Upgrade your interior designs this month with the latest product releases, collection launches and designer collaborations. Featuring unique dying techniques for durable yet design-led wallcoverings, the art of flowing dining tables to meet evolving needs and high-end bathroom fittings combined with artisanal know-how and the latest technological advances.
New designs from Newmor Wallcoverings
Newmor’s Spring launches this year are all about playing with light – inky ethereal prints and shifting, gleaming block textures. All of the new designs are wide-width fabric backed vinyl wallcoverings suitable for commercial interiors and high traffic areas. Rising Tide showcases soft painterly horizontal plumes. Inspired by dying techniques that bleed and spread into ethereal overlapping gradients. Reminiscent of ocean waves or rolling early morning fog, the subtle colour shifts in brush strokes resemble the way light dances and floats across a misty landscape. Available in both matte and shimmering mylar colourways in a soft natural colour palette.
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Make a statement with a freestanding bath from Heritage Bathrooms
A statement freestanding bath is a wonderful centrepiece for any bathroom, providing a splash of colour or added intrigue to the space. Wow your client by opting for a piece with a striking finish, such as the new Wenlock marble-effect double-ended bath from Heritage Bathrooms. If space is a concern, why not pair it with Heritage’s new Caversham wall-hung furniture. The modern take on a traditional aesthetic looks beautiful and maximises the available space. It’s also available in three on-trend finishes, Ivory Lace, Graphite and Dove Grey. You can explore Heritage’s extensive range of beautiful bathroom products in their new brochure.
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The Zeus Extending Dining Table
Living in a digital age, our living spaces are constantly evolving to meet the needs of today and tomorrow. Understanding these needs, NAOS encapsulates Italian craftsmanship and moving mechanisms to create the art of flowing tables.
The “Zeus” extendable dining table is as strong and intelligent as its name suggests. The painted steel legs too, are arranged in a manner that reminds you of Zeus’s lightning bolt. The table is equipped with an easy mechanism that allows the glass or ceramic top to extend laterally in synchronised movement. It’s indeed a table that lets you make the best use of your dining space while stimulating the senses with its beauty and practicality. To make the experience even better, this futuristic dining table is also available with a remote controlled system.
THG Paris collaborate with French architect to create the Nihal Collection
THG Paris's desire to maintain a fresh and evolving aesthetic through unique designer collaborations is continued in their latest collaboration with Xavier Cartron: a French architect who specialises in projects in the Middle East. An integral part of 'Nihal's' DNA is expressing this dialogue between cultures and the mixing of tones and materials which are associated with each. 'Nihal' is inspired by the landscapes, marquetry and rich tones and textures found across Moorish architecture in the Eastern hemisphere. Named after a star in the Lepus constellation symbolising spring water, artisanal know-how and technological advances lie at the heart of THG Paris's new 'Nihal' collection.
Manufactured in collaboration with Maison Havilland, 'Nihal' was produced after eighteen months of research and development, with the final result requiring a total of eleven manufacturing steps. Crafted in Limoges porcelain, the braces reject the traditional scrollwork of Middle. This desire to imbue 'Nihal' with a certain diversity is anchored through five colourful versions (green, blue, ivory, black) and metal, because Xavier Cartron wanted the design to have a “timeless aesthetic, meaning it can be part of many universes: contemporary and classic”.
Introducing MeThD, the new custom range from Mark Taylor Design
MeThD incorporates Mark Taylor Design (MTD) design elements borne out of over 20 years’ expertise curated to produce 3 custom kitchen ranges and an innovative movable island. All of which are available with a number of bespoke adaptations. MeThD combines the quality, beauty and aftercare of bespoke with the affordability, speed of production and ease of installation that befits a custom range.
With MeThD, MTD are leading the trend for movable island units. You can simply wheel this piece of furniture into place anywhere in this open-plan kitchen.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a contemporary London kitchen design in sleek, bold tones to blend into the distinct style of the surrounding architecture within a recently extended building. Halcyon Interiors designed the kitchen with symmetry and clean lines as this was the client’s desire, yet the architecture of the finished building would be asymmetrical and on differing levels. Along with Architect, Jason Coleman at Robert Dye Architects, Halcyon developed a dramatic, monolithic design in a graphite hue, with wood elements to add warmth. Precision planning of the lines of the furniture and appliances create the desired symmetry of this space. A striking effect, fitting with the bold architectural style of this newly extended home.
Sector: KBB Design
Company: Halcyon Interiors
Project: Warwick Road
Project Location: Pinner, United Kingdom
What was the client's brief?
