The View AW14

DECORATE TO IMPRESS Deck the halls with holly, glitz and homemade treats!

ALL THE TRIMMINGS Quick and easy Xmas foodie delights.

TREND WATCH Pantone colours set to make impact throughout 2015.

DECEMBER ‘14 | ISSUE 12

The year that was

2014

NEW TEXTURES, PATTERNS AND COLOURS

Encompassing 65 fabrics, including soft botanical jacquard weaves, sumptuous rich textures, classic stripes and elegant florals, injecting a new dimension to the Excel roman collection.

Available to order in romans, curtains and cushions with a selection of lining options.

Motorised romans are now available.

The View Magazine | December 2014

CONTENTS

05

Welcome

06

In The Press

10

Seasonal Colour

12

Decorate To Impress

16

The Year That Was 2014

18

Key Pantone Trends

22

All The Trimmings

24

Save The Date

28

Energy Saving

30

New Year, New You

W I SH I N G YOU A L L A M E R RY C H R I ST M A S A N D A HA P P Y N EW Y E A R

Welcome and Seasons Greetings from the final View of 2014. As we draw close on another busy year at Decora, we reflect on our recent win at the UTV Business Eye awards were we scooped the coveted Company of the Year Award, a huge accolade for all at Decora, highlighting our consistent growth throughout all areas of the company!

Looking ahead to 2015 we have a very busy year planned, events in the Decora calendar include the R & T Stuttgart showcase from the 24th-28th February (visit us in Hall 8, Row B, Stand 41) and later in the year at the BBSA showcase from 4th6th October, were we hope to see you there.

In this edition we ‘Rip up the Rule Book’ and take a look at how fashion colour trends are becoming seasonless. Annual catwalk runaways are blurring the lines between seasons, with colour taking on a new wardrobe… floral bright’s this winter anyone? Staying on the colour theme we also take our seasonal peep at the colours set to make impact throughout 2015.

UTV Business Eye’s Company of the Year Award- WINNER!

R

ecently announced winners of the UTV Business Eye’s Company of the Year Award, our entry acknowledged our business growth over the last few years.

This is a very positive story for us as we have demonstrated our support for the local economy and local employment, whilst maintaining continual growth throughout all aspects of the business. We were delighted to be recognised for the award, a great achievement for all at Decora.

Getting into the Christmassy swing of things, “Decorate to Impress” has three key decorating trends to really get your creative flare into full flow this festive season, be your preferred style traditional or contemporary, our guide will surely help add a touch of sparkle!

Not forgetting, a huge highlight for a lot of us throughout Christmas, the scrumptious food we eat…

Have a gaze at our quick and easy appetizers to impress your party guests in our “All the Trimmings” foodie piece. Yum! We hope you enjoy this edition for The View and revel in all the Christmas proceedings this cheery season has to offer, all we need now is some snow (just a touch) and a glass of mulled wine!

Merry Christmas!

5

Let Santa Fe Shutters help you shut out the elements this winter with their energy efficient range of timber shutters and wooden venetian blinds.

African inspired interiors represent a key look, Timberlux taps into this trend introducing a definite African vibe.

7

C O L L E C T I O N U P D AT E S L A U N C H I N G 12.01.15

DURASHADE AD

The foundation of Decora’s Durashade rigid PVC collection is built on functionality and practicality. The range of sleek and minimal vanes merged with contemporary colours has led Durashade to be one of the leading rigid PVC Collections in the market.

Building upon the concept of being forward thinking, the injection of 4 new designs, alongside the inclusion of a new pristine bright white enhances the Collection to a total of 9 ranges.

Modernism is exemplified with Patina, a plain PVC slat with a high gloss finish that perfectly complements the emergence of the white high gloss interior trend. Amari, Carrera and Perlato presents double sided designs; the detailed embossed finish on these designs adds a touch of softness to the rigid vane, whilst offering the practicality and blackout properties rigid PVC blinds offer.

An element of intensity has been added to the Collection with the addition of a bright white, Selene, to each of the Durashade ranges which meets the industry’s desire for crisp, clean, brilliant whites.

Whilst the new ranges further enhance this perfectly practical collection, the functionality of rigid PVC should remain highlighted; FR properties enables Durashade to be an optimum choice for commercial environments and when teamed with blackout properties, excellent closure and ease of maintenance, rigid PVC poses an extremely practical widow covering solution.

