RAK Ceramics continues to reinforce its reputation as a trusted project partner with the completion of the prestigious Queensgate development in central Birmingham.
DRG Interior and Building Solutions, a leading family-owned construction company known for high-quality refurbishments with a low environmental footprint, selected RAK Ceramics to supply all bathroom solutions for its latest mixed-use development. Located adjacent to Birmingham’s Mailbox, Queensgate has transformed a former nightclub and office complex into 67 luxury apartments with commercial office space across seven floors.
With a partnership spanning more than eight years, RAK Ceramics has become the preferred supplier for DRG’s projects. The two companies share a commitment to quality, efficiency and design excellence, values that have defined their collaboration.
Stacy Cox, Buyer at DRG Interior and Building Solutions, commented: "Being a preferred supplier means RAK Ceramics understands our requirements, quality benchmarks and ways of working, which makes working together smooth and efficient. This trusted partnership reduces risks and ensures that every project starts with a strong foundation."
RAK Ceramics supplied a comprehensive range of products for Queensgate, including baths, concealed shower valves, basins, mixers, back-to-wall pans, concealed cisterns and illuminated mirrors, selected for their design flexibility, durability and premium aesthetic. The RAK-Petit, RAK-Series 600 and RAK-Variant product ranges were among the standout features installed.
"The quality of RAK Ceramics’ products has always been a decisive factor in choosing them," Cox continued. "Their wide range of tiles and sanitaryware is known for durability, design versatility and premium finishes that meet both functional and aesthetic requirements. Quality assurance is critical to the success of our projects, and RAK’s products consistently deliver excellence, ensuring long-term satisfaction for our clients."
Service and logistics also played a crucial role in the success of the project. RAK Ceramics provided reliable lead times, proactive communication and responsive support throughout, ensuring the build remained on schedule.
"This efficiency allows us to plan and execute projects seamlessly, avoiding unnecessary delays and ensuring that deadlines are met. Their service approach reinforces them not only as a supplier but as a dependable project partner," Cox added.
The Queensgate project is the latest in a series of successful collaborations between DRG and RAK Ceramics, solidifying the brand's position as a first-choice supplier for high-end residential developments.
About RAK Ceramics Ltd
RAK Ceramics products feature in some of the most iconic buildings in the world. Known for a wide product range and the ability to produce bespoke solutions for both small and large scale projects, RAK Ceramics enable clients to bring their ideas to life. They respect, inspire, improve and deliver; today, tomorrow, no matter the ambition, no matter the challenge, RAK Ceramics take care of all the details, so you don’t have to. Their passion and expertise combined with a careful attention to detail means they can provide you with a range of integrated ceramics solutions, allowing you freedom to be creative and plenty of room for imagination.
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British fabric house Linwood proudly introduces Maru, a new collection of printed linens that captures the quiet beauty of the natural world. Designed in the UK and printed on pure linen, the collection reinterprets archive references and folk motifs through a contemporary lens.
Each of the seven designs offers a different visual rhythm – from lyrical birds and playful lions to stylised florals and expressive stripes – in a palette that ranges from earthy neutrals to rich, modern tones. Suitable for both upholstery and curtains, Maru is a versatile and elegant addition to the Linwood portfolio.
Already a favourite in Linwood’s velvet range, Songbird now appears on linen, offering a lighter, fresher feel. Inspired by antique crewelwork and hand-painted in our studio, the design features birds, scrolling foliage, and stylised leaves.
A small-scale botanical inspired by an Asian trellis pattern, Ima is refined and rhythmic. Layered leaves and outlines give subtle texture – ideal for both modern and classic schemes.
Whimsical and richly decorative, Pipili takes its cue from an antique bedspread. Hand-painted lions, florals, and starry motifs combine in a storybook-style design full of British charm.
A bold reinterpretation of a hand block-printed textile from Uzbekistan. Sweeping foliage and stylised blooms form an elegant, expressive repeat for statement decorating.
Designed to complement Yala, this painterly stripe adds tonal variation and balance. Its hand-drawn quality lends itself to layering or standalone use for a more graphic look.
Delicate florals drift across the linen ground in this calming, considered design. Inspired by Asian folk art and simplified from a richly coloured original.
Striking yet serene, Taiki presents stylised palm fronds in a rhythmic vertical stripe. It brings movement and structure to interiors with a confident, architectural edge.
