Interiors Monthly November 2020

NOVEMBER 2020

MDC Review

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Spend, spend, spend (carefully) Raw material prices are increasing significantly; meanwhile Victoria won’t overpay despite its new war chest Having secured an investment of up to £175m, Victoria looks set to restart its acquisition plans. ‘Potentially exceptional acquisition possibilities in Europe and the UK’ are now being eyed up by the group and it wants these new members to almost double profits.

The pandemic has created opportunities for those who have the cash to do deals, and Koch’s investment – relatively tiny for the petrochemical giant that’s renowned for not revealing any information in public apart from annual sales of US$110bn – puts Victoria in a position to act. But potential takeover targets expecting these new funds to bring them more money will be disappointed: Geoff Wilding will just walk away from any deal he thinks he’s overpaying for.

A deal that was always going to happen was Tempur Sealy reclaiming the rights to the Sealy brand from Silentnight Group.

Tempur Sealy chairman and ceo Scott Thompson’s comment that ‘the premium innerspring segment in the UK market is not being fully served,’ will come as a surprise to many rival manufacturers. The group says the deal will ‘significantly improve our competitive position in the UK for generations to come.’ It’ll be interesting to see what its plans are to restore the brand’s position.

The comment that trading for one bed retailer is ‘Christmas on steroids’ is my favourite expression of the year. But behind it is the concern of raw material shortages – including the effect of Brexit uncertainty kicking in – and price rises. While pre-Christmas delivery orders are healthy, come the New Year shoppers will be faced with the new reality of the higher prices.

That is, of course, if non-essential stores are still open.

Mentioning Brexit, the fact that unregistered design protection will end because ‘issues were too complex and there was no time to work them out’ seems typical of the way the UK Government has handled the whole thing: it wasn’t too complex and there has been years to fix it.

INTERIORS MONTHLY NOVEMBER 2020

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 4

£175m acquisition fund for Victoria

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Post-Brexit design fear

10 ‘Christmas on steroids’ for bed retailers

FEATURES 14 New products 20 Service 24 Experiences

Reinforcements and concern

26 Review

Milano Design City

36 LVT

Training boost

38 Beds and bedroom

In the pipeline; better sleep; sustainability is key;

protection matters; going online

48 Accessories

It’s Christmas

50 Rugs

Asking questions

54 Design

Makeovers made easy

Editor: Andrew Kidd

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

Furniture advertising (South): Tim Boden

NOVEMBER 2020

M: 07976 122 150 E: tboden@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

MDC Review

Inglewood Saxony: new stain resistant, bleach cleanable deep pile Saxony in 15 heather shades from Cormar Carpets Visit: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Rugs 3D

Inglewood Saxony New stain resistant, bleach cleanable deep pile Saxony in 15 heather shades

Furniture advertising (North): Jarrod Bird T: 01565 631 397 E: jbird@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Carpet, flooring advertising: Joanne Paull M: 07817 624 922 E: jpaull@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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

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

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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NEWS

Victoria secures £175m Koch acquisition pot Flooring group Victoria is set for an acquisition spree after securing up to £175m of investment from petrochemical giant Koch Industries.

Koch will initially invest £75m, with the remaining £100m payable over the next 18 months if Victoria wants it. Victoria will pay a dividend of 9.35% on the shares for the first five years, which will increase afterwards.

Koch will also be able to buy up to 9% of Victoria shares at 350p a share: a discount of 28% on the share price before the deal was announced. It has also agreed to buy a 9.97% stake from Invesco at that price. Invesco is selling its whole shareholding in Victoria, with the group buying back £29.9m worth of shares and Spruce House Partnership increasing its holding from 14.8% to 17.67%.

Victoria says ‘the events of the last few months have revealed some potentially exceptional acquisition

Magazine tie-up for Homebase Homebase has secured a licensing deal with a trio of consumer home interest magazines which will see the launch of branded collections.

The chain has agreed a three-year partnership with Hearst UK that will allow it to use the House Beautiful, Country Living and Good Housekeeping brands.

The Homebase House Beautiful and Country Living ranges will include kitchens, furniture, home furnishings, decorative paint, outdoor living products and tiles. The Good Housekeeping range will include kitchen and cookware.

A new kitchen range will be the first to launch in December.

possibilities in Europe and the UK to grow Victoria substantially’ and the investment would allow it to ‘move quickly and decisively to capitalise on these potential opportunities’.

‘It will be a much bigger business than it is today.

Today it is making around £120m EBITDA. We think we can add another £100m,’ says Geoff Wilding, Victoria executive chairman.

Koch Industries is a widespread conglomerate with revenues of US$110bn that operates oil pipelines and manufactures products from fertilisers to software.

Charles Koch and his late younger brother, David, grew the refining business their father founded into one of the largest privately owned companies in the US, with the family gaining influence in the Republican Party by donating to conservative causes.

Tempur Sealy re-acquires brand in UK Tempur Sealy has re-acquired the Sealy brand in the UK, after 47 years of it being held by Silentnight Group.

The group has formed a 50/50 partnership with its long-standing Asian joint venture partner, the Dyer family, to ‘develop, expand and reposition Sealy products in one of the largest bedding markets in Europe’.

‘We identified that the premium innerspring segment in the UK market is not being fully served. We believe we have the right people, brands and strategy to satisfy the market’s needs.

Sealy is the number one brand in the US, and this transaction will significantly improve our competitive position in the

UK for generations to come,’ says Scott Thompson, Tempur Sealy chairman and ceo.

‘I’d like to acknowledge the Silentnight Group for its strong management of the Sealy brand in the UK over the last 47 years and thank our partners for working with us on this new growth opportunity.’

Tempur Sealy said it estimated Sealy’s UK market share was ‘low single digits’ in 2019 and that the joint venture in Asia has been successful in establishing Sealy in its markets. Over the past 20 years, the venture has grown net sales at an annual compounded rate of about 36%, and opened seven manufacturing facilities.

The deal also includes the Stearns & Foster brand.

imm insists (shorter) show will go on Next January’s planned imm cologne exhibition has been cut from seven days to four, with Livingkitchen cancelled. Organiser Koelnmesse says the show will now run from 20-23 January (Wednesday to Saturday).

‘Our goal is clearly defined: to make imm cologne possible against the background of challenging conditions. Based on a compact exhibition section and enriched with digital network and presentation possibilities, it will provide the furniture industry with important impulses for the new business year,’ says Oliver Frese, Koelnmesse coo.

Claire Steinbrück, imm cologne director says it has developed stand designs that will reduce costs for exhibitors. ‘With the new stand concepts, we offer young companies a plannable framework for an excellent trade fair appearance in a compact area. The result is efficient business with maximum risk reduction.’

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

imm-cologne.com

Time for exchange.

Personal. Digital. Dialogue.

the interior business event 20.– 23. 01. 2021 Special Edition

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7/10/2020 16:24:46

NEWS

Brexit will see end to automatic design protection Designers across Europe face the prospect of their work having no legal protection and being copied post-Brexit.

The EU Commission rejected a continuation of the unregistered design rules, according to Anti Copying in Design (ACID). This will mean designs first shown in the UK will have no automatic protection in the EU while designs originating in the EU will have no protection in the UK. At the moment unregistered designs are protected for three years.

