There are so many options when it comes to choosing a kitchen worktop. Lots of suppliers have created quick tables to compare the properties of different materials. But all these grids focus on the worktop and not on the client. At Athena Stonecare, we think that it is important to put design priorities at the forefront.
When it comes to natural stone it is hard for any beholder to deny its beauty. Marble, limestone and granite have been formed over thousands of years. Even the most premium man-made versions cannot match the intricacies that nature produces. When you walk into a kitchen with a stunning marble island or glistening granite worktops it takes your breath away. If the island is to be the centrepiece of your client’s kitchen, then stone is the natural choice.
Marble is often hailed as the premier choice for a luxury kitchen. If you choose marble for a kitchen worktop there is an array of colours to choose from. It is also guaranteed that the chosen piece is completely unique. You might not realise, that there is also an abundance of choice with granite. Although typically associated with darker tones, there is a plethora of tones and finishes available in granite that are just as beautiful as marble.
If creating a kitchen with wow-factor is your top priority, then you can probably stop reading here and book in a visit to your local stone supplier. However, it is usually only one of many considerations. How to maintain that wow-factor and continue to enjoy the beauty of natural stone is usually the next question. So, let’s look at that in a little more detail.
Choosing to use natural stone for a worktop is an investment. We always think of it akin to choosing a luxury car. A brand-new Ferrari will be beautiful and shiny and certainly make a statement. But just like any car it will get dirty, could get scratched and it will need to be cleaned. However, you’re not going to take your Ferrari through the drive-through car wash. Instead, you will invest in specific products to clean it and have repairs completed by specialist.
We urge you to think of worktops similarly. If your client chooses marble, then they need to be prepared for the ongoing maintenance. Marble is acid sensitive and softer than other materials. This is particularly relevant in a kitchen. There’s no such thing as a self-cleaning worktop no matter what material you choose. But with marble it is important to use the correct products in the right way.
If, however, practicality is an important consideration, then marble might not be the best option. Lots of people prefer a kitchen worktop that requires a little less maintenance or that they can use with less concern about what they do day-to-day. With this in mind, granite is considered more hard-wearing than marble. It is usually denser and doesn’t scratch as easily. Granite is also not acid sensitive in the same way as marble and limestone.
If practicality is the no.1 priority, then man-made is the best option. There’s a huge range of brands that manufacture worktops to look like stone. Quartz has been a popular choice for low-maintenance kitchen worktops for a long time. These materials look like stone, but they don’t have the same qualities. This means that the products that you use to clean them don’t have to be as carefully considered.
Very closely linked with practicality is durability but the two shouldn’t be confused. Natural stone has been used in buildings for centuries so there’s no denying that it is durable. A marble or granite worktop won’t wear out. That doesn’t mean that it won’t wear though. And this is where the old cliché of beauty being in the eye of the beholder really comes into play. If your client wants a worktop that always looks perfect, then marble will need special care and even professional maintenance. However, marble can also be just as stunning when it naturally develops a patina over time. Many people are happy to live with the odd etch mark or scratch on their marble worktop and it’s still a statement in their kitchen. Enjoying the natural wear of a worktop is something that is completely personal.
Granite too is a great choice for a durable worktop. Being a little more hard-wearing than marble, means that you are less likely to experience staining and scratching that create that patina as described above. The other main advantage of granite is its restorability. Being a natural stone, means that the surface of granite can be repolished back to perfection. The structure of a man-made stone such as quartz means that this is not the case. If a granite worktop becomes dull or is damaged, then we can use diamond abrasives to bring it back to its original condition making this stone an incredibly durable choice for a kitchen worktop that is beautiful too.
The durability of stone is one of the factors that makes it also makes it a sustainable choice for a kitchen worktop. Ensuring that the materials chosen for a project will not need to be replaced is a key consideration if you are planning a sustainable build. There is also lots of evidence to support natural stone as being more sustainable to produce than man-made alternatives and our recent blog series explores this in more detail.
