C.P. Hart’s classical London basin has long been a favoured choice, admired for its simple yet enduring appeal. Now, in celebration of its success, C.P. Hart has partnered with Kast to reimagine the basin for a contemporary setting. This first-of-its-kind British collaboration unites C.P. Hart’s luxury bathroom heritage with Kast’s handcrafted concrete artistry.
The new and exclusive Monroe basin draws inspiration from the iconic freestanding silhouette of the London basin whilst showcasing Kast’s specialism in the design and manufacture of contemporary concrete forms. Produced on the edge of Sherwood Forest, UK, Monroe features a framed fluted exterior and an inset basin mixer shelf, created in three design variations: wall-mounted with a pedestal, wall-mounted with a metal console stand, or wall-mounted alone.
“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.”
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.
About C.P. Hart
C.P. Hart is an established bathroom supplier with over 85 years of experience in specifying and sourcing the world’s most innovative and durable premium bathroom products. A successful Contracts division operates with architects, designers, and contractors, often on major commercial property developments and hotels, whilst a highly qualified in-house design team works with individual and private clients, ensuring each bathroom is as unique as it is beautiful. C.P. Hart has always insisted on using the finest materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to create the highest quality classical and contemporary bathrooms. The brand has also developed a reputation for showcasing some of the world’s most talented and innovative bathroom designers, located in our showrooms across the UK and led by our expansive flagship in Waterloo, London. C.P. Hart’s bathroom collections include brassware, sanitaryware, furniture, tiles, home spas, and a range of other essential components for bespoke bathrooms.
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Within the kitchen, the island increasingly defines the character of the space. Once considered primarily functional, it has evolved into a focal point where materials, craftsmanship and proportion converge. For interior designers, the island now presents an opportunity to introduce contrast, sculptural presence and refined detailing within the broader kitchen scheme.
Roundhouse has noticed a growing appetite for layered materiality, with designers moving beyond singular surfaces in favour of carefully considered combinations. From timber-led palettes to expressive natural stone, the kitchen island is becoming a platform for both visual interest and practical innovation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About Dedar
Founded in 1976, Dedar is a family-run fabric house located close to Como, in the heart of a manufacturing district. Dedar experiments and innovates to attain product perfection through an ongoing dialogue with those craftsmen and textile specialists who are most familiar with the techniques employed in the production of excellent fabrics. Characterized by seductive colour palettes and unexpected patterns, Dedar’s fabrics combine precious yarns with research into fiber technology to offer various solutions for curtains, upholstery and wallcovering of timeless elegance.
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.”
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.
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.
About Dornbracht UK & Ireland
Dornbracht creates exclusive designer fittings and accessories for the bathroom, spa, and kitchen. The luxury manufacturer’s portfolio combines iconic design, effective water applications, and customised solutions. At its headquarters in Iserlohn, South Westphalia, advanced technologies and precise craftsmanship are combined to create products of outstanding quality – Made in Germany. Since 1950, Dornbracht has been shaping the design of sophisticated living spaces and setting standards with pioneering innovations. The focus is always on people and their individual needs. With this, the company enables the realisation of very personal visions and life concepts, underlining its brand claim “Inspiring your vision”.
Ray Bohringer, CEO of Studio Vellari, has given his insights into the industry.
The origins of media and cinema seating are typically rooted in the evolution of entertainment spaces and the growing demand for comfortable, high-quality seating in home and commercial venues designed for viewing experiences. Studio Vellari as a brand started designing seats specifically for home media rooms and auditoriums. Over time, the brand evolved by integrating advanced ergonomics, premium materials, and technology such as automation, cup holders, and acoustic considerations, positioning themselves as experts in creating seating that enhances both comfort and the overall viewing experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About Studio Vellari
At Studio Vellari, we specialise in crafting exceptional interior environments with a distinct focus on private cinemas and media rooms. Drawing on extensive experience delivering some of the world’s most exclusive residential cinema spaces, we design bespoke seating solutions tailored to each client’s vision and lifestyle. Our approach blends refined aesthetics with advanced functionality, ensuring every piece enhances both comfort and performance. From concept to completion, we curate finely crafted furnishings that embody timeless elegance and meticulous attention to detail. The result is immersive, sophisticated interiors that elevate home entertainment into a truly luxurious and personalised experience.
