Interiors Monthly October 2020

OCTOBER 2020

A-Z

Flooring

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

All change for exhibitions Pandemic makes future planning of events very difficult INTERIORS MONTHLY OCTOBER 2020 Exhibition organisers are between a rock and a hard place. They obviously want, and need, the shows to take place but these events cannot simply be put on at the flick of a switch. As Messe Frankfurt said, companies would be planning and investing in their presence and would need to know well in advance if things were going to change. No one knows what the situation across Europe will be like in January, so moving shows back – Domotex, Heimtextil, Ambiente and possibly January Furniture Show – seems the pragmatic thing to do. The problem though is that come January we might be going through the same process again, as exhibition organisers try to second-guess what the situation will be in April and May. Trying to put solid plans in place for major events isn’t really possible at the moment: it was only a few weeks ago that the organisers of Domotex, Heimtextil and imm cologne were confidently setting out the safety measures that would be in place. Now only imm cologne is holding firm.

The death of Sir Terence Conran, probably the only furniture designer most people in the UK could name, brings to a close a fantastic career and life. From developing retail chains and restaurants, to four marriages, setting up the Design Museum, publishing scores of books and creating the designs themselves, his 88 years were never dull.

Talal Shakerchi, the founder of Carpetright’s parent company Meditor, seems to have developed a taste for flooring since he bought the chain. He has added FlooringSupplies to the group and ‘will also continue to acquire other flooring businesses as opportunities arise’.

It will be interesting to see how changed Sofa Workshop stores are when they re-open as Sofa Workshop by Timothy Oulton. It’s fair to say that the chain hasn’t really found its place in the market since Andrew Cussins sold it to MFI in 2002.

Being part of Timothy Oulton will certain inject some muchneeded glamour.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 4

Timing of JFS in doubt

8

Sofa Workshop sold for £300,000

10 FlooringSupplies.co.uk bought 14 Sir Terence Conran, 1931-2020

FEATURES 16 New products 22 Service 26 Experiences

How coronavirus is impacting business

30 Best of British

Homegrown heroes

46 Wool

Nature’s fibre

48 Sustainability

Timelessness, need to do more

56 A-Z of flooring

Listings and profiles

70 Buying groups

In it together

74 LVT

Preparation is vital, Love it

77 Design OCTOBER 2020

New Designers winners, Wood Awards

Editor: Andrew Kidd

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

OCTOBER 2020

Furniture advertising (South): Tim Boden

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

Furniture advertising (North): Jarrod Bird T: 01565 631 397 E: jbird@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Invictus: invincible carpet and luxury vinyl flooring.

Visit: www.invictus.co.uk Flooring

Best of British Local heroes

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www.invictus.co.uk

A UK brand since 1964

17/09/2020 13:30:58

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

A-Z

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Carpet, flooring advertising: Joanne Paull

A-Z

Flooring

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Best of British Local heroes

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A UK brand since 1964

17/09/2020 13:30:58

3

NEWS

Coronavirus restrictions put JFS timing in doubt The Government’s updated coronavirus regulations have put the timing of January Furniture Show in doubt, while exhibitions across Europe are taking different approaches.

The new rules, which state: ‘plans to have the public return to conference and exhibition centres have been paused’, meant exhibitions were unable to take place from 1 October, with the Government providing no indication when this decision may be reversed.

JFS organiser Clarion Events says it is seeking clarification from the Government.

‘We remain hopeful we can deliver a strong and successful event for the furniture community, however we are currently renewing plans for January and will be in contact with our customers and partners over the coming days as the situation becomes clearer,’ it says.

It is understood that if the show is moved it will take place in late April 2021.

The change in rules saw the Autumn Furniture Show cancelled.

In a joint statement, the exhibition trade bodies AEO, AEV and ESSA said the announcement was a ‘severe blow’ that would send the sector into ‘free fall’.

Domotex, Heimtextil and Ambiente have been rescheduled while the organiser of imm cologne has insisted that the exhibition will take place as planned on 18-24 January.

Domotex has been moved from January to 18-20 May (Tuesday to Thursday). It had been initially planned for 20-22 May but exhibitors expressed reservations about holding the show over the Whitsun weekend. The change of date means the show will clash with the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show, which is scheduled for 18-19 May. ‘It is our duty to act responsibly. From many conversations with exhibitors and partners we have learned that, first and foremost, we have to ensure planning security in good time,’ says Andreas Gruchow, director of Domotex organiser Deutsche Messe. ‘With our comprehensive hygiene and safety concept, as well as the positive registration situation, we were very optimistic until very recently. But the latest developments show that we do not know whether the travel situation will have significantly improved by January 2021.’

Heimtextil has been moved from January to 4-7 May, when it will be taking place alongside Techtextil and Texprocess 2021 in Frankfurt.

‘Much of the international home and contract textiles industry has made it clear that they want Heimtextil 2021 to take place. However, the travel restrictions that have now been put in place and a renewed rise in the number of infections simply pose too great a hurdle for our very international event. We are working closely with exhibitors and the relevant authorities and doing everything we can

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

Organisers insist imm cologne will take place

to ensure that we are able to hold a safe and successful Heimtextil 2021,’ says Detlef Braun, Messe Frankfurt director.

Ambiente will move from February to 17-20 April (slightly overlapping Salone) alongside Christmasworld and Paperworld, to form the International Consumer Goods Show – Special Edition. ‘It is important for our customers that we make a decision at an early date, as it would otherwise be time for them to begin investing in their trade fair presentations. Messe Frankfurt will continue working closely with its customers to ensure that its decisions serve the interests of the exhibiting industries,’ says Wolfgang Marzin, Messe Frankfurt ceo.

‘The timing of the Frankfurt decision is surprising, especially with the trade fair market now coming back to life in Germany, too. But every trade fair location has to face the effects of the pandemic in its own way and take decisions of its own based on the particulars of its own portfolio,’ says Gerald Böse, Koelnmesse ceo.

‘Naturally, we here in Cologne will continue to pursue our plans to begin organising fairs on our trade fair grounds in the near future. These plans have been discussed and coordinated extensively with our exhibitors and visitors. The sectors want to start taking part in trade fairs again – always subject to the premise of safety and, of course, approvals by the authorities.’

The BFM London Fabric Show is due to return to Stamford Bridge in 2021. The two-day show will take place during either the last week of February or the first week of March 2021. Dates will be finalised when the televised football fixture information is released in December 2020.

Fabric exhibition Proposte will retain its traditional timing next year. The Lake Como event will return to Villa Erba on 19-21 April, immediately after Salone closes in Milan. The 2020 edition was rescheduled then abandoned due to travel uncertainty, as more than 75% of visitors are from overseas.

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NEWS

Timothy Oulton snaps up Sofa Workshop for £300,000 Timothy Oulton has relieved DFS of its loss-making Sofa Workshop brand for £300,000. Stores will be rebranded as Sofa Workshop by Timothy Oulton.

‘Sofa Workshop has long been a respected brand in the UK market. I am very excited to bring to it a wider range of our globally best-selling sofa designs, along with lighting and cabinet collections.

‘We manage our entire creative process in-house, from perfecting leather hand-finishes in our own tannery to hand dyeing natural fabrics, to product design, production, and customer service, and we look forward to bringing our creative passion and energy to Sofa Workshop,’ says Oulton.

‘The network of stores around London and across the UK will allow us to create easy access to a beautifully handcrafted collection of over 100 sofa models, tailor-made

in unique finishes and offered in a vast array of configurations. And each store will also carry a small taste of the Timothy Oulton collection.

‘Our furniture is made to order, one by one, by hand, using simple tools and time-honoured techniques. That culture of craftsmanship has always been key for Timothy Oulton, and will remain at the heart of the philosophy at Sofa Workshop by Timothy Oulton.’

‘This transaction represents a great opportunity for Sofa Workshop and I’d like to thank all our colleagues for their hard work and commitment since the business was acquired by the group seven years ago and wish them every success in the future,’ says Tim Stacey, DFS chief executive.

The branches closed in mid-September and are due to re-open this month.

Savoir in design tie-up with Zandra Rhodes Bed retailer and manufacturer Savoir has teamed up with fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes, who has reimagined one of her most influential and original motifs to create a new design exclusively for Savoir, with a new headboard and base.

This summer, Savoir looked to the catwalk to develop a new design to reflect the growing relationship between the home and well-being.

‘While people are spending more time at home, it is

becoming increasingly important for design to encompass a broader desire for well-being, and this partnership does just that,’ says the company.

‘Fashion and interiors are becoming increasingly intertwined, making it a natural fit for Savoir to collaborate with a worldrenowned fashion designer.

Surrounded by beautiful objects, Zandra Rhodes has always loved her home and has designed a number of

The design reflects a desire for well-being

homewares in the past. It is through this adoration for her

home during lockdown that the new design began.’

Buoyant secures £2.8m via CLBILS fund Upholstery manufacturer Buoyant has secured multi-million-pound funding through the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS).

The company, which employs almost 600 people, has secured a £2.8m loan through the Government-backed arrangement.

‘Buoyant Upholstery is a long-standing client which prior to Covid-19 was performing extremely well. The funding gives the business the additional headroom it needs and we’re confident

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

it will emerge stronger and continue on its exciting growth journey once normal trading resumes,’ says Steve Berry, Barclays relationship director.

‘We’ve been banking with Barclays for more than 20 years so I was delighted with the practical support they were able to offer once our manufacturing had been temporarily suspended,’ says Joel Rosenblatt, Buoyant chairman.

In lockdown the company’s machinists were taken off furlough to produce 30,000 PPE gowns a week for the NHS.

‘Despite the challenges and with Barclays' support, as one of the largest manufacturers of upholstery in the UK, we had a lot of sewing capacity and a lot of capability to support the national effort. It has been an extraordinary period in our history, but I am proud of the dedication and resilience shown by our staff. We see this as our small contribution to the important work our healthcare professionals are doing on the frontline every day,’ says Mike Aramayo, Buoyant md.

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NEWS

Lee sells FlooringSupplies.co.uk to Carpetright parent Meditor Carpetright’s parent company Meditor has bought smooth flooring retailer FlooringSupplies.

Founded in 1986 by Adrian Lee, FlooringSupplies.co.uk is predominantly an ecommerce business but also trades from stores in Croydon, Edmonton, Lakeside and Thetford.

Lee has agreed to stay at the company until December 2021 at least.

FlooringSupplies.co.uk will continue to operate independently.

Although the company’s accounts do not show profitability or sales, cash

had risen to £3.24m in the year to 30 April 2019, up from £759,000 in 2015 and net assets had risen from £1.88m to £3.83m.

‘I believe Meditor is the ideal owner to ensure the business continues to grow successfully and I look forward to working with their team to help that happen,’ says Lee. ‘We are delighted to bring FlooringSupplies.co.uk into Meditor. It is a strong online direct-to-consumer brand with significant growth potential.

We are investing heavily in strengthening

Manchester joins the Club Upholstery retailer Sofa Club has opened its fifth retail space. The online retailer has taken space in the upper level of the Arndale Centre in Manchester.

This follows spaces at Lakeside, Metrocentre, Bluewater and County Mall, Crawley.

The Manchester space has four sofas on display.

‘We are thrilled to be opening our fifth retail premise in the heart of Manchester's shopping area. We've been working hard to create a strong network of stores

Consumers ‘investing in homes’

across the UK, and the opening of our Manchester store is just another step towards bringing our great-quality sofas to homes around the UK. “At a time when many retailers are leaving the high street, we’re actively expanding our physical presence,’ says Tom O’Neil, Sofa Club co-founder.

Home push for John Lewis John Lewis has launched a marketing campaign highlighting its home offer.

The campaign includes TV and social media advertisements focusing on showcasing the chain’s home sector, with an emphasis on style.

Alongside this is a quarterly customer magazine At Home, which is available at John Lewis and Waitrose branches and online. The magazine includes home ideas, think pieces and features to inspire customers decorating or redesigning their home.

‘Our customers have told us that their homes have never mattered more to them,’ says Claire Pointon, John Lewis customer director. ‘In addition to sleeping

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

and growing Carpetright and aim to do the same with FlooringSupplies.co.uk.

We will also continue to acquire other flooring businesses as opportunities arise,’ says Talal Shakerchi, Meditor founder.

