Amidst threads that intertwine to recount stories and materials of new dimensional suggestions, Dedar presents an all-embracing collection, in which yarn is the protagonist with its unique and unrepeatable irregularities. An impassioned focus on natural fibres reveals a candour and tactile charm that emanates refinement. Silk, linen, and raffia take centre stage in the Plain Classics, Texturologie and Transparencies collections, in which fabric assumes unique forms and features. The Chatwin plain weave expresses the wild side of tussah silk, enhanced by irregular streaks. Gabor dresses up in matka silk with its bulky yarns and soft flexuous drape.
A progenitor of the linen family is Chintz Nature, a glazed chintz fabric that evokes suggestions of the natural environment. Originally produced in India and adopted in Europe in the XVII century, chintz - term deriving from the Hindi word “chint”, meaning “variegated” - was usually accompanied by multicoloured floral motifs. Dedar celebrates its relevance with a well-balanced intermingling of linen and light, in an expression of elegant nonchalance and spontaneity. The embrace between a bulky weft of technical raffia and a linen warp in Didgeridoo provokes a fascinating encounter that confers depth of colour, fruit of a double dyeing process.
In a play of material and chromatic associations, the collection applies fabric to vertical surfaces with its coordinated wallcoverings to create an enveloping sense of continuity, an all-over visual effect, in a consistent configuration and colour philosophy. Hence the ancient tradition of fabric wallcovering coordinated with curtains and upholstery is reinterpreted in a contemporary key: a revival of the camouflage effect typical of the 19th century furnishing style.
In the new fabric collection, the union between light and matter finds inspiration to evolve in the art of jewellery-making which, with faultless precision, produces exceptional artifacts. The masterly use of yarn brings fabric to life in plays of light and transparency, regaling a touch of preciousness that is always artfully calibrated.
Poised between gravitas and fluidity, Argento Vivo’s elegant chequerboard of metallic yarn recalls experimental fashion garments of the sixties. Lightness and movement recount the informal elegance of Wide Linen Ulisse, while a delicate embroidery on linen traces an evocative abstract landscape of Yukiguni. In a subtle contrast of matt and lustrous effects, an alternate play of different weaves defines Olympia, a bulky linen jacquard with a dual personality, depending on which side of the fabric is used.
Plain Classics - Texturologie - Wallcoverings Silk, linen, and raffia, three natural fibres interpreted in proposals that reveal all the force of expression and contemporary elegance of Dedar fabrics. This collection recalls the evocative power of natural yarns: timeless fibres of superb quality that constitute the natural habitat of Dedar research and creativity.
Pronounced texturality and the refined yet assertive personality of wild silk and raffia are extended to walls. Yarn plays a protagonist role with its unique and ever varying irregularities. From raffia weaves to hand-spun silk woven on artisanal looms, the collection evokes a wide spectrum of visual and tactile sensations. A coordinated fabric is available for each wallcovering to create an enveloping sense of continuity, in a play of material and chromatic associations. Hence the ancient tradition of fabric wallcovering coordinated with curtains and upholstery is revived but also transformed, to generate a collection whose mood is decidedly contemporary. These wallcoverings surmount the restrictions formerly associated with the task of hanging wallcoverings, thanks to a practical adhesive non-woven fabric backing, while a reduced number of surface joints is enabled by a width comprised in the range of 120-140 centimetres.
Chatwin - Tussah Silk Plain Weave A plain weave of pure tussah silk, spun and woven by hand to put the accent on the beauty and spontaneity typical of artisanal workmanship. Its yarns and weave create a streaky fabric with pronounced knots and slubs, in which irregularity is an intrinsic part of the product’s preciousness. Ideal for curtain applications. Also available backed for wallcovering applications.
Chatwin Wall - Tussah Silk Wallcovering A wallcovering in pure tussah silk that is spun and woven by hand to put the accent on the beauty and spontaneity typical of artisanal workmanship. The choice of yarns and weave creates a fabric rich in streaks, knots and slubs, in which irregularity of weave and colour is an intrinsic part of this product’s precious nature. Coordinated fabric for curtains also available.
