This week's instalment of SBID's Product of the Week series features an unconventional lighting design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Light.iQ.
SBID Awards Category: Lighting
Practice: Light.iQ
Project: SKP-S
Shin Kong Place South (SKP-S) in Beijing has opened its doors on December 2019, and it promises to change the way luxury retail is perceived. Gentle Monster and SKP wanted to engage all our human senses (by hearing, smelling, seeing, and touching) once we enter this department store. All luxury brands embraced this unusual concept and created innovative interiors.
The lighting departed from the traditional forms of shopping illuminations too. Dark and moody corridors were introduced instead of flat and evenly lit ones. The result is an immersive experience full of art installations combined with interactive displays to keep customers on their toes even when they are circulating between shops.
The SBID International Design Awards programme serves to recognise, reward and celebrate design excellence across a broad range of categories spanning Interior Design, Product Design and Fit-Out. Click here to find out more.
Sans Souci, Czech designer and creator of glass lighting and architectural installations, introduces lighting installation in the centre of Burj Al Arab’s new lobby in Dubai. The stunning chandelier was adapted from Sans Souci’s signature Symphony collection and is comprised of 210 crystal tubes, weighing around 450 kilograms.
The installation seamlessly integrates heritage craftsmanship with the latest nano-technologies. Using cutting-edge techniques, each glass tube was coated in gold and engraved with a unique leaf motif taken from the luxury hotel’s wallpaper.
Designed by KCA International for Jumeirah Group, the newly renovated Exit Lobby features the magnificent spiral chandelier as the bespoke centrepiece for the interior. The installation’s design plays with light to create a glowing piece of art in the heart of the new space.
“Burj Al Arab is a globally recognised symbol of Dubai and luxury so we were delighted to work on this project” commented Elie El Khoury, Managing Director of Sans Souci Middle East. “We wanted to create a unique installation for the new interior that embodies the opulence of this iconic hotel.”
Jiří Krišica Head of Design at Sans Souci, added “The core design for this piece is taken from our Symphony collection and we then worked with the design team to create a truly unique chandelier that highlights the stunning interiors of the hotel. The final effect is an installation that plays with light and shade, creating a beautiful focus for the space.”
Burj Al Arab’s new Exit Lobby opened in October 2021. This installation adds to the list of Sans Souci’s projects in the Middle East which includes the W Hotel The Palm, Waterfront Market, Central Park Towers in Dubai or Al Rayyan Hotel in Doha.
About Sans Souci Lighting
Sans Souci Lighting is a bohemian designer and producer of decorative lighting fixtures, glass objects and architectural features. Shaped by impeccable design and desire for modernity, they value, above all, innovation and technology. Never afraid to challenge the rules, they strive to be the leader in the field of lighting originals and a luxury brand for those seeking beauty and inspiration.
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In this week's interview with 2021 SBID Awards winner for the Lighting Design category, REPUBLIC OF II BY IV partners, Dan Menchions and Keith Rushbrook answer questions on the winning experience, the creative process behind designing the Boga Collection, and what's in store for the company's future!
The internationally renowned interior design practice, II BY IV DESIGN was founded in 1990 by Dan and Keith - both dreamed of a creative firm that was deeply rooted in design and guided by a passion for constant innovation. "Continually travelling the world, we seek out art, architecture, fashion, theatre, food and culture to fuel our imaginations, while inspiring globally celebrated designs."
Practice: REPUBLIC OF II BY IV
Entry: Boga Collection
The SBID Awards are regarded as one of the most prestigious accolades in the interior design industry representing talent and design excellence across all corners of the industry.
Being named a finalist for a SBID Award is a notable achievement but being a category winner has made our studio tremendously excited and thrilled. We are truly honoured to receive this recognition, especially considering the products of all the other finalists.
The benefits of receiving an SBID are vast but most notably the acknowledgement and exposure within the international design community. It gives immense credibility to our product to win a world class award.
The simplicity of the design. It is truly a study in form and shape. It’s elegant and refined. The purity of the design comes from a simple line. Our design team didn’t want to overcomplicate it. Sometimes less is more and it’s important to keep it simple.
Having said that, the design is only as strong as those who manufacture it. So, we celebrate hollis + morris’ true craftmanship and their team for fabricating this product. It’s a true partnership and we share this great accolade with them.
