As a team, sofa.com always find it interesting to look back at the successes of the year so far, delving into the data to look at what clients are seeking when it comes to luxury design.
Material of choice:
The past few years had seen an increase in sales of upholstered seating and bedroom furniture in colourful fabrics. However, 2023 so far sees a shift, as neutral tones overtake to reign supreme once again. Comprising the largest percentage of sales, two beautifully cool-toned beiges share the top spot – Pumice house basket weave, and Cashew viscose linen.
A palette which has always been well-suited to high-end hotel and residential design, this move to a more muted, modest scheme sits in line with a wider consumer trend seen this year – minimaluxe, or quiet minimalism. A focus on a few pared-back hues used together to create a streamlined aesthetic. Often you’ll notice that it is no longer colour that is used to showcase personality – the detail is all in the unique shapely elements of furniture, or the texture of the fabric selected.
Furniture Shape and design:
Sales of furniture with multifunctional features have increased year on year. The flexibility of modular furniture allows us to rearrange and reshuffle to accommodate extra guests, to adapt for entertaining purposes, or to allow increased space for stretching out and relaxing.
The top preforming sofa first debuted in 2009 and has continued to hold the top spot – and for good reason. The timeless shape, and ever-expanding offering of configurations allows Bluebell to sit equally as perfectly within contemporary specifications as traditional schemes. Another classic which has hurdled a few other contenders and is now situated at second place, is our Otto. Sleek lines, yet unbelievable comfort make this the ideal option for all settings.
Sofa.com have been lucky enough this summer to work on a number of hotel redesigns, and are pleased that the focus on creating bedroom furniture that is both designed to last yet has elements of key trends is popular within the hospitality sector as much as with residential shoppers. Sales of beds and mattresses in particular sit at 50% up on last year’s figures.
The sofa.com design and trade teams continue to work together ceaselessly to ensure new products are created in response to the needs of our customers, building on successes, adapting to meet any challenges and always bespoke.
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.
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The Myers Touch Kitchen Design Studio, exclusive UK retailer of Italian kitchen and furniture brand CopatLife, are proud to present the UK’s first CopatLife kitchen display that reflects contemporary Italian cabinetry, quality and innovation.
CopatLife kitchen systems feature a range of intelligent solutions that elevate functionality and beauty to new heights. From hidden storage options to side-by-side built-in appliances concealed behind pocket doors, every element has been thoughtfully designed to optimise space and enhance a kitchen space’s aesthetic appeal.
Director at The Myers Touch, Keith Myers says “The introduction of the UK’s first CopatLife kitchen display at our studio allows us to offer customers a range of innovative and high-quality Italian-designed kitchen systems that reflect contemporary European design and functional sophistication. We are thrilled to display CopatLife as one of the three new kitchen design brands that allow our in-house design team to design kitchens for all customer tastes and budgets”.
The showroom’s new display showcases CopatLife’s 2.1 system. Dark elm arabica and metallic-effect lacquered cabinetry has been matched with sophisticated 12mm Dekton Keyla suede worktops and includes an integrated Blanco Etagon sink, a brushed black nickel Gessi Su & Giu tap and a powerful 4-zone Miele induction hob with integrated vapour down-draft extraction. The cabinetry and worktop contrast beautifully with the Silestone wall cladding as the polished Calacatta Gold finish provides a luxury marble effect due to its wide grey highlights that are delicately interspersed with golden glints.
A built-in Miele oven and steamer were chosen in an elegant Obsidian black finish for the display to further enhance the worktops’ beauty and the cabinetry’s finish. The hidden walk-in larder design showcases how hidden storage features can be customised in various sizes and solutions to store dry foods and appliances.
The display cabinetry features integrated CopatLife LED lighting technology which is complemented by an intelligent Novy Wall light system under the wall cabinetry that allows the user to easily control the lighting tone and on/off switch through Novy’s Gesture Control technology. In addition, a slim rectangular LED light source over the peninsula creates interest and provides a focal point for a dedicated food preparation task area.