‘We are excited by the opportunity to work with the Flooring Supplies team and to support the growth of this successful brand. Whilst the businesses will operate independently, I am confident that this acquisition will create mutually beneficial opportunities,’ says Wilf Walsh, Carpetright ceo.

and eating they’ve had to use them to fulfil new functions such as offices, gyms, entertaining children and much more, and so they have proved to be the most important place in their lives.

‘This new flexible approach to living is here to stay and as they adapt to this our customers want to be inspired by stylish, high-quality home products at affordable prices.

‘This campaign will raise awareness of our home products and celebrate our unrivalled design credibility and craftsmanship while communicating our great value.’

The chain identified home as one of its core product areas earlier in the year.

Consumers are continuing to invest in their homes and pent-up demand is driving a major sales increase, according to ScS. ‘Trading since the start of the new financial year has remained strong, with like-for-like order intake growth of 51% for the six weeks to 5 September. This growth, equivalent to £19m of additional revenue, has significantly exceeded our expectations and the board continues to be encouraged by recent trading,’ it says.

The group had enjoyed a sales spike of 92.2% from 24 May to 25 July as stores re-opened.

Resilient trading Flooring group Victoria reports that its trading ‘has continued to be resilient’ since the end of July.

It says demand has recovered in all its principal markets. ‘This is reflected in the board's view that consumers are prioritising spending on improving and refreshing their homes following the lockdown.

‘The group continues to carefully manage expenses and cash flow to ensure it maintains its strong balance sheet given the current economic conditions,’ it says.

The group will provide a further update on trading for the 27 weeks ended 3 October on 30 November.

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15/09/2020 15/09/2020 12:49 12:49

NEWS

Sir Terence Conran 1931-2020

14

Interiors Monthly October 2020

Habitat was floated on the stock market in 1981, before merging with Mothercare in 1982 and buying Heal’s and Richards a year later. That year also saw Conran receive his knighthood.

In 1986 the group merged with British Home Stores to form Storehouse, with Conran as chairman. However he lost control of the group in 1990 and later said the merger had been ‘a great mistake.’

Conran set up The Boilerhouse Project at the V&A in London with Stephen Bailey, although they later fell out. This led to the creation of the Design Museum in 1989.

‘There was something old-world about this modern man. It is hard to decide whether he was restlessly creative, or simply incapable of concentrating,’ says Bailey.

‘New openings of shops and restaurants gave a sense of personal direction where, perhaps, no more profound spiritual motivation existed. Concentration on his projects was like the beam of a lighthouse, brilliant for a moment, then gone. Ingvar Kamprad [Ikea bought Habitat in 1991] chided him: “When will you learn to take care of what you already have?”’’

‘Terence Conran was instrumental in the re-designing of post-war Britain and his legacy is huge. He is revered by generations of designers from Mary Quant and David Mellor to Thomas Heatherwick and Jony Ive. He changed the way we lived and shopped and ate. He also created a great institution, the Design Museum, of which he was justifiably proud and with which he remained fully engaged right to the end of his extraordinary life. It was a privilege and an inspiration to know him,’ says Tim Marlow, Design Museum chief executive.

In 2003 Conran returned to mass-market designs with the debut of Content by Conran and 2011 saw the introduction of the Conran for M&S collection.

PHOTO: DESIGN MUSEUM

Sir Terence Conran died on 12 September. The designer, retailer, manufacturer, restaurateur, property developer, author and philanthropist was 88.

Conran launched Habitat in 1964, attracting consumers who wanted a break from post-war austerity, ultimately leading to the creation of the Storehouse group which included Habitat, Heal’s, Mothercare and British Home Stores.

He also founded The Conran Shop in 1973 and co-founded Benchmark Furniture with Sean Sutcliffe in 1986, with the company’s workshop and showroom in the grounds of his Berkshire home.

‘He was a visionary who enjoyed an extraordinary life and career that revolutionised the way we live in Britain,’ says a family statement. ‘He was adored by his family and friends and we will miss him dearly. It gives us great comfort to know that many of you will mourn with us, but we ask that you celebrate Terence's extraordinary legacy and contribution to the country he loved so dearly.’

He ‘promoted the best of British design, culture and the arts around the world…’ continues the statement, with ‘a very simple belief that good design improves the quality of people's lives.’

Born in Kingston upon Thames, Conran entered the world of design in 1947, as a student at the Central School of Arts and Crafts studying textiles, but left before graduating. First running a small studio with the sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi, whose lectures had inspired him, he went on to work for the architect Dennis Lennon on projects including 1951’s Festival of Britain.

He began making furniture in 1953 and set up Habitat in 1964 after being unsuccessful at selling his designs to retailers – or unhappy at how retailers marketed his products, depending on which version of events you prefer to believe.

His aim, he said, was to democratise good design; he wanted to make it affordable, once suggesting that he aimed his merchandise at ‘someone on a teacher's salary’.

The Leading Light table was among Conran’s designs for Benchmark

He was awarded the Order of the Companions of Honour for his major contribution to the arts in 2017.

In March, The Conran Shop was sold to Javad Marandi.

‘Sir Terence is a design and lifestyle icon and a hero of the contemporary age. We will miss him greatly. It has been an honour and a pleasure to work with him and I am so grateful to him that he stayed involved until the end,’ says Marandi.

Alongside design, food was also one of Conran’s great passions and he became a renowned restaurateur. His first restaurant, with Ivan Storey, The Soup Kitchen, opened in London in 1953 and he went on to open many more including Pont de la Tour, Bibendum, Orrery, Quaglino's and Mezzo. His restaurant interests extended to Paris, New York, Copenhagen and Tokyo.

Conran married architect Brenda Davison in 1952 at the age of 19; the marriage lasted six months. He married his second wife, journalist and later author Shirley Pearce, in 1955 with whom he had two sons – designers Sebastian and Jasper – before the couple divorced in 1962. Conran married his third wife, cookery writer Caroline Herbert, the following year. The marriage lasted for 33 years and produced three children: chef and food writer Tom, interior designer Sophie and restaurateur Ned, before ending in divorce. The high-profile settlement centred on how important a role she had taken in running Habitat and the restaurant business, and how much of his fortune – then estimated at £80m – she was therefore entitled to. The judge awarded her a £10.5m settlement, commenting that: ‘It can be difficult for a man with a healthy ego who has achieved vertiginous success to look down and discern a contribution other than his own.’

Conran married the interior designer Vicki Davis in 2000.

Conran’s ideas for new and colourful products coincided with the end of post-war austerity and a generation of young and more affluent consumers looking for something exciting and totally unlike anything their parents had – and he was on hand to provide it.

‘It's thrilling as a designer when you see something you've designed and built actually being used. Seeing a shop filled with people, or a restaurant with people smiling away happily, it's like, gosh, all my dreams have come true,’ he said.

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

15

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

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14/07/2020 14/07/2020 12:38:57 12:38:57

NEW PRODUCTS

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8

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6 Louis de Poortere is relaunching its Richelieu quality after a manufacturing revamp. Now available in 144 colours, Richelieu showcases the adaptability of the manufacturer’s reworked production.

By stocking hanks of dyed yarn, rather than finished carpet, it can deliver on any colour in a 4.57m width in four weeks from a minimum quantity of 4 linear metres.

Visit: www.louisdepoortere.com 7 The Academy for Excellence in Flooring has been able to ensure a continued programme of training at both Foundation and Master Installer level by limiting courses to four candidates. With demand higher than usual, flooring

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

10

professionals are being encouraged to contact the academy to discuss availability and current programmes.

Visit: www.quick-step-academy.co.uk 8 Porro’s Materic table has been updated, with the black stained ash normally used for the base now used for the top – a dark veined surface only interrupted by the central flush tray – and a conical base in stainless steel.

Visit: www.porro.com 9 From the best-selling Classic to the in-demand Zenith and premium Max Reflections ranges, Floorwise trade counters across the UK and Republic of

Ireland provide retailers and installers with great value profiles ready to tackle any challenge. The formidable collection ensures that Floorwise can deliver the perfect profile, whatever the occasion.

Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk 10 With a wealth of indulgent pastels, including blush pink hues and sophisticated grey tones, Noble Dreams

by Balta Carpets celebrates the positivity of colour. The style’s broad colour range allows homeowners to find the perfect shade no matter what their style, while its optional Ultratex Quick+ felt backing gives an improved underfoot feel.

Tel: 00 32 5662 2211

At your service.

We carried on so that you can benefit from our impressive service portfolio of cut-length styles. From our new Balta Service bookstand to Eternity and Satino, our displays bring the style, quality and value of Balta carpets to your store.

Our Balta Service bookstand shows off O 8 onon-t n-trend ranges within a minimum of spa p ce. e On n one side, find four PP ranges in n Kings Co Court urt, Carinthia, Kali and May ybur bu gh. h.. On h n tthe other, four stylish PA range es in n Exqui u site ite, Finesse, Azure and Landsd sdown own wne. wn n

Made in Heaven le ecter ec ecter tte en er nss hav ha e been bee een en updated to Eternity y. Feat Fea eat eat aturi uring ng ele elegan g t gan and luxurious Amaryllis is an and Prrimr imrose im o ose nylon carpets, the collect ctiion ct cti on iss mad ad de forr modern homes. With a lifetim time me of me stain-resistance, lightfast and hardwearing, this is softness to last. stt

Easycl Eas y ea ycl ean an an nd Crown Floors tombola hav a e been e up upd dated to Satino®. Along witth new new col co o ou ou urs for Exquisite and Fin iness esse, ess e,, we’ e w re we e introducing Satino® Ca Cas asca cad c ade in a wide range of colours.

Azu Azu ure e and and M an Mayburgh also join the new sty ty yle e Sat Sa in no® brand tombola. n

baltacarpets.com

SERVICE

Richard Renouf

Peeling

A reply to a concerned consumer This is the anonymised text of genuine correspondence. The enquiry was later followed up by a visit to the home.

‘Thanks for sending me the photos of your leather sofas so I could take a look, at a distance, at the peeling of the finish and give you some advice to help get the issue resolved. I understand that the sofas were delivered to you in October of last year and are therefore less than a year old.

‘The dark colour of the suite is not the natural colour of the leather. Without any coloration, leather would be a dull, light grey colour. There are two methods of adding the wide range of colours that are available: dyeing the leather or applying a surface finish. More expensive hides such as aniline or nubuck are fully dyed, but they are also quite delicate and need special care. Your leather has a “pigmented finish”, which is essentially a high-tech lacquer which is very flexible.

‘Looking at the photographs I can see that the leather has been given a fairly light-coloured base coat and then a darkcoloured top coat. It is the top coat that is peeling away: I can see the edges of the affected areas lifting as more of the

The damage close up

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

finish is becoming detached.

‘The assumption that this is due to “environmental conditions” made by the technician who visited you on behalf of the manufacturer worries me. This term could mean almost anything: it’s just implying that it’s either the result of the way you used the furniture; the way you cared/did not care for it; or some kind of contamination (eg grease from hands, hair or pets). In my experience this would be very obvious in and around the affected areas and there is no such sign. Actually, there’s nothing in the technician’s report that would be considered real “evidence” if this dispute went before a judge.

‘The significant common factor to all of the affected areas is that they are where the leather is under stress: folded, stitched, creased, etc. This is where the bonding of the finish has to cope with being stretched and flexed the most.

Any weakness in the bonding of the top coat to the base coat will be revealed in such areas. I am quite certain – as certain as I can be from only looking at pictures – that this is the fault with the leather.

‘As the furniture is less than a year old, and there is no evidence of any

The top layer peeling

contamination that I can see, I would suggest that the most likely explanation is that the finish of the leather is not up to standard. I also think that the issue is going to continue to spread.

‘Legally speaking, if a problem arises within the first six months of a contract, then the burden of proof is on the retailer to prove the furniture is not faulty. After six months this changes, and it would be for you to prove the furniture is faulty.

However, the delays due to lockdown have to be taken into account.

‘I would be happy to visit you to carry out an on-site inspection and provide a full, detailed report, but I would like to suggest that you forward my comments to your retailer for their consideration. If this would help to get them to reconsider this matter it would save the significant cost of such a visit which would, it seems, ultimately be recoverable by you.

‘If I can be of further help please contact me. I would be equally happy to answer any questions your retailer may have when you forward this information to them.’

Visit: www.richard-renouf.com Richard Renouf is an independent furnishings consultant

D I S COV E R O U R

Our range of 58 fabrics has been carefully selected

M A D E TO O R D E R

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CO L L E C T I O N

to offer a variety of textures and finishes. With a option to suit all interiors.