‘This is a significant set-back post Brexit for UK designers. The EU’s rejection not only undermines the principle of a level playing field and reciprocity for the IP Chapter, it is also a smack in the face for EU27 designers who will be unable to have automatic protection in the UK,’ says Dids Macdonald, ACID chief executive.

‘Since 2016, we have submitted compelling evidence supporting the potentially calamitous affect this would have on UK designers if they were to lose this protection, and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) listened and acted. The IPO had a tough challenge to persuade Whitehall, but they too listened and appropriate text was included in the UK negotiating terms of reference, for which we are grateful.’

According to ACID, the IPO says the continuation of design rights was rejected because ‘the issues were too complex and there was no time to work them out.’

Digital edition for Brussels The Brussels Furniture Fair is to debut a digital edition of the cancelled exhibition in December.

‘Under normal circumstances, a flurry of preparations would now be underway in Brussels in order to welcome you soon. And we’re still bitterly disappointed that won’t be possible this year,’ says Lieven Van den Heede, Brussels Furniture Fair general manager.

‘We will miss the face-to-face contact with visitors and exhibitors, the excitement of fair preparations, and of course the satisfaction of seeing happy faces after a successful edition. Sadly, we can’t offer you that warm trade fair feeling this year. But we’re at least able to offer you something in its place.

‘From Monday 7 December to Wednesday 9 December, we’ll be opening our digital Brussels Furniture Fair. We want to play our part in bringing furniture manufacturers and the trade together. That’s why we’re giving our exhibitors the opportunity to present their latest offerings. And as a furniture retailer, for once you don’t need to travel, but can still order your new collections.’

The digital edition of the show will offer a live chat option from 11.30am to 7pm UK time.

More for Frank’s

‘The issues were too complex,’ says the IPO

February a no for The Flooring Show Plans to move The Flooring Show to next February have been shelved.

Organiser Ocean Media had planned to hold the show – rescheduled from September 2020 – from 28 February to 2 March 2021 at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate before returning to the Harrogate Convention Centre from 19-21 September 2021.

‘Whilst we would love to put on the show in February, there are still likely to be restrictions in place early next year,’

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

says Alex Butler, Ocean Media event director. ‘It has become increasingly clear just how important it is to meet face to face. The show is an important event on the flooring calendar and we’re looking forward to bringing the whole industry together in Harrogate for the first time in two years.’

The company plans to launch an online showcase of products from exhibitors called The Flooring Showroom in early 2021.

Flooring chain Frank’s The Flooring Store has reached 29 branches after Durham retailer The Flooring Store rebranded its 7,000sqft outlet following a £50,000 revamp.

‘We’ve been at Framwellgate for 13 years and already had a great working relationship with Frank’s, so the time seemed right to re-brand and become part of the Frank’s family,’ says Jason Taylor, The Flooring Store owner. ‘The strength and goodwill of the Frank’s brand will enable us to offer a wide range of flooring products and ultimately grow the business further.’

‘We are delighted to have been able to unveil our first store in Durham city and our 29th in total across the North East. It’s one of the largest stores in the group, so it will make a major contribution to the continued success of Frank’s,’ says Mick Copeland, Frank’s business development manager.

‘Framwellgate will become one of our flagship stores and we’re excited about the impact it will have on the business. We’re continuing to experience one of the busiest periods in our history, with record sales.’

PROOF THAT MOST PEOPLE WANT TO SHOP… “A Phenomenal 6 weeks business in the first five days.The new Greenwood (Covid-modified) marketing produced a steady flow of customers over a longer period so we had no overcrowding and we beat target!”

Cy Fogel, You’re Furnished, Essex. August 2020

“We took 6 months turnover in the 3 weeks (with no problems at all) and have recovered our lockdown losses. This Greenwood Sale has surpassed all my expectations!”

James Fraser, M.D., Blackbridge Furnishings, Inverness, Elgin and Fort William. Sales held in July, September and October 2020

See video interviews with both James and Cy on our website: greenwoodretail.com Contrary to all (apparent) logic, since July 2020, the eight Covid-modified Greenwood Sales held so far, have generated an average sales return of over 150% of normal Greenwood sales! It’s like having a Greenwood Sale and then some.

This astonishing fact proves that most people want to go shopping (physically) more than ever and will freely spend, despite the dramas surrounding the pandemic and Brexit.

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NEWS

‘Christmas on steroids’: bed retailers are upbeat The spending boom creating problems with furnishing sector supplies, prices and lead times could also be set to put many bed retailers back on track to meet 2020 budgets.

A survey of 40 NBF Retail Champions – retailers who source at least 50% of their beds from NBF members – found that 57.5% of retailers expect to come in above budget by the end of the year, despite weeks of closure during lockdown.

Pent-up spending from the pandemic crisis has resulted in a quarter of retailers saying takings are up by more than 40%.

Some 80% reported they are now doing better than last year.

‘After a devastating Spring when retailers were forced to shut up shop for the lockdown, the bounce back in sales

has taken everyone by surprise,’ says Simon Williams, NBF marketing and membership manager.

‘The furnishings sector as a whole has been an unexpected beneficiary of a pivot in spending from holidays towards the home, and it would appear that bed retailers are among those enjoying a boom that’s been described as being like “Christmas on steroids”.’

Williams says the survey suggested a move to higher average selling prices as consumers choose more upmarket, better quality products.

‘Most families have not been able to take their usual holidays this year and have also spent a lot of time in their homes. This has both heightened their awareness of what needs replacing and

Meanwhile manufacturers warn: ‘Prices will rise again’ Raw material shortages are restricting furniture production and will push up prices, retailers have been warned.

‘The squeeze in supply in both the foam and particle boards markets has possibly been exacerbated by a postlockdown spike in demand for furniture.

Our members are consistently reporting shortages as foam suppliers struggle to access chemical feedstocks, principally TDI,’ says Nick Garratt, BFM md.

‘The main block suppliers just about managed to meet industry demand in September but have now advised of ongoing chemical shortages in October.

Factories are being put on reduced allocations of foam block, which is affecting production capacity in the critical pre-Christmas delivery period.

‘Furthermore, and as a result of these shortages, prices have been increasing and most factories are now discussing a third price increase in a few months. Cumulative increases are typically 25% and, given that foam is one of the biggest costs in furniture production, factories will need to pass

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

on price increases to customers.

‘The cabinet sector is also reporting significant shortages of MDF and MFC, as many European suppliers have withdrawn from the UK market due to the uncertainties of Brexit. The lack of materials means manufacturers are now working on an allocations basis and can currently only access around 75% of pre-Covid purchases.

‘As particle board suppliers raise their prices, factory gate prices are also set to rise,’ warns Garratt.

provided the “spare” cash to buy it.’

Only a third of bed retailers (32.5%) reported a shift towards online sales.

Asked what is currently their biggest business challenge, the overwhelming majority of responses reflected the huge spike in sales creating difficulties with: keeping up with orders, finding a bigger van, shop space not big enough and cashflow.

Other challenges cited included: uncertainty about Covid restrictions; extended lead times and erratic deliveries; staying open when staff were having to self-isolate; and juggling with the “buy today, delivered tomorrow” expectations of customers.