Our team wanted to evoke emotion, we hope everyone who sees the fixture is inspired and curious by the design.
Boga, which takes its origins from the Old English word “bow” was inspired by the wonders of how wood can be transformed. The bow in archery is so powerful and we wanted to emulate that with a lighting fixture.
Inspired by narrow natural wood material, the Boga Collection pendants maximize the surface area available to emit light, delivering glow with absolutely no shadowing. The substantive solid wood frame supports its elongated scale and lends to its striking yet whimsical presence. Customizable, and dimmable from cool to warm tone, with wood finishes offered in primarily natural ash, walnut and black stain, the Boga Collection is an elegant complement to any residential, hospitality or commercial interior.
As for bringing this concept to life, we had to ensure to was structurally sound. So, we 3D printed small samples then a full-size model once we had our design perfected. Each pendant is milled out of one natural wood piece using 5-axis CNC technology to follow the natural curve of the wood grain. The design teams focused on creating a pendant that embodies a natural wood grain finish that flows into the piece with intentional joinery resulting in a pristine and clean aesthetic.
First and foremost, it must be able to be fabricated. You can’t create a super complex design that will only make it to the prototype stage. Also, you must keep in mind finances. The cost of fabrication directly leads to retail price. We keep in mind fabrication in order for it to be affordable or what we like to call ‘affordable luxury’. We wanted this piece to have a mass market appeal with a high-end look.
The materiality is a huge consideration as well. For all our projects, we factor in the environmental aspects. Minimizing our carbon footprint is very important to our studio so we ensure it is locally sourced and fabricated.
Our background of over 30 years in interiors definitely influences and contributes to how we approach the products we create. We think about how specifiers and the public can use it in their spaces. Ensuring the product can have as many applications as possible.
After all, light is so very crucial to a space, without lighting there is no design.
We are always planning our next steps at REPUBLIC of II BY IV. We have more lighting lines being developed with local and international manufactures, working with existing, well-known brands as well as completely new brands. We are also launching a brand-new wallcovering line.
Our studio has a lot planned for 2022 so be sure to follow us to stay up-to-date! @republicofiibyiv
This is such a great question and many thoughts come to mind but the one that sticks out the most is, dare to be yourself. Authenticity is what lasts in this industry. Don’t just follow the trend, start the trend.
It’s imperative to have your own point of view on design and always push the envelope. Be willing to take risks and dare to be different. You need to stand out in this business.
Focus on materials that do not harm the environment and don’t just design for the sake of designing. Always design with a solution in mind. Add your clever take to the design and be mindful of the craft. Celebrate as much as possible and look for inspiration everywhere.
Questions answered by Dan Menchions and Keith Rushbrook, Partners of II BY IV DESIGN and REPUBLIC of II BY IV, proud members of SBID for over a decade.
Established by Dan Menchions and Keith Rushbrook and credited with countless awards and esteemed publications, II BY IV DESIGN is distinguished by a balanced approach that captures the essence of each client’s vision. From concept to execution the entire team believes in delivering the highest level of design excellence.
Lorenzo Tondelli Collection is pleased to announce the release of the new Hyperborea series. A family of furniture, containers, seating, objects and lighting with a common philosophy: elegant and refined sobriety, high technology combined with the excellence of the finest Italian craftsmanship, clean lines and a contemporary touch.
The name Hyperborea draws its inspiration from legendary territories where the terrestrial and celestial met, sparking the beginning of civilization. As was the first home of Apollo, so those territories were blessed with days of endless light and an eternal spring. The series recalls the spirit of such mythic places, featuring both eastern and nordic undertones. The elements seem to come from a midway land where indoor and outdoor landscapes overlap, creating dynamism and intimacy through a silent yet engaging dialogue with the inhabitants. They couple magnificent minimalism with the in-depth technical know-how of how things work. Each piece comes with an unerring sense of measure and proportion. Each piece knows how to live and breathe in urban extensions. In its dedicated space, it finds meaning and prominence — a perfect joy.
The series is composed of completely unseen pieces such as the Dune armchair, the Drop and Levare low tables, and the Aura lamp, as well as reinterpreted and innovative Lorenzo Tondelli bestselling classics. The limited edition Atlante cabinet, a finalist in the Product Design category at the SBID Awards 2021, is also part of the selection.
