Solidfloor Catazine English

FOR EVE R YOU R S Solidfloor™ 2014 -2015 | €4 ,95

Your Inspirational Guide to Interior Style

‘I truly believe that design makes you happier’ Sir Terence Conran — Timeless elegance The Thonet philosophy — A lifelong friendship with wood Andrea Brugi — A Hollands Huys in NY — The art of combining Karin Meyn

Lifestyle | Glacier

FOREWORD

Dear reader, Please enjoy our catazine.

We thought it would be very special if we were to translate the uniqueness of our wooden flooring by presenting our catalogue in the style of an interior design magazine.

As experienced manufacturers of what may be Europe’s most comprehensive collection of high-quality wooden flooring and matching accessories, we we are aware of the fact that a well-chosen wooden floor adds value to interior design.

Wood adds warmth and atmosphere to any home. It is timeless, durable, long-lasting and, like all natural materials, will only improve with age.

Every wooden floor is unique due to the character of the living material it is made from.

Just like every home is a unique reflection of the personality of its owner.

For us, wood means atmosphere, warmth, craftsmanship, timelessness and durability. We chose the subjects in our magazine by staying true to these key values: special people and companies which are renowned in the world of interior design, craftsmanship and design.

Therefore, our catazine is more than just a lifestyle magazine. You can also use it as a handy reference tool, which offers useful information about our entire collection of wooden floors and the opinions of the various specialists who are featured in the catazine.

We hope you enjoy many hours of reading pleasure with our catazine. Hopefully you will come to visit us at one of our dealers or maybe you will invite us to your home or office.

With kind regards, Solidfloor... forever yours

CONTENT Forever yours 2014 /201 5

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4 ‘I truly believe that design makes you happier’ Sir Terence Conran — 10 Timeless elegance The Thonet philosophy — 14 For the love of wood Akiko Kuwahata — 16 The artisan designs of Vroonland & Vaandrager Sjoerd Vroonland and Arjan Vaandrager — 18 A lifelong friendship with wood Andrea Brugi — 24 A Dutch Huys in NY

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30 The art of combining Karin Meyn — 36 Aspects of light Aleksandar Rublek — 40 ‘Not just another canvas on the wall’ LiNK art company — 44 The visual lightness of design James Mair — 48 Always on the move Mobilia — 50 Sources of inspiration books

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‘I TRULY BELIEVE THAT DESIGN MAKES YOU HAPPIER’ Sir Terence Conran

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‘What is good design?’ Perhaps most surprising is that I got the best answer from a 10-year-old boy I met when I gave a lecture at the Design Museum.

W

ith a career as a designer spanning over sixty years, some call him The Godfather of British design.

Sir Terence’s CV (1931), designer, author, retailer, entrepreneur and restaurateur, is as long as an arm and reads like a novel. Impressive is just a word. But the main achievement of the man who has plenty of ideas for the rest of this century, is beyond a doubt that he made good and affordable design available to a wide audience. First just his own countrymen, followed by the rest of the globe.

‘The question I have asked perhaps more than any other, but always end up tying myself in knots trying to answer - what is good design? So it is perhaps surprising that the most accurate definition I have heard came from a ten-year-old boy I met while I was giving a talk at the Design Museum. I asked what good design meant to them and he simply said: ‘design makes us think about problems and solve them with our own ideas.’

Why hadn’t I thought of that? The role of the designer is to create solutions to the problems we face in life.

Find what you really like and what suits you, and if you get a satisfying combination of light and colour, materials and products, you will create a timeless look to refresh your spirits for years to come. Choose your pieces carefully and allow simplicity and functionality to be your guides.

If I am buying furniture, I always look for three simple things - whether it is beautiful, whether it is comfortable and whether it is well made and will last. Then I look at the price tag and hope I can afford it! What I can tell you is that if something has been designed badly it will be apparent immediately because it will not work properly, it will not look quite right and will age badly. Bad design will give you very little lasting pleasure.

I would never want to go into somebody’s home and find it to be entirely furnished by Conran or Habitat furniture and products. Your home should reflect your own personality and not mine, or somebody else’s from a television makeover programme.

I think that in these quite maddening times people are increasingly saving up to buy good quality, wellmade products that they know will last them a lifetime.

Consumers are intelligent and they know that even if money is tight, buying a cheap product or piece of furniture that will need to be replaced in a year is a false economy. It will also give them very little pleasure or comfort.

I have always mixed and matched styles because it helps make modernism more interesting - antique furnishings with the very best of contemporary design, expensive purchases along with cheap or even free objects that some people may not have noticed. If you like something and it gives you joy to look at or use then why not?

One of the things that gives me the greatest pleasure is an antique table I bought in a market in the Provence - it was almost falling apart and the seller practically gave it to me but I spent time restoring it to its true beauty and now it is one of the favourite objects. If you have a keen eye, quality doesn’t always have to cost a fortune.

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TIMELESS ELEGANCE The Thonet philosophy: • 10 screws • 2 nuts • 6 parts • 1 idea

‘

S

implicity is the ultimate form of sophistication.’

This statement by Leonardo da Vinci is still applicable to Thonet’s chair Nr. 14 four centuries later. This Viennese coffeehouse chair from the renowned German furniture brand started a furniture revolution in 1859.

Le Corbusier, one of the pioneers of modern architecture, was of the opinion that a ‘practical object had never before been better and more elegantly designed or made with greater care’.

Thonet was the first to introduce an affordable massproduced chair that was elegant and comfortable. It was mass produced but it retained the charm of a handmade product. Since they began its continuous production, the chair not only achieved the status of a design icon, it could perhaps now be considered as the archetype of the chair. And now a 150 years later, it is still a source of inspiration for the world of design, such as the interpretation of James Irvine’s version for Muji.

Michael Thonet, the founder of the German family business that was founded in 1819, was an outstanding furniture maker, designer and true pioneer in the field of innovative technical solutions.

Together with his sons, Thonet perfected the technique of steaming beech. This made it possible to quickly and easily make a good low cost chair for the masses from only six components. This method represented a turning point in the production of furniture. The solution, which was revolutionary for its time, allowed 36 chairs to be placed in a small crate with a volume of one cubic metre. This was a unique discovery, decreasing the packaging space required for that number of chairs by nearly 90%. This low cost method made it possible to rapidly distribute the chairs all over the world. More than fifty million Nr 14 chairs were sold between 1859 and 1930.

Thonet has always distinguished itself through innovative production techniques. Besides perfecting the technique for steaming and bending wood, the company was known in the 1930s for its high-quality methods of bending steel tubes for the frames of, for example, the famous chairs that Mart Stam and Marcel Breuer designed for the brand. But this great reputation is also the result of the consistent drive in which, the company focused on forging long-term partnerships with carefully selected architects and designers for their brand.

Over the course of more than sixty years, Thonet worked with designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, Marcel Breuer, Mart Stam, and more recently Verner Panton, James Irvine, Piero Lissoni, Stefan Diez, Norman Foster and the Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa.

Thonet was, is and always will remain a close-knit family business. Philipp Thonet represent the fifth generation of Thonets at the helm and they are supported by the next Thonet generation: Felix en Percy. For the first time in its existence the company appointed an external CEO who took over from the end 2013 retired Peter Thonet.

The family also includes employees who feel closely connected with ‘their company’. Some have been associated with Thonet for generations and have grown up with the company of which they are so proud. In the production and assembly halls, the staff are focussed on ‘their’ seat or another design. For the most part, many of the designs are still being made by hand. Even chair Nr 14 is made in almost the same way, using the same tools, just like in the early days.

Philipp Thonet goes into the workplace, occasionally stopping for a casual conversation with an employee, whilst talking about his passion for high-quality and welldesigned furniture. This passion has been passed on from generation to generation since Michael Thonet.

