2023 SBID Awards Finalists Announced

The SBID International Design Awards finalists for 2023 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 10% of the final scores, it's your chance to sway the results to 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 today! Voting closes at 5pm (BST) on 11 September.

Voting closes at 5pm (BST) on 11 September.

Visit www.sbidawards.com to find out more!

Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

The creativity, working with clients to understand what their requirements are and building a design which exceeds their expectations. I have a passion for presenting ideas and so once the design is developed and the pieces all come together it’s a really exciting time within the design process.

What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year?

Launching Studio Asterix and seeing the first projects through to fruition, I’ve also been really lucky to have clients and developers that I’ve worked with previously make introductions, from a personal perspective its reassuring that it was the right decision at the right time.

What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why?

New build residential developments are a personal favourite, seeing spaces transform from a blank canvas to a completely tailored space is an exciting journey for clients as its usually a new purchase and so we are able to extend their experience of a new home. I’ve always had a great passion for sourcing furniture and have specialised in turn-key interiors, I've always specialised more in FF&E.

What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design?

For the industry as a whole, one of the main challenges has been the supply chain issue and the knock on effect when working with clients and unless the client is in our line of work they often have little understanding on some of the limitations when working on projects. From Studio Asterix's inception, I committed to open communication and managing the expectations of our clients. When starting a new project, there are key drivers the clients and I discuss the aesthetic, the budgetary requirements, and the project lead time. To ensure clients have the best experience possible, I work on their priority areas so they feel comfortable with the deliverability of the project and work to their expectations.

What do you wish you knew before working in the field?

An understanding of UK based trade suppliers, I think in starting in an FF&E role as an intern it would have enabled me to source more efficiently and to support more senior team members. I think a lot of studios would probably recommend understanding the technical side, but this can be taught and developed. Having a good eye, knowing which supplier makes the fabric or where a piece can be sourced from is more impressive when starting out.

If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be?

I would recommend designers to research and understand their aesthetic and contact similar practices for experience, if the designer wants to explore their options it could be best to work within a business without a ‘house-style’ so they are able to experiment and develop their personal style and have more opportunity to build a portfolio of diverse projects. I also advise to exploring different roles within the industry as its key to understanding how a business runs day to day, most larger scale studios have different departments for procurement, operations and logistics whereas within smaller studios designers usually take care of the full design process.

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

It’s a word that is used a lot within our industry but I do feel that sustainability really does have a place in the future of design. Clients desire spaces that feel personal and in more recent years it has come with warmer, approachable and more textured spaces. We are leaning towards sourcing unique pieces, finding niche suppliers and considering the longevity of our designs, it is possible to recreate a lot of spaces from Pinterest and Instagram but ensuring they are designed to last is fundamental. The technology in recent years for fabrics alone has enabled clients to have the colour palettes they want with the peace of mind that the durability is there for every day life and if this is constantly evolving then I think it will increase the lifespan of our designs and to a lot of already great craftsman and artisans within our industry.

What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you?

In running a boutique business its extremely valuable to be apart of a recognised association, it gives Studio Asterix an opportunity to stand out. The accreditation also acts as a pledge to my business where I can commit the time to continue learning from other industry professionals and pass on valuable knowledge to clients, in doing so offering the most up to date and professional service possible.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Following insight shared by Arteriors' London showroom team, who have spoken with their luxury designer clientele and delved into sales data from our Spring Summer season so far, material of choice for high-end interiors falls into four distinct categories. Across all product types, from furniture and lighting to wall décor and accessories, designers are choosing either textural ceramics, high-gloss lacquer finishes, woven naturals, or classic antique brass. The collection of best-selling designs showcases the favourite materials being used to add a sense of luxury to residential and commercial specifications around the globe.

To introduce colour into projects, sleek lacquer is a brilliantly bold option that creates drama and fun within a space. Particularly striking on larger items such as accent tables, the high-shine finish catches the light beautifully, showcasing the depth and richness of each tone. We’re seeing predominantly bright primary colours selected as designers and their clients experiment more with different tones, using furniture as a vehicle to usher in a palette of joyous colour.

With designers increasingly striving to form connections to nature within their projects, a host of neutral ceramic accessories and products which incorporate natural materials remain high-performers. A palette of beige and earth tones, pared with the soothing organic shape of ceramic lamp bases and beautiful vases, and mixed woven naturals used on seating and table designs, helps to imbue a sense of the harmony and serenity of the outside world.

Brass is the material which most epitomises versatility and sits within modern schemes as successfully as in more traditional spaces. Favoured as the perfect material for lighting designs, we’ve worked with our design team and used brass across all ranges, hero-ing the material on larger furniture as well as on those smaller decorative pieces. This season sees a distinct mottled finish to provide visual texture and an antiqued look favoured to bring warmth into décor.

