Karndean Commercial elevates flooring to an artform with an ultra-realistic collection of statement stone and wood designs.
Next month sees the introduction of 39 brand new designs to it’s premium Art Select range, raising the bar for sumptuous interiors. Two years in development, its latest Art Select collection builds on our offering of timeless classic styles with a contemporary twist, including designs that are rarely available as flooring in their natural state.
Inspired by some of the most exclusive materials from around the world, including beautiful European oak and English ash and opulent stones such as marble, onyx, Ceppo di Gré and quartzite, this curated collection is Karndean’s largest ever launch and an expression of its commitment to the craft of creating beautiful flooring that also meets the stringent technical requirements of today’s built environment.
Preview the new Art Select collection at Karndean’s showroom 20 Clerkenwell Green during Clerkenwell Design Week 21–23 May 2024.
- Join us for Churros and Coffee, each day from 10.00am - Network with us at Midlands Meet Up, Wednesday 3.00 – 5.00pm - Learn about The Future of Moodboarding with MattoBoard, each day 2.00 - 2.45pm
Find out what’s on at Karndean Commercial - Clerkenwell Design Week 2024.
Karndean’s designers have travelled extensively to find the rarest and most exclusive woods and stones. Sourcing samples that exhibit the most beautiful features of each natural material, from the interesting wood knots and grains of Spanish holm oak to the iconic veining of Italian and Greek marbles and the pearlescence of Persian onyx, each design has been reimagined, painstakingly coloured to complement modern interiors and finished with a unique embossed surface and bevel detailing.
The result is a highly authentic, versatile collection suitable for a wide range of settings, from workplace and retail to hospitality and co-living. Whether using a single colourway in different laying patterns for room to room continuity, seamlessly blending areas in different materials to highlight activity zones or creating bespoke designs with unique colour combinations and hand-cut shapes, the new Art Select collection offers unsurpassed flexibility to conceive bespoke floors that stand out from the crowd.
From the high contrast design of English ash, available in four colourways as 48” x 4.5” stripwood planks, to a selection of characterful limed, washed artisan oak designs in a choice of large 56” x 9” and herringbone 18” x 3” planks, 20 brand new wood designs offer a unique opportunity to create expressive interiors with warm natural beauty and long-lasting elegance.
Featuring either a handscraped emboss which gives the bevelled edge a distressed, undulating appearance or an authentic registered emboss with pin sharp definition that traces the wood grain precisely, each design combines an exquisite aesthetic with the practicality of cutting edge flooring technology.
Exploring the historic Basque region of Spain, Karndean’s designers were inspired by a sample of ancient 400-year-old holm oak that we were lucky to acquire following necessary woodland management. A symbolic feature in the landscape, the acorns of the holm oak are a traditional feed for Black Iberian pigs, the source of the area’s famed jamón ibérico. Back in the design studio, the characteristic dark knots of holm oak were muted with a milky wash and the distinctive grain emphasised with a lightly scraped and brushed effect. Available in three neutral colourways in a larger 56” x 9” plank and a new 28” x 4.5” herringbone size, Basque Oak, Bellota Oak and Serrano Oak will introduce a richly distinctive style to any interior.
Making Italian chic an accessible and practical option, the new Art Select statement stone collection includes materials taking centre stage in the very latest luxurious interior trends. From the expressive veining of Greek marble and the exclusive beauty of Calacatta marble to the rustic terrazzo style of Ceppo di Gré, 19 new stone designs offer the opportunity to create immersive spaces that either soothe in cool white and light grey or introduce a touch of drama with charcoal and black.
A semi-precious gemstone in the quartz family often used for decorative panels and accessories, Persian onyx has a delicate patterning and translucent quality. Not suitable for flooring in its natural form due to its fragility and porosity, we have captured its pearlescent character and transformed it into a convenient format for designers looking to develop an ethereal and romantic ambience.
Available in a larger 36” x 18” tile with a smooth matte finish that minimizes reflection and a rounded bevel to allow the character of each design to shine, Black Onyx, Pearl Onyx and Rose Onyx are floors that will command attention in any room and perfectly balance decorative elements and bold furnishings.
