Garrett Leather Introduces the Lotus Collection: Setting a New Benchmark for Indoor and Outdoor Living

Lotus is crafted with intention. The special multi-layered finish enhances both the visual depth and tactile sophistication of this leather, with each layer playing a pivotal role. First, a protective foundation ensures a smooth and consistent base. Next, proprietary micro-spheres engineered to activate under high heat and pressure give this leather its signature soft surface and subtle opalescent appearance. A final transparent layer seals the finish, enhancing durability while preserving the tactile and visual elegance of the leather. Ultimately, the result of this process is an exceptionally soft leather that performs well under extraordinary circumstances.

Performance was top of mind when developing Lotus. It performed exceptionally well when tested for abrasion, flammability, lightfastness, weather resistance, and colorfastness to both chlorine and sea water. In addition, it achieved LBC Red List Free Declare status. It is ideal for residential, hospitality, marine, and contract applications. Furthermore, it may be used for protected exterior areas. From poolside lounging to sun-dappled patios, Lotus lets you focus on what matters most—unwinding in style.

Drawn from an organic palette that celebrates nature and water, Lotus consists of 14 carefully curated colors. Earthy shades of terracotta and ochre are balanced with refreshing blues and soft whites. Soft neutrals add warmth while lighter tones recall flower petals, clear skies and filtered sunlight. This fluid, immersive color story is a tribute to the natural world—designed to promote deeper connections with nature and create calming, restorative spaces. Each shade embodies the essence of the season, offering designers a versatile palette that transitions effortlessly between outdoor settings and interior environments.

With Lotus, Garrett Leather continues its tradition of innovation and craftsmanship, redefining what performance leather can be. More than a material, Lotus represents a lifestyle—one rooted in tranquility, durability and elevated design. “Our creative team is dedicated to crafting the most coveted leathers for the design community. Our unwavering commitment to quality and performance is exemplified with the introduction of Lotus.” said Roberta Sand, Vice President of Marketing at Garrett Leather.

To learn more about Lotus, please contact your local Garrett Leather representative or visit garrettleather.com. Join Garrett Leather at HD Expo in Las Vegas, May 5 -7 in booth #3219 to experience this sensational collection.

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This Spring, Skopos is pleased to announce the launch of two new flame retardant, 100% recycled coloured voile collections, Shellen & Cove. As the demand for lightweight, sustainable window treatments continues to grow across hospitality, leisure, and workplace environments, these new coloured voiles offer specifiers an opportunity to blend elegance, privacy control, and essential fire safety.

Inspired by mineral tones, Cove brings 15 sophisticated colourways, moving from soft, natural neutrals to warm spiced oranges. With its neat, uncomplicated appearance and delicate matt finish, Cove provides a subtle, yet impactful backdrop to complement a wide range of interior schemes. Shellen, in contrast, offers a softer coastal palette, enriched with a delicate raindrop-slub that brings depth and organic movement to the fabric. Together, the two collections give designers greater choice and options to add layers and gentle colour highlights into schemes.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Cove and Shellen deliver significant practical benefits for contract environments. Both are woven from 100% recycled FR polyester, (GRS certified), and fully washable at 30°C, helping designers specify responsibly without compromising on durability. Their wide width constructions (327cm for Cove and 315 cm for Shellen) make them particularly suited to large window expanses, providing seamless, flowing drops ideal for hotels, serviced apartments, and communal spaces. Offering a valuable level of daytime privacy, particularly in hotel bedrooms, these new voiles are also a useful tool to gently reduce glare from the sun and enhance comfort, and provide a level of sound absorption, without blocking natural light.

As layering continues to be a key interior trend, Cove and Shellen provide a versatile solution for adding depth and visual interest, whether used as standalone window treatments, sheer room dividers, or gentle backdrops in lobbies and lounges.

The two new qualities complement Skopos’ existing Essential Voiles and the more decorative options found within the Karoo collection, expanding Skopos’ offering of FR sheers for contract use.

Samples of both Cove and Shellen will be available from early Spring. Designers can request loose samples or a full shade card of Shellen & Cove via the Skopos website at skoposfabrics.com or by contacting the team at [email protected].

