Kitchen Design from a Wishlist Achieved by The Myers Touch

From statement islands, home bars and luxury appliances, to ladder rails, integrated lighting and home-office spaces, the design team at The Myers Touch create kitchen-living spaces that exceed the wishlist dreams of their customers. They share the top kitchen design trends they're seeing in client requests!

Luxury Statement Islands

For many of their customers, a statement island can be created by its size, curves, colour or lighting features. For example but adding hand-painted gold and copper leaf veining can look stunning swept through white-gloss curved cabinets to add a touch of luxury to a contemporary space.

Home Bar Spaces within Kitchen Designs

Helena Myers, Director has revealed that many of their customers are seeking out home bars and wine storage solutions as part of their dream kitchen entertaining space. With the increase in homeworking, some of these spaces even include a desk area so that they double up as a seamless office space!

Helena Myers says: “Many of our clients love to socialise and with the kitchen being the main hub of that entertaining space, we can design everything from home bars, integrated chilled bottle designs to statement wine fridges’.

Ladder Rails as Design Features

‘When designing a kitchen in a property that has high ceilings, The Myers Touch design team often make use of the bonus space by adding a ladder rail that allows a homeowner to reach high-level display or storage cabinets.

A ladder rail attached to the top of your cabinetry, not only provides an interesting, eye-catching design feature to a space, but provides a fully functional design feature as it allows the homeowner to slide the ladder across the rail before climbing up the ladder to easily access kitchenware or special decorative items.

What’s more, when the ladder isn't in use, their designers can create a space on either side of the rail system so that it can be neatly stored away in a niche space.

Feature Lighting to create an Atmosphere

Clever displays and tones allow homeowners to change the atmosphere, tone and look of their kitchen throughout the day and into the night. From choosing integrated lighting in cabinetry or architectural-toned lighting that shines against a Corian solid surface back panel that showcases a distinctive geometric pattern, adds texture and interest.

Clutter-free Kitchens

Storage remains one of the most important aspects of all kitchen wish lists! From cutlery and utensil drawers, breakfast cupboards and wall-in pantry cupboards, customers at The Myers Touch love the range of functional storage features they can include.

Clever storage ideas range from spice cupboards hidden behind sliding splashbacks, walk-in utility and larders behind hidden pocket doors and pop-up TVs hidden in peninsulas to all help keep their kitchen designs clutter-free.

Image credits: Paul Craig.

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RAK Ceramics PJSC one of the largest ceramics brands in the world, announced the opening of its first global Design Hub in London. Located at 100 St John Street, in the heart of London's design quarter for designers, architects and developers, the RAK Ceramics Design Hub is one of the largest in the area, with 7,276 square feet over two floors.

Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO, RAK Ceramics said "London is the obvious choice to launch our first global Design Hub concept. The UK is an increasingly important market for RAK Ceramics, and London is home to many of the world's leading designers, architects, and project specifiers. The RAK Ceramics Design Hub is a unique concept where the design community can experience the innovative possibilities of our products.”

Many signature products will be displayed, including a new collection from world-renowned fashion designer ELIE SAAB along with products from designers Maurizio Scuttella, Debiasi & Sandri, and Patrick Nourget.

Commenting on the design hub concept, Leonardo De Muro, VP of Marketing & Communications, RAK Ceramics said: "The RAK Ceramics Design Hub is a unique concept in our retail portfolio which allows us to bring together the design community, showcase unique products, and create a brand experience that is both inspiring and informative."

The official launch of the RAK Ceramics Design Hub took place on May 24, 2022, during the Clerkenwell Design Week. To celebrate its opening, designers Maurizio Scuttella, Federico Sandri, and Patrick Nourget hosted a series of special talks at the RAK Ceramics Design Hub.

Commenting on the opening, Alvin Biggs, Managing Director, RAK Ceramics (UK), said: "We are proud that London has been selected as the location for RAK Ceramics' first global Design Hub, and we look forward to welcoming the international design community to showcase RAK Ceramics' global product innovations."

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There is a saying in China - ‘Children’s money is money earned most easily’. This is an interesting expression that has held true even through the recent upheaval of Covid, where we see that in many up-and-coming consumer territories, for example, in Asia, spending on children’s lifestyle and luxury products has gone through the roof.

As one of the worlds’ premier manufacturers of children’s furniture, with a presence in 77 countries, Dragons of Walton Street serves as a barometer for international trends in children’s luxury. We believe that for today’s savvy interior designer, there is a unique opportunity act in partnership with HNW parents to create elevated spaces for their children. Here are the key trends which are motivating parents to invest in interior design for their children.

Metamorphosis and Long Life

The practice of creating hardwearing furniture for children and furniture which has a dual-use is well-established. Amazing carpentry feats of the Georgians and Victorians in this vein included cots that convert to sofas and tables and chairs that become highchairs. These pieces were so well made that years after their creation, exhibited pieces still look sturdy enough to go nine rounds with a bowl of Cheerios. These days, the demands placed on children’s design pieces to ensure they have longevity built into their DNA is usually as much down to space-saving needs as it is to ensure that the planet is used as gently as possible.

Dragons of Walton Street has been at the forefront of the long-life children’s furniture movement long before it was on trend and in fact one of Dragons’ most popular key furniture pieces is the Dragons’ Cot Bed. Its major USP is that it is built with such an attention to detail that it will last through a cycle of at least 5 babies. Right on the metamorphosis trend, the Dragons Cot Bed transforms into a toddler bed, which will serve children up to four and a half years.