Exclusive to CopatLife is their distinctive ‘Island Block’ unit which features base cabinets that can be contrasted with a range of finishes on the plinth with a raised side and back panel. The unit’s worktop features integrated cooking burners and a sink – ideal for open-plan kitchen-living as a stand-alone kitchen or with wall and tall units. An alternative to hiding kitchen appliances in a walk-larder space is to include CopatLife’s open lateral side system that can be hidden away and accessed behind a side cabinet panel door.
Additional systems from CopatLife available at The Myers Touch include their 3.1 range which offers additional cabinetry and worktop choices such as polished brushed oaks and lacquers, glass and stoneware, in addition to its multifunctional wall system and walk-in solutions such as pantries and larders. Their superior 4.1 range is ideal for homeowners who are seeking innovation, technology and perfection in detail as the system’s technologically advanced features in a new range of kitchen cabinetry shapes, solutions and finishes that allow The Myers Touch in-house design team to create a truly personalised contemporary kitchen space in homes.
Copatlife’s kitchen furniture collection also extends into furniture solutions for living spaces making it the perfect option for customers who are seeking modern shelving, dining tables, storage units, home office and bar areas that blend as part of their kitchen-living space.
About The Myers Touch
We are The Myers Touch, award-winning interior architects and designers who specialise in creating luxury kitchen living spaces. Our goal is to enrich your life through the creation of an exceptional kitchen space that reflects your practical, aesthetic and emotional aspirations. We believe every kitchen should contain elements of beauty, efficiency and personalisation – a place that expresses Light, Space and Laughter for you.
Innovative design and enhanced technology meets form and function with the new Creo and Vito 25mm sustainable shower trays from Crosswater. Whether the goal is to make a design statement or create a minimalist silhouette where the shower blends seamlessly into the wider bathroom, these will elevate any shower space.
Crafted from 100% recyclable Dolomite engineered stone and hand finished to perfection, Creo and Vito are expertly designed with comfort and efficiency in mind. Smooth and warm to the touch, engineered stone is soothing underfoot and creates a sleek, seamless feel.
Designed with high-flow central or linear drainage systems for faster drainage and almost invisible gullies and edges, shallow pools of water are a thing of the past. And with no hard, uncomfortable ridges to step on, the designs allow continuous flow from the rest of the bathroom floor.
Using natural materials embraces relaxation and wellness principles that instil a sense of natural tranquility. Brilliantly resilient and hard-wearing with exceptional impact resistance, engineered stone retains water thermal temperature for longer, creating a warm and luxurious showering experience.
Manufactured in a zero-emission factory that uses 100% solar energy, using engineered stone considerably reduces the energy required to make each tray and excess materials are simply repurposed. The trays are finished with a permanent Nanocoat gel, ensuring the surfaces are non-porous, anti-bacterial and easy to clean.
Creo is available in rectangular and offset quadrant options – prices from £260. Vito is available in square and rectangular options – prices from £311.
Gallery Collectional is a high-end design gallery located in Dubai’s Eden House. Opened in 2022, it is Dubai and the region’s first-ever permanent gallery showcasing collectible design, and it has since taken the lead as a regional authority. With a concentration on commissioned and limited-edition pieces, the gallery fuses a traditional gallery with a high-end design concept. Gallery Collectional offers more than just furniture, presenting unique pieces many consider works of art.
The gallery ethos is to provide a handpicked range of items only produced in small quantities by forming connections with well-known designers from around the region and the world to create rarer treasures and one-of-a-kind pieces that match the vision of a discerning clientele. This is achieved through the gallery’s extensive network of designers and brands.
High-end furniture, lighting, and various works of art are among the exclusively commissioned pieces vetted by a team of experts at Collectional, ensuring they meet the highest standards. Collections at the gallery are constantly changing with every season, and adding new pieces to the gallery is an ongoing story that evolves with every collaboration or artistic vision.
The gallery has also hosted various artists from around the region and the world, showcasing their work, artistry, and the inspiration behind their ideas. These events have been instrumental in bringing together clients and artists to interact in understanding the creative process and vision behind many pieces.
Unlike anything in the region, Gallery Collectional has become the standard for collectible design and a reference point among regional and international buyers—a destination for people who value one-of-a-kind collectible pieces.
