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This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the redesign of the Stonegate Pub Company’s iconic ‘Living Room’ bar brand based in the vibrant city of Manchester. Fusion by Design crafted and delivered an elegant interior design scheme which provides a timelessly stylish atmosphere to uphold the brand’s desire to create a 1920’s art deco environment for their customers to dine, drink and dance, whilst also capturing the longevity of the brand since it’s establishment almost 20 years ago. The addition of a mezzanine balcony provides new vistas from the once restricted first floor and links the ground floor and first floor bars to create a seamless fluidity to the floor plan and encourage the spirited atmosphere to circulate around the venue. The main ground floor bar is upholstered with a nude fluted leather front which intermittently interrupted by antique brass details which echo the back-bar drink displays and other brass features found throughout the scheme to create a further sense of synergy, whilst maintaining a subtle distinction between the different interior zones.

Company: Fusion by Design

Project: The Living Room

Project Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

Fusion by Design's interior design scheme for Manchester based restaurant

What was the client’s brief? 

Our brief was to create a well-crafted elegant space that acknowledges the long-standing heritage of The Living Room brand whilst also re-establishing the venue within the ever-expanding glamour of Manchester’s developing hospitality circuit. The client emphasised the need for the interior design scheme to provide quality detailing and finishes, a luxurious palette of materials and a fresh and stylish atmosphere that would provide long lasting sense of style.

Fusion by Design's interior design scheme for Manchester based restaurant

What inspired the design of the Project?

Glamorously elegant interiors were our inspiration. The Living Room is an established brand where guests expect quality, so we wanted to expand on this and make the spaces enjoyable, fresh and sexy, yet still in touch with the heritage of the brand. Detailing and using quality materials to their maximum effect helped us to create a decorative but simplistic scheme. Marble and leather feature heavily alongside brass and velvet in a fresh and invigorating selection of colours.

Fusion by Design's interior design scheme for Manchester based restaurant

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Working to a tight programme and with a short project lead in was the toughest hurdle. It challenged our specification network and ensured that we worked closely with our UK based suppliers. As a result, all tiling, wall finishes, furniture, sanitary ware etc were all sourced from UK stock.

Fusion by Design's interior design scheme for Manchester based restaurant

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Our highlight was working in collaboration with Haig Club Whiskey to create a distinct interior on the 2nd floor. The interior was sponsored by them with David Beckham, who is an ambassador for the brand, attending the opening.

Unveiling the new balcony was a successful highlight. With spaces that were previously very segregated the scheme required that we connect these spaces both from a visual aspect and from the perspective of the customer and their journey through the space. The connection is achieved through the introduction of a mezzanine balcony accessed by a feature central staircase, allowing vistas from the first floor to the ground and linking the spaces. The nature of the separate second Diageo bars allowed us to introduce very different identities to these spaces creating snugs and unique dens with brighter more distinct atmospheres.

Fusion by Design's interior design scheme for Manchester based restaurant

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

This project was a successful and exciting development. It made an impact on the Manchester hospitality scene and we were proud of the outcome. Having entered the interior design awards in previous years, we felt this project would make a great contender!

Fusion by Design's interior design scheme for Manchester based restaurant

Questions answered by Paula Jepmond-Senior, Design Director at Fusion by Design. 

To ensure you are kept up to date with the latest design inspiration sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram @sbiduk 

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week where the concept of surrealism was used to enhance the dynamic architectural form of a property inspired by Rem Koolhaas, click here to see more.

The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries! Click here to register or enter your project!

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Fusion by Design  | SBID International Design Awards 2018

Fusion by Design's interior design scheme for Manchester based restaurantFusion by Design's interior design scheme for Manchester based restaurant

In the Volume 6 Issue 4 edition of eSociety, SBID spoked to ergonomics specialist Jim Taylour about his recommendations and basic rules for selecting furniture for classroom environments to improve the quality of interior design in education.

Education feature from eSociety interior design magazine

Here’s what Jim had to say about the current standards of classroom furnishings…

As an adult, have you ever been to a conference and felt restless because of the uncomfortable chairs, dined out where there’s minimum legroom and the acoustics prevent you from hearing your fellow diners properly, or sat on a sofa and thought how deep, low and ill-fitting the experience was, and how it impeded your concentration?

