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Material Source Studio has opened its doors, offering architects and designers in the North West the opportunity to immerse themselves in ‘beautifully useful’ products and materials. CDUK is proud to announce its partnership with the Studio which will include a CDUK exhibition area showcasing a diversity of products including Corian® Solid Surface and the recently launched sustainable surface, PaperStone®.

CDUK

CDUK is a leading supplier of surface materials and complementary products. With over 40 years’ experience the company understands customer needs and continues to provide design solutions based on market intelligence. Building on decades of product experience, CDUK understands the value of collaboration and working with fellow creative partners to take products directly to market. With an ambitious programme of growth and development, joining Material Source Studio shows how CDUK is diversifying and tapping into new audiences while continuing to provide high quality design products, expert training, and support.

Material Source Studio

Material Source Studio is the first of its kind in the UK, the 15,000sqft studio is situated in the Grade II listed Hanover Building in NOMA. Set across two levels, it features a wealth of inspirational exhibits and interactive displays from 35 leading brands operating in the commercial interiors and built environment sectors. It also includes an 60-seat theatre, a CPD area, a 300+ book library, 7 meeting spaces, a co-working hub and a podcast studio. Plus, an internal garden and a fully mature, 6-metre tree, spanning both floors.

The space is enhanced further with a seasonally-changing Gallery, opening with two exhibitions as part of the Material Source Studio Presents series. “From the Ground up: A preview” comprises a celebration of innovation in biomaterial development, and “Coo Birds by May Wild Studio” features the local studio’s signature Coo Bird sculptures, inspired by Manchester’s pigeon population.

Fusing the creative acumen of Darren Clanford with the operational experience of Michael Rogan, Material Source Studio was a venture born out of a fervent desire to support and champion the North West’s creative communities. The addition of David Smalley as commercial director bolstered the vast amounts of experience both Darren and Michael bring to the table.

A word from the founders

"With Material Source Studio, we’ve had nothing but support from the design community of the North. And, for this, I can’t thank them enough. It's kept us positive through a pretty tough transformation over the past two years.

“The Studio has been designed by the team at Material Source led by Darren, the partners and the A&D community. I’d like it to be used by everyone as a place to work, meet and, also, socialise. Something we’ve all missed lately.

"I personally can’t wait for the talk series we'll be running in our Theatre space, especially the sessions focused on how we can influence the wellbeing of everyone who walks through our door. After being empty for almost 50 years, it will be great to see the Hanover Building alive again”, comments Michael Rogan, operations director and co-founder of Material Source Studio.

Vicki Richmond, Marketing Director, CDUK: “We are incredibly excited to be joining Material Source Studio as a partner. The space offers the perfect backdrop to showcase our offer and allows our customers to not only look at but also touch our products, something which has been very difficult over the course of the pandemic. For us, taking our products directly to our customers is essential to how we work, especially when supporting specifiers and architects and designers unlock their design potential.

Our exhibition pod at the Studio will be supplemented by events and workshops throughout the year which encourage learning and participation from our loyal existing customers and potential new ones.”

Inside the Studio

Best in the business: 35 built environment brands showcase their products to visitors Making up the Studio’s core offering are bespoke partner PODs – created by neighbouring design and build studio, Tim Denton - and showcasing paint, tiles, flooring and wallcoverings furniture, lighting and smart solutions, fabric, bathroom accessories, plants and acoustic panels.

In addition to the interactive PODs, products from all partners are featured in-situ throughout the space, offering further inspiration to visitors. The entire scheme has been developed by creative director, Darren Clanford, who carefully curated a unique ambience for every zone.

“When serving a design driven audience, it goes without saying that the interiors of Material Source Studio needed to be aspirational. Working with products and materials from the best built environment brands in the business allowed us to create a versatile palette of dynamic, on-trend schemes.

“Spanning a range of ‘zones’, from our 60-seat theatre, to the podcast studio, never-before-seen bespoke pieces from our partners are featured throughout, illustrating the extensive capabilities of each and every one”, comments Darren Clanford, creative director and co-founder of Material Source Studio on the design of the space.

The Studio’s opening hours are 10am – 6.30pm Monday to Friday (closed weekends and bank holidays), and it operates an open-door policy. Events will be advertised on materialsource.co.uk, where you can also find out more information on all partners.

About CDUK

CDUK is a supplier of surface materials and complementary products to the specification market in the UK and Ireland, including architects, interiors designers, kitchen designers, fabricators and contractors. Having built a strong reputation as the exclusive distributor of Corian® Solid Surface in the UK and Ireland, CDUK now offers an extended range of services as well as products from a number of leading brands.
We are a family owned business with over 40 years’ experience. We support our customers through a journey, as their design partner, from sourcing the best products and materials to helping them unlock their full potential through expert advice and technical knowledge. Our team of industry experts also provides technical advice, sampling and bespoke training courses for designers, manufacturers and fabricators.