Combining function, practicality and contemporary design could not be easier with the updated Durashade Collection.

J

ust a few months ago designers in New York, London, Milan and Paris paraded their latest collections for autumn/winter 2014 down the catwalk. That might, in most people’s minds, denote the colours of falling leaves, tights, hats, coats and gloves‌ the items of clothing we instantly gravitate towards

10

when the cold weather kicks in, right? Wrong.

In recent years, winter collections have included exotic florals, brights and even miniskirts with bare legs, while the most recent round of summer shows featured layering, coats and a whole lot of very winter-worthy black.

Š Nanette Lepore

r u o l o C l a n Seaso

This isn't designers getting confused instead, it's part of a bigger trend towards “seasonless” style. In a world where we spend time in artificially cold or warm environments thanks to air-conditioning and central heating, the separation between the seasons are not as clear as they once were. Add the washout summers and warmer winters created by climate change, plus the growing global market for high fashion and the blurring makes even more sense.

© Pa me

lla R olan

d

So what does this mean?

Wear tights in summer and shorts in winter to uphold an on trend Fashionista look? Not quite, the secret to it all is colour!

Colour is an emotive tool, the rules of fashion have always depicted that we wear darks in winter and bright’s in summer, reflecting change in season. Bright hues reminiscent of sunshine and happiness whilst darker hues… the elements and heavy winter days.

What we see coming through now is a certain “lack of seasonality” with many a designer touting

this as the season to be seasonless. The term “winter white” not only relating to the weather but the colour choices in clothes we wear. Heavy winter coats have been given the light and dusky colour treatment, summer shorts and camisole tops a darker mood overhaul.

Pondering this, you might just think you’ll stick to what you know, keep your seasons and colours in check according to the “golden rules of fashion” but let’s look back in a few year’s time and reflect upon the grip the seasonless trend, much like any trend will take.

Who knew years back that MC Hammer harem pants would be socially acceptable after we all raised an eyebrow at first.

Take this trend not as unknown territory but a trend to be embraced, one that allows you to get one up on fashion big whigs, who prescribe what you should be wearing and when, “seasonless” lets you live by your own colour fashion rules, layer up on summer clothes in winter and strip back winter clothes in summer.

Do what you want to do and you can’t go far wrong.

How has the growing acceptance of seasonless colour impacted or inspired your design and colour choices?

"The trend of seasonless colour is an extension of a larger philopshy growing worldwide, which is the breaking of limitations as well as the practicality of wearing all your colours year round. I believe traditional dogmas are melting away and the consumer not only craves being “out of box”, but more importantly, prefers permission to be themselves, without fashion judgement."

Jauretsi Saizarbitoria (Chief Curator for The Inside Source, Ebay)

11

How quickly 2014 has flown!

With Christmas upon us once again the task of putting up our decorations and making our homes look and feel as festive as possible is on everyone’s agenda.

Here at The View we love this job, spending hours right up to the big day tinkering to get the look just right. Here are some of our festive decorating ideas to help you sail through the merriments without a hitch.

A Very Berry

CHRISTMAS This year try our gorgeous winter berry-inspired scheme to make your home feel cosy. A nod to nature this look is perfect for the traditionalists amongst us‌ team rich berry reds with merry greens and frosted accessories to compliment a look of total cheery glee.

12

Fancy up a traditional Christmas wreath with a quick spritz of frosting and add fresh holly and berries- give your guests a feeling of homely cosiness before they even step over your doorway.

All that

JAZZ More is definitely more when it comes to this glitzy trend. Glitz, glam and sparkle with show stopping table displays which will see you right through from Christmas Day feasts to ringing in the New Year in complete style!

Go all out with silver or gold accessories, tea-light holders, strung pearl detailing, or hang glittered stars over your dining table. The key to this trend is, anything sparkly that adds luxe will work with this look perfectly.

Just as the ladies amongst us glam up our makeup and clothes throughout the festive season- its applying the very same mindset to our humble abodes!

Ho m e m a d e

HEAVEN For those amongst us who have a little extra time to create, here are a few homemade delights to give your home the look of arty inspiration.

Bake up some yummy treats for your tree and string up with ribbon or lace.

Invite your guests to tuck in! Mix home bakes with homemade paper crafted decorations to really can give your tree the look of individuality.