Skopos, recently re-awarded Carbon Neutral status, continues its long standing commitment to sustainable innovation within contract textiles. With more than 50 years of expertise, the company remains at the forefront of delivering flame retardant fabrics that pair aesthetic sophistication with technical performance.

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If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

How do your products and services enhance interior design projects?

One of our core specialisms is lighting control and integration — something we see as fundamental to any well-considered design. Both natural and artificial light shape how a space is experienced, influencing mood, materiality and longevity.

Clients invest heavily in finishes, yet often overlook how uncontrolled daylight can cause glare, discomfort or long-term degradation. By integrating automated shading, drapery and intelligent lighting, we ensure light is carefully managed throughout the day — enhancing both the aesthetic and the lived experience.

Beyond lighting, we integrate entertainment systems such as audio, cinema and media spaces in a way that supports the design rather than competing with it. We work across a wide range of manufacturers, allowing us to curate the right solution for each project — not simply supply what’s available.

Ultimately, our approach is people-led. We begin with how clients want to live, then shape the technology around that — not the other way round.

What value does your specialist sector add to the industry?

We provide a vital bridge between design intent and everyday living. Our value often becomes most apparent after completion — when clients experience how intuitive, effortless and considered their home feels. Well-integrated technology reduces cognitive load, simplifies daily routines and enhances key moments — whether that’s relaxing, entertaining or spending time with family. As an industry, there is growing awareness around wellbeing, particularly in areas such as lighting. We see this as a natural evolution. When thoughtfully designed, technology can help create spaces of calm, escape and connection — but only when it serves the design, not dominates it.

How do you work with interior designers?

Our starting point is always the design vision. We take time to understand each space in detail — the aesthetic direction, project timelines, technical constraints and client aspirations. From there, we develop proposals that integrate seamlessly into the scheme, ensuring consistency across every space. Nothing should feel added on or out of place. For more immersive areas such as media rooms or cinemas, we often invite designers and clients to experience these environments in our showrooms. These spaces are frequently underestimated, and first-hand experience helps unlock their full potential. Above all, our relationships are built on trust — clear communication, reliability and consistently delivering on what we promise.

What has been your most significant company highlight or success from the past year?

Our expansion into London has been a significant milestone and an exciting step for the business. While still in its early stages, it positions Wakefields as a truly national company, delivering the same level of service and expertise across the UK.

Alongside our presence in Manchester and Newcastle, we are focused on building strong, collaborative relationships that uphold consistent standards and deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.

What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests?

Many clients still underestimate what’s possible. For some, a ‘smart home’ means a video doorbell, voice control or a standalone speaker — but true integration goes far beyond that. Education remains a key part of our role: helping clients and designers understand what can be achieved when systems are considered early and holistically.

One clear trend we’re seeing is the shift away from dedicated cinema rooms towards multi-functional entertainment spaces. Clients want high-performance experiences, but within rooms that also support everyday living — from socialising and watching sport to relaxed family time. These spaces are more complex to design, but when done well, they become some of the most valued and enjoyed areas in the home.

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

We see interior design becoming increasingly experience-led. Clients are placing greater emphasis on how spaces make them feel, not just how they look. This shift naturally brings technology into earlier stages of the design process — particularly in areas such as lighting, shading and integrated entertainment.

There is also a growing expectation for homes to work intuitively, adapting to daily routines without requiring constant input. As a result, collaboration between designers and technology specialists will become even more important in delivering cohesive, well-considered environments. We’re also seeing this shift within the developer market. Show homes are evolving from static spaces into immersive, interactive environments that help buyers experience how they could live — not just what they see.

In a recent project, we integrated lighting and entertainment as part of the sales journey, enabling prospective buyers to engage with the space in a more meaningful way. The result has been a noticeable improvement in viewing engagement, conversion rates and overall ROI for the developer.

Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?

As part of our SBID membership, we have developed our first CPD, which is currently under review. Once approved, we’re looking forward to sharing this with members. Our intention is to create a series of CPDs that support designers with clear, practical guidance — helping to avoid common pitfalls, manage costs effectively and ensure projects run smoothly from concept through to completion.

What does being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner mean to you?

