All Square With RAK-Petit

Straight-line geometry is having a moment in bathroom design, a trend embodied by the latest additions to the designer RAK-Petit collection of washbasins from RAK Ceramics, now available in square.

Created for RAK Ceramics by renowned Italian designer Giuseppe Maurizio Scutellà, RAK-Petit is a collection of small washbasins designed with small spaces in mind. With minimal shapes and small dimensions, the collection includes deep-based washbasins that can be installed alone or combined with RAK-Joy vanity units.

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Launching in the brand’s relocated Design Centre showroom ahead of Focus/23, Arteriors are thrilled to present a sixth instalment of their successful collaboration with renowned US interior designer Barry Dixon.

A 19-piece collection of furniture, lighting and decorative accessories, each taking elements of inspiration from the natural world, joins the wider AW23 product showcase this month.

Part of Arteriors’ successful guest designer programme, this collection marks Dixon’s 6th with the brand, having worked together previously for more than 10 years. An expert of residential interior design, working with clients across the US, Dixon is well-known for his mastery of opulence and use of decadent drama within his interior design projects, and has brought elements of this into his product design over the years, creating objects that are classic yet curious.

This season sees designs inspired by the natural world infused with a contemporary twist – for instance the delicate curve of a mosquito’s leg fashioned from blackened iron on four furniture pieces, the mixed metal finishes on overlapping cloud formations seen in the design of the mirror, intertwined vines threading their way through the fire screen, and details on lamps reminiscent of a shepherd’s staff.

These natural influences combine with masculine elements and Arteriors’ fine craftmanship to form a beautiful offering, perfectly suited to Arteriors’ wide network of residential and hospitality interior designer contacts.

Speaking on the collection, Barry Dixon: “We look back to see our way forward... And we look outside to find what we need inside. Each detail unfolds to reveal a world of organic glamour, inspired by nature, that provokes the senses.”

To view the collection, visit the new showroom at 206 Design Centre East, Chelsea Harbour.

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Vaia from Dornbracht is also available for the kitchen, as of now. The series of fittings created by Sieger Design stands for harmony, and combines a traditional design language with progressive elements. Its fine lines and flowing transitions are fully in keeping with the Transitional Style – and it is stylistically assured in the setting of the new “Metropolitan Eclecticism” architecture.

A real highlight: the bridge mixer
A wide-ranging product programme is available, covering many areas of application: Vaia as a single-lever mixer, for instance, can have both a pull-down function and a rinsing spray on the side. The American style bridge mixer will be the highlight in any kitchen: It is available either as a three-hole variant with a pull-down function, or as a two-hole version with a rinsing spray on the side – both come with either a teardrop-shaped lever, or the classic cross-handles. A Bar Tap and a Pot Filler complete the series.

Eleven different finishes, including the new Dark Chrome as well as the Champagne (22kt Gold) finish in brushed or glossy, add refinement to the Dornbracht design fitting. The warm, golden hue is captivating, particularly when combined with natural materials and colours. By contrast, Dark Chrome has an understated, timeless elegance that is truly impressive.

“Metropolitan Eclecticism”: a combination of different stylistic influences
With its soft radii and delicate spout, Vaia represents a balanced design language that is always receptive to anything new. It is fully committed to the Transitional Style: an interior design trend that combines past and present, and skilfully strikes a balance in a game of opposites.

The Dornbracht fitting creates a harmonious ambience, especially in open plan kitchen and living rooms that reflect the urban spirit of the metropolis, and effectively combine different stylistic influences.

This is also true for the new “Metropolitan Eclecticism” architecture. Here the open-plan kitchen acts as the focal point of life together, where favourite recipes are cooked, and culinary experiments as well as lively discussions take place. The freestanding island and bar stool design mixes a modern country house style with contemporary elements: Kitchen wallpaper, varnished wood, and natural stone, together with stainless steel and geometric shapes, create a pleasant, sociable atmosphere. Vaia is quite at home here, and both the warm gold Brushed Durabrass (23kt Gold) and elegant Brushed Dark Platinum finishes are equally convincing – as they show innovative ways to combine tradition and modernity.

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Welltek's mission is to offer a complementary range of design-led solutions to support human needs and create office environments that not only inspire, but improve the health and wellbeing of employees. Explore some of the latest additions to Welltek's workplace essentials! 