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The UK’s market leader in luxury vinyl flooring Karndean Designflooring is expanding its popular Knight Tile range with a collection of contemporary wood and stone designs, including herringbone and a unique chevron effect.

Washed Character Oak - Aged Living

The new range

Expanding its range of mid and light toned wood and stone designs, the new Knight Tile collection has been designed to complement the latest colour trends, from monochrome and neutrals to bold, bright palettes. Whether using a single design for a barely there streamlined look or combining full sized and herringbone planks for a bespoke style, the subtle features of these designs will bring a classical elegance to any interior.

From the cool greys of Ivory Riven Slate and Smoked Concrete to the neutral tones of Lime Washed Oak and the reclaimed rustic charm of Washed Character Oak, this stunning new collection is expected to find favour in a range of sectors.

Glacial Marble, Midnight Marble - Cameo
Dove Grey Concrete - Bar

Key features and application

Designers working on co-living developments such as new build, housebuild and student accommodation will appreciate the option to choose a single design in a combination of gluedown and rigid core formats to create a clean sophisticated look throughout the home, including the ability to introduce an on-trend chevron pattern.

With realistic features and textures of natural materials but also a practical hygienic surface and good slip resistance, the collection offers a streamlined yet traditional look that will suit retirement and supported living accommodation. For areas where a visual differentiation is required, designers will find ample possibilities for interesting tonal combinations as well as laying pattern options.

In commercial spaces such as hospitality, boutique hotels and offices, this collection offers the flexibility to express a brand’s personality and allows plenty of scope for creative zoning. The wide choice of designs in a rigid core option, including herringbone, will allow highly individualised designs to be created with minimum disruption.

Smoked Concrete - Student Space

Design specification

The new Knight Tile range presents 10 new wood and 12 new stone designs, with options available in gluedown and rigid core formats, and six herringbone (18” x 3”) designs. In addition, the collection introduces a rigid core format to 10 popular existing designs.

Designers looking to create distinctive and playful floors will appreciate the introduction of a chevron design in a choice of three colourways; Lime Washed Oak, Grey Washed Oak and Rose Washed Oak. Reproducing an iconic chevron pattern in a convenient larger sized plank (48" x 9") with a smooth emboss, this is the perfect choice for projects where installation time is key. Designers can choose from a gluedown format or rigid core to suit uneven subfloor conditions or where sound transmission is a consideration.

Lime Washed Oak - Cafe
Nordic Limed Oak - Boutique Hotel

Fleur Carson, commercial sales director at Karndean Designflooring, said: “This new collection has been a journey of discovery. Designed to not only meet but exceed aesthetic and technical expectations, we are proud to present this adaptable range of wood and stone designs in our widest choice of formats, available at an accessible price point. Our popular Rose Washed Oak design, for example, is now available in five format and plank size options including our new chevron effect.

Dove Grey Concrete - Bar

“Our latest designs have been influenced by our recent experiences and aim to support wellbeing and a sense of belonging with a natural look that connect our interiors to the outside environment. While intended to offer a stylish palette of pale greys and taupes that  will act as a subtle background to the latest interior trends and bold colour choices, this collection doesn’t skimp on character or authentic details.”

Washed Character Oak - Aged Living
Glacial Marble - Commercial Cameo

Like all Karndean floors, the new collection has been handcrafted for an authentic look and produced with cutting-edge technology for a beautiful yet practical floor that will facilitate cleaning and maintenance, reduce noise disturbance and protect indoor air quality.

Nordic Limed Oak - Boutique Hotel

To find out more about Karndean Designflooring and the new Knight Tile collection, visit www.karndean.com.

About Karndean Designflooring

Our design process begins with a meeting…with nature. We see flooring differently. Pushing the boundaries has to be an adventure of discovery. It’s why we travel the world for inspiration. From the ancient European woodlands to the Australian outback, we pack our bags and go there. Every time, we connect with something extraordinary that shapes our every step. It’s how we bring the unimaginable, inspired from the outdoors, indoors.

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Wellness design creates spaces that combine form and function for positive mental and physical health. Newmor wallcoverings contribute to creating commercial environments which promote wellbeing through colour, pattern, and texture. Their wallcoverings are also low VOC and contribute to better indoor air quality, as well as enhancing the acoustics of the interior space.