It is deeply embedded in the genes of the family, and in the brand. This does not mean that Philipp will rest on his laurels in 2014, he will strive continuously to keep the brand fresh and exciting.

Always looking for innovations in order to continuously improve his products; by viewing the future from a different perspective while listening to the needs of his customers and the market. These are precisely the qualities that his ancestor, Michael, founded the company on.

The Thonet family is proud of the business. Philipp shows this in his own way, by staying loyal to the modest nature of his family and purity of the brand.

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The passion for the brand has been passed on from generation to generation since Michael Thonet.

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F OR T HE LOV E OF WOOD

Akiko Kuwahata is a Japanese designer and a master in working with wood. After her interior design studies at the art academy of the Nihon University in Japan, she worked as a furniture maker for several years. Afterwards, she studied architecture in Aarhus.

Nowadays, she lives and works in Copenhagen and is married to a Danish master craftsman, who makes the famous Wishbone chair. Her modest and perfectly finished designs, which are undeniably rooted in the Japanese tradition, have won various prestigious awards.

She still has fond memories of her university days at the Nihon University where she studied traditional Japanese architecture and fine carpentry under an inspiring professor. The beauty and functionality of the old details are still a source of inspiration in her work. In her table STiTCH, the fine stitches of wax on the table remind us of an old Japanese embroidery hoop.

‘I design high-quality functional items from wood.

In this way, I want to increase the interest in well-made

wooden objects that we use in daily life. I mainly work with wood. When I design something new and I look for the right shape, the answer always lies in studying the potential of the material. That is why it is necessary for me to work with wood myself.

During my studies, I discovered the unique qualities of wood and when I was working as a furniture maker, I learned about the utmost importance in the quality of the material and the finishing. I strive to create beautiful products that are pleasant to touch.’

Being attentive to everyday objects is an essential part of the Japanese culture. Functionality is therefore an inextricable part of that, as is striving for beauty. This explains Akiko’s wish to want to stimulate the attention for simple, well-made objects. Her love for her beloved wood material and its multifaceted character are the basis for every design. It fits with her mission to open our eyes to the unique properties of wood.

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T HE A R T I SA N D ESI G N S OF VROONL A N D & VAA N D R AG ER

Sjoerd Vroonland and Arjan Vaandrager share a passion for wood, high-quality technical artisan solutions and refined details. In addition to designing under their label which they started in 2010, both men—who call themselves ‘explorative artisan designers’—are often hired by other brands, such as MOOOI, and are asked to develop designs for projects.

The two men complement each other perfectly.

Sjoerd Vroonland designs and Arjan Vaandrager is product developer.

The basis of every design is always the question of what value a chair nowadays possesses. Is it purely functional or a showpiece, or does it express a story, an expression of an era and therefore also of the technical capabilities of a certain era?

The homepage of their website shows a few classic designs. These have been selected because of their iconic value, but moreover because of the special artisan qualities of a piece of furniture. Designs are completely dissected and translated into modern times with new techniques and solutions.

In this fashion, chair No.14 stood at the base of the Rocking Bead Chair. The mix between authentic design and silhouette is essential. The use of beads allowed to create the curve that is so characteristic to the Thonet chair with its back-support of steamed and curved beech wood. This creates a construction that is both aesthetic and modern.

Love for craftsmanship expresses itself in the drive to create insight into the details. Vroonland makes parts visible that are usually concealed.

The connections clearly show how a design is constructed and fits together. This is clearly visible in the Pin Table, in which the construction of the slots inspired by old-fashioned wooden laundry pins.

It is the combination of artisan craftsmanship, a clear concepts and insight into the actual value of a piece of furniture or other design, that is what makes Vroonland & Vaandrager a unique, yet accessible brand.

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A LIFELONG FRIENDSHIP WITH WOOD Andrea Brugi

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D

eep in the tranquil heart of the almost forgotten countryside of southern Tuscany’s Maremma lies the medieval town of Montemerano.

As far as the eye can see, this town is surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards full of spicy Sangiovese grapes. The rugged landscape and way of life seem untouched by modern times.

This is the home of the internationally acclaimed artisan designers Andrea Brugi, his Danish wife Samina and their lovely daughter Gloria.

Samina was born and raised in Copenhagen, where she led a very hectic life as a successful advertising film producer for a production company. But that changed in the summer of 2004 when she met Andrea during a visit to Montemerano. At that time he worked as a master carpenter restoring old houses and antiques. It was love at first sight. Samina decided to trust her heart: she gave up her home and her job, she sold all her belongings and she moved to Italy.

For the first nine months she worked on the farm of her parents in law. It was a wonderful opportunity to get

to know them, and to learn the language and culture.

And she did this very well. According to Italian tradition, almost the entire village came to their wedding.

‘Where does your interest for wood come from?’

Samina asked her husband shortly after they met. She laughs as she remembers the puzzled expression on his face. ‘I was born among the olive groves. My whole life, wood has been my best friend.’ he replied, shaking his head.

Renovating historic homes requires the special skills which Andrea has. His technical insight can be explained by his years of studying engineering. In those days he would occasionally make a wooden chopping board as a gift or just for fun.

Samina’s old network did not forget her. ‘Why don’t we come to you to make productions?’ they asked her.

And within a few months of leaving Denmark she began working on photo shoots for lifestyle magazines and prominent customers such as Donna Hay. Their charming home proved to be the perfect backdrop for photo shoots showing off Andrea’s beautiful wooden

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‘I was born among the olive groves.

My whole life, wood has been my best friend.’

chopping boards and other designs, all supervised by Samina who had effortlessly picked up her old profession again.

Landscape, man, and the objects his hands make share the same DNA: pure and authentic, developed in an organic way. Being a craftsman in heart and soul, Andrea is continuously looking for the true grain of the woods he collects and stores. Only the best pieces qualify to be used.

Andrea’s designs seeming to develop effortlessly and naturally. Allowing the character of a piece of wood to decide on its shape and size.

His designs are rustic, yet contemporary, understated and at the same time elegant. It is the honesty and purity of his objects that appeal to a wide audience in many countries and cultures. Chopping boards, spoons, furniture and other Brugi designs are sold in major design galleries in Europe, USA and Asia.

In recent years, the collection has expanded to include a series of outstanding interior decorations, which are designed and handmade by Samina. Her poetic home accessories are amazingly similar in appearance to those of her husband.

Samina remembers her first steps on the path to becoming a craftswoman. ‘In the beginning we just threw some of Andrea’s pieces of wood into the fireplace. While

we were sitting by the fire, I looked at the pieces of wood and sometimes saw a cottage or an animal. It broke my heart to even throw out the smallest pieces of wood that were chosen with so much care.’ Samina is a fast learner.

Because she shares the workshop with her husband, she has come to know the material and do the work herself.

But together, they have only two pairs of hands, and every detailed piece is made with care and attention and takes hours to manufacture. That explains exactly why their items are so exclusive.

In the chaos of daily life in a hectic world, craftsmanship is more beloved than ever. Getting close to an item that has been created with love and and made with passion fulfils a need in us that is a reflection of the integrity of the maker. It is a valued and respected part of our culture and it deserves to be protected and nurtured.

Passionate artisans like Andrea and Samina bring warmth and beauty to our world.

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Piet Boon® flooring by Solidfloor™ | Plank Shell

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HOLLANDS HUYS IN NY

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our centuries after the discovery of New Amsterdam, enterprising Dutchmen are once again making a name for themselves in New York, The Big Apple. Huys is the stunning transformation of a historic 1917 office building by the Kroonenberg Group into 58 luxury apartments.

Kroonenberg Group collaborates with internationally renowned Dutch interior designer Piet Boon and landscape architect Piet Oudolf. SolidfloorTM Plank is present at this through and through Dutch occasion. Plank is a traditional, yet tough oak floor from the Solidfloor flooring collection and was selected for the stylish model apartment.