Gabor - Matka Silk Plain Weave A pure matka silk plain weave of bulky irregular yarns is hand woven on artisanal looms. Textural in appearance, soft and drapey when hung, this fabric is ideal for curtain-making. Also available backed for wallcovering applications in a selection of colours.
Gabor Wall - Matka Silk Wallcovering With Water-Repellent Treatment A wallcovering in pure matka silk of bulky irregular yarn woven on artisanal looms. With its textural look and subtle luminosity, it brings all the beauty and exuberance of wild silk to walls. Wallcovering with water-repellent treatment for ease of maintenance. Coordinating fabric for curtains also available.
Chintz Nature - Linen Chintz A pure linen chintz with a glazed effect evidences a lustre that is somewhat unusual for linen. The refined and harmonious luminosity evokes reflections of nature. Flowing, drapey and soft to the touch, this fabric is ideal for curtain-making or decorative applications. Also available in the version of a coordinated wallcovering.
Chintz Nature Wall - Linen Chintz Wallcovering A wallcovering in pure linen chintz with a glazed effect evidences a lustre that is unusual for linen. The refined and harmonious luminosity of this wallcovering evokes reflections of nature that reverberate subtly on wall surfaces. Coordinating fabric for curtains also available.
Didgeridoo - Technical Raffia A bulky weft of technical raffia is interlaced with a linen warp in a hardwearing textural canvas weave, fruit of artisanal workmanship. The weft yarn evokes the natural look and typical hand-feel of raffia weaves, while the double dyeing process regales depth of colour. Ideal for seating upholstery, this article is also available backed for wallcovering applications in the same colour range.
Didgeridoo Wall - Technical Raffia Wallcovering With Water-Repellent Treatment A weft in technical raffia is interlaced with a linen warp to create a textural canvas weave. Thanks to its artisanal workmanship, Didgeridoo Wall regales the look and typical hand-feel of the finest natural raffia weaves to the walls, while the double dyeing process confers depth of colour. Wallcovering with water repellent treatment for ease of maintenance. Coordinating fabric for upholstery also available.
Transparencies Luminosity and transparency accompany the harmonious equilibrium of Dedar fabrics, animated by refined metallic yarns that interplay with the sparkle of fibres and reflections of light. Natural fibres either intermingle spontaneously with a silver thread or hang in solitary splendour, in a crystalline luminescence embellished by meticulously worked embroidery, textural weaves or melange-effect finishes.
Argento Vivo - Metallic Crochet An elaborate metallic crochet shapes a precious composition of tesserae thanks to a refined textile savoir-faire. The architectural structure and the assertive yet elegant presence of an extremely fine silvery yarn evokes the experimental research on avant-garde garments of the sixties. Geometric precision encounters the movement of yarn and the softness of its weave in a fascinating balance poised between gravitas and fluidity.
Yukiguni - Refined Embroidery On Linen A lightweight linen sheer is embellished by an extremely refined embroidery depicting an abstract landscape. Meticulous workmanship and a hazy motif define the charmingly elegant personality of this sheer, making it an ideal solution for lightweight curtains.
Olympia - Double-Face Linen Jacquard A play of alternating weave patterns defines a bulky and irregular linen jacquard. An artful use of yarn enables the creation of a subtle contrast between lustrous and matt effects. This reversible fabric presents a two-sided personality.
Wide Linen Ulisse - Stonewashed Linen In Double Width A light and billowy pure linen sheer of informal elegance is enlivened by mélange streaks fruit of a “stonewashed” finish that confers movement and unique depth to its colour. Extra-wide, with a soft hand-feel and a flowing, flexuous drape, this fabric offers an ideal curtain solution.
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.