One of the huge benefits of stone that makes it sustainable once in situ, is its restorability. Marble, granite and limestone worktops can all be restored. If are aware of the ongoing maintenance requirements there is no reason that a marble worktop can’t be enjoyed for many years without needing professional restoration. However, spillages do occur the great news is that stone worktops can be repolished and refinished back to their former glory. And what is more, it will never go out of fashion. No matter how many times a kitchen is redecorated, the marble or granite worktop will always fit in. Natural stone is timeless and with the right know-how its beauty really can endure.
About Athena Stonecare
Natural stone is an investment and we are committed to ensuring that its beauty endures. We specialise in working with marble, limestone, travertine, granite, and all types of natural stone, ensuring that stone will continue to be a beautifully sustainable feature within any property. As natural stone restoration experts we work with floors, worktops, shower walls, sinks and vanity units. The ongoing care of stone is important to us too and so we have developed a suite of advice and guidance on how to maintain the finish of any stone surface. This is distributed through stone suppliers across the UK and is also available to anyone who works with natural stone.
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Tucked away in Hainburg, in the quiet midst of the countryside, Villa Karolinenhoff beautifully blends architectural heritage with contemporary living.
Surrounded by a working farm and a peaceful orchard, the villa sits at the heart of a rural estate dating back to the early 20th century.
The property was bought in a neglected state and has since been carefully repurposed to create a working farm. A multipurpose property, Villa Karolinenhoff is now used for bee keeping, crop production, and sheep and poultry farming, as well as a prestigious commercial venue to host social events such as weddings, and an impressive home for the owners.
Whilst preserving some of the original elements of the Villa including the stone staircase, ironwork of the railings, and interior doors, Architectural Workshop Collegium, and Katarína Lupták led a back-to-brick renovation, restoring and reworking the heritage elements of the property that became the inspiration for the Villa’s overall aesthetic.
A carefully considered selection of Croft hardware was specified throughout the Villas’ various floors and engrossing rooms.
A room promoting relaxation, the library features soft, dusty sage cabinetry complimented by the warmth of wooden internals and backlighting.
Finishing off the cabinetry in a contrasting colour is the 1403 Pleated Edge Pull in IBMA, providing an elegant aesthetic and additional grip.
Painted in a unique, muted mauve, the kitchen displays hints of earthy undertones, giving it a modern and sophisticated look yet still complimenting the overall aesthetic of the Villa.
Showcasing the 1401-50 Linear Cabinet Edge Pull in a Polished Nickel finish, this simple handle design sits subtly on the cupboard’s edges, adding an element of quiet luxury.
Throughtout the property, the Celeste lever on a 65mm Raised Edge rose adorns the generously sized doors, in an Autumn Bronze finish providing contrast to the neutral colours of the doors, wall and panelling.
Autumn Bronze, a rich and warmly textured living finish with an array of brown and red undertones. Over time, the finish develops a soft patina through use, gradually revealing the metal beneath, creating a stunning aged effect which beautifully complements the rich heritage and preserved character of the villa.
The features of Croft throughout the Villa add quiet detail and consistency across a range of spaces. From the attic-level living area, to the four double bedrooms and private bathroom, each piece was chosen not only for its function and feel, but for how it will age gracefully over time alongside the property itself.
Villa Karolinenhoff stands as a testament to considered design and shared values. It's a home where every element has been carefully chosen, not to shout, but to support a story of timeless, understated beauty.
About Croft
Croft are passionate about perfection. Perfection in design, in manufacture and, most importantly, in meeting the requirements of its clients worldwide. It’s an ethos born and nurtured over 150 years of history and is reflected in a beautifully curated portfolio that includes over 1000 project ready designs. The knowledge and experience of the Croft team ensures they are the perfect partner for your project. Whether you require the latest collection or a custom solution, Croft combines design innovation and expert craftsmanship to produce beautiful products of the very highest quality that are as pleasurable to use as they are to look at.
British flooring manufacturer Amtico has added nine new floor designs to Designers' Choice, its ready-to-specify luxury vinyl tile (LVT) collection that is specially created by the in-house design team. The seven new combinations of laying patterns and LVT products translate three macro trends - Restorative Spaces, Soft Utilitarian and Nostalgic Reset - into design-led, high-performance floors for commercial projects.