The survey was undertaken between 1 and 9 October.

Dividend hike

Upholstery, beds, rugs and accessory chain Loaf has paid out a dividend sixteen times that of last year.

The eight-store chain paid a dividend of £4m for the year to 31 March 2020, up from £250,000 for the previous year, according to documents filed at Companies House.

The company has yet to file its accounts for 2019-2020, but in 20182019 it saw pre-tax profits of £2.61m from sales of £48m.

Combined founder Charlie Marshall and his wife Melissa are the largest shareholder with a 51% stake. Peter Simon, Monsoon founder, has 47.6%.

Make your own bed Bed manufacturer Vispring has begun selling its J.Marshall by Vispring brand direct to consumers online.

The J.Marshall by Vispring website has an easy-to-use bed configurator where shoppers can create their own bespoke bed, choosing one of four mattresses, then customising the shallow divan and headboard with a multitude of contemporary fabrics, before selecting legs.

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New Van Gogh designs.

Available in gluedown and rigid core.

Installation flexibility and product versatility are just some of the benefits that can be found in our new multi-format offering. New for 2020, our updated Van Gogh range moves towards providing simply beautiful floors in both gluedown and rigid core formats.

Our Van Gogh range introduces six new wood looks in a larger 56” x 9” plank size, with four of these colours also available in an on-trend (28” x 7”) herringbone.

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08/10/2020 09:07

NEW PRODUCTS

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1 Abingdon Flooring has revamped its website. Visitors can find their perfect flooring choice based on room, colour, style, fibre or feature; search for stockists by postcode; order samples; check care and warranty advice and read about the latest home interior trends and insights.

Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk 2 The Eternity collection from Balta is a new generation of lifestyle carpet that responds to the desires and needs of today’s homeowner. It harnesses the softness and strength of solution-dyed nylon yarn for a carpet that’s softer than

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

the best polypropylene alternatives and more resilient than standard polyamide.

Tel: 00 32 5662 2211 3 Jori is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the creation of Jean-Pierre Audebert’s Shiva. The latest version of the modular upholstery has a lighter frame.

Visit: www.jori.com 4 Louis de Poortere’s Richelieu Velour collection is now available in 144 colours as well as three pile heights and weights (8mm pile and 2,115g per sqm; 11.5mm pile and 2,715g per sqm and 15.3mm

pile and 3,245g per sqm) and multiple widths, so that homeowners can benefit from a wool-rich velvet that’s perfectly in step with their expectations of comfort and quality.

Visit: www.louisdepoortere.com 5 ADP provides distribution, installation, merchandising and project management services, and now fulfilment. Fulfilment offers customers easy online ordering on sameday, overnight and international deliveries, supported by its fully tracked delivery options and excellent customer service team.

Visit: www.adp-distribution.co.uk 

N E W FO R AU T U M N W I N T E R 20, D I S COV E R O U R

Christmas CO L L E C T I O N S

Celebrate this wonderful time of the year by adding a touch of charm and class to your festive season with our lovely selection of festive decorations.

We have given our Christmas collections a completely new look with delicate wreaths and timeless baubles, cosy cushions and rustic garlands, snowy trees and warming candles. Our new range has been carefully designed and selected to add a new dimension to your Christmas.

View our full collection online at www.gallerydirect.co.uk

Sedna_DPS_Interiors Monthly 202010.indd 1

Share your Sedna #sednacarpet www.sedna-carpet.co.uk

A UK brand since 1964

7/10/2020 16:23:37

NEW PRODUCTS

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6 ADP recently installed feature display stands for British Wool to showcase carpet collections using British wool. Its installation projects range from single-site regional installations to national installations covering many hundreds of sites.

Visit: www.adp-distribution.co.uk 7 The new Rillo collection from Broste Copenhagen is a modern pedestal inspired by ancient Greek pillars. With its tactile, column-shaped silhouette and matte concrete finish, it empowers the human passion for curating an interior experience. Rillo pedestals are ideal for displaying your favourite home accessories

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

and elevating them for a new perspective.

Visit: www.brostecopenhagen.com 8 With the rise in deep-pile luxury carpet and thick PU underlays, a gripper that holds fast is worth the investment. While some fitters rely on an inefficient, costly and messy double run of standard gripper to provide the necessary hold, savvy installers are turning to Floorwise Diamond Gripper to do the job in a single, fuss-free pass.

Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk 9 Abingdon Carpet’s Tile Division has launched a new display box containing sample folders for all of its collections

including affordable polypropylene solutions and premium Econyl sustainable nylon products. The display box is an ideal reference when looking for carpet tiles that provide the ideal combination of style, performance and value.

Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk 10 As a centre of technical excellence, The Academy for Excellence in Flooring provides the knowledge and skills to overcome the challenges that can adversely affect the quality of LVT installations such as changes in atmospheric conditions and high solid mass temperatures.

Visit: www.quick-step-academy.co.uk

Four bar Hexham This variant to the established eight bar Hexham spindle aims to give a cleaner, more contemporary look yet remains also able to cross over into traditional. A winner with painters.

Oak Hamburg Carver Jet Hopsack Seat

Oak Loire Chair Natural Hopsack

Hexham Eight bar Our highly popular eight bar back plain spindle back chair is where modern meets the best of Victorian simple. Equally at home in town or country dining settings. Available in beech or oak.

Hoop back

Windsor Hoop Carver

An enormously popular and stylish hoop back with elegant good looks and features, robust enough even for contract. This is a quality beech chair that fits many bills.

We have taken a classic Georgian style an adapted it for modern living. The ageless lines evoke their traditional background but also harness a more modern edge.

Great as a stand-alone chair in its own right or a carver complement to our hoop or Hexham’s.

SERVICE

Richard Renouf

Some you win…

A professional opinion may be what the customer asked for, but is it what they’re really after?

Here is some recent correspondence with a consumer who said he wanted my advice: Please find the attached the report we received in July about our carpet, which was installed in November 2019. We first noticed that in our opinion the carpet wasn't of merchantable quality back in March 2020. This carpet is classed as heavy domestic and it is also widely used in commercial premises, which is why we purchased it. We weren't satisfied with the report. The retailer would not replace the carpet or provide reimbursement as the carpet only carries a 12-month guarantee.

In my construction industry experience, a carpet of this level of quality should not look like this after four months of light domestic use. This carpet replaced one that had been down for 20-plus years and was of similar quality. We have another 80/20 mix carpet in an adjacent room that has been down for 11 years. It is vacuumed regularly and experiences child and pet wear and still shows no visual signs of deterioration – unlike the new carpet in the lounge.

In your professional opinion do you believe that we have a legal case if we are not satisfied with the retailer refusing to replace the carpet or offer any form of compensation?

I replied: Your carpet has been manufactured for many years. It has an 80% wool/20% nylon pile. The wool fibres are spun from sheep's wool and are typically only 8cm–12cm long. When they're spun into a yarn every centimetre of this yarn will have lots of fibre ends included, where some of the fibres finish and others start as you move along the yarn. You may be able to picture a piece of sisal string which appears very ‘hairy’ because the ends of the fibres stick out.