In addition to 39 brand new wood and stone designs, Karndean’s Art Select range will incorporate existing Da Vinci designs in compatible formats, giving designers even more styling possibilities.
Designed for reliable performance in high traffic environments, the Art Select gluedown range features a 0.7mm wear layer and 3.0mm thickness and comes with all the practical benefits of Karndean flooring, an Environmental Product Declaration and the reassurance of a 20 year guarantee for commercial settings and a lifetime guarantee in residential settings.
Discover more at karndeancommercial.com or follow Karndean Commercial on Instagram and LinkedIn.
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.
If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more.
If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.
Bolon, the renowned Swedish flooring company, is set to make a significant splash at Clerkenwell Design Week with three exciting events showcasing their latest innovations and sustainability achievements.
Experience Bolon’s Graphic collection, a fusion of contemporary flair and timeless elegance. This avant-garde concept combines nostalgia with cutting-edge style, offering a range of flooring that endure the test of time. Experience the unveiling of this remarkable collection at the Bolon showroom during Clerkenwell Design Week.
In a bold move towards sustainability, Bolon has achieved a ground-breaking milestone. All Bolon floorings are climate neutral manufactured in Bolon’s climate neutral factory, in Ulricehamn, Sweden and contain 68% recycled material with 0% climate impact.
Join Bolon as they celebrate this achievement in collaboration with Jestico + Whiles at the Bolon showroom courtyard, Sutton Yard. A sustainable installation that embodies their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Embark on an exclusive journey into the Bolon lifestyle at the newly refurbished Bolon Urban House London. By appointment only, guests will have the opportunity to experience a taste of the Bolon lifestyle first-hand, a fusion of design, comfort and sustainability that defines Bolon. Featuring artwork by @AnnicaEklundStudio, furniture by @DustyDeco and a captivating bedroom transformation inspired by Villa La Madonna, Bolon’s boutique vineyard and hotel.
Dates: May 21st – May 23rd, 2024 Time: 09:00 - 20:00 Locations: Bolon Showroom, Courtyard at Sutton Yard, Bolon Urban House London
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to discover design and sustainability with Bolon at Clerkenwell Design Week. For more information and to schedule appointments, please contact [email protected]
About BOLON UK
Bolon specialise in the creation of high-performance design floorings. They believe in design for the long run. Where durability and aesthetics are equally important. Where effortless cleanability and maintenance comes naturally, and honest sustainability stands above it all. Produced using 100% renewable energy and recycled materials, Bolon's high quality flooring solutions are specified for contract interiors, featuring in the offices of renowned brands around the world. When you design interiors with Bolon flooring as a base, you are set with an extensive palette of colours, shapes and patterns - making the design possibilities endless.
Integrating or retrofitting air conditioning into a finished residential property presents a unique set of challenges. Careful integration of plant, preservation of existing finishes, protection of surfaces and furnishings, cleanliness, and minimising disruption are just some of the things that must be considered throughout the project. Without the right approach, achieving a solution that addresses all these points is impossible.
During a property refurbishment where a blank canvas approach can be taken, the possibilities for concealment and integration are endless. The number of options for retrofit installations are far more limited, particularly in the luxury residence where unsightly grilles can detract from specific and beautiful interior aesthetics. It’s crucial to engage a consultative designer to ensure a cohesive and discreet result is achieved.
In collaboration with the property owner or interior designer, air terminals and equipment can be selected to integrate within joinery and architectural elements with the least disruptive impact on the existing finishes, achieving a virtually invisible solution. Without this approach, the common result is an air conditioning installation that is distinctly and obviously an afterthought or after-market installation.
In an occupied and finished property, strategic design and planning is critical in minimising disruption and downtime. Indoor and outdoor equipment locations must be selected carefully, and all pipework, drainage and cabling routes assessed to ensure they avoid existing hidden services. All associated enabling works including surface protection, moving of furniture, lifting of carpets, opening up of voids, and any redecorating on completion need to be discussed and documented into a planned phased programme of works. It is of all importance that the building contractor carrying out these facilitating tasks is experienced, reputable and has correct and sufficient insurance cover.
