of the event’s favourites are the Sleep & Eat sets, designed afresh each year. Six international design and architecture firms are now fine-tuning their vision for concept room installations, aiming to deliver thought-provoking, inspiring and experiential sets in response to the theme. They are: twenty2degrees, HAT Design, Maria Tibblin & Co and Miaja Design Group, who are each designing a guestroom, and SpaceInvader and NAME Architecture who are designing a bar and a restaurant respectively. Other pop-up spaces will include The Sleeper Bar designed by Michaelis Boyd, The Hub designed by Wilson Associates and the VIP Lounge created by MEGRE INTERIORS. Sleep & Eat will be open from 10.00 to 20.30 on 19th November, and 10.00 to 18.00 on 20th November at London, Olympia. sleepandeatevent.com I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
GLO SS A perfect choice for almost every location! 12 Hay Hill, Mayfair, London, W1J 8NR, United Kingdom
T 0162 253 4041 E info@itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com W www.itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com
S P O T L I G H T P R O D U C T
Product Spotlight
This month’s selection of innovative new products not to be missed.
ImageŠBespoke -Projects
8 5
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
S P O T L I G H T P R O D U C T
CUSTOMISATION IS TRENDING
Luxury is being driven by consumers becoming the designer. Brands are offering consumers more ways to stand out, as seen with Burberry Bespoke and Gucci DIY. Customers can personalise knitwear, bags and sneakers; but why stop there? Personalisation should be about a lifestyle.
A
ccording to a report last month by the Boston Consulting Group and Altagamma, Italy’s luxury association, the €330bn personal luxury market grew 5% last year and is expected to reach €405bn by 2025. It said that younger generations are more willing to wait or pay extra for personalised products. Customers want something original and different.
Originality from Bespoke Projects
Bespoke Projects is the only company in the world to customise Gaggenau kitchen appliances. For over three centuries, Gaggenau has been a leading brand for innovative and revolutionary home appliances. But what happens when the consumer wants more? Working with the consumer, Bespoke Projects creates customisations and designs to take the already beautiful Gaggenau products to a whole new level. The brand has just seen the world-exclusive launch of the first crystal-encrusted ovens. Bespoke Projects has taken stainless-steel 400 Series Gaggenau ovens and transformed I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
them with more than 84,000 crystals, across a combination steam oven, a multi-function oven and a vacuum drawer. The process, which took more than six weeks to complete, has seen each and every crystal positioned skilfully between the stainless-steel panel and the glass front. This means the crystals will sparkle indefinitely and retain their beauty. These incredible products are exclusively on display at minotticucine London, with a customisation cost of £25,000. Bespoke Projects is working on a diamondencrusted edition, which will see a combination steam oven, multi-function oven and warming drawer covered in 84,811 diamonds, totalling 2520 8 6
carats. This will see the world’s first multi-millionpound kitchen appliances.
About Bespoke Projects
Formed in 2018, with over 15 years’ experience in the luxury kitchen industry, this Londonbased company prides itself on the skill and attention to detail required, to customise these beautiful luxury appliances. The company expertly dismantles the door and removes the steel panel from behind the glass. This panel is then skilfully customised to the client’s personal requirements – be it a baked lacquer metal/colour finish or a digitally printed vinyl wrap. The panel is then refitted behind the glass to give a beautiful finish. bespoke-projects.com
S P O T L I G H T
PERFECTLY FRESH WATER FROM BLANCO FONTAS-S II FILTER TAP
New to the popular Pescara tap family is the XL pulldown model, combining high functionality with an elegant, modern design. Standing taller than average at 500mm high and with a slim 46mm tap body, Pescara Pull Down XL features a graceful spout that rotates a full 360˚ and includes a pull-out spray with an integrated rocker switch to easily adjust the water flow from a powerful needle spray to a straight aerated stream, offering a convenient way of rinsing and cleaning at the sink space. The Pescara Pull Down XL is available in a highquality, polished chrome finish and is backed by a five-year warranty on working parts and one-year warranty on the finish.