This yarn is then woven into the carpet and each piece of the pile is cut, so you have hundreds of thousands of short tufts, each a few millimetres high, and within each quite a lot of fibre ends that are loose but held in the twist of the pile. During vacuuming and use these ends will come out – this is known as shedding and, although the ends are only a fraction of the weight of the pile, they will produce a high

volume of fluff in your vacuum cleaner.

If the loose fibres are not released fully by the carpet, you can get an effect known as pilling. It's usually temporary as the pills wear away and there are no more loose fibres. A vacuum cleaner with brushes and a beater bar is the most effective way to remove them. However, I notice in the photographs that some of the pills appear to have a dark ‘core’. This usually shows that other fibres (for example from socks and clothing) have become tangled with the loose fibres. Without getting too technical, this is due to the different electrostatic charges of different fibres. This entanglement makes the pills harder to remove, but they will eventually go.

I suspect that if you were to remove some of the dark pills, put them on a white sheet of paper and examine them under a magnifying glass you would find yarn colours in them that are not the colour of your carpet and, if so, this would confirm what I'm saying.

Whilst I can't be conclusive at this stage, the cost of having the carpet micro-sheared to remove the pills would be far less than asking me to come and do an inspection. I also think that the problem is very unlikely to be a manufacturing fault (your other carpets are probably made from different fibres and also are of an age that any pilling that might have been present has worn off). I hope this is helpful, but please come back with any questions you may have.

The reply came a few days later: Thank you for your email and professional opinion. We will continue to pursue this complaint with the manufacturer as our supplier inspected the carpet and informed us this was not pilling.

Visit: www.richard-renouf.com

Were socks to blame?

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

Richard Renouf is an independent furnishings consultant

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Vermont Natural quality

Shown: Greensboro

Who says you can’t improve on perfection? We’ve added six beautiful new contemporary shades to our collection; inspired by the breath-taking natural landscapes of Vermont.

This classic wool rich cut pile twist is the trusty ‘go to’ range for so many retailers; being expertly crafted at our mill in Lancashire using only the finest raw materials, to bring you a superb quality hardwearing carpet, that’s a dream to fit.

Vermont comes in 18 stunning subtle heather tones, in a choice of 40oz, 50oz and 60oz weights, and guaranteed full 4m and 5m widths.

Penthouse quality….naturally.

For samples and further information call 01706 639 866 or visit penthousecarpets.co.uk

Style • Colour • Comfort

Refreshingly simple New for Autumn 2020 is a re-vamp of an old Victoria Carpets favourite: EasiCare Freedom.

With a new 2ply, 10th gauge construction it is now available in two weights. Freedom* and Freedom Xtra**. It also has a refreshed colour pallet of 24 colours, consisting of delicate pastels, gentle golds and complementary neutrals.

EasiCare Freedom and Freedom Xtra is available on a dedicated double lectern at a heavily subsided cost along with preferred stand holder pricing.

New POS and sampling available now.

Contact sales@victoriacarpets.com for details.

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* 7 Year Wear Warranty ** 10 Year Wear Warranty

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Did you know...

As well as Award Winning carpets, we also produce outstanding hard flooring options.

To find out more visit www.MyVictoria.co.uk

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Freedom & Freedom Xtra

V I C TO R I AC A R P E T S . C O M

EXPERIENCES

Relief and concern

Conditions continue to change across the country

With different situations across the country, our diarists reflect THE RETAILER Fludes Carpets The furlough period is coming to an end and those colleagues who have been denied the opportunity of working will soon be unleashed. What a great relief for the teams in the stores who have been working hard since mid-June. They are returning to a new normal that is quite similar to the old one but where health, hygiene and working in a safe environment are key priorities.

The returning staff will take a week or so to settle back into the business and will need some training to pick up on range changes and new products and to get into the routine of hygiene – and the skill of wearing a mask and a pair of glasses at the same time!

We are now finding that our customers require time and attention to convert an enquiry into a sale, but with more staff back in the stores, this will be possible to achieve.

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

Our customers are still coming in to the stores in line with last year’s levels, but they are now taking time to choose their carpets.

It seems that they are more knowledgeable, and have read up about product. They also ask a lot of questions and more than ever are looking for good service, reassurance that the work will be done on time and additionally at a good price.

In the past week, barely a day has passed by without notification of a forthcoming price increase, and it is usually down to an increase in raw materials. It does mean that we have to have a weekly change in selling prices. This is difficult when you have a number of unaccepted estimates out. You have the unappealing choice of ringing customers and explaining that it is going to be more expensive to buy the flooring or

take the hit on the gross profit.

The situation with stock problems from suppliers has not gone away. The suppliers are trying to juggle with an increase in demand at a time when the shutdown and loss of production has depleted their stocks.

Delivery schedules have been altered and sometimes the lack of stock or delivery slots is communicated too late for us to advise our customers on a timely basis. Some manufacturers have reduced their range portfolio, but this is not communicated quickly enough and we have taken orders that we are unable to fulfil. This is particularly the case with sheet vinyl.

This is the first year for a decade that we are getting close to being tight on fitting availability for Christmas, and it is only late October. If the whole of the industry is the

EXPERIENCES THE SALES AGENT Malcolm Nix Furniture Associates So, September and early October was a busy time, as we embarked on our show van activity. Whilst daunting in terms of making this as Covid-safe as possible, it was reassuring just how aware the retailers we visited were of the constraints. Having hand sanitiser and masks available as well as a special disinfectant spray to sanitise the products meant we were able to maintain the correct protocols. Social distancing was a bigger challenge, but we got the hang of it, and it quickly became second nature.

We were hoping that due to the lack of furniture shows this year there would be a good level of interest, but the success of our show van visits was way, way above expectations and it very quickly put our original pre-Christmas cut-off date under pressure. In the end we had to close our books for Christmas two weeks earlier than planned, but in the knowledge that we will have significantly increased and updated displays leading into the winter sales, which is hugely satisfying.

To say there was a degree of good fortune would be an understatement, as the new restrictions were already coming into place in areas we had literally visited the week before. These new limitations did eventually impact on us and we decided it would be responsible to conclude our activities earlier than planned.

As you can see from the picture of the inside of our van, it was a fairly basic presentation, but I think the simplicity made the offer easy to understand. Now, as I write this piece, there are renewed concerns for the industry – and for me personally. With Wales currently in a further lockdown period with furniture stores closed and Tier 3 areas on the increase, it is hard to see normality returning anytime soon.

The furniture industry has recovered well after the national lockdown, and in many

cases the business lost during the three months has been recovered, in some ahead of last year. But will the country be in a position to benefit from the traditional winter sale period?

It is hard to see under current restrictions how any furniture shows can take place before the late Spring, which will mean the likelihood of further show van activity early next year, restrictions allowing.

Pressure on pricing, with substantial raw material increases is proving difficult to mitigate, but as a business based in Italy, we intend to hold off any price review until the full impact of the increases is understood and any changes required as a consequence of the Brexit situation are known.

For me and my family, our immediate priority is to support my 34-year-old daughter who has was suddenly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia and is currently coming to the end of her first round of three planned chemotherapy treatments prior to either a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.

Covid restrictions suddenly impact more directly, as it is impossible to visit her.