Products from the SS23 collection available to view within Arteriors’ Chelsea Harbour showroom, and a showroom team on hand to answer any questions you may have.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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A home is more than just a physical structure; it is a living sanctuary that evolves alongside its residents' ever-changing lifestyles. Recognising this profound truth, the perceptive owners of a plot of land in Kuala Lumpur embarked on a quest to create a haven that would adapt to their evolving needs and desires. Retired and in their 50s, they turned to Nu Infinity with a clear vision: to construct a communal block adjacent to their existing home, seamlessly integrating the old and the new.

With the future in mind, the owners sought a personalised touch that would set their new space apart from their current abode. They desired a slightly smaller area, meticulously tailored to their lifestyle and preferences. The architectural plan encompassed a secondary kitchen and a spacious study area on the upper floor, with the potential to transform into a luxurious bedroom complete with an attached bathroom, ample wardrobe space, and a convenient makeup table. Entrusting their dreams to Nu Infinity, they embarked on an extraordinary collaboration.

As avid art collectors with refined taste, the owners prioritised an environment that exuded sophistication and individuality. They envisioned a space that would not conform to generic standards but would instead showcase their cherished art collection while maintaining a harmonious and tasteful ambiance. A particularly striking element in their brief was the request for a signature staircase that would gracefully complement the breathtaking full-height glass window, providing an unobstructed view of the mesmerising surroundings.

Impressed by Nu Infinity's portfolio, the couple's daughter warmly recommended their services and graciously introduced them to her parents. The designers at Nu Infinity were captivated by the project's potential, as the owners welcomed new ideas and gave them creative freedom to interpret and advise on the best solutions to bring their practical requirements to life. Stepping onto the construction site, still in its skeletal form, the designers envisioned transformative changes that would not only meet but surpass the clients' expectations, adding immense value to their home. The element of surprise became a vital component in delivering an exceptional outcome.

Initially destined for the current kitchen area, the dining table took on a bold new position overlooking a tranquil swimming pool, framed by generous folding door openings. To establish a seamless flow between the living and dining areas, the kitchen was relocated to the center of the communal block. While serving its primary function as a kitchen, the space transcended mere practicality. The designers crafted the upper part to feature a captivating preserved moss aquarium, a testament to the harmonious fusion of nature and design.

Creating a serene retreat that catered to the needs of a retired couple while seamlessly integrating with the existing house posed an exhilarating challenge. The concept of interchangeable spaces, guided by the designers' vision of a functional and progressive home, presented an enticing opportunity for innovation. Adjacent to the kitchen, an area was thoughtfully planned to be sealed off and transformed into a dedicated wet kitchen in the future, ensuring optimal functionality. Every inch of space was meticulously crafted to ensure optimal proportions and a well-defined hierarchy of usage, guaranteeing a harmonious flow throughout the home.

At Nu Infinity, leaving a lasting impression lies at the heart of their design approach. They take immense pride in their unconventional use of elements, such as preserved moss, which introduces a touch of nature and texture to this project. The seamless integration of different materials, including the striking high-ceiling wall, the warm wood veneer, and the sleek marble, embodies the core essence of their design philosophy.

Thrilled with the remarkable transformation, the clients eagerly anticipate growing old in their newly re-imagined space. In this inspiring case study, Nu Infinity successfully transcended the boundaries of architecture and design, crafting a home that not only meets the evolving needs of its inhabitants but also stands as a testament to the art of adaptability. As the homeowners' lifestyles change with each passing year, their sanctuary will evolve in harmony, becoming a true reflection of their ever-transforming journey through life.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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There is no substitute for the beauty of bespoke. In fact, bespoke home design allows you to get exactly what you want, without compromise. Size, style, shape and colour can all be customised to create individual pieces that fit perfectly within your home, enhance your lifestyle and complement your personality. That’s because truly bespoke design embraces every fine detail. Therefore, no element is too big, small, or unimportant to make a difference. In visual terms, a unique bespoke space can be made to feel just how you want it to, using cabinetry, colour, lighting, wall coverings and window dressings.

Attention to detail
“Attention to detail always matters, and especially in bespoke home design,” confirms our director Mark Taylor. “With bespoke home design you can achieve an exact fit to the concept or ideas put forward. A bespoke interior stands out because it is unique, and can be very personal in a visual or practical way. For example, a study, kitchen, or utility room designed around your specific needs can make life so much easier.”

Home design elements to consider
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the different elements of any bespoke home design. “How bespoke you can go is usually led by budget,” notes Mark. “But if you have any areas earmarked for built-in furniture, it is much easier to [do justice] to this sort of space with a bespoke furniture fitting.”. He emphasises: “Dictating exactly what the required piece should look like – and what goes into it – means you can have exactly what you want.”

Full-room renovations
Bespoke home design can be harnessed to transform entire rooms, or smaller, specific areas within a certain space. “With bespoke kitchens, for example, there are no limits in terms of what you can achieve. This is apart from the limitations of the space you are working within, and the budget you are working to,” Mark observes. Everything else is up for negotiation. “Available options include changing the door style and shape, work surface detail, height, and most importantly fitting everything into the space you have.”