Dune’s strangely beautiful silhouette looks straight to a sci-fi visual narrative. Its sleek, untouched curves interplay like sandy waves to recall fantasies of moonlit trips to a dream planet we might call “home”. Dune Armchair has ultra ergonomic lines and a cleanest design ensured by almost non-existent seams. The armchair belongs to a series that acknowledges material matching: customize it with leathers in different colours or combine leather with wood or metal.
Aura is all about soft magnetism finding freedom through a cage. The wall becomes the sky as light leaks, spreading symmetrically across it, catching the eye through a sought-after movement of shades. Aura Lamp celebrates the utmost pleasure of skywatching: it conveys the aesthetic of northern lights through a stern yet appealing reproduction of an ancient Chinese cricket cage. Filtering the light through a unique screen surrounded by tiny bars, it reverberates an alluring game of shadows in the room.
Drop captures stillness and change at the same time. There’s a quiet, flat pond, and then some tiny raindrops falling: the exact moment when they become water happens and freezes right before us. Drop has a fluid identity lying in its shapes and attitude. It has a unifying presence, with its flat and large plateau creating harmonious combinations with different pieces from the collection.
Levare was born to be as necessary and daily as the flavor of salt. And yet, it’s shaped and named after Michelangelo’s sculptural manner of taking away, instead of adding, to reach the peak of essential artfulness. Levare is a leather and metal low table with a soothing feel deriving from its blatant efficiency and plain essentiality. Geometries and volumes are subtracted, reduced to a minimum — just enough to serve intelligently, clearing the space for anything else.
About Lorenzo Tondelli
Since the early fifties, Lorenzo Tondelli have been makers at work. They adorn places where meeting, talking, learning, playing, working, and relaxing feels just sublime. At Lorenzo Tondelli they love to gather their fabrics, fantasy, and experience, and then let the inspiration lead them somewhere new. Every element they design has a unique storyline, combining culture, art, and tradition to create comfortable yet inspiring spaces.
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With lockdown lifting, projects resuming and new clients on the horizon, we're sharing the latest product news from SBID Accredited Partners. Featuring premium, Mother of Pearl decorative wall panels; a table collection inspired by a new wave of Brazilian music, and an ecological collection of advanced natural paints with sustainable options for any project!
Introducing Siminetti's Mother of Pearl decorative panels
Siminetti’s Mother of Pearl Decorative Panels are the next generation in Mother of Pearl surface finishes. Handcrafted by Siminetti’s team of artisans, the ‘Golden Pearl Drop’ Decorative Panels capture the stunning natural beauty of Mother of Pearl that has for centuries been associated with luxury, sophistication and elegance. Utilising a combination of Siminetti’s ‘Bianco’ and ‘Golden Promise’ Mother of Pearl, every panel carries its own bespoke appeal.
Produced from fully sustainable Freshwater and Saltwater Pearl, each decorative panel is assembled to the clients exacting dimensions and can be produced in almost any shape up to maximum size of 240cm x 120cm. The individual Mother of Pearl pieces are hand placed onto a lightweight, robust, honeycomb backing which ensures they are also fully waterproof, making the decorative panels not only suitable for kitchen splashbacks and furniture inlays, but equally wet-room and shower environments. Siminetti Decorative Panels are the luxurious alternative to tiles and are available in over 30 stunning designs. Siminetti also offers a bespoke design service, allowing Designers, Architects and Specifiers to develop their own unique style.
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Cox London presents the Siren Chair for Collect at Somerset House
The Siren Chair was created by Cox London for Collect at Somerset house in March 2020. This generously proportioned chair is traditionally upholstered with natural lamb’s wool for great comfort, supported by sculptural cast-bronze arms and a forged iron frame. Both visceral and flocculent, the beguiling chair is signed and numbered by the artist. Special editions available in different finishes and different fabrics. The founders, Christopher and Nicola Cox take inspiration from the great traditions and techniques of making; their work is craft orientated, sculpture based and infused with historical references.
Christopher and Nicola make their artwork and furniture in their north London atelier and workshop. Having studied fine art sculpture together they set up their studio early in 2000, they have since taken on a wide variety of commissions from the worlds of fine art, craft and interior decoration to produce bespoke or limited-edition pieces that combine creativity with the best of British craftsmanship and artistry. Cox London’s unique designs are on display in their Pimlico and North London showroom’s.