You read or hear about this, but it is always something that affects other people…

Malcom Nix, Malcolm Nix Furniture Associates owner

Selling prices need to be updated weekly

same, we might have a poor November, as all of the fitting capacity may have been used up. At least it will give the suppliers a breathing space to restock ready for the New Year.

Although the customer flow is the same as last year, we are showing a higher level of sales. This is due to the fact that we are selling more expensive flooring and getting bigger orders. With the threat of a second shutdown, it is unclear how trading will pan out between now and Christmas. It certainly will bring a few new challenges, but now we are all back to work we can face them together – and hopefully some of our hard-working staff can take a few days off.

Andy Laird, Fludes Carpets md

More staff are returning to work

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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REVIEW

The frame of Zanotta’s Dove, partially integrated into the upholstery, is designed to make the sofa seem to float in the air and the arms are angled to support the neck and back, inviting the user to stretch

Design City

Jumbo Collection’s Tulipe armchair is shaped with low back and wide armrests, suspended on an hand-carved wooden base with gold leaf finish, evoking the shape of a blooming flower

With Salone cancelled, Milanese companies and those with showrooms in the city united to present Milano Design City from 28 September to 10 October. Often by appointment and always socially distanced, of course.

Talenti has introduced an aluminium version of Cruise

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

Tacchini showed the updated Julep upholstery, the new Five to Nine day bed, Pluto tables and Pablo and Dora vases

Cattelan Italia’s Butterfly table has a choice of 15mm reverse bevelled glass or ceramic top in 12 colours

ANDREA FERRARI

REVIEW

Bentley Home’s Newent sofa and Eastwood bookcase have burr walnut as finish option

Cassina updated the iconic LC2 and LC3 with eco-friendly polyols, deriving from biorenewable sources, integrated into the foam elements, and a 100% recycled blown fibre, obtained from PET mainly recovered from the sea, introduced into the cushion and seat padding to create Fauteuil Grand Confort Durable versions. The frame is brushed nickel. 

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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REVIEW Inspired by nature, Antes Design’s Octopus table combines thin curved metal sheets with wood or marble tops. There is a coordinating light.

B&B Italia’s limited edition 3m Blitz table uses bamboo for its lightness and rapid growth

Artek’s Rope Chair uses marine rope for the back and arms: when the sitter rises, the chair’s frame bears the traces of the body it last supported

To mark the 10th anniversary of its Nemo chair, Driade introduced five skintone colours to emphasise the importance of working against discrimination

Stroke was among the designs shown by cc-tapis

Carl Hansen’s RF1903 Sideways Sofa is designed to encourage conversation, with users sitting aslant rather then facing forwards

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

Radar’s Lafayette is available as a wall-mounted or suspended lamp and is composed of multiple brass strips the user can shape as desired. They can be opened for scenographic impact or kept flat for a minimalist look. 

REVIEW

Foscarini marked the 30th anniversary of Lumiere with limited edition versions: Lumiere 30 Pastilles with a shade that is mouth-blown in a diamond-shaped mould to give a multifaceted appearance, and Lumiere 30 Bulles with a diffuser that appears dotted thanks to a spiked mould that traps air bubbles within the layers of glass during the manufacturing process

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De Padova’s Horizontal Sofa Edition is a complete system: in addition to the two-seater, three-seater and corner upholstered elements, there is a chaise longue, pouf, wood cabinet and occasional table with marble top

Moltini&C has adapted UniFor’s Touch Down Unit office work station for the home

Lapalma’s Aaron combines a stool and a side table

Airy, with constructive details linked to Japanese tradition, Minotti’s Torii modular seats play with round-edged volumes, thin profiles and the apparent formal simplicity of an extremely detailed design

Roche Bobois’ Bombom is a bold collection of rugs and sofas

Interiors Monthly November 2020

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Heavy domestic 4 & 5m widths

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FEDERICO CEDRONE

REVIEW

Trussardi’s Modergen sofa has a leather insert on the arm and cushions. There is a matching bed.

Knoll’s modular Matic has an adjustable back

The front leg of the Jannis sofa rises to define the thin profile of the armrest and closes in the semi-circular tip, with a brass finish. The frame and legs are connected by steam-curved beechwood arches, an element of continuity with the heritage of Gebrüder Thonet Vienna.

Oluce’s Amanita is a reading lamp consisting of two metal discs: the lower one functions as the base, while the thicker upper disc houses the LED bulb. A slim oblique stem connects them to form a Z shape.

ALESSANDRO PADERNI

Natuzzi’s Infinito takes its inspiration from the mathematical symbol, with hidden non-slip feet

The wide armrests of Moroso’s Ruff lie on the sides of the seat section and wrap around it firmly, even though they have just a single joint

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

Porro’s Romby has a truncated cone base in solid ash, available as natural or stained black

Flou’s Lilia is a swivel armchair that appears to have newly blossomed

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REVIEW

GIORGIO POSSENTI

Lema’s Venise offers a multitude of shapes, seat depths and options

THOMAS PAGANI

Embrace the winter was Ethimo’s message, with its latest outdoor designs including Kilt

Living Divani’s new Sumo upholstery (available as a day bed or sofa) and updated Sailor bookcase starred at its revamped Anzano del Parco showroom while the company opens a new city centre venue

SALVA LOPEZ

MDF Italia’s NVL table is available in round or oval versions The lines of Frag’s Gast sofa minimise its bulk as 1900s and 1960s styling meet

Giorgetti updated one of its two city showrooms to show the 2020 collection alongside existing designs as a home rather than a store. Pictured are the Host cabinet and trolley, Ago table, Bicolette chairs, Janet chair and Skyline sofa.

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

Arper expanded Aston with Aston Club, with all internal parts made from post-industrial recycled plastic and without glue

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LVT

Being better

Herringbone designs will be among the skills taught

Karndean is boosting its training efforts Karndean Designflooring is introducing a new training academy as part of plans to expand its specialist training courses.

Located at its head office in Evesham, Worcestershire, the academy introduces eight installation bays, a 10sqm subfloor preparation area and open-plan lecture space for group theory sessions.

The new Karndean Training Academy will facilitate three-day fitting courses designed to accommodate all skill levels – basic, intermediate and advanced – as well as one-day workshops. These will include the preparation and installation of floating floors, geometric Heritage collection installation and

bespoke motifs and designs.

‘With the demand for herringbone laying patterns and bespoke installations, and new formats being introduced, we felt it was the right time to invest in our own training facility to support retail partners, trade installers and distributors looking to enhance or learn how to install luxury vinyl flooring,’ says Darren Robinson, Karndean Designflooring head of technical for UK and Europe.

‘Whereas previously we only had a basic or advanced option, the new suite of training courses has been carefully developed and redesigned to ensure installers stay at the forefront of trends

Above: Darren Robinson (centre), Karndean Designflooring head of technical for UK and Europe Right: the academy will offer one and three-day courses

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

in luxury vinyl flooring, as well as understanding the very latest installation practices covering all formats from glue-down and loose lay to rigid core.

‘Installers attending the courses can also expect more in-depth practical sessions to improve the quality and ease of installation, an introduction to sophisticated techniques and enhanced skills to accommodate custom Karndean Designflooring floors.’