Here are three projects that place wellbeing at their heart:

Platinum Mountain Hotel

Platinum Mountain Hotel & Spa is a 5 star hotel and wellness centre in the magical alpine ski village of Szklarska Poręba in Poland. The interiors reflect the hotel’s wellness ethos – comfort, style, and connection to the world outside are beautifully reflected in the organic materials, biophilic design, and cosy accents.

The Folly

The Folly bar and restaurant is a botanically inspired city haven located in the heart of London. The large-scale skeletal leaf pattern in neutral tones sits alongside a vast collection of plants. Raw wood furniture, stone flooring, sheepskin rugs, and garden-themed ephemera enhance this whimsical uplifting interior.

My Lounge

My Lounge is a laidback oasis located in London Gatwick Airport. The clever use of design scale, colours effects and tactile surfaces create a welcoming space, contrasting with the sterile airport environment. Separate formal and informal dining and seating options ensure visitors of all ages feel at home.

About Newmor

Newmor specialise in commercial quality wide-width fabric-backed vinyl wallcoverings, which are manufactured in their own facility in Wales. Their products can be found all over the world in hotels, bars and restaurants, healthcare, education, cruise, and leisure installations.
Newmor work in collaboration with a vast array of artists and designers to promote British design to an international audience. This includes painter and fashion designer, Iona Crawford; interior design duo 2LG; weaver Ptolemy Mann; artists Stephen Walter and Lois O’Hara; and design duo The Patternistas.

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The latest trend palette from the new collection at Arteriors is all about creating contemporary yet sublimely serene interiors. The key to this elegant décor scheme is incorporating an unpredictable combination of cool toned hues such as pale blues, marbled pastels and lighter jewel tones, and combine with striking modern silhouettes. A smattering of organic materials and shapes throughout will tie the décor together and provide a grounding effect.

Holland Vase, £363
Gillmore Decanters, £629

To bring this luxurious look into residential or hospitality projects, integrate raw stone marble accents, jewel colours, sumptuous velvets and other luxurious materials to fashion the perfect foundation. Opt for accent details in glamorous golden finishes and brass – these are the perfect finishing touches for a scheme that is luxurious while still remaining warm and inviting.

Bates Large Cocktail Table, £2596; Budelli Wing Chair, £4090; Icarius Accent Table, £1476
Idris Entry Table, £4296; Hamlin Ottoman, £1652; Barbana Chair, £1779

Lighting should be extravagant: consider frosted glass detailing combined with ornate, intricate elements in both chandelier designs and sconces, and pair together to create an ambient glow through the home.

Intricate use of glass across lighting and accessories is inspired by the fluidity and the sleek reflections across a shimmering body of water. A balance between soothing and striking is created by using lithe hand-blown glass - organic in form and never-quite-perfect meaning each product is unique in its individual detailing.

Troon Round Chandelier, £5742
Herbie Accent Table, £1198

Arteriors has embraced the perfection of imperfection and is striving to create an assortment of product that inspires the calm and collected throughout the Modern Serenity collection.

“The craftsmanship and cadence emanating from our studio is an extension of both the intelligence and the care of the artist’s hand” - Arteriors Design Team.

Isaac Vases - Set of 2, £708
Nordic Lamp, £1101

Discover items from the Modern Serenity collection as well as other new designs in the London showroom in the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, and online at www.arteriorshome.com.

Turner Sofa, £8544; Herbie Accent Table, £1259
Gretchen Vase, £393
Gretchen Vase, £393

About Arteriors

For over 30 years, Arteriors delivers impeccable style and artisanal quality craftsmanship within the lighting, furniture, wall décor and home accessory categories to discerning customers worldwide. This three-decade journey in pursuit of extraordinary product – from the understated to the unexpected – had been and remain at the core of what Arteriors do each day. Arteriors’ business has matured and expanded into a timeless lifestyle brand that has become premier resource for interior designers and retailers worldwide.

Today, Arteriors continues to reinterpret materials, forming objects of perfect proportions and scale, resulting in bold interiors that bring ease to everyday luxury.

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Garrett Leather has collaborated with Mark Berryman Design to create the exclusive collection - New Forest. Located in the New Forest studio on the south coast of England, Mark Berryman Design specializes in high-end interiors for superyachts of distinction and shares a passion for ingenuity and authenticity in handcrafted luxury.

Mutual curiosity for innovation in colors, patterns and textures steered the design of this collection—which has particularly attractive visual and tactile appeal. Unlike anything currently on the open market, these sensory attributes are a direct homage to the natural elements of the New Forest. In a world of ever-increasing stress, the New Forest collection offers a haven of harmony, featuring organic materials that bring the serenity of the outdoors into interiors.