Now consider revisiting these scenarios on a daily basis for a period of 14-plus years and that’s beginning to paint a picture of the unintentionally hostile environments we expect children to survive and thrive within school.

Dimensional misfit between children and the equipment provided often causes poor posture, which in turn increases the risk of error, accidents, discomfort, loss of concentration and poor productivity.

At secondary school age, classroom physical activity drops year-by-year, concentration demands increase and the reliance on technology locks students into motionless postures – all on furniture that is non-adjustable and considered non-compliant in the contemporary office.

Education feature from eSociety interior design magazine

How to select furniture responsibly

Jim lays out his set of recommendations ranging from the selection of suitable chair sizes and the importance of providing variety and choice, to assessing the adjustability and flexibility of chairs to ensure they are fit for purpose and even considering unique features to suit specific tasks which will aid comfort and posture for the activity at hand. Find out what suggestions Jim made reading the rest of this feature!

Read this feature →

Jim Taylour, a member of SBID’s Education Council and Head of Design & Wellbeing at Orangebox 

Contact: [email protected]

This feature originally appeared in the Education section within Volume 6 Issue 4 of the official SBID interior design magazine, eSociety.

 Click here to read the full issue.

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series employs the concept of surrealism to enhance the dynamic architectural form of a property inspired by Rem Koolhaas. The Mansion’s interior design concept portrays the bold and daring characteristics of the architecture, building and spatial quality of the project. Main areas such as the Living and Dining space are designed to draw the eye, whereby interior details flow in line with the building’s form. Every element is designed 3-dimensionally with differences in height, thickness and overlays, particularly in the ceiling design between the Living and Kitchen area; the Island is used to give the impression of surrealism by skewing its’ form to reflect the ceiling’s angular direction. The interior scheme intends to expand on the impression of depth evoked by the strong and dynamic design features whilst maintaining practicality and utilising the available space. Nick Fong, Co-Founder & Director at Nu Infinity tells us more.

Company: Nu Infinity

Project: The Mansion

Project Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in Malaysia

What was the client’s brief? 

The brief was set to optimise the available space and make sure the interior, furnishings and accessories of the design scheme fit comfortably and seamlessly into the property to complement other more structural design elements such as the angular walls, abstract shapes, unusual layout, and distorted spaces. The interiors needed to be captivating in order to wow guests and owners alike.

The residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in Malaysia

What inspired the design of the Project?

The exterior of the house took inspiration from the provocative works of the contemporary Dutch Architect, Rem Koolhaas. With this in mind, we wanted to pay homage to the Architect’s signature style by creating an interior design concept that would reflect the bold tenor of his work and embrace the abstract forms that were created by the unsymmetrical and angular characteristics of the build.

The residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in Malaysia

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Due to the architectural structure and form of the house, it was extremely difficult to “fill” the interior spaces as the rooms were cut into by angled walls and sharp corners, essentially creating dead, unusable space. Hence one of the main challenges throughout this project was creating pleasant viewpoints and furnishing the property to navigate unconventional layouts to achieve a comfortable volume of space, whilst maintaining the identity of the interior design ideas.

The residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in Malaysia

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We were able to play on the idea of dynamism as designed at the Foyer, Living Area and Dining Area. We highlighted angular walls by using different finishes and colours to enhance this idea. Moreover, the ceiling design could direct the eye to the appropriate focal pieces of the space and create a sense of harmony and purpose between the furnishings and structural design features, increasing the impact of the property’s dynamic spatial quality.

The residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in Malaysia

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

We previously joined SBID in 2016 and attended their famous Award Ceremony. It was an amazing feeling with a properly organised itinerary, helpful personnel, brilliant event space and most importantly, the quality of the competitions and participants were out of this world. In our opinion, SBID International Design Awards is one of the top Architecture / Interior Design competitions in the world.

The residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in Malaysia

Questions answered by Nick Fong, Co-Founder & Director at Nu Infinity. 

To ensure you are kept up to date with the latest design inspiration sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram @sbiduk 

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a glamorous Swiss resort perched amidst a breathtaking backdrop of mountainous landscapes in the heart of Switzerland, click here to see more.

