In the evolving language of refined interiors, health and aesthetics are no longer separate considerations – they must converge. Recent reports have revealed a sobering truth: our drinking water is not always as pure as it appears. Invisible contaminants, from harmful bacteria and microplastics to PFAS (so-called forever chemicals), are increasingly present in everyday water supplies. This growing awareness places filtration firmly at the forefront of contemporary design thinking; as clients look to their homes for both beauty and peace of mind, designers are trusted to curate solutions that safeguard wellbeing while honouring the design brief. Zip Water demonstrates how advanced filtration can be woven seamlessly into the home, where health-positive function is delivered with the same grace and intention as the surrounding interior.
PFAS are man-made chemicals that resist breaking down in both the environment and the human body. Their resilience is precisely what has earned them the name “forever chemicals”. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health risks, and troublingly, they have been recorded in more than a third of water courses in England and Wales. Even bottled water is not immune, with studies confirming the presence of these same contaminants.
So, what can be done to protect our homes and drinking water? The solution lies in advanced, high-performance filtration. The Zip HydroTap uses 0.2 micron MicroPurity filtration, incorporating triple-action technology certified to reduce the eight most common contaminants found in drinking water – including up to 99.4% of total PFAS. It’s filtration that performs as beautifully as it purifies.
As wellness becomes a defining pillar of design, integrating advanced drinking water systems is no longer an afterthought – it is an essential design statement. The HydroTap pairs world-class filtration with aesthetic refinement, offering seven distinctive models and finishes designed to complement any interior scheme.
Picture a wellness-focused home: a brushed-gold HydroTap integrated effortlessly into a contemporary kitchen island, or a sleek all-in-one model taking pride of place over a sink. These taps are not designed to disappear into the background. Instead, they invite touch, encourage ritual, and enhance the daily experience of gathering, preparing, and sharing. They embody a space’s true intent: to enrich, uplift, and bring people together.
Today’s interiors are multi-dimensional: welcoming, efficient, beautiful, and health-conscious. By integrating filtration into design, specifiers and homeowners alike can ensure their spaces don’t just look beautiful – they act beautifully too.
Zip Water’s HydroTap Arc and Cube Plus offer instant access to boiling, chilled, and sparkling filtered water throughout the home. A font drip tray unlocks new possibilities for placement – from the kitchen to home bar, HydroTap expands the boundaries of functional elegance, delivering both peace of mind and performance without compromise.
Bringing filtration into interior settings is more than a matter of health; it is a design decision that shapes how we live. By weaving technology and wellness into the fabric of a space, filtration becomes a narrative thread in purpose-led design, an invisible safeguard expressed through visible beauty.
Discover how the Zip HydroTap can redefine hydration, or connect with our specialist team for expert guidance on the perfect solution.
About Zip Water
Experience water at its best with the ultimate in luxury home appliances. Zip Water are manufacturers of the iconic Zip HydroTap - a revolutionary drinking water appliance offering the very best in filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water; designed to upgrade your lifestyle. A health-boosting, time-saving, space-saving and planet-saving marvel, the HydroTap transforms ordinary tap water into something extraordinary.
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This autumn, sofa.com is making a bold statement, launching their largest and most luxurious sofa to date. With its adaptable modular configuration, Sloane is ideal for openplan living and for clients seeking flexibility without compromising on style.
Featuring generous proportions, a low-slung silhouette and a distinctive angled corner module, Sloane presents a sculptural alternative to the traditional L-shape. The innovative angled module maximises seating potential while transforming the corner into an inviting, design-led focal point. This unique configuration supports fluid, sociable layouts – perfect for zoning larger living spaces.
Inspired by the ‘Pure’ trend – rooted in minimalism, tactility and longevity – Sloane’s design is grounded in both aesthetics and functionality. It rests on a solid oak plinth, balancing its substantial scale with visual lightness. Comfort is equally considered: a Quallofill fibre and shredded foam blend provides resilience, shape retention and a sink-in feel suited to everyday lounging.
Available in over 100 upholstery options – including high-performance Aquaclean fabrics, leathers and natural fibres – Sloane offers both customisability and long-lasting durability for the modern home.
The Ciel console table reimagines a classic form through the lens of organic modernism. Upholstered entirely in fabric and topped with solid oak in a walnut finish, it offers a tactile experience and a safety-conscious design for family homes.