The project is critically acclaimed by the (design) press and located in the trendy NoMad district. Most of the apartments were sold long before the planned completion date of spring 2014. NoMad is an emerging residential area.

Huys, at 404 Park Avenue South, offers the ultimate blend of an ambitious project: location, building and a strong executive team. Daylight enters the building from all sides, which is unique in the city. The aforementioned renowned designers are in charge of the design and the Kroonenberg Group chose veteran New York contractor Frank Sciame and architectural architect Carlo Zaskorski to execute the project.

Huys exudes its own (Dutch) roots - from the de-

signers of the building and the roof garden to the lamps and the Frederik Molenschot numbering and, for example, the modern, sophisticated version of the tulip vase from the Koninklijke Tichelaar.

On the sixth floor of Huys, Karin Meyn, responsible within Boon® for interior styling, has furnished a harmonious and elegant model apartment.

The dimensions of each room are striking, as are the high ceilings and the beautiful light that comes in through the high windows, which run from the ceiling all the way down to the floor.

The feeling of spaciousness is enhanced by the wooden floor which is fitted throughout all the rooms, except in the bathroom.

This rugged, washed oak flooring was chosen because it fits perfectly with the sturdy character of the building and because of its authentic weathered look and feel.

The name Huys is a reference to the Stadt Huys: the first New York City Hall, which was built in 1642 by the enterpreneurial Dutchman, Willem Kieft.

In 2013 the energetic Dutch are once again realising a much talked about project in this city. With the same obstinacy, sobriety and passion for quality as the first time.

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Piet Boon® flooring by Solidfloor™ | Plank Shell

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COL L E CTI O N 2014/201 5

SOLIDFLOOR: MAKING YOUR HOME Solidfloor designs and manufactures high-quality wooden floors that provide a warm, intimate atmosphere in all living spaces in your home, but also in hotels, shops and offices. Wood is a beautiful natural material. No tree is the same, which means that every parquet floor is unique as well. That is the appeal of a wooden Solidfloor floor: each house gets its own atmosphere.

Solidfloor represents quality, innovation and design. With innovative finishing techniques we

create a wide range of amazing floors, each with different characteristics. Sleek, modern, classic or aged; Solidfloor’s extensive and current range offers interior solutions for every taste, style and wish.

The wood for our floors has been selected with great care and meets our high quality

requirements, so many generations can enjoy the floor. A Solidfloor floor is easy in maintenance, hygienic and highly durable. That is why our floors come with a 25-year guarantee.

Solidfloor … forever yours.

More detailed information can be found with the Layer app.

Download the free app and scan the page on which you find the Layar-symbol.

THE HISTORY

Solidfloor™ is a brand of the Fetim Group, which was founded in 1919 as the Haarlemse Fijnhouthandel.

Since then, the company has built a great expertise and reputation in the flooring industry. The people who create our top-quality floors are dedicated and experienced Solidfloor has grown to be one of the leading suppliers of wooden floors and is available in over 30 countries.

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POINTS OF SALE Solidfloor is available in over 30 countries. Only the best specialists to sell our collections. The dealer is tested beforehand on knowledge, expertise and customer-friendliness. This high standard ensures that you will receive good advice with respect to measurements, correct installation and aftercare.

Our dealers are dedicated specialists and experts in wood. Visit www.solidfloor.com to check for the nearest Solidfloor dealer in your area.

Lifestyle | Pearl White

25-YEAR GUARANTEE! Solidfloor wooden floors are characterised by high quality and a long life. Quality inspections during the manufacturing process quarantee you are assured of the best floor. Each plank undergoes a strict selection process. The procedure is supervised from start to finish by a specially trained team of experts. That is why only the very best planks bear the name Solidfloor.

You can recognise a Solidfloor floor by the Solidfloor stamp on the back of each plank and the accompanying information leaflet in every packaging. We firmly believe in our floors. That is why Solidfloor provides a 25-year guarantee for all its products.

SUSTAINABLE QUALITY The Solidfloor collections provide interior solutions for every taste, style and wish. We supply floors for sustainable and pleasant living. Products that are not only beautiful, but also safe and functional and take the world in which we live into consideration. We strive for the right balance between people, environment and the company. Corporate responsibility leads to a liveable world and a healthy business, now and in the future.

QUALITY We aim to provide the best possible products and service. ‘Forever yours’ is our mission. Furthermore, we continuously keep improving our products and our way of working. The products are tested for performance, safety and environmental requirements.

Solidfloor floors are certified by the TÜV. We meet the EN- ISO 9001 standard.

PLANET Reducing our ecological footprint is important for the survival of our planet. Our products are made of legally produced wood according the guidelines of the EURT and the Indonesian SVLK. We also choose the friendliest solutions for other raw materials, packaging materials and ways of transport. We have been a member of FSC International and FSC the Netherlands since the company was established. Naturally, the Solidfloor floors are also available in FSC wood. Furthermore, the products meet local directives, such as DIBt (Germany) and CSTB (France).

INNOVATION The Solidfloor team continuously works on innovative techniques that enhance the timeless beauty of the wood and accentuate other characteristics time and again. With innovations like scrubbed knots, which give the floor even more character, and the procedures used for the special Driftwood collection, Solidfloor sets the standard in parquet.

Legend

Thickness 10/3,0

Thickness 1 1,7/2,7

Thickness 14/3,0

Thickness 15/3,6

Natural

Rustic

Extra rustic

Mill run

Smoked

White oiled

Natural oiled

White lacquered

Oxidative oiled

High Solid

Suitable for (under)floorheating

Suitable for floor cooling

Tongue & Groove

Click

FSC-certified

Thickness 16/4,0

Thickness 20/6,0

Natural lacquered

Coloured

Originals covers the basic of the flooring range from Solidfloor. The soft, earthy and natural woody tones in combination with a refined polish make these wooden floors the perfect foundation in any home. The floor sections are available with either a click system or a tongue-and-groove system, and finished with special wood oil or a protective layer of matt laquer. Naturally, the floors are FSC certified.

Solidfloor Originals | Wallis

The Originals are beautiful basic floors that adapt to any environment and dimensions. The floors bring a sense of serenity to a vibrant and busy interior, while in modern, more subdued interior spaces the subtle natural tones serve to add more warmth and cosiness.

Solidfloor Originals | Veneto

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11,7mm

Montreux Oak 1800 x 190mm

Stockholm Oak 1800 x 190mm

Cadiz Oak 1800 x 190mm

Marseille Oak 1800 x 190mm

Lisbon Oak 2000 x 190mm

Davos Oak 2000 x 190mm

Sevilla Oak 2000 x 190mm

Chamonix Oak 2000 x 190mm

Cevennes Oak 1860 x 189mm

Wallis Oak 1860 x 189mm

14mm

Normandie Oak 1860 x 189mm

Andalucia Oak 1860 x 189mm

Andorra Oak 1860 x 189mm

Cordoba Oak 1860 x 189mm

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14mm

Piemonte Oak 1860 x 189mm

Eiffel Oak 1860 x 189mm

Veneto Ash 1860 x 189mm

Portland Oak 1900 x 190mm

Reno Oak 1900 x 190mm

Hamilton Oak 1900 x 190mm

Madison Oak 1900 x 190mm

Stockholm

Sevilla

Andalucia

Eiffel

Braga Oak 1860 x 189mm

15mm

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The floors from the Vintage collection are made of wood chosen for its outstanding character. Natural tones form the basis of this atmospheric collection that will give your interior a personal and nostalgic look. The floors undergo a weathering process to give them an amazing lived-in look. You would think they had been part of the house for generations. A Solidfloor floor from the Vintage collection is just how a wooden floor should be: lived in and with its own personal signature.