Our London-based client briefed us to design a kitchen with symmetry and clean lines to work with the asymmetric architecture of the new building layout, and balance tonally with its surroundings.
What inspired the interior design of the project?
The monolithic look of the kitchen was inspired by the striking architecture of the building, which was instrumental in deciding on the layout and design of the overall kitchen. Working closely with the Architect, Jason Coleman at Robert Dye Architects to develop the design, we achieved the dramatic look we were aiming for by choosing a dark graphite for the wall units and continuing the colour and lines of the design up and over the ceiling and into the skylight, which further emphasised the architectural elements. Over hanging the doors to completely hide the plinth and create a small shadow gap between the doors and the poured concrete floor added further to the striking effect.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
The main hurdle was getting everything lined up. As any designer will know, working with materials such as plaster and brick means there is no such thing as a dead straight wall or perfect angle. It was key to have everything perfectly in line, without this the monolithic look would have been interrupted. We worked extremely closely with the builders and architects working on this project, and were able to ensure the entire project was supremely exact, maintaining the project’s perfectly aligned look.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
Seeing the final result! As wonderful as CAD images are nowadays it never completely captures the end result in all its glory. Especially once the external details had been completed. It’s not just about seeing our work complete, it was seeing the hard work of the whole team bringing together the completed look. This was such a great project to work on.
Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?
We truly believed this was a great project to show our skills as a team. It took a lot of organisational skills, design knowledge and a fantastic fitter to take it from an inspirational design on paper to an inspirational kitchen in real life.
Questions answered by Louise Reynolds, Lead Designer at Halcyon Interiors
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a luxurious residential refurbishment with an elegant design scheme imbued with character, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's KBB kitchen design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
Halcyon Interiors | SBID International Design Awards
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a luxurious residential extension and refurbishment in Sevenoaks for a young, growing family. SGS Design worked closely with the Client, Architect, Contractor, M&E designers and a Project Manager for approximately 18 months to turn an ugly duckling of a house into a swan with an elegant design scheme, focusing on clean-lines and touches of character; imbued with the client's love of art. Raw and honest materials were utilised throughout to compliment the property's beautiful surroundings.
Sector: Residential Design
Company: SGS Design
Project: Dell House
Project Location: Kent, United Kingdom
The Client had purchased a house which they really didn’t love. It was a bargain for the location and plot but the existing property was a bit of an ugly duckling, we were asked to work with the Architect (Open Architecture, Sevenoaks) to create curb appeal and find the inner-swan. The Client wanted a home which worked for their two children and newly purchased puppy but also a space which converted well for parties and their large extended families. The Client wanted to balance clean-lines with character and address some of the layout issues, so our starting point was to work on the interior layouts to benefit from the established garden and address the ‘two-wing’ structure.
One of the Client’s is an artist and takes much of her inspiration for her work from organic natural form. We worked to create a scheme to reflect her love of raw, honest materials whilst ensuring a level of polish and luxury.
There were a couple; firstly the windows. We inherited badly proportioned, dark-stained timber windows with lead-glazing. We proposed Architectural Bronze Casements in dark bronze with a horizontal glazing bar. It was a large chunk of the architectural budget but the bronze patina and fine-lines of the frames instantly transformed the building and the Client fell-in love with the property for the first time. Secondly, the ‘L’ layout of the building meant the flooring had to turn and travel in different directions from the centre point of the house. On the ground floor we used large format parquet panels which could be diamond-laid and worked whichever direction you walked in. At first floor level we used the same timber in wide-planks and made a feature of the floor turning direction with the boards pieced into each other on the corridor direction change. On both floors this floor treatment helped tie the two wings of the house together and improved the interior flow.
The Clients’ had an extended stay on site in the converted garage and art studio while the project was in process, they lived every moment of the build. There was such excitement when they moved in and having been in very close-quarters for the build period, the youngest daughter was so excited she locked herself in her bedroom and refused to come out she was so happy.
Questions answered by Sophie Stevens, Founder and Interior Designer of SGS Design
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring an inspiring and thoughtfully designed children’s educational centre and a picture book library, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's residential design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
SGS Design | SBID International Design Awards
Two of the biggest problems designers usually face in business are lining up the next project and getting paid the final instalment of the project in hand. The latter is rarely talked about but after a recent experience, I feel it is time to end the taboo and discuss this issue more openly.