We’re proud to be part of an organisation that represents such high standards within the design industry. SBID’s commitment to professionalism, quality and credibility strongly aligns with our own values. Becoming an Accredited Industry Partner is both a privilege and an opportunity — allowing us to collaborate with like-minded designers and contribute meaningfully to well-considered, beautifully executed projects.

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“The Kast team is extremely excited to collaborate with C.P. Hart – one of our most valued partners in the UK, leaders in luxury bathroom retail, and the go-to for the most discerning clientele,” says Kevin Miles, Kast’s Senior National Account Manager. “This marks the first time Kast has partnered with an external brand on the design of a new collection. From the initial idea through to the design process and now the launch of the finished products, the C.P. Hart and Kast teams have worked in harmony to bring this stunning range to life. We are proud to co-present the Monroe basin, exclusively available at C.P. Hart.”

Choice of Finish

With personalisation at the heart of the collection’s design ethos, the Monroe basin offers not only three mounting options but also a palette of 28 colours, with timeless neutrals to the more playful tones of Sandcastle and Duck Egg, and, of course, the Crimson colourway chosen as Monroe’s signature. Due to the natural characteristics of concrete, subtle variations in tone and texture occur, ensuring each basin is unique – a functional sculpture, made just for you.

“Kast basins are true showstoppers, celebrated for their rich colour palette, quality of finish, and artistic character they bring to the bathroom. We are delighted to introduce the Monroe basin – a collaboration born from shared expertise and a genuine joy for design. With this collection, we aimed to invite openness of interpretation: the wall-mounted basin makes an elegant statement in a compact cloakroom, whilst the pedestal and metal console stand introduce contemporary and classical influences respectively. Specified in your choice of the many available finishes and paired with your preferred brassware, the Monroe basin takes on a distinctive personality each time.” Behnam Makari, C.P. Hart Category Director.

Prices start from £2,267 inc VAT for the wall-mounted basin.

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Using surfaces to bring the pattern

Rather than relying on a single material, many contemporary kitchens are embracing contrast. Pairing surfaces allows the island to feel purposeful and architectural while supporting different functional zones. One approach is to combine natural stone with warmer, tactile finishes. A marble worktop, for example, may sit alongside patinated metal or timber elements, creating a dialogue between cool and warm textures.

Roundhouse’s Raine project demonstrates how thoughtful combinations can bring movement and depth to the kitchen. African Fusion Leathered quartzite finishes introduce subtle texture, allowing the surface to feel softer and more organic while retaining the durability required for everyday use. The result is a layered aesthetic that feels both contemporary and enduring.

For designers working with dark kitchen palettes, the island can act as a balancing feature. A darker base paired with a lighter surface, or vice versa, introduces contrast without overwhelming the overall scheme. It is a refined approach that brings both visual clarity and material richness to the space.

Sculptural surfaces

Another emerging direction sees kitchen islands conceived as sculptural forms rather than simple cabinetry blocks. In these kitchens, the island becomes a central design statement, often expressed through bold veining, dramatic stone slabs or distinctive edge profiles.

Statement marble surfaces are particularly effective when the island is treated as a monolithic piece. When fabricated from a single material and wrapped in continuous stone, the island becomes an architectural anchor within the room.

In Roundhouse’s Kensington project, for instance, the island was created from heavily veined marble, allowing the natural movement of the stone to take centre stage. The uninterrupted surfaces emphasise the scale of the slab while celebrating the unique character of the material itself. It is an approach that works especially well in open-plan environments which require clever zoning, where the island naturally draws the eye.

Mixing materials

While statement stone continues to be popular, many designers are exploring the balance between contrasting materials to soften the overall aesthetic.

A combination frequently seen within Roundhouse projects pairs natural stone with timber cabinetry. In Roundhouse’s Oliver project, a limestone island is complemented by walnut cabinetry, creating a harmonious relationship between cool stone and warm wood tones. The effect is both tactile and visually layered, allowing each material to enhance the other.

This approach also offers practical advantages. Timber introduces warmth and texture, while stone provides the durability required for preparation areas. Together, they form a kitchen that feels both grounded and sophisticated.

