Opitome is a one-of-a-kind luxury hardware concierge that boasts a rich heritage in both traditional and modern architectural hardware design and manufacturing. Our team of qualified and passionate experts, possess unparalleled knowledge of specification, design, and quality craftsmanship.
Through consultation and supply services, we work with interior designers and architects from around the globe to deliver the highest quality, luxurious fittings that meet their specific requirements. A full support service which includes detailed door and window scheduling.
The Opitome brand was founded in 2013 by a team of experienced architectural ironmongers who recognised the lack of flexibility and customisation with regards to hardware, offered to specifiers within the industry. We set out to create a company that could provide unique, tailored solutions for each client’s individual needs, along with unrivalled support.
Opitome’s hardware concierge service sets us apart. This bespoke service helps clients navigate the technical and aesthetic specifications of architectural hardware, ensuring that each project is completed to the highest standard possible. Today, Opitome’s combination of high-quality hardware solutions and exceptional customer service makes us the go-to choice for designers and architects looking for a reliable and trusted partner for their architectural hardware needs.
Our extensive portfolio includes door and window fittings, cabinet hardware, and other interior and exterior fittings made from the finest materials such as brass, bronze, leather, and resin. Our products are not only functional but also add an element of luxury and style to any project, enhancing the overall interior design aesthetic.
When it comes to Opitome’s service, firstly our qualified team has extensive knowledge and experience in architectural ironmongery, and work with a wide range of high-end manufacturers in the UK and overseas to provide the finest fittings on a global level. This allows us to provide a wider portfolio of products and solutions to clients, with the ability to tailor bespoke options to meet specific design briefs, timescales, and budgets.
Our team provide exceptional customer support and advice, including a complimentary detailed door and window scheduling service, we will organise samples and swatches, onsite support and provide a centralised procurement service to help clients streamline their supply chain and ensure that all fittings are delivered on time and within budget. We also provide expert advice on the correct specification of locks, latches, hinges, and other associated fittings, helping clients to avoid potential issues and the reassurance that their projects are safe and functional.
Finally, Opitome’s passion for craftsmanship and hand finishing is evident in our products, ensuring that each fitting is of the highest quality and built to last.
Opitome understands the complex challenges faced by designers and architects in managing multiple suppliers per project, especially when it comes to the technical specification of architectural hardware. Getting it right is not only an investment for the client but also impacts the reputation of the designer. Aesthetics and functionality must be balanced, which can often be a daunting and very time consuming task.
This is where Opitome comes in. We provide the technical assurances and help with time management for designers. We become an extension of the team, working closely with designers to provide the right solutions quickly, whether it is regarding the design, price point or technical aspect. With Opitome, you are in safe hands. Our years of experience and expertise in the industry have earned us a loyal client base. We help elevate interior design projects to new heights with our unparalleled services and solutions.
We work closely with interior designers to understand their vision, timescales and budget for a project and provide tailored hardware solutions that complement the design aesthetic while meeting practical requirements such as security and accessibility.
Organising samples can be time consuming, especially when short notice is given, so our support in sourcing and delivering samples and swatches, often hand-delivering them at short notice, is always appreciated by our clients and helps to ensure that projects remain on schedule. Our all-inclusive approach means that we will write the detailed schedules to include all associated products such as locks, latches, hinges and so on. This not only free’s up the time for the design teams but also provides the assurances that everything will be fit for purpose and within budget. Finally, we ensure that the goods receive one final quality check at the Opitome offices, before being packed into labelled door sets and sent to site or the client.
The company has gone from strength to strength and there are many significant highlights. I’d have to include the successful completion of several high-profile projects, including luxury residential developments in Mayfair, Kensington and the Cotswolds, where our teams consulted and supplied all hardware throughout. Plus a major commercial office building in the Middle East, along with a royal Palace! We hold a really strong mix of specialisms.
Our team is also growing and Natalie Kelly joined us at the end of 2022 as Opitome Client Relationship Manager, with a specific focus on the interior design partners. Natalie comes with much experience within the industry and from a luxury hardware manufacturing background, bringing a different aspect to our team strengths. Her client centric approach ensures we’re continuing to provide the best level of support as our company and teams grow.