I recently won a legal case against administrator Keith Algie of RSM UK Group LLP acting against my client who was unfortunately pursued relentlessly by the administrator’s solicitor; Matthew Whyatt formerly of Cassell Moore Solicitors (no longer trading) now trading as Alexander Whyatt LLP. They wound my client’s company up for a debt of £13,000. Unfortunately, they had failed to correctly serve the payment request at the correct address provided by the client. Papers were served at an address entirely unknown to my client which resulted in their rightful ability (due to non-payment) to wind up the company and also bankrupt my client for non-payment. The claim was unopposed (due to my client not receiving the documents served by Whyatt).
After my client was put into administration, together they (Whyatt on instruction from his client Algie) tried to reclaim the designer’s fee I’d received by incorrectly claiming that no design work was carried out and that the fee therefore belonged to the administrator. My client ceased works when administrator’s fees were added to their sole debt of £13,000 for court costs. The administrator claimed £7 million. Proof of design boards, research and sourcing materials and prices was provided as evidence however it was rejected without explanation.
The solicitor, Whyatt, and his client, Keith Algie of RSM UK Group LLP, seemed hellbent on destroying my client’s business. Together they were relentless in their claim to recover the first payment of my design fee (£32,500), claiming it was a deposit and no work had been carried out. Despite supporting evidence confirmed that was not the case, they ignored this and continued to pursue me tirelessly for the repayment across a total of three years, finally ordering me to give financial evidence in court, which I did this year.
Why would I give someone my money purely because they demanded and put pressure on me over a long period of time to do so? That’s bully tactics, which I absolutely despise. I had earned my fee and proved it, so was not going to back down. When it became clear to me that they would not stop, I instructed law firm Mischon de Reya. After three years of unrelenting pursuance generating almost £150,000 in legal fees and other costs to me and £100,000 in fees for RSM, they lost their case and I was awarded over £100,000 costs.
In the vindictive pursuit of £32,500 the tables were turned. Now Mathew Whyatt’s business, Alexander Whyatt LLP, is itself in administration, just weeks after the order was made.
The first payment of £35,000 has since been received from RSM Group via Algie, the claimant, complying with the court order and advising that his solicitor had since gone into administration.
I will never walk away from a bully. When things don’t make sense to me in finance and compliance there’s usually a reason more complex than the surface suggests. Sometimes it takes years to conclude as in this case but over many years in the past, I have won several successful cases where I have challenged a bully or a conglomerate.
It is my right and my duty to stand up for my profession and for myself. I could not walk away from an injustice, regardless of personal or financial risk.
If you find yourself in a legal dispute, especially when it comes to being challenged for your work. My advice would be to stand your ground if you know you are in the right. You can buy insurance to cover legal costs, you can use mediation and you can lean on the SBID for support on legal direction and introduction without prejudice. Designers are often caught up in the issue of non-payment; largely due to the misunderstanding of the role of an interior designer on a project; and in some cases it can destroy a designer’s business. When you are paid to provide a service and fulfil the brief, regardless of gender, age or industry, you deserve to be paid.
Written by Dr Vanessa Brady OBE
Award-winning Interior Designer, CEO & Founder of the Society of British and International Design
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features an inspiring and thoughtfully designed children’s educational centre and a picture book library. With health and safety for the educational centre and library a priority, the education-centric design incorporates features such as air monitoring, hand disinfection stations, temperature monitoring and strict security. In additional, all materials are eco-friendly, non-toxic and child-friendly. From the strictly monitored entrance, children can explore the space by following colours and ‘flight routes’ to arrive at their destination. The interior is equipped with children’s toilets, drinking fountains and features to assist the children in their personal development. Besides meeting the need for children to play freely, safely and happily, the design also ensures parents have a relaxing and elegant environment in which they can rest, read and enjoy a coffee break.
Sector: Education Design
Company: Taipei Base Design Center
Project: Dou Dou Education Center
Project Location: Shanghai, China
“Fantasy Works” is a newly-established company, with the sub-brands of Fantasyland, which combines child fun and modern technology and of Dou Dou, which is separated into the two series of early childhood education and picture books. The major appeals include the collection of over 10,000 picture books and over 2,000 English picture books. The books of National Geographic Learning are introduced to Shanghai for the first time together with S.T.E.M. The future prospect is to open branches all over China through direct selling, franchising, authorisation or brand cooperation.
Nothing “hard” can be found in Dou Dou Fun Reading Forest Picture Book Library. The differentiation in the content, service, and environment has been achieved. The super-large area, huge number of books, and cross-field cooperation have all manifested the positive attitude, or ambition, to become the best of the best. It will become a model in China. However, we also saw parents have loving interactions with their children on the furniture, which were designed to be sat on “uprightly,” to indulge themselves in the stories of the picture books. We have also seen some parents just leave their children to the guiding teachers and take time for themselves to go shopping. For TBDC, the value judgement of the parents and the way to educate their children are the keys to deciding whether the space is beautiful and was the driving force for inspiring the final design of the project.