The four lines of the New Forest Collection, Hawkhill, Bolderwood, Exbury and Keyhaven, are inspired by the idyllic glades and ancient woodlands of the New Forest Nature Reserve. The spirit of this ancient habitat is personified by the introspective artistry and personal handcraft of each article. All made with European, premium quality hides, the depth and nuance of color ensures beautifully versatile and enduring products. Hawkhill, Bolderwood, Exbury and Keyhaven are all sold in full hides averaging 54-57 square feet. They pass IMO flammability requirements for private yachts and may be treated to pass FAR requirements for aviation use.

Hawkhill

Hawkhill

This roughout semi-aniline leather reflects the organic and evolving adaptability of our ever-changing world. Hawkhill is made in Italy and finished with natural resins. The hides are milled and artfully sanded to obtain the visceral textures found in our natural environment. Hawkhill is reversed natural grain leather with a soft, tactile finish and well-worn appearance. It is recommended for moderate to low traffic areas.

Bolderwood

Bolderwood

Earthy and layered, Bolderwood harkens the sanctuary of an ancient coniferous canopy and the rich resolute of the centuries-old, undisturbed woodland floor. Bolderwood is embossed with a beautiful organic pattern that is accentuated by hand-finishing artistry, giving depth to the final appearance. As a LeatherShield product, Bolderwood has excellent durability and is recommended for all upholstery applications.

Exbury

Exbury

Exbury exhibits a spectacular collision of color and texture. Decadent details are exemplified with its large grain pattern. Exbury is a durable, semi-aniline leather and recommended for all upholstery applications. Its hand-tipped and antique finish ensure a beautiful and lasting appearance.

Keyhaven

Keyhaven

Relaxed and restful, Keyhaven channels the unique colors and shapes of eroded rocks where fossils have embedded. Its granular, small grain pattern and handcrafted finish give Keyhaven its distinctive touch. Keyhaven is an embossed, semi-aniline leather with excellent durability and is recommended for all upholstery applications.

The New Forest Collection reflects nature’s palette. Its serene colors have a calming influence and capture the visual serenity of the organic world. When it comes to incorporating Hawkhill, Bolderwood, Exbury and Keyhaven into your designs, imagination is the only limitation. The New Forest Collection can be used in any way you desire to create timeless appeal for any space or application.

Bring the outdoors into your interior and harmonize with all that is nature.

All 18 GREENGUARD® Certified colors are now in-stock and available for immediate shipment. Please contact your local sales representative to learn more about this exquisite collection and to request samples or visit the website.

About Garrett Leather

For more than 30 years, interior designers, upholsterers, and manufacturers have used Garrett Leather products for private and corporate aircraft; corporate, hospitality, and residential interiors; luxury motor coaches, high-end cars, and private yachts. They are a privately-owned company dedicated to building relationships and earning their customers' loyalty by providing the highest quality leather and a superior customer experience.

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The idea always comes first. This brings excitement, planning, and construction. So much time is spent thinking about the design, employing the right architects, and sourcing the materials. The last on the list is usually the artwork. This is due to many factors, deadlines and budgets, but often, the client has their own art in mind and is determined to use it. This is tricky to navigate; however, it can often undermine the whole project when the painting or artwork is overlooked.

It's such a shame that great projects end up with artwork that does not fit in or gets ignored. It is an awareness of art that can create and bring so much value to a project. Art can rescue some designs from the plain and boring to the 'Wow'. Art can also be introduced to a reasonably mediocre project with limited funding to uplift and create a more lavishing, memorable experience. Many people choose to stay in hotels and are attracted to apartments only for the art.

The power of art

When I lived in Monte Carlo I frequently had meetings in a hotel part of a contemporary chain that had decided to revamp its old dated style. The new theme was very modern and would have appeared angular and static if they had not brought in real art made by real artists. The art rotated every 12 months. They employed a curator to seek the most exciting and diverse local artists. It was always something new to look at for regular customers and added more culture and diversity to the community. The artist's private views quickly became something to look forward to. The openings provided a source of new contacts ranging from artists, clients, and interior designers. It offered a buzz in the reception area, and the international hotel guests benefited from seeing new and different art. It's also inspiring for the staff that work day in and day out at the hotel, creating a conversation.

Art can attract and complement a design. It can also detract from and destroy a project. For example, a sleek, contemporary hotel built next to a beach may be the perfect opportunity to use paintings of seascapes. Without much thought except to save time, a designer will contact a gallery or art agents for 'seascape' images, but often, they end up with acyclic on canvas or, worse still, prints in frames that don't fit properly or are too heavy or light for the image. Apart from the sea connection, the artwork is dull and lacks energy and ownership. People sit in amongst art; it's usually the first thing a guest will see in the hotel reception, and this engagement is so critical. Art helps to start a conversation, often breaking the ice with strangers. The first impression is lasting, and it sets the tone and dialogue. Good idea to get the art right.