Every residential property is unique, with different layouts, insulation levels, and usage patterns. A consultative approach allows the designers to tailor the air conditioning system to the specific needs of the property and its occupants through gaining an understanding the homeowner's preferences and lifestyle and combining this with the desired interior aesthetic of the property. Comfort is subjective and can vary greatly from one individual to another. Through consultation, homeowners can express their comfort preferences such as desired room temperatures, sound levels and air quality requirements. The system can then be designed to meet these preferences, ensuring optimal comfort year-round.
Integrating air conditioning into a finished residential property is a significant investment. A consultative approach ensures that homeowners are fully informed about their options, typical system running costs and long-term maintenance requirements. Air conditioning systems must comply with building regulations, local planning law and environmental standards. A consultation with a professional provider ensures that the proposed air conditioning solution meets all relevant requirements, removing the risk of non-compliance issues and potential fines or penalties.
About Calibre Climate
Calibre is London's air conditioning design, installation and aftercare specialist for prime residential properties. From sound surveys and planning applications to integrating equipment in joinery with beautifully discreet air terminals, we design and deliver quiet, concealed, luxury air conditioning systems tailored specifically to the interior design requirements of each client and property. Our unique consulting process, engaging with the wider design team from concept stage, enables end-to-end delivery of technically astute solutions that blend seamlessly with the architectural and aesthetic intent and character of each individual property.
Allison Lynch, Senior Designer at Roundhouse Design has given her insights into the industry.
Founded by architects over 27 years ago, Roundhouse is a multi-award-winning British company, creating beautiful bespoke kitchens and furniture. Our 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 our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Malvern, Worcestershire.
As we specialise in bespoke kitchens and furniture, we can accommodate any project, regardless of size or complexity. Our custom approach means we're not restricted to standard sizes, finishes, or details, allowing us to tailor each design to clients' exact specifications. Furthermore, all Roundhouse kitchens are meticulously made to order by skilled makers, giving us complete control over every aspect of the process, from design conception to production and installation.
Our sector allows for boundless creativity in space design, with no constraints on our imagination. Our commitment to precise joinery and all-British craftsmanship sets us apart in the market. At Roundhouse, we understand that everyday essentials like kitchens must cater to individual needs, and that's precisely what we deliver.
We start by inviting interior designers to discuss their initial concepts for the kitchen and surrounding areas. This allows us to ensure that the materials, style, and budget align with our offerings. We would then move to an initial design meeting with the client present in which we showcase our displays, providing insight into how we build our cabinetry, company ethos, and service process. It’s important that they see the value in using a bespoke British company and the steps we take to ensure they will be looked after and the kitchen will meet if not exceed their expectations. We feel too that the client needs to appreciate the quality and not just selecting their kitchen supplier from a directory. Afterall it’s a bespoke kitchen so speaking to them directly along with their interior designer will keep the lines of communication open. We pay close attention to the detail so all parties involved are on the same page.
Subsequently, we schedule another meeting to present the designs and quote. Prior to this, we involve the interior designer to address any design queries and costings. Often, interior designers join clients at this meeting to provide their approval once they see the designs and understand the costs. This collaborative approach extends to liaising with architects and builders when necessary. It’s a collaborative effort with the same goal!
It's challenging to pinpoint a single highlight because my role at Roundhouse Design is constantly evolving. With each project we explore new styles, materials, and layouts, ensuring that every endeavour is unique. However, one moment stands out: the opportunity to open the Cambridge showroom. After 18 years with the company it was a proud moment to be entrusted with such a responsibility and to be recognised for my strengths. This experience has kept my work dynamic, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. In the first month of opening, I had the pleasure of selling a kitchen to a couple seeking a unique style. I even had the chance to integrate a large fridge/freezer with Antique Copper metal doors - an exciting first in my tenure!
