Only a few days before London Design Festival returns on Saturday 17 September! For a whole week, LDF will celebrate and promote the city as a design capital on the global stage, offering an expansive programme of over 13 design disciplines, ranging from digital design and art, to landscape, interiors and materials.
Are you ready to dive into the world of design? Read the SBID's helpful guide to the festival to plan your diary, get inspired and engage with the design industry. Ensure you don't miss any important events and CPD sessions from SBID members!
London Design Festival 2022
Where: Multiple venues across London
When: 17 - 25 September
Arper joins LDF in celebrating the city’s creativity in newly restyled London showroom to present its latest 2022 collections with a range of engaging events and creative activities across Clerkenwell Design Trail.
Learn more
An immersive installation of pioneering designs showcases objects developed by Zaha Hadid Design over the past 15 years. The exhibition fills the sculptural spaces of the striking gallery designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in 2011.
Kohler invites you to explore their recently refurbished London showroom in Clerkenwell, attend an exclusive Breakfast Meeting with networking, talk and tour, and discover the latest product innovations in the KBB sector.
Parkside are hosting a Breakfast Club with live CPD event alongside fresh pastries and coffee as part of the Clerkenwell Design Trail! Unlock knowledge on tiling patterns, innovations in sustainable materials and how to specify bespoke surfaces.
House of Rohl's networking brunch in partnership with SBID will bring together a collection of luxury kitchen and bathroom brands and provide an opportunity to meet peers and exchange ideas.
VitrA London showroom will run a series of free virtual reality CPD experience sessions, where they will turn bathroom designs into 4-D, enabling people to explore a fully immersive virtual bathroom space.
RAK Ceramics Design Hub is an interactive and immersive environment to inspire - explore the latest in bathroom designs, materials, finishes and colours with exclusive showroom tour, showcasing RAK Ceramics ranges, kitchen taps, and brassware.
Drop by Karndean's Commercial Showroom to grab a mocktail or a bite to eat, meet the team and view an exclusive collection preview - take a first look at their new abstract flooring designs launching this autumn!
EDGE presents a variety of products, installations, CPDs, workshops, talks and events surrounding sustainable design, highlighting the industry's best in circular products and materials for living and working spaces.
VitrA is hosting an immersive colour experience using artwork by Carnovsky, which experiments with the interaction between colour in print and light form.
Bolon is showcasing their latest products, celebrating the launch of new colour palettes for their bestselling collections, and holding a variety of talks on sustainability during the London Design Festival week.
The art of high-tech returns as Cosentino celebrates breathtaking new collections at the Cosentino City Showroom. Presenting award-winning carbon neutral materials with 'DJ Nadia Noudle' and tapas.
Bolon is hosting a CPD session led by Bolon’s visionary Head of Sustainability Håkan Nordin to learn about how Bolon’s experience in sustainable design has informed their approach and understanding of the circular economy today.
EDGE (Eco Design Green Environment) is celebrating their first anniversary with a short talks programme focusing on sustainability and regenerative thinking.
If you’d like to publish your news or features with SBID, get in touch to find out more.
If you’d like to join our community and become Accredited, click here for more information.
With growing demand for zero contact bathroom solutions, manufacturers are increasingly introducing new developments for innovative touchless products to deliver the ultimate in hygiene. From basin mixers that activate automatically when they detect a user, to electronic flush plates with movement sensors, and mirrors with lights that are switched on with a simple gesture – Roca offers a range of touchless solutions which provide an extra layer of hygiene and safety within the bathroom. Infrared sensors allow users to activate water flow in taps, flush the WC or control mirror lights without the need for contact, avoiding the spread of viruses and growth of bacteria.
Roca’s range of electronic basin mixers, including the Loft-E range, feature an infrared sensor which activates the water flow when presence is detected and shuts off automatically when presence is no longer detected, avoiding direct hand contact. The lack of contact with the tap improves hygiene and prevents the build-up of droplets and fingerprints on its surface, resulting in a cleaner product for longer. Roca’s electronic basin mixers offer a highly hygienic and effective solution to fight the spread of viruses and bacteria and to reduce the use of water in the home.
Easy installation is guaranteed. The electronic mixers are available in a battery or mains operated system which means they can be installed in any bathroom, regardless of the availability of a power outlet in the area of usage. The battery operated versions are exceptionally durable with alkaline batteries which guarantee over 250,000 uses. A further innovation means both greater safety and more savings - the electronic device stops the water flow after a preset usage time to promote moderate use and prevent unnecessary waste of water.