One of the impressive innovations in BLANCO’s new Smart Tap Collection is the BLANCO FONTAS-S II Filter. An integrated BWT multi-stage filter purifies the water, reduces limescale and heavy metal content and, thus, enhances the taste. BLANCO filter systems provide three options – warm, cold and filtered cold water – in this multi-functional tap. The BLANCO FONTAS-S II Filter is notable for its pull-out spout. This spout allows flexible use around the sink, making it easy to fill household appliances. It is unique to the market because of its separate nozzles and two pipes within the spout – keeping the filtered water perfectly pure from the first drop to the last.
0161 436 6280 franke.co.uk info.uk@franke.com
01923 635200 blanco.co.uk info@blanco.co.uk
EMBRACE SCANDI STYLES AND CREATIVITY WITH KELLER’S NEW KITCHEN
KWC’S ZOE RANGE EXUDES FORM AND FUNCTION
The new Pebble Beach model from Keller Kitchens embraces Scandinavian style with soft pebble tones and combines with brighter contemporary trends to offer homeowners a chic, modern kitchen. The carcasses lend themselves to plenty of layouts, so homeowners can play around with galley styles, an L-shaped composition or a complete U-shaped look for the ultimate cupboard space. Whichever layout the homeowner chooses, Keller’s units can be arranged to create a breakfast bar with chairs or stools that complement the worktops and with numerous layout options, the cabinetry can offer as little or as much storage space as the homeowner needs.
Multi-award-winning luxury Swiss brand KWC prides itself on the design and manufacture of ‘products of perfection’, such as in its contemporarystyled Zoe sink and tap range. Exuding form and function, Zoe sinks are available in four sizes and combine minimalist design with ergonomic details including ghost overflow and discreet square waste operated by an elegantly polished push-button. They can be undermounted into a range of work surface materials or achieve a pure, streamlined aesthetic in stainless steel. Sculpturally designed, swan neck taps complete the offer with a choice of ZOE Pull-Out and Touch-Light Pro tap with push-button functionality, discreet LED illumination and KWC’s jetclean technology.
kellerkitchens.com info@kellerkitchens.com 0165 594450
0161 436 6280 kwctaps.co.uk ks-kwcsales.uk@franke.com 8 7
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
P R O D U C T
FRANKE’S NEW PESCARA XL PULL DOWN TAP
S P O T L I G H T P R O D U C T
GLOSS: FLOORING INNOVATION AWARDWINNING CARPET
Style design and quality are the hallmarks of ITC Natural Luxury Flooring, setting standards with stunning products.
G
loss (as illustrated) is a 2019 Flooring Innovation awardwinning carpet, for fibre development. This superlative hand-woven cut pile in a modified 100% engineered polyester has the appearance of a highly desirable viscose but without the performance shortcomings associated with viscose carpets; providing a carpet that gives ultimate luxurious appearance and a superb underfoot feel without compromising any performance. With a Luxury Class 5 rating and a Cfl-S1 fire certification, together with the practicalities of being easy to clean, Gloss is suitable
for residential and hospitality use where the ‘wow’ factor is required. Gloss is available in seven modern colours and is 5m wide. Riverline is a fine example of craftsmanship, achieving its high-definition, textured cable rib design, by using a combination of 6- and 2-ply 100% New Zealand wool. Riverline is an excellent choice for residential and general commercial locations, and the six clean colours will appeal to those seeking a wool carpet that delivers on performance and good looks. Riverline is available in a 5m width.
Richmond has been developed using a premium de-lustred nylon yarn, to create a wool-like appearance and feel. The dense, tight construction gives a fine pin-point finish, and a Class 33 certification makes it perfect for use in residential and corporate hospitality locations. Richmond is available in 4 and 5m widths and 11 contemporary colours. A made-to-measure rug service is offered on all our broadloom ranges. itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com info@itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com 01622 534041
KÖNIGSTONE’S SLEEK COTTON STAR QUARTZ STONE
Königstone’s latest worktop colour, Cotton Star, instantly brightens up the kitchen. Cotton Star is durable, highly scratch-, stain- and heat-resistant, has a consistent design as it is engineered stone and is easy to maintain. Homeowners can simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth after use to keep the worktop sparkling. The off-white speckled shade complements any colour scheme and style. For a minimal vibe, homeowners can pair Cotton Star with muted coloured cabinets and allow the speckled surface to catch the light to give a splash of something different. Or, for homeowners with a bolder kitchen, a worktop in Cotton Star can be blended with bright or daring coloured cabinetry.