Kassavello features elite brand's Bossa table collection
The Bossa collection is taken from a range of curated products from the portfolio of elite brands that are available through luxury furniture design atelier Kassavello. Inspired by ‘Bossa Nova’, the new wave of musical genre and culture that emerged from Brazil in the 1950’s, the Bossa table collection is defined by a sleek finish and subtle curved edges. Constructed from high gloss solid mahogany wood with contrasting natural cane and matt mahogany detailing, these unique pieces are subtle enough to compliment a myriad of schemes whilst adding a distinctive sense of style and flair.
The Bossa square coffee table combines natural cane with a practical glass top whilst the Bossa side table is completed with an elegantly crafted inset matt veneer. Designed with flexible grouping in mind, the taller side tables combine beautifully with the shorter coffee table creating a stunning composition and centerpiece. Bespoke options and finishes are available across the collection.
A New Era for advanced natural paints with Graphenstone
As a customer rightly stated, "Graphenstone offers a range of stunning colours, all of them Green.” Using 100% recycled and recyclable packing and delivery materials, Graphenstone is proud to hold 'Cradle to Cradle Institute' Gold and Silver Certifications, as the ultimate validation of its dedication to green products and processes. With natural ingredients combined with graphene technology, Graphenstone offer the most advanced, durable and ecological ranges of paint available on the UK market. The absence of toxicity makes the paints virtually odourless. LEED, WELL and BREEAM Compliant, Graphenstone’s products are ideal for any large or small-scale project seeking healthy and sustainable paint options with trusted certifications.
To commemorate 100 years of Bentley motor cars, SBID Accredited Industry Partner, Alexander Joseph in collaboration with DMark Concepts produced a one of a kind cordless lamp, named Mulliner. The design of this exclusive premium lamp not only pays homage to the luxurious specification of Bentley’s prestigious interiors and their brand-new convertible model, but does so sustainably.
Made completely by hand in their UK workshops, the Nickel lamp body has been cushioned, replicating the decadent seating synonymous with the Mulliner specification. In collaboration with Bentley, the lampshade has been crafted in Vegan leather, then hand stitched in the iconic quilted diamond shape. The piece took 5 months to complete and represents approximately 600 hours of meticulous labour! The lamp also benefits from cutting edge, patent-pending battery technology and software, which delivers 3-4 weeks of use on a single charge. After the briefest of visits to the Geneva Motor Show, Mulliner will be offered for sale privately via a small number of Interior Designers with an appropriate client profile.
Sharing his insight to the key factors driving industry change and how makers should respond, we interviewed Mark Robinson, Managing Director of Alexander Joseph to find out more about what went in to produce this Bentley-inspired, vegan lamp!
What social trends are driving change and how do your designs respond to them?
Consumer desire for ethically made and sustainable products forces makers to think hard about their products, often this means using new techniques or materials where traditional methods are now considered morally redundant. This in turn can affect the way a designer must think about a piece to ensure whatever the item happens to be can be made cost effectively.
Manufacturers ignore customer demands for ethical and sustainable products at their peril. It’s no longer good enough to “carry on as normal”, customers have started to vote with their feet, or wallets! Brands should see this as an opportunity to inspire new design and perhaps techniques, rather than a begrudging obligation.
A great example of a brand adapting to what the market wants is one of our most iconic British brands, Bentley. The company recently introduced a range of vegan leathers for their vehicles.
Can you talk us through the manufacturing process. How did you take the initial design concept to achieve the final end product?
Alexander Joseph partnered with DMark Concepts to make this piece. The two businesses have worked together on other projects and discussed how to produce something unique. DMark who are also based in Dorset are best known for handmaking body parts for vintage cars you simply can’t buy.
The concept for the Mulliner lamp came following a meeting between the two companies for an unrelated piece destined for a luxury yacht. During a conversation about Bentley, Mark Robinson mentioned their drive to become more environmentally aware, this in turn led to a conversation about new Bentley models including the upcoming Mulliner. Within 10 minutes the group at the meeting had sketched out the initial concept.
In rudimentary terms, the piece can be broken down into three parts. The body, the shade and the technology. We decided to make the body from copper, primarily because it is an easier material to roll than most. It also lends itself to being highly polished as well as being the perfect plating surface.
A single sheet of copper was hand rolled, then using a laser light, the sheet was painstakingly worked over a wheel to create the pillowing synonymous with Bentley Mulliner models. This section of the lamp took almost 300 hours to create.