The Karndean Training Academy expects to train more than 400 installers per year, and will officially open in January 2021.

Visit: www.karndean.com/training

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BEDS AND BEDROOM Colorado

Looking forward

The bed testing programme will continue

The NBF has a host of initiatives in the pipeline ‘I’m sure I speak for many people when I say that 2020 is best forgotten, although it will almost certainly be talked about in the future – far more than most years of recent times. Of course, it hasn’t all been bad. On a personal level, I got to know more of my neighbours, I almost mastered Zoom, Teams and Houseparty, – and my team got promoted to the Premier League. That’s it. Move on,’ says Simon Williams, National Bed Federation marketing and membership manager.

‘At the NBF, our thoughts have already turned to next year and the many exciting developments we have in the pipeline, some of which will be happening this side of Christmas. On 26 November, we will be holding our first (and let’s all hope it’s the last) virtual NBF Bed Industry Awards ceremony which we will be live-streaming for you to view.

Having had to cancel September’s Bed Show, gala dinner and awards evening,

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

we were determined to celebrate the very best that our sector has to offer.

So, make a date in your diary and tune in at 4pm to see which retailers and manufacturers will be celebrating. Details on how to watch the ceremony will be revealed nearer the time.

‘Like many organisations, instead of just sitting back and waiting for normality to return, we have realised life goes on and so must we, embracing new norms and new ways of engaging. So, on 3 December, we are delighted to be holding our very first Green Forum – and yes, its online.

‘Originally planned to take place on the world’s 50th Earth Day back in April, the aim is the same: to inspire and help our members to design and make products that deliver sound sleep and a lighter footprint on the Earth’s resources. We are grateful to be working in partnership with the UK Government’s

Knowledge Transfer Network team, which, as well as providing the technical platform for the event, will be presenting its work on plastic waste and discussing the funding available for companies to explore innovative new solutions.

‘We’re also excited that among our speakers, we will have climate change expert and activist Mike Berners-Lee, a professor at Lancaster University’s renowned Environment Centre and author of best-selling books How Bad are Bananas? – the second edition of which has just been published – and There is No Planet B: A Handbook for the Make or Break Years.’

Breakout workshops will follow the main sessions, allowing attendees to consult with experts on carbon footprinting, eco design and lifecycle assessments, among other topics.

‘Of course, both these events would normally be the ideal place to meet up

BEDS AND BEDROOM

with colleagues and acquaintances, to shake hands, hug and enjoy each other’s company over a coffee or maybe something stronger. Covid has changed all that for the time-being and may well have signalled the end for live events as we know them, with more of them likely to become hybrid in the future – allowing people the choice of attending in person or virtually.

‘At this stage, we remain cautiously optimistic that the 2021 Bed Show will take place at its usual venue, The Telford International Centre, on 21-22 September and of course we plan to come back with a bang. Please put the dates in your diary. It will be great to get the whole of the bed community together again under one roof, instead of in cyberspace.

‘Communication with our members, the bed trade and the bed-buying public is a key area for us. Historically, our communications have come via email or even hard copy – but now digitalisation and a millennial audience that is growing in influence are expanding demand for audio and video communications that don’t need to be read. So, for 2021, we’ll be less reliant solely on the written word as we pivot to a more digitally based programme, using podcasts and short video content to get our key messages across and to grab people’s attention.

‘Providing professional, unbiased advice to consumers on all things beds – particularly guiding them through the complexities of the bed-buying process – has become an increasingly important part of our role recently. So much so that the vast majority of the 50,000-plus monthly visits to the NBF website are

The association will begin using podcasts

Mike Berners-Lee

from consumers rather than the trade or our members. So, we felt that now was the time to split the consumer section away and create a standalone website, www.bedadvice.co.uk together with @bedadviceUK for Twitter and Facebook channels. These will be launched in readiness for 2021.

‘We will continue to uncover unfair practices of unscrupulous traders through our Due Diligence Random Testing Programme. And we will build on our Retail Champions network of retailers promoting NBF Approved members, encourage consumers to seek out products made by NBF members through our new bed advice website and social media campaigns, and support the future of the industry by developing and supporting training and educational standards and opportunities for the industry through FIESTA and Skills Plus.

‘We’ll also provide thought leadership and support around the transition to circular economy business models, launch and support the NBF Green Pledge and be at the heart of the development of an Extended Producer Responsibility scheme for mattresses through our partnership with Zero Waste Scotland.’

Visit: www.bedfed.org

Bedadvice.co.uk will be launched for consumers

The winners of the Bed Industry Awards will be announced at 4pm on 26 November

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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BEDS AND BEDROOM

Better sleep Shoppers are looking for products that help them It’s been a rollercoaster year, but if we have learnt anything, it’s the importance of staying healthy and looking after our wellbeing. During challenging times, Mammoth is supporting retailers with a focus on health and wellness as people are looking for products that really do them good.

‘Better sleep leads to better physical and mental health, and our sleep credentials, backed up by science, offer real health benefits,’ says John Tuton, Mammoth ceo. ‘Our Medical Grade foam technology came from medical devices of front-line healthcare, and the mattresses are scientifically tested and shown to improve sleep.’

Mammoth has won NHS awards and is partnered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. It also has exclusive partnerships with Tottenham Hotspur, the Rugby Players’ Association, the British Athletes Commission and the Professional Cricketers’ Association.

‘Mammoth takes a holistic approach to wellbeing to help people make the most of every waking and sleeping moment and we are proud to support our retail partners. Our increased focus on multi-channel advertising showcases the many benefits the brand has to offer. Our wide range of promotions, size upgrades and POS support is helping to boost sales.

Our dedicated Sleep Hub features free expert advice, tips and cutting-edge science to engage consumers and promote better sleep for health and wellbeing,’ says Tuton.

The Mammoth Retail collection is made up of three parts: Rise, aimed at those for whom fitness and health are key to living the best life, featuring Mammoth’s comfort technologies, fillings and fabrics; Shine, which encompasses Mammoth’s awardwinning Medical Grade foam, Posture Cell technology and zonal support; and Move, with its adjustable bed and options including an infrared wireless handset and massage system.

Visit: www.mammothcomfort.com

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

Move adjustable bed

Shine

Move

Mattresses that do you good Current events have made consumers focus on products that have a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.

Mammoth are the only health and wellbeing brand in the comfort industry that are partnered with health professionals such as the CSP and have technologies proven to do you good. www.mammothcomfort.com

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*

***

*

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Rise®

Shine®

Move®

The Mammoth Rise® mattresses contains our leading Medical Grade™ foam and PostureCells® technologies in generous amounts for those looking for something more, delivering improved health and wellbeing and remaining affordable.

The Mammoth Shine® mattresses packs in as much of our leading Medical Grade™ foam and PostureCells® sleep technologies as possible. We’ve thrown in a few additional extras for those who believe you can’t get too much of a good thing.

The Mammoth Move® mattress and bed collection promotes the very best that Mammoth has to offer with motion technologies to effortlessly ease away the aches and pains of the day. For those who love to relax and wind down in the ultimate sleep environment.