‘Each design in Maru is a celebration of nature, reinterpreted through a modern lens,’ says Ella Richards, Head of Design at Linwood. ‘Our studio team has created something fresh and usable – perfect for homes that seek comfort, character, and timeless style.’
The Maru collection is available from September at £77.90 per metre (RRP). Printed on pure linen and suitable for curtains, upholstery, and soft furnishings.
About The Linwood Fabric Company Ltd
Linwood draws on classic English style and imbues it with a contemporary spirit, producing exclusive collections of fabrics, wallpapers and cushions that brim with personality and charm. The brand’s artistic vision is an individualistic one – they don’t offer a specific Linwood look: rather, every collection that they produce – be it pleasing small-scale prints or quintessentially English botanicals; informal plain linens or sumptuous printed velvets – is driven by a desire to captivate and delight, bringing a playful, distinctive style to all manner of interiors. Please visit us at our London showroom: Studio Two, Worlds End Studios, 132-134 Lots Road, London, SW10 0RJ
Lighting has long been an important feature of the kitchen, but as the space evolves into something more multifunctional, the latest lighting trends are shaping it more than ever. Lighting is now shaping layouts, zoning areas and defining the overall ambience of the home – illumination is now becoming a seamless blend of architecture and art, and that fusion is unlocking extraordinary creative potential.
Roundhouse is predicting a move away from the traditional spotlight-and-pendant formula and towards lighting schemes that feel more layered, expressive and character-driven. From sculptural statement pieces to illumination that almost behaves like furniture, lighting is proving to be one of the most transformative tools in bespoke kitchen design.
Softer, more organic lighting is influencing kitchens for the year ahead. Crescent profiles, arcs and rounded silhouettes are becoming more prominent, offering a gentle counterbalance to the clean lines of modern cabinetry. This direction has been led by designers such as Tom Raffield, John Pomp and Lindsey Adelman, whose work explores sculptural circularity, curved glass and halo-like forms. Their pieces demonstrate how circular lighting can create a warm, atmospheric glow with refined, architectural impact.
Roundhouse’s Ashbury Project highlights this beautifully. Tom Raffield’s Loer Crescent Pendant, suspended over the breakfast bar, introduces quiet drama without asserting itself too strongly. Curved lighting works particularly well in busy family kitchens, encouraging a more soothing, inviting atmosphere. These rounded shapes also pair effortlessly with natural materials like timber, stone and plaster, which are hallmarks of many of Roundhouse’s bespoke designs.
Another key movement for bespoke kitchens in 2026 is the integration of lighting traditionally associated with living rooms. Designers such as Bert Frank, Matteo Bianchi and Gabriel Scott have helped champion this evolution, showing that decorative lighting can actually enhance practicality. Kitchens are now beginning to borrow the warmth and intimacy of lounge environments - not just through sconces or wall lights but increasingly through table lamps. A table lamp in a kitchen immediately softens the aesthetic, creating a sense of comfort and intentionality.
Roundhouse’s Ling Project illustrates this shift with Vibia’s Mayfair table lamp in gold satin placed on the island. Its soft glow and touch-dimmer control offer a salon-like refinement, demonstrating how ambient lighting can add depth and cohesion in open-plan settings.
Personalisation continues to be a defining theme in interior design, and lighting is following suit. Brands such as Buster + Punch, Martin Huxford and Porta Romana have pushed forward with modular systems, mix-and-match components and adaptable silhouettes, enabling lighting to evolve alongside the demands of multifunctional family homes.
This appetite for customisation reflects an evolving desire for flexibility - designers are embracing adjustable cords, pivoting heads, interchangeable shades and modular assemblies.
Roundhouse’s Weir Project captures this versatility with Buster + Punch’s Hooked 6.0 Pendant Nude. Each element can be repositioned or reconfigured, allowing the piece to serve different roles within the same space. In bespoke design, this adaptability is especially valuable, responding to unique architecture and varied family routines.
A more curated form of eclecticism is emerging, driven by a desire for spaces with narrative depth and authenticity. Designers such as Kelly Wearstler, Beata Heuman and Martyn Lawrence Bullard have embraced the dialogue between past and present, blending vintage lighting with contemporary architecture to create interiors with soul.
Roundhouse’s Moony Project with Webb Architects demonstrates the strength of this approach. A vintage chandelier is suspended within a modern take on an Arts & Crafts kitchen, adding instant character and a sense of history. This interplay works particularly well where the kitchen forms part of a wider architectural storyline. A heritage light can anchor a streamlined contemporary space, while surrounding modern elements keep the overall design feeling balanced and current.