Turn old bottles or jars into your very own snow globes, add miniature trinkets and glitter for the full effect, cluster larger bottles with smaller jars to create a snowy scene fit for any crafty table centre piece.

13

ONLINE ORDERING MADE EASY TAKE YOUR BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH DECORA TO A NEW LEVEL WITH THE INTELLIGENTLY DESIGNED WHOLESALE ONLINE ORDERING SYSTEM.

PORTAL SPREAD

The customised site enables customers to access live stock inventories, place wholesale orders online and view detailed account information at the touch of a button. Ease of use and multiple user accessibility ensures a multitude of daily tasks can be completed online, enhancing business productivity, efficiency and cost saving.

New updates from February 2015 will enable proforma wholesale customers to avail of the online ordering service.

To start online ordering simply email onlineordering@decora.co.uk for your account to be set up.

W W W. D E C O R A . C O . U K / C U S T O M E R P O R T A L

JANUARY

MARCH

MAY

Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka won his first tennis Grand Slam title with victory over an injury-hit Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final.

Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave was named best picture at the Oscars.

Psy's "Gangnam Style" becomes the first video to reach 2 billion views on YouTube

FEBRUARY Host nation Russia finished on top of the medal table as the 22nd Winter Olympics came to a close. The lighting of the 5th Olympic ring wasn’t as successful.

16

APRIL Volunteers light some of the 56,000 candles that burned during the Light of Peace in the Philippines.

JUNE Luis Suárez is expelled from the 2014 FIFA World Cup following his biting incident

SEPTEMBER JULY Germany won the World Cup, beating Argentina in the final.

Team Europe golfers with the Ryder Cup after the closing ceremony of the 40th Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, Scotland.

NOVEMBER 'Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red' poppy installation was finally completed at the Tower of London on November 11th.

AUGUST Legendary American comedic actor Robin Williams is found dead at his home on August 11th.

DECEMBER OCTOBER South African athlete Oscar Pistorius was given five years in prison for killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Regional Christmas markets have hit the U.K with a bang.

Ostrich Burger anyone?

17

Aquamarine Pantone 14-4313

Cool and calming, ethereal Aquamarine is a shade with a wet and watery feel.

Open and expansive, this restful blue also acts as a stress reducer.

Splash Blush

Splash Tango

Lucite Green Pantone 14-5714

Lucite Green is a soothing green shade whose time has really come again.

Fresh and clarifying, cool and refreshing, Lucite Green has a minty glow.

Alumitex Powder Green

18

Timberlux Alpine with Electric finish

Scuba Blue

Tangerine

An invigorating turquoise that conveys a sense of carefree playfulness. Scuba Blue offers a feeling of escape as it is reminiscent of a tropical ocean. This stirring and energizing shade takes us off to an exotic paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.

A juicy orange shade that is energizing, yet not jarring to the eye. It is striking enough to stand on its own and adds vitality to a printed pattern. Good natured and friendly, but with a tangy edge, this fun-loving colour invites a smile.

Pantone 16-2147

Strawberry Ice Pantone 16-1720

Both tasty and tasteful, Strawberry Ice is a confection colour that evokes a feeling of being “in the pink,” emitting a flattering and healthy glow.

Pant on e

Pantone 16-4725

015 2 of

Classic Blue

Glacier Grey

Marsala

Classic Blue is a shade that is strong and reliable.

Just as with the sea, because of its waterborne qualities, this Classic Blue is perceived as thoughtful and introspective.

Glacier Grey is an unobtrusive grey that contrasts and enhances; bouncing off other shades without taking away from them as it slips into the background to allow other colours to take centre stage.

Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this robust shade incorporates warmth and richness while it’s grounding red-brown roots point to a sophisticated, natural earthiness.

Pantone 19-4052

Pantone 14-4102

Pantone 18-1438

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I N T R O D U C I N G

NEVADA FAUX WOOD SHUTTERS

www.santafeshutters.co.uk

Nevada Bright White 63mm

S

anta Fe Shutters offers one of the most luxurious shutter Collections available, the design led, trend inspired range has expanded to include three distinct ranges of shutters.

Two Basswood shutter options, Madison and Vermont and a new addition to the collection, Nevada; a high quality faux wood offering made from PVC. Nevada shutters offer a perfect shutter solution for areas of high moisture content as PVC is water resistant.