Working with an artist

One of the ways to guarantee success is if an interior designer works with a local artist who perhaps knows the area and has original oil paintings or watercolours and sketches of the beach at different times of the year. They understand the weather in the area and the unique colours of the sea, sky and sand. This brings a story to the picture and an artist who has a connection with the local community.

It may save time working with a gallery or agent with a stock full of images, but these organisations charge. Artists will never expect service fees. Inviting an artist and their work into the design encourages a conversation, builds new contacts, and there is always a continuation to the story. It costs nothing to reach out to an artist, and although their artwork may be more expensive, or not it brings a richer experience, ensuring longevity and sustaining reputation.

Working with artists brings opportunities and events to a project that perhaps had not been thought about. An opening evening or private view always attracts people and is the perfect excuse to invite the press and other critics who will publicise the opening for free.

The worthy outcome

I was invited to a new apartment opening again in Monaco; although it was a stunning penthouse that I could not afford, I was intrigued, and when I arrived, there were half a dozen agents and staff handing out glasses of champagne. The spacious apartment needed little explaining with beautiful views overlooking the Mediterranean, but it felt empty and devoid of the human touch. It lacked the warm atmosphere of a family home and cosy comforts. I think the agents recognised this and worked with an interior designer bringing in some fantastic oil paintings from a local artist. This not only generated even more interest but was packed every day for a whole week with viewings. The lucky people that bought the apartment were probably thrilled that it was an art gallery for a week. I believe it sold effortlessly and for more than the asking price.

A good design is alive from conception and well into the future; art helps nurture and keep a project fresh and growing. As the artists develop, so does the oeuvre of work. An artist's work becomes their identity; it carries a story.

I now live in the English countryside and love my local pubs, one of which has been refurbished and completely gutted. It has a rural feel with lots of exposed beams, wooden floors perfect for the dogs and quirky ornaments made from recycled bottles and reclaimed bits and pieces. Art is dotted around on the walls, each describing the artist, where they work and live. This is a fun and organic way to bring new customers; it adds value to the experience and brings a sense of community.

Art rarely gets boring, and it brings different societies together, from elusive capitalists to bearded hippies, political to radical and has no religious boundaries. It's a free spirit that can bring warmth to lost spaces, lonely rooms and blank walls.

About Kay Hare

Kay Hare creates oil paintings on linen with 10c natural gemstone diamonds and 10k gold leaf paintings. The bright artworks are commission-based and bring life and character into the interiors.

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Tableware plays ‘dress up’ in a limited-edition luxury capsule collection created for children by Von Gern Home and Dragons of Walton Street.

Dragons of Walton Street has been creating lifetime childhood memories for over 40 years. One person who can attest to this is Kira Faiman – Director of Von Gern Home – they have had an ongoing relationship with Kira since they created a magical space for Kira’s own child. Kira and Dragons of Walton Street have long since shared a friendship and the philosophy that every day should be an occasion. This is a philosophy that underpins Kira’s New York based tableware company and one which we agree should also extend to children. This is the genesis of the magical tableware collaboration between Von Gern Home and Dragons of Walton Street.

The placemats are available in five colourways, each with bespoke proprietary artworks by Dragons of Walton Streets’ world-famous artists. The adorable themes include: Vintage Safari, Designer Bunnies, Classic Transport, Sweet Serengeti and Monaco Grand Prix.

The aim with the collection is to celebrate a key aspect of childhood: sit-down meals! The collection offers your client’s children an elevated ‘junior fine dining’ experience in the comfort of their own homes.

Juniors more and more often are being introduced to an ever-widening array of foods through campaigns like ‘Culinary Kids’ which encourages parents to think twice about the food offered to their children via restaurants etc. Finding new and exciting ways to engage children with what is on their plates is now a well-supported concept with parents and the food industry. In the UK national campaign to teach children to cook at least 5 healthy meals before they leave home was launched in Bristol recently. There has never been a better time for the junior foodie to engage fully with the pleasure of great food and everyday dining experiences.

Being double-sided, the placemats offer young children creative input through dynamic versatility, enhancement of choice and creating an opportunity to stimulate conversation. The unified theme of each mat presents further impetus for cohesive storytelling. Both the placemats and the tissue boxes are made of robust and hygienic faux leather specifically for the sticky fingers!