For homeowners seeking boldness, oversized pendants continue to make a commanding statement. Influenced by the sculptural, gallery-led collections of brands including Tom Dixon, Bomma and Moooi, these larger-scale fittings combine visual drama with generous illumination.
In a recent Roundhouse kitchen project created in collaboration with QWC Stone (photographed by Carmody Creative), Tom Dixon’s Beat Stout LED pendants take centre stage. At more than 50cm tall and wide, they offer architectural presence while delivering focused light. Oversized pendants work best when given space to breathe, with clean sightlines and complementary materials ensuring the scale feels intentional rather than overwhelming.
Explore these evolving trends first-hand by visiting one of Roundhouse’s seven showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Guildford, Cambridge or Cheltenham, where Roundhouse’s expert designers can help you reimagine lighting for 2026.
About Roundhouse Design Ltd
Founded by architects, Roundhouse is a multi-award-winning British company, creating beautiful bespoke kitchens and furniture. Their stunning kitchen designs feature a signature understated aesthetic, influenced by contemporary and traditional design, using innovative materials, texture and colour. Each project is made to measure from a wide range of stunning finishes. Expertly crafted by skilled designers and makers in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Malvern, Worcestershire. Visit any of seven Roundhouse Design kitchen showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford & Cheltenham.
Forbes & Lomax has become synonymous with elegant light switches inspired by the late Victorian era and the art-deco period. Forbes & Lomax is world-renowned for its classic collection of lights switches and sockets and has now launched its highly anticipated new finish, Matte Brass.
Joining the original Invisible collection, Unlacquered Brass, Brushed Brass, Nickel Silver, Antique Bronze, Stainless Steel, Aged Brass and Paintable switches and sockets, Forbes & Lomax is excited to introduce its new Matte Brass range to the UK.
With its muted golden tones, Matte Brass is a refined and versatile finish, which brings warmth and sophistication to any interior. The durable baked lacquer coating resists fingerprints and is easy to maintain. Designed for subtle elegance, Matte Brass adds a touch of timeless and understated charm.
Toggles, dimmer knobs and push buttons are available as well as sockets giving a streamlined, classic feel to the design. Sockets are supplied with black inserts to complement the finish.
Forbes & Lomax offers a full range of British made switches, dimmers and sockets in all its finishes with all plates handcrafted in the UK and assembled at the Forbes & Lomax workshop in South West London. The focus for its designs has always been understated elegance and the Matte Brass range is the perfect addition to its collection, offering a classic look that never goes out of style.
About Forbes & Lomax
Forbes & Lomax has been producing elegant, innovative light switches and sockets for over thirty-five years. Renowned for launching The Invisible Lightswitch®, it has always approached lighting control from an aesthetic point of view. The Forbes & Lomax collection comprises nine carefully chosen finishes, which are suitable for traditional and contemporary interiors, making it the brand of choice for many top interior designers, architects and decorators. The range includes push buttons and dolly switches for integrating with intelligent lighting control and home automation systems. It also offers a bespoke engraving service. Visit the showroom at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour.
Over the past year, residential interiors have become even more considered and purposeful, with greater emphasis on adaptability and long-term wellbeing. Homeowners and interior designers alike are increasingly drawn to flexible layouts and intelligent details that support everyday living for all, from food prep to hydration and entertaining.
Nick Taylor, Head of Residential at Zip Water UK, has observed a growing demand for solutions that feel intuitive, inclusive and easy to live with.
“In 2025, residential clients placed far greater value on solutions that support real, day-to-day use,” Nick says. “It’s about versatility, confidence and ease, whether that’s hygienic controls, inclusive multi-user access or taps that adapt to everything from food prep to everyday tasks.”
This perspective closely reflects Zip’s long-standing approach. A pioneer in drinking-water innovation, Zip has always focused on elevating everyday hydration through advanced filtration, thoughtful technology and designs suited to contemporary living spaces. The HydroTap range continues to embody this approach, offering solutions that declutter while meeting the demands of modern, multi-use households. This commitment to practical innovation has shaped Zip’s developments throughout 2025.
One of the defining moments of the year was the Celsius Plus All‑in‑One Pull‑Out receiving an iF Design Award, one of the most respected design accolades globally. The recognition represents more than an award win; it is a testament to Zip Water’s dedication to pushing boundaries in kitchen technology.