The Vintage floor collection is perfect for use in a traditional styled interior - it can be used in combination with handmade vintage furniture and accessories, or to complement new designs that are based on old

Vintage | Vermont

techniques and materials. A wool pouf, a felt chair, a lamp hanging from a rope and many other personal touches that enrich the interior. A quiet space with a pure palette of colours - lots of browns and whites, with one or more accentuating colours.

STYLING TIPS Using green or olive green will give the interior a calm and natural feel. Perhaps a surprising grass green will help to bring out the floor. Choose subtle but striking colour accents, such as a yellow glass lampshade above a wooden table or a red checked plaid on the sofa.

10mm

Fairbanks Oak 1220 x 158mm

Houston Oak 1220 x 158mm

Albany Oak 1220 x 158mm

Vintage | Nebraska

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Los Angeles Oak 1220 x 158mm

15mm

Svalbard Oak 1900 x 190mm

Bosporus Oak 1900 x 190mm

Hebrides Oak 1900 x 190mm

New Hampshire NEW Oak 1900 x 190mm

Montana NEW Oak 1900 x 190mm

Arizona NEW Oak 1900 x 190mm

Maine Oak 1900 x 190mm

Oregon Oak 1900 x 190mm

Nebraska Oak 1900 x 190mm

Vermont Oak 1900 x 190mm

Eiger Oak 1900 x 190mm

Kilimanjaro Oak 1900 x 190mm

Mount Cook Oak 1900 x 190mm

Matterhorn Oak 1900 x 190mm

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Torres del Paine Oak 1900 x 190mm

15mm FSC

Arctic FSC Oak 1900 x 190mm

Nordic FSC Oak 1900 x 190mm

Alaska FSC Oak 1900 x 190mm

Tundra FSC Oak 1900 x 190mm

Sahara FSC Oak 1900 x 190mm

Tuscany FSC Oak 1900 x 190mm

Smokey Mountains FSC Oak 1900 x 190mm

Nevada FSC Oak 1900 x 190mm

Kinabalu FSC Oak 2200 x 220mm

Caucasus FSC Oak 2200 x 220mm

Jura FSC Oak 2200 x 220mm

Ural FSC Oak 2200 x 220mm

20mm

Himalaya Oak 1900 x 190mm

Alps Oak 1900 x 190mm

K2 Oak 1900 x 190mm

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Everest Oak 1900 x 190mm

The Lifestyle collection consists of wooden floors that strike the perfect balance between an attractive wooden floor and a sleek modern interior. They provide a sea of natural grey tints and chalky nuances combined with a smooth wooden finish, creating a space that is light and peaceful.

The Lifestyle collection, with subdued basic colours ranging from black and white to a palette of natural colours, befits a luxurious style with contrasting materials: hard and soft; glossy and matte; circular and straight; and short and tall. This ensures a space focussed on functionality, conceptual design and traditionally crafted products.

Lifestyle | Denver ML

STYLING TIPS Grey, blue and green are fitting colour contrasts for these floors. Enrich the natural atmosphere with, for example, modern carpets in a light, neutral colour.

Modern plastered walls combined with subtle wallpapers with concrete, leather or natural fibre patterns as well as large, comfortable furniture will enhance the luxurious and modern look. Surprising results can be achieved with a bold patterned wallpaper on one wall.

10mm

Redding Oak 1220 x 158mm

Cleveland Walnoot 1800 x 160mm

Detroit Oak 1800 x 160mm

Pearl White Oak 1900 x 190mm

Méditerranée Oak 1830 x 189mm

Denver ML Oak 1900 x 190mm

Anchorage Oak 2200 x 260mm

Halifax ML Oak 1900 x 190mm

Montreal Oak 2200 x 260mm

Vancouver Oak 2200 x 220mm

Pyranees Oak 1830 x 189mm

Kansas ML Oak 1900 x 190mm

Charcoal Oak 1900 x 190mm

15mm

20mm

Glacier Ash 1830 x 189mm

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Choosing the Earth & Fire collection means you are opting for bold, innovative and pure. This exclusive collection of wooden flooring is inspired by the silence of nature and the beauty of modern architecture. These are intense, contrasting floors, each with its own strong identity. Thanks to innovative manufacturing techniques, this collection comprises distinctive colours while the structure of the wood remains visible, giving character to each space.

Design and modern: these are the styles that best fit this collection of floors. Modern rooms furnished with designer furniture, clear colour contrasts and luxurious materials. Leather, wood, stone, stainless steel as well as concrete, all fit in with this style. A space with a cosmopolitan or industrial atmosphere, where

Earth & Fire | Yellowstone

everything is modern and organically styled, minimalist and finished to perfection.

STYLING TIPS Mix the characteristic flooring with materials such as glass, steel, stone, concrete, aluminium and leather.

The powerful Earth & Fire floors deserve the attention.

Therefore, keep the space relatively plain with the exception of a few eye-catchers such as a plaid on a sofa, a vase on the floor or elevated plinths which create a surprising effect. White, grey, black and natural colours as well as metal fit this style perfectly, especially when used with an colour accent such as yellow, red or blue.

But not too overbearing; it should be spacious and modern.

14mm

Coral Hevea 1200 x 125mm

Reef Hevea 1200 x 125mm

Mangrove Hevea 1200 x 125mm

Atoll Hevea 600 x 120mm

Pebble Hevea 600 x 120mm

Coast Hevea 600 x 120mm

Whitehaven Oak 1820 x 190mm

Bretagne Oak 1820 x 190mm

Saga Oak 1820 x 190mm

Everglades Larch 1830 x 189mm

Yellowstone Ash 1830 x 189mm

15mm

Patagonia Oak 1830 x 189mm

c o l l e c t i o n 2 01 4 / 2 01 5 – 15 –

This collection reflects the grandeur of the past, with pure materials and rich colours. These classic parquet floors are characterised by warm, deep colours that give the interior a chic, elegant look, while the stylish patterns, such as the classic herringbone pattern, have a grand impact. The new Classics collection of floors from Solidfloor will lift any space to a higher level.

The new Classics collection fits in perfectly with classic interior design, immediately commanding a rich experience. The classic style means deep and intense colours, shimmering metal and lavish furnishings.

new Classics | Louvre

STYLING TIPS Make use of the established colours such as gold, silver, purple, dark grey and black as the interior colour. This reinforces the rich feel of the classic style. But it is also possible to combine the authentic floors with more modern styling touches such as high-quality plastic accessories, which gives an exciting touch. So instead of a crystal chandelier, use an eye-catching plastic lamp above a solid dining table.

15mm

Cambridge Oak 1890 x 270 mm

Lausanne Oak 1830 x 90/130/220mm

St. Paul’s Oak 610 x 122mm

Berkeley Oak 1800 x 120/480mm

Charleston Oak 1890 x 270mm

Galway Oak 1830 x 90/130/220mm

Windsor Oak 610 x 122mm

Yale Oak 1800 x 120/480mm

Notre Dame Oak 1890 x 270mm

Monaco Oak 1830 x 90/130/220mm

Versailles Oak 610 x 122mm

St. Andrews Oak 1800 x 120/480mm

Harvard Oak 1890 x 270mm

Dundalk Oak 1830 x 90/130/220mm

Louvre Oak 610 x 122mm

Inverness Oak 1800 x 120/480mm

c o l l e c t i o n 2 01 4 / 2 01 5 – 17 –

The Warrant collection brings familiarity, durability and functionality into the home. These are quiet but stylish wooden floors that come in soft shades of brown, and which are easy to combine with different styles.

The Warrant floors are durable and make any home environment warm and cosy.

The Warrant floors complement almost any style of home - from rustic and nostalgic to sleek and modern.