The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries! Click here to register or enter your project!

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Nu Infinity | SBID International Design Awards 2018

The residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in MalaysiaThe residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in MalaysiaThe residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in Malaysia

Feature about SBID supporting the interior design industry with Intellectual Property Campaign in eSociety magazineSBID are passionate about supporting designers and the creative industries, particularly when it comes to protecting their rights. In our regular update on Intellectual Property (IP) issues affecting designers in Volume 6 Issue 4 of eSociety, we talked about our collaboration with TM-Eye at the launch of SBID’s IP awareness campaign at the House of Commons.

The launch acknowledged the SBID IP Register as a first-of-its-kind management tool to help designers ensure their work is legally protected, which in the case of a breach, gives IP crime experts, TM-Eye, the basis to quickly initiate an investigation.

In light of this recent development with SBID forging the pathway for designers to seek IP protection, SBID spoke to a legal expert from Mishcon De Reya LLP. Suzi Sendama, Associate at Mischon, who challenges the myths surrounding IP rights to ensure you don’t find yourself inadvertently on the wrong side of the law!

Feature about SBID supporting the interior design industry with Intellectual Property Campaign in eSociety magazine


Common Misconceptions Intellectual property protection poster for protecting originality

At a recent SBID 20:20 Event at The Dorchester, Suzi spoke about a number of common misconceptions relating to intellectual property rights. While many designers have a good idea of what intellectual property is – indeed, is is a company’s most valuable asset and exploiting it can be the key to maximising the profits of a business – there are so many commonly believed IP myths that could land you on the wrong side of an expensive claim for IP infringement.

Feature about SBID supporting the interior design industry with Intellectual Property Campaign in eSociety magazine

Many of these misconceptions surround what a designer can and cannot do when inspired by the work of others. From product design and written content, to the legalities of using trademarks. It is said that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. But not all designers would consider it to be a compliment to see their design copied by a competitor. To avoid inadvertently infringing an earlier design, make sure you are clued up on what you can and cannot do if you are designing a product which is similar to one which is already on the market.

Find out what Suzi suggests are the most common misconceptions, what the legal implications of these misconceptions would be, and how you can best protect your work by reading the full feature.

Read this feature →

For further information on Intellectual Property Protection and what we are doing to combat the issue, visit our website.

Suzi Sendama

Suzi Sendama at Mishcon De Reya LLP

[email protected], +44 (0) 203 321 6794.

Have you missed Suzi’s most recent article on the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules that will be enforced and how they could affect your business? Click here to see more.

This feature originally appeared in the Business section within Volume 6 Issue 4 of the official SBID interior design magazine, eSociety.

 Click here to read the full issue.

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a glamorous 5* Swiss resort with captivatingly panoramic views, uniquely positioned in Canton Nidwalden. Perched amidst a breathtaking backdrop of mountainous landscapes in the heart of Switzerland, the resort is strategically and seamlessly nestled beside the summit of mountain Bürgenstock. Taking full advantage of the profoundly awakening scenes bestowed by this scenic peninsula, the complex sits 874 m above sea level, surrounded almost in its entirety by the vast, deep-blue expanse of Lake Lucerne and winding Alpine foothills.

MKV Design took on this extraordinary project with the aim of creating a luxurious hotel resort which sits harmoniously with the serene natural landscapes that subsequently envelop this lavish retreat, where each uniquely tailored space brings about a synergy between the resort’s guests and the encompassing natural environment. Maria Vafiadis, Managing Director at MKV Design, tells us more. 

Company: MKV Design

Project: The Bürgenstock Resort

Project Location: Switzerland

What was the client’s brief? 

For over 100 years, Bürgenstock was one of Europe’s most legendary resorts, the glamorous destination for celebrities, a place of immense design vision and a location that offered complete immersion into the natural world. Our task was to restore its iconic status by drawing on this inheritance to create a new legacy for the future. We achieved this by creating several of the resort’s highlights, including the Bürgenstock Hotel, the 108,000-square-foot Alpine Spa, The Palace Hotel and Conferences, The Grand Residence Suites and the Sharq Oriental Restaurant and Shisha Lounge. Our design provides a guest experience that is specific to each part with buildings that nevertheless create a homogeneous destination.