This project is located at the central of the Zen Himalayas Center, Shanghai. It was essential that the original ceiling, wall and floor remain intact during the project development; therefore, we employed props which can be used in random combination to satisfy all kinds of functions, as well as lower the cost and shorten time.
The point of the education design focuses on the space being exclusively for children. Besides the basic elements of safety and sanitation, there are also proper arrangements for the operation flow and all kinds of activities, whilst catering to the needs of all ages. Seeing the impact this space has on the children and parents who are using it brings us the greatest sense of achievement.
The SBID International Design Awards is one of the most prestigious interior design awards, which recognises the excellence of interior designs. It would be an honour to be recognised by SBID International Design Awards, which will prove TBDC and our project to be an inspiring and high calibre project within the high standard of the industry. Also TBDC hope that Asian design and the Asian market can be seen and appreciated worldwide. TBDC are more than overjoyed to be chosen as this week's Project of The Week.
Questions answered by Janus Huang and Roy Huang, Chief Designers of Taipei Base Design Center
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring the biggest Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics store in the world, situated in the heart of Liverpool, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's education design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
Taipei Base Design Center | SBID International Design Awards
Image credits: Zhong Han
Entries open for the 2019 SBID International Design Awards with a new-responsive website, new venue and plans to celebrate SBID’s 10 year anniversary.
Not only have organisers built a brand-new responsive website, they have relocated the Awards to a new venue and have revealed plans to celebrate SBID’s 10th anniversary at the awards in October. The new website has been recreated to not only manage anticipated additional entries, but with improved functionality and enriched responsive content, entrants will be able to seamlessly submit their projects with ease from any device.
Considered as one of the most prestigious accolades in interior design by the design industry, the SBID Awards bring together the world’s finest interior design projects across a range of categories. From hospitality and office design to healthcare and residential, the awards currently represent designers from over 40 countries worldwide, across each continent. Consistent in its quest to recognise, reward and celebrate global interior design, this year’s edition will be bigger and better than ever, with a captivating ceremony to celebrate SBID’s 10th anniversary at the event’s new location; Grosvenor House, Park Lane in London.
Last year saw one of the most globally representative editions to date, with more entries than ever before and an astounding 225,000 unique public votes; industry talent was represented from 46 countries across the globe, with winning projects from the UK, South Africa, China, New Zealand, Canada and UAE.
This year also brings brand new additions to the esteemed panel of judges including Executive Director, Global Experiential Design and Production at MAC Cosmetics; Associate Curator & Associate Director, Curatorial Affairs, Abu Dhabi Project at Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation; Construction Director at Nike and Manager for Interior Design at Universal Orlando Resort.
Unlike many industry awards, the SBID International Design Awards are awarded purely on the quality and design of the project. Each entry undergoes a thorough two-tier judging process by panels of leading industry experts for both technical content and aesthetic creativity. Evaluating essential elements such as brief compliance, budget, health & safety and fit-for-purpose design. This is then finalised by a third-tier online public vote, where all finalists’ designs are judged by the public for their favourite projects.
With the responsive new website, interior designers and architects are invited to submit their projects between now and 5pm on Monday 8th July. SBID accredited designers can exclusively enter up to 5 projects free* as part of their membership (*admin fee applies). The finalists will be announced on 16th August and once announced, the public will be invited to cast their vote for their favourite projects online, which will contribute to the overall scores. Winners will then be announced at the Awards ceremony in October.
Previous editions’ finalists and winners are available to view here.
For more information, visit www.sbidawards.com
This month, our focus turns to those all-important quality finishes. Whether you're finalising a project, or embarking on a new one, it's important to maintain standards and quality when designing and specifying interior products for your projects. Maybe you're on the hunt for luxury brass hardware with diamond knurled door knobs, finished in satin nickel; glazed, titanium steel wash basins which possess the sculptural aesthetics of the finest porcelain; or even salt and pool water resistant outdoor furnishings made with the latest all-weather, anti-fade fabrics. Check out our product highlights for the past month of product news, innovations and collection launches to discover more.