I find the most excitement in incorporating a standout island into the design. It's an opportunity to explore unique materials, whether it's in the stone or the cabinet door finish. At Roundhouse, we offer a range of options, from metal wraps to textured veneers and our own metallic paint finishes. The island is where the "wow" factor truly shines! Vented hobs integrated into the island have become increasingly popular and are now a staple in nearly every kitchen design. Additionally, prioritising storage solutions is crucial. Including a spacious pantry like our Fulham pantry is essential for functionality and organisation.
We aren't interior designers, so we can only speak from our recent experiences with clients. Their desire to refurbish their homes needs to be carefully considered for a timeless look, rather than just following current trends. With the rising costs of materials and services, clients are increasingly mindful of their budgets when investing in their homes, their most significant asset. They seek a cohesive design that flows seamlessly throughout the house, avoiding any elements that may quickly become dated. The kitchen in particular should not stand out in isolation but should blend harmoniously with the rest of the home. Therefore, interior designers face the challenge of selecting furniture and pieces that offer a classic aesthetic, durability, and suitability for family life. Design shows offer valuable inspiration and innovative solutions for storage and practical gadgets, enabling designers to incorporate useful and enduring elements into their projects.
I'm currently juggling several projects that are stretching my creative boundaries as the spaces feature expansive, open-plan layouts, with the focal point being the kitchen island. By incorporating a diverse mix of materials, we're able to craft kitchens that truly stand out. We are fortunate at Roundhouse to be able to meet this kind of brief as there’s such a range of options, from colour choices to unique finishes. It’s all very exciting!
We are finding the attention to detail is playing a huge role in the design and decisions of the clients. The style and finish of a handle has meant we have gone beyond our usual specifiers to look for something different. The way we play with stone worktops in the kitchen makes it another area where clients are keen to go beyond the norm, mitring stone edges to appear thicker, split level islands and textures in stone are all being implemented. I love that every kitchen I am designing at present is unique and no two are the same, which keeps it interesting and fun!
Being part of an extensive and diverse design community and building relationships. To be recognised for our high level of service, our design aesthetic and sustainability as a brand. With the accreditation of the SBID clients and interior designers have complete confidence when commissioning Roundhouse.
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.
Vispring, the luxury British bed maker has unveiled Charlotte, a new limited-edition bed that epitomises the brand's dedication to design, uncompromising quality and sustainability. Fusing classic and modern design aesthetics, the Charlotte bed includes a handcrafted all-natural mattress and cushioned headboard, paired with a contemporary design bedframe, with either a slatted or divan base. Offering a harmonious blend of comfort and style, the Charlotte bedframe and mattress can be purchased together or separately.
Crafted by hand at Vispring’s factory in Plymouth, UK, the Charlotte mattress is filled with a sumptuous mix of locally sourced Exmoor Horn wool and TENCEL™ - a sustainable fibre, produced from tree pulp. Exmoor Horn wool comes from the Exmoor Horn sheep, one of Britain’s oldest native sheep breeds that graze the upland areas of Devon and West Somerset, close to where Vispring beds are made. A diet of rough heather moorland means it produces a soft, springy fleece, perfect for creating Vispring’s signature cloud-like comfort. The Charlotte mattress also features hand-nested calico pocket springs and is available in four tensions: soft, medium, firm and extra-firm.
For the ultimate Vispring luxury, the Charlotte bed offers a range of exquisite fabrics from the Timeless and Natural Collections, allowing customers to create truly bespoke bed designs for a personalised sleeping experience. Further customisation includes choosing from three metal leg finishes suitable for a range of bedroom interior schemes.
About Vispring Ltd
Vispring is one of the world’s leading luxury bed brands, manufacturing in the UK since 1901. Based in Plymouth since 1970, Vispring sells to 59 countries globally and is the benchmark for handmade, bespoke, high-quality beds made using only the finest natural materials. With values of excellence and craftsmanship at its core, Vispring epitomises a distinctly British form of elegance. Their beds combine technical prowess with a bespoke approach worthy of the finest tailoring and are the international standard for comfort and sophistication. Vispring has graced the first-class cabins of legendary ocean liners – including Titanic – the suites of the world’s most luxurious hotels, including The Dorchester; and on board a Princess Yacht or Gulfstream Jet.
