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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.

Vispring Charlotte Bed
Vispring Charlotte Bed

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.

Vispring Charlotte Bed
Vispring Charlotte Bed

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.

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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.

La Cornue Castel 60 in Graphite
La Cornue Castel 60 in Graphite

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.

La Cornue Castel 60 in Lichen
La Cornue Castel 60 in Lichen

The Château Range

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.

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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.

Linwood Balvenie Headboard

The Unique Qualities of Wool Upholstery Fabric

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.

Linwood Balvenie Curtain

Choosing the Right Wool Fabric for your Upholstery Project

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.

Linwood Odyssey Kumo Chair

Creative Uses of Wool Upholstery Fabric in Home Décor

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.

Linwood Westray Lavender Sofa

Wool Upholstery Fabric Care and Maintenance

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.

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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.

The Wey Valley kitchen features herringbone marquetry, bronze accents.
A second kitchen hidden behind pocket doors.

Wey Valley Kitchen

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.

In the relatively compact Weybridge kitchen, marquetry makes a feature of the floor-to-ceiling cupboards.

Weybridge Kitchen

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.

A distressed solid brass panel creates a stunning focal point on the island in the Weybridge kitchen.

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.

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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.

Technogym

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.

Technogym

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.

Technogym

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.

Technogym

“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.

Technogym

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.

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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.

GRAFF Designs - Sensor taps in Warm bronze, from £800
GRAFF Designs - Sensor taps in Steelnox, from £800

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 Designs - Sensor taps in Brushed Tuscan Bronze, from £800
GRAFF Designs - Sensor taps in Olive Bronze, from £800

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.

GRAFF Designs - Sensor taps in Warm Bronze, from £800

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.

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Belgian furniture brand, Bulo, and sister company, Bosq, launches innovative WoodSaver Technology at Clerkenwell Design Week. Talks and workshops will take place at the show enabling architects and designers to explore new sustainable options for projects with a high level of sustainability criteria.

Book tickets:
- Workshop Tickets
- Woodsaver Talk @ Design Fields

Bulo
Bulo

Bulo, renowned for its dedication to sustainability and cutting-edge designs, is delighted to introduce WoodSaver to the UK market. This milestone launch heralds a momentous occasion, as it sets the stage for a transformative and sustainable future in the UK furniture industry.

Bulo

What is WoodSaver?

WoodSaver is a revolutionary technology that offers a sustainable solution to reduce waste in veneer production. This groundbreaking development will take centre stage during the highly anticipated Clerkenwell Design Week, presented with their UK Clerkenwell-based partner and distributor, Welltek.

WoodSaver utilises an inventive finger-joint technique that reconnects small pieces of veneer, allowing the utilisation of short pieces to produce standard panels. This reduces waste and preserves the value of veneer that is typically lost during the recycling process. With a barely visible finger joint after sanding, WoodSaver offers an unmatched level of craftsmanship and sustainability in veneer production.

Bulo
Bulo

Local Sourcing of Raw Materials:

Bulo and Bosq are committed to playing a significant role in shaping a sustainable future. They have adopted a fresh perspective on raw materials, choosing more sustainable alternatives. Bosq sources a high proportion of its raw materials from within a 30-kilometre radius of Mechelen. This conscious decision brings them closer to nature and reduces the environmental impact caused by long-distance transportation.

Bulo

Bert Leysen, a representative of Bulo, explains: "Previously, wood was sourced from Germany, America, Ecuador, or the Ardennes. However, we questioned why we needed to go so far and looked for local alternatives. Our shift in perspective has made a significant difference for the next generation."

WoodSaver has captivated the design world in Belgium with its ability to combat the significant waste generated during veneer production. Veneer production waste in the furniture industry is a growing concern, and recent research sheds light on its impact. It is vital for the furniture industry to actively work towards implementing more sustainable waste reduction strategies whilst being mindful of the world’s increasingly limited resources. Bulo seeks to revolutionise the industry by implementing WoodSaver technology, paving the way towards a more sustainable future.