The technology for this piece also had to be reworked onto a new platform as the internal space wouldn’t allow for our existing electronics layout. This in turn meant we had to redesign the charging system for the lamp!
How was the choice of materials important? Why did you choose to use Vegan leather?
Our initial idea was to make our first carbon neutral product, just to see if it could be done. Using Vegan leather for the lampshade was an obvious and easy choice. We approached Bentley about the project, and they were able to give us all the information we needed to see the piece to conclusion.
The black vegan leather we eventually selected was then sent to a car upholstery specialist who formerly worked for another car brand, Aston Martin. He was able to hand stitch the material, replicating the Mulliner specification in Bentley cars.
Your products are manufactured by hand in the UK. How do you see ‘Made in Britain’ trend evolving after Brexit?
We don’t fear what Brexit means to ‘Made in Britain’. In fact, we see it as another opportunity. As a country we may struggle to compete with other regions for lower priced high-volume products, but nobody does quality engineered and hand-made products better than Britain. We see no reason why this wouldn’t continue. If anything, it could be argued that an overt independence only enhances the cache of Made in Britain.
How do you go about sourcing your materials locally? Why do you do this?
We ensure every component used in our lamps come from UK suppliers. When we launched our business one of our proud claims was that our lamps were 100% British - and this is still the case today. We audit all our suppliers to ensure everything they supply to us has been sourced and made in the UK. Wherever possible we buy from local suppliers with around 80% of our raw material coming from firms within a 20-mile radius of our workshops.
Sourcing specialist components and materials from UK suppliers is challenging, the research is time consuming, as is the administration of controlling the supply chain, but we think it is worth it.
All our pieces have a serial number. We record every component that goes into a customer lamp, so in the future if the piece is damaged, we can replace a part without the cost of replacing the whole lamp. As a result, we also know what date we received every component and which batch it came from. We even record ancillary information such as the depth of plating, or the colour density of glass.
Questions answered by Mark Robinson, Managing Director of Alexander Joseph
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Whether you're looking to specify sustainably-made chairs for an upcoming office project, source a unique coffee table solution for helping your clients relax and entertain at home, or find design-led brassware for bathroom spaces with additional water-saving innovations; browse this month's curated selection of interior product news to discover more ways you can enhance your designs this February.
Alexander Joseph introduce a series of new designs for its luxury cordless lamps
Throughout February, Alexander Joseph will be introducing a series of new contemporary designs to their permanent range of luxury cordless lamps – and it all starts with the Arc. A classic desk lamp magnificently proportioned to bring grandeur to an office or study. Bringing the traditional 100-year-old shape up to date with a contemporary oversized body. Arc’s sweeping oval lines give way to an angled summit. Finished in Bronze, Brass & polished Silver, there are hundreds of shade colours and materials available to suit your interior design schemes.
FCI presents the unique Caprice Coffee Table by Smania
Made by the Italian manufacturer Smania, the Caprice wooden coffee table finished in a veneer of wood with a leather upholstered structure is no ordinary coffee table. This low, design-led and multi-functional round table also serves as a bar with its unique openable top, exposing internal compartments to store bottles and glasses. This design feature elevates the sleek, contemporary coffee table to become a true centre piece of your client’s living room - to dine, relax and entertain in style. Caprice makes for a bold, yet elegant addition to any aesthetic.
Roca flourishes with new Flat brassware range
Flat epitomises minimalist design with its square silhouette and soft edges. Offering a functional yet sophisticated brassware style for any bathroom space, it is available in standard, deck-mounted and wall-mounted options. The square shape of the Flat mixer is also complementary to a range of basin shapes, making it a versatile and functional brassware choice for homeowners, installers, specifiers and retailers.
All mixers in the Flat collection are coated in the hard-wearing Roca EverShine® finish. The electrolytic coating ensures the tap retains its shine, repels stains and discourages the build-up of limescale. The range is also equipped with water-saving innovations. Soft Turn technology provides precision and puts the homeowner in control, with the ability to set the desired water flow and temperature. Enhanced with the integration of flow limiters you can restrict the water flow to a set number of litres per minute, providing a more sustainable, cost-effective solution.