About Dragons of Walton Street

Dragons has been hand painting children’s furniture for over 40 years since our founder Rosie Fisher opened her doors on Walton Street in the heart of Knightsbridge, London in 1979. Now located at 150 Walton Street in the heart of Chelsea, London, our luxury children's furniture continues to be predominantly built by British master carpenters and lovingly hand painted at our Studio in West Sussex.

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The design team from award-winning kitchen studio, The Myers Touch, is delighted to announce the latest trends shaping their luxury, timeless and beautiful kitchen-living spaces.

Renowned for creating truly bespoke kitchen spaces that offer far more than just cabinetry and appliance options, The Myers Touch creates designs that stem from a deep understanding of their clients, their brief and how they want to interact as a family within the space around them. By applying their unique, holistic approach with the latest trends for each bespoke kitchen commission, The Myers Touch design truly personal kitchen-living spaces for clients that bring ‘light, space & laughter’ into the heart of the home.

International Influences

"Clean, simple and stylish Scandi-vibe cabinetry aesthetics are increasingly popular among clients. We can create a touch of Hygge in a home through the contrasting and layering of natural materials such as walnut and oak, that look stunning matched with white tones in a kitchen space" Jaye Tidbury, Designer at The Myers Touch.

Futureproofing Kitchen Spaces

By using natural materials and timeless colour palettes in kitchen schemes, allows a room to span current and future interior trends. To ensure it remains both a practical and social space, consider accessible and flexible storage solutions in a kitchen to bring a sense of wellbeing into homeowners’ daily routines.

Hidden Workspaces

Even as many homeowners are returning to the office, The Myers Touch report the increase for a dedicated desk space within their kitchen designs. Including a desk space behind a pocket door system provides the opportunity to include a ‘hideaway’ desk area complete with storage cabinetry boosts family ‘inclusiveness and togetherness’ in one multi-functional room.

Boot & Utility Rooms

The separation of tasks and the definition of spaces to keep homes uncluttered and clean has never been so important in the home in our post-pandemic lifestyles. A common brief from their clients is the inclusion of a walk-in Pantry, Boot Room, Utility or Laundry room to create definition and functionality within an open-plan design so spaces don’t become one large area.

“The Boot room is a space where we can cast off our muddy boots, damp coats and sports gear before entering the rest of our home. It is a perfect room for pet owners and can be as simple as providing a place for a dog bed and coat rack, or as grand as an ordered storage facility for outdoor garments and equipment of all shapes and sizes.

A Boot Room should be warm with effective heating solutions, to quickly dry off damp coats and shoes with good ventilation. We always include a bench seat so you can sit down and cast-off wet trainers and sports boots, as well as plenty of hooks for keys, belts, dog leads, coats and handbags. For pets, we can also add extra storage for pet baskets, food, water bowls and even a small pet shower or sink.” Helena Myers - Director at The Myers Touch.

Statement Splashbacks

"There is also a wider range of materials available for splashbacks against ovens and sinks such as stone, glass, antique mirrors and other composite materials that are all practical options providing a durable surface for a wet, heavy usage area, whilst being an eye-catching design statement." Sophie Mason, Design Manager - The Myers Touch.

A Place for Favourite Items

Customers are also requesting bespoke cabinetry solutions for their favourite appliances which they use every day. For example, The Myers Touch recently designed a pocket door system to house a client’s beloved Thermomix as it was used frequently but needed to be tidied away and kept out of view.

Their designer created a pocket door system next to the main preparation and cooking zone which also had space for a toaster and fruit and vegetable basket so food could be stored and easily used in the appliance. The inclusion of stainless-steel shelves meant that the Thermomix could be used in-situ and without any steam damage before being closed away after use.

Their design team also love to be creative when a client wants to display special items in their kitchen space. For example, they recently created glass display units that were situated high into a ceiling that could be accessed via a functional ladder rail.

"Adding a dresser unit or a feature display cabinet in a kitchen-living space provides a softer and contrasting look in a room and also acts as a transitional point between the kitchen and dining space." - Keith Myers, Director at The Myers Touch.

Eco-Appliances

As energy bills increase, clients are looking for ways of reducing those costs in their homes. The Myers Touch team are increasingly advising their customers to consider the most eco-efficient solutions for their family to help minimise water and energy consumption.

Image credits: Paul Craig.

About The Myers Touch

The Myers Touch specialises in the holistic design of luxury kitchens in the Winchester area, creating truly bespoke living spaces that offer far more than conventional cooking environments. Established in 2003 and based in Winchester, they enjoy long-standing partnerships with the iconic German manufacturer SieMatic and other leading brands including Gaggenau, Wolf, Sub-Zero, Miele and Siemens.