With soft, continuous curves and rounded edges, Ciel eliminates sharp corners, making it ideal for homes with young children without compromising on style. With its soft form, Ciel adds visual interest and sculptural presence to any space. Measuring just 44cm deep, it's perfect for compact layouts, whether used as a console or a slimline writing desk. Designers can choose from sofa.com’s full upholstery library or apply COM (Customer’s Own Material) for a truly bespoke finish.
Whether used as a standalone statement or integrated into a cohesive scheme, Ciel balances function, form and safety with design-forward appeal.
About Sofa.com
Passionate about outstanding interiors, sofa.com offers a diverse and design led collection of made-to-order sofas, armchairs, beds, footstools and home accessories. With an extensive range of styles and over 100 fabrics to choose from, as well as the option to upholster in your own fabric, the customisable nature of sofa.com’s products make each piece easily adaptable to any interior style – perfect for interior designers and specifiers looking for stand-out pieces for upcoming projects.
For Technogym, design has always been part of wellness. From over 40 years, every piece has been imagined not only as equipment but as something that belongs naturally in the most beautiful spaces, homes, hotels, and yachts. Today, as more people look for interiors that reflect both lifestyle and wellbeing, Technogym introduces new collections created to blend seamlessly into daily life.
Sandstone is Technogym’s new design identity, born from the textures and colours of the Mediterranean. It’s warm, tactile tones evoke calm and connection, designed to sit alongside natural materials like wood and stone. Details such as mica-infused surfaces, titanium accents and vegan leather finishes add depth and durability, while recycled components and FSC-certified wood reflect a conscious approach to design. Sandstone is more than a finish, it creates wellness spaces that feel timeless, harmonious, and close to nature.
The Artis Luxury collection takes performance and pairs it with style. A complete ecosystem of cardio, strength and digital equipment, it has been designed to integrate seamlessly into refined interiors. Technology is present, but discreet, hidden behind natural finishes and clean lines. For architects and designers, Artis Luxury offers a way to create spaces where innovation is felt through the experience, not just the look.
Even the smallest accessories reflect this vision. The Personal Tools Luxury Kit from dumbbells and kettlebells to sculptural racks is crafted with the same attention to detail as furniture. FSC-certified wood, vegan leather and recycled elements make each piece tactile, beautiful and sustainable. These are not tools to hide away, but objects to live with combining performance with presence.
Sandstone, Artis Luxury and the Personal Tools Kit all speak to one idea: wellness and design belong together. With natural materials, sustainable choices and timeless style, Technogym continues to create spaces that inspire where training becomes part of how we live well, beautifully.
About Technogym
Technogym's globally renowned products are perfect for both home and commercial gyms. They strive to create gym equipment and accessories that are not only professional and sleek but also adapt easily to every surrounding space. For more than 40 years Technogym have been helping people live healthier and happier lives with a range of products that are exceptional in both function and aesthetics. With modular collections, they offer the ultimate wellness experience anytime, anywhere, at home, in the gym, in the office, or in a hotel.
Premium appliance manufacturer, Miele has introduced four built-to-order models to its VitroLine cooking range in its popular Pearl Beige finish. The new appliances pair Miele’s renowned performance with a soft, contemporary aesthetic designed to bring warmth and elegance to the modern kitchen.
Previously exclusive to Miele’s sleek, handleless ArtLine range, the four new additions mean that the elegant Pearl Beige colourway is now also available in Miele’s more traditional VitroLine cooking range. Compared to ArtLine, VitroLine models feature handles that match the appliance colour for a classic yet contemporary look.
The four new models are Miele’s H7440 BM 45cm Microwave Combi Oven (RRP £2,869), Miele’s H7464 BP 60cm Oven (RRP £2,829), Miele’s DGC7440 HC Pro 45cm Steam Combi Oven (RRP £3,149) and Miele’s DGC7460 HC Pro 60cm Steam Combi Oven (RRP £4,599). Combining a nuanced blend of grey and beige with metallic rear printing on white glass, the Pearl Beige appliances feature a glossy surface with a subtle glittering effect. This unique finish integrates seamlessly with both lighter and darker kitchen interiors, offering versatility and timeless appeal.