La Cornue is proud to unveil the Castel 60, the latest addition to its celebrated Château range. The smallest La Cornue model ever, the Castel 60 features all the classic – and prestigious – elements of the brand’s iconic cookers. The Castel 60 is designed with today’s lifestyles very much in mind and has been crafted to fit perfectly into modern houses, holiday homes or urban apartments, as well as in more traditional settings.
It has an electric version of the renowned vaulted oven to guarantee delicious, evenly cooked food. The Castel 60 is also the first La Cornue cooker to be fitted with a four-zone touch-control induction hob. The Castel 60 features the hallmark La Cornue details, such as the towel rail, snail knob and engraved five-star plate.
The cooker is available in all 40 Château colours and 16 trim options too, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the full range of La Cornue cookers. There’s even the option to have your own bespoke colour. With the Castel 60, then, culinary performance and elegance meet in a cooker designed to ensure every minute spent in the kitchen is an absolute pleasure.
Created in 1964 by the second generation of the Dupuy family and considered to be the jewel in the La Cornue crown, the Château range showcases the brand’s unrivalled expertise. The result of more than 100 years of research and development, each Château cooker is entirely hand-assembled by craftsmen in a production workshop in Saint-Ouen l’Aumône. Their knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation, resulting in a cooker that offers outstanding culinary performance and elegance. A masterpiece with every single detail designed to make your kitchen unique…
About Middleby Residential Luxury and Premium Brands
La Cornue is part of Middleby Residential, a collection of premier international consumer brands dedicated to manufacturing and distributing many of the best-known and loved kitchen appliances in the world. Middleby is a world leader in developing advanced innovation and solutions for commercial, residential, and industrial foodservice. The company is proud to connect with communities through philanthropic engagement, sustainable initiatives and more. Middleby’s aim is to set the standard for tomorrow, with a goal of serving excellence in everything we do.
Rhoda Parry explains how to successfully use this timeless material.
Wool upholstery fabric has ‘slow design’ superpowers. Totally natural, renewable, biodegradable and with a hardwearing longevity, it reigns supreme to keep us and our homes warm, cool (yes, you read that right), moisture free, and, above all, uber fashionable.
It’s all down to the sheep breeds that for generations have grazed highlands and downlands. Their naturally grown fleeces are sheared annually, cleaned, carded, spun and woven to create a unique wool cloth that is the epitome of timeless and beautiful upholstery, window treatments and accessories. Each breed brings with it its own unique yarn signature, from short and dense to long and crimped.
At Linwood, we believe in only the best for your home. Our pure wool fabric collections and blends are second to none; paying homage to the fact that interiors should be created elegantly, thoughtfully and responsibly. Come with us to understand wool’s comforting and durable qualities and its many designs, how to use it in a range of interiors’ projects, plus its easy care and maintenance.
Why does wool make the ideal choice for fabric upholstery? Well, its ‘beautility' (that’s short for ‘beautiful utility’ as coined by The Sunday Times recently) is all thanks to four key reasons…
Firstly, durability and longevity. Wool fibres are made up of a protein called keratin that results in a strong and complex structure. Woven wool fabric lasts for years as a result, making it ideal for high-traffic seating, such as lounge and dining chairs or sofas, or as curtains. According to British Wool, ‘Wool can endure wear and compression, and its natural bulk allows resistance to crushing and matting providing better appearance retention and resulting in less frequent replacement and waste.’ Shown here is Tay fabric, from the new Balvenie pure wool collection, a hard-wearing pure wool weave available in 19 hues.
Secondly, everyday resilience. Thanks to its inherent water-repelling DNA, wool upholstery is naturally stain resistant. Piling on the fabric is rare. Reassuringly, it is also slow to burn because of its high moisture and nitrogen content.
Comfort and insulation are the third reasons for opting for wool fabric on upholstery or other soft furnishings. Wool fabric has a natural ability to regulate temperature, providing heat-trapping properties in winter and cooling ones in summer. ‘Wool not only naturally absorbs humidity and moisture within the home but also common airborne pollutants such as formaldehyde, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides (known as VOCs),’ adds British Wool.