Designers' Choice is curated by Amtico's designers, they have combined precision cut laying patterns with Woods, Stones, Colours and Abstracts from the Signature collection, carefully chosen and influenced by the team's research into colour, material mix and spatial trends.
"Designers' Choice distils months of research into palettes and combinations that are balanced, beautiful and instantly usable," says Sarah Escott, Design Manager at Amtico. "This year, we've leaned into the emerging trends for Restorative Spaces, Soft Utilitarian and Nostalgic Reset, blending Woods, Stones, and even Burnished Metals to give specifiers and designers impactful floors in an easy, 'off the rack' solution."
Nostalgic Reset shows in the retro styling of: DC633 Lune Small in Packwood Stone and red wine-hued Stucco Roselle, the sculptural semi-circle design is playful yet sophisticated. DC630 nods to vintage patterns with Check in oversized Tay Oak squares - pair with a gold stripping border for added elegance. DC629 pairs Chantilly Weave in a bold two-tone Bordeaux Oak and Buxton Oak design to re-energise the heritage weave pattern, making it perfect for boutique lounges and bars. DC631 is a classic black and white Check in statement Bianca Classic Marble and Nero Classic Marble. DC635 is a throwback to mixed wood grain floors with a Small Parquet laying pattern in five tones from cool, scandi-inspired Wharncliffe Oak to warm, golden Rotterdam Oak.
Restorative Spaces can be seen in DC637, which combines Large Parquet in five Stones Waterloo Concrete, Wilmcote Limestone, Ratley Stone, Ilmington Stone and Coombe Stone for a pared-back, utilitarian feel. Experience textural calm with DC634, Small Parquet in a three-Wood blend with Clowes Oak, Buckingham Oak and Wharncliffe Oak to bring biophilic comfort to workplaces and hospitality.
Soft Utilitarian shines through in DC632, which features statement Gatsby Square Large where Russet Burnished Metal meets Darley Oak for dramatic effect. The Soft Utilitarian design works beautifully as a rug feature or zoning, the hyper-realistic Metal's pearl pigments and clever layering create the illusion of real weathered metal, providing a dramatic contrast to the Darley Oak. DC636 is a five-Wood design in Large Parquet, featuring a layered mix of rustic oaks for social, multi-functional spaces, such as hospitality and build-to-rent, with a Soft Utilitarian feel.
Designers' Choice makes it easy to specify impactful, patterned floors interior designers simply choose the 'DC' code of the design they want, then the Designers' Choice laying pattern is precision cut in the Coventry factory from Amtico's premium Signature LVT. For projects that demand a unique twist, specifiers can step up to Endless Possibilities, which feature an 'EP' code: keep any DC laying pattern but swap in products from the Signature collections. For example, Large Parquet in three-colour Stone combination. Then, preview designs instantly using Amtico's online Room Visualiser, starting with the product or laying pattern - users can also upload a photo or drawing to see how it will look in the actual project.
Amtico Signature LVT has a durable 1mm wear layer, a 20-year commercial warranty and antimicrobial protection against bacteria and viruses. Made-to-order in Coventry, Signature can also be specified as Amtico Safety flooring, which meets the verified EN13845 enhanced slip resistance standard, as well as Amtico's bio-attributed PVC for a lower-carbon option.
About Amtico
Headquarters in Coventry, UK, we extend exceptional customer service and comprehensive warranties worldwide, driven by a passion for creating enduring floors that truly inspire. As part of the Mannington family since 2014, we leverage the expertise of over 600 global flooring specialists, serving clients in more than 90 countries. Our integrated lineup of luxury vinyl tiles offers complete solutions for demanding commercial and residential spaces. Our pioneering efforts in efficiency, waste reduction, and material innovation fuel boundary-pushing product development. At Amtico, we don’t just create floors; we create the foundation for exceptional living and working environments.