Contact Mammoth today and offer your customers the health and wellbeing brand they are looking for: sales@mammothuk.com * Tested under the guidance of Prof. Jason Ellis at Northumbria University’s Centre for Sleep Research (2012) www.mammothmattress.com/sleep-research ** Independently tested by SATRA, Global leaders in scientific research and testing of consumer products under laboratory conditions. Tested against 50KG memory foam. *** Independently tested by industry experts against leading healthcare beds.

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Future focus

Above left: FRee foam Above right: Chris Hayes, Vita development technologist in the Comfort Bedding Innovation Centre

Sustainability is key

The Vita Group is continuing its efforts to be at the forefront of innovation and sustainable initiatives for the furniture and bedding industry. It recently outlined plans to begin collaborating in the RENUVA mattress recycling project

by Dow, which will create new markets for post-consumer waste mattresses. By producing flexible polyurethane foam from RENUVA polyols – raw materials created from recycled mattress content – it will complete a circular process.

Focussing on the innovation process for bedding products, Vita’s latest

innovation investment has been launched by its Comfort division. The Bedding Innovation Centre built in Middleton, Greater Manchester combines the group’s technical expertise in foam chemistry with state-of-the-art testing equipment and systems. The facility is designed to enable its customers to follow a complete development programme from initial concept through to finished foam core.

In recent years, Vita has delivered significant innovative products. These include Revo, its cool sleep concept for

Alex Asztalos, Vita laboratory technician in the product testing area

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

the bedding industry, developed to meet demand for a foam with high airflow that can maintain a stable temperature environment for the sleeper while giving the support of a sprung mattress. FRee foam is an environmentally friendly alternative to standard foams and is fully compliant with UK flammability regulations.

By opening the Comfort Bedding Innovation Centre, Vita is demonstrating a continued commitment to innovation for the bedding industry.

‘Vita has a long tradition of innovation.

The opening of our centre at Middleton allows us to respond quickly and effectively to the ever-changing needs of our customers and the bedding industry. Once COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed it will allow us to bring customers to Middleton where we can highlight our chemistry and design expertise, allowing them to see their mattresses being tested right in front of their eyes,’ says Gilbert Davids, Vita Comfort division md.

‘We have a dedicated team developing innovative products for the bedding market. We will continuously deliver innovations for customers through our new product development pipeline.’

Ahead of restrictions being relaxed, Vita has created a video tour of its laboratories and the centre online. This provides a view of the new facilities and an introduction to the chemists and technicians working there.

Visit: www.thevitagroup.com

Creating Comfort, Delivering Performance, Enhancing Everyday Life T: 0161 655 2680 E: customerservices@thevitagroup.com www.thevitagroup.com

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Protection matters

The Therapeutics range features charcoal, copper and graphene

Mattress protectors can limit bacterial growth ‘The industry has witnessed unprecedented times as the country continues to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Whilst the extent of the uncertainty and disruption remains unknown, maintaining high levels of personal hygiene is paramount,’ says Paul Lake, Protect-A-Bed national sales manager.

‘The benefits of washing hands regularly have been well documented, but bed and furniture retailers can also provide solutions to help limit the growth of bacteria in customers’ mattresses. Our mattresses protectors will protect mattresses while creating a cleaner sleeping environment.’

The company’s Therapeutics range features copper, graphene and charcoal embedded within the protectors to increase and enhance the sleeper’s wellbeing.

‘We are constantly evolving and innovating. Protect-A-Bed has a long history in creating revolutionary products and this range is particularly exciting. It features our innovative technology, combined with materials that have been known to help many with joint relief and relaxation, and mineral absorption, promote a healthier immune system and heart health, as well as featuring anti-ageing properties,’ says Lake.

‘Protect-A-Bed is a specialist in the mattress protection category.

Nobody else in the category has the same passion, drive and focus to grow sales and that’s why we are the leading global brand in healthy

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

sleep. It’s also why we focus on advancing the mattress protection category, taking it to new levels of innovation. The Therapeutics range is the perfect example of this,’ says Simon Zamet, Protect-A-Bed ceo.

‘However, we also continuously build frameworks that are simple for retailers to implement, in order to achieve extremely high sales within the category.

‘Here, focus is key: lots of small improvements often lead to significant improvement in performance when compounded.

We know that we can instantly increase sales for any retail partner.

‘Product innovation is only one small element in how we unlock greater sales for our partners.

Another element is our specialist sales training, which is vital to realising the sales potential. Our team is incredibly adaptive to support this in any retail environment.

‘We further support this training through a bespoke reward system in the form of the Protect-A-Bed Platinum Club.

‘Since we launched the Platinum Club, the results have been excellent.

Both existing and new partners have joined and are benefiting from the focused approach to growing sales,’ says Zamet.

Visit: www.protectabed.co.uk

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BEDS AND BEDROOM

Going online

Sweet Dreams has seen exponential growth in online sales

Get your customers clicking ‘With recent retail restrictions and potentially more to come over the winter, it’s perfect timing to join in on the boom in online bed shopping,’ says Nick Williams, Sweet Dreams sales manager.

Prior to the March lockdown, data from the National Bed Federation’s consumer research showed that 55% of beds were purchased online and only 20% of shoppers tried a bed before buying it.

‘At Sweet Dreams we have seen exponential growth in online sales with both beds and upholstery featuring along with a successful range of wooden frames, bunks and bedsides. We have developed an exclusive online range of beds based on our best-selling catalogue

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

models. All come with a full choice of storage including drawers and ottoman options and are available in four commercial colourways. Matching headboards are available to complete the look,’ says Williams.

‘Manufactured at our Burnley facility, with excellent packaging designed to ensure maximum product protection during the delivery process, all our beds are carefully delivered within seven to ten days, using a professional and efficient two-man service direct to the customer. We also have a comprehensive range of own manufactured upholstered bases, headboards and bedframes, augmented by a well-priced, high-quality

range of stocked bedframes, bedsides and children’s bunks available for speedy home delivery.’

Retailers have easy access to product images and data allowing them to start selling online quickly. Daily stock figures are also available to ensure retailers have a clear vision of what is available.

‘With the possibility of further restrictions at least until Spring 2021, the growth of online sales is inevitable and Sweet Dreams is ready to help customers with the transition to Internet sales.

Whatever the challenge, we are here to serve our valued existing customers and welcome new ones into the fold.’

Tel: 01282 830 033

ACCESSORIES

Christmas time

From left: Bruland Christmas tree; Lucie etched glass baubles; Madrid walnut desk with Murray swivel chair in green

The festive season will soon be here Life has changed dramatically this year, but even while adapting to new ways of working, the Gallery Direct team has developed a selection of new products.

The latest designs include office chairs and desks that offer a stylish solution to home working, while the desk range includes additions to popular furniture collections such as Madri and Forden.

Accessories, soft furnishings and lighting categories as well as occasional furniture have not been forgotten, with

Farley and Percy baubles

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

new collections designed to add personality and interest to interiors.

The new ranges include vases and faux plant stems, throws, lamps and a varied selection of side and coffee tables, covering a wide range of looks from glamorous luxe to contemporary apartment living.

While Christmas this year will be different, amid the varying restrictions, it will still happen, and Gallery Direct is delighted to introduce its new

selection of seasonal decorations.