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Exclusive supplier of Corian® Solid Surface in the UK and Ireland, CDUK, has launched the new Corian® colour range. The collection adds eight new colours to the existing range. Designed to integrate high-level beauty into the existing Corian® collection, the new collection features natural, muted tones, with new textures to give a contemporary look and feel.

Artista Dust

The range

Carrara, inspired by marble stone with prominent veining, gives a simultaneous modern and classic effect, and the four Artista colours, combine smooth effect, intricate vein patterns and neutral tones to produce a contemporary finish. Sparkling Granita contains translucent and sparkling particles to create an effervescent effect in the white surface and the swirling movement of Sand Storm creates a beautiful depth to the colour and completes the new colour range. Inspired by nature, the new Corian® colours take the range in a new direction. Combining high performance and high-level beauty, the collection is ideal for architects and designers seeking to enhance their designs.

The new colours of Corian® embrace different design styles, as well as applications; effortless and functional in the home while durable and dynamic in commercial settings.

Artista Gray

Material characteristics

At a time when hygiene is critical, Corian® offers designers and architects a hygienic solution to create beautiful designs. The non-porous, durable, and easy to clean composition of Corian® Solid Surface makes it ideal for surfaces and spaces in high-intensity touch zones. These qualities make Corian® particularly applicable in healthcare settings, hospitality, public and office spaces, and high-end residential settings. Designers can focus on creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind environments, knowing that the properties of Corian® Solid Surface allow Corian® to perform beyond expectations.

Corian® Solid Surface can be joined seamlessly to give a continuous flow and allow large designs to be fashioned from a single element. The resulting seamless finish ensures there are no crevices to trap dirt and bacteria.

Sand Storm

CDUK help in finding design solutions

Having built a strong reputation as the sole distributor of Corian® Solid Surface in the UK and Ireland, CDUK has the expertise and knowledge to help support specifier and fabricator customers. CDUK can advise on design-led solutions using the material and provide expert training to designers and fabricators to ensure customers’ design ambitions are brought to life.

Andy Noble, Divisional Managing Director, CDUK, commented: “We are delighted to bring the new Corian® colour range to the UK and Ireland markets and are excited to work with leading designers and fabricators to deliver imaginative solutions using the new range. Our experience of working Corian® Solid Surface is unmatched, and our design-led approach to collaborating with our partners means that we can help our customers achieve the most beautiful, high-quality designs.”

Diversity of application

Additionally, CDUK provides complementary products to integrate seamlessly with Corian® surfaces, delivering solutions for designers.

Thanks to its versatile applications, Corian® can be used to produce striking designs – wall claddings, shower trays, vanity tops and bowls, countertops and work surfaces – and can be thermoformed, engraved, and backlit, offering designers the opportunity to experiment with luminosity and form. Intricate designs can be embossed and engraved into Corian® Solid Surface using CNC machining technology, as well as molded to create raised textures and patterns on its surface.

CDUK’s partnership with Applelec, also provides best practice techniques to backlight the translucent Corian® colours range, enabling designers to highlight Corian® surfaces to their best standard.

To ensure easy installation, Corian® Solid Surface is available in various thicknesses and can be fabricated with conventional woodworking tools into virtually any design.

A selection of Corian® colours are produced with recycled content (up to 20%), including the new Artista collection, which contains 6% pre-consumer recycled content.

About CDUK

CDUK is a supplier of surface materials and complementary products to the specification market in the UK and Ireland, including architects, interiors designers, kitchen designers, fabricators and contractors. Having built a strong reputation as the exclusive distributor of Corian® Solid Surface in the UK and Ireland, CDUK now offers an extended range of services as well as products from a number of leading brands. We are a family owned business with over 40 years’ experience. We support our customers through a journey, as their design partner, from sourcing the best products and materials to helping them unlock their full potential through expert advice and technical knowledge. Our team of industry experts also provides technical advice, sampling and bespoke training courses for designers, manufacturers and fabricators.

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This May, Graham & Brown brings art into the home with the launch of its exclusive TATE collection, in the form of 32 fully customisable wall murals. These showcase some beautiful works of art by artists, including J. M. W. Turner, Claude Monet, Ethel Walker, Jessica Dismorr and Vincent Van Gogh.

Pasmore - Spiral Motif. A pioneer in British abstract art throughout the 1940s and 50s, Pasmore’s Spiral Motif in Green, Violet, Blue and Gold.
Monet - Poplars on the Epte. Part of a series of paintings completed in 1891, his impressionist style captures the trees’ leaves with strong directional brushstrokes.