Blending Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, Japandi has transcended trend status to become a cornerstone of modern interiors. Celebrating simplicity, expert craftsmanship and nature-led connections, this enduring design philosophy has quietly informed homes for more than a decade. As Roundhouse Design observed at Milan Design Week 2025, Japandi’s ethos remains as vital as ever, particularly in the heart of the home. For an in-depth look at how these principles can transform any space, download the comprehensive Roundhouse Design brochure.
Wood has always underpinned Japandi’s warm simplicity. In 2025, Roundhouse Design’s team is embracing wood’s individuality more deeply than ever by celebrating unusual grain patterns, textural effects and considered installations. A recent project named Bulpitt showcases bookmatched crown-cut oak veneer that stretches across handle-less push-touch cabinets, creating movement and intrigue. By highlighting the tree’s natural heritage, a luxury bespoke kitchen feels both grounded and inviting. To discuss how wood can shape your bespoke Japandi kitchen, book a design consultation with Roundhouse experts.
Early Japandi schemes favoured strict monochromes; today’s interpretations layer warm whites, stone tones and earthy accents such as terracotta, clay, bronze and copper alongside muted greens like sage and moss. These richer, more balanced colour stories allow kitchens to flow effortlessly into open-plan living areas, reinforcing Japandi’s holistic approach to home design.
Functionality meets form in 2025’s storage solutions. Timber-lined drawers with bespoke dividers, removable cutlery trays and floor-to-ceiling glazed cabinets featuring fluted glass and timber frames marry practicality with refined aesthetics. Walk-in larders and pantries concealed by sliding shoji-inspired doors keep clutter at bay, nurturing the zen-like calm that defines modern Japandi kitchens.
As throwaway culture gives way to lasting quality, Japandi’s commitment to enduring construction resonates strongly. Roundhouse Design kitchens fuse time-honoured British joinery with precision engineering by combining frameless cabinets, soft-close mechanisms and integrated LED lighting to promise years of whisper-quiet, reliable performance. Every kitchen is backed by a 10-year guarantee, ensuring peace of mind and true longevity in home design.
Environmental responsibility lies at the core of Japandi and of Roundhouse Design. From concept to completion, sustainability informs every decision: sourcing only FSC-certified timber, partnering with The Woodland Trust to support UK reforestation, and operating a biomass-fired factory that repurposes offcuts to minimise waste.
To bring Japandi to life in your home, download the brochure, book a design consultation or visit one of Roundhouse Design’s seven showrooms in Wigmore Street, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford or Cheltenham to experience these ideas firsthand.
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.
Planted Community is proud to announce a new partnership with global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks to launch Design for Regeneration, an exciting UK-wide student design competition seeking to champion the next generation of regenerative designers.
Undergraduate students from across the country are invited to submit work for the Design for Regeneration competition, which reimagines the built and natural world through regenerative design.
The competition is open to students studying architecture, interior and landscape design, furniture, product and industrial design. The winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize, a one-year subscription to Vectorworks Design Suite, and a two-night stay in Planted’s luxury off-grid cabin at River Cottage, Axminster.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Vectorworks on Design for Regeneration, a competition that will showcase the very best in emerging British design talent,” said Planted co-founder Deborah Spencer. “It provides a vital platform for young creatives to demonstrate how regenerative thinking can shape a healthier, more sustainable future.”
“We are committed to nurturing new approaches that centre nature and sustainability at the heart of design, helping to safeguard the planet for future generations.”
Projects will be judged on creativity, innovation, material choices, aesthetics, and crucially clear regenerative intent. The panel will look for designs that not only minimise harm to natural ecosystems, also actively contribute to their restoration and renewal.
As a leading platform for sustainable design, Planted connects people, businesses, and ideas through events, content and collaborations that promote nature-based solutions and regenerative practices.
Deborah Spencer, whose career began at New Designers held at the Business Design Centre and who later founded the award-winning designjunction before co-founding Planted will lead a distinguished judging panel. The panel includes fellow Planted co-founder and former Sunday Times journalist Sam Peters, biophilic design expert Oliver Heath, and River Cottage CEO Stewart Dodd.
