∂ 2014 ¥ 1
Materials and Finishes
Translucent finishes
Embossed and embellished for a luxurious look
Avonite solid surfacing is a smooth, non-porous and hygienic material that can be used for a wide variety of applications in domestic, commercial and retail interiors including wall cladding, countertops and shopfitting. The surfaces, which can be inconspicuously jointed, are claimed to be resistant to wear and tear, stains, bacteria, impact and heat, while being easy to maintain.
The newly launched Leonida collection of wallcoverings and fabrics from Harlequin is designed, says the company, to evoke a spirit of faded grandeur and distressed opulence. Vintage pieces and flea market finds have been translated on to a range of wallpapers and embossed velvets that would add a sumptuous look to a period design setting as well as offering a very modernday edge and sleek contemporary appeal to open-plan living spaces and chic hotels. The palette is understated, encompassing shades such as bronze, charcoal, pewter, antique gold, rose quartz, silver, parchment, powder blue and pearl. Soft and tactile, the velvets are fluid enough to drape well but also sufficiently durable to be used on upholstery. The mix of yarns within the four individual designs creates a movement of contrasting colour and texture.
Amongst the collections are Studio, Foundations and Solid Surface Veneer, which between them offer a high degree of flexibility for designers and specifiers. Studio is a premium polyester-based material that can create signature looks for high-end projects, with superior levels of luminosity, clarity and depth to the designs compared to acrylic products, says UK distributor, IDS. The 22 new designs in this range are inspired by precious metals and glass, and some of the translucent finishes can be backlit for a more dynamic appearance. The material is 12 mm thick and comes in a sheet size of 3,050 ≈ 915 mm giving optimum flexibility for vanity units, wall cladding or work surfaces. Two of the neutral colourways, Cottonwood and White Sands, feature 40 % recycled content. Foundations offers 21 designs in acrylic solid surfacing, and is complemented by 15 designs within the Solid Surface Veneer range. This gives a choice of 3 and 12 mm thicknesses along with different sheet sizes, so that, for example, using a 12 mm veneer on a horizontal plane and a 3 mm veneer on the vertical plane can achieve cost savings without compromising on looks or performance. White, said to be the most popular colour of all with designers, is additionally available in 6 and 9 mm thicknesses. ¥ Avonite United Kingdom � +44 (0)845 603 7811 www.avonitesolidsurface.co.uk
Aurelia, used for the throw and seat upholstery below, is described as a majestic damask with a dramatic foil overlay, while Perla (arm, back and large cushion) is an antique-looking plain with a slight shimmer, in muted and jewel tones. Trezzini, used for the smaller cushion, features an aged mosaic effect, designed to appear both opulent and stylish. Lastly, Églomisé, as its name
79
suggests, is a distressed textured velvet with a unique églomisé appearance. The wallpapers encompass eight designs over 45 colourways. Aurelia and Églomisé echo the fabrics of the same name, with the latter (below, right) said to be equally effective hung vertically or horizontally. Adella, a detailed paisley trail, features a combination of gravure and rotary printing techniques, resulting in a devoré velvet effect. Inspired by a heavily embossed, antique enamelled screen, and translated in trompe l’oeil fashion, Akoa (below, left) is printed on to foil, and layered with ink to achieve an opaque effect. Demi, a classic scalloped motif, has a small beaded medallion in the centre, while Comice resembles an openfretwork linked trellis, and is embellished with minute glittery beads. Florentine, described as a dramatic oversized ogee, is also enhanced by beading. Finally, Medina features a lacy roundel with a Moorish influence and combines metallics with a muted overlay to subtle effect. ¥ Harlequin United Kingdom � +44 (0)845 123 6805 www.harlequin.uk.com