New furniture interspersed with antiques. A quiet, sparsely furnished room with one or more eye-catchers such as an open fireplace with wooden logs next to it.

Warrant | Toronto ML

STYLING TIPS The primary colours in this style can be, for example, various shades of brown, white, blue and green. Placing plants and flowers around the interior will strengthen the natural feel. Choose rustic furniture, light colours on the walls and wooden shutters or linen curtains for the window.

10mm

Ottawa Oak 1220 x 158mm

15mm

Toronto ML Oak 1900 x 190mm

Tulsa ML Oak 1900 x 190mm

San Diego Oak 2200 x 260mm

Phoenix Oak 2200 x 260mm

Baltimore ML Oak 1900 x 190mm

Richmond Oak 2200 x 220mm

Warrant | Toronto ML

c o l l e c t i o n 2 01 4 / 2 01 5 – 19 –

Piet Boon (1958) is one of the most acclaimed designers to from the Netherlands with a background in engineering. He began his career as a builder and craftsman with a passion for natural materials and signature details.

Piet Boon®, the company, was founded in 1983 by its namesake, designer Piet Boon. The design studio has developed into a global luxury lifestyle brand, boasting customers (both private and business) in 46 countries around the world.

Piet Boon® flooring by Solidfloor™ | Linear Style, Lava

Solidfloor™ is the exclusive license partner for Piet Boon® wooden parquet flooring.

Our partnership is based on a shared commitment to deliver the very best quality with attention paid to every detail. It is our goal to produce only the best products and create bespoke collections that match the personal lifestyles of our customers. Timeless design and craftsmanship are the key values of our design philosophy. The details tell the story.

The concept of Piet Boon® Flooring by Solidfloor™ has been developed according to Piet Boon's vision for contemporary interiors. The collection is functional, timeless and durable. This is particularly evident in the robust square groove and the colour palette, which is based on specially developed oil. The collection consists of four different types of patterned floors, which are available in eight colours to match any living style.

The floors have a strong oak top layer and are suitable for underfloor heating and cooling. The wood is carefully selected and has virtually no knots. This gives the floor a clean and pure look with a harmonious appearance. The Plank style has some knots scattered throughout to give it a robust look.

Piet Boon® flooring by Solidfloor™ | French Floor, Stone

The sophisticated colour palette - based upon a specially developed oil - was developed by Piet Boon and in a hallmark of his style. Light brushing of the wood enhances its natural characteristics and colours. Maintenance is very simple: the occasional saponification and an annual application of oil is sufficient. A real Piet Boon® floor can be identified by the stamp of authenticity on the back of each plank.

Piet Boon® flooring by Solidfloor™ | Herringbone, Chalk

French Floor

Shell

Sand

Stone

Clay

Lava

Coal

Shell

Sand

Stone

Clay

Lava

Coal

Chalk

Shell

Sand

Lava

Coal

Shell

Sand

French Floor Oak 220 x 16/22/26cm

Linear Style

Linear Style Oak 160 x 16cm / 220 x 22cm

Herringbone

Herringbone Oak 80 x 16cm / 110 x 22cm

Plank

Plank Oak 240 x 20cm Beach

Clay

SOLIDFLOOR™ ROOM PLANNER & INTERIOR DECORATION TIPS Solidfloor is pleased to help you fulfil your wishes for your interior design. Our room planner and our decoration interior tips help you to make a more conscious choice and make the most of your interior.

SOLIDFLOOR ROOM PLANNER Everyone becomes a stylist with the Solidfloor room planner. You now can create a new interior online.

With this handy interactive tool you can easily determine which wooden floor best matches your interior, taste, style and atmosphere.

You can upload to the Solidfloor room planner your own photo of the room where you want a new floor.

Solidfloor edits this photo for you, after which you can online insert any Solidfloor design in your own photo.

This way, you can see the effect of the new floor in your own house before purchasing.

SOLIDFLOOR INTERIOR TIPS 1 If you choose a striking floor with a beautiful pattern, then create a calm basis and furniture arrangement. The floor will then become the eye-catcher of the interior.

2 In a narrow space, try installing the floor in the width and let the floor as paneled on the wall. The space will appear optically wider and more spacious.

3 If the interior is cosy and 'full', then opt for contrast.

Chooser a dark floor combined with light-coloured furniture or a light floor with dark-coloured furniture.

The contrast will make every piece of furniture stand alone and stand out.

4 If you like a serene interior, then choose a floor and furniture with the same colour intensity and tone.

This will make the items flow into each other, adding uniformity to the room and exuding peace and space.

5 Do you have a large floor area and do you want one focal point, e.g. the dining table? Then opt for a generously sized area in a contrasting pattern or a different colour. This breaks the space up, giving the items a real place.

6 Lightly tinted wooden floors combined with light walls make the interior appear spacious. Intensify this effect with furniture and accessories in soft matching shades.

7 Dark wooden floors are very suitable for small spaces, even if they make the space appear optically smaller. This will create an exciting atmosphere. Intensify this atmosphere by choosing dark accessories and walls in dark, natural tones.

8 Connect several rooms with each other by opting for one floor in one wood type. This provides tranquillity, which makes the rooms look optically larger.

9 Choose an exciting, contrasting mix of materials for the interior such as matte/shiny, coarse/fine, rough/ smooth. This creates a lively effect.

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WHAT IS MULTI-LAYER PARQUET? The floors of Solidfloor are multi-layered. This is called tongue-and-groove parquet and has several advantages compared to massive wooden floors: 2-LAYER PARQUET This is a 2-layer parquet: a top layer ranging from 3 to 6 millimetres and water-resistant glued plywood.

Plywood is less subject to warping than massive wood, because the layers are at right angles. Changes in relative humidity conditions affect the floor less quickly.

3-LAYER PARQUET A multi-layer parquet floor consists of 3 layers. There is a bottom layer, a cross-glued intermediate layer and a top layer that ranges from 3 to 6 millimetres. This guarantees excellent quality and stability of the parquet.

The floor never needs sanding: the extremely durable top layer will last for generations.

Vintage | Arctic

c o l l e c t i o n 2 01 4 / 2 01 5 – 25 –

SOLIDFLOOR™ WOOD SPECIES

Our floors are made of several wood species.

Every wood type has its own characteristics and charm.

OAK

WALNUT

Perhaps the best-known wood specie.

Oak wood is strong and hard and has a yellowish brown to dark brown colour.

The heartwood contrasts clearly with the sapwood.

This type of wood has a warm appearance and characteristic glow of various light and dark shades. Walnut is a durable and hard wood type that shows very little warping.

The quality and use can be compared well to oak wood.

ASH After approximately 40 years the ash starts to produce a dark brown heartwood. This heartwood contrasts beautifully with the very light-coloured sapwood. The sapwood of the ash is light yellow to yellowish brown.

When freshly sawn, it can have a pinkish glow.

LARCH The larch is the only coniferous tree that sheds its needles in the winter.

The heartwood shows variations in colour ranging from yellowish brown to reddish brown. The grains are moderate to fine and have a typical straight line.

new Classics | Cambridge

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HEVEA The freshly sawn heartwood of Hevea is almost white. After processing, the colour turns light yellow to straw-coloured, sometimes with a tint of pink.

The sapwood cannot be distinguished from the heartwood. Hevea is a rubber tree, which is very environmentally friendly.

The wood of the rubber tree is used only after the latex (rubber) making process is finished.

SOLIDFLOOR™ HAS FOUR GRADINGS Below you can find the various gradings. The product descriptions on our website have icons that tell you from which grade a floor has been made. Wood is a natural product, each plank is unique with respect to colour and grain, and each type of parquet has its own visual characteristics. All the images shown here are an indication of reality from which no rights can be derived. Please always let your Solidfloor dealer inform you.