Interior design of Burgenstock luxury resort

What inspired the design of the Project?

Our interior design concept celebrates the heritage of this iconic resort dating from the 19th and through the 20th Century from Belle Epoque to ‘Palm Springs’ in the 1950’s, which helped to make the resort synonymous with glamour and sophistication. Nevertheless, the resort is very much designed with today’s high guest expectations in mind and is aimed at a geographically diverse clientele.

We also took inspiration from the resort’s unbeatable location atop the mountains overlooking Lake Lucerne. Meaningful engagement with the natural world is everything. In the Bürgenstock Hotel for example, the interior design is deliberately held in check to allow the natural world to be the star. Materials are natural, textural and local – stone from the mountains for instance – achieving a sense of uninterrupted transition from the world outside to the environment indoors.

The magnificence and sheer power of the natural terrain has informed the design of the spa, which has been dramatically extended by tunnelling through the mountain and adding a cantilevered glass box that is perched on the side of the mountain above the lake, offering visitors panoramic, bird’s eye views.  From the 35°C outdoor infinity hydropool – one of three pools on site – where you can gaze across to Mount Pilatus, to the treatment rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the lake, the location takes centre stage with views that soothe the soul.

The Palace Hotel and Conferences has been reinvented as a synthesis of grand fin-de-siècle architecture and state-of-the-art interior design. It opened originally in 1903 and is a magnificent example of classical architecture. While working in line with all the principles of historic preservation, we have essentially created a new hotel. The ground floor public areas have been recreated as faithful interpretation of the original, while the function areas and guestroom levels above are contemporary in style.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

We were entrusted with the review of the original architectural master-planning for the new Bürgenstock Hotel. When we design hotels, we want them to work from the inside out. This is the only way to ensure that the narrative will be coherent and the experience compelling. After careful consideration, we came up with the solution of a smaller footprint, creating an L-shaped building that is the hotel today, that not only achieved the most amazing views from all the guestrooms and public areas, but also made space for a large outside terrace which enhanced the visual connection with The Palace Hotel next door and created an outdoor route from the Piazza through the wonderful elevated garden walk that connects The Bürgenstock Hotel with the Palace Hotel.

Interior design of Burgenstock luxury resort

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

For me, I would say The Bürgenstock Hotel and the Alpine Spa. All the hotel’s 102 guestrooms project the guest towards the view as soon as they open their door with a perfect flow of spaces from arrival through the lounge area to the bedroom and then on to the full height window with integrated seating. The bathrooms offer a similar flow towards the window where, in the luxury of a sunken double-size tub, guests can soak in wonder. Similarly, every step of the journey, from the entrance procession through the ethereal glowing rock face walls of the tunnel, to the breathtaking panoramas from the pool and zen-like experience of the relaxation areas, celebrates the wonder of nature and the wellbeing of both body and soul. Spas are frequently introverted but we wanted the Alpine Spa to be extraverted – or look outward – because of the magnificently calming and rejuvenating views.

Interior design of Burgenstock luxury resort

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

SBID is one of the most highly respected awards schemes in the interior design industry. We value the calibre of the projects entered and take pride in having our work judged by such an esteemed panel.

Interior design of Burgenstock luxury resort

Questions answered by Maria Vafiadis, Managing Director at MKV Design. 

To ensure you are kept up to date with the latest design inspiration sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram @sbiduk 

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week with London-based design & build company who transformed a Victorian building at King’s Cross Station into a remarkable, ultra-modern workspace, click here to see more.

The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries! Click here to register or enter your project!

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

MKV Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018

Interior design of Burgenstock luxury resort Interior design of Burgenstock luxury resort

Sharing some of the most inspiring projects from around the world…

Mediterranean inspired interior design of Hotel CalifornianIn Volume 7 Issue 1 of eSociety we highlighted the launch of the newest edition of our SBID International Design Awards which is officially open and accepting project entries for 2018. Our Awards receive the highest calibre of interior design projects year-on-year for the chance to be recognised for interior design excellence.