Mark McMahon, Managing Director of Victoria Stone, has given his insights into the industry.
Victoria Stone is a fireplace company like no other, specialising in bespoke, fully integrated fireplace solutions. We offer a complete turn-key service, encompassing everything from the design and manufacture of the complete fireplace to the technical complexities of flue systems and installation.
Collaborating closely with interior designers, architects, developers and main contractors, we deliver fireplaces that are both visually striking and technically exceptional across some of London and the UK’s most prestigious properties. Our ethos is rooted in creating timeless beauty through exceptional craftsmanship, supported by a highly skilled in-house team and a commitment to service at every stage of the project.
Victoria Stone has a heritage spanning over 50 years, originally established as a retail presence in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Over the past decade, under new ownership, the brand has undergone a significant evolution—transforming from a traditional retailer into a highly specialised, design-led fireplace company.
Today, Victoria Stone represents a new standard within the industry: one that combines heritage craftsmanship with technical expertise and a contemporary, collaborative approach. This evolution has enabled us to align more closely with the needs of today’s design community, offering not just products, but complete, considered solutions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About Victoria Stone
Victoria Stone specialises in the design and delivery of bespoke fireplaces for exceptional residential and hospitality projects. With over 50 years of craftsmanship heritage, each fireplace is carved from the world’s finest materials, combining timeless design with modern innovation. Working closely with interior designers, architects and developers, Victoria Stone provides a comprehensive turnkey service encompassing bespoke fireplace design, flue and technical engineering, antique sourcing and restoration. From heritage properties and listed buildings to contemporary new builds, every project is carefully managed from concept through to installation, ensuring outstanding quality, technical expertise and enduring architectural detail.
Karndean Designflooring, the UK’s trusted supplier of luxury vinyl flooring, has played a leading role in the transformation of Scotsdales Garden Centre in Cambridge. Working closely with Trevillion Interiors, Stanley Bragg Architects and Cadman Flooring, the refurbishment introduces a warm, design led customer experience crafted to withstand exceptionally high footfall and continuous daily use.
The redevelopment forms part of a long-term strategy to elevate the centre’s visitor journey, requiring clearly defined customer zones, intuitive navigation and a specification that could deliver both aesthetic quality and enduring commercial performance. Karndean’s Prairie Oak from the Art Select collection was chosen for the main concourse and seating areas, offering natural warmth, design versatility, and proven resilience in high traffic environments. Installation was completed by Cadman Flooring over an eight-week programme.
The design introduces three customer zones; grownup, casual and family, each with its own identity while remaining part of a cohesive whole. Given the open plan scale of the building, the flooring played a fundamental role in guiding movement and supporting spatial clarity. A full plank herringbone layout was used through the main concourse to create a strong directional cue, contrasted with parquet style patterns and straight planks in the seating areas to give each zone a distinct character without interrupting overall flow.
“Durability and aesthetic was a tough ask on such a scale with demanding footfall,” explained Frances Blackham, design director at Trevillion Interiors. “Karndean provided the design flexibility we needed. The herringbone layout choreographs movement subtly and beautifully, while parquet and straight planks with inserts create three clearly identifiable areas.”
The finished scheme blends refinement with practical performance. Prairie Oak’s warm, natural tones complement the garden centre’s organic identity, while the precision of the installation elevates the overall retail environment. Engineered for long-term durability, the floor withstands trolleys, high visitor numbers, and regular cleaning, maintaining a consistently high-quality appearance.
“The herringbone layout adds depth and elevates the interior beyond a standard retail fitout,” said Kieran Cadman, director of Cadman Flooring. “The detailing supports customer movement across the space, and the product performs exceptionally well in such a busy commercial environment.”
Reflecting on the collaboration, Richard Allen, VP of sales for commercial at Karndean Designflooring, added: “Scotsdales is a perfect example of how flooring can shape both the function and experience of a commercial space. Prairie Oak was selected for its authentic character, warm palette, and long-term performance. We are proud to support Trevillion and Cadman Flooring with a product that brings natural beauty to a demanding environment while standing up to the rigours of daily use.”