Mirrors with integrated touchless technology, such as the Prisma Comfort model, allow users to activate functions such as the ambient light or the demister device through movement, which means less direct contact from hands, allowing the glass to remain clean and clear.
The EP-1 and EP-2 electronic operating plates make it possible to activate the toilet flush without touching it. With a stylish, contemporary design and very easy installation, they are automatically activated when moving a hand in front of them, ensuring maximum hygiene and avoiding any contact.
With a backlit surface divided into two stripes which are alternatively activated depending on the type of flush (partial or full), they can be set off by simply bringing the hand closer or by choosing the automatic option in which the toilet is instantly cleaned when the user approaches or when a specific time has passed after its use.
Roca’s Touchless solutions are suitable for both domestic and commercial use, providing an extra layer of safety within every type of bathroom.
About Roca
Roca began in 1917 as a manufacturer of cast iron radiators at its factory in Gavà, near Barcelona. From humble origins, the company has grown into a global business driven by a firm focus on improving the quality of life for its customers. Roca began producing innovate new designs, products and materials to provide the complete bathroom solutio. Today, Roca manufactures at 78 facilities around the world and is active in over 170 markets.
If you'd like to become SBID Accredited, click here to find out more.
Scotland’s very first YOTEL, centrally located in Edinburgh’s bustling Queen Street, perfectly combines contemporary modern interiors with the classic design of the city’s famous Old Town architecture. Its playful ‘cabin’ style rooms feature bathrooms using a bespoke solution and innovative solid surface material Surfex® exclusively from Roca.
YOTEL Edinburgh is the brand’s first city centre opening in Europe. Its premium location is perfectly placed, allowing guests to experience all of the city’s historic charms and top attractions within walking distance of the hotel. The sleek and modern interior is testament to the ethos of the brand; creating an innovative, smart hotel for tech-savvy travellers.
The hotel has 276 compact cabin rooms, inspired by the feeling first class travel provides in terms of luxury and comfort. Each room is equipped with YOTEL’s signature features including luxury bedding, relaxing mood lighting and Smart TVs. This helps to enhance the smart experience YOTEL is renowned for and evokes contemporary style and convenience. The rooms are designed to have a modern feel, and its minimalist white interior highlights the brand’s close attention to detail.
During the launch, YOTEL Edinburgh General Manager Stuart Douglas said, “The main purpose of the cabin rooms at YOTEL is to provide guests with functionality, practicality and above all, high quality. The uncompromising design of the rooms and bathrooms ensures guests have the essential elements of luxury hotels but redesigned into a compact, smart space.”
Working closely alongside YOTEL at the design stage of the project, Roca created a bathroom solution that closely aligned with the brand standards. This included the Gap wall-hung WC and a bespoke vanity unit, in addition to bespoke washroom countertops for the public areas of the hotel.
Manufactured in Poland, the bespoke units were made using Roca’s innovative Surfex®, a malleable solid surface material formulated from a combination of minerals and resins. The unique properties of Surfex allow it to be poured into a production mould, enabling complex designs with no joints or seams. The materials properties also permit ‘on-site’ changes to the finished product, catering to different guestroom sizes and configurations. At YOTEL Edinburgh the advantages of Surfex were harnessed to create a wash basin bowl with an integrated unit that maximises countertop space, providing ample storage space for toiletries and grooming products.
The addition of The Gap wall-hung WC further complemented the design aesthetic. Created by renowned industrial designer Antonio Bullo, The Gap features modern and stylish lines whilst delivering both a compact and functional bathroom solution.
“We worked in close partnership with the YOTEL team to deliver a bespoke solution that fitted their requirements and those of their guests,” comments Jon Bond, Head of UK Projects at Roca. “The end result is a bathroom that seamlessly integrates the modern feel of the cabin rooms, with the contemporary ethos of the YOTEL brand.”
This month's product news highlights SBID Accredited suppliers working to improve the negative impact of our interior environments, with the latest sustainable products and innovations in interior design. From circular production models in sanitaryware and new recycled materials for upholstery, to smart technology in the bathroom and ecological, air purifying paints.
Graphenstone's Spring Update highlights its collection of air purifying paints
Many people’s homes will emerge from the pandemic transformed - and now you can actively clean your air with one of the world’s most certified eco paints. Three full 15 litre pots of Graphenstone's Cradle to Cradle Gold Standard lime paint, Ecosphere Premium will absorb as much CO2 as a tree (as well as Nitrogen Oxide and Sulpher Dioxide).