Praised for its considered engineering and everyday functionality, this elegant solution combines instant filtered boiling, chilled, sparkling, and mixer water, with a retractable hose spray for greater flexibility and efficiency in a single tap.
Nick, explains: “The Celsius Plus All-in-One Pull-Out showcases truly market-leading technology. Our patented Hose Management System ensures smooth, snag-free retraction, while the water delivery system maintains separate filtered water paths. Combined with advanced safety features and best-in-class filtration, it delivers the ultimate drinking-water experience.”
Beyond its versatility and refined design, the HydroTap continues to support more sustainable living, reducing reliance on single-use plastic bottles and optimising energy efficiency.
Another significant milestone this year has been the continued development of Zip’s accessibility offering, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to inclusive, user-led design.
Nick highlights the importance of collaboration in bringing this focus to life: “It’s been fantastic working closely with Symphony Kitchens this year to help spotlight our accessibility range. A real highlight was seeing the Celsius Plus All-in-One featured on George Clarke’s Kitchen vs Garden. The kitchen, designed by Adam Thomas as part of the Freedom range, perfectly demonstrated the versatility and usability of our HydroTap solutions, showing how they can support people of all abilities without compromising on design.”
Through the close collaboration of Adam Thomas and Zip’s residential specialist Charles Ireland, the project reflects a shared understanding: that design must achieve both accessibility and aesthetic quality, without compromising either.
As conversations around inclusive design continue to gain momentum across the industry, Zip is setting the pace with its new accessibility controller, designed to make everyday interaction with filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling drinking water safer and more intuitive. The controller features clear, easy-to-use controls and flexible positioning options, enabling usability for all.
Adding to an exceptional year, the HydroTap Arc Plus was awarded the SBID Kitchen Product of the Year, an accolade judged by industry professionals who understand how products perform in real environments.
Nick describes the win as a defining moment: “Winning the SBID Award was genuinely heartwarming. It’s incredibly rewarding to see HydroTap Arc Plus recognised by designers who understand the importance of usability, placement and performance. It confirms that the attention we put into detail and user experience truly matters.”
A key strength of HydroTap Arc Plus lies in its flexibility of installation. Designed to work seamlessly over the sink or via a countertop font, it suits a wide variety of layouts from kitchen islands and breakfast bars to home bars and open-plan living. By delivering instant filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water exactly where it’s needed, HydroTap Arc Plus enhances both functionality and ease of use.
As 2025 draws to a close, Zip continues to expand the Celsius Plus range with the introduction of a new Brushed Brass finish. Designed to reflect the evolving direction of contemporary kitchens, the finish offers designers greater flexibility.
“Brushed Brass feels perfectly in step with how kitchen design is evolving,” Nick says. “Designers are embracing richer tones and more characterful finishes, and this option allows the HydroTap to integrate beautifully into a wider range of interior styles.”
The Brushed Brass finish joins Zip’s suite of premium design-led options, offering greater freedom to tailor the tap to the personality of the space, whether as a subtle complement to natural materials or as a confident focal point within more expressive kitchens.
As with every finish, Brushed Brass has been engineered to meet the brand’s exacting standards. Engineered for durability, colour consistency and long-term performance, it reflects Zip’s commitment to combining aesthetics with reliability.
Taken together, these milestones paint a clear picture of Zip’s progress throughout 2025. From international design recognition to inclusive product innovation, each achievement reflects our values grounded in real human needs.
“What stands out most to me is how clearly our priorities have come into focus.” Nick reflects. “Across every project this year, the emphasis has been on thoughtful design, reliability and finding practical ways to enhance how people use and experience water in their homes.”
This year also reinforced the value of long-term care and protection. Through the HydroCare service offering, Zip ensures systems remain efficient and high performing from their first drop to their last. A reminder that great design extends beyond launch and is sustained through maintenance and peace of mind.
Looking ahead to 2026, the achievements of 2025 serve not only as moments to celebrate, but as a strong foundation for the next phase of Zip’s innovation, one built on trusted performance, human-centred design and a commitment to delivering exceptional drinking water experiences for years to come.
About Zip Water
Experience water at its best with the ultimate in luxury home appliances. Zip Water are manufacturers of the iconic Zip HydroTap - a revolutionary drinking water appliance offering the very best in filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water; designed to upgrade your lifestyle. A health-boosting, time-saving, space-saving and planet-saving marvel, the HydroTap transforms ordinary tap water into something extraordinary.