The idea is that generations of children would benefit from the bed, which appeals event to a HNW clientele as they wish to ensure that furniture pieces may be passed down to others, rather than ending their lives in a landfill.

Re-imagine and Re-use

Companies which truly care about the environment now take ownership for the life cycle of their products well past the point of sale. This has re-invented the luxury game – for example, brands like Mulberry are vanguards of this ethos with their strategy of offering lifetime repairs for over 10,000 bags a year and maintenance of a materials and hardware archive which goes back 35 years. Similarly, Dragons of Walton Street recently launched its ‘Earth Matters’ campaign. This service guarantees that Dragons will repaint and resell any children’s furniture pieces bought from Dragons. This service has been particularly well received by interior designers, as families with young children have been particularly receptive to any inventive initiatives around sustainability and their children’s furniture choices.

Murals – The Ideal Non-Polluting Wall Treatment

Wallpaper is wonderful. However, in many cases they are not the most sustainable – or healthy – choice for childrens’ rooms. Children can spend endless hours in rooms with wallpapers, which designer may utilise for an opportunity to add drama one simply cannot achieve with paint alone. It is worth noting, though, that not all wallpapers are created equal and that a child’s skin is constantly absorbing various substances from the air into their respiratory system and skin, including from decorative finishes. In some cases, if the chemicals being given off from these finishes are nauseous allergies may develop as well as skin irritations, nausea, headaches and asthma attacks.

Dragons’ world-famous mural service offers clients an opportunity to create spectacular wall effects for children with non-toxic paint. Also, only limit to what may be painted is the imaginations of designer and parent. From Monaco to Marrakesh, there is barely a major city where a Dragons’ mural has not been used to add serious wow factor.

Furniture as Art

As interior designers working with clients with high expectations, you’ll be aware that ‘uniqueness’ is a value which is often strived for amongst your clientele. This value also extends to children’s bedrooms and indeed accounts for why Dragons’ out of this world themed beds are a big hit with the parent and child who has everything.

Two other extremely popular solutions for those seeking something extra special is bespoke hand painted furniture with one-of-a-kind motifs and having self-sourced furniture pieces painted by Dragons.

Want to source a playset which would be at home in the Amazon? In this below example an interior designer briefed Dragons to take a fresh jungle approach, using a large-scale motif which makes a bold and dramatic impression. One of Dragon’s interior designers ran with the idea and undertook a collaborative process with Dragons’ in-house artists, who created detailed sketches before a delighted client signed off.

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You’d be forgiven for thinking that the owner of an Edwardian villa in the New Forest would be looking for a classic kitchen to match her house. In fact, nothing could have been further from the truth. Her reason for approaching Ledbury Studio in the first place was because she was looking for something a world away from the standard Shaker look.

“When I first met our client, not only was she undertaking a big move from the Midlands to the New Forest, but she was also embarking on a sizeable kitchen project too,” recalls Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio. “She knew she’d be spending most of her time in her new kitchen, as it was roomy enough for both a large island with breakfast bar, a separate dining area, and plenty of tall cupboards for storage.”

To bring the required contemporary aesthetic to the room, Charlie designed furniture that combined beautiful book-matched walnut veneer with hand-patinated zinc panels. The zinc panels are edged in the same walnut and the cupboards feature aged-brass handles. This juxtaposition of timber and metal is a signature feature of the Metallics Collection from Ledbury Studio, giving Charlie’s kitchens their unique look and feel.

The stunning island – topped with an Ambre quartz worktop ­– is an obvious focal point, but you also can’t ignore the imposing Housekeeper’s Cupboard behind it. Charlie designed this piece of furniture to mimic the cupboards beloved of the original residents of Victorian and Edwardian homes, so it seems fitting that there is a contemporary version in this house. It has space inside for the microwave and breakfast items, with pan drawers below and fluted-glass cupboards on either side lit from within to create a display. There is also a tall larder next to the fridge with pull-out freezer drawers, and sufficient cupboards and drawers elsewhere in the kitchen to keep it clutter free without any need for wall cabinets.

“What’s so pleasing about this kitchen is that one of the pieces I designed for it has already become one of our client’s most treasured possessions,” says Charlie. “The bespoke walnut table was made from a single piece of walnut, which we then embellished with aged brass. We designed a banquette seat also made from wood and upholstered in leather. The banquette needed to be durable enough for the other important member of the household, my client’s gorgeous Dalmatian, to be able to lounge in comfort too!”

Bringing the whole design together – and adding an additional contemporary feel – is the chic terrazzo floor. Again, it’s a great hardwearing choice for a dog owner, and the shades of grey perfectly play off the tones of the zine panels above. Both homeowner and her canine companion are delighted with their new kitchen!

Ledbury Studio kitchens start from £50,000.

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The SBID International Design Awards finalists for 2022 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 an influential 30% of the final scores, it's your chance to sway the results and 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!

Voting closes at 5pm (BST) on 24 August

Voting closes at 5pm (BST) on 24 August.

Visit www.sbidawards.com to find out more!

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.

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.

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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.

The new range

Key features and application

Design specification

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.

“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.”

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.

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

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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 & 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 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 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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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

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 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

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.

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.

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