Plastic free, toxin free and fully sustainable these unique paints incorporate Graphene technology to make it super strong and longer-lasting, whilst being fully breathable. This allows moisture to flow through the paint surface, which helps to reduce condensation, mould and mildew, creating a much healthier indoor environment. Graphenstone paints are now available in a range of sizes, over 1000 colours and varieties for all areas and surfaces in both interior and exterior projects.
Click to shop
Aiming for a world without waste – GROHE launches Cradle to Cradle Certified ® products
To tackle resource overconsumption and waste in the bathroom sector, the global brand is taking the step away from a linear model, towards circular value creation (the economic model of the future) by launching four best-selling products as Gold-level, Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified ®. After switching to CO2-neutral production, with targets to replace all plastic components in product packaging, GROHE is reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable transformation. In contrast to a linear model, the C2C concept enables GROHE to drastically reduce the use of new resources: a product is designed and manufactured with the intent of using its components in its end-of-life-phase for the creation of new products. Cradle to Cradle Certified ® products have thus been assessed for use of environmentally safe, healthy, and recyclable materials.
“There is a massive opportunity for innovation in the building sector, since it accounts for more than 50% of the worldwide material consumption”, said Prof. Dr. Michael Braungart, who developed the C2C design concept together with William McDonough. “GROHE plays an important role in setting a precedent that circularity in the sanitary industry is indeed possible.”
Linwood introduces more sustainable fabrics with its range of recycled materials
Using offcuts from the fashion industry – Verde is Linwood's new eco-friendly plain cotton collection woven with 80% recycled cotton – an exciting addition to their sustainable fabric offering. Sales Director, Warrick Gloyn says: "We are striving to produce fabrics that last, feel good and that don’t harm the earth. This is our first launch for 2021, but we are working on a new generation of recycled fabrics."
The chemical-free cotton fabric is double brushed and comes in a comprehensive palette of 46 colours from off whites and classic neutrals to fresh pinks and blues. The durable fabric is ideal for curtains, loose covers and upholstery, and is easy to maintain. This range sits alongside the Lana wool collection made using 85% recycled yarns, as well as a leather upholstery range, Saddle II using off cuts from shoes and bags which are usually sent to landfill.
Roca transforms bathroom experiences with innovative Smart Shower technology
Roca developed a Smart Shower to revolutionise daily shower routines. The innovative shower uses smart technology to provide unique showering experiences with customisable settings and ease of use, the Smart Shower is a beneficial addition to any bathroom design. The intelligent control has a sleek, simple interface and allows up to three users within the same household to pre-set their desired settings. They can set shower duration, maximum temperature and flow rates all based on individual needs. The interface features a colour LCD display and touch sensitive controls with soft turn dials to ensure it is extremely easy to use and control.
One of the smart benefits to the digital shower is that it can be controlled via an app. The app helps with energy and water saving, enabling users to monitor water and energy consumption to run their shower more efficiently. “It may seem like a luxury, but the Smart Shower is not just for convenience,” comments David Bromell Head of Marketing at Roca. “In addition to providing a luxe showering experience, the intuitive system will actively work to reduce water wastage, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for the bathroom.”
Sensa by Cosentino® introduces 5 new colours to its' natural stone collection
A global leader in the production and distribution of innovative surfaces for the world of architecture and design, launches five new colours for its innovative range of protected natural stone, Sensa by Cosentino®: Siberia, Platino, Vancouver, Silver Grey and Graphite Grey. These new designs in quartzite and granite have been carefully selected for both composition and resistance to stains. “With this launch, we intend to respond to market demands by adding to our portfolio soft colours and tones, different matte finishes and, above all, exclusive and distinctive materials”, says Francisco Guzmán Gutiérrez Martos, Product Manager of Sensa by Cosentino®.
The Cosentino Group collaborate with the Environmental Association, Sustenta to consolidate its vision as a climate leader through measures and transformative projects to achieve a more sustainable economic model. This commitment translated into improving waste recovery rates, the reduction of emissions and energy efficiency.
Not only natural, but supernatural: Martini Interiors introduces Essenza Supernatural
The latest addition to the Essenza collection, luxury design-oriented kitchen program by Martini Interiors, Essenza Supernatural is a kitchen composition that lays its foundations in innovation, technology and sustainability.
With the high quality of 'Made in Italy' craftmanship, the use of precious materials and numerous customisation possibilities always present in the brand's DNA, Essenza Supernatural goes beyond its own limits, creating a product in which cutting-edge composition, technological and decorative solutions and attention to sustainability are the absolute masters.