Leather is entering a fascinating new chapter in contemporary interiors. Once closely associated with the formality of Chesterfield and traditional club chairs, it is now being reinterpreted through a refined, design-led lens. In spaces where atmosphere, durability, and sensory appeal must coexist in perfect harmony, leather’s versatility has never been more compelling.
This season, designers are exploring mid-century influences translated for modern interiors. Elevated legs, clean, sculptural lines, and generously proportioned cushions allow leather to retain its characteristic warmth without imposing visual weight. The result is a material that exudes understated elegance rather than overt grandeur; an aesthetic that resonates across lounges, study areas, home offices, and residential living spaces alike. Where leather once commanded attention, it now invites engagement, offering a tactile, immersive presence that enriches the spatial experience.
At the forefront of this contemporary approach is sofa.com’s Ellora armchair, a piece that epitomises the balance between heritage and modern sophistication. Ellora reinterprets the classic leather armchair with soft, enveloping cushions and retro contours, providing all the warmth and familiarity of traditional design, while shedding its formality. Its relaxed, mid-century-inspired silhouette ensures versatility, equally suited to a serene reading nook, a collaborative workspace, or a refined executive study. Ellora embodies a guiding principle of modern interiors: furniture should be as inviting as it is aspirational.
Durability remains one of leather’s most significant qualities. Few materials respond to the passage of time with such grace. Over months and even years, natural creasing and subtle tonal variations develop into a rich patina, imbuing each piece with singular character. Rather than diminishing in time, leather accrues distinction, rendering it a long-term investment that enhances both the aesthetic and functional integrity of a space.
Above all, comfort remains central to design. The Ellora’s generous cushioning encourages people to linger, whether for work, reading, or conversation. Its tactile richness fosters a sense of intimacy and luxury, while its elegant proportions elevate the overall visual composition.
About Sofa.com
Passionate about outstanding interiors, sofa.com offers a diverse and design led collection of made-to-order sofas, armchairs, beds, footstools and home accessories. With an extensive range of styles and over 100 fabrics to choose from, as well as the option to upholster in your own fabric, the customisable nature of sofa.com’s products make each piece easily adaptable to any interior style – perfect for interior designers and specifiers looking for stand-out pieces for upcoming projects.
Hansgrohe Group has made a five-million-euro strategic investment to ensure production capacity for special surface finishes on its design brand AXOR continues to outstrip market demand.
The company has completed a major expansion project covering the Schiltach-based AXOR Centre of Excellence and Offenburg production centres in Germany.
This has included significant investment in three new physical vapour deposition (PVD) chambers used to apply special product coatings on AXOR solutions. Impressively, this has enhanced the Black Forest-based company’s PVD team by a significant 50%. The increased PVD capability comes alongside a 60% increase in brushing capacity to satisfy escalating market demand for unique finishes.
Alongside capacity increases, the investment has also seen the streamlining of a number of additional production processes to further develop manufacturing capacity and improve lead times.
Strong customer demand for AXOR products, including AXOR FinishPlus special surface finishes, has seen the brand defy market conditions with double digit growth in the last year. This significant increase in interest in AXOR has led to considerable investments in production facilities to ensure supply always meets growing levels of demand.
The investment strategy will see lead times on product orders reduce, offering the reassurance that anticipated orders can be fulfilled without delay.
Jay Phillips, Managing Director – UK & Ireland for Hansgrohe Group, comments: “Through continued strategic investment in production improvements to grow our capabilities, we will secure long term groupwide benefits as we focus on leading the market in support of our design, specifier and project partners and their clients.
“The additional production capacity will optimise our innovating design and manufacturing strength as part of an ongoing groupwide commitment to prioritise those recommending our products, from designers and architects to our design, specifier and project partners, and we thank them for their ongoing support.
“We’ve had a fantastic year for AXOR and market demand for design-led solutions, such as the AXOR FinishPlus special surface finishes, continues to grow. In line with our growth, it was the right time to invest in our production facilities. We are certain that the significant investments made in our manufacturing capabilities will ensure that design, specifier and project partners can confidently continue to choose special surface finishes.”