Armac Martin launches a new industrial collection for its 90th Anniversary
To mark its 90th year in business, leading UK brass hardware manufacturer, Armac Martin, launched a new industrial collection. The MIX is a bold, contemporary range, ideal for modern interiors. By choosing between plain, diamond knurled or straight machined versions of the knob and finials, with either a matt black, satin nickel or satin brass finish, designers can “mix” their own unique version of the collection. Founded in 1929, Armac Martin has become a household name in luxury cabinet hardware. Having experienced significant growth during the last five years, the family-run business has exciting plans to expand into the kitchen and bathroom sectors in 2019.
SYLKA™ carpets highlight growing demand for neutral designer-friendly flooring
Multi-award-winning flooring brand, SYLKA™ Carpets, says growing demand for neutral shades, such as light greys, whites and creams have led it to keep more than 3,000 square metres in stock to meet the demands of modern interior designers. These more natural colours are ideal for a range of projects and SYLKA™’s carpets are often specified for luxury boutiques, high-end residential developments and some of the world’s most exclusive superyachts.
SYLKA™’s collection is particularly favoured in these colours thanks to the company’s unique NuSilk™ micro fibre production, which makes its range more durable if it is maintained correctly. Thanks to the development of this unique fibre, SYLKA™ can produce beautiful rugs and carpets that emulate real silk, viscose and bamboo flooring, while remaining robust enough to be used in commercial and marine environments. Utilising its natural shades, SYLKA™ has also launched a Hand Tufted service, that allows designers to combine its neutral colour patterns alongside more bold colours to create truly unique one-off designs.
Bette launches a beautiful, individually made washbasin and a circular bath
The BetteCraft washbasin combines the sculptural aesthetics of the finest porcelain with the perfect material for the bathroom: glazed titanium steel. This artistically-shaped washbasin received the Design Plus Award 2019 at ISH, the world's leading trade fair for bathrooms. This kind of shape is unusual in the extremely strong and hard glazed titanium-steel and is usually associated with soft clay at the potter's wheel. To achieve the design, every BetteCraft basin is individually made by hand, then glazed on both the inside and outside.
The BettePond Silhouette is a circular freestanding bath also made from glazed titanium steel. With no beginning and no end; no edges or corners: the circle is the most perfectly balanced figure in geometry. The circular BettePond was designed by Dominik Tesseraux as a reminder of the original shape of the tub. With a generous 150cm diameter, the circle is the perfect place for quiet contemplation and slowing down in everyday life – and an oasis of tranquillity in the bathroom. Bette also launched BetteSpace: a range of three baths that make intelligent use of the space in small and medium sized bathrooms. The baths use trapezoid geometries to make the optimum use of the available space whilst also offering the highest bathing comfort.
Introducing the new Luxury Garden Collection from Juliettes Interiors
Juliettes Interiors announced the launch of their new Luxury Garden Furniture Range. With a superb selection of high end, contemporary, outdoor furniture designed with relaxed, luxury outdoor living in mind. The Juliettes Garden Collection blurs the line between indoors and outdoors. Sumptuous outdoor sofas, super-comfy armchairs and luxurious loungers. Sleek outdoor dining sets, adorable day beds and magnificent, modular seating can be configured to create the perfect combination for any garden space. Freshen up a balcony with understated chairs and a chic coffee table or a simple but stunning sun lounger. Turn a terrace into a spectacular outdoor dining room, or choose sofas, chairs and elegant side tables for intimate evenings, family get-togethers or grand gatherings.
As you would expect from Juliettes Interiors, all items are hand crafted, using the finest materials, with an exceptional attention to detail. Recyclable, GreenGuard and REACH-certified, they are robust and hard-wearing, salt and pool water resistant, with the latest all-weather, anti-fade fabrics in a range of cool, contemporary colour combinations. All that is needed is some glorious summer weather to go with it!
The new Poggenpohl flagship store impresses with its extraordinary architecture and kitchen presentation
Poggenpohl inspires, rather than prescribing to customers how their future favourite place should look like. The evidence lies within the newly designed flagship store in London’s upmarket Wigmore Street. Its concept leads the way for more salesrooms across Great Britain and the investment demonstrates a commitment to the British market.
London’s Wigmore Street is one of the best locations when it comes to luxurious kitchen interiors. Anyone looking through the large window of the Poggenpohl flagship store will immediately recognise the brand’s philosophy: an abundance of freedom and individuality. Two floor-to-ceiling kitchens from Poggenpohl are designed with architectural elements: the striking, free-standing classic +MODO, with a dark design, champagne-coloured aluminium elements and a pristine white, made-to-measure fitted solution. They highlight the special skill of Poggenpohl: recognising every room situation and providing a perfect design. On the ground floor, you can discover +VENOVO, the latest iconic product by Poggenpohl, whose consistent development accommodates the modern attitude to life. The presentation of these striking exhibition kitchens offers a glimpse into the materials that are used, subtly conveying the luxury of the brand: high-quality marble, tactile ceramics and cool brass.