Bespoke solutions

Surface choices are only one part of the island’s evolution. Increasingly, designers are looking beyond materials to integrate bespoke functionality within the structure itself.

Custom storage solutions, concealed preparation areas and integrated seating allow the island to adapt to modern lifestyles. These details ensure that the island remains practical while maintaining a clean, architectural appearance.

One example is the use of dramatic stone slabs on waterfall edges, where the surface flows seamlessly down the sides of the island. In Roundhouse’s Avenue project, Patagonia Natural Quartzite was used in this way, allowing the expressive pattern of the stone to become the defining visual element. The waterfall edge emphasises the material’s natural movement, creating a striking focal point within the kitchen.

Such bespoke elements also encourage designers to think creatively about how the island interacts with the surrounding space, from informal dining areas to concealed appliances.

The power of edge profiles

As materials become more expressive, attention is also turning to the finer details that complete the design. Edge profiles, once a subtle finishing touch, are increasingly being used to introduce character and craftsmanship.

Designers are revisiting traditional profiles and adapting them for contemporary kitchen islands. Soft bullnose edges, stepped detailing and fluted stone surfaces can all transform the appearance of a worktop, introducing texture and shadow. Edge profiles provide an opportunity to personalise a kitchen without altering the overall layout. Subtle variations in profile can dramatically influence how light interacts with the surface, enhancing the island’s sculptural quality.

Roundhouse’s Barnes project offers a striking example, where Black Vermont Granite was fabricated with an extra-thick edge profile. The result adds visual weight to the island while celebrating the solidity of the material. This level of detailing brings depth to the design, demonstrating how craftsmanship can elevate even the most minimal forms.

For Roundhouse, the island remains a defining feature of the kitchen - a place where materials, craftsmanship and lifestyle come together. Through the power of bespoke design, designers are able to combine materials in ways that reflect how their clients cook, gather and entertain.

As kitchen design continues to evolve, the island will remain a powerful canvas for creativity - one where thoughtful material choices and refined detailing can transform the everyday into something truly distinctive.

Experience Roundhouse design in person by visiting one of their showrooms; Wigmore Street, Clapham, Richmond, Fulham, Cambridge, Guildford, or Cheltenham.

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On the occasion of Milan Design Week 2026, the Italian textile company Dedar expands the Versi Liberi collection. Starting from April 21, the fabrics will be presented at Via Lazzaretto 15.

In the Versi Liberi collection, the uniqueness of textile customisation encounters the immediacy of a ready-made product. The collection of 70 x 90 cm panels emphatically reinvents the traditional theme of placed motifs, combining their refinement and expressive vigour and bringing them into the contemporary world.

In the tradition that flourished between the 17th and 19th centuries, dining room chairs acquired the same narrative function as a tapestry; their sequence told a figurative story that was mobile and complex. In the pieces of the Versi Liberi collection, the same narrative logic is reinterpreted in a contemporary key and applied to semi-figurative and abstract designs.

In this way, a set of chairs recounts a dynamic story heavily tinged with personalisation, comprising slight shifts in the patterns, displacements, changes in distances and arrangements. A lively jam session comes to life, ready to embrace ever new interpretations.

Thanks to elaborate embroidery and printing techniques, which confer a marked three-dimensionality, Versi Liberi fabrics give interiors a strong identity, with new designs on ground fabrics from the Dedar collection.

For 2026, Dedar has pursued and amplified this research, with a wider product offering and new horizons.

Within this evolution, in the already established line of Versi Liberi for backrests and seats in the dimensions of 70 x 90 cm format three newly presented designs explore different expressive directions: Hillevi, between abstraction and naturalism; Danae, with an evanescent, Chagall-like gesture; and Melusine, graphic and hypnotic. In addition to the new designs, variations on the Ad Astra, Riptide, and Yume themes are also presented.

The new varieties of placed motifs are accompanied by the new large-scale Versi Liberi panels for curtain use. Through this new format, Versi Liberi broadens its visual scope and revisits the idea of flounce fabrics, bringing it decisively into the contemporary context.