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Four distinct product ranges, each with its own design ethos, form the new 300 strong collection launch at Arteriors. Spanning across furniture, lighting, accessory and wall décor designs which seamlessly merge the boundaries of art and interiors. Combining inspiration sourced as much from the natural world as from the history of art and architecture, items are designed to reinterpret classic forms for a modern, luxury clientele.
Refined Geometry: A selection of products which borrow inspiration in shape from Classical architecture, with sweeping curves and arches, and triangular detailing reminiscent of temple tympanums. Use of materials including sumptuously-smooth leather and elaborately detailed wood veneers fashions a mid-century look which is proving timeless.
Deep Luxe: Luxury in its truest form is presented through plush materials and extravagant, yet understated details which take inspiration from sophisticated European interiors. Rich velvet textures, subtle golden detailing on furniture and accessories, and magnificent statement lighting all bestow elegance.
Material Contrasts: Designs selected to sit beautifully as pieces of art in their own right create spectacular contradictions when placed together. Mixed materials form a juxtaposition of the man-made and natural, with finely machined metals, imperfect natural woods, high-sheen resins and organic ceramics.
Artisanal Modern: Timeless design with a polished twist is central to this collection. Expressive detailing and thoughtful shapes bring a fresh perspective to designs inspired by the early 20th century – traditional winged-back armchairs, art-deco inspired desks, and opulent chandeliers recall a familiar yet innovative aesthetic, each design combining artisanal and traditional techniques.
Highlights from the collection presented within Arteriors’ new showroom at Chelsea Harbour’s Design Centre.
About Arteriors
Arteriors began 35 years ago as a boutique accessories company and has evolved into a global force in the design industry. With premier lighting, furniture and accessories, Arteriors redefines interior spaces through unexpected creativity and meticulous craftsmanship.
To mark the second chapter of the “Re-enchanting Villa Medici” project, the historic rooms of the French Academy in Rome have been re-imagined and rearranged by the French-Iranian designer India Mahdavi.
Frequented by popes, princes, poets and artists, Villa Medici dominates the capital from the Pincio Hill with the austere elegance of its fortress-like façade.
Embracing the requirements of modernity, the rebirth of Villa Medici highlights all of its surrounding beauty and history, in the name of continuity with a glorious past.
India Mahdavi plays with geometric forms and bright colours, which give a sense of intimate warmth to the rooms while mingling in a triumph of styles and surprising colour combinations.
Dedar fabrics contribute to renewing the spirit of the rooms, where elements with a contemporary flair dialogue with the villa's heritage.
Discovered in the archives of Mobilier national, the sofas designed by Jean-Albert Lesage in the Lili Boulanger salon are adorned by Tabularasa cotton satin in the shade of Giallo bombo.
Dedar has also contributed to the development of the print defined by an octagonal decorative motif, used on the four-poster bed in the Galileo Room.
Introducing four brand-new Lever Handles from leading British manufacturer of the finest architectural hardware, Croft.
The Kensington, Mayfair, Putney, and Chelsea levers represent style, sophistication, and class. Designed to complement both classic and contemporary interior stylings, the levers are available in over 25 signature finishes and patinas.
The smooth edges of the Kensington lever represent sophistication and complement both traditional and modern interiors. Intricately crafted, effortlessly chic. The exquisite detailing and sleek polishing of the Mayfair lever combine to create this statement lever.
Reminiscent of rope, the accentuated collar of the Putney lever marries with the fine finishing to create a showstopping statement. Where precision, style and functionality combine. Labyrinthine knurling accentuates the precise edges and stylish form of the Chelsea lever.
Available on a variety of backplate and rose options, including two brand new rose designs.
About Croft
Croft are passionate about perfection. Perfection in design, in manufacture and, most importantly, in meeting the requirements of its clients worldwide. It’s an ethos born and nurtured over 150 years of history and is reflected in a beautifully curated portfolio that includes over 1000 project ready designs. The knowledge and experience of the Croft team ensures they are the perfect partner for your project. Whether you require the latest collection or a custom solution, Croft combines design innovation and expert craftsmanship to produce beautiful products of the very highest quality that are as pleasurable to use as they are to look at.