Bulo

"As a young entrepreneur and the third generation of a family business, I recognise the need to be more economical with resources. Thanks to the WoodSaver technique, we achieve an efficiency gain of approximately 20% on our raw materials. It is our vision to creatively focus more on circularity in the future." - Louis Busschop, Director.

Clerkenwell Design Week provides the perfect platform for Bulo to showcase its WoodSaver technology to design enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the media. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the craftsmanship and ingenuity of WoodSaver in action.

Talk and Workshop programme:

- WoodSaver Technology for Sustainable Veneer Production (CDW Talk)
22nd May 1pm-2pm
Design Fields, EC1R 0WX

- Belgium Beers & WoodSaver Workshop
21st and 22nd May 3pm-4pm
26 Seward St, Clerkenwell, EC1V 3PA

For more information about WoodSaver and Bulo's commitment to sustainability, please visit Bulo.com or Welltek.co.

About Bulo

With a strong emphasis on design and innovation, Belgian brand Bulo creates furniture that enhances the quality of both work and living spaces. Bulo's collection includes iconic pieces such as the Monica chair, by Gensler, a soft lounge chair with a solid wooden structure and a ‘draped’ upholstered soft shell resting on it; Mr Walter, a tribute to the original file pedestal from founder Walter Busschop in 1963; and Senses Workstation, a unique solution to configure clusters of desks whilst supporting an organic work environment. Bulo's WOODSAVER®, is a groundbreaking sustainable technology which reduces waste in veneer production.

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Fittings manufacturer Dornbracht is enhancing its spa applications by adding Aquahalo, a sculptural experience shower modelled on a classic crystal chandelier. The product from designer Michael Neumayr offers unique experiences in line with the “Follow Your Bliss” guiding principle: Three effective flow modes, including a spot for light and water integrated into the ceiling, provide meditative and invigorating moments of happiness in everyday life.

Dornbracht Aquahalo
Dornbracht Aquahalo

Design Artwork for the Bathroom

Aquahalo is a water sculpture with character, in a ring-shaped design that becomes the central element in every bathroom. Attached at four points, it circles a central spot for light and water embedded in the ceiling. Designer Michael Neumayr based his concept on the Gustavian style, a Swedish trend inspired by antiquity and French neoclassicism at the time of King Ludwig XVI. “My original inspiration was a chandelier that hung in my parent’s dining room”, explains Neumayr. He continues: “The glint of the lead crystal and the way in which it reflected the light always reminded me of sparkling water as a child. In this respect, Aquahalo is a contemporary, minimalist interpretation of a Gustavian candlestick.”

Dornbracht Aquahalo
Dornbracht Aquahalo

Invigorating Moments of Wellbeing in Everyday Life

The product is available in five finishes, polished and brushed versions of Chrome and Champagne (22kt Gold), as well as Matte Black. Three different flow modes, together with an integrated light, ensure unique water experiences: With Aqua Circle Rain, the water falls from the ring like a soft cone, creating a relaxing and meditative effect. Tempest Rain is like an invigorating shower of rain, coming from every direction. The gentle drops fall seemingly without pressure and bring clarity as well as energy. Diamond Rain, on the other hand, combines water and light into a crystal-clear stream that is both comforting and aesthetically pleasing. All three flow modes create moments of recovery for the body and soul, allowing a welcome time-out from hectic, everyday events.

Dornbracht Aquahalo
Dornbracht Aquahalo

“Follow Your Bliss” as a Message and a Promise

The “Follow Your Bliss” guiding concept is both a message and a promise. Users are invited to go along with their own wishes and needs – and discover which of the environmental elements are most suited to them. Materials and textures, fragrances, sounds, colours, and light play a crucial role here, but most importantly is the presentation of the water. Aquahalo is designed for wellbeing – and contributes to an appreciably better quality of life.