With the new additions, homeowners can now benefit from a fully coordinated kitchen suite alongside existing Pearl Beige products, such as built-in coffee machines, warming drawers, wine conditioning units and cooker hoods. This expansion also responds to the growing demand ahead of 2026 for warm, natural tones in kitchen design that evoke a ‘cocooning’ aesthetic - a style that creates inviting, calming spaces with subtle sophistication. Pearl Beige also complements both light and dark natural materials, making it a perfect fit for the ongoing trend of integrating nature-inspired elements such as wood into home interiors.
Tom Hopper, Category Manager for Kitchens at Miele GB, commented: "Building on the success of Pearl Beige in our ArtLine series, bringing this sought-after colourway to our VitroLine range allows us to offer customers a beautifully understated alternative for traditional kitchen styling. The warm, natural tone and distinctive glass finish add elegance and depth to any space, while the range’s expanded functionality meets the needs of today’s discerning home cooks."
About Miele
All Miele appliances are designed to enjoy a long lifespan, have a strong focus on sustainability through efficiency and innovative features, and further enrich your kitchen with timeless looks.
Dark kitchens have moved beyond trend status to become a confident, enduring choice. In spaces where form and function must work in tandem, deeper palettes provide a refined backdrop for daily life; practical, hard-wearing and quietly dramatic.
Discover how Roundhouse are delivering dark kitchens, the bold new sign of true luxury.
Black kitchens offer clarity and composure. Deep tones simplify the visual field, letting proportion, shadow and material take the lead. They frame veining in stone, make metals read as intentional highlights, and sit comfortably in both period and contemporary settings. With layered lighting and tactile finishes, black feels less “statement” and more a quietly confident backdrop to daily life.
In the Lipman project, that approach is distilled into a calm, material-led scheme cabinetry in matt black is paired with black-stained, rough-sawn oak, honed Antique Nero granite, and walnut-lined interiors, with a concealed larder keeping elevations composed. Roundhouse’s kitchen bridged the original home and its zinc-clad extension and was named Livingetc’s “Best Kitchen Design” for 2025.
From deep graphite to soft charcoal, dark grey provides a versatile foundation for luxury kitchen schemes. It pairs elegantly with pale worktops for layered tonality and takes on a jewellery-like quality when set against metallic accents. For clients who prefer a softer contrast, pastels and natural neutrals introduce warmth without diluting the overall depth.
In the Stephens project, Classic doors hand-painted in Farrow & Ball “Hopper Head” are balanced with fluted-glass wall cabinets and walnut-veneered interiors—an inviting composition that reads both tailored and welcoming.
Emerald, verdant and racing-green tones bring a natural depth that flatters texture and metalwork. A matt-lacquered kitchen in an earthy near-black green, paired with burnished copper and a monochrome worktop, creates a crisp silhouette with strong architectural lines. Crucially, dark green proves as effective in traditional settings as it is in contemporary ones, its inherent warmth works hard alongside timber, stone and patinated finishes.
The Cheung project demonstrates how deep green elevates classic detailing, with proportion and joinery doing as much of the talking as colour. For clients seeking a more accessible route, the Roundhouse Studio Collection includes a Forest Green shade, offering similar impact.
Deep navy, royal and midnight blues are a sophisticated alternative to black or charcoal, often chosen to encourage a composed, restful atmosphere, useful in family kitchens and open-plan spaces. Blues also excel at framing warm metals and softly reflective surfaces.
In the Fawnbrake kitchen, Hague Blue matt-lacquer cabinetry is offset with antique-copper splashbacks and shelving. The result is serene yet characterful, demonstrating how considered material contrast lends depth without visual noise.
If colour-blocked doors aren’t the brief, dark-stained veneers provide an equally striking route while showcasing grain, texture and craftsmanship. The tonal variance and tactility of timber add warmth and longevity to darker schemes, particularly when book-matching or end-grain details are used to express making.
The Brooks project with its dark-stained, book-matched veneer, delivers a calm, cohesive space that feels robust and welcoming. Proof that a dark palette can be family-friendly as well as refined.
Dark kitchens succeed when they are personal: tuned to the architecture, the client’s routine and the material language of the home. With thoughtful specification and well-resolved detailing, a darker palette offers longevity, performance and a quietly luxurious presence. Design that works beautifully, day after day.