Luxury bath and kitchen brassware manufacturer GRAFF unveils nine new PVD finishes in a variety of lavish colors and textures. Extremely durable, the finishes, as with all GRAFF products, are made using state-of-the-art-technology and engineering.
Expanding finish choices with a wide selection of new colours and textures to complement a broad range of styles, GRAFF offers exquisite new options for personalisation.
“We are excited to expand our line of finishes, introducing nine more choices for our customers to help them design their dream spaces to perfection. We’re always innovating with design, technology, and materials, leading the way as bath and kitchen spaces evolve.” - CEO and Founder of GRAFF, Ziggy Kulig comments.
GRAFF’s new finishes are made from the highest-quality materials and take inspiration from the natural world and the arts, presenting colors that organically complement diverse interior and architectural styles.
Gunmetal PVD – versatile, with a cool metallic appearance, evoking wintry clouds, Gunmetal PVD’s understated elegance harmonises with an expansive selection of interiors.
Polished Nickel PVD – alluring and durable, with a reflective sheen, Polished Nickel PVD brightens spaces with a refined sensibility, inspired by starlight.
Brushed Nickel PVD – uplifts interiors with a silvery-white textured shimmer evoking the rugged luster of meteorites.
Polished Tuscan Bronze PVD – offering a sophisticated, timeless aesthetic, is an ode to the exquisite sheen of classical bronze statues.
Brushed Tuscan Bronze PVD – evoking the enduring, rustic charm of the Tuscan countryside, Brushed Tuscan Bronze PVD pairs earthy colour with sensuous texture.
Warm Bronze PVD – inspired by the warm character and hue of bronze musical instruments, Warm Bronze PVD promotes an intimate ambience.
Polished Gold PVD – a radiant, eye-catching finish that pays tribute to legendary goldsmiths, Polished Gold PVD embodies long-lasting glamour and allure.
Brushed Gold PVD – adds a luxurious visual and tactile dimension to interiors, inspired by sunlight cast on fields of golden wheat.
Satin Gold PVD – a sleek, captivating finish, Satin Gold PVD pays homage to the sumptuous goldwork of royal robes.
In addition to the PVD finishes, GRAFF offers handcrafted Powder Coat, 24K Gold, Living, and Galvanic and Plated finishes for collections, as well as Tuscan marble inserts for the MOD+ and Vignola collections.
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.
Cristiano Baccianti, Founder of Collectional has given his insights into the industry.
Born as part of H&H, Collectional has grown over the last ten years to be a multi-discipline independent brand that leads the region in collectible art and design. Collectional, a market leader, has become the reference point for exclusively commissioned pieces that bring a space to life.
Our collections are one of a kind, carefully hand-picked by a team of experts to curate a space to enhance the overall interior design experience. We turn a house into a home, reflecting our client’s persona and vision. The delicate touch of Collectional makes a home a talking point, be it through the materials we work with, the texture of finishes, lighting, furniture, and the overall décor of space is brought to life by Collectional. We only work with the best international artists and brands, bringing excellence to everything we do.
Collectional’s team of experts travels the world to find the best in upcoming art and design. We look into the future to anticipate what is coming to tell the story of Collectional and, ultimately, our clients. Vision leads us, and innovation is at the core of how we do it.
We act as a concierge to our clients, fulfilling every need regarding their interior design needs. We are solution providers, facilitating the process for interior designers to meet clientele's needs.
The various collaborations with the Four Seasons Hotel & Resorts. From Dubai, UAE, to Cap-Ferrat, France, Collectional has spearheaded stunning interiors and collaborated with renowned interior architect Sybille de Margerie for both projects. At the Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at Jumeirah, The Collectional team has seamlessly blended the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living spaces through carefully curated interiors and selective furnishings. At the Grand-Hotel Du Cap-Ferrat, The Four Seasons Hotel, two new historic villas in the property's landscaping have been carefully curated to offer guests total privacy. The historic villas reflect artistry and design inspired by the early 20th century on the French Riviera.