Each of these large panels (370 x 140 cm) combines two fabrics from the collection to create a wide expanse of colour. A special faux embroidery technique provides the joining stitch between them. On the cusp between couture and spontaneity, vibrating with colour and matter, these large panels celebrate the attention paid by deconstruction fashion designers to the manufacturing process. At the same time, thanks to their all-embracing nature, they hark back to Robert Ryman’s White Paintings or the intensity of Mark Rothko.

As large abstract canvases steeped in an architectural spirit, the six articles being presented are pairings of classical Dedar plains, such as A Perfect Flower, Music, Queneau, Karakorum and Chatwin. These pairings of colours, nuances, textures, and materials entertain impassioned dialogues. Each piece enables a definition of the horizon line and sewing method, either traditional with hems or semi-finished with selvedge on view, to bring a new, unfettered, and assertive slant to interior design projects.

“With Versi Liberi, I have combined materials differing in nature, texture, and colour through a gesture of rapid assembly, allowing the process itself to determine their form. I wanted the ornamental function of the panels to free itself from any affectation and assume an essential, contemporary dimension,” concludes Raffaele Fabrizio.

Both the placed fabrics, and the extra-large panels for use as curtains that are now being launched, are faithful to the early intuition of the Versi Liberi. Great moments of the textile tradition – the placed motifs for seating, the flounce – break free from any form of affectation, to become phrases of a contemporary language able to give any interior project a distinctive identity. They combine practicality with a subtle tension between “customised” and “ready-made”, paving the way to personal and instinctive interpretations.

Via Lazzaretto, 15 - Milan
- Tuesday 21st April 2026 - From 10am to 4pm
- From Wednesday 22nd to Saturday 25th April 2026 - From 10am to 7pm

Versi Liberi: Embroidered and printed placed motifs

Yume: Embroidered ringlets on a silk bourette

Soft white clouds float in a land of dreams. They consist of plump wool ringlets emerging from the raffia and linen ground Didgeridoo and the silk bourette Topinambour, in a voluminous and embracing tangle. The resulting visual and tactile contrast is one of harmony: the textural grounds embrace the softness of the matt wool yarn. The embroidery, executed on the back of the fabric in ringlet stitch, is the fruit of refined and expert craftsmanship, requiring time and attention, to achieve a result that is always unique.

Melusine: Abstract embroideries on textural panama weaves

A hypnotic chant animates natural forms that dance with slinky and uninterrupted movement. A fringe, sometimes thick and tousled, at other times compact and softly caressing, traces three-dimensional branches on the linen panama weave Minima Mirabilia, to evoke the fractured dynamism of New York's street art. Embroidered in velvet stitch, the motif stems from the encounter between an almost mechanical precision and a profound artisanal sensitivity, which require time, dedication and attention to achieve an unrepeatable result.

Parola: Minimalist calligraphies

Soft graphic strokes capture the essence of thought and words, in an oriental calligraphic motif, in which the meaning depends on the interpretation. A soft three-dimensional silk shape delineates a compact and meticulously embroidered fringe, while the voids of the pure virgin wool ground of Chapeau confer breathing space to the composition: the gestural purity and linear precision arouse emotion. The harmonious contrast is a joy for the eye and hand: the woolly mattness of the ground embraces the lustrous design. The embroidery, executed from the back of the fabric using the velvet stitch technique, is the fruit of mechanical precision and artisanal sensitivity, requiring time and attention for a result that is always unique.

Hillevi: Pictorial embroideries on velvet

Snowy alpine peaks, a frozen waterfall, the silent force of a strong wind. Soft curvilinear shapes compose a pattern of oriental and Art Deco influences. Consisting of over 60,000 point rentré stitches, the embroidered motifs are defined by a combination of two yarns, one matt and the other more luminous, which fade into each other to create pictorial depth. A work of meticulous precision, the motif is traced on the warm and slightly melange ground of Alpaca Alto or on that of Serene Splendour with its thick pile, generating a soft bas relief effect in which the velvet embraces and defines the contours.