All available in CRIB 5, our Made to Order collection is suitable for both home and commercial use, and with Martindale tests of up to 100,000 cycles, you can have peace of mind that all of our upholstery will stand the test of time both in style and durability.

BELOW / Dulwich Sofabed Show in Ferroli Smoke The sleek and sophisticated Dulwich collection features 3 sofas and sofabeds plus an armchair and functional footstool to complete the look.

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EXPERIENCES

The next hurdle

As the industry approaches its busiest time of the year, availability and rising costs are making trade increasingly challenging THE MANUFACTURER Core Products We are now probably entering the most challenging phase of the crisis for businesses.

With more of the population continuing to work from home, the demands for direct-to-home delivery services are placing companies under extreme pressure, which will be further compounded by Black Friday and the festive season.

More people will be spending their Christmas and New Year at home this year, with just close friends or family, which potentially could place even greater demands on the already depleted stocks throughout the furniture industry. We are already seeing retailers wanting promotions and stocks of dining sets in anticipation of the ‘Christmas eat at home’ and there quite simply is not the stock available.

Ordering more is simply not an option: all the factories around the world are experiencing serious raw material supply issues, which are now impacting on what can be made, how much can be made and how much more it costs to make. Price increases are already becoming commonplace and the reality is it is unavoidable for all of us.

In the meantime, retailers are already planning January sales promotions and stock commitments and the ability of the trade to

Shipping costs are on the rise

Retailers are anticipating dining sales for Christmas

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

support these is vastly diminished this year.

Further compounding the pressures on costs is the increased demand for container space as we enter the busy season. This is affecting shipping costs considerably, while the lack of container availability together with disrupted shipping routes is causing even further unpredictable delays in restocking warehouses.

On a positive note, we have reviewed all our current and new product offers based on

the need to ensure continued supplies and empower the factories to manufacture them as quickly as possible, and this is already having an effect.

Although we expect the coming months, when trade is traditionally busier, to be challenging, we feel confident that we have done everything possible to ensure our valued customers are able to call on us for stocks as and when needed.

Mike Rowley, Core Products ceo

More people will be spending time at home during the festive period

EXPERIENCES THE RETAILER Fludes Carpets It is now three months since the return to trading and business has continued to show a slow but steady improvement, on a likewith-like comparison to last year. However, it should be remembered that this time last year we were in the midst of the Brexit saga, so accurate comparisons may not be so easy to make.

The first few weeks of encouraging sales in June and early July slowed in the second part of July and into early August.

The last four weeks, however, have seen an improvement week by week.

This is a different trading pattern to that of Floor Coverings, which reported in the previous issue that it had a great July after a slow start. It just goes to show that there is no clear trend to work on, and we all have to deal with our own set of circumstances.

We are still seeing a good number of customers in store and at present the size of the orders are larger than last year. We are finding that quality products are selling better than less expensive ones.

It does seem that customers are aware of supply problems and this is often brought up at an early stage in the sales

process, with people already asking: ‘Will it be fitted before Christmas?’ This appears to be a bigger concern than the price of the order and will be helpful where the gross profit is concerned.

Customers seem more accommodating now. The key deciding points in a sale generally used to revolve around price, and the availability of any discounts. Now the focus is often on when the carpet or flooring will be available for fitting. We are now having customers asking us to check stock before ordering. In the majority of cases where there is now limited stock available or a long lead time (in some we are now being quoted mid-November or even December), customers are generally happy to wait as long as we keep them advised. Perhaps this is a good feature of the ‘new normal’.

Underlays and gripper rod appear to be becoming endangered species. As with sales of carpets, and more recently LVT, we regularly have to phone around suppliers and wholesalers to find what we need.

Perhaps a bad feature of the ‘new normal’.

If so, we had better find a way of securing stock for fittings and floor preparation – and perhaps check and reserve the carpet

stock when we arrange estimates.

We are now entering the final month of furlough and eagerly wait for some clarification of the new offering from the government to help and support business and save jobs. Early information points towards a joint support from the employer and the government; any support will be helpful to continue to trade with a full complement of staff.

Staff that have been furloughed and out of the trade for six months will need some refreshing of their product knowledge and selling skills, as well as learning the art of getting stock from wholesalers and carpet suppliers. When the ‘new normal’ becomes normal we will need to have adequate staff to deal with enquiries and to deal with a growth of business that hopefully will spring from the ending of the coronavirus saga.

For many retailers, the next six months could be crucial to their continued existence.

Take every offer of support from the government, maximise sales, minimise unnecessary spending and manage your gross profit. Sounds easy, doesn’t it?

Andy Laird, Fludes Carpets md

People have again been told to work from home if possible

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

27

The latest edition to our family Our new Heartland Heathers collection offers twelve stunning subtle heather tones, in two-ply, 10th gauge carpet.

As with all our EasiCare carpets, it’s 100% bleach cleanable.

Complete with a 10 year wear warranty, this is the perfect carpet for today’s family life.

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

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BEST OF BRITISH

Onwards

The BFM plans to continue promoting the Buy British message Brian Ahern, chair of the board of the BFM

The campaign runs until 18 October

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

‘It’s been an incredibly difficult year and, as we adapt to the future, a clear priority for us as a trade body is to promote the Buy British message to the general public. This started in September with the Buy the Best, Buy British, Save Jobs campaign, a British Furniture Confederation scheme organised and promoted jointly by ourselves and the National Bed Federation,’ says Nick Garratt, BFM md.

Running to mid-October, the campaign is also designed to make consumers aware of the jobs at stake in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

‘These are unprecedented times and this was an unprecedented step by the whole of the British furniture industry to come together for the first time to support jobs across both manufacturing and retail in this way.

‘Encouraging shoppers to seek out British-made goods, the campaign has been well-received across our membership and in the press, and has been raised in Parliament.

‘As we move into 2021, it’s important that we continue to reinforce the Buy British message. In the New Year, a separate BFM campaign will continue on this thread. We’ve already started work on the content, which will centre around case studies and videos about the work of our members, to bring to life the story of their businesses and products. Also early in the New Year, we will launch the new BFM website.

‘This new online area will give our members the opportunity to create a much greater profile for their own businesses, with an enhanced area to showcase companies that is a step above the current directory service. The website will also provide a wide range of new functions to enhance the business operations of our members.

‘It will represent a significant investment – but now more than ever it is important that our members have a digital platform that connects and engages with consumers across the country, to get the Best of British message across.’

Visit: www.bfm.org.uk

JOIN BFM TODAY

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We’re all pulling together for a better future.

Nick Garratt BFM Managing Director

Flying the flag for British Manufacturing

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17/09/2020 13:50:45

BEST OF BRITISH Sammy Margo

Lockdown answers

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill

A consistent bedtime routine is vital During lockdown, Sleepeezee commissioned an independent survey to determine its impact on the country’s sleep habits. Despite having more time at home, 79% of adults reported feeling tired some or most of the time, and over a third reported getting less than four to six hours of sleep a night, with the same number only getting four to six hours’ sleep.

With restrictions on going to the pub or out for dinner, the country upped its screen time to fill the gap, with 55% reporting either watching TV or scrolling on their mobile phone before bed. The main reasons cited for disturbed sleep were worries about health or money or

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

being too hot and uncomfortable.

‘It seems lockdown made it even harder for people to switch off from their worries and their screens before bedtime. As humans, we like routine, and when people lose their routine this can throw other things off balance, and bad habits creep in, which this survey reflects,’ says Sammy Margo, a qualified physiotherapist for 25 years and author of the bestselling book, The Good Sleep Guide.

Working alongside Sleepeezee brand ambassador Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Margo, who is Sleepeezee’s new sleep expert, wants to educate consumers about the importance of a consistent bedtime routine. The two ambassadors

recently got together virtually to discuss all things sleep and give consumers insights into how sleep impacts their daily lives and what we can all do to ensure a good night’s sleep. This can be seen on the company’s social media.

‘While we can’t take away the financial or health worries, the good news is that there are simple things we can all do to be more comfortable and get a better night’s sleep,’ says Margo.

Sleepeezee’s goal is to continue providing retailers and customers with engaging and useful content that will help the country understand the importance sleep has on our everyday lives.

Visit: www.sleepeezee.com

BEST OF BRITISH

Family values

At the start of lockdown Millbrook switched production to PPE

Walter Croll’s legacy lives on Some 74 years have passed since Walter Croll opened his small furniture workshop in the Millbrook area of Southampton. Since then his legacy has been borne out in many ways, not least in the passion he inspired in his family, who followed him into the business, and the many, many thousands of handmade Millbrook mattresses that have, in turn, provided many hundreds of thousands of snuggly nights’ sleep.

Each and every one of those handmade mattresses is side stitched by hand.

Why? The simple answer, keeping with tradition, is because a stitch in time saves nine. The traditional and highly skilled process of hand side stitching secures the outer spring of the mattress to the mattress border. This process is labour intensive and meticulous work, but it’s worth it. Taking the time to hand side stitch each mattress means that mattresses made by Millbrook Beds keep their shape as it helps prevent distortion of the springs. It also has the added benefit of extending the sleeping area right to the edge of the bed.

The company combines luxuriously soft natural fillings such as bamboo fibre, silk and cashgora, and positions thousands of individually hand-nested pocket springs within a mattress,

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

which provides a support for the individual curves of the neck and spine, so that beneath the softness there’s strength just where it is needed.

Each of Millbrook’s handmade pocket sprung mattresses are individually tufted by hand to prevent the mattress losing shape or collapsing. The company only uses soft, good quality wool pompoms on its tufts and all mattresses made with locally sourced Hampshire wool feature a single black tuft in the bottom righthand corner.

Millbrook Beds is very much a family-owned and family-run business, spanning three generations and 74 years’ worth of experience in expertly sewing together exactly the right balance of comforting softness with structural support. Soft, chemical-free fabrics and fillings, fine English cotton, strong British steel springs and local wool, all combined together in its factory in Hampshire, form a big part of its recipe for perfect sleep.

Visit: www.millbrook-beds.co.uk

THE NEW FOREST HAMPSHIRE OUR HOME OUR HERITAGE OUR INSPIRATION #perfectsleep

H A MPS H IR E WOOL

FIN E E N GL I S H COT TO N

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For over 70 years our home on the edge of the New Forest National Park has been influential in the development of our luxuriously comfortable, handmade mattresses. It’s the combination of beautiful natural materials combined with expert craftsmanship which make our products special. That’s why we use local Hampshire wool and sustainably sourced English Fine Cotton in the creation of our chemical free beds The key ingredients for perfect sleep.

For further information call 023 8086 61111 millbrook-beds.co.uk

PROUD TO BE SUPPORTING THE NHS

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11/10/2019 10:07

�avourite

BEST OF BRITISH

Innovation

Mammoth Adjustable

The Foam Company has a trio of retail brands The Foam Company has a heritage that goes back more than 30 years, with key retail brands including Sleepshaper, Mammoth and Sonlevo.

‘We are extremely proud to be a UK-based manufacturer using only the highest quality component parts available, with an emphasis on excellent service, quick delivery and product development keeping us at the forefront of our industry,’ says Jon Baker, The Foam Company joint md.

‘Sleepshaper offers a wide selection of sizes and models ranging from 14cm bunk-bed mattresses to a 2,000 pocket sprung luxurious model featuring wool, silk and cashmere. There are models suitable for all customers within the offer.

Launching this month is the mattress rack and bed bundle which comes

complete with six single-size mattresses, a single divan and mattress rack with full POS package.

‘With our Mammoth brand we have a clear vision to provide relaxation, wellness and better living through the science of comfort. Mammoth brings to the market advanced health products using exclusive Medical Grade Foam technology, proven to enhance sleep, deliver superior postural support and offer greater pressure relief than standard memory foam.

‘Commitment to innovation, testing and product development has led to partnerships with leading UK health organisations including the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

‘Elite athletes and many UK leading sports associations choose to work with Mammoth to achieve the very best

Sleepshaper Naturals

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

health benefits sleep can offer. This is backed by exciting marketing packages and national advertising campaigns to support our retail partners.’

Baker says Sonlevo was developed to deliver luxury along with innovation.

‘As well as postural support, our unique Avid foam technology offers 400% greater airflow than standard foam, ensuring greater control in body temperature.

‘Sonlevo proudly partners with the Professional Footballers Association and The Football Medicine and Performance Association, which recommends Avid’s unique posture support and comfort to its members.