NATURE GRADE

RUSTIC GRADE

This grade only has a few small knots and there are small variations in colour and texture. There is hardly any sapwood in the planks. The result is a beautiful clean plank.

The floors have a few more knots and bigger than the Nature Grade. Here and there, there are some cracks in the wood that have been filled and stained to match.

This gives more character to the planks.

Natural variations in colour are therefore characteristic of this grading. There is more sapwood in this grading which has been stained to match.

EXTRA RUSTIC GRADE

MILL RUN

This is the most robust grade. The knots and the filled and stained cracks in this wood grade are larger than those in the Rustic Grade. There is also sapwood in the planks. There are lively colour variations in the wood.

This grade is a mix of Nature and Rustic Grade.

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DISCOLOURATION

A wooden floor can discolour under the influence of light. This discolouration is caused by ultraviolet radiation. The colour of light floors deepens and the colour of dark floors becomes lighter. Most of this natural discolouration occurs during the first two years.

There may also be colour differences under carpets and cupboards. If these are moved, the colours will become

uniform again. Furthermore, the finishing will also affect the degree of discolouration; floors that have been stained will show less discolouration. Proper and regular maintenance will slow down the discolouration process.

NEW FLOOR

AFTER 2 YEARS

Oak

Walnut

Larch

Ash

Hevea

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SOLIDFLOOR™ PRODUCTION AND TREATMENTS Before the wooden floor is installed in your interior, an entire process precedes it. After the tree is felled, the trunk is sawn into strips. When the strips are thoroughly dry, they are sanded in the sanding machine.

A team of specialists sort the strips, after which production starts. At the end of the production and all other treatments a protective layer of oil or varnish is applied as finishing touch. During the entire process, strict monitoring ensures that all planks are of Solidfloor quality.

Non smoked

Smoked

SMOKING

SCRUBBED KNOTS

Smoking the wood gives the floor more depth. It brings out the grains and darkens the wood. The longer the smoking process, the darker the wood becomes.

This process scrubs away the knots, so there is a difference in height between the knot and the surrounding wood. This gives the floor extra character.

HAND SCRAPING

FINE-SAWN

The panels are processed manually, leaving them with an uneven, wavy surface. This process gives the floor an authentic look, similar to traditional handcrafted floors.

This process provides the plank with random thin saw marks over the width. It gives the planks a characteristic appearance.

BRUSHING

OILING AND LACQUERING

Brushing removes the soft parts of the floor. The structure of the wood becomes clearly visible and the colour of the floor becomes deeper.

Oil gives the floor a beautiful matte and natural appearance. A floor that is finished with a matte lacquer has a beautiful natural look. Furthermore, the oil and lacquer provide a water and dirt repellent barrier between the wood.

AGEING (OF THE SIDES) The floor is processed until it has an aged look. Ageing of the sides means that the sides of the planks are also processed.

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Vintage | Hebrides

UNDERFLOOR HEATING AND COOLING

Wooden floors and underfloor heating and cooling go very well together. You can enjoy the atmosphere and the feel of a parquet floor and still experience the advantages of underfloor heating and cooling. There are a number of important guidelines, such as the use of the right wood type. Solidfloor floors are mainly made of oak, walnut, larch and hevea. These are ideal wood types for underfloor heating and cooling. ‘Nervous’ wood types such as birch, ash, maple, ruby and jatoba are not

suitable. The maximum width of the plank may not be more than 26 cm. On the website and at the detailed product information section in the catazine you can find out if a Solidfloor floor is suitable for underfloor heating and cooling. If the floor is suitable, then these and icons are shown. Always consult with your Solidfloor dealer to see if your situation is suitable for underfloor heating and cooling.

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HUMIDITY

Wood is a natural product and reacts to the increase and decrease of the humidity in the space in which it is fitted.

For wood, the optimal humidity in the space should lie between 40% and 65%. Above 65%, the parquet floor may expand. If the humidity drops below 40%, the parquet floor may show shrinkage, in which case it is advisable to use a humidifier. In a dry environment and in the winter, the use of a humidifier is also advisable, in order to attain or retain the desired humidity

MAINTENANCE Just like all other floors, a wooden floor also requires maintenance. The main reason for wear of the parquet floor is dirt. Good cleaning will extend the life of your parquet floor and allows you to enjoy your floor longer.

Use the Solidfloor maintenance instructions and cleaning agents for the best results.

SOLIDFLOOR MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS

SOLIDFLOOR™ WOOD CLEANER

SOLIDFLOOR™ ULTIMATE HARDWAX OIL

This cleaner is suitable for all lacquered and oiled wooden Solidfloor floors and protects them against dirt and wear. Clean the floor once a month with Solidfloor™ Wood Cleaner.

To keep your floor beautiful in the long term, we advise you to oil your floor once a year with normal use.

Use SolidfloorTM Ultimate Hardwax Oil for this. Before oiling the parquet floor, clean it with the Solidfloor™ Wood Cleaner.

c o l l e c t i o n 2 01 4 / 2 01 5 – 31 –

INSTALLING A WOODEN FLOOR There are two ways to install a wooden floor.

FLOATING INSTALLATION This is a method that (hardly) requires the use of glue.

Only a few drops of glue are applied to the tongue-andgroove. The floor is not attached to the sub floor. The advantage of this method is that the floor can be moved and is sound-insulating.

FULL GLUE INSTALLATION This method glues or nails the floor completely onto the subfloor. The subfloor may be concrete (glue) or chipboard (glue or nail). The advantage of this method is that the floors hardly warp and there is much less walking noise.

POSSIBLE INSTALLATION PATTERNS

1:2

1:3

1:4

1:x

Consult your Solidfloor supplier which method is best for your situation.

Vintage | Maine

w w w. s o l i d f lo o r . c o m – 32 –

Herringbone

WHY CHOOSE A SOLIDFLOOR™?

DURABLE — Solidfloor floors have a highly durable structure with a top layer ranging from 3 to 6 millimetres. This ensures that they will last at least a generation.

NATURAL AND ECOLOGICAL — Our wooden floors are made of legally produced wood. It is our goal to use FSC certified products as much as possible.

WIDE RANGE OF OPTIONS — We offer a wide and contemporary range. From modern, to cosy, to classic, there is always a Solidfloor to match your taste!

EASY TO MAINTAIN — The wooden floors of Solidfloor are easy to maintain. If you clean your floor properly and regularly, you extend the life of the floor and you will be able to enjoy it to the fullest.

UNIQUE — Wood is a natural product and every floor is unique and has its own characteristic features.

That is what makes a wooden floor so special.

25-YEAR GUARANTEE! — During the manufacturing process, continuous quality inspections are carried out so you can be assured of the best floor. Every pack has a quality stamp, which you will find on the leaflet in every packaging.

Vintage | Oregon

W W W. S O L I D F L O O R . C O M

new Classics | Berkeley

f o r e v e r yo u r s –5–

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THE ART OF COMBINING Karin Meyn

f o r e v e r yo u r s –5–

Creating a balance is a fine line. If you follow principles to the extreme everything, including a space, becomes unpleasant.

S

ince 1986, Karin Meyn has been the Interior & Styling Creative Director at Piet Boon® (the multifunctional Dutch design studio that delivers high-end projects worldwide) and is responsible for the bold and sophisticated look and feel of the Piet Boon.

Her work leads her to almost all continents.

Over the years she has built up a great reputation thanks to the intuitive way in which she combines materials, colours, shapes and objects. The result is always warm and soothing but above all, very personal and balanced.

Her private studio is a bright and homely place. On the large work table there is a lit candle. ‘The first thing I do when I’m here is to light a few candles and lights, no matter what time of day it is. This is a very simple way to instantly create an atmosphere where I feel comfortable.

