2023 SBID Awards Finalists Announced

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.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

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.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

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.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

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.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

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.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

How do your products and services enhance interior design projects?

I think we have an approach that sets us apart from others. We're your ultimate "onestop-shop" for expert advice, service, and access to an unmatched product portfolio. We've got access to an unrivalled selection of over 750 global suppliers, including exclusive brands like Ann Sacks, New Ravenna, and Wall&Deco that elevate interior design projects. From the very beginning, our company's essence has been to provide a personalised sales and design service which enhances the projects and adds character as no bathroom will be the same. Our product offerings are limitless, and when combined with our renowned design service and highly skilled staff, we have the power to create truly exceptional spaces for our clients!

How do you work with interior designers?

We are able to offer a complete solution from start to finish. Our goal is to make life easier for interior designers by taking the stress out of bathroom planning. We're here to assist with product selection and compatibility, ensuring everything fits together seamlessly. When designers visit our showrooms, they are guaranteed to be inspired. We've created a studio concept where you can find an abundant of samples to create personalised mood boards for clients. It's all about bringing your vision to life in a way that's uniquely tailored to your style. With an extensive product portfolio, we can find almost anything you need, no matter how bizarre or specialised the project is.

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

This year, we celebrated a major milestone - our 45th anniversary! It's an incredible achievement that we're absolutely thrilled about. One of the highlights of the past year was the complete refurbishment of our Chelsea showroom. We transformed all four floors, introducing exciting new features like the Studio concept, which focuses on colour, texture, and finishes. We had the pleasure of collaborating with renowned interior designers, Barlow and Barlow, who designed four unique displays. These displays showcased eclectic schemes with a classic contemporary twist, incorporating vibrant colours and playful patterns. But that's not all. We have even more excitement as we are currently in the process of refurbishing our extensive Battersea showroom, set to be completed by the end of 2023. Keep your eyes peeled for the incredible transformation!

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

We don’t believe nor follow trends per se, they come and go. However, we have noticed an increase in clients embracing colour, patterns, and various textures in their designs. This shift could have been influenced by advancements in technology and the growing popularity of our Wall&Deco WET SYSTEM wallpaper, which can be directly applied in shower areas. We have also observed a rising demand for wellness-focused features. Clients are now seeking steam generators for walk-in showers, along with shower benches to enhance relaxation. Our Sunshower has also gained popularity, as it combines the benefits of sunlight during showering by utilising warming Infrared and carefully controlled UV light. It's a fantastic option for those who crave the feeling of the sun. We remain committed to offering innovative solutions that cater to our clients' evolving desires and needs whether they are trendy or timeless.

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

Looking ahead, we suspect sustainability and wellness will be the focus of the coming year. As people become increasingly conscious of our planet and environmental impact, they will seek out environmentally friendly options for their bathroom. The concept of at-home spa bathrooms is continuously evolving, especially after the pandemic, with a growing array of products designed to create the ultimate sanctuary at home, so it is definitely something to look out for in the upcoming future.

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

We are constantly working on lots of exciting projects, but one that our contracts department are very excited to be working on is the iconic Whiteley London Development where we are proud to be doing both the hotel and residences.

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

Being recognised as an SBID Accredited Industry Partner allows us to be part of a community of trusted suppliers, which is truly valuable. This recognition sets us apart, not just in the UK but also on a global scale, as a company dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and excellence in our industry. We strive to achieve the highest level of knowledge and industry experience, and being able to showcase this achievement will show a sense of confidence in our clients.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

The Myers Touch Kitchen Design Studio, exclusive UK retailer of Italian kitchen and furniture brand CopatLife, are proud to present the UK’s first CopatLife kitchen display that reflects contemporary Italian cabinetry, quality and innovation.

CopatLife kitchen systems feature a range of intelligent solutions that elevate functionality and beauty to new heights. From hidden storage options to side-by-side built-in appliances concealed behind pocket doors, every element has been thoughtfully designed to optimise space and enhance a kitchen space's aesthetic appeal.

Director at The Myers Touch, Keith Myers says "The introduction of the UK's first CopatLife kitchen display at our studio allows us to offer customers a range of innovative and high-quality Italian-designed kitchen systems that reflect contemporary European design and functional sophistication. We are thrilled to display CopatLife as one of the three new kitchen design brands that allow our in-house design team to design kitchens for all customer tastes and budgets”.

The showroom’s new display showcases CopatLife’s 2.1 system. Dark elm arabica and metallic-effect lacquered cabinetry has been matched with sophisticated 12mm Dekton Keyla suede worktops and includes an integrated Blanco Etagon sink, a brushed black nickel Gessi Su & Giu tap and a powerful 4-zone Miele induction hob with integrated vapour down-draft extraction. The cabinetry and worktop contrast beautifully with the Silestone wall cladding as the polished Calacatta Gold finish provides a luxury marble effect due to its wide grey highlights that are delicately interspersed with golden glints.