A rise in people's preferences towards collectible art and design led to increased demand for the best exclusives brand in their homes. The change in mindset that furniture is more about expressions and a form of art, a reflection of one's taste.
Becoming more and more about innovation, redefending what art means. Craftmanship and excellence will remain pillars of the industry, and Colletional will lead the category and redefine it where it goes.
We have a forward-thinking approach, always looking to the future to anticipate the latest trends. We are excited about what's to come and what's in store for Collectional. We look forward to various plans, projects, and artist collaborations, some of which will redefine the category, where we explore art and design through different forums of expression. We can go into the details, but we prefer to show our audience the vision of where Collectional is going, stay tuned.
Collectional is proud to collaborate with such an important Interior Design platform, sharing the values of excellence and attention to detail across everything we do. Our love of design and commitment to the industry proves that what we do with SBID will undoubtedly lead to a successful outcome.
About Collectional
Gallery COLLECTIONAL presents exclusive commissioned design pieces and a curated selection of our favorite art and design from around the globe. Along with its Design Platform offers a comprehensive turnkey solution for projects, including services to support interior design and procurement for furniture, lighting, surfaces and décor that vary in size and spans across the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) and beyond.
In the realm of home design, lighting is often an overlooked aspect, even in the most modern builds. Frequently, we encounter new developments with subpar lighting layouts, featuring an excessive number of uniformly dispersed downlights in open-plan spaces and just a few ceiling lights in bedrooms, if you're lucky. But fret not, even if you're faced with less-than-ideal lighting arrangements, there are solutions that can transform your living space into a designer haven. Whether you're renovating your home or residing in a new build, LED lighting can be the key to an aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior environment. In this article, we'll explore how LED lighting can help busy professionals, enhance the ambiance and functionality of their homes.
Statistics show: A well-illuminated room can make it appear more spacious and inviting. According to a survey by the American Lighting Association, 76% of homeowners believe that lighting can significantly impact the mood and ambiance of a room.
Example: Hiring an interior designer to create a lighting plan tailored to your space can yield exceptional results. This approach ensures the perfect illumination and a variety of lighting options that complement your new layout, transforming your space into a haven of style and functionality.
Statistics show: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED lighting can be up to 80% more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent lighting.
Example: Concealing LED tape in channels routed within your joinery can instantly elevate the room's design. Selecting the right LED colour temperature and positioning them to highlight specific elements is crucial. The colour and location of LEDs within the channels depend on what you intend to showcase. For example, horizontal placement is ideal for adjustable shelving, with LEDs positioned about 20 mm from the front.
Statistics show: LED lighting inside kitchen cabinets can improve energy efficiency. A report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that LED lighting consumes significantly less energy, making it a greener choice.
Example: Enhancing your kitchen's lighting layout with LED options is not only energy-efficient but also visually appealing. Consider LED lighting inside your cabinets for a seamless and chic look. To add a touch of luxury to your kitchen, incorporate LEDs into skirting boards surrounding kitchen islands, provided you have one.
Statistics show: Adequate lighting can accentuate the beauty of your artwork. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that proper lighting significantly enhances the perceived aesthetic value of art pieces.
Example: Picture lights, whether integrated into joinery or mounted above artworks, can instantly elevate the room's atmosphere. When planning your picture lighting, measure your artwork meticulously, considering the length of the picture light in relation to the art frame. A good rule of thumb is to choose a picture light that's about half the width of the picture for portrait paintings and between a third and a half for landscape pieces. Explore high-quality picture lights from renowned brands like Chelsom and Visual Comfort.
Statistics show: Well-lit wardrobes make selecting outfits easier and more enjoyable. According to a survey by Houzz, 68% of homeowners prefer a walk-in closet with integrated lighting.
Example: Adding concealed LED lights inside your wardrobe, positioned vertically, not only illuminates your clothing and accessories but also exudes a classy and design-led aesthetic. For those looking to retrofit lighting, battery-operated LED options can be placed on the sides of the wardrobe carcass for practicality.