Danae: Impalpable embroideries

Two impalpable spirits seem to be on the verge of taking flight: their forms fade out, their contours dissolve. The embroidery, permeated by Chagallian suggestions, takes a winding course, guided by a subtle line that never loses control of detail. Consisting of over 40,000 stitches executed in a metallic thread, the embroidered motifs stand out clearly against the textural and irregular ground of Aristotele or merge harmoniously with Millais, a soft panama weave with a woolly spirit. The density of the embroidery varies moderately: in some places, the yarns overlap to create more intense and three-dimensional areas; in others, they thin out to reveal the textile surface, in a manner that is balanced between visual lightness and tactile depth.

Riptide: Wavy embroideries

A flowing uninterrupted gesture, similar to thick paint vigorously poured by an artist onto a canvas: the creative impetus leaves its vivid and vibrant mark. The double Cornely embroidery is intertwined with fourteen metres of trimming applied to Aristotele, a luminous and textural fabric, and on Chapeau, a sartorial pure virgin wool cloth that is matt and woolly. Fine black, white and orange lines, together with subtle metallic glints, embellish the fabrics. Thanks to skilled artisanal savoir-faire, the start and finish of this precious cordonnet is concealed, while three-dimensional effects and delicate tonal variations enliven the surface.

Ad Astra: Astral embroideries

On gazing at the celestial vault: a glimpse of infinity provokes marvel and vertigo. Essential lines form an abstract motif, while embarking on an unexpected course. With over 50,000 cordonnet stitches, the threedimensional embroidery embellishes the textural grounds of Didgeridoo technical raffia or Millais wool and linen.

Versi Liberi: Large ready-made panels

A large abstract canvas of vast scope takes shape by combining two fabrics of the collection, thanks to a special technique of false embroidery. The two superimposed fabrics create a fusion of colour and matter with a velvety hand-feel, making each piece unique. On the cusp between couture and spontaneity, they celebrate the attention paid by deconstruction fashion designers to the manufacturing process and the chromatic intensity of Rothko's works.

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The beauty of contradiction

Coya is a symbol of a new attitude: its design embraces the openness to contrasts and unconventional design approaches and makes the fitting a mediator between geometries. Perfectly fitting, then, that it is the first product to be launched under Dornbracht’s new brand claim “Inspiring your vision”. From the spout to the rosettes to the handles, every detail reflects this special design language. Softly moulded handles are an immediate invitation to touch. “For us, it was about the beauty that lies in contradiction,” explains designer Michael Sieger. “Coya is neither round nor angular and therefore defies clear categorisation. At first glance, it seems surprising, almost counter-intuitive. Only to appear incredibly coherent at the same time.”

Connecting opposing worlds

The complex combination of circle and square, characterised by soft transitions – the socalled squircle – is entirely committed to the transitional style: a mixture of traditional and contemporary elements that balances the tried and tested with the new. Existing boundaries are set in motion here, becoming fluid and redefined. “Thanks to its hybrid form, Coya unites very different worlds,” says Caroline Schmitt, General Management Dornbracht. “It is therefore perfect for individually designed rooms that do not follow a single, consistent style, but many at the same time,” she concludes.

Stringent product concept

The introduction of Coya goes hand in hand with an overall concept for all areas of application, including in a comprehensive range of finishes. Dornbracht's intensive finishes show up particularly well on the flat shape – whether Chrome, Champagne (22kt Gold), or Brushed Bronze. A product range that extends from the washbasin to the bath, shower, and accessories also ensures that Coya's unique design is reflected throughout the bathroom. Numerous customisation options that can be implemented via Dornbracht Atelier, such as interchangeable handle inlays, complete the range – and demonstrate the impressive versatility of the fitting.

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How do your products and services enhance interior design projects?

Media and cinema seating enhance interior design projects by combining functional comfort with carefully considered aesthetics that complement the overall space. Well-designed seating contributes to the visual identity of a cinema room, home theatre, or media lounge through tailored materials, colours, stitching, and configurations that align with the wider design concept. These features allow designers to create environments that are both visually cohesive and highly practical, ensuring the space delivers a premium viewing experience while maintaining the desired interior style and atmosphere.

What value does your specialist sector add to the industry?