About Dornbracht UK & Ireland

Dornbracht, with headquarters in Iserlohn, Germany, is a leading specialist for superior designer fittings and accessories for bathrooms, spas and kitchens. The company was founded in 1950 and today is internationally renowned among architects, designers and luxury consumers for its product portfolio in more than 125 markets. As an ultra-luxury brand, Dornbracht prides itself on its innovative technology and "Made in Germany" manufacturing standards which are made possible by state-of-the-art production technologies and highly qualified employees. The brand is driven by its clearly defined Design Principles which ensure every product will remain timeless and relevant for generations to come, characteristics for which Dornbracht has achieved worldwide recognition.

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Global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks, Inc., part of the Nemetschek Group, has released its fourth update to the Vectorworks 2024 product line, granting customers access to AI and virtual reality (VR) technologies through two brand new tools. Additionally, the latest version update features an integration with L-Acoustics – leaders in sound-reinforcement technology and the Vectorworks Partner Network’s first platinum audio industry member – along with several other enhancements to provide faster design workflows from start to finish.

“This latest software update showcases our unwavering dedication to equipping our customers with cutting-edge technology to elevate their design processes,” said Vectorworks Senior Director of Rendering and Research Dave Donley. “By introducing these tools, we are taking a significant step forward in leveraging the power of AI and VR to enable users to explore their design concepts faster and with greater detail. We believe these features will assist our users in securing more work and ensure they can deliver projects with the highest level of precision and creativity.”

For All Designers Looking to Revolutionise Their Workflows with Next-Gen Technology

Combining the power of Vectorworks with the speed of AI powered by Stable Diffusion, customers have the limitless potential of AI at their fingertips with the new AI Visualizer. Directly available within the Vectorworks interface, this experimental tool uses Vectorworks Cloud Services for a zero-install, uninterrupted workflow to quickly ideate illustrative concepts or create refined images using Vectorworks models from text prompts at any design stage. Designers can amplify their ability to explore options and ideas faster, allowing more time to focus on their design concepts and win more work. Vectorworks’ AI Visualizer is processed on Vectorworks Cloud Services, ensuring that individual hardware limitations do not impact performance. Users can continue working on their designs uninterrupted while images are generated and private information is protected.

Vectorworks customers can now also use VR technology in their design workflows with the help of Vectorworks Odyssey, the virtual reality application based on Unity developed for Meta Quest 2 and beyond. With the app, designers and all stakeholders can experience immersive VR models with a bird’s-eye view and virtual walkthrough modes, helping them to gain better context and provide quick and thorough feedback on projects, especially during the early design phases.

Using Apple’s Room Plan framework, the Room Plan feature in Vectorworks Nomad is now even more advantageous, allowing customers to quickly and more easily create accurate 3D models directly from the iOS app. The new capability to scan multiple rooms and seamlessly combine them into a single model, plus the added support for round and slanted walls, provides significant time savings when surveying existing building or site conditions. Customers will also find a new intuitive and direct workflow in the desktop app for importing files from Nomad and Vectorworks Cloud Services. With a menu command directly in Vectorworks, files from 3D scans can be easily found and imported straight into design layers.

Furthermore, new advanced rendering technology in the Redshift Progressive Mode feature provides immediate feedback when finetuning 3D views directly in design layers.

For Architects and Interior Designers

In a continued commitment to delivering designers with first-class BIM collaboration capabilities, Update 4 makes sharing work with project stakeholders easier than ever. With the latest Information Delivery Specification (IDS) feature, customers can quickly validate project information, ensuring compliance with local and project requirements. A modern BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) interface makes issue management workflows a breeze, with support for seamless switching between server-based and file-based BCF Managers. Plus, IFC file export makes collaboration more effective by supporting sophisticated IFC assemblies and multiple buildings, along with certified quality of geometry and data, georeferenced positioning, and optimized file sizes.

Additionally, Update 4 includes increased flexibility, improved documentation, and customization capabilities for the recently implemented Cabinet tool.

For Sound and Live Event Designers

For entertainment industry professionals looking to prioritize their audio design workflows, Vectorworks 2024 Update 4 brings a new integration with L-Acoustics that allows Spotlight customers to export their models to Soundvision. The geometry of Vectorworks objects can be simplified to export lightweight and responsive models into Soundvision. This simplification saves valuable time and streamlines the design process.