Personalising smaller spaces
In fact, bespoke home design helps to bring your vision to life. If you can imagine it, we can create it, and that applies just as much to furniture as it does to cabinetry and joinery. “With upholstered seating, for example, you may want something that fits exactly within a space,” notes Mark. “Or you may require a certain shape or size to create a specific look. So, bespoke home design can provide a great sense of personal creation and uniqueness, which all help to make a truly personalised space.”

Introducing technology to your home design
Smart homes with connected devices can provide additional comfort and luxury in a bespoke setting. In fact, integrating technology into the home has become a key concern for bespoke interior design. So, we keep up-to-date with the latest design software and look at ways in which this can be advantageous to you and your home. At Mark Taylor Design, we can design intelligent homes, which will integrate innovative tech, to create an entertainment hub as the home is no longer just a living space.

Putting systems in place
We tend to work with clients who don't want unsightly hi-tech equipment to be the main feature throughout their home. Mark explains: "Our secret is to keep your environment soft and welcoming by hiding some technology from view where possible. However, beautiful tech, such as B&O speakers, which resemble works of art, can also become an integral part of the room's design, which will enhance its overall vibe."

Technology continues to advance at great pace where speakers can be plastered within your walls so they are hidden from view. Voice recognition apps allow you to operate your heating and lighting and you can set your dishwasher to switch on in advance via a Smartphone from a remote location. You can pre-programme autonomous vacuum cleaners and mowers, making housework and gardening less stressful and time-consuming.

Hi-tech lighting control
Lighting is one of the most crucial elements, which will add atmosphere to a room and Mark explains: "Lighting control can alter the mood of a room with a verbal instruction or via a Smartphone. You can create party vibes or add interest to a child's bedroom with colour-changing lights. You can also change the warmth of your light without the need to change any bulbs."

The importance of lighting design
As mentioned, the role of lighting within bespoke home design cannot be overstated. “We have learned a lot about lighting over the past few years, by attending lectures with specialist lighting companies, and working with lighting experts,” Mark reveals. “Lighting is recognised more, and we know that it changes our moods, and can be used really effectively to enhance the spaces we live in.”. “Principally we look at light temperature, using mainly warm lighting in people’s homes. We also consider the direction of lighting, and the intensity, which can be controlled by dimmer switches.”

Practical home design elements and aesthetic finishes
We believe the best bespoke home design combines practical benefits with appealing aesthetics. In other words, think about what you need, what you’d like, and how everything should look. After all, different lifestyles require different priorities. For example, at Mark Taylor Design, we can customise home office furniture to hold everything from lever-arch files to printers. We can also design hall units to accommodate coats, school bags and hockey sticks. Kitchen cupboards can incorporate concealed storage space to maintain a clean, clutter-free look. In fact, bespoke design is all about making life easier – and easier means different things to different clients.

Making less to mean more
Bespoke home design tends not to shout. Often its objective is to help elements blend in, not stand out. What you don’t notice can be just as important – and finer details play a key role. In size terms, it’s a small element, but the right brassware, for example, can make a big difference when coordinating metallics in the kitchen. “Keeping handles small and discreet will ensure they won’t detract from and overpower furniture doors,” notes Mark.

Being creative with colour
Colour impacts, influences and enhances bespoke home design. “In all our projects, we allocate time to achieve the right colour combinations,” Mark confirms. “This involves mood boards, and usually site visits to check that the colours, fabrics and textures we have chosen work in natural light”. Bright or contrasting colours can really make a space pop, as can combining different colours and textures. However, colour minimalism can also make a serious style statement. “Using one colour on the skirting, walls and furniture within a space really makes any detail stand out,” Mark explains.

Adding texture
Texture is key in interior design in terms of adding dimension and comfort to a room. After all, the way in which a surface or material looks or feels and layering the look can help to add depth to a space. Mark notes: "Texture adds another dimension, beyond colour and space. It provides a way to cast positive shadows to accentuate corners or to reflect light in a different way. Texture will add visual interest and will drive the eye to various parts of the wall or surface. Finally, in larger space it does more and works harder than flat colour."

Versatile functionality in home design
Both ambient, accent and task lighting have a key role to play. “For ambient lighting, we might create a background light from ceilings or LED strips running around a room,” Mark explains. “Accent lighting aims to highlight areas or items such as paintings, bookcases, pieces of sculpture or joinery". “As its name suggests, task lighting helps to highlight an area where you carry out specific tasks, such as a kitchen work surface.” Mark concludes: “When you turn off task lighting, ambient lighting can take over, which will help to make the area feel softer. This is especially relevant when you use a space for different activities, or at various times of the day and night.”

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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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.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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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.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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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.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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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

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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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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