Vectorworks releases the 2019 Service Pack 3 with more new features
With the Service Pack 3 (SP3) release, Vectorworks introduce three new features that greatly improve presentation and visualisation capabilities, along with overall workflow between products. Designers can enjoy a new live-sync rendering connection that allows them to perform real-time rendering while making design changes within the software. The LiveSync plug-in is developed by Lumion and is the first partner plug-in to use a new Vectorworks Graphics Sync (VGS) API.
With SP3, the new Cloud presentation feature allows designers with an active Vectorworks Service Select Membership to use Cloud Services to generate presentations of designs with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Presentations include interactive 360 rendered panoramas that can be linked together to create a holistic, immersive experience.
With the support of General Device Type Format (GDTF) co-founders, MA Lighting and Robe lighting, Vectorworks have also created a file format called My Virtual Rig (MVR). The MVR file format creates a two-way connection between planning, previz, and console systems that implement the support needed for a seamless workflow.
Click to find out more
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series strives to fulfil the archetypal ideal of the perfect ‘dream home’. These properties offered the prospect of designing a full interior for a show home that would work in conjunction with the original features that form part of the history, uniqueness and beauty of these houses. From the sweeping staircase in the entrance hall, to the elegant Georgian windows and luxurious high-spec kitchen and bathrooms, the property exudes an air of period decadence synonymous with an era of English prosperity. These period features sit comfortably against the more contemporary furniture and furnishings with which the property has been dressed. The muted palette is drawn out through the whole house, with contrast colours used on the furniture to bring depth and richness to the colour scheme.
Company: Suna Interior Design
Project: Ancaster Gate, Richmond
Project Location: London, United Kingdom
To provide an interior that would appeal to the potential purchaser for such a beautiful property. It was imperative to enhance the incredible spaces within the property and ‘sell’ how best to utilise the space. This is a luxury property and has been designed as such but we also made sure the interior felt welcoming and like a real home. It was important for us to retain the inherent features of the building, ensuring all aspects of design complemented the historic building and its charming setting overlooking the beautiful Richmond Park.
We were lucky enough to work on the whole of the interior, designing every aspect of the space such as the bathrooms, kitchens, flooring etc. The interior specification was created well ahead of dressing out the FF&E and formed the back drop to the rooms so this was a massive influence on the completed interior design. Throughout the whole project we worked with the Heritage officer, architects and client on how best to preserve the essence of the original building. This meant we wanted to respect the original features and enhance and embellish the design rather than create strong contrasts. The soft colour palette combining soft neutrals, touches of deep charcoal and vintage oak timbers with the classic marble felt like the best way to achieve this. Where possible we refurbished parts of the interior back to their original glory such as the ceiling rose and cornicing in the kitchen/dining room. We also fabricated replicas of the original door knobs for each of the internal doors. These touches brought an honesty and respect for the original building which is evident throughout.
We were keen to use real marble on the floor and walls of the bathrooms but as this was an old building we had to work closely with the architects to make sure the weight of the marble would not damage the property. Reinforcing the structure without damaging the interior was an essential part of the process. We also worked closely with the marble supplier to enable us to use the thinnest slabs possible to reduce the weight. We even designed a bespoke mosaic floor in the Master en-suite which avoided the need for large slabs of marble on the floor.
I know this is a bit obvious but we really love how the whole design has come together. We sometimes work on the specification but not have the chance to dress out the space (and vice versa) so having the chance to do both on this project and see the fully implemented scheme was a joy. If I had to pick a favourite area it would be the large first floor living room and through the incredible large double doors into the kitchen/dining room with its incredible high ceilings. If that isn’t a place to entertain, I don’t know what is!
We have been members of SBID for some years and we have always valued the accolades that come with such a prestigious brand so we are always keen to enter the Awards when we have a project we deem worthy. This design is right up there, so we felt it was more than capable of competing with all the other incredible submissons.
Questions answered by Helen Fewster, Director of Suna Interior Design
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a sky-high commercial property defined by sustainability, its energy-saving ability and modern design, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
Suna Interior Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018
The SBID Education Council puts effective design at the core of the learning process. With the aim of raising awareness in showing how evidence-based interior design decisions can transform learning experiences, member of the Education Council, Dr Pamela Woolner shares her views on learning environments. Pamela is the Degree Programme Director for EdD at Newcastle University and has carried out extensive research which centres on understanding and developing the physical learning environment.