About Roundhouse Design Ltd
Founded by architects, Roundhouse is a multi-award-winning British company, creating beautiful bespoke kitchens and furniture. Their stunning kitchen designs feature a signature understated aesthetic, influenced by contemporary and traditional design, using innovative materials, texture and colour. Each project is made to measure from a wide range of stunning finishes. Expertly crafted by skilled designers and makers in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Malvern, Worcestershire. Visit any of seven Roundhouse Design kitchen showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford & Cheltenham.
High-calibre presentations and layouts of your interior designs are crucial to winning projects. In a competitive industry, how you communicate your vision can make all the difference when pitching to clients, assembling a portfolio, and collaborating.
In this article, you’ll learn about five features in Vectorworks Architect that improve the quality of your interior design presentation layouts. Vectorworks Architect has all the tools you need within a single design software — there’s no back and forth needed between design software like SketchUp and AutoCAD to other programs like Photoshop, InDesign, etc.
Guides in Vectorworks Architect offer your layouts structure by helping align drawings and text elements for structure and consistency.
Guides allow you to create custom underlay grid types such as baseline, column, modular, manuscript, and composition grids help maintain alignment of your images, text, and technical drawings. These formatting elements ultimately polish up your presentation layouts and guide a client’s attention for better readability.
Importantly, your Guides can also be saved as a part of a template for future presentations, saving time and standardizing the quality of your presentation layouts.
Title blocks in Vectorworks are vital elements placed on sheet layers to automatically display important project details like the project name, drawing title, sheet number, revision history, and company branding.
Use the Title Block Border tool to place a title block on a sheet layer, choosing from pre-made styles or creating a custom design.
Beyond automation, title blocks enhance the professionalism of your presentation and reinforce your brand identity for clients.
Editing images in your layout presentations with the Edit Crop command is another great way to highlight the important elements of your interior designs.
With this feature, you can remove unwanted portions from images, focus attention on specific areas, and prepare your images for more polished presentations.
Within the Edit Crop mode, you’re able to use any closed 2D object to define the crop area — whether it be a rectangle, circle, or polyline.
Image Effects can boost your presentations, as well, helping your design images have greater depth and visual interest without having to leave Vectorworks Architect.
A black and white filter, for example, can create an emotional impact with a dramatic contrast between light and shadow.
Click here to watch a video that dives further into Image Effects.
Lastly, you should consider the use of colour in your presentation layouts. Vectorworks Architect supports CMYK, RGB, HSV, HEX, Pantone, and paint manufacturer colour options — helping you create cohesive color palettes and visual harmony. These colours can be customized to fit any branding, office standard, or personal preference.
There’s also a direct integration with NCS Colour, a Gold Partner in the Vectorworks Partner Network, at your disposal.
NCS+ Pro subscription simplifies your colour selection processes by allowing you to select, find, and fine-tune the selected colour directly in your Vectorworks design environment. You can explore over 2000 colours in the NCS colour library and easily adjust the hue or the nuance of the colour to find the perfect colour for your presentation layouts.
About Vectorworks
Exceptional design demands exceptional tools - a platform built to deliver absolute creative expression and maximum efficiency. Vectorworks believe your design software should offer the freedom to follow your imagination wherever it may lead you, to seamlessly share your vision at any phase, and to easily interpret the information needed to make the smartest decisions every time.
RAK Ceramics has extended the design possibilities of its Concrete Collection of wall and floor tiles even further following the launch of Opificio, an intriguing new range that will inject industrial-style luxe into any setting.
A minimalist masterpiece inspired by the organic beauty of traditional, industrial workplaces where raw materials are transformed into high performing products, the Opificio tile range is effortlessly elegant and stunning in its simplicity.
Incredibly versatile, Opificio can elevate any interior with its timeless charm and has been expertly manufactured to provide designers with a stylish surface solution that will excel in domestic as well as many commercial environments.
Featuring a tactile, textured matt finish, Opificio benefits from an R10 slip rating, with rectified edges for precision laying and a seamless aesthetic. Available in a diverse palette that extends its visual appeal, porcelain Opificio tiles come in White, Light Grey and Beige, as well as a dark and dramatic Grey, which can create contrast when paired with lighter colours and materials.
Easy to clean and maintain, 9mm thick Opificio tiles are infinitely durable, can be used on walls as well as floors and come in sizes of: 30 x 60cm, 60 x 60cm, 60 x 120cm and 120 x 120cm. Ideal for designers looking to create a visual link between different spaces, including interiors and exteriors, these tiles are also available as an 80 x 80cm outdoor version measuring 20mm thick.