Example: Phos, one of our favourite LED suppliers, offers a wide array of tapes, channels, and drivers, making them the perfect choice for your renovation project. With their selection of LED solutions, you can transform your home into a stylish and well-lit space, all while reducing energy consumption.
Incorporating LED lighting into your home design is not only an aesthetically pleasing choice but also a smart and energy-efficient one. So, whether you're renovating or living in a new build, these LED lighting solutions can enhance your space's style, ambiance, and functionality. Don't underestimate the transformative power of well-planned lighting. It's the key to creating a designer look that caters to the needs and tastes of busy professionals like you.
About Katie Malik Design Studio
Established in 2014, we are a multi award-winning Cambridge based interior design studio. We work globally, specialising in luxurious private residential interiors. We create exceptional designs, taking a holistic approach to the way spaces will be used and enjoyed. Through detailed visual package, attention to the smallest details paired with the professionalism & toughness to handle large projects from start to finish, we turn an otherwise overwhelming process into an exciting and deeply satisfying experience.
Interior designers from across the North West experienced the unique quality of handmade carpets from Riviera Home, as it exhibited at Design Central North West, the latest in the regional Design Central event series.
Making fine quality carpets by hand, Riviera Home lets homes and businesses enjoy exquisite carpets created with the care and attention that can only come with artisan craftmanship. For nearly 40 years, the family-run business has been handcrafting flatwoven, Wilton, and tufted loop-pile carpets in India’s historic city of Panipat, known as ‘the city of handcrafted weavers’. A GoodWeave® certified business, every Riviera Home carpet is produced ethically with a conscious effort to be responsible, supporting education programmes and ensuring decent work for communities.
Today, as one of the UK’s few true handmade carpet companies, Riviera Home continues to use traditional techniques to bring a unique quality to its carpets and rugs. The flatweave loop of Capri is testament to Riviera Home’s craftmanship. Hand-woven from 100% pure new wool with meticulous attention to detail, this carpet has a fabric-like quality more akin to luxury tailoring than a carpet suitable for daily use. Along with company’s sought-after Milano range and the random tip shear of Monaco in lustrous Tencel fibre, it was these fabric-like textures that caught the eye of visitors over the two-days of Design Central North West.
Held at Cheshire’s historic Capesthorne Hall, Design Central North West saw Riviera Home join a roster of luxury interior brands to showcase its unique handmade carpets to the region’s interior design community.
Richard Moore, sales & marketing director, says: “Our two-days at Design Central North West were well spent and the interest we received in ranges such as Monaco, Milano and Capri was nothing short of uplifting. The event gave us the chance to showcase the unique quality of these styles first-hand and to tell our story of ethical handmade carpets made with natural materials. We’re looking forward to building on these new connections and helping to create beautiful interiors with Riviera Home carpets at their foundation.”
As you would expect of the finest handmade carpets, Riviera Home pays close attention to its materials, using only fine natural wool, bamboo and sustainable fibres like Tencel. Along with only using natural dyes where absolutely necessary – for example its Burford collection is made entirely from undyed wool – Riviera Home looks to reduce its impact wherever possible. Using only non-toxic and safe chemicals approved by Oeko-Tex®, generating 20% of its electricity from its own solar plant and conserving water through its own treatment and recycling plant; Riviera Home is leading ethical and sustainable handmade carpet production in its region.
The Riviera Home collection is widely available through its Authorised Dealership network, which aligns it with retailers and commercial flooring companies sharing like-minded values, so that the experience of Riviera Home is one of peerless product quality and the very best in service.
About Riviera Home
Creating products with a distinctive point of difference, quality is at the heart of what we do. Riviera Home UK are the UK subsidiary of Riviera Home Furnishings, a world-leader in the manufacture of luxury, quality textiles. We specialise in broadloom carpets and rugs for the UK market.