Fire is not only a provider of heat, it is also intriguing and mysterious,’ says Karin as we enter her room together.

The compact space is a perfect translation of her philosophy and ideas. Utensils and decorative items are combined in colour and shape.

It is an invisible, but carefully orchestrated plan that is natural and unpretentious. Maybe this is what her many customers appreciate the most. Her secret lies in the use of sentimental objects that are often forgotten in dark closets as well as carefully selected art to provide a personal touch and make rooms truly inviting.

‘It is important to ensure that all materials, colours and objects are selected by the entire team so each project has a consistent vision. This is necessary in order to make the whole thing come together.

Creating a balance is a fine line. If you follow principles to the extreme everything, including a space, becomes unpleasant. That’s why I always try to add some tension by introducing something surprising. This way I create playfulness in a very straightforward manner.’

Most of the objects with which she surrounds herself tell a story. They have been brought back from a trip or have been given a spot to be a source of inspiration.

For example, the ornamental bronze candlesticks from the

house where she grew up have been given a little ‘makeover’ so they can help her to recall the warm, close-knit family in which she grew up.

‘I got my feeling for materials and special items from my father. He had a passion for beautiful fabrics and even at an early age he took us to antique fairs and auctions.

Humans are sensory beings and we all react, consciously or unconsciously, when we touch, see, smell, hear or taste something. These are important experiences and I take them into account when I design my projects.

We have a great affinity with wabi sabi, the Japanese philosophy that embraces the beauty of aging.

One of the hallmarks of our work is the use of timeless and long-lasting materials that age gracefully over the years. Time not only adds character to a wooden floor, but also to a chair or a beautiful vase. This plays an important role in the materials that we choose. As do our architects who are engaged in developing the large structure, as well as my team which is responsible for the fine realization.

I love soft materials that exude warmth and friendliness. These can be fabrics but the finish of wood and metal can also have a surprising and silky feel. Invest in good, quality furniture and in objects that will give years of pleasure!’

In 2012 her long-awaited book, Piet Boon Styling by Karin Meyn, was published and it can now be found in design shops and bookstores around the world. At the end of each chapter she shares tips & tricks with readers based upon her experience.

The basic rules she uses when decorating large homes or projects are equally applicable to other-sized areas.

The book has become exactly what Karin had expected it to be: a source of inspiration for a wide range of people to take home and get started.

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f o r e v e r yo u r s –5–

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ASPECTS OF LIGHT Aleksandar Rublek

f o r e v e r yo u r s – 37 –

w w w. s o l i d f lo o r . c o m – 38 –

A

leksandar Rublek is a lighting designer with an extensive international portfolio. Studio Rublek (1996), located in the Amsterdam area, stands out with its distinctive vision on the application of lighting.

After a thorough examination, the experience and emotional values of a space are supported or reinforced with a customised lighting design. The criteria that are used, which Rublek describes as ‘aspects of light’, are characteristic of Rublek’s work.

The experienced team is involved in a great variety of projects: from developing and designing special lighting objects to creating solutions for private homes and industrial buildings, lighting plans and series-based illumination.

‘The most important thing for me is the love for people and for the profession. That is what leads to a beautiful result. The customer feels that ‘this is made especially for me and that is amazing!’ And that makes me feel privileged. If you want to create a good design for a customer, you first need to create trust. Most people don’t even have five minutes to spend on each other anymore.

But I spend much time on a proper conversation. The aspects of light are only dealt with much later. First I need to ask very intimate questions, such as ‘How do you want the lighting in the bathroom to be when you wake up in the morning?’ or ‘Do you read in bed before you go to sleep?’

The right answers only come up in a relaxed atmosphere.

I surrender myself entirely to the customer. This creates the collaboration that I look for. That is the only way to create a content-based lighting plan that reflects the customer’s personality. That is my hallmark.’

For most people, creating the right lighting is like a blind spot in interior design. Rublek hardly has to think when asked to give us a few practical home tips: 1 Create more ambience in a room by using several sources of light. Instead of using one light bulb of 100 watt, use four different bulbs of 25 watt in different places in the room.

2 With light dimmers you can easily adjust the intensity of the light and therefore the ambience.

3 Lighting in rooms with wooden floors automatically creates an even warmer feeling. To achieve this, you can use a bulb with a warm light, such as 2700 K. This way, a wooden floor creates a warm atmosphere, also on the walls.

f o r e v e r yo u r s – 39 –

w w w. s o l i d f lo o r . c o m – 40 –

‘NOT JUST ANOTHER CANVAS ON THE WALL’ LiNK Art Company

T

his quote by the LiNK art company – the most prominent and creative art library and art shop – says it all about the identity and mission of the company.

The company owns a collection of top-quality and unique works of art. The artwork is lent out to companies and nowadays also to an increasing number of individuals who have begun to appreciate the value of a beautiful work of art in their home more and more.

All true art lovers who visit the gallery/showroom/ warehouse for the first time will need a moment to catch their breath. LiNK ingeniously combines business with pleasure. The warehouse, with its racks full of wrapped and coded pieces that reach up to the ceiling of the industrial premises, is an impressive setting in which the visitor can quietly walk around and enjoy a regularly changing selection from the impressive and versatile collection.

Owner Theo den Bieman works together closely with his right hand Emma Wolthers, art historian and interior designer. Together they purchase the artworks and determine the policy. While Theo can decide to buy something in a wink of an eye based on his gut feeling, Emma’s input is based on her expert point of view. Surprisingly, this works very well together.

The collection includes artworks of various styles and in various price ranges: From the Neue Wilde, Keith Haring, Cobra, David Hockney and Armando to photos by Anton Corbijn, videos and three-dimensional pieces. The connecting thread is that Theo and Emma choose appealing art that is pleasant to have in your surroundings.

LiNK strives for perfection in a relaxed way. This also includes expert advice for customers, listening closely to the employees of a company who are around the art the most, but also a professional team that hangs the artworks. LiNK has noticed a significant increase in the

number of requests from individual customers. A segment that LiNK is happy to service, because it is very special to see how the interior atmosphere can change completely thanks to a well-chosen piece of art.

Emma has provided us with a few tips & tricks to take note of when hanging artwork in our homes. These are basic rules that anyone can apply.

1 The golden rule when hanging art is that the heart of the piece should be hung at eye level. Eye level is often between 160 and 170 centimetres from the floor. However, in conference rooms, living rooms, dining rooms and the like, where people often enjoy the artwork while seated, it is recommended to hang the piece a bit lower, approximately between 130 and 160 centimetres from the floor.

2 Proper measurements are essential. If you want to hang several artworks next to each other, then make sure to align the pieces at the top or bottom. On the back of the artwork, carefully measure the distance between the hanging wire or eye and the frame.

3 Never hang a piece of art too close to a heat source, such as a fireplace or heater. Certain artworks, such as drawings and aquarelles, are also very sensitive to direct sunlight.

4 An artwork looks best with the right lighting.

Preferably, slanted from the top. Lighting must always be provided with a UV filter to optimally protect the artwork.

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w w w. s o l i d f lo o r . c o m – 44 –

THE VISUAL LIGHTNESS OF DESIGN James Mair

N

early twenty five years ago James Mair founded Viaduct, the mecca of intelligent design and good taste in London. The light and airy showroom is tucked away in a quiet backstreet of Clerkenwell, home to many illustrious names in design, food and fashion.

The company houses an inspiring and powerful collection of carefully selected leading brands and designers, which -according to friend and former renowned editor of Designweek Lynda Relph Knight- ‘reflect Mair’s focus on design and creativity and a special perception of what is good. This perception extends to people as well as objects and environments.’

Over the years Viaduct earned its reputation among private clients and the many architects and designers who seek their expert advice. But also for their proven track record selecting and supplying for a wide range of contracts in the UK and internationally.