About Karndean Designflooring
Karndean is a global supplier of commercial and residential luxury vinyl tile flooring. We’re an industry leader in flooring design, offering a wide range of colours, textures and finishes, helping you create unique looks that are both stylish and practical; guaranteed to last. We see flooring differently. We travel the world in our quest to bring you exceptional floors that inspire and delight. From the ancient forests of Europe, to the remote Australian outback, we seek out expressive and intriguing forms in the natural world to influence our unique floor designs. By combining original features with cutting edge design, we create beautiful floors that bring your vision to life and take our clients on an endless journey of design discovery.
Garrett Leather proudly announces the launch of five new embossed leather collections—Cestino, Espiga, Quadro, Onda, and Tessera. Each collection is designed to reconnect us with the tangible beauty of artisanal craftsmanship in an increasingly digital world.
In an era dominated by screens and automation, these collections offer a return to the analog: a textured, tactile experience that honors tradition, intentionality, and the quiet power of handcraft. Inspired by natural forms and the intricate artistry of weaving, carving, and embroidery, each pattern evokes a sense of calm, depth, and connection.
“These leathers are thoughtfully crafted to engage the senses,” said Carolyn Perillo, Head of New Product Innovation at Garrett Leather. “Their texture and depth invite touch and add a layer of authenticity that transforms how a space feels and functions.”
- Cestino draws inspiration from handwoven baskets, offering a versatile texture with a hand-tipped finish and no plate lines. - Espiga features a braided motif enhanced by a high-gloss finish, reflecting harmony and organic elegance. - Quadro channels the interlaced warp and weft of traditional textiles, with a hand-antiqued surface that celebrates heritage. - Onda mimics the gentle movement of waves, with pearlescent accents that play with light and shadow. - Tessera presents a tightly woven aesthetic, blending modern sensibility with timeless craftsmanship.
Each leather is semi-aniline, embossed, and combination-tanned—offering the perfect balance of chrome-tanned suppleness and vegetable-tanned firmness, making it ideally suited for embossed patterns. This specialized tannage provides the optimal foundation for achieving detailed and lasting embossed designs, resulting in leather with a premium hand that is sturdy to hold detail while remaining pliable for versatile workability. These full sized and center-cut hides offer large cutting areas with minimal pattern disruption.
The collections feature 20 rich colorways, including deep mineral blues, earthy reds, soot blacks, grounding neutrals, and opalescent highlights. These hues echo the natural materials and techniques artisans have used for centuries, while contemporary finishes add a refined touch. All colors are readily available to ship within two business days of purchase.
All five collections are LeatherShield™ products suitable for high traffic areas and have achieved LBC Red List Free status and GREENGUARD Gold® certification. With excellent durability, flame resistance, UV protection, and water/stain repellency, these leathers are recommended for all upholstery applications.
Garrett Leather’s new collections are for those who value materials with meaning and spaces that embrace intentional living. They are a tribute to the analog aesthetic—inviting interaction and human connection.
About Garrett Leather Corp
Garrett Leather is a premium Italian leather brand specializing in a distinct combination of high-end style and service. They specialise in helping interior designers find the perfect leather for commercial and residential interior markets. They also offer opportunities for their clients to learn more about the intricacies of leather and its applications. Garrett Leather sources leather from the highest quality raw material selections throughout Europe and maintains strong relationships with the most elite and ethically responsible tanneries in Italy. Garrett Leather remains privately-owned and family-run to strengthen their deep commitment to personal attention and care for each of their clients.
In the modern climate, it is more important than ever to build wellness into your designs. Designers are increasingly prioritising health and wellbeing when curating a space, searching for solutions that champion this, whilst not compromising on elegance and functionality. With public concern about what’s really in our drinking water – including PFAS (forever chemicals) and microplastics – interest in home filtration is becoming even more prevalent. Suddenly, what was once a good-to-have for those health and wellbeing-conscious clients is becoming a necessity for all. The Zip HydroTap covers all bases, boasting advanced filtration coupled with a stylish, statement design.