‘We have given our Christmas collections a completely new look, with delicate wreaths and timeless baubles, cosy cushions and rustic garlands, snowy trees and warming candles. Our new range has been carefully designed and selected to make an exciting addition to our customers’ offering,’ says Peter Delaney, Gallery Direct md.

The varied selection ensures there is a style to suit almost any interior, from traditional elegance to contemporary living. Glass baubles in subtle greens, sophisticated blues, vibrant reds and chic silver can be used in the traditional fashion on Christmas trees, but can also be used in other ways to make eyecatching decorations: hanging on bare branches or displayed in a vase surrounded by a festive wreath for a unique table decoration.

An unusual but practical item in the collection is the Bruland Christmas tree.

With its long trunk and sturdy base, it is the perfect solution to keep baubles and decorations out of reach of little hands and paws, and can be placed behind an occasional chair or side table for a space-saving festive solution.

The new collections are all showcased in Gallery Direct’s Winter Edit brochure, which will be available to view digitally on its website.

Visit: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

The home of professionals working in the DOMESTIC FLOORING TRADE

SHIP MEMBER OUR SY PROVIDE H THE IT W CLIENTS CE OF N A R U ASS OF QUALITY IP SH N A M WORK

national institute of carpet & floorlayers

WHO ARE WE? The NICF is the home of professionals working in the domestic flooring trade. We are a highly respected organisation within the flooring industry and together with the Contract Flooring Association (CFA), are co-founders of the Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA).

WHAT IS OUR AIM? • To promote excellence and ethical practice within the field of flooring installation.

• To promote understanding and awareness of the British Standards Codes of Practice for the installation of floorcoverings.

• To make running your business as simple, profitable and stress-free as possible by actively promoting the interests of you — the skilled floorlayer.

• Promote assurance of quality of workmanship to the general public.

RS

BE

FREE NICF website listing to broaden work opportunities NICF Master Fitter bi-monthly digital newsletter

RI

Use of NICF logo to promote yourself as a quality installer

MEM

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:

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OSE FRO CHO M

H I P C AT E G O

FREE Technical Advice Helpline FREE Business Support Helpline, provided by Croner Consulting 15% off FITA Standard training courses/workshops Discounts on tools and workwear FREE use of the NICF Guide to Domestic Flooring FREE magazine subscription to The Stocklists and also CFJ NICF members automatically receive FREE FITA membership

Make a difference. Be part of the winning team. www.nicfltd.org.uk

0115 958 3077

National institute of carpet and floorlayers

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Email: info@nicfltd.org.uk @thenicf

@thenicf

29/09/2020 10:50:40

RUGS

Asking questions Illulian’s latest designs explore 3D and lines 50

Interiors Monthly November 2020

Distortion is handmade in Himalayan wool and pure silk using vegetable-based colours



Luci Bright

NEW LUCI

Create a unique atmosphere in any living room, with impressive integrated lighting included.

In stock from mid-November, for next day delivery.

Send us an email or sign up for newsletter to be updated.

Luci Dark

Furniture To Go have more than 50 unique collections. All in stock for next day delivery.

No MOQ. Ecommerce support.

Just call us: 02380 517067 and let’s see how we can support you. info@furniture-to-go.co.uk | www.furniture-to-go.co.uk

TOGETHER WIITH

RUGS

Distortion is available in two qualities

Part of Illulian’s Limited Edition collection, Distortion by Marco Piva was born from the desire to ask questions on a much broader scale than the finite area of a rug. These questions find an answer in the sometimes sinuous, sometimes complex geometries, in lines creating shapes that cannot be assimilated into known designs.

The contours create a sort of imaginary architecture that we are able to perceive and yet not actualise into elementary shapes. In the designs, the colours of the wool and silk weave together and transform our perception of familiar space.

San-D has three designs

The handmade rugs of the Limited Edition are all knotted and carded by hand and are available in two qualities: Platinum 120 and Gold 100, enchanting for the chromatic appeal obtained from the bright vegetable-based colours used.

Platinum 120 has 180,000 knots per sqm and Gold 100 has 152,000knots per sqm.

Sizes can be custom made.

San-D is an original pattern that designs the space, creating the optical illusion of multiple carpets placed one on top of another. The San-D collection, created by Studio HVN, ushers in a novel decorative language, retracing the evolution of contemporary living. A

San-D has fringes on the inside

It combines multiple levels in a single layer

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

rhythmic sequence of layers establishes a dialogue with sophisticated shadings of tones, giving rise to a rug with a distinctive visual identity.

The concept takes its cue from interior decors where layered rugs are used as a tool to generate surprising effects on the floor, or simply to create a large flooring area. The design plays with this idea, combining multiple levels in a single layer. The effect is accentuated by a subtle game of hues, carefully honed to emphasise the three-dimensional impression. The colours shift from pale to dark, and are positioned in relation to the graphic design of the carpet.

One detail that perfectly illustrates the concept of material overlaps is the placement of the fringes, normally applied only on the outer borders but utilised here inside the area of the rug.

The choice of the name is also emblematic: San-D comes from the Chinese term for three-dimensional things, where san means three – each of the patterns being formed by three layers – and D stands for dimension.

Pronounced as di, the name takes on another meaning, suggesting two more Chinese words: dimian, or floor, and ditan, or rug.

The Circle, Rectangle and Square designs are also available in Platinum 120 and Gold 100 specifications.

Visit: www.illulian.com

RECRUITMENT If you are looking to recruit staff for your furniture or flooring stores, looking for sales staff or reps for your manufacturing outlet, then INTERIORS MONTHLY offers a great package!

Our online package is just £175. Your advert will appear in our jobs section on the website until the position is filled or you ask us to remove. Our weekly newsletter, which is mailed every Thursday to 7000 industry professionals, also includes a list of these latest jobs.

If you have both online and quarter page recruitment advert in our magazine, the cost will only be £250!

Costs for larger recruitment adverts are available upon request.

Please contact Jarrod on E: jbird@interiorsmonthly.co.uk T: 01565 631 397

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21/10/2020 15:55

DESIGN

Above: Siberian Larch: natural golden brown larch that can be used for both internal and external walls and ceilings Below: DragonWood has a charred wood effect finish for use internally and is easy to clean

Above: White Wax: a limewash effect for internal walls and ceilings Below: Old Look: pre-weathered Siberian larch

New look

Cladding can quickly give interiors and exteriors an update

Rustic’s tones range from Smoke (above) to Denim, Cappuccino, Lemon, Mint and Cherry

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Interiors Monthly November 2020

As winter draws on, attention turns to interiors makeovers. SertiWOOD brings the lastest wood finishes for internal walls and ceilings, with options to suit every taste.

The collection, which has been popular since it was showcased on TV’s Grand Designs, includes factory-finished designs in a wide range of paint finishes and natural wood.

SertiWOOD cladding products are quick and easy to install, and suitable for use by both professionals and consumers. The SertiWOOD range supplied by Timber Focus has become a top choice for interior designers, architects and specifiers as it offers wall and ceiling coverings for tastes from modern to shabby chic, using FSC certified timber.

The collection’s ranges include: Siberian Larch; White Wax; DragonWood; Old Look; Rustic; Viking and Western Red Cedar.

Visit: www.timberfocus.com

Thank you

NHS

Stay Safe

INdoor