In short, not only natural, but supernatural: the scheme utilises environmentally-friendly materials and innovative finishes in every detail; derived from certified forests and treated with finishes that enhance the natural grain of the wood, whilst remaining natural and non-toxic.
Sourcing for your next project? Explore the exclusive SBID Directories in SBIDPro to help solve your interior specification needs! Sign in to discover more.
If you'd like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more.
On the look out for new product inspirations in lockdown? This month we're sharing the latest product news from SBID's trusted network of Accredited Partners. Featuring a new collection of customisable wallcoverings, sustainable kitchen tap solutions for contemporary interiors, and a unique designer range of luxury cordless lamps inspired by Earth!
Graham & Brown launches customisable wall mural collection
New for 2020, Graham & Brown launches a collection of bespoke digital wall murals, printed to fit in a range of paper finishes. Spanning archive artworks and trend-led contemporary designs, the collection offers a striking feature wall solution for a variety of interior styles. The charming Balloon Race design is ideal for nurseries, bringing walls to life with the spectacle of well-heeled ladies and gentlemen dressed in their finery up high. For a more subtle approach, the Ombre wall mural is available in muted Anthracite, Blue, and Duck Egg. Using an easy to use online made-to-measure tool, each mural can be customised by simply specifying dimensions and selecting a crop.
The range of Graham & Brown paper substrates allow the murals to be personalised even further; the premium Fabric Effect paper has a woven textured finish making it perfect for masking existing wall imperfections, whilst the Mica Fibrous paper has a luxurious lustre which shimmers in the light. Each mural design is partnered with four complementary paint shades, selected by the in-house Graham & Brown colour experts to make decorating all four walls a breeze.
Zip Water’s stunning HydroTaps transform homes
Found in the homes of interior designers’ Rebecca Wakefield of Studio Fortnum and Jason MacLean of Studio MacLean, Zip Water’s stunning HydroTaps are proving themselves to be style pieces as well as being indispensable kitchen appliances.
Rebecca’s HydroTap Celsius Arc combines filtered boiling water with unfiltered hot and cold for family convenience. And thanks to Zip’s range of finishes, her kitchen of sage green units and brass accents could be perfectly complemented by a brushed gold HydroTap. Equally, Jason’s super modern, bright yellow kitchen benefited from a brushed chrome HydroTap All-in-One Arc, this time with an extraordinary five functions. Not only can he and his family enjoy the tap as a regular kitchen tap with unfiltered hot and cold water, but this is combined with filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water. With only one under-counter unit, and no need for a kettle or unsustainable bottled water, this is a truly space-saving product.
Alexander Joseph releases its latest designer collection
The world’s only luxury cordless lamp maker, Alexander Joseph released its latest range of lamps with the Earth collection, consisting of 14 different designs. Eva Baron of Eva Baron Design created the collection focusing on high-end residential interiors and furniture design. Her cutting-edge pieces embrace contemporary design, taking inspiration from futuristic building forms and haute couture fashion design.
The collection highlights some of the more unusual materials our planet provides with includes rough, smooth, warm, cold and layered textures, just as you would expect from the raw materials. Rather than use well-trodden path of polished materials, the team researched and tested ways in which metals, ceramics and silks could be distressed or altered to produce unusual patinas. Many of the lamps in the range are a result of unique techniques using hand tools created specifically for this collection.
Kings of Chelsea introduces the Roberto Cavalli Antigua Dining Table
The Roberto Cavalli Antigua Dining Table is just one of the exclusive furniture pieces that have now become available online at Kings of Chelsea for the first time. This stunning retro-styled Italian design piece is composed of abstracted brass rods with a shiny gold finish and a smoked bevelled glass tabletop, complete with the classic Cavalli logo. This statement table is perfect for a modern dining room setting, and as a sociable centre point for dinner parties and gatherings. You can now browse many of Kings of Chelsea's stunning showroom pieces online at discounted prices, while unable to visit the showroom in person.
Brand New Brassware by Roca
The new Escuadra collection from Roca offers a contemporary design, providing a modern alternative to the traditional basin mixer. Brassware is a key addition to any bathroom space, not simply for its aesthetic value, but also for innovative functionality; Roca continues to invest in the latest technology to align its ranges with the latest water-saving and eco-friendly initiatives.
Our curated selection of product news this March features sleek screwless flat plates for streamlining your unsightly plug sockets, bespoke contemporary rugs inspired by glass objects and built-for-business office aquariums designed to boost employee wellbeing!