Rosey Blackmore, Licensing and Merchandise Director at TATE:

“We are thrilled to be working with Graham & Brown on a collection of murals which gives people the chance to live with the art they love. Our mission at Tate is all about encouraging the enjoyment of art- and we believe that these products will truly do that.”

Kandinsky - Swinging. Kandinsky rejected realism in his abstract pieces, believing instead that art should mimic music and avoid all references of the material world.
Turner - Chichester Canal. This tranquil oil painting depicts the beauty of Chichester canal in rich ochres and subtle blues, and captures the reflections casted by the setting sun.

Alan Kemp, Head of Brand at Graham & Brown:

“We [Graham & Brown] are privileged to have had the opportunity to browse the TATE collection and choose some exquisite works of art to create some of the most stunning custom murals available. It has been a truly exhilarating project to work on. As TATE has a vast archive containing some of the most iconic pieces of art in the world, we had some tough decisions to make, but we are thrilled to be able to bring these great pieces into the home. Why frame your favourite painting when you can have a wall full of it, or your very own ceiling mural? Your favourite piece of art your way, is only limited by your imagination.”

Turner - Lucerne. This piece is one of many studies of the Swiss lake which the artist visited during his extensive travels around Europe.
Gilbert - Blackmore Vale. Gilbert captures the lush greenery of the Blackmore Vale of Dorset in this oil painting.

This exclusive range of murals includes works from Dutch pioneer of abstract art, Piet Mondrian, who developed from early landscape pictures to geometric abstract works such as Composition with Yellow, Blue & Red (1935). Contrastingly, Victor Pasmore's Spiral Motif in Green, Violet, Blue and Gold: The Coast of the Indian Sea (1950), presents a harmony of colourful curvilinear forms, a striking piece, perfect for creating a focal point in any room.

Turner Gateway to the Flower. This intricately detailed etching depicts the elaborate gateway into the flower gardens of Farnley Hall in Yorkshire.
Whistler - Nocturne. Adorned with Whistlers characteristic butterfly signature, Nocturne: Blue and Silver - Chelsea depicts the River Thames at dusk.

British artist, Jessica Dismorr's, Abstract Composition (1915) features a series of pastel-coloured geometric forms, reminiscent of architectural components, overlapping on a black ground. A dark yellow triangular prism with a curved side provides a vertical focus and splits the composition in two. Another mural featuring Dismorr's works is Related Forms (1937), an abstract nature of works comprising of cooling blue hues.

Osborn - Beach at Dusk. With a muted colour palette of blues and browns, Beach at Dusk, St Ives Harbour showcases the tranquil scenery at twilight.
Crane - The Renaissance of Venus. Inspired by Botticelli’s famous Birth of Venus and painted during his honeymoon, Crane depicts the emergence of the Roman goddess of love.

Fully customisable to meet customers' specifications and dimensions, Graham & Brown's online easy-to-use, made-to-measure tool allows customers to personalise each of Graham & Brown's unique mural designs to their walls, making them easy to hang with minimal waste.

The range of Graham & Brown paper substrates allow the mural to be personalised even further. Handpicked by Graham & Brown studio, the selection of premium paper finishes each offer a key feature or benefit. From 'Premium Fabric Effect' , a woven textured finish perfect for masking existing wall imperfections, to 'Mica Fibrous' a luxurious lustre which shimmers in the light, you can choose a finish which is guaranteed to suit your personal style. The mural production is powered by renewable energy, it uses water-based inks and all papers come from sustainable sources.

Duncan - Bathing. With each figure appearing to represent the various stages of movement of one lone figure, this piece is full of motion and life.
Buhler - Carlyle Square. This rich green oil painting depicts the gardens of Carlyle Square, Chelsea.

Cover image: Sleter - A Representation of the Liberal Arts. Designed for the ceiling of the State Dining Room of Grimsthorpe Castle, this early 18th century oil painting created the illusion of a golden, coved ceiling which spills into the godly world. It features Minerva, goddess of wisdom and the arts, and Mercury, identified with reason and learning.

About Graham & Brown

For over seventy-five years, Graham & Brown has inspired people to think people differently about their walls through continuous innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship. Graham & Brown has created an extensive archive of over 30,000 pieces, comprising of in-house designs and historic works, some dating back over two hundred years. Each day this archive grows as the Graham & Brown design team create artwork in Blackburn, Holland, and France.
The UK's leading wallpaper manufacturer, Graham & Brown has expanded its collection to include paint, murals, wall art and soft furnishings. The brand leads the way in technology and innovation with an augmented reality app that enables users to visualise pattern and colour on a wall.

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