In the last year or so, there has obviously been an increased focus on the use of natural and sustainable materials in luxury architectural hardware design. This has led to an increase in the popularity of quality, more robust materials such as brass, bronze, and leather.
In terms of finishes, we have seen a continued trend towards the use of matte and brushed finishes, as opposed to high-gloss or shiny finishes. This gives a more understated and refined look to the hardware. Antique Brass also continues to be as popular as ever.
Another design trend that has emerged is the use of organic and fluid shapes in architectural hardware design. Rather than the traditional geometric shapes, we are seeing more curves, twists, and asymmetrical designs. Although the classic designs are still extremely popular, particularly in the antique brass and dark bronze finishes.
Finally, there has been an ever growing interest in customisation and personalisation of architectural hardware. Clients are looking for unique and bespoke designs that reflect their personal style and taste, and manufacturers are responding by offering more customisation options.
The interior design industry is constantly evolving, and trends are likely to continue shifting towards sustainable, natural materials and innovative technologies. Designers who stay ahead of these trends and adapt to changing client needs will be well-positioned for success in the future.
As people become more conscious of their environmental impact, the interior design industry is likely to continue evolving towards a greater focus on sustainability and eco-friendly materials. This trend has already been seen in the increased use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and plant-based fibres in interior design. Not only are these materials more sustainable, but they also add a sense of warmth and comfort to spaces.
In addition to sustainable materials, technology and innovation are expected to play a significant role in the future of interior design. Smart homes, for example, are becoming increasingly popular, with homeowners using apps and voice control to control their lighting, heating, and security systems. A very interesting time.
We’re thrilled to again be working on some incredible projects this year, and we’re currently busy writing schedules and organising samples for sign off, to ensure everything runs smoothly. We have a range of exciting overseas developments lined up, as well as work across London and the rest of the UK. Our focus remains on maintaining strong relationships with key manufacturers, so we can develop products that truly meet the needs of our clients. We’re always listening to our customers and looking for ways to further improve our service, so we can provide even better support to our partners.
In addition, we’re excited to announce that this year marks Opitome’s 10th anniversary! To celebrate this milestone, we’ll be collaborating with select partners to develop new and innovative designs. We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with architectural hardware, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together in the years to come. So watch this space!
Opitome is proud to be an SBID Accredited Industry Partner, which is a significant achievement and reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, innovative hardware solutions for the interior design industry. We are proud to have met the highest standards of professionalism, quality, and customer service required to become a partner.
Being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner is not only a recognition of our achievements, but it also provides us with a platform to connect with other industry professionals, attend networking events, and participate in prestigious awards programs.
These events are a great opportunity for us to showcase our products and services, collaborate with other experts in the field, and keep up-to-date with the latest industry trends.
In short, being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner is an important part of our commitment to excellence, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with SBID in the years ahead.
Questions answered by AJ Powell, Founder & Director, Opitome.
About Opitome
As industry leading experts, we specialise in the consultation and provision of truly exceptional door, window, and interior fittings for high nett worth projects globally. Providing a fully complimentary service, you will benefit from our 360 degree approach. From design concept through to after project care. We’ll work with you to understand your design brief, take care of organising samples and swatches, create detailed door and window schedules, provide technical and onsite support and much more. This is where we are exceptionally different. We look forward to supporting you on your next project.
If you’d like to feature your project news here, get in touch to find out more.
If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.
Since 1922, Lalique’s creations have been produced in Wingen-sur-Moder, in the heart of the Northern Vosges, in a lush green setting beside a village of some 1600 souls. It is here that the glittering material crystallizes in a continuous ballet of fire that has been orchestrated by generations of expert hands.
René Lalique’s glassworks in Wingen became known as the “Verrerie d’Alsace” (V.D.A). His dream was to bring beauty into the home. He therefore chose to manufacture “utility glassware”: dinner services, plates, bowls, etc. in series, but always to a high standard of quality, an attribute that was already part of the company’s signature style.