Inspired by her flower-filled gardens in the heart of the English countryside, Katharine Pooley has designed a delicate and enchanting wallpaper collection with Fromental.
The hand-painted and hand-embroidered wallcovering showcases and celebrates a beautiful and harmonious landscape featuring copious butterflies, flowers, and other natural elements, with each panel telling its own story. The wallpaper is a charming and evocative design, perfect for bringing a sense of history and romanticism into any interior. The elegance and exquisite attention to detail of each brush stroke will ensure it will be adored for many years to come.
With every piece sold, a donation will be made to support Butterfly Conservation, the charity which works to protect and conserve British butterflies, moths and their habitats.
A contemporary interpretation of the traditional Chinoiserie style, the wallpaper has an original and captivating look, with different scales of flowers and foliage carefully placed to create a classically graceful flower border. It has been meticulously painted by Fromental’s artists on silk paper panels to reflect the charming detail of the gardens that surround Katharine’s Georgian home in Oxfordshire.
Katharine worked closely with the Fromental design team over several months to create a design that is both quintessentially English and very personal. The wallpaper features many of Katharine’s favourite flowers including Honeysuckle, Camellia, Lilac, Salvia, Duchess Peonies, Delphiniums, Clematis, Jasmine, Anemones and Forget-me-nots, and has been created in two colourways, Primrose Yellow and a softer Light Fawn hue.
Unexpected flourishes abound - a shy hedgehog here, a jewel like beetle there, a nibbling dormouse peeking through the foliage - and the pièce de resistance of the design - a smattering of beautiful butterflies – airily flutters overhead. Altogether it is a wonderfully whimsical scene, as if one has accidentally wandered into a secret English garden full of beauty and intrigue.
British butterflies, and their decline, are a personal passion project for Katharine, and having taken part in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count for the past few years, and noting the sad depletion of many of the incomparably wonderful species native to Britain, Katharine saw this wallpaper collection as a chance to spotlight and support the work of Butterfly Conservation, who tirelessly record, educate and lobby for the conservation of British insect life and to create habitats and nature reserves.
Under the presidency of Sir David Attenborough since 1998, Butterfly Conservation employs many leading scientists. Their report of 2022 revealed the alarming news that 80% of butterflies in the UK have declined since the 1970s and that of the 58 butterfly species in the UK, 24 species were classified as ‘threatened’, eight as ‘endangered’ and 16 as ‘vulnerable’. Half of the butterfly species that currently occur in Britain are therefore listed as either ‘threatened with extinction’ or ‘near threatened’.
As the Vice-President of Butterfly Conservation and wildlife broadcaster Chris Packham puts it succinctly: “Right now, we are facing a man-made disaster of global scale. The twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss are pushing much of the natural world to the brink – including many of our most treasured species. In the UK, the majority of our butterfly and moth species are in worrying decline. These beautiful and fascinating creatures are not just important in their own right, but are also indicators of a healthy environment for all wildlife.”
As well as featuring many of the most beautiful and iconic British butterflies in the design (including Large Whites, Small Tortoiseshells, Common Blues, Holly Blues, Purple Emperors, Peacocks, Clouded Yellows, and Fritillaries), 10% of every wallpaper sold will be given by Fromental to this important charity.
The wallpaper will be featured in Katharine Pooley's London boutique at 160 Walton Street and will be used to decorate the dining room and master bedroom of Katharine’s country home. It will also be sold at Fromental showrooms worldwide.
Katharine will be hosting a press event to formally launch the wallpaper in the UK at the end of June. This will be followed by the US launch in September as part of New York Design week, at the Fromental Lexington Avenue showroom, and then by the Asia launch in Hong Kong in November.
About Katharine Pooley
Recently named ‘British Interior Designer of the Decade’, ‘International Designer of the Year in Asia’ and ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Katharine Pooley has in a short space of time become one of Europe's leading designers. Her portfolio encompasses a multitude of interior styles and architectural genres and her design ethos is one of luxurious eclecticism. No two projects are ever alike, but they are universally beautiful and timeless.