Bulo
For over 60 years Bulo has been creating, producing and providing quality furniture for the workspace and home. Several of their designs have become Design Classics over the years, including the Monica chair - a soft, organic lounge chair with a solid wooden structure and a ‘draped’ upholstered soft shell resting on it. The duality of the chair is based on contrasts between hard and soft, static and fluid.

Perfectly suited to hospitality, commercial and domestic settings, Bulo furniture raises the bar when it comes to elegance and sophistication. Made in Belgium, all upholstered furniture is available in a wide range of fabric and leather options to suit every individual project. The product range is vast and includes co-ordinated shelves and desks, soft seating, executive and dining chairs.

Chat Board
Welltek is proud to represent the Danish brand Chat Board in the UK as sole distributor. The original and first of its kind, the CHAT BOARD® magnetic glass board saw the light of day in 2003 as the joint invention of glass specialist Hans Henning Jensen and his hotelier daughter, Josefine Honoré.

The deceptively simple product was conceived from a wish to elevate the conventional marker board to a higher aesthetic level, and to encourage and strengthen visual communication by offering the definitive alternative to the generic magnetic whiteboard. Not only did it set a new industry standard as the first-ever floating, magnetic drawing board made of glass with no visible hardware, it really came to inspire the use of coloured glass surfaces as a powerful interior design feature.

Today Chat Board’s range includes wall-mounted and free-standing versions in a wide range of colours and sizes in classic or matt finishes. The mobile versions double as room dividers, with the option of class 1 acoustic panels to help create multi-functional spaces in any commercial, healthcare, or domestic setting.

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The SBID International Design Awards finalists for 2023 have been revealed, boasting an impressive shortlist of award-worthy entries across Interior Design, Product Design and Fit-Out. From the design scheme, materials used and products specified through to the final fit-out installation, the SBID Awards champion design standards across the supply chain in the design, procurement and execution of outstanding interiors!

To complete the third and final stage of judging, the online Public Vote is now open! Worth 10% of the final scores, it's your chance to sway the results to decide which finalists you think deserve to take home a prestigious SBID Award!

You can only vote once per category, so choose wisely and vote for your favourite designs today! Voting closes at 5pm (BST) on 11 September.

Voting closes at 5pm (BST) on 11 September.

Visit www.sbidawards.com to find out more!

Award-winning kitchen design studio, The Myers Touch is delighted to unveil to customers their new own brand kitchen display named Möbelife in their Winchester showroom. The Möbelife range has been introduced to answer consumers' desire for an entry-level contemporary German-made kitchen collection that offers a range of styles, finishes and material choices in high-quality, functional and beautiful cabinetry. The range includes a wide choice of laminate, lacquered, coloured matt, ceramic and concrete effect cabinetry that can be coordinated with a range of worktops and splashbacks.

The Scandi-inspired display in the showroom showcases three Möbelife coloured-cabinetry options including the handleless Light Grey matt base cabinets that contrast beautifully with the warm-toned laminate oak wall cabinets and the tall cabinets in Grigio Lava that reflect a calm and balanced kitchen. The choice of cabinetry has been matched with Silestone’s 20mm white-surface Eternal Statuario suede worktop and matching feature wall. To contrast the cabinetry and surfaces, Dolomite Hexagon Mosaic Tiles have been used as a statement splash-back which adds depth and texture to the Alpine chic of this display.

The showcased design serves as inspiration for homeowners with small or medium-sized kitchens, demonstrating how the Möbelife range maximizes storage and functionality while providing ample accessible worktop space. The inclusion of eye-catching Sage powder-coated shelving from the range illustrates how additional interest, display storage and contrast can be added to more compact kitchen spaces.

Another notable design feature is the Italian-designed ADL Deco sliding door, featuring custom glass framed by a modern Tessil Brown frame. This versatile door system offers privacy when closed and can be easily slid open to create an open-plan kitchen-living effect, providing homeowners with flexibility in defining their kitchen space.

Within the display worktop is a Bora S Pure Induction hob with a built-in extractor, an integrated Blanco Elon 45S sink in a warm Silgranite coffee tone which is partnered with a stainless steel Quooker Combi 2.2 flex tap – an important wishlist item for many homeowners! Integrated Miele and Siemens kitchen appliances demonstrate to customers the range of technology available from their appliance partners.

Director, Keith Myers of The Myers Touch says, “As part of our 2023 showroom remodel, we are thrilled to be able to showcase our own-brand kitchen display to customers. Our high-quality cabinetry and worktop collections offer a good-value,
German-made kitchen range with a wide option of contemporary tones and materials that will allow our design team to create personality and interest in each kitchen design.”