Picture Credit: COLLECTIONAL
Location: Eden House
About COLLECTIONAL
Gallery COLLECTIONAL presents exclusive commissioned design pieces and a curated selection of our favorite art and design from around the globe. Along with its Design Platform offers a comprehensive turnkey solution for projects, including services to support interior design and procurement for furniture, lighting, surfaces and décor that vary in size and spans across the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) and beyond.
The bedroom is one of the most important spaces in any project, whether residential or hotelier.
Considering the design of the room and ensuring that each element works effortlessly to create somewhere that promotes rest and enjoyment is key. Working closely with our global clientele over the past year, we’ve seen a noticeable shift in how designers are approaching each project, with a focus on creating a space of sanctuary. Each stage of the design process is an opportunity to create a space that evokes calm via colours, materials, furniture and accessory choice resulting in the perfect room layout.
As the centrepiece to all bedroom specifications, bed choice is key, and comfort is king. Think about both bed frame and mattress choice, as a deep slumber will be pivotal to guests not only feeling refreshed but recommending their experience to friends and colleagues.
Although we’ve seen hints over the past year or so that interior designers are becoming more experimental with colour, a calming selection of beiges, earth tones and off-whites remain top choices across our upholstered bed range. Texture is used as a way to add interest without opting for colour, with tactile fabrics such as sumptuously soft velvets, or comforting boucle offering the perfect starting point to create a neutral décor scheme that does not lack in design detail or impact.
Collaborating with our clients over the years, we’ve taken on board feedback on the importance of all the small details and our flexibility to fulfil bespoke requests means each element is considered, from bed height to access to switches, sockets and lighting.
Additional furniture should complement the overarching goal to create calm. Whilst acting as a decorative item and adding visual interest to a room, a well-chosen occasional chair at the right time of day can be either a relaxing additional space to unwind, or somewhere to sit and work. We’ve noticed an increase in designers’ incorporating seating at the foot of the bed, whether in the form of a chaise longue or decorative bench, again combining practicality that is tailored to the desired aesthetic. Bedside tables too should balance form and function, acting as a space to store personal items, while supporting stylistic factors within the room.
Often considered more by residential designers, incorporating elements of biophilia through the use of natural materials, and colours inspired by the outside environment has a multitude of benefits in hotel specifications. First popularised in the 50s to boost productivity in office design, this is a trend that has crept into hotel planning to promote a peaceful atmosphere.
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Introducing the brand-new Cabinet Backplates from leading British manufacturer of the finest architectural hardware, Croft.
Further enhancing their established cabinet collection, a selection of designs can now be incorporated with a cabinet backplate.
Available in up to 5 sizes and over 25 luxury finishes and patinas, the slimline cabinet backplates have rounded corners and accentuate the designs within the cabinet collection.
About Croft
Croft are a leading British manufacturer of the finest architectural hardware. With a family heritage dating back to 1868, Croft remain a family run company manufacturing from their factory in the heart of England. Offering bespoke solutions as well as an extensive portfolio in a choice of 28 different finishes. The Croft range provides an impeccable selection of beautifully crafted, quality hardware to suit the most elegant of properties.
Custom made furniture plays a crucial role in high-end interior design projects, offering a range of benefits that mass-produced pieces simply cannot match. From unique designs to superior quality, custom furniture pieces offer an elevated level of sophistication and elegance that is unrivaled.
At Helen Green Design we have the honour to work with the very best artisans, joiners and suppliers in the industry.
One of the most significant benefits of custom furniture is the ability to create a one-of-a-kind design that is tailored to a specific space. Rather than trying to fit a pre-made piece into an existing layout, custom furniture allows designers to create pieces that perfectly complement the room’s size, shape, and style. This allows for a seamless integration of furniture into the overall design scheme, resulting in a cohesive and polished look.
Another advantage of custom furniture is the ability to use high-quality materials that may not be available with mass-produced pieces. Designers can work with skilled craftsmen to select premium materials, such as rare woods, unique finishes, and luxurious fabrics, that will elevate the overall design of the space. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the furniture but also ensures that it is durable and built to last.