‘The extensive offering for Sonlevo retail partners includes healthy margins and a promotional calendar.’

Tel: 01235 529 148

Sonlevo Duo 9000

Collection of five mattresses for the best rest & recovery

400% better airflow than standard foam for cooler sleep

High count pocket spring option for premium comfort & support

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Please contact marketing@sonlevo.co.uk for further information

www.sonlevo.com *please check with the office for specific details on 01235 529148

BEST OF BRITISH

Comfort with integrity

Full BCI sourcing is a target for Hypnos Every year about 26million tonnes of cotton are produced around the globe.

Eight countries – India, China, USA, Brazil, Pakistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan and Mexico – account for more than 85% of the production. However, according to the Better Cotton Initiative only 22% of this is from sustainable cotton.

‘Growing cotton is thirsty business; on top of this, the majority of cotton is grown in countries facing water scarcity, which the World Economic Forum has identified as one of the top 10 global risks to society over the next 10 years,’ says Richard Naylor, Hypnos sustainable development director.

‘As a company committed to providing comfort with integrity, we have always sought to be a responsible manufacturer.

We appreciate that the operations of our suppliers along the value chain have an impact on their communities, which is why we look at every element of our supply network. Naturally, as cotton is desirable and has so many great properties, we wanted to find the best solution for sourcing our cotton, based on environmental, social and economic sustainability.’

In 2019 Hypnos started a partnership with the Better Cotton Initiative and other enterprises to ensure its Origins Collection of mattresses took a responsible approach to sourcing cotton and all its materials. Cotton is used in its naturally fire-resistant fabrics – created without the use of synthetic flameretardant chemicals – and cotton fillings.

BCI agronomist Tata Djire (centre) has spent the past decade supporting smallholder farmers and women in rural Mali, helping to make her native country one of the first four countries to produce Better Cotton

BCI is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, the environment it grows in and for the sector’s future. Through BCI and its partners, farmers receive training on how to use water efficiently, care for the health of the soil and natural habitats, reduce use of the most harmful chemicals and provide fair working conditions.

BCI farmers implementing this system are licensed to sell Better Cotton.

‘Better Cotton is sourced via a system of mass balance so it is not physically traceable to end products. But this mass balance system encourages wider demand for sustainable cotton,

Palm Grove

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable practices and become licensed. Hypnos has already managed to make sure that 56% of the cotton for our fabrics alone are sourced through the BCI and we are committed to making this 100% by 2030 through facilitating change with all our suppliers.

‘You can often tell the quality of materials by eye – however, it is a lot harder to tell whether a product has been sustainably sourced. The natural colour of the unbleached cotton cover helps to visibly highlight the credentials of the Origins Collection that, in addition to responsibly sourced cotton, also uses only certified traceable wool from British Red Tractor assured farms. This industry-first partnership ensures fair payment to farmers committed to standards of land management and animal welfare, for a beautiful and renewable fibre ideal for bedding.

‘This level of third-party certification with the Origins Collection and wider environmental credentials means that we can offer customers both luxurious and sustainable mattresses, so that they can sleep soundly in the knowledge that the bed they are snuggling up in has comfort with integrity and hasn’t cost the earth.’

Visit: www.hypnosbeds.com www.bettercotton.org

We value the people, animals and places behind our new sustainable and ethical bed ranges.

Expertly handcrafted mattresses with 100% traceable British Wool from Red Tractor assured farms.

hypnosbeds.com Carbon Neutral | Handmade in Britain and 100% recyclable

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| A proud member of The Better Cotton Initiative

24/09/2020 17:16

BEST OF BRITISH

On the move

Dakota large two-seater and power chair in Metric Aqua

Parker Knoll has expanded its motion offer

42

space by introducing powered footrests to two Classic collections: the Burghley and Devonshire chairs. The Boston chair saw the introduction of the rise and recline feature. The show also introduced a corner unit to the Devonshire, part of the Classic collection. This offers firm support and pampering in its deep, fibrefilled cushions. This model is available as a formal or pillow back.

The LifeStyle collection was also expanded in January with Dakota. This sophisticated and subtle style comes with the option of a standard or powered recline, as well as a USB port.

All products have a 25-year guarantee.

Visit: www.parkerknoll.co.uk

Established for more than 150 years, Parker Knoll is renowned for designing and developing the best of British sofas and chairs to the highest possible quality.

Today, in its state-of-the-art factory in rural Nottinghamshire, its founder’s commitment is still at the heart of all that it does: to produce beautiful, highquality designs with the utmost style.

Its highly skilled teams of expert craftsmen and designers are committed to creating beautiful sofas and chairs that provide the ultimate comfort experience – but it doesn’t stop there. All of its collections will add a hint of luxurious style to a home through the beautiful designs, luxurious fabric ranges and

exceptional attention to detail.

This is a landmark year for Parker Knoll as it moves its motion technology into the Classic range. Famed for revolutionising reclining furniture, the company continues to innovate and introduced Newbury at the January Furniture Show. With tailored arms and a high back, this range provides enduring comfort and the ultimate support. The stylish suite features a motion-powered footrest controlled by a brushed metal switch, which incorporates a USB port so users can charge their devices from the comfort of the sofa.

At Autumn Long Point, it continued to demonstrate its expertise in this

Dakota two-seater in Como Slate

Newbury recliner chair in Oxford Midnight and two-seater sofa in Tahlia Gold

Interiors Monthly October 2020

BEST OF BRITISH

Bailey corner group in Elements

Celebrations

Collins & Hayes is marking its 150th year Collins & Hayes is celebrating its 150th year of creating sofas and chairs that offer sublime comfort, beautiful details, and understated luxury. Since 1870, it has been its mission to add enduring style to all living rooms. Somethings never change, and that’s because they don’t need to.

To commemorate the anniversary, its design team have handcrafted two new collections that encapsulate its story, as well as a new fabric edit: Palm House.

Bailey is distinguished by effortlessly smart yet casual styling, irresistibly soft, deep cushions and contemporary clean lines. This is a modular sofa that can be

Banks chair in Vision Ebony and Senal Noir

customised to the perfect size and shape for a room. It available as a upholstered or slip-cover model.

As part of the anniversary the company has also reinvented Beagle, a popular design from the 1960s, as Banks. It is characterised by refined style, simplicity and clean lines and sits perfectly against Collins & Hayes’s collection of sofas and as a standalone statement chair.

Palm House will add energetic tones, statement designs and a pop of colour to any living space. These vibrant prints and tactile plains have been selected in line with the trends for the season

ahead. The edit is designed to evoke thoughts of fresh foliage and botanical gardens. Palm House can be elegantly harmonised with the company’s latest monochromatic fabric story to create a sophisticated and versatile look.

All of Collins & Hayes’s pieces are upholstered in 75% or more natural fibre fabrics, made without the use of any harmful chemicals. The hardwood frames are made with wood from sustainable sources and come with a lifetime promise, ensuring the furniture will last.

All sofas and chairs are handmade to order to minimise waste.

Visit: www.collinsandhayes.co.uk

Lavinia medium sofa in Linara Ebony

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BEST OF BRITISH

Discerning choice

Above and below: Waldorf

Duresta has been making luxury upholstery for over 80 years Since 1938 Duresta has been the luxury sofa brand of choice for the discerning home, with its elegant and sophisticated designs. Its luxury sofas and chairs are created from hardwood frames that are

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

hand-assembled by its experienced team at its factory in Long Eaton, the upholstery capital of the UK. Every piece of fabric is hand cut and many of the finishing touches are hand

sewn. Of course, it is what you don’t see that really counts: Duresta only uses the finest quality fillings and materials that will provide long-lasting comfort.

At the heart of every piece of Duresta upholstery is an iconic element of classic English style, which is given a unique twist by using fabrics and trimmings sourced by its design team from around the world. The result is a collection with a truly individual look that is at the very forefront of interior style, enhanced by fine detail and perfect proportion.

At this year’s Autumn Long Point Duresta welcomed its trusted nationwide partners to visit the showroom in a safe environment and unveiled the latest sofa and fabric collections.

As it looks ahead to the remainder of the year and 2021, it has some strong plans to grow the business and drive broader awareness of the brand, from investment in its brand identity to a soon to be launched upgraded website and premium brand support.

Visit: www.duresta.com

BEST OF BRITISH

Luxury Wool 1000

Burghley

Home grown UK-made products are proving successful ‘With full order books and successful British-made bed and upholstery ranges, everyone at Sweet Dreams is focusing on delivering high quality and great value product to our customer base across the whole of UK aand Ireland,’ says Nick Williams, Sweet Dreams sales manager.

‘Our retail beds are delivering a fabulous choice – from our top-end 4000 pocket FR chemical-free range to hand side-stitched models, contemporary

encapsulated designs and traditional pocket sprung beds, not to mention our successful Ortho and Comfort ranges.

All of the above are complemented by our comprehensive range of headboards, bases and ottomans.

‘Our products maintain their short lead times, with many areas of the UK enjoying a weekly delivery service to ensure stability and continuity of supply, which is so important for our customers.

Quentin Memory 2000

‘Our own-made sofas, sofa beds, accent chairs, cottage chairs and stools are designed and manufactured at our premises in Lancashire, providing employment to our local workforce – and fabulous upholstery to stores up and down the country.

‘Consistency of quality and service is our goal. Last year we invested in track systems and cutting machinery so we can offer a greater number of designs, all with a very quick turnaround. Our British-made models are made to order and delivered within 21 days to almost everywhere in the UK. New fabrics, shapes and stools have guaranteed success and our handmade quality shines throughout the range.’

Sweet Dreams has also seen exponential growth in online sales of both beds and upholstery, along with a successful range of wooden frames, bunks and bedsides.

‘With recent developments regarding COVID-19 and the introduction of further restrictions at least until Spring 2021, the growth of online sales for our product is inevitable, and Sweet Dreams is ready to help customers with the transition to Internet sales. Our direct home delivery service is available for all of mainland UK and offers a robust and efficient service direct to the customer’s room of choice.

‘Whatever the challenge, Sweet Dreams is here to serve our valued existing customers and welcome new ones into the fold,’ says Williams.

Tel: 01282 830 033

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WOOL Crimping adds bulk to the wool

Traceability

The company uses New Zealand wool

Joma Wool has revamped its online presence Joma Wool is a one-of-a-kind wool used by mattress and bedding makers around the world. Grown in New Zealand, Joma Wool embodies wool’s signature soft support characteristics and thermal properties. However, unlike other wools, it is enhanced through a special crimping process. This adds 40%-50% more bulk to the wool, which greatly increases its wear life, volume and comfort, without adding any extra weight.

New Zealand wool exporter John Marshall and Company has revamped its website to tell the story of Joma Wool and ensure the brand has a compelling presence for customers at all levels.

‘Clean, persuasive and premium, the website supports manufacturers by giving Joma Wool the power to touch the

hearts and minds of customers in their quest for healthy, environmentally friendly and high-performance products,’ says Peter Crone, John Marshall director.

‘We can’t just create a product and expect people to get it. We need to tell the whole story, so they can understand what makes our wool special and why they should seek it out.’

Joma Wool excels is in its origin verification process. All Joma Wool is grown and processed in New Zealand following strict quality protocols and ethical standards. To assure manufacturers and customers of its genuine origins, the company has partnered with Oritain, an independent traceability auditor. Oritain uses a scientific method to prove the origin of any given product. For Joma

Wool, it has analysed known samples of the wool to reveal its unique chemical ‘fingerprint’. This is held on file and can be matched to any product claiming to contain Joma Wool, at any point in the supply chain, to confirm its integrity.

‘In the fast-paced global marketplace, it’s essential that we can guarantee our wool to be from New Zealand. We are very focused on product integrity, from working with farmers who promote healthy ecosystems and maintain excellent animal welfare to partnering with manufacturers who value bringing premium natural products to their customers,’ says Crone.

Joma Wool is distributed in the UK

by KoFibres.

Visit: www.joma.nz, www.kofibres.com

The website has been revamped

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

Oak Hamburg Carver Jet Hopsack Seat

Oak Loire Chair Natural Hopsack

SUSTAINABILITY

Built to last

Muud

Markus Benz talks coronavirus, sustainability, timelessness and the future ‘On a personal level, I feel like life has slowed down, which allows me to look clearly at upcoming decisions. Of course, many things are still uncertain, but it is crystal clear that we are all heading toward a paradigm shift. And that further strengthens my belief in the course we have set for Walter Knoll.