Introducing the matt lacquer and copper bespoke kitchen by Roundhouse
Crafting beautiful, bespoke kitchens and furniture, Roundhouse showcase their signature, understated aesthetic with one of their latest kitchen projects. The Stephens family kitchen is the perfect place for entertaining with it’s refined and uncluttered scheme – the result of a behind-the-scenes pantry that leads to a scullery and wine store. The design features a combination of Roundhouse Urbo and Metro matt lacquer and matt sanded copper. Finished in Paint & Paper Library Squid Ink with polished Neolith Calacatta worktops. Roundhouse designs are made to measure in a huge range of stunning finishes, expertly crafted by their skilled cabinet makers in their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Malvern, Worcestershire.
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Arper presented two of its recycled products to the Scandinavian market
Exhibiting at the 70th edition of the Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair, for the first time Arper displayed its newest additions made from recycled materials to the Scandinavian market; June Eco and Duna 02 Eco, alongside other iconic Arper products. Duna 02 Eco, designed by Lievore Altherr Molina is sustainably-made from 80% recycled post-industrial plastic shell with a 4-leg wood base, and is Greenguard Gold certified. Its shape is evocative and contemporary with a delicate curvature and sumptuous surface, making this chair ideally suited for both home and hospitality spaces.
SBID interviewed Mark Robinson, the Managing Director of Alexander Joseph about his journey into the field of product design. We uncover how his brand of luxury lighting solutions came to life; how he got there and what he does to stay abreast of current industry challenges, whilst running a business!
Can you describe your current job?
As Managing Director of Alexander Joseph Lighting, my job is to develop the design ethic and culture in a way that establishes our young luxury brand. A significant part of this role is to ensure our designs are relevant to today’s interiors market by fostering collaborations with interior designers, artists, sculptors, and product designers to grow our range of cordless lighting products. I also take responsibility for the quality of the pieces we make and sell.
What is your background and how did you get into interior design?
My background represents the antithesis of the normal road to working within the sector! I’ve spent most of my adult life inventing first-to-market technologies and products across many sectors. After discovering I couldn’t buy decorative cordless lamps, I decided to make my own, this journey brought me into contact with interior and product designers who exhibited a passion and enthusiasm I’d never really been exposed to. After a little research I realised the sector was likely to be the ideal place to launch products.
Describe an average day in your job role..
My natural inclination to be organised helps to moderate the ever-changing pressures associated with working on dozens of projects at the same time. In addition to curating and developing our permanent range, I also attend daily design meetings for commission pieces we are making for clients. Each project must be taken from a sketch to a CAD model to CGI, before it is made by hand in our workshops. Marketing, customer, planning and staff meetings take up the rest of the day. I generally leave administrative and financial matters until everyone else has left for the evening, I find it easier to concentrate then.
Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?
We are currently working on the launch of our first ever floor lamp and we have some marvellous collaborations to announce...
What do you find the most challenging aspects of your job?
Everything we do must deliver the highest quality. So, keeping abreast of live projects and progress is time consuming and a constant challenge. Motivating myself to keep on top of admin would be a close second.
What do you wish you knew before working in the field?
Pretty much everything I’ve learned over the last 12 months!
Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most and/or find the most rewarding?
The most rewarding component of my job is creating finished pieces from scratch, I love problem solving so the more complex or challenging the design the more I tend to enjoy it.
What would you tell your younger self if you had the chance?
I think it would be; decide what you want to do, then do it. Don’t procrastinate, it saps self confidence and tends to be an expensive lesson in futility. Spending time to-ing and fro-ing over decisions costs money – at the end of the day you are paying your rent, wages and other overheads whilst you introspectively analyse what you are doing.
What has been your favourite project to work on?
Producing a lamp for a charity auction. It was a 1 metre tall table lamp in the charity's colours, finished in sterling silver. It took over 100 hours to complete.
What do you think is the biggest problem the interior design industry faces?
Engagement with other sectors and industries. As a creating sector it is clearly design led, but this can be at the expense of all else. Other sectors tend to spend more time looking at how they can borrow or adapt techniques in other markets, before it is critical to do so. This enables them to ‘design in’ what they are adapting. Rather than incur the cost associated with adopting something at project delivery stage.
Which people do you admire the most in the industry and why?
I think this would have to be anyone who has spent more than 20 years as an interior designer. Being able to remain passionate and inspired over such a long time period is truly admirable.