However, even if you don’t enter your project for an Award, we’re always interested in sharing and celebrating impressive design projects from around the world. So much so that in every issue of our eSociety magazine we take a look at some of the most inspiring projects, from large-scale retail designs and global hotel projects to high-end luxury residential developments, to see how creativity in interior design is transforming the way we work and live our lives.

Mediterranean inspired interior design of Hotel CalifornianIn this issue, we explored a new luxury destination nestled between Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The Hotel Californian is idyllically placed in the Santa Barbara, coined the American Riviera for it’s picturesque landscapes and Mediterranean climate. Designed by LA-based interior designer, Martyn Lawrence Bullard sensitively retained the façade of the original 1925 Hotel Californian, whilst incorporating the rich, eclectic vibrancy of traditional Mediterranean designs.

This 121 room seaside destination comprises of a rooftop pool, featuring panoramic views of the coastline. Brimming with Mediterranean influences and sultry Moroccan details, this project included the hotel’s two restaurants and spa; the hotel’s signature restaurant, Blackbird; the more casual dining option, the Goat Tree Cafe; and Spa Marjorelle, the hotel’s resident luxury spa. Discover more about how Martyn Lawrence Bullard captured the authentic Moroccan character and imbued the essence of Marrakech throughout this stunning hotel design.

Read this feature →

Mediterranean inspired interior design of Hotel Californian

This feature originally appeared in the Portfolio section within Volume 7 Issue 1 of the official SBID interior design magazine, eSociety.

Click here to read the full issue or see more inspiring projects in the Portfolio section, here.

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features London-based design and build company Oktra who took on the challenge of transforming a Victorian building at King’s Cross Station into a remarkable ultra-modern workspace for 300 people. The brief was to create a forwarding-thinking collaborative workplace without affecting the original architecture of the building. The Oktra team inserted contemporary design using intriguing landscapes and modern shapes into the industrial period building. The space includes 300 fixed workstations, open plan desking and several meeting pods over an expansive café area. Biophilia is used throughout to create a relaxing natural environment and bring a sense of the outdoors in. The space allows NewDay to choose how, when and where they work by offering a range of work settings. Each area is designed for a different type of task. 

Company: Oktra

Project: NewDay

Project Location: London, United Kingdom

Interior design of a modern office space in Kings Cross, London by Oktra

What was the client’s brief? 

NewDay appointed our team to design a bold and modern 30,000 sq ft workspace in a magnificent Victorian building. They required a design which would grant more working space to help promote collaboration. NewDay wanted a mixture of formal and informal meeting places, including 300 fixed workstations to encourage productivity and communication.

Interior design of a modern office space in Kings Cross, London by Oktra

What inspired the design of the Project?

Our vision was to achieve a contemporary design whilst retaining the building’s original mid-18th century features. To achieve this we inserted intriguing landscapes and modern shapes against the period brickwork backdrop to create an interesting and engaging juxtaposition which created a complimentary contrast between modern features and the characterful components of the previous architectural structure. We therefore had to come up with a design which was sympathetic to the buildings original features but also able to inject a lively and contemporary spirit into the property.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Working with and around the Grade II Listed building, and connecting the 2 parts of the building together visually was definitely the most challenging aspect of the project. The site has close proximity to rail tunnels below the ground floor and an acoustic floor separates the demise at first floor level so there were various reasons to tread carefully which we had to navigate as the project developed in order to complete the work without compromising on our original vision.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The project’s most remarkable feature is a floating 60m long mezzanine suspended over an acoustic floor, leaving a striking impression on everyone who enters the space. This complex piece of engineering is completely independent of the existing building fabric, and maximises use of the space while offering a different perspective. This involved lengthy coordination of services from our team alongside a series of structural gymnastics within the raised floor.

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

Being one of the most prestigious awards in the design industry, we were honoured to be finalists in the 2017 SBID International Design Awards. To be recognised by SBID is a true testament to the work we do as leading design and build specialists.

Interior design of a modern office space in Kings Cross, London by Oktra

Questions answered by David Bishop, Senior Designer at Oktra 

To ensure you are kept up to date with the latest design inspiration sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram @sbiduk 

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week with a sleek and faceted interior concept, inspired by the striking linear architecture of the Dollar Bay development in Canary Wharf, click here to see more.

The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries!

Click here to register or enter your project!