Also part of the new Opificio collection are white body ceramic wall tiles, which can be specified in two modern neutral finishes of Ivory and Light Grey. They come in a 30 x 60cm format, measuring 8.5mm thick, and have a chic and sophisticated matt finish that makes them perfect for bathroom and kitchen walls as well as a diverse selection of commercial settings.
About RAK Ceramics Ltd
RAK Ceramics products feature in some of the most iconic buildings in the world. Known for a wide product range and the ability to produce bespoke solutions for both small and large scale projects, RAK Ceramics enable clients to bring their ideas to life. They respect, inspire, improve and deliver; today, tomorrow, no matter the ambition, no matter the challenge, RAK Ceramics take care of all the details, so you don’t have to. Their passion and expertise combined with a careful attention to detail means they can provide you with a range of integrated ceramics solutions, allowing you freedom to be creative and plenty of room for imagination.
Jonathan Clark, Creative Director at Shelved, has given his insights into the industry.
Shelved specialises in modular storage and shelving solutions that blend style and function for modern interiors.
Shelved was launched in May 2021 as a direct-to-consumer extension of Rack Systems Ltd, a long-established British manufacturer of commercial furniture components. Based in rural North Yorkshire, Shelved was founded on the vision to bring high quality, modular furniture directly into people’s homes—with over 30 years of manufacturing expertise behind it.
The concept began as a commercial, adaptable shelving system. Realising its potential in residential spaces, Creative Director, Jonathan Clark, reimagined it for the home, building the brand and product range and including nuances to suit this market. Behind the scenes the team developed the product, ensuring specification and assembly were made as simple as possible, via our online product configurator and by adding a patent pending “click together” assembly system for ease and longevity.
Modularity & Customisation: Built around a 40 × 40 cm grid, the Shelved system empowers designers and clients to create storage or display solutions that fit their space and functional needs.
Configurator Plus AR Tools: The intuitive 3D product configurator allows you to create, customise, and visualise designs in real time. Even better, the augmented reality (AR) feature lets you see the design in situ before ordering.
High-Quality, Made in Britain: All furniture is designed and manufactured in Shelved’s North Yorkshire factory. The steel framework, panels, all components—and even packaging—are UK-made and delivered directly, offering both quality and value.
Sustainability & Longevity: With durable steel, recyclable materials, and a re-configurable nature, products are built to adapt, not to be thrown away, fully aligning with sustainable design principles.
Shelved occupies a unique modular, made‑in‑Britain furniture niche, blending industrial robustness with interior design flexibility. Its modular system isn’t just functional; it evolves with the user’s lifestyle and aesthetic, offering long-term value, customisation, and reduced waste. This stands in contrast to typical flat-pack furniture, which is often disposable and hard to adapt.
Being accredited by Made in Britain reinforces Shelved’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical manufacturing standards.
Free Design Service: Shelved offers a complimentary one-to-one design consultation. Designers can share client needs in the form of dimensions, style, function—and the Shelved team delivers thoughtful proposals and works through revisions as needed.
Trade pricing: We recognise the valuable contribution and benefit of working with interior design professionals, and are keen to reward and support partners that specify our product. We offer incentivised pricing to ensure the partnerships are mutually beneficial for all involved.
Trade Accounts & Galleries: There’s a dedicated Trade Gallery and collections, like Commercial Spaces, specifically tailored for design professionals.
Configurator & AR Tools: Designers benefit from powerful tools to iterate designs with clients visually and interactively.
One of our proudest moments this year was completing and delivering one of our largest single configurations to date for renowned artist Paul Kenton. Designed specifically for his studio space, this bespoke three-sided installation brought together a variety of elements—vinyl storage, integrated planters, and a mix of open and closed shelving—into one cohesive, functional, and visually striking design.
This was a truly substantial configuration that showcased the full potential of our modular system, combining practicality with aesthetic impact. Seeing it installed in Paul’s creative workspace was a real testament to how Shelved can deliver on large-scale, highly tailored projects without compromising on our core principles of quality, adaptability, and British manufacturing.