Schneider Electric present understated wiring devices with the Ultimate range
Ultimate Screwless flat plate provides one of the most comprehensive ranges of beautifully crafted, sleek, sophisticated fittings on the market. With only 1.5mm front plate depth, this cutting edge screwless design blends seamlessly onto wall surfaces. More choice, more style, and packed with innovative technical features for easy installation. It is available in a variety of colours, such as stainless steel, polished chrome, pearl nickel, black nickel, polished brass, gloss white piano black or transparent. With the option of producing exclusive made to order finishes to match your project needs. These colours are dark bronze, jet black, antique brass and bright white.
Introducing Everlux brassware finishes by Roca
Roca is pushing the boundaries of traditional brassware with the introduction of its new Everlux finishes for selected brassware lines including Insignia, Naia and Lanta in the exclusive PVD coating for a selection of coloured finishes including; Gold, Titanium Black and Rose Gold.
Deirdre Dyson launched new rug collection, Looking Glass
Deirdre Dyson’s new rug collection for 2020, ‘Looking Glass’ launched at Maison et Objet, Paris in January. These hand knotted designs were inspired by Deirdre's observations of colours and forms through glass, glass objects and water. Nine new designs take her carpets in an entirely different direction - Deirdre uses the interplay of wool, silk and grading together with bold shots of colour to recreate glassy effects to stunning effect. All Deirdre Dyson carpets are bespoke and can be made in any size or colourway required with the new collection on display at the Deirdre Dyson Gallery on 554 Kings Road.
Italian Luxury Surfaces join the ArtiCAD Supplier Partnership Programme
Italian Luxury Surfaces, sole UK distributor of Stone Italiana’s innovative range of quartz worktops, has joined the ArtiCAD Supplier Partnership Programme. The company’s beautifully manufactured surfaces are now available as a comprehensive graphics catalogue within the ArtiCAD-Pro software to help designers differentiate their designs and add value to their customers. Philip Winter, sales and marketing director, Italian Luxury Surfaces explains "We wanted to ensure that designers can access high-quality, accurate graphics of our products and create inspirational, photo realistic designs for their customers."
ViDERE showcases its built-for-business Aquariums
ViDERE's range of office aquariums are designed to help companies improve their working environment and employee wellbeing by helping people connect with nature. Designed in the UK and manufactured in Germany with a contemporary matt finish, each tank is built to the highest standard. Made with low iron glass to eliminate distortion and provide remarkable clarity, the tanks are mitred at the seams with high strength structural silicone and built with composite panels sprayed with a versatile and waterproof polyurethane lacquer for durability.
Whether you're looking to specify sustainably-made chairs for an upcoming office project, source a unique coffee table solution for helping your clients relax and entertain at home, or find design-led brassware for bathroom spaces with additional water-saving innovations; browse this month's curated selection of interior product news to discover more ways you can enhance your designs this February.
Alexander Joseph introduce a series of new designs for its luxury cordless lamps
Throughout February, Alexander Joseph will be introducing a series of new contemporary designs to their permanent range of luxury cordless lamps – and it all starts with the Arc. A classic desk lamp magnificently proportioned to bring grandeur to an office or study. Bringing the traditional 100-year-old shape up to date with a contemporary oversized body. Arc’s sweeping oval lines give way to an angled summit. Finished in Bronze, Brass & polished Silver, there are hundreds of shade colours and materials available to suit your interior design schemes.
FCI presents the unique Caprice Coffee Table by Smania
Made by the Italian manufacturer Smania, the Caprice wooden coffee table finished in a veneer of wood with a leather upholstered structure is no ordinary coffee table. This low, design-led and multi-functional round table also serves as a bar with its unique openable top, exposing internal compartments to store bottles and glasses. This design feature elevates the sleek, contemporary coffee table to become a true centre piece of your client’s living room - to dine, relax and entertain in style. Caprice makes for a bold, yet elegant addition to any aesthetic.
Roca flourishes with new Flat brassware range
Flat epitomises minimalist design with its square silhouette and soft edges. Offering a functional yet sophisticated brassware style for any bathroom space, it is available in standard, deck-mounted and wall-mounted options. The square shape of the Flat mixer is also complementary to a range of basin shapes, making it a versatile and functional brassware choice for homeowners, installers, specifiers and retailers.
All mixers in the Flat collection are coated in the hard-wearing Roca EverShine® finish. The electrolytic coating ensures the tap retains its shine, repels stains and discourages the build-up of limescale. The range is also equipped with water-saving innovations. Soft Turn technology provides precision and puts the homeowner in control, with the ability to set the desired water flow and temperature. Enhanced with the integration of flow limiters you can restrict the water flow to a set number of litres per minute, providing a more sustainable, cost-effective solution.