After a difficult period during the Second World War and the Liberation, when the glassworks was destroyed, the company took a new direction on the initiative of René’s son, Marc, with a focus on crystal and an approach inspired by a combination of innovation and tradition.
Although the factory has been constantly modernized over the years, the artisans’ techniques have remained unchanged: material is worked by hand, it is moulded, the molten crystal is “gathered” like honey, and pressed or blown. Once cooled, it is cut, sanded and polished. This is the Lalique artisans’ trademark: the famous satin-polished finish of the crystal, which generates an effect that combines light and shadow.
In 2022, Lalique crystal is sparkling in all areas, from decorative objects to interior design, perfumery, art, jewellry and the hotel and restaurant industry.
To celebrate its centenary in style, in March the Wingen-sur-Moder factory has produced an exceptional bottle containing a new Lalique fragrance, and a beautiful spirit decanter.
The bottles will be exceptional because of the number produced, with only ten signed and numbered pieces throughout the world. The Fusion flacon is also exceptional on account of its extreme virtuosity. In a centenary year which honours their craft, Lalique’s master glassmakers have pushed their expertise to its absolute limits. “Parison” is the name given by master glassmakers to the glob of glowing material they pick up with a blowpipe from a fountain of molten crystal. The Lalique Design Studio, under the direction of Marc Larminaux, worked in close collaboration with the master glassmakers to create this tribute to their expertise.
The parison bottle is elongated by a slender black satin-polished crystal stopper, evoking the blowpipe used in workshops. A clear crystal frieze recalls a mailloche, the curved piece of wood used to give the crystal a round shape.
This decorative element contains a delicate fern motif, a plant favoured by René Lalique in his designs, and a reference to the manufacture of crystal: distilled fern ashes are used to obtain potash. Potash is essential to glassmakers as it is used not only to lower the melting temperature of the crystal, but also to give it density, sonority and brilliance. In a graphic and poetic style, the fern has a polished satin finish – a signature of the Lalique crystal workshop – on a clear crystal background. The production process for this extraordinary bottle began in the hot-glass workshop, and involved seven people, the largest team ever to work on a single piece. One particularly challenging aspect was the precise coordination necessary between the artisans, as the bottle is made up of two parts: the “parison” in amber crystal and the mailloche in clear crystal.
In the cold-glass workshop, no less than 11 artisans worked to achieve perfection. The cutting and sanding operations were entrusted to one master glassmaker. A second, specialized in polishing, worked on creating the contrast between transparency and the satin finish. Each stopper was then polished and ground by a third pair of hands.
It was a considerable challenge to create ten copies of the Fusion flacon. Not least because the crystal had to be worked in different colours – clear, black and amber – all with different physical and chemical properties, making the piece extremely fragile to handle at each stage of production.
As a tribute to the history of Lalique and to mark the centenary of its Alsace factory, an original design was chosen from the company archives for a white glass decanter produced in 1922, the year in which the first furnace in René Lalique’s glassworks was lit. In 2022, one hundred years after its first edition, the Water drop decanter has been recreated in satin-polished crystal, the signature Lalique style that reflects the artisans’ unique expertise.
Designed to highlight the colour and aromas of the finest spirits, the Water drop decanter is an exceptional object that will enrich the company’s collections. The first challenge for the five Lalique artisans working together on the piece in the factory’s hot-glass workshop was to “gather” the right quantity of crystal: the decanter has a very thin neck and the drops that cascade down the sides have to be uniform. Precision and meticulous care are required during the preforming of the material, which is then blown into a steel mould.
When the piece had cooled, the artisans in Lalique’s cold-glass workshops began by cutting the decanter’s neck – another delicate technical step, as the diameter of the opening must accommodate the perpendicular stopper perfectly. The latter is formed in a steel mould into which the glassmakers press the crystal. The lightly fluted sides rise to a peak eight centimetres high. After a quick series of cuts to remove any last creases or imperfections created during the firing of the crystal, the virtuosity of Lalique’s artisans can be exercised. The Water drop decanter is entirely satin-finished, with subtle gradations in the droplets, which are polished in stages.