‘Our position has been oriented toward values for many years. It can be felt everywhere that people are looking for orientation – and we offer them a clear direction,’ says Markus Benz, Walter Knoll ceo.

‘Walter Knoll’s path was never oriented toward maximising profit and growth.

Instead it was led by values: creating objects that last, that captivate, that embody the values of naturalness and appreciation. And it’s about supporting  people, about furthering their

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

Sheru armchAIR

A LIFETIME OF ANTI-BACTERIAL PROTECTION PROTEKT has been developed to provide a lasting barrier from bacteria and mould ITQYVJ 6JG VGEJPQNQI[ KU DWKNV KPVQ [QWT EWUJKQP XKP[N ƔQQT UQ VJCV KV won’t wear or wash off, meaning a lifetime of protection.

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SUSTAINABILITY

RelaxchAIR

skills and their pursuit of excellence.

‘Right now, we are learning that we have no influence over much of what we thought we could control. And we are learning that we can, in fact, influence other things that we previously neglected. At the same time, we are reflecting back on other times and discovering the beauty of slowness and closeness. We are contemplating our surroundings, our home, our workplace.

And we are seeing the people around

us and reassessing our relationships.

‘Everything is moving toward sustainability. But in terms of society and business, we are all just asking ourselves what it’s all about. What is important?

What should we take with us into the future? How should we shape our future together? And how should we do it in a way that respects our environment and uses as few resources as possible?

‘We are shaping this process of change and we’re at the forefront. Walter Knoll

Sheru dining chAIR

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

has been carbon-neutral since 2016. One crucial aspect of sustainability is our design approach: timeless aesthetics.

This is only possible because we didn’t just start thinking about it yesterday.

Walter Knoll is the furniture brand of Modernity: minimalism and the careful use of resources are in our DNA. ‘Modernity was, among other things, a social approach, which then gave rise to new design ideas – combined with an explicit intention to use raw 

Markus Benz

sh d! fre dde ew a N des a sh

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

SUSTAINABILITY

Sheru chAIR

materials efficiently and without waste.

The amazing thing about Modernity is that its criticism of the supersaturation of the times was so profound, it revealed values much older than Modernity itself.

‘The ancient is the source of the modern. That is why the language of form in Modernity is so universal and international. Each one of us has developed a sense of its timelessness.

That is not a coincidence. Because we all have the same ancestors. There is only one origin, one humanity, one ancient world. We at Walter Knoll have been guided by these ideas for a long time, and you can feel this clarity and strength in Walter Knoll furniture.

‘Let’s try looking beyond human suffering and the economic aspect of the crisis. Then we are left with the question of what it means. We are experiencing a renaissance of humanity, discovering a world beyond fast-paced consumption.

I think humankind is developing a new, positive spirit, an overarching attitude toward a direction in which we all have to move anyway. Everything we do must prove valuable tomorrow. It is about being comprehensible, natural, tactile –

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

and of the highest quality. We are at home here. Sustainability, design and timelessness are interdependent. Objects can only be timeless when their aesthetic appeal endures. The longer this appeal endures, the more timeless the objects are – and thus the more sustainable.

‘That which is real, natural and tactile is the countertrend to digitalisation.

This is where our longing and our being are concentrated. At the turn of the millennium I asked myself: what’s next?

Then the colour for the new millennium was announced: blue! It seemed only logical to me. It’s about the cleanliness of water and air, and in the end it will be about the Earth – the blue planet.

‘Thinking about blue brought us to the notion of a new naturalness. And that was the requirement for new products.

This is how our most successful leather, Elen, was created: a porous waxed leather, soft and supple, finished with a silk-like sheen. To produce such naturalness and at the same time to guarantee it will stand up to everyday use is a real art. Incidentally, this applies to all of our other natural materials today: wood, metal, stone and textiles.

‘The goal is not to produce classics but products with timeless aesthetics. If they become classics, we are happy. For us, however, this goal is not a restriction.

The opposite would be arbitrariness – a characteristic of a process that hasn’t been fully thought through. It requires a lot of effort, craftsmanship, critical faculties and mental dedication. Saying “no” more often than “yes”. Knowing when a design is finished takes experience.

‘In the case of the Sheru chAIR, all the while I felt the proportions weren’t quite right. I kept looking at it again and again.

And then I was certain: it was 1.5cm too wide. Today the chair has that perfection that I look for in all of our furniture.

Benz sees his role as the conductor.

‘My job is to motivate the creative ones: sparking ideas and pooling strengths so that something is created that is new, exciting and better than what was there before. Family businesses are more sustainable per se because they think across generations. This is an idea shared with many indigenous populations. The rule is: “You have been given something – and you should pass it on.”

Visit: www.walterknoll.de

SUSTAINABILITY

Work in progress

Hypnos Wool Originals

The bed industry is moving in the right direction but needs to do more ‘As an industry, our awareness of sustainability has improved greatly.

However, our ability to interpret the challenges and react with meaningful product design and messaging is somewhat slower. The challenges on a social, economic and environmental level are manyfold, and it is clear that bed design focuses mainly on the environmental impacts and little on the social and economic impacts of the value chain.

‘One of the key developments for the industry has been to establish the National Bed Federation circular economy committee. This is supported by third-party expertise and has proven to be a very useful forum from which to understand the impact of a product from an overall lifecycle perspective through materials, design, use and disposal,’ says Richard Naylor, Hypnos sustainable development director.

‘It is important for manufacturers and suppliers to deep-dive the sustainability aspects of their business and understand the impact their manufacturing and products will make on society as a whole.

Businesses that do not evolve their strategic plans to incorporate sustainability will become marginalised and ultimately may not survive. The

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

Richard Naylor, Hypnos sustainable development director

challenges that global society faces from a climate change perspective are here and, as a responsible industry, we must make every effort to ensure our products serve the intended purpose but not at a cost for future generations.’

Naylor describes sustainability as the ‘umbrella conscience that drives our everyday thinking. It is obvious that we want to make luxuriously comfortable beds, but it is imperative we do it in a manner that supports the overall framework of sustainability.

‘We have evolved to take a position that follows our Comfort With Integrity strapline. We want all of our consumers to be assured that our brand and product messaging is true, accurate and, where possible, supported by credible thirdparty certifications.

‘We have developed and continue to develop new supply chain partners to help deliver our strategy. Some of these partnerships are culminating in groundbreaking innovations that not only deliver comfort but also support our sustainability pledges for the next decade. We hope to launch new products utilising these innovations in early 2021.’

Naylor rejects suggestions that sustainability is only a concern for those that can afford it. ‘The truth is, it is important to every consumer, whether they require it or not. As a brand, we are ensuring all our products deliver sustainable benefits because this is the right approach to manage and contribute towards the UN goals.

Comfort will always be a prerequisite for our products and will not cost the Earth.’

At some point the bed industry will have to create a recycling scheme or face one being imposed on it. Naylor is optimistic that the industry is taking the necessary steps.

‘The NBF circular economy committee has put together a working party on extended producer responsibility and engaged with NGOs and government.

We are ahead of the curve in this aspect.

Clearly, this is a space to watch.’

Visit: www.hypnosbeds.com

A-Z OF FLOORING

Who’s who in flooring The essential guide to the industry’s leading names

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ABINGDON FLOORING

ASSOCIATED WEAVERS

British carpet manufacturer Abingdon Flooring produces in excess of 14million sqm of carpet a year. Through its Love Story, StainFree and Wilton Royal collections and the SoftStep cushion vinyl range, its strong consumer brands offer a second-to-none product portfolio geared to providing a choice of style, colour and suitability. Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

Invictus luxury vinyl flooring brings a well-balanced collection of 84 SKUs, featuring wood, stone and parquet designs in dryback and rigid click.

Whatever your decorating style, there’s an Invictus luxury vinyl floor for every home or project.

Visit: www.invictus.co.uk

AVENUE FLOORING

BALTA CARPETS

Avenue Flooring knows that looks are just as important as practicality, so its design team is committed to bringing the very best styles for the home. From wood designs in herringbone and cube patterns through to sleek stone and the personality of its Bubblegum and Liquorice collection, Avenue Flooring cushion vinyl flooring makes it easy to enjoy. Visit: www.avenuefloors.co.uk

With StainSafe, Leonis, Satino and new Eternity, Balta Carpets offers a marketleading collection of carpets made to bring homes the ideal combination of value and quality. With a broad selection of products, presented on enticing store displays and backed by award-winning service, Balta Carpets is ready to bring carpet to today’s style-conscious buyer. Visit: www.balta-carpets.com

THE CARPET FOUNDATION

COMPANY DYNAMICS

The Carpet Foundation is celebrating 21 years of batting for the industry and promoting carpet, independent retailers, its exclusive code of practice and its patron members to consumers. Its most recent success was its lockdown lobbying of government which resulted in flooring retailers opening before many others. It does things that others cannot do.

Visit: www.carpetfoundation.com

Company Dynamics’ flooring trade software is built on the latest technology and designed to work your way. It has been providing solutions to retail, contract and wholesale companies for more than 25 years. Accessible from anywhere, its single and multi-branch systems include unlimited user licences, email and phone support. Installed in the cloud or on-site, it’s got you covered. Visit: www.companydynamics.co.uk

Interiors Monthly October 2020

A-Z OF FLOORING

CONCEPT RUGS

CONDOR CARPETS

Concept Rugs is a supplier of handmade Indian rugs. The name Concept comes from the idea of supplying each of its UK clients with own branding.

Rather than having to compete on price for the same product, the retailer can choose their own brand range at a fraction of the cost.

Visit: www.conceptrugs.co.uk

Condor Carpets is one of Europe’s largest carpet producers, supplying wall-to-wall carpet products for residential and contract applications. The Condor IntenZa collection features some of the most exclusive products from the entire Condor Carpets collection with the ultimate soft carpets.

Visit: www.condor-group.eu/en/carpets

CORMAR CARPET COMPANY

CRUCIAL TRADING

Cormar Carpet Company continues to roll out new ranges with its most recent Inglewood Saxony collection: a super-heavyweight heather carpet with a luxurious yet firm touch. Available in 15 stunning new shades, the range is stain-resistant, bleach-cleanable and comes in 4m and 5m widths to cater for all room sizes. Visit: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Crucial Trading has been producing beautiful, creative floorcoverings for over 30 years with designs available in wool, sisal, jute, coir and seagrass.

Each range is made to the highest standard and is available as a fully fitted floorcovering or can be used to make a striking bespoke rug.

Visit: www.crucial-trading.com

F BALL

FLOORWISE

F Ball is the UK’s leading manufacturer of subfloor preparation products and adhesives for floorcoverings. Its products are formulated to optimise the appearance and longevity of flooring installations. Its range includes adhesives for virtually every type of decorative floorcovering, tested for compatibility with over 6,000 floorcoverings made by over 200 international manufacturers, in order to guarantee performance throughout the lifetime of an installation. Visit: www.f-ball.co.uk

The Floorwise branded range of products has an enviable reputation for quality and value among retailers, fitters and contractors. Linked to its distribution network which excels in local expertise and knowledge, it continues to grow in strength. With underlays, profiles, tools, nosings and PVC skirtings, adhesives and screeds, tapes and gripper, Floorwise has everything for your installation needs. Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk



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A-Z OF FLOORING

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FURLONG FLOORING

HUGH MACKAY

Building heavily on the success of Carefree Twist, Furlong Flooring has raised the bar with the launch of Carefree Ultra. Using the same 15 on-trend colours alongside advancements in construction, appearance and backing, Carefree Ultra offers a luxurious 48oz pile weight and a fantastic opportunity for retailers to easily upsell. Visit: www.furlongflooring.co.uk

Hugh Mackay is a renowned provider of Axminster and tufted wool carpets.

Its long history and association with quality products has helped keep it at the forefront of the industry. With the launch of its online visualiser, it is now utilising the latest technology to take it even further.

Visit: www.hughmackay.co.uk

INTERFLOOR

KERSAINT COBB

Interfloor, part of the Victoria plc group, is Europe’s largest manufacturer of underlay and flooring accessories. Its proudly British-manufactured brands include Tredaire underlays, synonymous with underfoot comfort, and Duralay hard-wearing underlays, ideal for the contract market. Duralay also includes specialist underlays for use with underfloor heating, LVT and hard flooring. Visit: www.interfloor.com

Committed to offering innovation combined with design flexibility and quality natural materials, Kersaint Cobb continues to expand its product offering. The current range includes sisal, wool, jute, coir and grasses, together with a comprehensive collection of engineered oak timbers.