Taken from the Spanish meaning “Snow covered” the Nevada collection presents 3 pristine whites and off whites in 63mm, 89mm and 114mm blade widths. With a 10 year warranty, Nevada shutters gives consumers the assurance that blades and frames will not warp, discolour or crack and with the addition of a strengthened aluminium core, a robust and durable finish is guaranteed.

Not only do Santa Fe Shutters offer a high end aesthetic they also provide the ultimate in window covering heat retention, the elegant framed panels offer a draft tight solution by locking a layer of air between the glazing and closed shutter

blades. Closed panels also create a barrier for heat loss to the outside, offering up to a 40% reduction in heat loss. Additional benefits include the eco credentials of a shutter, Madison and Vermont are an extremely effective energy efficient window solution with an FSC accreditation whilst Nevada is highly durable, its PVC composition ensures it’s an eco-friendly, recyclable product.

Available to order through the Santa Fe online ordering site which has been built for use on all tablets and computers, and presents an easy step by step order process. Individual customer finishes, frames and measurements can be processed according to the client’s bespoke requirements, on location, encompassing a customised and real time order process. Details are precisely referenced on all packaging and labelling aiding and simplifying fitting and installation.

With Santa Fe Shutters, consumers can be presented with the ultimate shutter collection, now available to order.

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T

he foodie delights the festive season brings are all about luxury and over indulgence. Not only do we cook more but we really cook to impress, be it for small family gatherings or an all-out Christmas dinner party with nibble bowls and sharing platters filled with all sorts of delicacies, never too far away.

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This Christmas why not set the ultimate impression with delights sure to leave a lasting taste.

Here is The View’s favourite easy peasy recipes to kick s tart this party season!

Bacon Stuffing Balls Stuffing for a lot of us is the ultimate taste of Christmas and with this gem of a recipe you can turn it into a moreish party nibble.

1. Simply prepare the stuffing then roll into balls (make them large or small whatever you fancy) and wrap with bacon or pancetta.

2. Bake until crisp!

3. Prepare a homemade dip of your choosing for a true dunking delight!

Marmalade & Cranberry Sausages The humble cocktail sausage should never be too far from anyone’s party fare, but giving it a moreish marmalade and cranberry coat to add a little bit of razzle.

1. Place the sausages in a single layer on a large roasting tin, cook for 10 minutes at 200oC. 2. Mix the marmalade, cranberry sauce, honey and fresh cranberries together in a bowl and pour over the sausages stirring well to coat.

3. Cook for a further 15 minutes turning occasionally, until sticky and golden.

4. Pop in your cocktail sticks and watch them vanish!

Chorizo and Prawn Skewers Team succulent prawns with chorizo and spice for the ultimate burst of flavour 1. Heat oven to 200oC and cook the chorizo on a tray for 12 minutes. Meanwhile, mix together prawns and harissa (chilli paste).

2. In a bowl, combine garlic, mayo and yogurt to make a dip.

3. Turn the chorizo, add the prawns to the tray and cook for 5 minutes more. Sprinkle parsley over the prawns, then thread each onto a skewer.

4. Get dipping and enjoy the mix of flavours!

Cranberry and Brie Bites A quick and easy no fuss delight.

1. Heat oven to 190oC. 2. Cut thawed puff pastry sheets into 3x3 inch squares.

Press each square into a muffin cavity.

3. Cube the brie into 3 inch cubes and place in the centre of the puff pastry squares. Top the brie with a small dollop of cranberry sauce.

4. Bake for approx. 10 minutes or until puff pastry corners are toasted lightly brown.

5. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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14 TH- RY 17 TH

JANUA

IDEAL HOME SHOW

F EB

R

H

24 THUAR - 28 T Y

From kitchens and bathrooms, to bedrooms and basements, you’ll find it all under one roof at this award-winning show.

(Olympia London)

CH0TH R A M 2 IL R TH - AP 6

the

MAYTH

2 - 10 ND

GRAND DESIGNS LIVE Running for 9 days, the show offers visitors a unique opportunity to see all the latest trends for the home as well as many products never seen before.

(London Excel Arena)

19 TH-JULY 21 ST

SEP

TEM

13 TH BE - 15 T R

Around the world of furniture in 4 days.

(Manchester Central)

H

HOME EVENT

4

R OBTHE- 6TH

OCT

24

Home is the definitive retail and contract event of homewares, housewares and interior accessories.