It is James’s personal take on design in a wider perspective which explains his company uniqueness.

Although Viaduct is the sole UK agent for many sought after brands, it is their different approach of design, searching for the impact of design in a much wider, refreshingly new and creative context.

Last year James curated in house an exhibition exploring the relationship between chairs and food, trans-

forming his showroom in an exciting meeting between 15 chairs and three famous chefs. Food and Chairs Shared was a great way to make us think about the impact of design in our daily life. The event attracted the already design savvy audience and a new and different crowd which loves food, but never dared to enter the store.

Asked about his definition of good design, Mair takes a few moments to mull over an answer. ‘Visual lightness combined with a considered design process ideally should lead to timelessness. There is an inherent good quality that should shine through. The thought process makes it interesting. Design, which has this quality of visual lightness, does not invade a space, it becomes part of it, whilst retaining a quiet presence. That is why for this article I selected the Muller van Severen designs. There is a purity and romanticism together with a functionality that appeals. It is definitely furniture from the heart and that is reinforced when you meet them and see their relationship.’

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1

2

3

4

5

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ALWAYS IN MOTION Mobilia

I

n the middle of the lively Utrechtsestraat in Amsterdam you will find one of the most unique furniture shops in the Netherlands: Mobilia.

Lovers of special design from all over the country find their way to the appealing four-story shop. These are loyal customers for whom Mobilia has designed their homes, often over a period of many decades, or one of the many professionals who need expert advice.

Over ten years ago, Rini Scherpenisse took over the shop after having worked there for years. The change was immediately noticeable. The design classics remained, but the atmosphere in the store changed with the introduction of a different mix of furniture pieces and accessories, based on from a distinct philosophy and consistent taste.

‘I find it very important to be able to explain why a certain design has a certain price. But I also want to know where it was made and who the people behind a certain brand are. I choose artisan companies with a love for the profession. Our team does its very best to ensure that the store looks lively and exciting, by ordering an entirely different version of a design for example. Once, I ordered the Egg Chair by Arne Jacobson in natural leather. The price immediately jumped from ¤4,000 to ¤1 1,000, but the most beautiful leather was used for this production.’

The shop always manages to surprise. Mobilia is always on the move. Bas van Keulen, one of the enthusiastic team members, who with his background in architecture also does renovations, told us about the recent developments.

‘We are gradually shifting from trend followers to trend setters. Naturally, while sticking to our philosophy.

We are always looking for new brands. In addition, we have consigned works by young designers and artists. This creates a nice interaction with our collection and the warm atmosphere that is so characteristic of Mobilia. But just as important is what I consider our most important USP:

sincere interest and friendliness.’

We asked the seven experienced and enthusiastic team members what their five favourite designs are and why.

1 Chair SM05 — Braakman and Pastoe This chair is our absolute favourite. Versatile, can be used in many ways and a very accessible price. In 1958, Cees Braakman designed the chair and now it is part of the Pastoe collection.

2 Lamp PH05 — Louis Poulson This is an icon with a new look, its colour and material fit perfectly with modern interior. An intriguing mix of elegant shapes and daring use of material.

3 Screw Table — Tom Dixon Due to a rise in compact homes, these types of small tables are in high demand. Elegant yet daring and adjustable in height: from low lounging to active workspace.

4 Coat Rack — Nick Fraser This coat rack gives the wardrobe an industrial look. It fits in with the warm, sustainable and functional trend.

The parts are taken from the plumbing world. A beautiful example of creative use of materials.

5 FNP Closet — Moormann A minimalistic closet system with a warm appearance.

And very special: easy to put together and take apart without any tools.

f o r e v e r yo u r s – 49 –

SOURCES OF INSPIRATION For this edition we have selected several books by authors who have made a name for themselves in the area of design and lifestyle. In their books, they share their sources of inspiration and experience.

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w w w. s o l i d f lo o r . c o m – 50 –

4 With her book Piet Boon Styling by Karin Meyn, Karin Meyn wants to inspire her readers to get started in their own homes. She shares her experiences, sources of inspiration, tips and tricks that she has gained in more than 25 years of working on various international projects. The basic rules that she offers can be applied to any interior, whether it’s a villa or a small apartment.

Title Piet Boon Styling by Karin Meyn Volume 199 pages Talen Dutch, German, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, Chinese ISBN 9789089895455 ¤59.99 2 In addition to being a designer, Terence Price Conran is also an exceptionally productive writer with Piet Oudolf from the Netherlands is the more than thirty titles to his name. Inspiration is prob- 5 ably his most personal book. In this book, Conran exposes most influential garden and landscape architect of our his home and working area to the readers and elaborately time. His monumental designs stand out with an unparreveals what motivates, moves and inspires him and why. alleled knowledge about plants of all seasons. Together with the famous author Noel Kingsbury and based on Title Inspiration original planting plans of Oudolf’s most beautiful projects, Volume 336 blz. he explains how he works. Additionally, the book contains Language English much valuable and practical information about the plants ISBN 9781840914948 he uses. This book is a must for every garden lover.

Prijs £40.00 Titel Plannen en planten: een nieuw perspectief | Planting, a new perspective 3 After ten years, Dries van Noten has 280 pages finally published another book. The famous Belgian Volume Dutch and English fashion designer checks his designs against his sources Languages 9781604693706 – ENG of inspiration and the collection of the Musée des Arts ISBN 9789089895493 – NL Décoratifs. The book also contains a chapter with ISBN ¤39.99 | £30.00 previously unpublished pictures of the designer’s home Prijs and gardens.

6 Monocle is one of the most successful Title Dries van Noten magazines that has been published in the past decade Volume 300 blz. and that always manages to surprise its many internaLanguage Nederlands en Engels tional readers with a broad interest in design, food, travISBN 9789401414746 – ENG elling, architecture and points of view. In this first book, ISBN 989401414739 – NL Monocle provides a guide of the good life, which is exactly Price ¤60.00 This book appears in spring 2014, possibly with a slightly what the magazine owes its reputation to.

Title The Monocle Guide to Better Living different cover.

Volume 408 pages Language English ISBN 9783899554908 Price ¤45.00 | £40.00 1 The Pepin Press publishes booklets about specific topics. Every volume consists of an introduction and 16 pages of special wrapping paper that can easily be removed from the booklet. This volume is about flower still lifes.

Title Still Life – Vol. 59 Dimensions 25 x 34,5 cm Languages Dutch, German, English, Italian, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese ISBN 9789460090714 Price ¤12.95

f o r e v e r yo u r s – 51 –

Publisher: Fetim BV Production: ChalonerHuismanStudio Art direction and graphic design: Matte (matte.nl) Text: Joyce Huisman Text editing for Dutch: Ampersand, text editing & production, Houten Translations: Translation Bureau Perfect Technical support: Freek Kuin – Printing house robstolk® Lithography: Printing house robstolk® Printing and binding: Printing house Habo Dacosta — PHOTOGRAPHY: Karin Meyn: Gaelle Le Boulicaut, Rahi Rezvani Thonet: Kees Hageman Conran: Julian Broad (portrait) Andrea Brugi: Ditte Isager via www.edgereps.com, Les Kaner LinkArt: Marjo van Rooyen Huys: Paul Barbera, styling Karin Meyn James Mair: Fien Muller — WEBSITES www.thonet.de www.conran.com www.pietboon.com www.andreabrugi.com www.viaduct.co.uk www.kuwahata.dk www.linkartcompany.nl www.mobiliawoonstudio.nl www.studiorublek.nl www.solidfloor.com www.solidfloor.com/pietboon

© 2014 Fetim BV Kopraweg 1 1047 BP Amsterdam — Nothing from this publication may be multiplied and/or made public by means of printing, copying, microfilm or any other way without prior written permission of Fetim BV.

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