KITCHEN WORKTOPS ENHANCED WITH OSMO UK
A Brighton couple was looking for a product that would refresh their heavily worn, wooden worktops in the kitchen. With a brand-new worktop out of the question, they chose Osmo UK to provide a high-quality, durable finish that would give the surface a new lease of life. A recommendation from their carpenter led to the couple choosing TopOil from Osmo UK, a microporous natural hardwax-oil finish known for its durability and hardwearing nature. TopOil is almost odourless, contains no biocides or preservatives and will not crack, flake, peel or blister. The finish achieved with Osmo TopOil ensures the worktop is impervious to a wide range of liquids.
info@konigstone.co.uk konigstone.co.uk 01536 713020 I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
osmouk.com 01296 481220 8 8
0845 500 7787 duravit.co.uk info@uk.duravit.com
0333 577 2903 info@konigstone.co.uk konigstone.co.uk
Visionary architecture, forward-looking products and sustainable communication: this year the Iconic Awards, the international design and architecture competition, awarded prizes to numerous extraordinary projects. Five of these went to Duravit in the ‘Innovative Architecture’ category. The company even won a ‘Best of Best’ award. Duravit walked away with awards for both new and enhanced product lines as well as its booth concept at the ISH, the world’s leading trade fair for HVAC and water, in Frankfurt. Duravit and Philippe Starck can count themselves among best of the best thanks to the new SensoWash Starck f product. The innovative shower-toilet earned the ‘Best of Best’ award for the most innovative product.
S P O T L I G H T
EMBRACE THE DARK SIDE TREND WITH KÖNIGSTONE
This year has seen a rise in popularity for dark-coloured kitchens as people look to create that ever-trendy industrial flair, and with Königstone’s dark-coloured worktops, homeowners can easily incorporate the popular style into their kitchen scheme. Whether it’s a ‘moody blues’ scheme, black colours or any dark shade in between, Königstone offers the perfect surface to complement any kitchen. Echoing industrial materials is Königstone’s Dolomite (pictured) from the Königquartz range while Black Nova, Cosmo Star and Tungsten add rich tones commonly seen in sleek designs. The glossy finish ensures that natural light is still reflected off the surface, despite the dark shade, and opens up the kitchen space.
VITRA TILES BRINGS DESIGN INSPIRATION TO SLEEP & EAT, ON STAND L22
The timeless luxury and craftsmanship for which Lyndon is known can no better be seen than in Maysa, an elegant soft seating and coffee table collection. Its inviting and elegant form has been designed with all the hallmarks of a classic Lyndon product, elegance, detail and tradition. Its upholstery eludes a softness which has been designed to contrast against the angular slim-line timber frame. It’s generously proportioned arms, combined with panels and seams that flow around the body, accentuate the curvature and overall rotundness of the body of Maysa, creating a form that commands attention in any room.
VitrA Tiles will be supporting its growth into the leisure and hospitality market, by showing one of its exciting new ranges at the show. Retromix is a comprehensive range of porcelain wall tiles which finds inspiration in the geometric shapes of traditional global patterns. It conveys a sense of being handmade, while the designs are brought up to date with modern reinterpretation, making them highly aspirational for use in modern spaces. Developed as a system, the new tiles coordinate perfectly with other VitrA collections. This enables the creation of individual designs, especially for the leisure and hospitality market. The tiles are available in 15 x 15 and 10 x 10 square format, offering ease of application and a wide range of options to maximise design creativity.
01242 584897 lyndon.co.uk sales@bossdesign.com
01235 750990 vitra.co.uk tiles@vitra.co.uk
TIMELESS DESIGN FROM LYNDON
8 9
I N E X
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 9
P R O D U C T
INNOVATIVE DESIGN IDEAS WIN PRIZES