Made to last, Möbelife’s kitchen range, carcass, shelves and sides are all 19mm thick to provide durability and quality. The back panels are 8mm thick and grooved all around. Important design details include concealed shelf supports, lasered edges, cushioned hinges and aluminium corner profiles on the plinths.

Starting at £25,000, the Möbelife range provides a superior selection of cabinetry and extends harmoniously into other kitchen-living spaces such as dressing rooms, wardrobes, shoe cupboards, shelving systems, and living room furniture to ensure clutter-free and functional environments.

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The striking translucent porcelain surface Luce by RAK Ceramics has been named Best Kitchen Surface at the prestigious Livingetc Style Awards 2023. Standing out to the judges among the numerous outstanding entries received, just as it does when chosen for the kitchen, Luce emerged as the deserving recipient.

A stunning centrepiece for any interior design project, Luce by RAK Ceramics is a porcelain surface that simply amazes, and even more so when enhanced with backlighting technology. The extra-large format ‘mega slab’ makes installation straightforward over larger areas, such as open-plan kitchen/living spaces. This is a material that is also highly practical, easy to care for and scratch and stain resistant, making it suitable for use on kitchen island units, for example.

The translucent body of Luce is made with a very high purity of raw materials containing special and high-quality clays and minerals. When illuminated, a soft glow is created, transforming the design from a plain tile to a soft natural marble, perfect for carrying the room through from the practicalities of daytime family life to a more sociable ambience after dark. The range includes seven different graphics and colours in marble and onyx effect, that replicate the natural ability of the stones to filter the light.

The Livingetc Style Awards hold great significance as they celebrate brands that resonate with the publication’s design-conscious audience who turn to the title for inspiration and to make well-informed, stylish choices.

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Following insight shared by Arteriors' London showroom team, who have spoken with their luxury designer clientele and delved into sales data from our Spring Summer season so far, material of choice for high-end interiors falls into four distinct categories. Across all product types, from furniture and lighting to wall décor and accessories, designers are choosing either textural ceramics, high-gloss lacquer finishes, woven naturals, or classic antique brass. The collection of best-selling designs showcases the favourite materials being used to add a sense of luxury to residential and commercial specifications around the globe.

To introduce colour into projects, sleek lacquer is a brilliantly bold option that creates drama and fun within a space. Particularly striking on larger items such as accent tables, the high-shine finish catches the light beautifully, showcasing the depth and richness of each tone. We’re seeing predominantly bright primary colours selected as designers and their clients experiment more with different tones, using furniture as a vehicle to usher in a palette of joyous colour.

With designers increasingly striving to form connections to nature within their projects, a host of neutral ceramic accessories and products which incorporate natural materials remain high-performers. A palette of beige and earth tones, pared with the soothing organic shape of ceramic lamp bases and beautiful vases, and mixed woven naturals used on seating and table designs, helps to imbue a sense of the harmony and serenity of the outside world.

Brass is the material which most epitomises versatility and sits within modern schemes as successfully as in more traditional spaces. Favoured as the perfect material for lighting designs, we’ve worked with our design team and used brass across all ranges, hero-ing the material on larger furniture as well as on those smaller decorative pieces. This season sees a distinct mottled finish to provide visual texture and an antiqued look favoured to bring warmth into décor.

Products from the SS23 collection available to view within Arteriors’ Chelsea Harbour showroom, and a showroom team on hand to answer any questions you may have.

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How do your products and services enhance interior design projects?

We create solid brass products by bringing craftsmanship and quality together. I believe our products add a special touch to homes. Our brand is customisable, which means that clients can work together with artisans and designers to create one-of-a-kind pieces that match their vision. Our solid brass products, especially when unlacquered, become really special pieces as they develop a natural patina over time. When clients use Francone Bespoke Taps in their projects, they can have a luxurious and bespoke product that enhances the space.

What value does your specialist sector add to the industry?

In our industry, we provide fittings that combine modern technology with tradition. The inner parts of our fittings have the latest innovative features, while the outer design has a classic look that reminds people of older times, like what you would see in homes back in the days. What makes us different is that we stand apart by prioritizing local resources, allowing us to offer customisations for both large orders and individual needs. We take pride in our commitment to personalisation, ensuring every customer receives tailored products that meet their unique requirements. We are proud to offer products that are not only trustworthy and dependable but also have a traditional and timeless look.