A built-in Miele oven and steamer were chosen in an elegant Obsidian black finish for the display to further enhance the worktops' beauty and the cabinetry's finish. The hidden walk-in larder design showcases how hidden storage features can be customised in various sizes and solutions to store dry foods and appliances.

The display cabinetry features integrated CopatLife LED lighting technology which is complemented by an intelligent Novy Wall light system under the wall cabinetry that allows the user to easily control the lighting tone and on/off switch through Novy’s Gesture Control technology. In addition, a slim rectangular LED light source over the peninsula creates interest and provides a focal point for a dedicated food preparation task area.

Exclusive to CopatLife is their distinctive ‘Island Block’ unit which features base cabinets that can be contrasted with a range of finishes on the plinth with a raised side and back panel. The unit’s worktop features integrated cooking burners and a sink – ideal for open-plan kitchen-living as a stand-alone kitchen or with wall and tall units. An alternative to hiding kitchen appliances in a walk-larder space is to include CopatLife’s open lateral side system that can be hidden away and accessed behind a side cabinet panel door.

Additional systems from CopatLife available at The Myers Touch include their 3.1 range which offers additional cabinetry and worktop choices such as polished brushed oaks and lacquers, glass and stoneware, in addition to its multifunctional wall system and walk-in solutions such as pantries and larders. Their superior 4.1 range is ideal for homeowners who are seeking innovation, technology and perfection in detail as the system’s technologically advanced features in a new range of kitchen cabinetry shapes, solutions and finishes that allow The Myers Touch in-house design team to create a truly personalised contemporary kitchen space in homes.

Copatlife's kitchen furniture collection also extends into furniture solutions for living spaces making it the perfect option for customers who are seeking modern shelving, dining tables, storage units, home office and bar areas that blend as part of their kitchen-living space.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

London’s Carnaby Street is famous worldwide as home to Britain’s most iconic names in fashion and popular culture, so when progressive fashion brand RIXO paired up with Karndean Designflooring to design its latest store the result was always going to be effortlessly stylish and elegant.

One of the coolest destinations associated with 1960s London, Carnaby was, and still remains, the epicentre of culture and lifestyle, from ground-breaking fashion brands such as Mary Quant, Vivienne Westwood and Cranks vegetarian restaurant to underground music bars which hosted future stars including The Who and The Rolling Stones.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Following a period of rapid growth, consumer engagement platform Braze has recently moved into the City of London’s Broadgate Exchange Square. Outgrowing their presence at a nearby shared co-working facility, the company wanted their new dedicated facilities to be an employee attraction tool, whilst also being as ‘future-ready’ as possible. Making the workspace desirable and enjoyable was an important consideration for the company, who exercise a fully agile, hybrid working policy.

The design intent and space plan of the new office was undertaken by AIS Interiors, with the furniture dealer by Bailey (now Insidesource) procuring and installing the furniture. To support worker wellbeing and meet employee expectations, all workstations across the floor are sit-stand. These 258 workstations greatly outnumber current employee numbers, but are in place in anticipation of further, rapid expansion.

Banks of desks are punctuated with large collaboration tables to provide alternative work settings adjacent to workstations. Should the company expand yet further beyond the current provisions, these collaboration tables have been configured in dimensions exactly equivalent to 6-person benches, allowing rapid switching out whilst causing minimal disruption.

The 258 KI Work2.1 Sit-Stand desk workstations have been configured with ‘E Series’ screens finished with Camira Sumi Yabu SUR20, Camira Sumi Handa SUR10 & Camira Sumi Daisen SUR09, and a white beading. These fabrics were especially selected to suit other furniture in each respective neighbourhood but are not usually used for screens as they have a weave. When stretched over screens, this weave can often look warped or distorted, however the KI factory managed to create an elegant and seamless finish for this bespoke request.

Generally arranged as groups of 6, many of these workstations feature a fixed-height ‘D’ end table that creates collaboration space and prevents people needing to squeeze in-between desks for impromptu gatherings. These tables blend into the workstation configuration but are in fact freestanding so can be moved to create finger safety gaps next to the desks, or even removed if necessary.

The KI Work2.1 Sit-Stand desks were chosen for their advanced cable management system. The clever design of the lower cable tray of this system makes cable distribution easier and totally hidden between desks, whilst reducing the size and number of floor grommets required.

The large floorplate uses furniture, screens, and planting to delineate space, whilst shelving has been avoided to reduce the accumulation of visible clutter over time. Arranged into neighbourhoods, the office features mostly neutral colours.

The colours used on desk screens blend into their adjacent breakout areas, and bolder colours have been used in spaces furnished with high tables and soft seating that provide informal meeting spaces within the open plan. There are numerous standalone pods and booths, as well as traditional meeting rooms to provide a rich variety of work space types to suit different people and functions.

JJ Bailey, Business Development Director at Insidesource, commented, “We’ve worked with KI on many projects and their service is always of an excellent standard and their products are of the highest quality. The Work2.1 Sit-Stand desk is no exception.”

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.