And, finally, conscious consumption is an important deciding factor. Favour wool fabric for its eco-friendly attributes, including its renewable source, biodegradability and role in regenerative agriculture. There are also recycled fabric options, such as Lana that is spun from soft Italian wool and available in a rainbow of beautiful plains.
The beauty of wool fabrics lies in the multitude of designs on offer. The weave technique dictates the pattern result: a relaxed tartan check, such as Beachcomber Southerness, is made up of varying horizontal and vertical bands of width and colour; while a smart melton is a fabric made in twill form with a diagonal pattern; a tailored houndstooth is a two-colour broken check; and the distinctive herringbone is a zig zag column design, such as Foss.
It pays to consider fabric weight and texture. Some wools have a heavy and chunky handle and thus hang fluidly and crease-free on curtains (there may be no need for a lining thanks to their density); others are softer-to-the-touch, perhaps better for lounge seating and cushions (try Faroe with a touch of cotton and linen in its blend).
People often assume that wool fabrics are limited to the classic light and dark neutral colourways, such as grey, black, navy, brown and sand. These are handsome choices that will stand the test of time and work as good foils for more elaborate patterns, but you can also up the tempo and add transitional season refreshes with feel-good lime, cerise, tangerine orange and azure too.
Think creatively about how and where to use wool fabrics. Statement furniture, such as sofas, armchairs and headboards are your first ports of call. Just like a forever suit, smart wool fabric, such as herringbone, tartan or check, is a good investment and will always look at home on a classic buttoned or scrolled armed sofa or armchair. Add contrasting piping for a bohemian edge – think grey or navy as the hero fabric with a pop of red perhaps. Look too to woven fabric headboards with dashing silhouettes, from curvaceous to regal; finished with chrome or brass studs. Ottomans and dining chairs are the perfect spots for unexpected patterns, so head to an eye-catching wool fabric to bring bravado into a scheme. Shown is Kumo Flame from the Odyssey collection with its jazzy jacquard design.
Interior designers are mad for wool fabric window treatments, bed canopies and pelmets right now. Consider navy blue four poster curtains for a five-star bedroom; a cosy checked cottage-style door curtain; and dapper herringbone Roman blinds edged with leather trims for city apartments. Applying wool to walls as an alternative to wallpaper creates a true cocoon-like experience – perfect for a snug, library or movie room.
Accent wool fabrics in plains, textures or contrasting patterns are dashingly refreshing. Swap in tartan wool cushions for a seasonal living room update, plump for a bed-scape of decorative tweed pillows and bolsters or sew bench and banquette cushions for kitchen diners. Finally, to add further dimension and warmth, adorn a much-loved table lamp with a textured wool shade and layer up with blankets and throws.
Follow these daily care guidelines to keep wool upholstery in tip-top condition. Shown is the pretty Westray Lavender.
- Vacuum wool fabric upholstery regularly to stop dust from collecting. - Follow the care instructions. Dry cleaning only is recommended for wool. - Keep upholstery fabrics out of direct sunlight, excessive moisture or heat to avoid any adverse effects. - Turn cushions and pillows regularly to maintain their shape and reduce need for cleaning. - Blot any spills immediately and call-in professional cleaning services if needs be.
We hope this article has helped you appreciate the aesthetic and functional benefits of wool fabric for upholstering furniture, fashionable curtains and seasonal soft furnishings. For a blend of comfort, style and sustainability, explore Linwood’s new Balvenie fabric collection for inspiration. Woven in Lancashire using 100% pure wool, Balvenie takes its colours from the serene, ageless hues of the English countryside making it the perfect range to start your design journey.
About Linwood
Our Hampshire-based family business puts excellence at the heart of everything we do. We straddle the worlds of creativity and innovation to produce distinctive collections of fabrics, wallpapers and cushions that are bursting with fresh ideas, while retaining the quality and artistry we are renowned for.
Charlie Smallbone, the founder of Ledbury Studio, has created a signature style that combines contemporary elements with traditional artisanal skills. His kitchen designs are meticulously handcrafted using techniques that have been passed down for generations, while also incorporating modern methods. One stunning example of this is Ledbury Studio's Marquetry Collection.