Entries must be submitted by Wednesday 31 July 2025. Finalists will be announced in early September, with winners revealed at the Vectorworks Design Day conference at the Royal College of Physicians in London on Tuesday 14 October 2025.
“At Vectorworks, we believe the future of design lies in regenerative thinking that not only respects but actively restores our natural world,” said Tyler French, Vectorworks Academic Marketing Manager.
“We’re proud to support Design for Regeneration in partnership with Planted, a leading platform for sustainable design that shares our commitment to driving positive change. Together, we aim to empower the next generation of designers with the tools to shape a more regenerative built environment.”
Students can enter by submitting their project via the official competition entry form, available at: www.planted-community.co.uk/vectorworkscompetition
Submissions must include: - A short project description (max 300 words) outlining the regenerative intent - Supporting visuals (drawings, renders, models created in Vectorworks) - A brief biography and course/university details
All entries must be received by midnight on Wednesday 31 July 2025.
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.
This summer, allow sofa.com to transform homes into a haven of comfort and light with the new Malibu sofa.
The Malibu caters perfectly to those seeking indulgent comfortability and elevated design. Slanted arms and deep seats make for ultimate lounging, while sumptuous scatter cushions form the back of the Malibu, filled with feather and fibre, striking the perfect balance between softness and structure. The durability of the Malibu is second-to-none, offering a lifetime frame guarantee.
Beautifully piped edges around the sofa frame add a sophisticated elegance to its finish which can be in the sofa’s colour, or you can play with a contrasting trim – either way the result evokes a chic effortlessness. In line with all other sofa.com products, the Malibu is available in over 100 fabrics and available to be made in customer’s own fabric, offering a truly bespoke option. Available in variety of sizing from armchair to corner sofa, the Malibu gives the option of decadent comfort in living spaces – compact or vast.
Wheat-inspired neutrals create a bright and airy ambiance, gently embracing the space’s natural light and evoking a sense of warmth and tranquillity. These soft, earthy tones provide a versatile backdrop that enhances the room’s openness while fostering a calm, inviting atmosphere. Complementing this, calming blues embody the freedom and ease of summer, introducing a refreshing splash of colour that feels both vibrant and soothing, perfect for coastal-inspired boutique hotels.
To further enrich the design, layer in soft furnishings such as cushions, throws, and curtains that adhere to the cohesive colour palette. This layering not only adds texture and tactile comfort but also enhances spatial depth, creating a harmonious flow that ties the room together effortlessly. Whether through plush velvet cushions or lightweight linen throws, each element contributes to a balanced, serene environment.
Sofa.com sofas are made-to-order with a 6-8 week delivery time and are available in customer own fabric too. To discuss your next project, contact our trade team at [email protected] or call us at 0345 241 1509.
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.
Luxury bath and kitchen fixture company GRAFF debuts the Riva Chandelier shower, the latest addition to the Riva collection, presenting a spectacular silhouette and exquisite customisation options for the bathroom. Designed with slender, cylindrical shower heads of staggered lengths, the Riva Chandelier shower mesmerises like a glittering contemporary chandelier.
With clean lines and a delicate aura of modern glamour, each element of the Riva Chandelier Collection is an ode to harmony, with textured, diamond, and oblique finishes that caress the light in a play of unparalleled reflections. The coordinated accessories complete the ensemble, creating a flawless aesthetic that celebrates contemporary beauty.
GRAFF CEO and Founder Mr Ziggy Kulig comments “Embodying GRAFF’s Art of Bath philosophy, the Riva Chandelier Shower represents the heights of beauty, luxury, quality, and engineering. Available in a rich palette of finishes and a wide array of shower plates, the Riva Chandelier Shower demonstrates that GRAFF is passionate about bringing dream spaces to life with boundless choices for personalisation.”
The Riva Chandelier Shower features versatile options of shower plates with timeless appeal, designed to complement and elevate a wide range of interior styles. Options include traditional plates with knurled control knobs, contemporary plates with flat push-button controls, and a single knurled temperature knob, with round contemporary plates that combine push-button functionality with a matching knurled temperature control knob. Additionally, there are square contemporary and traditional elements, with push-button and traditional control knobs.