Zip Water explores the worrying truth of what is truly in the water we are drinking, and why advanced filtration solutions pave the way for a healthier home.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals that resist breaking down in both the environment and the human body. Their resilience is precisely what has earned them the name “forever chemicals”. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health risks, and troublingly, they have been recorded in more than a third of water courses in England and Wales. Even plastic bottled water is not immune, with studies confirming the presence of these same contaminants. Here in the UK, such concern has led to increased testing for these chemicals in the environment, as part of a wider plan to tackle the inflating problem.
So, what can be done to protect our homes and drinking water? The solution lies in advanced, high-performance filtration. The Zip HydroTap uses 0.2 micron MicroPurity filtration, incorporating triple-action technology certified to reduce the eight most common contaminants found in drinking water – including up to 99.4% of total PFAS. It’s world-class filtration that delivers a world-class taste.
A world-leader in instant boiling, chilled, and sparkling drinking water solutions, Zip has long been recognised for its pioneering approach to filtration. Integrating seamlessly into the home, its market-leading 8-in-1 MicroPurityTM technology reduces the eight most harmful contaminants- chlorine, sediment, lead, limescale, bacteria growth, microplastics, asbestos and PFAS. Independently certified to NSF standard 42 (Aesthetic Effects) and 53 (Health Effects), the Zip MicroPurity™ filter delivers peace of mind to all users, eliminating the impurities you can't see, smell or taste.
“As awareness grows around water quality, filtered water taps are becoming a must-have in modern kitchen design – but not all filtration technology is created equal when it comes to removing PFAS,” says Nick Taylor, Head of Residential Sales at Zip Water.
“At the same time, homeowners want products that look as good as they perform. Our range of HydroTap models and finishes deliver timeless design with the confidence of market-leading filtration and award-winning HydroCare servicing. Combined with our flexible installation options, it shows that technical innovation and beautiful design can work perfectly in harmony.”
Despite current plans put in place to address the contamination issue, it is clear that more can be done. Designers and homeowners alike should be looking to advanced filtration technologies capable of addressing both aesthetic parameters (taste, odour, clarity) and health-related thresholds (removal of heavy metals, organic pollutants, pathogens).
The HydroTap’s advanced filtration, coupled with its user-friendly design, makes hydration effortless for everybody. Over 80% of existing HydroTap owners say they drink more water than they did before, a testament to its versatility, pure-tasting water, and user convenience. Its elegant design is bound to make a statement in the modern home, combining the desired aesthetic with the required functionality to contribute to an overall healthier home.
Discover how the Zip HydroTap can redefine hydration, or connect with our specialist team for expert guidance on the perfect solution.
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.
Global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks, Inc. releases its fourth update to the Vectorworks 2026 product line, expanding its data-driven workflow capabilities to help designers plan, document, and visualize projects with greater precision and efficiency at every stage of delivery. This update introduces intelligent phasing tools, enhanced embodied carbon analysis, and a real-time rendering integration with fellow Nemetschek Group brand Maxon, strengthening how teams manage project evolution, measure environmental impact, and communicate design intent.
“Vectorworks 2026 Update 4 reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering designers with smarter, more efficient tools,” said Vectorworks Vice President of Product Development Hugues Tsafak. “From the first iteration of phasing, supporting various project types and sizes, to enhanced sustainability dashboards and Maxon Redshift for Archviz, this release leverages our strength in data management to help designers plan, document, and visualize projects more accurately and sustainably. We remain committed to evolving these tools to meet the growing demands of modern design.”
High-quality rendering has traditionally been a time-consuming process, often requiring disconnected workflows and repeated exports between modeling and visualization tools. With Vectorworks 2026 Update 4, that process becomes significantly more seamless through Maxon Redshift for Vectorworks — making Vectorworks the first design platform to offer this level of direct, live integration with Maxon Redshift for Archviz rendering technology.
Available as a standalone product from Maxon, designers with a Redshift license can now access the integration directly within the Vectorworks design environment with Update 4, allowing them to send active scenes to the Redshift Visualizer and immediately generate high-fidelity, real-time renderings. Unlike traditional export-based workflows, the Redshift Visualizer maintains live synchronization with the Vectorworks model. Geometry, lighting, cameras, and scene updates remain aligned between both environments, eliminating repetitive exports and reducing the risk of outdated visuals during presentations or design reviews, giving designers a faster, more reliable visualization workflow that supports both creative exploration and client communication.