The media and cinema seating sector add significant value to the interior design industry by introducing a specialised category of furniture that combines comfort, technology, and spatial planning. Unlike standard seating, cinema seating is designed specifically for viewing environments, which allows designers to create immersive entertainment spaces such as home theatres, private screening rooms, and media lounges. This sector also supports bespoke design by offering custom finishes, configurations, and integrated features that align with a project’s aesthetic and functional requirements. As a result, it enables interior designers to deliver high-end, experiential spaces that enhance both the visual appeal and usability of entertainment-focused interiors.

How do you work with interior designers?

Studio Vellari work closely with interior designers to ensure the seating integrates seamlessly with the overall concept and functionality of the space. This collaboration often begins at the planning stage, where we offer guidance on layout, sightlines, spacing, and optimal seating configurations to maximise comfort and viewing quality. Designers can then select from a range of materials, colours, finishes, and stitching options to match the aesthetic of the interior scheme. At Studio Vellari we also support designers with technical drawings, customisation options, and installation planning, ensuring the seating fits perfectly within the room’s architecture and design vision. Through this partnership, designers are able to deliver highly tailored cinema or media rooms that balance style, comfort, and performance.

What has been your most significant company highlight or success from the past year?

One of the most significant highlights for the Studio Vellari over the past year has been the continued growth and recognition of our media and cinema seating within both residential and commercial projects, in particular the new ‘state of the art’ AV showroom in Harrods. By working closely with interior designers, architects, and developers, we have been able to deliver tailored seating solutions that elevate private home cinemas, media rooms, and entertainment spaces. This success has been driven by a focus on quality craftsmanship, customisation, and the ability to adapt seating designs to suit a wide range of interior styles.

What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests?

One of the most noticeable trends in recent client requests is the growing demand for more luxurious and comfortable seating experiences. Clients are increasingly prioritising ergonomic recliners, deeper cushioning, and lounge-style seating that allows them to relax for longer viewing sessions. Features such as motorised reclining, adjustable headrests, and enhanced lumbar support are becoming standard expectations rather than optional upgrades, reflecting a broader shift toward comfort-led entertainment spaces.

Another key trend is the integration of technology within seating. Clients are now requesting features such as built-in USB charging, lighting, app-controlled recline functions, and even temperature control or massage functions.

Design flexibility and personalisation have also become increasingly important. Interior designers and homeowners often look for modular seating systems and hybrid layouts that combine traditional cinema recliners with sofas or chaise-style seating. This approach creates a more relaxed and social environment while still maintaining the performance benefits of tiered cinema seating.

Finally, there is a growing interest in premium materials and sustainable options. Clients are selecting high-quality leathers, velvets, and performance fabrics that provide both durability and a sophisticated finish.

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

Over the next year, the interior design industry is likely to continue moving toward spaces that prioritise comfort, individuality, and meaningful materials rather than purely aesthetic trends. Designers are increasingly focusing on creating interiors that feel lived-in and personal, where clients incorporate unique pieces, antiques, and handcrafted elements that tell a story.

Technology will also play an increasingly important role, but in a more integrated and subtle way. Smart home features—such as automated lighting, climate control, and responsive environments—are being designed to blend seamlessly into furniture and architectural elements rather than stand out as visible gadgets. This shift reflects a broader trend toward homes that are not only beautiful but also highly functional and adaptable to modern lifestyles.

Overall, the industry is evolving toward more experiential and personalised environments where comfort, sustainability, and technology work together. For designers and manufacturers alike, this means creating solutions that combine aesthetics with performance, allowing spaces such as media rooms, entertainment areas, and home cinemas to become central features of modern interior design.

Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?

We are particularly excited about developing new cinema and media seating solutions that respond to the growing demand for highly personalised entertainment spaces. As home cinemas and media rooms become more integrated into modern homes, we are focusing on expanding our range of customisable seating options, including new materials, finishes, and configurations that allow designers to fully align the seating with the overall interior scheme. This approach gives interior designers greater flexibility to create spaces that feel both luxurious and cohesive.

What does being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner mean to you?

Being an accredited Industry Partner of SBID represents an important recognition of our commitment to quality, professionalism, and collaboration within the interior design community. It demonstrates that we share the organisation’s values of high standards, ethical practice, and innovation in the design industry. For us, it is also a way of reinforcing trust with interior designers, architects, and clients who rely on specialist suppliers to deliver products that meet both aesthetic and technical expectations.