Riva shower plates can be mixed and matched in a variety of combinations for a truly customised luxury experience. The Riva Chandelier Shower is available in 26 handcrafted finishes, including striking two-tone options such as Polished 24K Gold and Architectural Black.
The Riva Chandelier collection is available to buy in the UK now, POA.
About GRAFF
GRAFF’s luxury taps and shower collections elevate the bath space with designs that are both timeless and cutting-edge, complementing endless architectural and interior styles. Available in 21 luxury finishes such as Brushed Brass, Polished Nickel, and 24K Gold, and with a choice of three Tuscan marble inserts, GRAFF basin mixer or shower controls offer bespoke and unique customisation possibilities. Backed by a rich heritage of European artisanship, GRAFF products transform the bath space into a masterpiece of tranquillity, wellness, and spa like experience. With a focus on design, sustainability, and high technology, GRAFF caters to the senses with features such as chromotherapy, bringing bath and shower experiences to luxurious heights.
Cosentino, global leader in the production and distribution of innovative surfaces for architecture and design, launches four stunning quartzites to its range of protected natural stones, Sensa byCosentino®. An ambitious commitment to this premium line, that combines the beauty and natural elegance of quartzites and granites with an exclusive anti-stain treatment that acts at the molecular level for minimal maintenance.
Cosentino introduces four highly aesthetic quartzites that, like the entire brand portfolio, boast the avant-garde Senguard NK anti-stain protection, developed exclusively by Cosentino. Thanks to this technology, the entire Sensa portfolio offers a high level of protection against harmful substances, is scratch resistant and easy to maintain. All new designs come with a certified 15-year warranty.
This performance is accompanied by an incomparable aesthetic. Marau, Oihana, Itara and Cristalo, are designs full of personality, ideal for creating depth and beautiful spaces. These quartzites also feature "Mirage" texture, which, thanks to an abrasive treatment, produces a glossy finish over the entire surface.
Slabs are available in large formats (from a minimum of 110 x 71 inches) and in thicknesses of 20 and 30 mm, perfect for multiple surface application, including bathrooms, kitchens and furniture coverings.
Sensa by Cosentino® is perfect for the most demanding users and professionals, lovers of the unique beauty of natural stone, who need a resistant material with outstanding performance.
Marau: Satin quartzite in a cool grey with nuances of blue, gold, burgundy, and cream. Marau’s striking pattern blends broad veins and sharp lines, creating a dynamic visual effect.
Oihana: Oihana has white veins that slide across the deep black surface, altering the pattern with touches of grey, cream, and brown. The clear lines create dynamism, captivate the eye, and evoke unexpected depths against the intense black background.
Itara: An emerald green quartzite with white and copper accents that draw soft, peaceful waves. It is a refined and sophisticated stone with a life of its own.
Cristalo: A stunning natural stone with translucent white to light grey hues and subtle veining. This silvery shades evokes a boundless expanse of ice and snow, creating a relaxing atmosphere in any space.
About Cosentino
Cosentino Group is a global, Spanish, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for the world of design and architecture. It works together with its clients and partners to provide with solutions that offer design and value, and inspire the life of many people. This objective is possible thanks to pioneering and leading brands in their respective segments such as Silestone®, Dekton® or Sensa by Cosentino®. Technologically advanced surfaces that allow the creation of unique environments and designs for the home and public spaces.
Bazaar London is the customisable furniture brand built for interior designers. Created by the award-winning team behind Accouter Group of Companies (AGC) - Britain’s first B-Corp certified interior design collective - Bazaar London offers you direct access to the same expert craftsmanship, manufacturers, and bespoke pieces that have furnished over 5,000 of the world’s most luxurious residences.
Designed for trade professionals, Bazaar London combines over a decade of design expertise with exclusive trade pricing, a highly customisable product range, and a trusted network of British artisans and manufacturers. Whether you need a unique centrepiece or a full collection of heirloom-quality pieces, we’re here to support your creative vision with precision, reliability, and style.