"Marquetry is the art and craft of applying pieces of veneer to form decorative patterns, designs, or pictures, and it has adorned finely crafted furniture since the 15th century," explains Charlie Smallbone. "We've given this exquisitely detailed art form a 21st-century redesign, with crosslaid veneers accented with liquid metal inlays. The result is our very special Marquetry Collection."
“Marquetry can be created with any wood and to any design – our clients might have a piece of marquetry furniture that they would like us to recreate in their kitchen. We will then interpret this to form a part of their unique kitchen design,” Charlie continues. Here, we highlight some of the features of the Wey Valley and Weybridge kitchens.
Charlie applied a grey colourwash to the walnut joinery, creating the unique hue of the Wey Valley kitchen. The doors showcase veneers arranged in a herringbone marquetry pattern, enhanced with liquid bronze inlays, and completed with custom-designed and hand-aged bronze bar handles. The cabinetry is framed with a brushed brass frame and illuminated with concealed LED lighting.
This sleek kitchen is part of an open-plan living space, so the stunning marquetry design conceals many of the working parts of the kitchen, including a second kitchen hidden behind sliding pocket doors. Pocket doors also conceal a pantry with integrated microwave, while access to the utility and boot room is designed to look like part of the kitchen with double doors in the same finish. The L-shaped Cambria Berwyn quartz-topped central island accommodates a breakfast bar and dining area complete with banquette seating.
Aged bronze inlays highlight the hand-applied directional veneers featured in the Weybridge kitchen, which adorn the full-height cupboards and sink run. These cupboard conceal ovens and pull-out storage, as well as the fridge and freezer. Meanwhile, bespoke handles also in aged bronze add the finishing touch.
The relatively dark cabinetry is complemented by a hardwearing porcelain, designed to mimic natural stone and used for worktops and wall cladding. It also wraps round the solid brass panel that features on the outside of the island, which has been distressed by hand, then aged and patinated to create this show-stopping effect.
Prices for a Ledbury Studio kitchen start from £70,000.
About Ledbury Studio
Charlie Smallbone needs little introduction. The founder of iconic brand Smallbone of Devizes, he has been pushing the boundaries of kitchen design for over 40 years. Charlie’s latest venture, Ledbury Studio, was born of his desire to harness the beauty of original materials whilst creating practical kitchens that exude style and elegance.
At 2024 Milan Design Week, Technogym celebrates its 40 years with the special exhibition "Design to Move” featuring 40 unique Technogym Benches, one of the brand iconic home wellness products, designed by 40 different international designers and artists from all over the world.
The exhibition explores the special and deep relation between design and wellness, style and functionality, emotional and tangible, that has always represented a key element of Technogym since its inception. Nerio Alessandri, at 22 years, founded Technogym in his family garage by combining its passion for technology and design (TECHNO) with his passion for exercise (GYM), then, over the years, the brand has evolved from a fitness equipment company into a comprehensive ecosystem of wellness lifestyle and a protagonist of Italian design.
Using Technogym Bench as a blank canvas, “Design to Move” features the unique creations of Patricia Urquiola, Antonio Citterio, Nendo, Walter De Silva e Mario Antonioli, Elena Salmistraro, Kelly Hoppen, Michele Bönan, Rolf Sachs, Piero Lissoni, Nerio Alessandri, Tiffany Lovage, Giorgia Apreia, Gustavo Martini, Ludovica Messina, Malika Novi Dzhamaldaeva, Mariana Prestes, Yuetong Shi, Renin Bilginer, Univers Uchronia, Anaïs Coulon, Iwan Suastika, Wilson Ng, Myles Igwebuike, Tosin Tòròmádé, Osiris Hertman, Kate Constantine, Chankalun, Alek. O., Santo Tolone, Riccardo Beretta, Andrea Sala, Shafei Xia, Objects of Common Interest, Piotr Makowski, Beatrice Alici, Elisa Ceccoli, Maria Violato, Egal Marcelo Zuniga Argandona, Jana Mosconi, Gabriele Carrera, Alberto Bay, Anna Bonomi.