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Inspiration is key. Covering hardware, lighting, flooring, textiles and wallcoverings, this month's latest products feature designs which are deeply rooted in the inspirations in which they were derived; whether built on concepts of heritage or the final interior vision. With brassware inspired by age-old manufacturing techniques, textile designs inspired by local landscapes and flooring tiles inspired by historic designs, keep scrolling to find out more...
Armac Martin launches a new range of sophisticated and striking hardware
Taking inspiration from the history of Armac Martin, their latest fine hardware collection is thoughtfully designed and named after the founder, Harold McGrail. The hammered appearance draws on an age-old manufacturing technique that dates back to the founder’s early days in business. Handmade using the finest materials in Birmingham, England, this collection has a distinctive texture and luxurious look created by the hammering of each individual piece, adding detailed interest to your interiors with a distinctive and tactile finish. Photographed above in the timeless satin antique finish, The Harold collection comprises 6 pieces of elegant and refined solid brass cabinet hardware. Each piece of hardware is available in 21 finishes to suit any interior and comprises of knobs, t-bars, three sizes of cabinet pulls and a larger appliance pull to ensure designers have a variety of sizing combinations to suit the design process.
Introducing the creative Heritage Collection by Karndean
Karndean announce the launch of the brand-new Heritage Collection, featuring a range of exquisite designs inspired by the architectural tiled floors of grand Victorian and Regency villas and townhouses. From striking monochrome designs to beautifully blended traditional patterns, the new range reflects both the boldness of contemporary trends and lavish Victorian living.
The Heritage Collection is designed to give the opulent look of classic geometric tiles and presents ten new colours, from timeless terracotta, crimson and gold to contemporary dove grey, taupe and baby blue, alongside two Opus designs Luna and Nero. All 12 shades are available in square, triangular and octagonal tiles which can be mixed and matched in any combination to create a truly bespoke floor. Whether used to create a statement floor across an open plan space, identify different working areas or to define walkways, the Heritage Collection offers potential to create a unique space with the architectural elegance of a historic design but with all the benefits of luxury vinyl flooring.
Muraspec offers digital wallcovering services to create bespoke wallcoverings for interior design
Muraspec's digital design experts will work directly with designers to create the design concept and achieve stunning results - or if you have your own designs in mind, they can help bring your idea to life from the initial concept through to final installation. With skilled CAD and studio designers, a team of digital print professionals and dedicated project managers, no outsourcing is required. All of this is supported by an experienced technical and installation team to make sure everything you need is one place. The Felix Sea Food Grill Restaurant (pictured above) showcases the results these efforts. Looking for a background that will provide a relaxing atmosphere and also add an extra wow factor to the walls, their digitally printed bespoke wallcoverings provided just that. Muraspec print on Wallcoverings, Glass Film, Acrylic Panels and Strataflex. They can also offer bespoke manufacturing of unique materials, even with recycled content that is Euroclass fire rated CE compliant and now comes with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
Alexander Joseph presents the Limited Edition Vortex lamp
British company, Alexander Joseph is changing the way we look at interiors with a range of completely cordless, custom-made luxury lamps created with some of the UK’s finest artists and product designers. Taking over 60 hours to hand-create, Vortex is the latest one-off lamp creation by Alexander Joseph. Steve Burns, Technical Director at Alexander Joseph was draining an oil bath when he noticed the vortex as the oil drained from the bottom, with light streaming through a window the vortex was changing colour from deep chocolate to amber. Pretty soon the inevitable happened and the design team sketched out Steve's oil bath-inspired lamp design. Alexander Joseph cordless lamps are a patent pending new invention with each lamp staying lit for over 52+ hours before recharging is needed.
Product designer David Irwin designs his first range of textiles with Bute Fabrics
Award-winning product designer David Irwin, has created his first range of textiles with Bute Fabrics. The collection was inspired by the Isle of Bute and intricately celebrates the company’s heritage, its location and its people. Bute pride themselves in their unique story: The mill was founded in 1947 by the 5th Marquess of Bute with the purpose of providing employment opportunities for service people returning home from WWII. The two new collections: Identity and Strata, are firmly rooted in the elements on which the company are founded: craftsmanship, skill, the island landscape and the local community where 46 employees reside. This collaboration celebrates the impact of the human touch within machine production; the makers mark and the mastery of the unique processes inherent in manufacture. The compelling collection will be woven on Bute’s new Jacquard looms - the first production of Jacquard cloth in the mills 72 year history.
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.
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.
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.
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