Introducing the matt lacquer and copper bespoke kitchen by Roundhouse
Crafting beautiful, bespoke kitchens and furniture, Roundhouse showcase their signature, understated aesthetic with one of their latest kitchen projects. The Stephens family kitchen is the perfect place for entertaining with it’s refined and uncluttered scheme – the result of a behind-the-scenes pantry that leads to a scullery and wine store. The design features a combination of Roundhouse Urbo and Metro matt lacquer and matt sanded copper. Finished in Paint & Paper Library Squid Ink with polished Neolith Calacatta worktops. Roundhouse designs are made to measure in a huge range of stunning finishes, expertly crafted by their skilled cabinet makers in their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Malvern, Worcestershire.
Find out more
Arper presented two of its recycled products to the Scandinavian market
Exhibiting at the 70th edition of the Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair, for the first time Arper displayed its newest additions made from recycled materials to the Scandinavian market; June Eco and Duna 02 Eco, alongside other iconic Arper products. Duna 02 Eco, designed by Lievore Altherr Molina is sustainably-made from 80% recycled post-industrial plastic shell with a 4-leg wood base, and is Greenguard Gold certified. Its shape is evocative and contemporary with a delicate curvature and sumptuous surface, making this chair ideally suited for both home and hospitality spaces.
Held on 14th – 22nd September 2019, London Design Festival is an annual event, designed to celebrate and promote London as the design capital of the world and as the gateway to the international creative community. The event stages several major trade shows, known as ‘Design Destinations’ throughout the week. These are the commercial pillars of the Festival and are key meeting places for designers, manufacturers, buyers, specifiers, the media and design enthusiasts to discover new product releases and identify current trends. We're sharing exciting news from some of the SBID Members which are set to exhibit with their latest releases and collection launches during this year's London Design Festival.
Visit Arper at the Arper Design Lounge at 100% Design
Arper returns to the 25th edition of 100% Design from 18-21 September as sponsor of the show. To mark this occasion, this year Arper will be hosting the Arper Design Lounge, a soft, inspiring area where visitors of the show can come together, share ideas and read magazines by the show’s official media partners, while enjoying free charging points. Arper Design Lounge is a central feature of the show and will include a showcase of iconic Arper collections within an engaging setting, perfect to unwind, meet and network.
At 4pm on Friday 20th September Arper Design Lounge will present a live episode of Icon Minds: My Life in Design, in collaboration with Icon Magazine. Icon Magazine editor Priya Khanchandani will engage in conversation with London-based artist Camille Walala to discuss her professional life and the main influences in her work.
Design with Elite Stone's luxurious raw materials at 100% Design
Elite Stone exhibits with a single area characterised by colours. The materials used are precious such as Breccia Pontificia, Sahara Noir and Calacatta Borghini; representing the best selection in Italy and in the world, all Made in Italy. The elegant and sophisticated atmosphere is inspired by the lobby of luxury hotels around the world for a contemporary and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The architecture of the stand focuses attention on the book-matched realised in Breccia Pontificia and the floor too, which invites you to enter and discover the Elite Stone World.
FCI London showcase Italian brand's Gamma and Naos at 100% Design
FCI London, the UK’s largest contemporary furniture showroom, will be showcasing two of its most popular Italian brands, Gamma and Naos, at 100% Design 2019 – the unmissable destination for design. Gamma is renowned for its innovative sofa collection and for being the ‘leather experts’ with their love and knowledge for the material. On the other hand, Naos challenges the laws of motion with its extending dining and coffee tables, that move effortlessly through their unique mechanisms. Both these brands have distinguished themselves in the international markets for their high-quality products, innovation, research and their love for elegant designs. They also wish to further the “Made in Italy” identity, not only in design but also in manufacturing by having as much of the product made in-house as possible.
The product line-up for 100% Design includes the latest furniture and stellar accessories from Gamma, Naos as well as some other exclusive brands. You can admire FCI London's curated display at stands B9 and B10.
VitrA announces first UK premiere of Claudio Bellini collaboration at designjunction 2019
Leading bathroom brand VitrA has chosen to premiere Equal, its latest designer collaboration, in the UK for the first time at designjunction 2019. This year VitrA will be showing Equal and Origin, as well as unveiling the latest additions to Plural by Terri Pecora. The new Equal collection by Claudio Bellini makes use of geometric shapes and monochrome tones. Using clean, minimal borders and industrial, metallic accents, Bellini’s designs emulate the structures found in modernist architecture. The collection features a mirror with integrated LED lighting, a selection of storage and washbasin units, and a wall-hung WC. The contemporary and versatile nature of the delicate, structured design makes it ideal for both commercial and residential spaces.