Our collections are inspired by real spaces and real stories. From the iconic OWO Residences in London to Atlantis The Royal Residences in Dubai, pieces once created exclusively for these landmark projects can now be made yours.
Take The OWO Collection, born from Accouter’s show residences at London’s iconic Old War Office. Designed to balance classic grandeur with contemporary lines, each item in this collection reflects the building’s storied past and its reimagined future as one of the city’s most prestigious residences.
The Whitehall Dining Table exemplifies this vision. With its high-gloss tabletop and sculptural, wave-like base, it offers a refined yet inviting aesthetic. Designed to anchor a room and draw people together, it transitions effortlessly from grand entertaining to intimate gatherings - illuminated by candlelight or framed beneath a statement chandelier.
In the same collection, The Horse Guard Corner Sofa delivers a masterclass in quiet luxury. Wrapped in cloud-soft neutral upholstery, its clean lines, fluted wood base, and integrated side table offer a serene escape. It was crafted to complement the scale and elegance of The OWO, and now serves as the perfect centrepiece for living spaces that favour comfort without compromise.
Another story unfolds at The Walpole Townhouse, newly unveiled as the headquarters of Walpole - the official body for British luxury. Designed by A.LONDON, this exceptional space is a gathering point for the country’s most esteemed luxury brands and a celebration of British craft.
At its heart is The Walpole Members’ Room, where Bazaar London pieces were commissioned to reflect the townhouse’s refined atmosphere. The Vine Street Swivel Armchair, with its sculptural silhouette and plush form, brings drama and comfort in equal measure. Upholstered in Zoffany and Sanderson’s Suzani Archive Weave Serpentine Fabric, it features a contrasting back that adds bold visual interest - making it a conversation piece in any room.
Complementing this, the Wilson Armchair introduces tailored sophistication. Upholstered in Sanderson’s Sunflower Caffoy Velvet Fabric in Tump by Morris & Co., it offers both elegance and ease. Whether styled in a private study, a home library, or a luxury lounge, it’s made for spaces where detail matters. This same model has also featured at The Old Abbey House Hotel, proving its versatility across both residential and boutique hospitality settings.
Completing the Walpole collection, the Bains Bench was upholstered in a bespoke fabric to match the deep coral tones of the Members’ Room. Understated and elegant, it’s the perfect accent for hallways, bedrooms, or anywhere that calls for quiet luxury.
All Bazaar London pieces are handmade in England, and we work closely with a network of skilled artisans who bring each design to life with precision and care. This close collaboration ensures exceptional quality and craftsmanship, meaning our customers can feel assured that their pieces are made from and by the very best in the industry.
We are proud to uphold the values of British manufacturing while championing modern design. Our commitment to AGC’s B Corp certification is woven into every piece: from responsibly sourced hardwoods to low-impact finishes and eco-conscious packaging. Each product reflects our ambition to leave a lighter footprint on the world without compromising on luxury.
At Bazaar London, we understand that the sourcing process is a craft in itself. Our Trade Account programme is tailored for interior designers, architects, and industry professionals who need partners they can rely on for exceptional products and collaborative service.
By becoming a Bazaar London Trade partner, designers gain access to exclusive benefits including: - Pricing and trade discounts - Dedicated account management - Direct liaison with our design teams
We aim to support your vision, not compete with it. Whether you’re furnishing a single room or sourcing for a global project, our team is here to bring your design narrative to life with confidence and flair.
Applying is simple. Fill out our online form and a member of our trade team will be in touch to guide you through the process.
About ACCOUTER
Since opening the doors to our London interior design studio in 2012, international award winning Accouter has turned exclusive spaces into exceptional homes for high profile individuals around the world. From first sketch to final touch, we collaborate with clients to transform flashes of inspiration into unique environments; drawing on the expertise of our artisans, designers and storytellers to turn ideas into reality. It starts by re-imagining the interior architecture of a space, and ends when the quest for the perfect piece of art is complete. We travel the globe to find one-of-a-kind items that tell the narrative of a space, seeking out individual pieces with stories as unique as the lives of our clients.