The partnership also allows us to engage more closely with the wider design community, stay connected to industry developments, and support designers in delivering exceptional projects. As a specialist provider of media and cinema seating, being part of SBID helps position our brand within a respected professional network and highlights our dedication to supporting designers with high-quality, tailored solutions for entertainment and media spaces.

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How do your products and services enhance interior design projects?

Our expertise lies in bespoke design, with every fireplace made to order and tailored precisely to each project. From sourcing exceptional materials such as natural stone from Italy, to developing specialist metal finishes, we provide designers with an extensive and highly considered palette.

What truly sets Victoria Stone apart is our ability to bridge the gap between aesthetic ambition and technical reality. A fireplace is inherently dual in nature: it is both a visual centrepiece and a highly engineered system requiring careful planning of chimney flues, ventilation and installation. While these elements are often separated within a project, we integrate them seamlessly.

By delivering both the design and technical aspects as one cohesive package, we enable designers and architects to specify with confidence, ensuring that the final result is not only beautiful, but fully functional and compliant.

What value does your specialist sector add to the industry?

As a specialist in a highly technical and often misunderstood area of interior design, Victoria Stone plays an important role in educating and supporting the wider design community.

Through our showroom, CPD programmes and hands-on workshops, we are helping to demystify the complexities of working fireplaces, from chimney flue systems and ventilation to construction detailing. We have seen a growing appetite among designers and architects to deepen their understanding in this area, particularly as fireplaces become more integrated into contemporary schemes.

By sharing our expertise, we aim to raise industry standards and empower design teams to approach fireplace specification with greater clarity, confidence and creativity.

How do you work with interior designers?

We approach every project as a true collaboration, engaging with designers from the earliest stages to fully understand their vision and the wider design narrative.

Fireplaces are often central to the atmosphere of a space, and achieving the right balance between visual impact and performance is key. We guide designers through both the creative and technical aspects, advising on proportions, materials, flame aesthetics, and the practical requirements that underpin a working fireplace.

Our role is to support and enhance the design process, ensuring that the final outcome remains faithful to the original vision while being delivered to the highest technical standard.

What has been your most significant company highlight or success from the past year?

The opening of our new London showroom has been a defining milestone for Victoria Stone. After an extensive search, we secured a space in Chelsea that strikes the perfect balance, situated within the design community, yet offering a more considered and immersive experience away from the high street.

The showroom has been conceived as a collaborative environment, created in partnership with industry peers and reflecting the level of craftsmanship and design detail found within our projects. It serves not only as a showcase of our work, but as a hub for dialogue, inspiration and learning within the design community.

What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests?

We are seeing a growing interest in blending classical design language with contemporary interiors. In particular, the reintroduction of traditional styles such as Louis XV-inspired forms into modern settings is becoming increasingly popular.

In response, we are developing new designs that reinterpret these classic influences through a contemporary lens, allowing designers to achieve a balance between heritage and modernity.

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

The industry continues to move towards a more holistic and considered approach to design, with an increasing focus on wellbeing, atmosphere and sensory experience.

Fireplaces naturally align with this shift, offering not only visual warmth but also a deeper emotional and experiential quality within a space. As designers continue to prioritise these elements, we expect fireplaces to play an even more integral role in shaping interiors.

Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?

We are currently involved in a number of exciting projects, many of which remain confidential. However, our participation in WOW!House 2026 is a particularly significant milestone.

We are collaborating with four leading design studios to bring their visions to life, and this year we are approaching the platform in a new and ambitious way. WOW!House provides an exceptional opportunity to engage with the design community at the highest level, and we are excited to showcase the breadth of what Victoria Stone can offer.

What does being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner mean to you?

Becoming an SBID Accredited Industry Partner is an important step in strengthening our presence within the design community. It provides a valuable platform to share our work, showcase our expertise, and connect more directly with architects and interior designers.

Historically, much of our work has been delivered through main contractors and project teams. This partnership allows us to engage earlier in the design process, offering guidance and support where it can have the greatest impact.

It is both a recognition of our expertise and an opportunity to contribute more actively to the industry, and we are proud to be part of the SBID network.

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