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Oktra | SBID International Design Awards 2018

Interior design of a modern office space in Kings Cross, London by Oktra

Interior design of a modern office space in Kings Cross, London by Oktra

Interior design of a modern office space in Kings Cross, London by Oktra

In the latest edition of eSociety, Volume 7 Issue 1, SBID conducted a Special Report on two integral areas of interior design. We spoke with Craig & Rose, Philips Lighting and energy company, innogy, to help to shed some light on the latest industry trends in the field of Lighting & Surfaces. 

 

Colour Trends from Craig & Rose: 

Established in 1829 by two young Scottish entrepreneurs James Craig & Hugh Rose, Craig & Rose built a long established reputation as specialist paint providers in their field. This reputation spread swiftly throughout the UK, enabling Craig & Rose to become the paint of choice for the professional painter and decorator. Edward Brown, the Technical Director at Craig & Rose, gives us his informed insight on which colour palette the Spring season is set to usher in to the market and where the trend for paint finishes will lead in the coming months.

To find out more about Edward Brown’s forecast for paint colours and finishes, read his feature here.

Bright Solutions 

The Czech Republic headquarters of energy company, innogy, is using a new LED lighting system to support the circadian rhythms of the people who work there.

Installed by Philips Lighting, the system is tuned to stimulate the energy levels of the 550 staff at set times in the day. According to Philips, “the stimulus from the ‘human centric lighting’ fixtures is likened to a strong cup of coffee”.

Tomas Michna, Senior Manager for Facility and Services at innogy Czech Republic explains how the system works and why this new innovation in using responsive lighting technology in the workplace can help to improve operational efficiency through remote monitoring and maintenance.

Learn more about this revolutionary lighting system, the effects of using advanced lighting technology on psychological patterns and behaviours and how this can be implemented in interior design, here.

innogy table and seats interior design layout

This Special Report Case Study originally appeared in the Volume 7 Issue 1 edition of the official SBID interior design magazine, eSociety.

Click here to read the full issue or see the full Special Report on Lighting and Surface, here.

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the interior specification design for the Dollar Bay Penthouses located in Canary Wharf, London. Suna Interior Design was selected by Mount Anvil and Citystyle (One Housing) to translate the faceted and linear qualities of this unique building in different ways throughout the property. Complimenting the striking architecture and creating a harmony between the exterior and interior elements were integral to the style and design of this luxury residential development. Dollar Bay sits in a glamorous enclave where elite fashion brands, high-end dining, leisure and charismatic nightlife come together to offer a cultured and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Suna Interior Design carefully considered every design decision to reflect this aura of affluence and style, typified by the building’s opulent surroundings.   

Company: Suna Interior Design

Project: Dollar Bay Penthouse

Project Location: London, United Kingdom

Specification of kitchen and bathroom interior design in london penthouse

What was the client’s brief? 

When we work with developers on any specification work, we take into account many contributory factors.

  • The clients brief, brand identity and desire for the development.
  • The potential market for the product, in this case looking to the local and oversea purchasers.
  • The architecture of the development, we are keen to make sure there is a harmony between the exterior and interior of the development.

In this instance, we were working on only two apartments but they were the jewel in the crown of this development as they were the triplex penthouse units atop the striking Dollar Bay development for Mount Anvil. The penthouse apartments offered a truly unique space as the interior was spread across four floors finishing with an impressive multifunctional area consisting of a spa, dining and lounge area with triple height glazing and views across the docklands landscape.

As with all penthouse designs, the client needed us to come up with a design for the interior which would impress their potential buyers and maximise the space within. When specifying interiors that need to stand the test of time it is important to select finishes that will not date and choose products that have a long aesthetic lifespan. We combine this with adding in individual design details to add some identity to the interior and touch points to link it to the architecture.

Specification of kitchen and bathroom interior design in london penthouse

What inspired the design of the Project?

The fundamental starting point for all of the design was the architecture of the building. The external glazing facets in and out which ran all the way up the structure created a truly impressive and dramatic design aesthetic. This influenced many key features of the interior design. Specifically the internal doors and ironmongery were bespoke, designed to incorporate the same faceted and angled designs to mirror the rest of the property. Having a direct correlation between the interior and the exterior creates an intelligently curated overall aesthetic with synergy between all areas.