We were also thrilled to collaborate with Zara and Giuliano of @thefoxesmaltings, whose stunning home was featured on Grand Designs. Bringing their vision to life was an absolute joy—from the first design discussions to the final installation, every step was infused with creativity and attention to detail. Their project was a perfect showcase of how Shelved can seamlessly blend into a bold, architecturally ambitious interior, adding both functionality and a refined, custom aesthetic. Being part of a home with such a captivating story, and seeing it celebrated on a national stage, was incredibly rewarding for our whole team.
Feature & Media Walls: Customers are embracing bespoke media installations combining open shelving with concealed storage—often blending materials like oak, anthracite, and brass pins for a balanced and stylish look.
Room Dividers: Modular units are increasingly used as statement room dividers, adding both function and artistry to open-plan spaces.
Material Mixing & Minimalism: Contrasting white minimalist frameworks with warm wood accents, peeking brass hardware—there’s a strong lean towards subtle minimalism and texture contrast.
Demand for Flexible, Eco-Conscious Design: As lifestyles continue to shift—working from home, changing spaces, sustainability focus—designers and clients will seek furniture that’s adaptable, durable, and eco-friendly.
Tech-Integrated Planning: Visual tools like 3D configurators and AR will become more standard in client engagement and project development.
Customisation as Standard: “One-size-fits-all” is fading; there’s a growing expectation for furniture tailored to personal style, storage, and spatial needs.
Shelved is well-positioned in each of these trends.
We’re currently developing two brand-new ranges that will take everything people love about Shelved to the next level. These collections will still embody the core principles that define us: exceptional quality, British manufacturing, modular configurability, and adaptable design - but will push those values further than ever before.
Both ranges will offer greater dimensional control and expanded customisation options, giving designers and clients even more freedom to create perfectly tailored solutions for their space. By enhancing the precision and flexibility of our designs, we’re making it possible to achieve a truly bespoke feel while maintaining the ease, durability, and timeless aesthetic that Shelved is known for.
As an SBID Accredited Industry Partner, Shelved gains recognition within the interior design community as a trusted, innovative and quality-led collaborator. It aligns Shelved with the professional values of SBID—design excellence, ethical practice, and peer-networking—reinforcing the brand as a credible, design-focused furniture partner. Plus, it enhances visibility among interior designers looking for adaptable, stylish, and sustainable storage solutions.
About Shelved
Shelved specialises in modular storage and shelving solutions that blend style and function for modern interiors. With our innovative online product configurator, customers can design their own unique shelving system tailored to their needs and space. Every Shelved product is made in Britain using high-quality materials, ensuring durability and timeless appeal. From home offices to living rooms and commercial spaces, our flexible systems adapt to any environment. Discover the freedom to customise your storage with Shelved—where thoughtful design meets British craftsmanship, and every detail is created with you in mind. Transform your space with shelving made for you.
Jeff Vanhinsbergh, Director at stoneCIRCLE, has given his insights into the industry.
stoneCIRCLE is a family-run company that fabricates and installs stone for commercial and residential projects. We work with designers, architects and their clients on everything from retail stores, hotels and commercial projects to residential projects for some of the most prestigious developers, and private clients. We also collaborate with artists on public art and monuments.
Everything we do is bespoke: produced to the client’s specification in the stone of their choice, with expert technical advice available to assist in making sure that the stone chosen is appropriate for the intended use, be that interior or exterior.
The company started in 1968 as B&V Masonry Ltd, and adopted the stoneCIRCLE brand in the early 2000s. Over the years, we have grown to become one of the biggest stone fabricators in the UK, known for the quality of our products and service. We are based in Basingstoke where we have been since the company started. We use a mixture of the latest technology, including CNC-equipped saws and waterjet cutters, and traditional hand-finishing techniques which allow us to finish our products to the highest standard.
We have our own installation teams who ensure that the installation is also carried out on time and to a very high standard.
Stone has been used in interior design for millennia for good reason. It is beautiful, durable and immediately imparts a feeling of luxury.
There are many different types and colours of stone which allows the designer to pick those that suit the look and feel that they are trying to create. We can manufacture intricate patterns in inlaid marble for floors, or book match slabs for feature walls. It is also possible to add fine details by carving into the stone.
Stone is an extremely versatile material, that lends itself to use in both interiors and exteriors, and adds a feeling of opulence. It is also durable, lasting several lifetimes if properly cared for. It is one of the most sustainable construction and design materials, needing little energy to produce, long-lasting and fully recyclable/reusable at end of life.