In addition, custom furniture allows for greater attention to detail, resulting in pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. Designers can work closely with craftsmen to ensure that each piece is precisely tailored to meet the specific needs of the client, whether it be maximizing storage space, providing comfortable seating, or incorporating unique features such as built-in lighting.
The value of custom furniture extends beyond aesthetics and functionality, as it can also add significant value to a home or commercial space. In many cases, custom pieces are considered investment pieces that hold their value over time, making them a wise investment for those looking to enhance the overall value of their property.
When it comes to high-end interior design projects, custom furniture is an essential element that cannot be overlooked. From unique designs to superior quality, custom furniture offers a range of benefits that mass-produced pieces simply cannot match. By working with skilled craftsmen to create custom pieces, designers can ensure that each element of the space is thoughtfully designed and executed, resulting in a space that is both functional and visually stunning.
About Helen Green Design
Helen Green Design is proud to be one of Britain’s most respected luxury interior design practices. Over the past 19 years, the team has developed an invaluable reputation for creating elegant, sophisticated, and timeless interiors for our international private clients. The portfolio includes prestigious developments, luxury penthouses, townhouses, boutique hotels and country estates, with recognition for our work in Super – Prime London. Founded by the late Helen Green in 2002, the studio creates luxurious, yet liveable, residences and strives to deliver exceptionally high, personalised levels of service – values which lie at the very heart of our business.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a kitchen renovation design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Celia Visser Design.
SBID Awards Category: KBB Design
Practice: Celia Visser Design
Project: Oriental Industrial
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
The expat owners of this 1990s architecturally designed home returned to New Zealand for their retirement and called upon the designer to renovate their kitchen living area. They wanted to ensure it would fit with the home’s existing architecture and, as avid cooks, needed a much larger space to comfortably use. The wanted to enhance the harbour views the room enjoyed which was constrained by walls on entering the space.
The Clients brief & the house architecture. The home had quite industrial and native NZ timber features, especially the open stairwell which can be seen from the front and larder.
The clients had lived in a lot of Asian & Arab countries & had brought back a lot of treasures and special objects they had collected on their travels and wanted them to be displayed in the kitchen. The open shelves were designed to match the stairs, like a commercial kitchen having all products on display.
The colour Palette was chosen to blend all these elements together.
One of the main challenges for this project was that the kitchen’s size in proportion to the house size and function was very small. There was also an unused room behind the existing kitchen that could be incorporated, but the three dividing wall and posts were a major structural support for the three-storied home.
The removal of the structural and supporting walls was a big undertaking, this meant employing an engineer to redesign the house foundations and constructing new supporting steel beams.
The highlight was viewing the opened kitchen to the adjacent room for the first time. This increased the space to double in size while exposing the beautiful harbour views which had been hidden from many areas of the entrance & living room. It was a very special moment when the client saw what a difference the larger space would have on their lives & especially being able to see the harbour from all angles while she cooked – a moment to remember.
I entered and won the SBID award KBB category in 2018 & love that these Awards have grown to be such a force globally & I feel they are so prestigious and recognised now. It helps my credibility as a designer both in New Zealand & Internationally. I can market my award as being at the top of my career globally so it’s a very special award for me.
If I have a great project I want to enter for the recognition it gives, even to be a finalist is a great accolade.
Questions answered by Celia Visser, FNKBA, CKD/CBDNZ PDINZ, Celia Visser Design.
We hope you feel inspired by this week’s design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a modern residential development design by Yuan-Art, click here to read it.
Whilst the majority of Britain is working from home, it is more important than ever to create a bedroom that is serene and harmonious. Your bedroom is not only where you sleep but where you begin and end the day by reading, meditating or simply unwinding. We have put together this guide on how to create a relaxing and restful bedroom.
When trying to establish the key elements to change or improve in your bedroom take some time to clear the room by removing items that you no longer want and ensure that everything is put away. This will help you see the room as a blank canvas and make gaps or missing items clear.