“We are committed to offering sound designers a seamless and efficient workflow,” explains Maxime Démurger, Application Design Engineer at L-Acoustics, who led the integration project. “Attaining platinum partner status through this Soundvision integration is the first step in a long-term partnership that will offer more interoperability between our tools and provide more precise 3D sound modeling.”

Customers from all areas of the entertainment industry will experience increased efficiency when creating custom reports with extensive and intuitive Equipment List worksheets that integrate data displayed on the Equipment List. With the new Equipment Summary Key feature, users can adjust the alignment and scale of individual equipment objects, thus enabling better control over their reports.

For Landscape Architects and Landscape Designers

Professionals in the Landscape industry will benefit from the introduction of two new modes of the Hardscape tool, Site Model Contour Labels and new Site Model Contour Label workflows. The Style Pick-up and Convert modes of the Hardscape tool allow users to create a smart Hardscape object from a selected shape using the active settings from the hardscape, similar to the Plant, Landscape Area, and Irrigation tools. This saves time and provides workflow consistency. The Site Model Contour Labels feature offers superior control of the "Add contour labels" tool, allowing users to place custom labels in preferred units with fractional and decimal precision. Customers can now easily meet their drawing standards, confidently labeling contours and achieving neat and effortlessly placed labels at the intersections.

This update is available to download for all currently released English language-based versions of Vectorworks 2024 and is immediately accessible to subscription and Vectorworks Service Select customers. To install the update, select “Check for Updates” from the Vectorworks menu (Mac) or the Help menu (Windows).

Unleash your creative potential and unlock limitless design possibilities with a free 7-day trial of Vectorworks Design Suite. Visit the Public Roadmap to stay up to date on the future of Vectorworks, leave feedback on upcoming changes, or suggest something new.

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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Vispring, the renowned British luxury bed maker, has announced the opening of its newest showroom in London’s iconic Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. The 844 sq. ft showroom, on the third floor of the South Dome, is Vispring’s second London space dedicated to helping customers achieve high-quality sleep through its exceptional mattresses and sleep solutions.

Inspired by the store concept of its Regent Street flagship, the new showroom offers inspiration, allowing visitors to experience Vispring’s luxury beds and wide range of customisation options to suit individual needs. Additionally, with sleep experts on hand in-store, visitors can rest assured that they will find the perfect product to meet their requirements.

Vispring Chelsea Harbour, Photography by Ed Reeve

Paying homage to the interiors of the flagship store with the same wood panelling and oak finishes but with its own identity in the new setting, the showroom will more specifically focus on design and fabric choices, with doors open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday.

On stepping into the showroom, visitors are invited to discover Vispring’s array of luxury beds and mattresses, including the Herald Mattress paired with the Helios Headboard on a High Divan, which features a subtle yet innovative storage solution thanks to built-in Conti standard draws. The stylish monochrome fabrics look, which was first introduced last year, can be found on the Kingsbridge Mattress and Ceto Headboard in Nordic Anthracite fabric. Also on display is the Sublime Mattress, alongside the Lennox Headboard in the dramatic Aubrey fabric in Storm by Wemyss, as well as the Signatory mattress with High Divan in Ogee’s linen and classical Eccleston Headboard.

Vispring Chelsea Harbour, Photography by Ed Reeve

Martin Gill, Managing Director at Vispring, says: "We are delighted to expand to another London location and bring our luxury bed offering and unparalleled commitment to craftsmanship to a wider audience. Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is an inspiration hub for design, and we look forward to helping visitors improve the quality of their sleep and experience our products in person.”

As the pioneering brand that introduced individual mattress pocket springs to the market, Vispring’s beds have been hand-selected for the luxury suites of the world’s finest ships and hotels. Since its inception, Vispring has grown into a globally renowned luxury brand, with retailers in over 50 countries throughout the UK, Europe, Asia, North America and beyond.

The opening of the Chelsea Harbour showroom is the latest phase in the brand’s continued growth, marking a new and exciting chapter for Vispring in the UK.

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.

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