About Hansgrohe UK
With its brands AXOR and hansgrohe, the Hansgrohe Group, based in Schiltach/Southern Germany, enjoys a reputation as a leader in innovation, design and quality within the bath and kitchen industry. Founded in 1901 in the Black Forest, the company gives water form and function with its taps, showerheads and shower systems. In combination with sanitary ceramics and bathroom furniture, the company offers individual design options for holistic bathroom experiences. The Hansgrohe Group stands for long-lasting quality products and for responsibility towards people and the environment. As part of its sustainability strategy, Hansgrohe is equipping all water-bearing products with water-saving technologies by 2030.
A symbol of refined Parisian elegance, the historic address at 11 rue Royale reopened its doors on 18 November 2025. Marking the 90th anniversary of its first establishment on this iconic thoroughfare, Lalique unveils a renewed setting where crystal, light and emotion combine to create a unique experience: a reimagined art of living.
In 1935, René Lalique left Place Vendôme to settle at 11 rue Royale, in the heart of Paris. Ninety years later, the Maison returns to the footsteps of its founder and reinvents this historic address. More than a boutique: a place of life, art and light where the Lalique art of living is expressed more than ever before.
Behind the heritage façade, visitors discover an intimate, inspiring home, imagined as the apartment of a cosmopolitan artist couple. The light-filled spaces reveal a subtle dialogue between authenticity and modernity, between heritage and creation.
'Our Lalique setting on rue Royale symbolises a return to our roots, but also a projection into the future. We wanted the poetry of René Lalique to resonate here in a contemporary language: one of light, material and emotion.' - Marc Larminaux, Artistic and Creative Director at Lalique
The new 115 m² space expresses the Maison's artisanal virtuosity and contemporary creativity. From the entrance, a flight of sixty crystal swallows, emblematic of the Maison, welcomes visitors in an airy movement symbolising freedom and renewal.
Luminous arches adorned with the Laurel motif evoke victory and eternity, while the floral dahlia flooring pays tribute to nature, René Lalique's eternal muse.
The materials Burgundy walnut, Jadore quartzite, brass, terrazzo celebrate tactile nobility and the richness of natural elements. The Vosges blue that dresses the library echoes the forests surrounding the Wingen-sur-Moder manufacture in Alsace, the beating heart of the Maison.
The boutique invites guests on a sensory journey through the seven pillars of the Maison: decorative objects, interior design, tableware, jewellery, art, fragrances and hospitality.
Each space offers a distinctive thematic experience: - The Boudoir, dedicated to jewellery, highlights the Cabochon ring, a timeless icon. - The Winter Garden, bathed in natural light, showcases the Orgue and Perles creations alongside the mythical Cactus Table. - The Vanity, reinterpreted in a luminous setting, celebrates perfumes and their exceptional flacons. - The Library, crowned with graceful arches, presents iconic, heritage and contemporary collections. - The Cabinet of Curiosities, with its backlit brass display cases, reveals a selection of unique objects, from exceptional pieces to the perfect gift. - The Lalique Interior Design Studio Atelier unveils the secrets of crystal through sketches, samples and bespoke projects. - The Bar, at the crossroads of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, embodies the Lalique art of living and pays tribute to the Maison's gastronomic universe, now counting three restaurants awarded two Michelin stars.
More than a reopening, 11 rue Royale is a declaration of intent. A tribute to the genius of René Lalique and the audacity of his successors, who continue to sculpt emotion and shape dreams. A space where crystal becomes language, material and light, and where every reflection tells a story.
About Lalique Limited
Founded over a century ago, in 1888, Lalique has endured as the ultimate symbol of French luxury. Today, the vision of the brand is to prolong the creative genius of founder René Lalique by issuing superb perfume bottles in crystal, reviving exciting and emotional jewellery designs, pushing the limits of the factory by creating decorative objects with its signature satin contrasts, carrying out major architectural projects, crafting a unique Lalique world dedicated to the home, working with renowned artists to produce limited editions in crystal and to recreate its cultural heritage. Lalique continues to thrive as a truly timeless lifestyle brand.
RAO INTERIORS is proud to announce the official launch of RAO HOME on 1st December, marking a significant new chapter as the studio expands into a curated homeware brand rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and contemporary design.
Founded by interior designer Suhasini Rao Jones and Welsh creative Samuel Rao Jones, RAO HOME brings together two perspectives shaped by different worlds, Indian-Irish heritage and Welsh creativity. This rich duality forms the foundation of a brand that honours tradition while reimagining it for modern living.