Select a colour that is the most calming for you. A neutral base palette, such as ivory or sand, will open up the space making it feel clean, light and bright. It will also give you maximum flexibility with your space. If you do not like neutral colours then consider muted colours such as sage green or duck egg blue. To give your bedroom a refined and sophisticated finish choose a fabric wallpaper to bring texture and warmth to the space.
Position your bed against a wall, with space either side, and select an upholstered headboard with piping or studs to add an element of detail. To recreate a 5-star hotel feel at home use a mattress topper and double up your duvet inside the covers for a sumptuous sleeping experience. For maximum comfort, invest in the best bedding you can afford with a high tread count. Add to your bed by selecting some decorative cushions with small scale patterns or textures with a cashmere throw at the end of the bed.
It is important that you do not have too much furniture in your bedroom as this will make it feel cramped. Think carefully about what is important to you. If you have limited storage space then choose a beautiful chest of drawers or if you want a space to get ready at then choose a dressing table and chairs. Consider the furniture’s size and shape so that it fits within the proportions of the room. When accessorising your bedside table carefully select some key pieces, such as a jewellery dish and a candle, so that you do not clutter the space.
Your bedroom should aim to connect all your senses seamlessly to evoke the feelings and emotions you desire. By bringing scent into the bedroom you can set the tone and mood in your bedroom. You should consider picking a scent that is appropriate for the season: light and floral scents of the summer, deep autumnal and forest scents for autumn and spicy, festive scents for the winter.
Lighting is important to create a calming ambience in your room. Having a dimmer switch on the main light in your bedroom will help to create softer lighting. If this is not possible, you can create a restful environment by turning off the main light and utilising reading lights on your bedside table for warmth and comfort.
Tips provided by Alexandra Jurkiewicz, Creative Lead, Helen Green Design.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern residential development design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Yuan-Art.
SBID Awards Category: Show Flats & Developments
Practice: Yuan-Art
Project: China Jinchengfu Villa
Location: Chengdu, China
BBMG Jinchengfu is located in Gaoxin district, the most prosperous zone in Chengdu. It is a high-end residential project in the area. The project occupies the core and surrounding environment of the area, with pleasant ecology and surrounded by parks. The courtyard villas, bungalows and high-rise buildings are planned. The villa adopts the new Chinese style, which perfectly integrates modern elements with traditional architectural styles. The garden is designed and built on the model of the top ten cultural and historical attractions in Chengdu.
Due to its unique urban geography, Chengdu has rapidly developed into a bustling Internet celebrity city in China. However, the native people in Chengdu are not happy because of the liveliness. Instead, they hope that life would be more relaxing, that they could experience life more calmly and gently when conditions permit, and build their own homes and lives. They wish to seek a life that truly belongs to them in a more self-directed way in order to fully enjoy and be compatible with the transformation and association between life, work and society, and use another way to coexist harmoniously.
The style of wabi-sabi has a dilapidated beauty, which is not completely in line with people’s understanding of quality life today. Therefore, in the design, we need to reflect a certain sense of value as appropriately as possible, such as expressing through material appeals, furniture, etc., utensils, art, and those products that we use regularly. This value is convenient and comfortable, it is the guarantee and embodiment of quality, and it is also a way to improve the texture and modern atmosphere of the space scene. We want to convey that wabi-sabi brings us a gentle and comfortable life attitude, not extreme restraint.
In this project, the space is constructed with simplicity and tranquility. The wood, stone, rattan, cotton and linen in the indoor space have a natural symbiotic relationship with outdoor green plants, sunlight, wind and rain. They flow and change due to time, season and climate. As a new enlightenment of nature, they accept the existence of time and curve traces of the passage of time. This harmony with nature and symbiosis with the environment is the biggest highlight of this project.
The SBID International Design Award is the most prestigious award in the interior design industry. The teams that have won this award are outstanding workers and teams who have achieved outstanding results in the field of international interior design. We want to let more people know and recognize us by participating in this SBID competition. At the same time, we can also compete and communicate with outstanding international contestants on the same stage, constantly improve our professional skills and tap into our creative potential.
Questions answered by Zi Peng GUO, Founder and Chief Designer, Yuan-Art.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a contemporary hotel’s public space design by Paul Liu Design PLD, click here to read it.
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