We work directly with interior designers on their projects, advising them as to the most suitable type of stone to achieve the look that they are after, and suggesting alternatives where appropriate. We have decades of experience in this industry and can guide the designer through the specification and fit out process from first concept to installation and final sign off.
From October to January, we were running four Harrods projects concurrently and managed to get them all out of the door and installed on time.
More natural materials, marbles are increasingly popular. Some clients are being more adventurous with colours and types of marble, so there has been a bigger range of different marbles coming through the factory.
We are working on several exciting projects but are not allowed to disclose the details at this stage.
It gives us the opportunity to work closely with designers and become involved in projects further upstream. It’s exciting to be part of a professional association with high standards.
About stoneCIRCLE
stoneCIRCLE fabricates and installs stone for commercial and residential projects working with designers, architects and their clients. The company’s work encompasses retail, in particular Harrods; hotels – they install stone to public areas, swimming pools, spas, suites and guest bathrooms; commercial; and residential for some of the most prestigious developers, and private clients. They also often work on public art and monuments. All work is bespoke: produced to the client’s specification in the stone of their choice, with technical advice available to assist in making sure that the stone chosen is appropriate for the intended use, be that interior or exterior.
Marmo were delighted to be commissioned once again by their long-standing shopfitting partner to deliver the decorative finishes for one of Aesop’s newest retail stores, located at Westfield Stratford City, London. This follows their previous collaboration on Aesop’s Islington store, reinforcing a strong, ongoing relationship with the globally respected skincare brand and their design team.
The design specification for the Westfield Stratford store called for application of coarse-finish Microcement, selected for both aesthetic quality and high-performance properties. The finish was applied across nearly every surface—walls, ceilings, flooring, a central structural column, and complex bespoke joinery, including custom sink units and precision-cut display fixtures.
Following a thorough sampling and approval process with the architect and main contractor, two contrasting yet complementary tones were selected: a warm custom terracotta red and a soft earth-toned beige. Both shades align with Aesop’s signature organic colour palette, ensuring harmony with the brand’s global retail identity.
True to Aesop’s design philosophy—“to work with what already exists... to weave ourselves into the fabric of place and add something of merit rather than impose a discordant presence”—the most visually striking element is the structural column. This architectural feature, wrapped in the custom terracotta Microcement, anchors the space both vertically and aesthetically, providing a strong visual connection between floor and ceiling.
Microcement was the ideal material for this project, offering not only a refined, natural aesthetic but also exceptional durability, full waterproofing, and resistance to oils and fragrances—crucial in a high-traffic retail environment. Its versatility and seamless application across multiple substrates ensured a clean and coherent finish across even the most intricate surfaces, including units with delicate integrated cut-outs.
This latest commission builds upon our previous work with Aesop, including the coarse Microcement wall finishes in Islington, matched to Farrow & Ball’s “Dimity No. 2008,” and the 2024 Salone del Mobile installation in Milan, for which we completed 16 large-format wall panels in Microcement. We are proud to contribute to the evolution of Aesop’s unique retail spaces through innovative use of decorative Microcement finishes.
As specialist Microcement contractors based in London and Surrey, we have built a strong reputation for delivering high-end decorative surface finishes across both residential and commercial sectors. This latest collaboration with Aesop adds to our growing portfolio of Microcement and polished plaster installations, delivered both nationwide and internationally. Our expertise extends far beyond retail environments—Microcement is a highly versatile, seamless, and waterproof finish that is ideally suited for a wide range of applications including bathrooms, wet rooms, showers, spa areas, and swimming pools, as well as bespoke elements such as furniture and joinery. Whether working on a luxury private residence in Surrey, a hospitality space in central London, or a flagship retail concept abroad, we bring the same level of craftsmanship, precision, and design sensitivity to every project.
About Marmo Surface Finishes
Marmo Surface Finishes are a renowned polished plaster company specialising in Venetian Polished Plaster interior applications and Decorative surface finishes, predominantly operating throughout London and Surrey as well as the U.K's major cities. Our experience spans all sectors such as hi-end residential and commercial projects including retail environments, restaurants, bars and office interior spaces. We work alongside some of London's and the U.K's major construction companies as well as award winning interior designers and architects creating stunning Venetian Polished Plaster interiors that we are extremely proud of. Our work speaks for itself.
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