Visit: www.kersaintcobb.co.uk

LEOLINE

LOUIS DE POORTERE

Leoline cushion vinyl has been manufactured since 1997. No matter what the style, you can be confident that Leoline can stand up to almost anything life can throw at it. And with exclusive designs covering classic woods and traditional tiles through to architectural concrete and modern terrazzo, there’s always a floor to make style easy.

Visit: www.leoline.co.uk

With a simple philosophy of aiming to be more than just a manufacturer of carpet, Louis de Poortere crosses into the world of home decoration thorough an extraordinary portfolio of area rugs, stair runners and carpets.

With diverse design collections, as well as beautiful in-store presentation options, the brand adds a formidable presence to any store.

Visit: www.louisdepoortere.be

Interiors Monthly October 2020

A-Z OF FLOORING

LUXE

METRO GROUP

Luxe premium underlay continues to grow in strength and numbers, a recognition that high performance, pure 100%-recycled foam is the way forward, where quality is key. It has managed its production and raw material availability and has unlimited stocks available. Unbranded ‘value’ options are now available in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Tel: 07449 239 139

Metro Group is a buying group created in 1979 to help independents compete against the national chains. It has grown significantly and supports independent retailers of all sizes with combined buying power, negotiating competitive terms with the bestselling and most popular manufacturers along with group-sourced and bespoke marketing solutions, allowing retailers to be 100% in control of their business. Visit: www.carpet1st.co.uk

MILLENNIUM WEAVERS

ORIENTAL WEAVERS

Agents: Keith Vowles, Channel Islands 07970 464 434, kvowles@btinternet.com; Zac March, SE England 07828 663 325, zm@millenniumweavers.eu; Duncan Buchanan, sales director 07836 231 153, db@millenniumweavers.eu; Lee Thomas, S & W England and ROI 07815 916 648, lt@millenniumweavers.eu; Steve Flesher, NE England and Yorkshire 07850 049 679, sf@millenniumweavers.eu, Martin Pitcairn, N England and Scotland 07876 194 621, mp@millenniumweavers.eu.

Established in the 1980s, its extensive knowledge and skills make Oriental Weavers a market leader in innovation and development. Its collection is fully stocked in its Leeds warehouse, no minimum order is required and it can deliver goods free of charge within 48 hours to the UK mainland and Northern Ireland.

Visit: www.owbmk.co.uk

PARADOR

PENTHOUSE CARPETS

‘We make your home the most beautiful home in the world.’ With this promise Parador develops products for floor, wall and ceiling with the highest standards of design and quality. The range includes engineered wood, laminate and resilient flooring as well as wall and ceiling panels made in Germany. Visit: www.parador.eu

Penthouse Carpets has been manufacturing quality tufted wool carpets for almost 50 years. Using only the finest blends of wool, it crafts its carpets to the highest quality standards, setting the benchmark for style, colour and comfort. It’s passionate about providing a product that meets today’s ever demanding and changing family needs. Visit: www.penthousecarpets.co.uk

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A-Z OF FLOORING STROOLMOUNT You plan. You design. You install.

You worry about every little detail to make sure it’s perfect. Now you can protect your investment with cost-effective ideas from glide solution and award-winning products specialist Stroolmount UK. As well as innovating to solve customer problems, Stroolmount is a one-stop solutions shop for all.

Visit: www.stroolmount.co.uk

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TARKETT

THINK RUGS

Tarkett sells 1.3million sqm of flooring every day worldwide. In the UK its offer ranges from residential cushioned flooring to commercial LVT, safety floor and engineered wood products, all of which are manufactured in the EU. It is committed to the principles of the circular economy and design innovation. Visit: www.tarkett.co.uk

Think Rugs is very excited for the launch of its new 2021 brochure, with more than 300 new products now available. It is fully open for business with all services operating as normal and has great stock levels across its ranges.

Visit its 5,000sqft showroom for a socially distanced meeting.

Tel: 01782 747 713

VICTORIA CARPETS

VICTORIA DESIGN FLOORS

Along with celebrating its 125th year of trading, Victoria Carpets is looking forward to a busy 12 months as it launches several ranges into the market and refreshes some of its more established ranges. Along with a new website and fresh look and feel, the company continues to do what it does best – delivering quality products that consumers want to buy.

Visit: www.myvictoria.co.uk

Distinctive Flooring and Universal Design Floors have come together under the new Victoria Design Floors banner. With a robust LVT and POS offer, both ranges offer the retailer outstanding design, including emboss details and four-sided bevels, and product choice. The SPC click in both ranges comes with a built-in pad, meaning there is no need for additional underlay, saving fitting time and component costs. Visit: www.myvictoria.co.uk

Interiors Monthly October 2020

WE

Things don’t always follow the design

Life

There may be times you need

have in mind

CAN

often throw some curve balls

HELP

We will always be there for

YOU The Furniture Makers’ Company the furnishing industry’s charity

The Furniture Makers’ Company has been supporting the welfare of employees in the interiors and furnishing industry for more than 100 years. If you or someone you know is in need of financial support, let us help. Visit our website www.furnituremakers.org.uk/assistance or contact 020 7256 5558

This advertising space was generously donated by Interiors Monthly in support of The Furniture Makers’ Company’s welfare campaign.

The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers’ Charitable Funds incorporating the Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association is a registered charity in England and Wales (no. 1015519) and a registered company (no. 02759359) in England and Wales

Cabinet Maker.indd 1

26/09/2017 17:04

A-Z OF FLOORING The display stand has a digital module

Standout

Invictus stays ahead with industry-leading digital displays

Since its launch in 2015, Invictus has been a key reference in the UK market for comfortable broadloom carpet.

Associated Weavers, the maker of Invictus carpet, expanded the brand into luxury vinyl flooring. With the same attention to quality, the same eye for exclusive designs and a unique level of performance, Invictus luxury vinyl flooring is the perfect match for Invictus carpet.

Associated Weavers stands out from the crowd as to UK presence, branding and in-store solutions. The Invictus luxury vinyl flooring concept and display are

The brand has been expanded into LVT

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

no exception to that rule. The attractive branding and visuals immediately draw customers’ attention. Associated Weavers has reinvented the in-store display and brings a tool with an intuitive digital module to offer a great customer experience, guiding buyers through an efficient and fun-to-do purchase process.

The symbiosis between traditional samples and digital journey is previously unseen in the flooring business.

‘Invictus luxury vinyl flooring brings a well-balanced collection of 84 SKUs: wood, stone and parquet designs in

Shoppers can view both collections online

dryback and rigid click. When it comes to delivering a great performance, nothing beats it. The name is no coincidence: in Latin, invictus means invincible. Invictus luxury vinyl flooring is sure to meet all your expectations. Whatever your decorating style, there’s something for every home, from contemporary to country, from traditional townhouse to urban loft. Choose your preferred style and let it guide you towards the floor that is just right for you,’ says Gavin Pugh, Associated Weavers md.

Visit: www.invictus.co.uk

A-Z OF FLOORING

Provincetown

Family friendly

With development cycles maintained, Balta Carpets is offering the latest looks Throughout the past few months, Balta Carpets has continued to focus on the development of new residential carpets, ensuring that retailers can now benefit from the latest styles. Introductions to its popular collections are in stock and available for fast delivery, meaning that retailers are able to offer the latest looks to customers ready to enjoy new familyfriendly carpet in their home.

‘Through lockdown we largely kept to our product development cycle, making sure that we would be ready to offer the very latest looks in the busy autumn sales period. As the UK is still experiencing significant pent-up demand

from consumers, this has allowed our retail partners to be able to respond to demand with family-friendly carpets that are right on trend,’ says Filip Poelman, Balta Group sales director.

The StainSafe and Leonis collections are designed for everyday liveability, offering bleach-cleanable carpets made to withstand domestic challenges. With StainSafe Provincetown, Balta presents an 1/8th gauge twist-pile style in an enduring two-ply yarn that makes it ideal for family homes. In 4m and 5m widths and available in 12 colours, from classic ruby through to contemporary greys, the carpet is a great all-rounder, suiting

Newport

traditional and modern homes alike.

Leonis is one of Balta’s key brands and with Newport it continues to provide families with soft carpets that can withstand spills and stay looking great.

An 1/8th Saxony style, Newport provides a luxury look and an even more luxurious feel thanks to its heavyweight pile in 4m and 5m widths. It comes in 12 on-trend colours across a palette that reflects the demand for calming and relaxing rooms, from shades of sand and light neutrals to pastel lavenders and heather greens.

Both collections have 20-year StainSafe and 15-year wear guarantees.

The company is working to develop a digital version of its November product previews.

‘The pandemic has affected us all in many ways, but it is important that we continue to seek new methods of working and adapting to the situation.

We would love nothing more than to welcome all of our customers to our showroom, but we appreciate that for many this simply won’t be possible. We have tasked our digital creators to create the atmosphere and informative experience of season launch in a virtual setting that means, no matter where you are, you can enjoy the best Balta has to offer,’ says Poelman.

Tel: 00 32 5662 2211

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A-Z OF FLOORING

Sustainable

Covent Garden

Condor Carpets’ recent investment includes a 15,000-panel solar farm Since its foundation in 1992, Condor Carpets, part of the Condor Group, has grown to become one of Europe’s largest carpet manufacturers, supplying wall-to-wall carpeting products for residential and contract applications.

Condor Carpets is optimising its production process through continuous innovation, motivated by a drive to achieve the goal of operational excellence. Its objective is to offer the most sustainable product at the best price/quality ratio in the market.

Sustainability is an important issue for Condor Carpets, which is why it

produces in a responsible manner and products are increasingly made from recycled or bio-based materials instead of virgin petroleum resources. This circular approach fits within the efficient process solutions of the Condor Group.

The optimised production process uses minimal energy, and a private solar farm of 15,000 solar panels that was recently completed results in much lower CO² emissions per sqm of flooring produced.

With a broad and constantly evolving product range, Condor Carpets ensures that its customers can respond to local trends quickly. An important development

The company will be adding to its offer

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

in recent years has been the IntenZa collection. This range features some of the most exclusive products from the Condor Carpets collection with the ultimate in soft carpets. Ranges such as Excellence and Premium have laid the foundations of this collection and have made the name IntenZa well known in the industry.

Going forward there are many more new products to be launched this autumn as Condor Carpets is always looking for new innovations to expand the range.

Visit: www.condor-group.eu/en/carpets

The warehouse roof is covered in solar panels

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A-Z OF FLOORING

HassleFree Finesse in Platinum

On track

Hugh Mackay has a wide range of products ‘First and foremost, hello. Welcome back and thank you for your continued support. It’s been a difficult time but we’re looking forward to getting back on track. We’re thrilled with the way our industry is bouncing back. It’s testimony to the hard work of everyone, which is why we make sure we have everything to help you succeed,’ says Keith Morgan, Hugh Mackay sales director.

‘Quintessential Twist is a superb three-ply satin twist carpet, made from New Zealand wool in an 80/20 mix. This range has been designed and crafted with quality in mind, from the double sheared finish for that unbeatable

underfoot comfort, to the specific colour palette, developed with the help of industry-leading interior designers. This range really does have it all.

‘With HassleFree Finesse, every step you take is a soft one as you enter into a world of comfort and style. This luxurious modern range is made from 100% polyester for a longer lasting, quality finish that will stand the test of time and handle busy households with ease.

Our stunning two-ply, stain-resistant collection is bleach-cleanable making it a must for any family home. Combine style, comfort and strength as you choose from 16 specially selected shades

Durham Edition Rockface

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

designed to complement any decor.

‘Durham Edition takes the best of the classic herringbone style and reimagines it through a clever use of contrasting colours. This contemporary range is made from a quality 80% wool blend, and there is also a choice of 12 specially selected colours to suit any decor.

Combining the strength of the natural world and a stylistic design, this range is perfectly suited to busy homes looking for a unique and understated look.’

All three collections are available in 4m and 5m widths and suitable for extra-heavy domestic use.