Renovation and multi-phase projects now represent a significant share of work across the AEC industry, yet documenting existing building site conditions has historically required manual work and file duplication.
Now, Vectorworks 2026 Update 4 introduces a comprehensive Phasing system that embeds a time-based dimension directly into your BIM model. Assigning defined status conditions — including existing, new, demolished, relocated, or temporary — allows teams to track how projects progress across multiple stages accurately.
Integrated with Vectorworks’ powerful data management capabilities and leveraging Data Visualization, Phasing automatically controls object visibility and graphic representation across design layers and viewports. A dedicated Demolition tool further streamlines the process, improving documentation accuracy while eliminating redundant class and layer management.
As adaptive reuse and infill redevelopment become central to sustainable project delivery, clear renovation documentation is critical. Simplifying phased workflows within a unified environment means teams can reduce risk, improve coordination, and align projects with sustainability strategies focused on adaptation rather than replacement.
As sustainability expectations intensify across the AEC industry, early-stage embodied carbon analysis has become critical. It often involves manual setup, inconsistent material categorization, and complex unit conversions that slow evaluation.
Update 4 advances the Vectorworks Embodied Carbon Calculator (VECC) in the Sustainability Dashboard by aligning predefined Concept and Planning categories with recognized frameworks, including RICS guidelines. Automated quantity aggregation and support for enhanced mixed-unit management streamline material analysis and strengthen standards-aligned reporting from concept through detailed design.
Embedding carbon intelligence directly into data-driven workflows means teams can assess impact earlier, compare design alternatives with greater clarity, and more readily integrate sustainability into everyday decision-making.
Beyond its flagship capabilities, Vectorworks 2026 Update 4 introduces a series of discipline-specific refinements designed to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and documentation reliability across architecture, landscape, and entertainment workflows.
For AEC professionals, improved Class and Layer search functionality enables faster, more reliable navigation within complex files. The Linear Material tool now includes world-based parameters for stucco and plaster, allowing users to define exact Variation Length and Thickness for scale-accurate surface detailing in sections, producing realistic results without additional manual adjustments.
For landscape architects and designers, the Hedgerow tool is now fully integrated into the styled Landscape Area object, enabling more efficient, precise planting design. Designers can create complex staggered rows, visualize individual plants, and generate data-rich planting plans while maintaining accurate, easily material schedules using styled objects.
Entertainment workflows continue to evolve in Vectorworks 2026 Update 4, with refinements to Spotlight numbering and device management tools. Visual directional previews and an Exclude field help prevent labeling errors before documentation is finalized, while the unified Device tool streamlines placement, editing, and tagging in a single interface. New Cable tool insertion modes further enhance efficiency by enabling one-click cable type switching during full-show design.
This update is now available for all currently released English-language versions of Vectorworks 2026 and is immediately accessible to subscription and Vectorworks Service Select customers. To install, select “Check for Updates” from the Vectorworks menu (Mac) or the Help menu (Windows). Maxon Redshift for Vectorworks, which powers the new live rendering integration in Update 4, is available as a standalone product from Maxon and can be purchased either through Vectorworks or Maxon. To use Redshift for Vectorworks, customers must create a Maxon account and purchase a Redshift subscription. A 14-day free trial is available from Maxon, and students can access special pricing through Maxon’s student program. For more information on Maxon Redshift for Archviz, visit maxon.net/archviz.
To explore the latest features, start a free 7-day trial of Vectorworks Design Suite. For a comprehensive list of enhancements, visit the Tech Bulletin, and review the Public Roadmap to stay informed about upcoming developments and provide feedback on future features.
About Vectorworks
Exceptional design demands exceptional tools - a platform built to deliver absolute creative expression and maximum efficiency. Vectorworks believe your design software should offer the freedom to follow your imagination wherever it may lead you, to seamlessly share your vision at any phase, and to easily interpret the information needed to make the smartest decisions every time.
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