The special project has been visually planned and conceived together with the acclaimed Architect and Designer Giulio Cappellini and curated by Bruna Roccasalva who has gathered 40 artists and designers from around the world and inspired them to interpret the concept of wellness through their individual artistic and cultural lenses. The inauguration, scheduled for Monday 15 April, will coincide with the celebrations for the Made in Italy day, established by the Italian Government on the occasion of the anniversary of the birth of Leonardo da Vinci.
“As Leonardo taught us, movement is the cause of all forms of life. In the last 40 years we have been working every day to help people live a better life thanks to wellness. Design has always been a key element of our journey, a strong ally to turn functional into emotional and needs into aspiration. We are proud that so many designers and artists have joined our dream of putting the world back in motion” declared Nerio Alessandri, Technogym Founder and CEO.
A selection of 15 unique Technogym Benches will be auctioned in collaboration with Sotheby’s, in September 2024. The further 25 Technogym Benches will be available for purchase on Technogym.com. All proceeds from both the auction and e-shop will be donated to Unicef.
About Technogym UK
Technogym's globally renowned products are perfect for both home and commercial gyms. They strive to create gym equipment and accessories that are not only professional and sleek but also adapt easily to every surrounding space. For more than 40 years Technogym have been helping people live healthier and happier lives with a range of products that are exceptional in both function and aesthetics. With modular collections, they offer the ultimate wellness experience anytime, anywhere, at home, in the gym, in the office, or in a hotel.
Luxury bath and kitchen fixture manufacturer GRAFF expands its Art of Bath portfolio with its new bathroom brassware featuring cutting-edge sensor technology. Launching in July 2024, GRAFF’s touch-free sensor mixers respond to a simple wave of the hand to control the flow of water to provide a sleek, hygienic solution for contemporary bathrooms.
Designed to meet the demands of public bathrooms, GRAFF’s sensor taps feature an intuitive, discreet design and modern silhouette to enhance interiors and provide a luxurious experience. The touch-free technology prevents wear and tear of handles and fixture surfaces, ensuring longevity and easy maintenance, while its versatile design complements an array on interior design styles.
GRAFF Founder and CEO, Ziggy Kulig, comments: “The contemporary profile of our sensor taps is supported by our advanced technology and engineering expertise, instilling a sense of confidence and assuring hygienic ease and reliability. These taps are engineered for convenience and conservation – water only flows when the sensor is activated – eliminating the waste of water that occurs when taps are left running.”
Designed to maintain a pristine environment where hygiene is of the utmost importance, the sensor taps are available in GRAFF’s full selection of fine handcrafted finishes, providing a range of styles to suit any interior. For optimal performance and truly elevated design, GRAFF’s Steelnox Satin Nickel finish is designed to prevent fingerprints and water spots.
GRAFF’s captivating designs are supported by use of the highest-quality materials, a rich heritage of European craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Expertly pairing water-saving technology with versatile, minimalist design, the new sensor taps lead GRAFF’s mission for a greener future.
About GRAFF
GRAFF’s luxury taps and shower collections elevate the bath space with designs that are both timeless and cutting-edge, complementing endless architectural and interior styles. Available in 21 luxury finishes such as Brushed Brass, Polished Nickel, and 24K Gold, and with a choice of three Tuscan marble inserts, GRAFF basin mixer or shower controls offer bespoke and unique customisation possibilities. Backed by a rich heritage of European artisanship, GRAFF products transform the bath space into a masterpiece of tranquillity, wellness, and spa like experience. With a focus on design, sustainability, and high technology, GRAFF caters to the senses with features such as chromotherapy, bringing bath and shower experiences to luxurious heights.
Join SBID
Find out more about our flexible membership structure.
By subscribing, you agree to be added to SBID’s mailing list. As an industry’s standard bearer organisation, we strive to bring you the most up to date news and access to exclusive industry content through our various newsletters.
First Name
Last Name
Email Address
I accept the SBID Terms of Use