RAO INTERIORS has long been recognised for its refined approach to interior architecture: spaces defined by balance, quiet luxury, and a deep respect for heritage. RAO HOME represents a natural evolution of this philosophy.
The brand’s first product line, “In The Beginning” - Jaipur Collection, introduces a series of handcrafted rugs designed in house and handmade in India by skilled artisans using time honoured craftsmanship passed down through generations. Rooted in narrative and artistry, the collection reflects RAO HOME’s commitment to authenticity and cultural storytelling: understated palettes, tactile textures, and subtle geometry brought to life through traditional Indian weaving techniques.
Each piece is a collaboration between design and heritage, a visual conversation between Suhasini’s Indian roots and the modern sensibility that shapes much of Samuel’s Welsh creative influence.
Launching initially as a digital first homeware brand, RAO HOME aims to make sustainable, thoughtful, and design led craftsmanship accessible to a wider audience. Every product carries the brand’s core values: authenticity, integrity, sustainability, and passion.
In the founders’ words: “RAO HOME has been built from a place of love, passion, identity, and connection. ‘In The Beginning’ represents our starting point: an introduction to the heritage crafts and design principles that will define our journey. This launch marks the beginning of a brand shaped by culture, intention, and modern craftsmanship.”
The “In The Beginning” - Jaipur Collection will be unveiled online on 1st December, accompanied by a digital campaign revealing the artistry and story behind the pieces.
RAO HOME invites design lovers, collaborators, and customers to celebrate the start of a brand that blends cultural heritage, considered design, and modern craftsmanship for the contemporary home.
About RAO INTERIORS
RAO INTERIORS is a high end interior design studio dedicated to transforming houses into beautifully curated homes. With a focus on elegance, functionality, and timeless design, we work closely with clients to craft interiors that reflect their individuality. We believe that every space should feel both inspiring and livable. We combine creative vision with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every element comes together in perfect harmony. At RAO INTERIORS, we pride ourselves on sourcing high-quality materials and collaborating with trusted artisans and suppliers to deliver results that are both beautiful and enduring. We understand that interiors shape how people live. That’s why we take the time to listen and bring each client’s vision to life with creativity, precision, and warmth.
West One Bathrooms, the UK’s leading luxury bathroom specialist, is delighted to announce the launch of the Wall&Deco 2025 collection - a new series of innovative waterproof wallpaper patterns that continue to push the boundaries of creativity and design in the modern bathroom.
Over the past decade, West One Bathrooms has seen a significant rise in clients incorporating wallpaper within bathrooms. Once considered unconventional, waterproof wallpaper has now become one of the most exciting design movements in interior architecture. Its unique blend of durability, texture, and personalisation offers a warm and expressive alternative to traditional tiles.
“Bathroom design has evolved far beyond functionality,” says Duncan Waters, Managing Director at West One Bathrooms. “Clients want spaces that feel luxurious and personal. Waterproof wallpaper allows them to inject individuality and warmth, while still maintaining complete practicality.”
The Wall&Deco 2025 collection introduces a new range of designs from bold artistic statements to subtle, nature-inspired textures, all engineered for wet environments through the brand’s patented WET System® technology. This ensures resistance to moisture, humidity, and direct water contact, making it suitable for use even in shower enclosures.
At West One Bathrooms, the demand for decorative, design-led surfaces continues to grow, reflecting a shift toward interiors that feel more bespoke and experiential. Waterproof wallpaper has become a favourite among designers seeking to balance beauty and performance.
“Tiles will always have their place,” adds Duncan, “but wallpaper allows for freedom of expression, it transforms bathrooms into true extensions of personal style.”
About West One Bathrooms
West One Bathrooms’ remains family run, currently in its third generation, their experience in the industry allows for outstanding guidance and sourcing for the most beautiful bathrooms worldwide. With unequalled access to the world’s leading bathroom brands, our portfolio extends to more than 750 global brands and covers thousands of products across the spectrum from the most exclusive and unique, to affordable and high-quality essentials. With a dedicated contracts team for architects, interior designers and contractors, they have the ability to offer the trade an exclusive end-to-end solution service that’s tailored to each client. West One Bathrooms’ portfolio extends through countless global projects, in residential, commercial, hotel, aircraft and luxury yachts, priding themselves on a highly professional and discreet service. The vast product selection also ensures that all requirements can be catered for and shipped worldwide.
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