How do you work with interior designers?

Usually, interior designers come to us with a clear idea of what they want, and we just need to give them samples of finishes and then help them choose the best design for a space. Sometimes, they might ask us to create a unique concept for their client, which means we have to make a custom solution. We love being able to personalise and customise a design and give them flexibility in different areas, such as adapting products for floor or deck installation and adjusting spout sizes to meet their specific needs.

What has been your most significant company highlight or success from the past year?

In the past year, we had a fantastic opportunity to work on a special project for a client in Saudi Arabia. It was really exciting because we had to create a vanity area with special thermostatic taps that had touch systems. We adapted our thermostatic shower panel to be deck mounted, which matched the basin taps. We also made custom soap holders and designed huge brass mirrors that were fixed to the ceiling. These mirrors were challenging to make due to their size and it's not something we would usually offer. We can pretty much create anything in solid brass for clients.

The most challenging part was installing three outdoor taps for three large stone sinks. It took some time as we had to figure out the exact measurements for the drainage, but the team drilled into the stone to make fully functional sinks. This project showed us how committed we are to providing clients with extraordinary solutions. We were so proud of our work that we decided to enter this exceptional project into the KBB category for this year's SBID awards.

What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests?

The demand for unlacquered brass has been rising, as it seems to be a trend among clients. What sets unlacquered brass apart is its ability to develop a natural patina over time, making it difficult to stock in a store or shop. At Francone Bespoke Taps, we offer an advantage and a key reason why our clients choose us for this finish. We provide a made-to-order service, which ensures that our products are delivered polished and shiny, that will age beautifully overtime.

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

I feel 70s and 80s decor is making a comeback, as well as vibrant colours. We are currently developing tap styles that go with these aesthetics, by designing taps with shapes similar to these eras. It's exciting to see these trends popping up again. Thermostatic solutions are also gaining popularity, not just for showers but also for basin and bath taps. Thermostatic options are reliable which makes them popular.

Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?

We are excited to be to working on solutions for thermostatic basin and bath taps, and we’re making good progress. We’re always committed to product development, it’s an ongoing thing. We’re always exploring opportunities to expand our product range and identifying new solutions to add to our site. We’re hoping to add a collection in Stainless Steel next year which is exciting.

What does being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner mean to you?

Being a part of the SBID community within the interior design space is fantastic. It provides us with a great opportunity to stay connected with the trends and updates in the industry. We appreciate being an accredited partner alongside other great brands and the sense of community and connections that come with it.

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As a team, sofa.com always find it interesting to look back at the successes of the year so far, delving into the data to look at what clients are seeking when it comes to luxury design.

Material of choice:

The past few years had seen an increase in sales of upholstered seating and bedroom furniture in colourful fabrics. However, 2023 so far sees a shift, as neutral tones overtake to reign supreme once again. Comprising the largest percentage of sales, two beautifully cool-toned beiges share the top spot – Pumice house basket weave, and Cashew viscose linen.

A palette which has always been well-suited to high-end hotel and residential design, this move to a more muted, modest scheme sits in line with a wider consumer trend seen this year – minimaluxe, or quiet minimalism. A focus on a few pared-back hues used together to create a streamlined aesthetic. Often you’ll notice that it is no longer colour that is used to showcase personality - the detail is all in the unique shapely elements of furniture, or the texture of the fabric selected.

Furniture Shape and design:

Sales of furniture with multifunctional features have increased year on year. The flexibility of modular furniture allows us to rearrange and reshuffle to accommodate extra guests, to adapt for entertaining purposes, or to allow increased space for stretching out and relaxing.

The top preforming sofa first debuted in 2009 and has continued to hold the top spot – and for good reason. The timeless shape, and ever-expanding offering of configurations allows Bluebell to sit equally as perfectly within contemporary specifications as traditional schemes. Another classic which has hurdled a few other contenders and is now situated at second place, is our Otto. Sleek lines, yet unbelievable comfort make this the ideal option for all settings.

Sofa.com have been lucky enough this summer to work on a number of hotel redesigns, and are pleased that the focus on creating bedroom furniture that is both designed to last yet has elements of key trends is popular within the hospitality sector as much as with residential shoppers. Sales of beds and mattresses in particular sit at 50% up on last year’s figures.

The sofa.com design and trade teams continue to work together ceaselessly to ensure new products are created in response to the needs of our customers, building on successes, adapting to meet any challenges and always bespoke.

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