The realism is striking: the depth of the crystal plays with the light, and the droplets come to life. In a final display of dexterity, after three hours of cold work on this anniversary decanter, the Lalique signature and the edition number are engraved by hand on the underside.
Thanks to the play of light, the drops of water that trickle down the carafe seem both ephemeral and eternal, in an elegant design full of delicate contrasts. This collector’s model was given new life with a demonstration of the Wingen-sur-Moder artisans’ precious expertise.
About Lalique
Lalique is a French glassmaker, founded by renowned glassmaker and jeweller René Lalique in 1888. Lalique is best known for producing glass art, including perfume bottles, vases, and hood ornaments during the early twentieth century.
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Cumberland Group is a principal contractor working across all sectors of the fit out and refurbishment industry. Founded in 1977 by our MD Dave Park, and along with the second generation of Directors, Cumberland has built a reputation as the go-to contractor for the highest standard of finishes and bespoke joinery manufacture.
“We are an award-winning contractor and pride ourselves on our ability to deliver for our clients consistently, through our customer-focused friendly approach, high standard of finishes and always with an attention to detail that is second to none.”
As a time served joiner with a wealth of knowledge and experience in crafting bespoke joinery pieces, Dave established the Joinery Workshop as an integral part of the services Cumberland Group offers. The company’s Directors are all professionally qualified, traditional craftsmen who have over 100 years of combined experience in carpentry and joinery, so their clients can be ensured that their project is in very capable hands.
Cumberland Group have been manufacturing vast ranges of bespoke joinery throughout the years and they have many services available. State-of-the-art machinery keeps them up-to-date with modern joinery manufacturing methods and complements the traditional skills and knowledge that they have built up over the decades of experience in the joinery trade. Cumberland’s exceptional traditionally trained craftspersons provide a unique, highly skilled and guaranteed service with an emphasis on attention to detail to their valued client base.
Cumberland Group offer a fully bespoke joinery manufacturing service including:
In 2018 Cumberland Group installed a new top of the range CNC machine which provides answers to all the problems associated with woodworking and with advanced materials processing. Just a few clicks to design and manufacture pieces of any shape, the machine is run by the Suite Maestro which has specific modules for every production cycle. Unique on the market in having an unrivalled price-performance ratio and it can be configured according to the clients needs.
This new machine provides the team with 60% time saving in drilling cycles and no downtimes for setup operations, while the exceptionally trained machinists and joiners provide a unique, highly skilled and guaranteed service with an emphasis on attention to detail.
Single-blade beam saw controlled by PC/PLC control system, designed to cut solid wood panels or panel stacks. This new machine has increased Cumberland’s productivity by 30% and made a space saving of almost 20%. It is fast, precise and has powerful software to programme and create all panels imaginable.
Cumberland Group understand that adopting a sustainable stance is a critical element to their ability to operate effectively. Their sustainable ethics include accountability, transparency, ethical behaviour and respect for people. Internally they understand that fostering a healthy and safe working environment brings out the best in their staff. Cumberland Group also understand that they have a duty to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to the local community. They are committed to upholding their position as a leader within the industry, creating an environment where the principles of sustainability are understood, embraced and practised.
As a responsible company Cumberland have for many years taken their impact on the environment very seriously and make it their objective to get their manufacturing processes as green as possible. They do this by:
Cumberland Group’s state of the art environmentally clean waste recovery facility at their Joinery Workshop has dramatically impacted their energy consumption. They ensure all their waste wood is recovered and used as fuel to heat their workshop, which diverts almost all of their production waste from landfill.
As well as the impressive performance and cost-saving benefits, the Group are burning one of the few remaining sustainable fuel sources, enabling them to operate a more environmentally responsible manufacturing facility.
Based on the same site as their joinery manufacturing workshop, is the fantastic purpose built spray finishing workshop where Cumberland’s in-house team provide a professional and high-quality spray paint finish to all of their bespoke joinery.