The physical environment makes a difference to education – a setting will facilitate some teaching, learning and social practices while hindering others. Therefore, the best results occur when physical space and material resources are aligned with pedagogical intentions. It also means that space can be a powerful driver of educational change, but only if developed purposefully and in co-ordination with changes to other elements, such as curriculum, relationships and practices.
These ideas apply across a school's premises, but furniture, furnishings and interior design form an interesting part of the overall environment. It is often possible to change the internal organisation and appearance of a school relatively cheaply and quickly, and there are considerable possibilities for involving school users, staff and students, in the process of planning and designing new spaces. So it is unfortunate that school interiors can be overlooked, particularly during times of big school building programmes, such as we have seen in recent years in the UK, Australia and elsewhere in the world. As an example of the potential power of interior design, consider the example of acoustics. Structural decisions, but also choices of furnishings and finishes, can reduce unhelpful reverberation and noise leakage between areas. This can be vital in enabling teacher decisions to drive learning practices, balancing activity and stillness, group work and individual projects. In contrast, in many schools, unsuitable environments, both poorly thought-out open space and enclosed rooms with thin walls, cause students and teachers to adapt their behaviour to avoid disturbing other people.
I've recently written about how two schools in the north east of England used their environments to support developments in teaching and learning to enrich student experiences and improve outcomes. A primary school, which we've referred to as Southside, got involved with a skills and enquiry programme, Open Futures. The intention was to change teaching and learning through four integrated strands of curriculum development centred on cooking, gardening, filming and philosophy for children. Through a very different process, our other example school, Town End Academy, set out to develop an enquiry-based, cross-curricular approach to learning, which is challenging within the English secondary school climate of individualised, subject based learning and high stakes tests.
Southside
At Southside, involvement in Open Futures acted as an immediate catalyst for changes that the school had been hoping to make in curriculum content, teaching approaches and use of school space. Cooking and growing spaces were developed, as was a base for the film strand, staff went on training courses for the individual strands, while timetables and budgets were adapted to accommodate and resource the programme. These initial changes helped to support innovation, but it was subsequent developments that enabled the change to be sustained and, we judged, start to become 'institutionalised'. Less tangible, but important, changes to educational practices and values were underpinned by more self-evident innovation across the curriculum, staff training and the school environment, inside and out. Finding school space for Open Futures, from the usual noticeboards to the 'wonder tree' in the corridor, which children across the school could use to ask questions and offer answers, demonstrated that the programme was valued and encouraged further engagement.
Town End Academy
At Town End, initial innovations centred on staff development and timetabling to support cross-curricular, enquiry-based learning. However, teachers were also encouraged to rearrange the furniture in the classrooms to facilitate the necessary student collaboration. Circular tables were put into some rooms, while, in others, desks were rearranged so that students could sit facing each other. Further developments into learning through extended collaborative 'projects' made more demands on school indoor space, including space to research and develop project ideas, as well as areas for end of project exhibitions and displays. Tending to work against the cross-curricular intentions was the school interior plan with its subject-specific offices that teachers use for planning, but also during breaks and lunchtimes.
Across both these schools, it's clear to see that educational change is linked to the physical environment. Existing space can either support or constrain change, with redesign offering a usefully visual and tangible focus for the development of new practices. Furnishings, equipment and areas within these schools were used to support initial innovation, then embed the changes and enable ongoing development.
Dr Pamela Woolner Degree Programme Director for EdD at Newcastle University
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For more information on these schools, discussion of the challenges of whole school change and ideas about using school space to entrench innovation, click here to read the free access article.
Full reference: Woolner P, Thomas U, Tiplady L. (2018) Structural change from physical foundations: The role of the environment in enacting school change. Journal of Educational Change, 19(2), 223-242.
Following another successful Design Week in Milan which never fails to leave visitors short of fresh interior insight and new ideas for innovation, and as the industry recovers from the intensive overload of design inspirations at the annual Salone del Mobile, May has plenty more excitement in store. With the introduction of new formats, this year's RetailEXPO will be unifying three leading retail shows; SBID will present essential networking opportunities with a tailored matchmaking event for Turkish Stone, as well as this month's Business Breakfast Meeting with Wet Room Materials; and the eagerly-anticipated Clerkenwell Design Week will be celebrating its 10th edition in one of London’s key hubs for design and architecture.