With environmental concerns becoming increasingly important within specifications, designers need to make sure that every aspect of a building is carefully considered and adheres to a project’s sustainability goals. Dulux Decorator Centre is committed to upholding sustainable standards and supporting its partners to reduce environmental impact. In this article, its commercial sustainability manager, Duncan Lochhead, discusses how sustainability can be achieved with the right paints and coatings.
The built environment is responsible for more than a quarter of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions, and this must be reduced if the UK is to reach net zero by 2050. To do this, low-carbon building materials must be selected across every aspect of a building, right down to the paint used on the walls.
One of the biggest environmental concerns in the paint industry is the use of solvents and the emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemical vapours that are greenhouse gases - and therefore contribute to global warming, as well as impacting ground level pollution.
While emissions from VOCs in decorative paint represents a small percentage of the UK’s overall pollutants (1% in the UK), they still increase environmental impact and negatively affect indoor air quality. To avoid this, it is recommended that water-based paints and coatings are used- such as the beautifully aesthetic Dulux Trade Diamond Satinwood for wood and metal surfaces and ultra-low VOC content paint for walls and ceilings - to achieve a professional finish and improve sustainability.
Recent innovations like the reformulated Dulux Trade Diamond Matt are a perfect example. This product provides the industry with a durable solution that is also 99.9% VOC free (based on in-can VOC content, measured in accordance with ISO 11890-2:2013). It therefore has lower impact on indoor air quality and the overall carbon footprint of a project when compared with the previous formulation. For added reassurance that it delivers sustainability benefits, Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is compliant with green building accreditations BREEAM and LEED.
Paints and coatings play a vital role in cutting carbon emissions over a building’s lifetime thanks to their ability to preserve buildings and prevent the need for regular redecoration work. Opting for durable products like Dulux Trade Diamond Matt and Dulux Trade Scuffshield Matt will therefore extend maintenance cycles thanks to their ability to withstand daily wear and tear.
Dulux Trade Scuffshield Matt is a tough, water-based matt emulsion paint that contains ultimate scuff resistant technology. It is perfect for use in high traffic areas such as corridors, stairwells and hallways, and busy commercial spaces and is designed to protect walls against scuff marks left behind from items such as shoes and bags, to help keep surfaces looking good for longer. It is also cleanable and offers good stain resistance.
In addition, Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is compliant with BS EN ISO 11998 Class 1 and BS 7719 Class C and can withstand 10,000 scrubs (the equivalent of five hours non-stop scrubbing). It also resists water-based stains like red wine and coffee, as well as oil-based stains such as food or cosmetics. It can be repeatedly cleaned and scrubbed, ensuring that unwanted stains can be easily removed without damaging the paint film on the wall, making the professional finish last even longer.
Products like Dulux Trade Evolve Matt that are made using recycled content are also worth considering. Dulux Trade Evolve Matt contains 35% recycled content and does not compromise on coverage or finish. It is available in white, making it the ideal choice for ceilings or to create neutral backdrops.
In addition to product, designers should also think about the additional benefits offered by a supplier. Partnering with Dulux Decorator Centre, for example, will ensure a dedicated team is assigned to provide expert advice from the specification stage. They are also able to look at the carbon footprint of a painting project or programme over its lifecycle and provide insight on alternative options to support more sustainable decisions. In addition, the Dulux Decorator Centre team will work closely with the Dulux Trade Colour Consultants who can provide bespoke palettes that meet the needs of building occupants.
To help with the sustainable disposal of empty paint cans at the end of a project, Dulux Decorator Centre offers a can recycling scheme. It can also help to facilitate the donation of leftover paint to good causes like Community RePaint, so nothing goes to waste.
To find out more about how Dulux Decorator Centre can support on your next project, click here.
About Dulux Trade
Dulux is the UK’s leading paint brand, with a wealth of products and services designed to help you find the colours that will suit your project, and give you the expert knowledge you’ll need to achieve great results.
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