The spray booths are equipped with the latest technology in spraying providing the team with a controlled environment monitoring airflow and temperature at all times allowing for them to have a dust and defect-free final result. Cumberland Group can guarantee that everything they produce is done to the highest standard by using the latest high-quality paints and lacquers. They only use the finest materials to guarantee a resilient, hardwearing finish.
Cumberland Group can now offer a new process – Liquid Metal coating that can be applied to almost any surface to produce a genuine metal finish. The trained sprayers use one of the toughest and fastest drying cold applied liquid metal coatings available today.
Whether it’s subtle modernity, or statement-making decadence, the unique range of liquid metal coatings can help to create the finish you’re looking for. The coating is available in different metal finishes: from Copper to Gunsmoke, Bronze to Aluminium, the team is certain that this new technique will help bring your ideas to life.
The quality of Cumberland Group’s work speaks for itself and everything they supply is guaranteed to be visually stunning, professional in appearance and painted in the most durable and reliable materials.
Because the company owns and operates both the joinery workshop and spray workshop, they are not let down by unpredictable supply chains. They are fully in control of their production process which means they can produce quality products on time, every time.
If you have any requirements for bespoke joinery or spraying works, please check out Cumberland Group’s portfolio and get in touch with them.
Cover image: Cumberland project for Twinings
About Cumberland Group
Cumberland Group is a principal contractor working across all sectors of the fit out and refurbishment industry. Based in Greater London and working across the whole of the UK, they manufacturer their own bespoke joinery in their modern fully equipped joinery workshop.
Inside Out, SBID Professional Industry Partners, are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of quality covering a broad spectrum of industries. All of their furniture is designed to meet the specific requirements of the restaurant, café, hotel, bar, leisure, club, health and educational industries.
Both durable and aesthetically pleasing, essential qualities for a contract environment, Inside Out furniture combine functionality with quality design at the most competitive prices. The team at Inside Out are happy to help with every stage of a project from design and space planning through to furniture delivery and installation.
Below, they tell us about their latest project: Westbourne House, London
Designed to bring a touch of elegance to the heart of Westbourne Grove, Westbourne House’s contemporary interior is a sophisticated mix of Parisian boutique and Manhattan loft. Inside Out were recruited to renew their interior and exterior areas, and offer a touch of the interior luxury for the exterior space.
Inside Out supplied Westbourne House with Whisk Chairs, a contemporary classic; paired beautifully with Manhattan Circular Tables, quintessential choices and a recognised staple for exterior environments the world over.
The use of Whisk Chairs paired with Manhattan Circular Tables gives Westbourne House’s exteriors a contemporary and luxurious feel, whilst ensuring they can maximise on their use of space.
Furthermore, Inside Out provided Westbourne House with chic and sophisticated bespoke length Lobby 1 sofas and Bespoke Units to complement the boutique style interiors. The project was a success with furniture perfectly complementing the style and atmosphere desired at Westbourne House.
Whisk Chairs
The competitively priced Whisk Armchair from Inside Out is an inspiring alternative to the established classic. This stackable chair although only designed in the eighties is already regarded as a classic piece of design.
Originally a chair for the terraces of Spanish street cafes, the durable Whisk is completely weatherproof and suitable for a wide range of uses. Unusual for a mass-produced chair of this type, solid cast aluminium is used for the arms and seat in place of the cheaper and flimsier tubular alternatives. This leads to a reassuringly solid chair, which due to its ergonomic design is also very comfortable. The whisk chair is customisable and available in a wide range of colours.
Bespoke Length Lobby 1 Sofa
The Lobby 1 Sofa is a Georgian inspired design, typified by its deep buttoning and curving arms. Further attention to detail is paid with legs finished with brass castors. Our craftsmen and upholsterers pay outstanding attention to detail and every sofa is hand-made to exacting specifications, Westbourne house featured bespoke length Lobby 1 Sofas, and these durable and elegant pieces are available to any size specifications.
Bespoke Units
Inside Out can bring any ideas to life with our bespoke seating service, providing furniture made to exact specifications for any venue. Inside Out pride ourselves on our proven reputation for quality seating, and a professional friendly service. Our skilled production team are able to manufacture a truly diverse range of bespoke seating, which is both durable and design led.
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