Tel: 01429 892 555

Quintessential Twist Dawn Mist

A-Z OF FLOORING

Rann of Kutch vinyl

Bologna engineered wood

Inspirations

The ground provides the inspiration for Parador’s latest collection Ground is a space for living and the indispensable basis for nutrition and shelter. It is the foundation for individual and collective human action. People dance, laugh, cry, play sports, pray, celebrate, demonstrate on the ground – practically every human activity requires ground. In times when people stand together for freedom, justice and their personal ideals, places become meeting points where big and small stories are written and the world is changed.

For Parador, ground is the ultimate metaphor for understanding, diversity, tolerance and life. In its search for locations and points of view that bring people together, it has encountered inspiring places and characters whose stories it recounts. The result is fascinating pictures and interesting reports from all over the world.

It has incorporated what is special about these places into its first One Ground design collection, which focuses on the story behind the ground. Eight new floorcoverings have been created that combine the inspiration of the places with the design of your home.

Bologna and Copenhagen appear in oak engineered wood flooring. Here you can choose between dark smoked oak wood with milling and the light, typically

Scandinavian with dark elements.

If you prefer vinyl, Rann of Kutch is an option. With its violet shades and subtle ornamentation, this design is reminiscent of the folkloric craftsmanship of the Gujarati. Hangzhou, on the other hand, combines the look of Asian roof shingles with modern concrete style.

Malaga and Rotterdam bring two laminates to the collection. Here, the combination of shapes and colours in a vintage tile look is fascinating in the first

instance, and a wood and metal combination in warm brown and cool turquoise tones in the second.

The resilient Modular ONE floorcovering developed by Parador is also part of the collection. While Essen inspires with linear structures in rusty brown and steel grey, the Athens design, with the appearance of white marble, provides sophisticated modernity in the living room.

Visit: www.parador.eu

Malaga laminate

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A-Z OF FLOORING

A variety of products are available to protect floors from damage

Being safe

Gill Finch

Protection can boost sales and customer goodwill ‘Will be 2020 the year when you seize the opportunity?’ challenges Gill Finch, Stroolmount md. ‘It’s going to get tough, so get some protection.

‘The flooring and furniture trade is re-emerging from Covid-19 but furlough finishes soon and redundancies will increase, with money being tight.

Regional lockdowns are increasing, But you can change your destiny in just a few minutes with Stroolmount’s flooring

and furniture protection products.

‘Our Protect & Care range safeguards flooring in seconds from scratches caused by chairs, tables, armchairs, sofas, cabinets, desks, wardrobes, chests of drawers, bedside cabinets and more. This glut of potential dangers is a glorious opportunity for you to sell our products online on your website as an add-on.

‘Retailers can take sales to the next level. People don’t think about protection

but they should. Retailers can profit from promoting protection options on their website. Don’t just have Stroolmount products as a separate sales item: have them as an add-on option at the checkout. Or for even better results, as a prompt next to the product description.

‘Just think about how many items of furniture you sell – or total up all the furniture that all your customers have in their homes. Hundreds, thousands of items. Now multiply that number by four – since most furniture has at least four legs. That’s how many extra sales you can gain for no extra effort.

‘Never throw away a sale. Don’t miss out on add-on sales. Don’t miss out on the extra profit. Don’t miss out on extra opportunities to sell new product as customers return to you more often, and don’t drive customers into DIY stores.

You’re smart enough to realise a great opportunity when you see one: so don’t miss out on this.’

Visit: www.stroolmount.co.uk

Stroolmount was among the Interiors Monthly Awards 2020 winners

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

A-Z OF FLOORING

Now here

Segno FSC wood

Tarkett has added to its offer ‘In spring of 2020 we had a significant new product update planned for Rhinofloor and Tarkett cushioned vinyl ranges. We would not normally let a global pandemic stop us getting new colours out to the market, however this time the odds were not in our favour.

Now, as of October, we are able to present our updated Goliath collection as well as the ever popular Gripstar range, and four new ranges of Rhinofloor product,’ says Steve Urwin, Tarkett UK and Ireland marketing manager.

Rhinofloor Elite maintains all of the most popular colours of the higher end price point with an injection of new colours within a much rationalised collection. This has created room for

three new ranges.

‘Townhouse offers metropolitan chic at the mid-price point, though with a formidable 0.35mm wear layer. Rhinotex introduces a completely new and stunning array of textile-backed colours, while Rhino Parquet picks up on the decorative wood trend at a keen price.

This parquet collection would look great on a roll rack,’ says Urwin.

‘Last year we launched our glue-down collection Inspiration by Tarkett, now in UK stock with national distribution. The range is 12 colours of UK styled woods and stones with each colour available in a mini-plank 10cm x 50cm format for herringbone and other decorative type installations. This range is manufactured

in Europe, which seems to be a very strong selling point these days, and supported by a locally developed samples presentation.

‘Just to keep things varied, Tarkett is still producing wood ranges from our European factories in Sweden and Poland and we now have a beautiful FSC accredited collection of 12cm x 60cm mini-plank parquet in six colours.

This glue-down tongue and groove range is named Segno and is also available from our UK warehouse.

‘We are delighted to welcome back our residential sales team, all currently working full time and available for consultations – online or otherwise.’

Contact: marketing@tarkett.com Inspiration LVT by Tarkett

New Rhinofloor Parquet

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BUYING GROUPS

Future vision

AIS has combined its furniture, flooring and homeware divisions

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drive the business onwards and upwards, increasing buying power and working with our loyal supplier base to seek out profitable opportunities and support for the benefit of our valued independent members,’ says Cox. As well as giving access to exclusive product ranges, negotiated buying terms and discounts, AIS membership also offers unique benefits including: Cenpac, for central payment of accounts from preferred AIS suppliers; procurement, to save members money across areas such as utilities, low-energy lighting, waste, insurance and more; and partnership trading, which continually monitors and controls merchandise standards.

‘The team at AIS is extremely proud of our history and longevity and is looking forward to a bright future,’ says Cox. Tel: 0121 713 4465

AIS is the largest non-food buying group of its kind in the UK, with a membership of some 330 independent specialist retailers and department stores. It was formed in 1976 from the merger of Associated Department Stores and Independent Stores Association. In 1987 the business moved to its current headquarters in Solihull, from where it hosts a variety of trade shows for members and the general trade.

The business is entering an exciting time of change, with a new md, Sue Kemp, at the helm and a transformational agenda to bring a more commercial and customer-focused approach. AIS has evolved and prevailed through three recessions, and now also a pandemic, to champion independent retailers for 44 years.

Kemp joined AIS in late 2019 from

theme park and attractions operator Merlin Entertainments, where she was most recently group retail director, and has been in the role since July.

Kemp will be forging a clear vision for the business to take it into the next decade. In order to benefit from economies of scale and maximise product and trend synergies, Kemp recently merged the furniture, homewares and Flooring One divisions into one Furniture & Home division, under the leadership of Julian Cox as director of furniture and home and Rachel Breen as divisional controller.

‘One of AIS’s key strengths is our passionate team and the focus they have on members. The Furniture & Home team have vast knowledge of the independent retail sector, giving members access to a wealth of experience. We are eager to

Julian Cox

Homeware joins flooring and furniture in the new division

Interiors Monthly October 2020

Associated Independent Stores The leading furniture & home buying group

We are dedicated to supporting our members in this ever-changing market.

Exclusive product ranges, deals and rebates are just a few beneďŹ ts of membership, together with access to services such as procurement, imports, compliance, HR, training and marketing.

AIS Members gain the advantages of a multiple, whilst retaining their independence. www.aistores.co.uk

20135 Interiors Monthly Ad FINAL.indd 1

23/09/2020 14:30

BUYING GROUPS

New look

The lower ground floor of Beevers’ Whitby store was transformed

Retailers are using their membership to transform their stores In the 40 years since Metro introduced the concept of pooling buying power to compete against the national chains, a lot has changed in the marketplace. No longer just looking to achieve the best terms and prices, Metro has been expanded to also assist its members to sell high-performing products at a profit.

What has been developed is a group of independent retailers – from the smallest one-man operation to multiple-outlet businesses. Retaining independence is important to Metro Group members, who are always given the opportunity to participate in group activity. This allows them to use all of the best benefits of group membership while being 100% in

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control of their own businesses.

The group’s marketing service has a distinct advantage: it is completely bespoke. It understands that retailers work in differing marketplaces and locations, so having access to a whole host of marketing resources means that Metro Group members have a wealth of experience open to them and facilities custom-made to suit their needs.

One member that has taken great advantage of the marketing service is Beevers, with branches in Middlesbrough, Bridlington, Scarborough and Whitby.

Over the past couple of years Metro Group has helped to transform its appearance with displays and internal

and external signage – all bespoke to Beevers and covering all aspects of its business, not only flooring.

The latest project was to develop the company’s LVT, vinyl and hard floor department at Whitby, which occupies a lower ground floor location with high ceilings. The project included covering large areas of bland wall space with digitally printed matt wall graphics and laser-cut gloss acrylic lettering and logo, all on a very large scale.

The project was designed and manufactured completely in-house and installed in only two days by the marketing team with dramatic results.

Visit: www.carpet1st.co.uk

Alpine White

NEW FRIBO Coming soon...

A modern Scandinavian interior design that is super cosy with simple shapes and natural wood. Fribo is the very essence of minimalistic creating a true timeless furniture collection.

The distinctive features of this collection include lightly textured smooth fronts, fully extending sliding drawers, and a handleless system with a beautiful geometric finish.

Fans of minimalism will love this collection in alpine white or add a warm atmosphere with the ribbeck oak gold colourway.

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

Ribbeck Oak Gold 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

LVT Colorado

Fit for purpose

Preparation is vital

Installation is key when laying LVT ‘A long-lasting, visually attractive finish when installing LVT involves following basic principles of subfloor preparation, as well as taking precautions to avoid common causes of floor failure. Selecting the optimum products at each stage of the process will help achieve professional results,’ says Stephen Boulton, F Ball technical service manager.

‘The first step in any floorcovering installation should be to check that the subfloor is suitably sound, smooth and dry. Any laitance, the crust of fine particles formed on the surface of a screed as it dries, or contaminants should be mechanically removed before proceeding. Otherwise, they will compromise the ability of a flooring adhesive or levelling compound to bond effectively with the subfloor.

‘At this stage, a moisture test should always be conducted to determine if

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the subfloor is dry enough to receive floorcoverings. Excess subfloor moisture, whether residual construction moisture or rising damp, can attack flooring adhesives and cause resilient floorcoverings to blister and lift, ruining the appearance and, in extreme cases, causing complete floor failure.

‘Excess subfloor moisture is by far the leading cause of floor failure. A calibrated digital hygrometer in line with British Standards should be used to measure moisture levels. Where relative humidity levels are higher than 75% and resilient floorcoverings will be installed, a moisture management solution will be required. Liquid waterproof surface membranes are available that will isolate excess subfloor moisture where relative humidity values are up to 98%, with a single coat application, and fully cure in as little as three hours.

‘A levelling compound should then be applied over the subfloor, normally at a thickness of 2mm-3mm, to create a perfectly smooth and level surface onto which the LVT can be installed. This ensures that the visual appearance of the floorcovering is flawless and not compromised by imperfections in the subfloor. The application of a heavy-duty levelling compound with high compressive strength and excellent self-levelling properties is recommended to create the perfect base for the installation of LVT. ‘When working over flexible subfloors, including plywood or steel, the use of a flexible levelling compound is advised instead, to accommodate movements in the subfloor and prevent cracking in the levelling compound affecting the finished appearance of an installation.

‘In most cases, before the levelling

LVT Suitable adhesives should be used to prevent solar gain

Apply a heavy-duty levelling compound to create the perfect base for LVT

compound is installed it will be necessary to prime the subfloor. When used over non-absorbent surfaces, such as waterproof surface membranes, primers promote adhesion between the subfloor and the levelling compound applied over it. Applied over absorbent subfloors, they also stop the unacceptably rapid drying of levelling compounds.

‘Priming also prevents “pinholing”.

These are small holes in the levelling compound that have the appearance of pinholes or blisters and are caused by the slow escape of air from absorbent surfaces as the compound cures.

‘General-purpose primers are available that can be used over both absorbent and non-absorbent surfaces. There are also specialist primers for use over nonabsorbent surfaces and ones for calcium sulphate screeds.

‘Where an LVT installation is part of a refurbishment and old adhesive residues are present after the removal of old floorcoverings, specialist levelling compounds are available that can be applied straight over old adhesive residues, without the need to prime beforehand, removing the need for

mechanical preparation. This saves time without compromising on finish.