RAK Ceramics, one of the largest ceramics brands in the world, proudly announces the launch of its next-generation slab production facility featuring the advanced Continua+ PCR 2180 technology—marking a major upgrade in its large-format slab manufacturing capabilities. This milestone further solidifies the company’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
RAK Ceramics was one of the first in the world to adopt Continua technology in 2012 and the first to introduce large-format slabs in the Middle East with its pioneering Maximus product range. This initial step revolutionized the regional ceramics market and positioned the company at the forefront of slab innovation. Since then, RAK Ceramics has continuously expanded its slab portfolio, leveraging Continua to improve design flexibility, production efficiency, and digital capabilities.
The newly operational facility leverages Continua+ PCR 2180, one of the most advanced and efficient slab production technologies available today. This technology ensures high productivity with minimal material wastage and enables full digital synchronisation at every stage of production, allowing for precision and flexibility in manufacturing.
In a bid to enhance sustainability, the facility features a seven-layer horizontal dryer, designed to operate on total heat recovery from the kiln, significantly reducing fuel consumption while optimising energy efficiency. The new line is evaluated to be more energy efficient in comparison to current continua setup.
The slab production facility boasts state-of-the-art digital glazing technology, enabling the combined application of inks and materials. This innovation enhances design capabilities, offering high-definition patterns, deep digital structures, and advanced dry digital glaze/granule applications. Additionally, the facility incorporates multilayer granule application technology, fully synchronised with digital processes, ensuring uniform and seamless finishes across all slab productions.
RAK Ceramics has also introduced the longest European kiln in the Middle East, stretching 300 metres, reinforcing its high-capacity production capabilities. The facility integrates a smart scheduling storage system, incorporating real-time control and monitoring to enhance operational efficiency. A fully automated quality control system eliminates manual inspections by monitoring tiles at multiple production stages, ensuring unmatched product quality.
With the launch of its first-ever matting line for slab production, RAK Ceramics has standardised processes to maintain uniform finishes across various slab sizes. Additionally, the auto cutting line ensures consistency in customised product formats, optimising the production process.
The newly launched facility also features an automatic shrink hood wrapping machine, eliminating manual packaging processes and improving efficiency. Its advanced packing line supports multiple palletisation methods, including A-frames, L-frames, and wooden boxes, with a robotic arm for seamless logistics management.
With an annual production capacity of 4 million square metres, the facility is equipped to manufacture slabs in multiple thicknesses ranging from 6mm to 20mm, with a maximum size of 180x360 cm—currently the largest in the industry. Standard slab sizes include 162x324 cm at 12mm thickness, as well as 80x320 cm uncut slabs for countertops. To further enhance durability, mesh reinforcement is applied to all 162x324 cm slab productions.
The launch of this 100 million AED facility represents a strategic investment in the future of slab manufacturing, reinforcing RAK Ceramics' position as an industry pioneer. By integrating IoT-enabled smart manufacturing, zero manual intervention for quality inspection, and enhanced digital glazing techniques, the company continues to push the boundaries of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
This milestone reflects RAK Ceramics' ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to its global clientele, ensuring superior quality, unparalleled design possibilities, and an optimised production process.
Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO of RAK Ceramics, stated, "At RAK Ceramics, our commitment to innovation and sustainability is at the core of our growth strategy. The launch of our exclusive slab production facility reflects our dedication to advanced, efficient, and environmentally responsible manufacturing. By investing in cutting-edge technology such as the Continua+ PCR 2180 technology, we are not only enhancing our production capabilities but also reinforcing our leadership in sustainable ceramics manufacturing. We remain focused on delivering high-quality, innovative products that meet the evolving needs of our customers worldwide."
RAK Ceramics’ strategic investments in advanced technology and sustainable manufacturing are shaping the future of the ceramics industry. With the successful launch of its state-of-the-art slab production facility, the company is reinforcing its position as a global pioneer, delivering superior products that meet the highest standards of quality, design, and environmental responsibility.
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.
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