(Olympia, London)

HEIMTEXTIL The biggest international trade fair for home and contract textiles (Messe Frankfurt) www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com

R+T STUTTGART An international trade fair for building technology and machinery, interior construction, windows, doors, roller blinds, gates and construction.

(ICS International Congress Centre Visit Decora at Stand 41, Hall 8) www.messe-stuttgart.de/en/r-t/

BBSA SHOWCASE

Over 60 exhibitors will be displaying and demonstrating the best and most innovative products on the market.

(Ricoh Arena, Coventry) www.bbsashow.co.uk

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YOUR STYLE ONE COLLECTION

www.thefabricbox.co.uk

S AV E

®

ENERGY

with

K

eeping our carbon foot print to a minimum is becoming more of a focus for homeowners as their understanding of eco products increases. At this time of year, keeping warm and minimising heating and energy bills is a high priority for many consumers.

HEAT LOSS -

THE FACTS

18%

• Up to 18% of heat loss in a home is lost through windows.

• Installing an interior blind or shutter to act as an insulating layer and can offer up to a 40% improvement in heat loss.

• Reducing heat loss through windows can save on heating bills.

• Optimum heat loss can be achieved through installing an interior shutter.

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Santa Fe Urban Storm

How we utilise our window coverings can offer a significant reduction of heat loss; • Keeping blinds open in the day time harvests free solar energy of natural light which increases heat gain in a room • Closing the blinds when it gets dark enables heat to be retained in the room.

Decora’s portfolio of quality wood venetians; Timberlux, Sunwood and Excel Wood offers and wide selection of wood tones, painted finishes and textures to a wide spectrum of home owners and in turn provide energy efficiency with excellent insulation properties.

Sunwood Tawny

W

ood is known as a natural insulator due to the pockets in the cellular construction which traps air within its cell walls, creating a barrier for heat loss.

The ultimate in window covering heat retention is internal shutters, the elegant framed wood panels offer a draft tight solution by locking a layer of air between the glazing and closed shutter blades.

Closed panels also create a barrier for heat loss to the outside.

Handcrafted from the finest Basswood, Santa Fe Shutters can offer up to a 40% reduction in heat loss while at the same time present a beautiful and elegant window dressing.

In addition to wood shutters, wooden venetians also aid heat retention in cooler months, the excellent insulation properties and the high degree of light control obtained through adjusting the slats makes wood venetians an extremely effective energy efficient window solution. Furthermore, rich wood tones can further add a feeling of warmth.

At this time when consumers are becoming more conscious of eco products, this information will be taken into account more and more when buying window coverings.

Granted not always the cheapest choice at the outset, it’s always worth researching the benefits, especially if the choices you make see a reduction in energy bills and lessen energy consumption.

Excel Wood EW06

Timberlux Stark

When thinking of minimising heating bills, think window coverings, think wood, think Decora.

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New Year Fast approaching, 2015 will be here in no time, once we get past the pop and fizz of the festive season thoughts will quickly turn to rejuvenation, detox and all important exercise to help shift our Christmas indulgences.

Here at The View we belief that it’s the small steps that can make a huge difference, overload too fast on exercise and you are guaranteed body burnout by January 15th.

1. New Gear, New you!

Initial thoughts on January 1st always involve getting fit for the New Year.

A top tip is to invest in some new workout kit that you love and feel good in. If you’ve got the right gear, you’ll feel much more inspired to put it on!

2. Rope in Friends

It’s always easier to stick to a plan when someone else is counting on you. Arrange to meet friends for a dance class or ask them to join you on a run.

4. Set a goal

Set yourself a goal that spurs you on to keep exercising and remain on the healthy track. Having something tangible to work towards, like running a marathon or a large family gathering (encouraging you to look your best), is always a great motivator.

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3. Be Carb Savvy

Avoid refined and processed foods, including "white carbs" like white bread and pasta - and opt for complex carbohydrates instead, like sweet potatoes and wholegrains, which help maintain steady blood sugar levels.

5. and reward yourself

It’s been proven that a reward system is an excellent way to keep your motivation going, particularly when you’re getting started again. Think of something that you want to do, buy or eat, then reward yourself when you reach your milestone.

F I R E R E TA R D A N T FA B R I C

W W W. U N I C O LO U R B L I N D S . C O . U K

W W W. D E C O R A . C O . U K