‘Pressure sensitive adhesives are often the best choice for installing vinyl tiles or planks. They form an instant grab upon contact, so fitters don’t need to worry about tiles or planks moving about when they are working, making them ideal for situations where intricate designs or patterns are being created.

‘F Ball’s Styccobond F46 pressure sensitive adhesive is also specially formulated to reduce the incidence of

trowel serrations shadowing through thin vinyl floorcoverings, a common problem also known as “grin-through”, which will compromise the finished appearance of your bespoke flooring installation. This can be further guarded against by going over the adhesive with a roller pre-coated with adhesive, to flatten the ridges formed by the trowel.

‘The adhesive is part of F Ball’s System LVT range, which comprises waterproof surface membranes, primers, levelling compounds and adhesives that when used correctly and in combination are guaranteed to result in an aesthetically pleasing floor finish that lasts the lifetime of the installation. The range also features pressure-sensitive adhesives with a variety of other specialist attributes, including the ability to hold flooring firmly in place in areas exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations from minus 20degC to 60degC. ‘High temperatures or extreme temperature fluctuations can cause floorcoverings to expand and contract significantly. This can be the case in conservatories or rooms with floor-toceiling windows, which are subject to “solar gain”. Over time, this can lead to unsightly tenting and gapping at the edges of floorcoverings.

‘It is highly recommended that the compatibility of particular floorcoverings and adhesives is checked. For this purpose we produce the Recommended Adhesives Guide, which lists adhesives for use with more than 6,000 floorcoverings produced by over 200 manufacturers. It is available as a free app or a printed booklet. An interactive version can also be found on our website. Alternatively, consult the manufacturer’s guidelines.’

Visit: www.f-ball.com

Digital hygrometers should be used to check moisture levels

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LVT

Love it

Olivia Bowen

Olivia Bowen has created a contemporary kitchen with Karndean Designflooring TV personalities Olivia and Alex Bowen, who met on ITV reality show Love Island, moved into their Essex house earlier this year after falling in love with the luxurious space on offer. The couple have wasted no time in creating a stunning contemporary home with bags of glamour.

One of the first projects to be completed, a spacious kitchen/dining/ living area, has been created where the lounge used to be, making the most of the characterful curved room.

A practical utility room, complete with bespoke dog shower, has been converted from the adjoining office.

Over six weeks, a team of builders have created a sociable kitchen with an understated beach-house vibe in calming tones of cream and grey. One wall has been opened out on to the patio, with extensive sliding doors for an indoors-outdoors feel, increasing the natural light that floods into the openplan space and highlighting the intricate grain and soft rustic appearance of the Coastal Sawn Oak flooring from Karndean Designflooring’s Knight Tile collection.

‘Karndean was always my first choice for luxury vinyl flooring. It was so hard to choose our favourite design but in the

Above and top: Karndean Designflooring Knight Tile in Coastal Sawn Oak is used throughout

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

end we went for Coastal Sawn Oak from the Knight Tile range. We considered laying it lengthways but we just loved the herringbone pattern,’ says Olivia.

Light grey Shaker-style units and a double butler sink give a traditional country look with a contemporary twist and have been topped with Bianco Carrera quartz marble, which offers an opulent yet practical worksurface. A central island features the hob and a breakfast bar so that Olivia can chat to her guests while she cooks.

In the sitting area, a sofa has been piled with cushions and throws for an informal space to chill out and socialise, while a large dining table has been sited next to the patio doors and can comfortably seat eight for dinner. Here Olivia has added interesting industrial touches in the shape of a large mirror and tripod spotlight lamp.

‘I wanted everything to be perfect and it has actually come out exactly how I imagined it.

‘The floor has very muted tones but still has the detailed wood-grain effect and it creates such a chilled, calm, beachy feel. It’s also super-easy to look after – much easier than real wood – and quiet underfoot, and warm too. In fact, we love it that much we’re using it across the whole ground floor of the house,’ she says.

Visit: www.karndean.com

DESIGN

Next generation

Marking its 35th Awards, New Designers celebrated with a difference New Designers offers students unrivalled engagement with established brands within the design industry and the opportunity to win financial investment, mentoring and even the chance to develop their submission into a product on the market. With more than 900 entries from universities across the UK, this year’s awards programme followed a new format

New Designer of the Year Award in association with Creative Conscience and the Business Design Centre: Environmental Design Award WINNER: IMOGEN GRAY, BA (HONS) 3D Design and Craft at the University of Brighton

that allowed students to gain a better understanding of producing and delivering within the timescale of a true working environment. Each award partner developed and published a specific brief that students had six weeks to respond to before their submission was reviewed by a panel of judges.

Here are the interiors winners. Visit: www.newdesigners.com

The Conran Shop Design Award WINNER: FRANK WINTER Product and Furniture Design at Kingston University The Workshop Series evolved from working with a mitre clamp. From this, Winter developed a collection based on the concept of a single structural joint, with each variation of the series containing a different component. This allows for alternate  constructions that prioritise stacking feasibility or structural performance.

Every year, 800,000 tonnes of leather scraps end up on landfill. A Lust for Leather demonstrates Gray’s journey to redirect the offcuts used by local craftspeople in her area away from waste sites. The scrap pieces were eventually repurposed into a new composition material that goes beyond the natural limitations of leather, allowing the material to be cast in moulds. ‘Imogen looked at a huge environmental issue through a pragmatic lens, deep research and practical outcomes. We were really impressed with the level of thought, her design principles and techniques,’ says Chrissy Livett, Creative Conscience ceo.

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DESIGN

Belmond Award WINNER: ALEXANDRA CARR, BA (HONS) 3D Design (Designer Maker) at University of Plymouth Cluster is a series of lamps made through an amalgamation of 3D-printed components and hand sewing to create bespoke groupings of shapes illuminated from behind. By combining modern and traditional techniques, Carr experimented with finding ways to attach a sense of preciousness to objects made from polylactic acid.

Sainsbury’s Argos Home Award: Future Thinking – Print, Materials & Surface Pattern WINNER: GEMMA SINGLETON BA (Hons) Textiles at Bucks New University Tokyo to Kyoto is a journey into Japanese culture while exploring the visual concept and sensory benefits of biophilic design. Through botanical motifs and a bold colour palette, Singleton developed a clear narrative centred around the culture of local Japanese fish markets.

Task Lighting Award by Anglepoise WINNER: BETHAN JONES BA Product Design at Bournemouth University Working by Candlelight is a project that responds to the evolving working environment that has emerged due to COVID-19. As the workforce gets more comfortable with the idea of working from home, many of us are finding it harder to separate our work and home lives. This light helps to prompt the user to take breaks and stop work by providing a visual representation of the time that has passed.

MOO Design Identity Award WINNER: NINA NAVERSNIK Product and Furniture Design at Birmingham City University This elegant light is made from a recyclable steel frame, with a biodegradable sugarcane head. ‘It all started with an intriguing shape, reminiscent of an inquisitive being curiously leaning to one side. The more time I spent with this character, the more I learned about it,’ says Naversnik.

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DESIGN

Royal Doulton Tableware Award WINNER: RACHEL TOYE Textile Design at The Glasgow School of Art

Romo Award for Innovation in Design and Colour WINNER: ISABEL EGAN Textile Design BA at Nottingham Trent University The Novus collection captures the subtle movement of nature in a palette of fresh, uplifting and contemporary tones. Reimagining hazy landscapes, as delicate brush strokes capture the fluid movement of wild untamed grass and summer meadows, it evokes a serene setting.

This collection of contemporary printed tableware encourages colour and print into the home through an everyday object. Snippet features hand-drawn designs inspired by texture and colours found in urban materials such as concrete, wood and metal. The judges commended Toye for ‘understanding the changing needs of the modern consumer with fresh and innovative designs that beautifully express her own personal style.’

Thrown Contemporary Ceramics Award WINNER: NADIRE GOKMEN Three-Dimensional Design at Manchester School of Art Rust print is a slip-casting process that allows the rusted surface of steel to be directly transferred on to clay. The forms are high-fired, trapping rust’s ephemeral patina as a permanent trace on the clay body. The result is a sophisticated marble-like surface that would stand out on a variety of ceramic products.

Sainsbury's Argos Home Award: Future Thinking – Product Innovation, Design & Furniture WINNER: LUKE FOSTER BA Product Design at Nottingham Trent University

Harlequin Award WINNER: MOLLY MARNOCH Textile Design at Leeds Arts University Marnoch’s interiors project Overlooked Sublime explores the balance between texture, tone and colour. She worked with natural dyes and exposed paint to mirror the earthy tones commonly found amid the British landscape.

The Asset stool offers three types of saddle: a backrest, a side table and a tray, positioning the product as an ideal choice for the recent move to remote working.

In utilising threaded legs to pinch the saddle and seat together, the assembly remains screwless. The project was described by judges as ‘a commercial product piece with a wellness lens and executed by using sustainable materials.’

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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DESIGN The VWork collection

Colorado

Good wood

Five designs are competing for furniture production in the Wood Awards Chamfer dining table

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Interiors Monthly October 2020

The VWork collection, designed by Pengelly Design for Modus Furniture, was born from parent product VTable, a domestic dining table originally designed in 1993. It is named after its distinctive V-shaped joinery, which uses the inherent strength of the V section to both support and stabilise the top, as well as providing means by which to attach the legs.

After a conversation with Modus about the need for a wood-based table system for workplaces, Pengelly proposed a modular system of tables that further utilise the V section to support cables and sockets for charging and running computer equipment and mobile devices.

As well as working well functionally, the V and leg components convey a sense of longevity and craftsmanship.

The natural materials offer a less formal solution for the workplace and humanise the environment. The collection, which

DESIGN Tenon tables

Barking Up The Wrong Log

Bundle Trestle

uses European oak, includes the Work Desk which has a variety of accessories, the Hot Desk, designed to suit a more temporary style of working, the Standing Desk available in three lengths, and the VWork benches which are constructed in exactly the same way as the tables.

The Chamfer dining table, by Ben Fowler and made by Marque, is part of a collection of furniture that draws its character from a combed chamfer detail.

The collection uses an extremely strong and expressive chamfered comb joint. It is made using angled cutters to produce an elegant, slim tapered leg detail at each corner. This allows the central leaf to simply pop up from the middle of the table once the outer leaves have been opened. The Chamfer collection is available in maple or American cherry finished with Danish oil.

Designer Daniel Schofield has taken a pragmatic approach to the design of the Tenon table. Material has been removed where it is not needed, leaving the base weighted and stable, which naturally creates the joint for the top. The oversized wedged tenon has become a focal point, highlighting the construction of the piece and the quality of craftsmanship.

A combination of wood turning, CNC machinery and hand jointing have been used to create each piece. The table, which uses ash and Italian oak, is available in two sizes.

Barking Up The Wrong Log, by Charlotte Kingsnorth, questions identity and disguises. Kingsnorth has a deep interest in deconstructed archetypes as well as Jean Baudrillard’s concept of the hyperreal – the inability to distinguish reality from a simulation of reality.

Each oak log is individually selected for its character. As well as having a function each piece is also a standalone artwork. First, the log is de-barked and sanded smooth. The surface is then blackened using the Japanese charring technique shou sugi ban. Bark markings, usually found on birch trees, are hand carved to reveal the natural colouring of the wood beneath. The notched markings also transform the wood stump into a caricature of itself.

Bundle Trestle was created using Origin, the world’s first handheld, augmentedreality-aided CNC (computer numerical control) machine. Studio Thor was approached by Origin to create a trestle version of its existing desk design

specifically for the CNC. The trestle is part of Origin’s premium projects, an online platform where users can buy designs to execute themselves. It is comprised of five pieces of timber that cleverly slot together with no need for hardware or glue. When not in use, the parts come apart with ease to form a bundle for easy storage or transport.

Origin’s handheld CNC router is essentially ‘autocorrect for your hands’.

You do the coarse motions by sliding the router around, while the spindle does the fine motions, adjusting to the drawing.

The machine fixes itself to the work using a specially developed tape which results in repeated precision. The Origin allows you to make precession jigs, which is expensive and therefore generally not done on industrial flatbed CNC machines.

Due to the high precision, the final trestle pieces need minimal hand sanding. A skilled woodworker can easily produce a Bundle Trestle in any type of local hardwood in just a weekend.

The winners of the awards will be announced towards the end of November, with the exact date yet to be confirmed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Visit: www.woodawards.com

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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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24/09/2020 16:54

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