1st - 2nd May
RetailEXPO - London, United Kingdom
The RetailEXPO is Europe’s leading retail solutions show, which unifies three leading retail shows - RBTE, RDSE and RDE - into an exciting new single show event that mirrors the transformation within the retail industry. Taking place on 1 and 2 May 2019 at London Olympia, RetailEXPO will bring together more than 15,000 retailers, brands, tech exhibitors and retail design businesses. RetailEXPO gives retail and hospitality firms the insight, latest retail technology innovations and design inspiration to re-energise their businesses, enhance customer experience, and drive performance.
A reinvigorated conference programme brings together six streams of insightful content, presented by leading retailers and brands including Lego, Virgin Holidays, Naked Wines, Mamas and Papas and Asda. There will also be a TriED It Talks stage, which showcases how retailers and brands have worked with tech vendors and design businesses to create engaging shopping encounters that deliver enhanced customer experience.
2nd May
Turkish Stone in Projects - London, United Kingdom
This Business Matchmaking Event brings Turkish Stone companies and the British architecture, design and construction industry together at RIBA HQ. The event is a part of a trade delegation which is sponsored by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Trade and organised by Istanbul Mineral Exporters’ Association (IMIB) with the Society of British and International Design (SBID). Attendance is complimentary for Architects, Interior Designers, Contractors, Furniture Designers, Stone Consultants, Trade Associations and Chambers and includes a networking lunch and one-to-one B2B meetings with Turkish suppliers and natural stone installation companies.
With a varied palette of Turkish Stone from 14 natural stone installation and supply companies, materials to be exhibited include marble, granite, limestone, onyx and travertine. Suitable for all projects from flooring, cladding, hard landscaping and kitchens, to bathrooms, roofing, fireplaces, memorials and sculpture.
To register your interest in attending, email [email protected]
Mailbox by Design – Birmingham, United Kingdom
Mailbox by Design is a series of design and architecture events that brings together leading industry professionals based in the West Midlands. Register now to attend this edition on 2 May 2019 which focuses on Alternative Thinking with K4 Architects. Bob Ghosh RIBA, Founder and Director talks about the practice’s philosophy and unique approach to design. The narrative focuses on a number of case studies, which explore how historic layers are used to inform interventions and reinforce identity of place. The event will take place at Home at the Mailbox, Birmingham’s premiere destination for interiors and homes that houses brands including Heal’s, Calligaris and Made.com.
Register now
8th May
SBID Breakfast Meeting and CPD with Wet Room Materials - London, United Kingdom
This month, the next SBID Business Breakfast Meeting will take place on Wednesday 8th May 2019 at 9:00am, hosted by the suppliers of luxury Scandinavian inspired wet room solutions, Wet Room Materials in the Milliken Showroom, London. Wet Room Materials will also be presenting their official SBID Accredited CPD, 'Scandinavian Wet Room Systems: Wet Room Design, Specification and Waterproofing' to the audience of professional interior designers who gather with SBID to network and connect.
Interior designers or Architects interested in attending can email [email protected] to register their place!
19th - 22nd May
ICFF - New York, USA
For over 30 years, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) has built a solid reputation as North America’s platform for global design. Over 900 exhibitors from across the globe showcase the newest frontier of what’s best and what’s next for luxury interior design to more than 38,000 attendees in the design industry. Expanding with the market it serves, ICFF has more than doubled in the past three editions and become more international in composition. Architects, interior designers, developers and visual merchandisers assemble to find new, unique ideas and concepts and to find inspiration and innovation which fuels the high-end interiors marketplace. The Fair is also a resource for thousands of retail buyers representing the best in luxury retail establishments.
21st - 23rd May
Clerkenwell Design Week - London, United Kingdom
Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) is London’s leading design district and an important part of the global design calendar, taking up residency in one of London’s key hubs for design and architecture. Set across seven exhibition spaces, CDW venues include fabric, The House of Detention, St. James Church and Spa Fields. Each venue reflects the unique nature of this culturally rich area, with leading UK and international companies exhibiting and launching new products during Clerkenwell Design Week. From luxury interiors to innovative lighting, emerging talent and the best of British brands, the exhibition spaces at CDW encompass every facet of design.
This year sees Clerkenwell Design Week celebrate its 10th edition. Exhibiting new designs by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Established & Sons to Fritz Hansen’s exhibition in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects and an outdoor cooking space serving food by Kitchen Architecture, CDW’s 10th edition is a show full of celebration and achievement. For CDW Presents' 10 year anniversary, visitors can expect exciting street spectacles, including Once Upon A Time; collaborating with UAL and in partnership with Landsdown’s London, Graphic Design Communication students create a series of vibrant, graphic installations inspired by the stories relating to the significant locations.
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