Terri Pecora’s award-winning Plural collection will also be showcased. For this range, Pecora reimagined the washroom as a living space, using smooth, rounded edges and solid woods to emulate furniture usually found in other rooms of the home. The set will feature the free-standing vanity unit and wall-hung WC, paired with Vetro flush plate. VitrA will also be showing the Origin collection of brassware, including a newshowerhead, shower mixer and range of basin mixers. Available in four different finishes (Brushed Nickel, Chrome, Copper and Matt Black), Origin offers an integrated and charming finishing touch to the bathroom.
James Latham and Hi-Macs® cast a positive light on mental illness at designjunction 2019
Two five metre-tall interactive sculptures, designed by multi-award winning British designer, Steuart Padwick will be erected in King’s Cross shortly for this year’s designjunction event (19-22 Sept) as part of London Design Festival.
The giant cuboid figures have been created in support of mental health anti-stigma initiative, Time To Change, and have been skilfully formed using Douglas Fir to convey warmth and humanity, using off-site construction technologies. However, it is the imposing, interactive ‘concrete’ blocks - representing their ‘emotional burdens’ – that truly bring these dramatic, public art spectacles to life. These cubes have been manufactured from HI-MACS® natural acrylic stone (in colour G555 Steel Concrete), supplied by main UK distributor, James Latham and fabricated by Preston based, We Are Limitless Limited (WALL).
For all visitors to the London Design Festival and designjunction, James Latham is holding a one-day HI-MACS® walk-in workshop on 19th September at their Design Showroom in the Business Design Centre, Islington, just one tube stop away from Kings Cross. Here, visitors can learn more about the product and witness inspirational demonstrations of thermoforming, sublimation and more.
Cosentino City London Celebrates LDF with ‘Carved in Stone’ Installation
Leading Spanish manufacturer of surfaces for architecture and design, Cosentino, is delighted to be celebrating London Design Festival with the ‘Carved in Stone’ installation’. Leading architects were invited to put forward their proposed designs in line with the theme: 'Life on Mars', with five winning entries hand selected by a panel of judges, including members of the Cosentino and Cuellar families.
These entries will be brought to life by craftsmen from Cuellar Stone in Spain, who will carve these intricate sculptures out of blocks of Macael Marble, measuring 500 x 500 x 500mm. Marble has been chosen as the material as it signifies the very beginning of Cosentino. Historically, some of the greatest designers in history have used marble, from Agra's Taj Mahal, London's Marble Arch and Michelangelo's 'David'.
The five marble sculptures will be on show at the Cosentino City London showroom for visitors to admire throughout London Design Festival. The designers will be visiting the showroom during the week to offer visitors a glimpse of the inspirational stories behind their fantastic designs.
Armani/Roca is set to showcase at The Bathroom Gallery, London Design Fair
Armani/Roca will be exhibiting at this year’s London Design Fair as part of an exclusive new exhibition. The Bathroom Gallery, which is in partnership with Elle Decoration, will bring together leading bathroom brands and is the first and only event at LDF dedicated solely to the bathroom industry.
On the stand, visitors will have the chance to see the new Armani/Roca Baia collection in a truly unique setting. With the new Baia collection, Giorgio Armani once again shows his commitment to promoting comfort and wellbeing, expressing his vision of the bathroom environment through a combination of elements that allow maximum flexibility and adaptability. Particular attention has been paid to the ergonomics of each piece. The aesthetic intentionally references the past, but the retro styling has been interpreted in a modern manner and incorporates avant-garde technology. The result is a new versatile bathroom collection, which manages to be both contemporary and timeless, in accordance with Giorgio Armani’s well-known design philosophy.
The Bathroom Gallery is an exclusive exhibition taking place on the second floor of the Old Truman Brewery from the 19th - 22nd September. Armani/Roca will be in Hall 11 and on stand number 11.
Craig & Rose celebrate the launch of 11 new shades with special colour installation, Colour Way
Craig & Rose marks its evolution from one of the UK’s oldest luxury paint manufacturers to paint protagonists by way of a special colour installation for the 2019 edition of the London Design Fair. To celebrate the launch of 11 new shades, the progressive Scottish brand will unveil a creative structure which nod’s discreetly to this year’s overarching theme of ‘Bauhaus’, whilst honouring the design movement’s modernist principles of ‘honesty’ and ‘simplicity’. The aim of the presentation is to ‘free’ architects and designers, empowering them with clear contemporary colour direction, all suitable for practical adoption. With two immersive areas, the installations take the visitor on a special journey to experience, explore, and develop their own personal relationships with a series of carefully curated combinations.