Specification of kitchen and bathroom interior design in london penthouse

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

One of the hardest areas to design was the master ensuite due to the layout of the room and the desire to create an impressive addition to the master bedroom. The area we were working with reflected the angled features of the architecture. The unusual space with large glazing panels displayed incredible views across Canary Wharf and linked the ensuite to the generous winter garden which wrapped around the perimeter of the rooms. The angled shape of the space ended up working to our advantage, allowing us to position the shower enclosure to the rear, hiding the WC between the smoked shower screen and a bespoke slatted divider beside the vanity unit. The double basin vanity was a truly impressive feature with a bespoke marble vanity unit and shelf that bisected a full height mirror with integrated Led lighting. We used the Agape Sen range of brassware that followed the linear lines of the vanity and finished off this area perfectly. We sourced a unique slash sided freestanding bath that butted to the angled wall and provided a luxurious bathing area with fantastic views.

Specification of kitchen and bathroom interior design in london penthouse

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The most impressive area within the apartment is the last one you come across. At the top of the building there is a 3 storey open spa which links the dining room and an upper open floor as a second lounge. We knew when we started looking at this impressive space that the large wall that forms the backdrop to the spa area needed to have impact. As it is such a large wall area we wanted to add product which would break it up and add interest. We selected a tile product that was available in multiple sizes and surface finishes so that each one would catch the light differently. In addition we added in recess strip lighting to the wall in specific areas so that the whole area would transform from day to night.

Specification of kitchen and bathroom interior design in london penthouse

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

We hold the opinions of those at SBID very high as we know they have high expectations and broad industry experience. Achieving success at these awards would be an accolade we would be immensely proud off and a testament to the work we have produced.

Specification of kitchen and bathroom interior design in london penthouse

Questions answered by Helen Fewster, Director at Suna Interior Design 

To ensure you are kept up to date with the latest design inspiration sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram @sbiduk 

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week with the virtual reality theme park inspired by the vibrant cityscape of Dubai, click here to see more.

The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries! Click here to register or enter your project!

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Suna Interior Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018

Specification of kitchen and bathroom interior design in london penthouse

Specification of kitchen and bathroom interior design in london penthouse

In the current issue of eSociety, SBID talks to Carolina Calzada, co-chair of SBID’s recently launched Colour Council, about the council’s purpose and aims for the interior design industry. Here is what she had to say: 

 

Why is the Colour Council relevant for interior designers?

I think the Colour Council is very relevant to the creative industry in general. With any subject it’s important to have access to a reliable source of information. SBID’s Colour Council initiative not only allows the organisation to share information on colour knowledge but also to set standards in the way we work with colour. It’s also an opportunity to create a permanent knowledge resource for using colour successfully. We will be looking into colour theory, working with colour in space and colour forecasting as well as looking to colour combinations for inspiration; this will enable interior designers to connect with colour experts and establish a reliable information source.

What’s your own experience of working with colour?

For the past 11 years I have worked with many brands, helping them with product development and marketing strategies. I have built a broad knowledge in colour nuances and how different cultures react to colour by working with paint companies around the world. I have also worked with materials manufacturers as Finsa, Formica, DuPont, Ceasarstone and LG Haus as well as companies as Kimberley Clarks, Samsung, Logitech or Panasonic. I would say that this experience has really helped me to understand how consumers think.

Do you think designers understand the importance of colour choices?

I think designers are fully aware of the need to have the right information. We are a savvy industry and understand that having the right knowledge helps us create customer satisfaction. Right now, you need to search the internet to find colour information which is time consuming. Also because data comes from different sources, how can you be sure it’s reliable?  Getting good data on colour is also a challenge for students and anyone else who works in design. Colour is a fabulous tool for creativity but a lack of knowledge in this area can hold you back creatively. That’s why I am strong believer in making information available from a reliable source as SBID.

Carolina Calzada, Co-Founder at Calzada Fox

Co-chair of the SBID Colour Council & SBID East Anglia Regional Director 

This interview originally appeared in the Volume 7 Issue 1 edition of the official SBID interior design magazine, eSociety.

Click here to read the full issue or see the rest of the interview with Carolina, here.

 

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