Adopting this approach, Craig & Rose has commissioned the creative colour agency, Calzada Fox to spearhead the overall concept and lead on art direction. The result of this will be a highly distinctive and interactive space devised to challenge existing perceptions around colour. In addition, East London’s architectural practice Studio Shaw, best known for its original approach, has also been tasked with executing an exciting three dimensional structure amplifying the ideas within.
Sutherland Furniture launch The Otti Collection during London Design Festival 2019
Leading luxury outdoor furniture brand, Sutherland Furniture, has collaborated with global design icon Vincent Van Duysen, to launch The Otti Collection, a collective of 11 intuitive pieces of furniture available Autumn 2019. The Otti Lounge Chair and Otti Dining Armchair feature lightweight aluminum powder coat frames with Perennials rope base and back. The intriguing weave from base to arm pushes the boundary of minimalist design into Van Duysen’s essentialist style. Similarly, the Otti Three-Seat Sofa embraces Van Duysen’s fluid design approach with a slender seamless frame. The body of the sofa is formed by intersecting Perennials ropes that offer both comfort and support, while imposing architectural elements. The resulting woven design perfectly encompasses Van Duysen’s spatial aesthetic.
Meet Vincent Van Duysen and David Sutherland for the new collection launch on Monday 16th of September, 10:30am at Sutherland Perennials Studio, 3rd Floor Centre Dome, Chelsea Harbour Design Centre!
With the New Year upon us, The Society of British and International Design have given us another exciting and inspiring opportunity to network and learn at 2014’s first Continuing Professional Development networking event. This month’s agenda was lighting design, an evening filled with talks from both commercial and residential industry experts, along with a panel discussion on the increasing use of LED lighting in design.
A handful of SBID members and guests filled the impressive Roca London Gallery, a highly stimulating, curvaceous space designed around the themes of water and fluidity, from the eponymous Zaha Hadid Architects.
First to present was Calvin Caunter of Vision Accendo, commercial LED lighting specialists. Calvin emphasised the numerous benefits of LEDs vs. incandescent lighting, including their energy efficiency, their longer life cycles and low maintenance properties, as well as the long term financial advantages.
Click here to see more photos from the CPD event
Lucy Martin, Design Director at the award-winning John Cullen lighting, delivered an engaging presentation on the fundamental importance of lighting in residential spaces. She touched on the emotive and behavioural impact that lighting has on us, along with the visual control that lighting grants us – enabling us to create focal points around our architectural features, to make smaller spaces appear larger and to make large spaces more manageable. The consideration of surfaces and finishes was also discussed; the way these elements will affect the colour of the lighting and therefore the overall mood of the space. Lucy’s persuasive approach during the talk allowed her genuine passion for lighting to resonate and the overall importance she places on educating people into truly understanding the impact of good lighting design.
The third and final speaker for the evening was Kevin Grant of Buro Happold Lighting. With a portfolio of large-scale commercial lighting projects in London, LA and Saudi Arabia to name a few, Kevin provided us with an interesting and impressive overview of the company and their approach to challenges associated with lighting. With spaces in which natural lighting is required but limited, Kevin discussed their use of sun blocking, a technique to channel natural sunlight into a space through tubes which reflect and refract the light, whilst at the same time blocking out the sun’s negative UV affects.
Click here to see more pics
The inspiring talks were followed by a Q&A session. An opportunity for Vanessa Brady, President of SBID, along with audience members, to pose questions to the speakers and to challenge some of the points raised. Issues such as the quality of LED manufacturing in many parts of Asia vs. Europe were debated; how to compete with a thriving market elsewhere in the world. The consideration of obsolescence in LED lighting products from design to implementation was another point of interest discussed.
With the overall thought for the evening, ‘LED is the future’, I was no doubt more convinced of this conclusion by the end of the event. With the lights dimming, I left the curvaceous tunnels of the gallery inspired by the wealth of knowledge I’d accumulated on the subject and the invaluable conversations I’d had with others in attendance.
Join SBID
Find out more about our flexible membership structure.
By subscribing, you agree to be added to SBID’s mailing list. As an industry’s standard bearer organisation, we strive to bring you the most up to date news and access to exclusive industry content through our various newsletters.
First Name
Last Name
Email Address
I accept the SBID Terms of Use