Dedar's 2023 collection explores the nuances that emerge when colour is asked to lower its presence discreetly. At the same time, it celebrates variety through themes of the brand's ongoing research, which are either being introduced or renewed this year and are inspired by a love of materials, sensorial aspects, and great art.
The first of these themes, the new White Writings family, unleashes the countless possibilities of white: a unique colour that contains and embodies all others and because it lets in the light – a lesson imparted by stratifications of symbolisms passed down to us over thousands of years. Not an indistinct white: it is textural and stands out against a background of striations, unexpected nuanced effects, and expressive strokes. The fibres are interwoven in an arpeggio that multiplies dimensions and sensations; the indispensable ingredient of this process is outstanding textile know-how.
Colour comes back strongly as one of the protagonists of this year's collection by Dedar. It plays a vital role in the informed yet passionate colour pairings of Playful Stripes, a deliberate plunge into the game with references to the fashion accessories world. Similarly, Plain Classics affirms the relevance of waves and textures through a range of refined and delicate shades in a composition of fibres, including a rare and highly precious baby alpaca wool. Also, in Contemporary Archives, colour often appears as a tool of a distinct and assertive graphic stroke. However, more frequently, it is a driver of emotion, luminosity, or elegance worthy of being in the most scintillating jeweler's shop.
This year, Dedar ventures into the labyrinth of the Archives to conduct far-reaching research that toes the line between a form of artistic expression associated with the historical period of Abstraction and the sensations recalling nature or non-European cultures. Assertive signs, often evidenced by the graphic use of colour, stem from lines that may be either softly curved or precisely geometric. With their invitingly soft hand feel, these fabrics owe much to the presence of velvet, flanked by satins and enlivened by jacquard weaves.
Playful, but with the air and bearing of a new classic. The bold stripe has already been creatively developed by Dedar in various other collections, constantly evolving interpretations and being a textile archetype.
Combinations of lines, colours, and details represent a challenge for all those wishing to play and dare to respond to the provocation. The simplicity of materials contrasts with a vivid chromatic impact. You can’t help imagining these playful stripes used in interiors that give the textile element the significance it deserves.
A plunge into luster and abstraction, an immersion in white that takes us along a trail of discovery. The protagonist is a classic of interior decor and high fashion but also “eternally misunderstood” by those who would deny it the status of being an actual colour. Instead, Dedar celebrates white as a colour in its own right, an expression of luminosity.
White Writings is a collection imbued with the energy of the dawning light, but this is undoubtedly no indistinct glare: this is a faceted and textural white. Sensorial references range from plaster and stuccowork to the irregularities of stone and wood to form delicate shadows and nuances. The five fabrics of 2023 — dressed in all shades of white and created with a nod to the various themes of Abstract Art – pursue artistic research along the same lines as that of Magnolia last year.
This is a textile family poised between couture, painting, and sculpture. In sync with the conceptual research of an Arp or a Mondrian in some cases, a Manzoni or a Dorazio in others, the expression of each fabric reflects the nature of the yarn or the technique. The fibres and processes are the elements that leave their mark. Embroideries, jacquards, and graphic strokes break loose from detail in a great abstract narration endowed with the urgency and propulsion of Art.
The eternal return: the appointment with plains in the broadest sense of the term is always one of the stops on the exploratory Grand Tour undertaken by Dedar, intent on touching on the primary themes of the textile culture.
This year’s research on plain fabrics is particularly attentive to the features of the materials, from the close encounter with a yarn that is both noble and highly seductive, alpaca wool, to the ground-breaking technical achievement of fibres that flank visual and tactile appeal with extreme practicality and freedom of use.
Two new fire-retardant shantung fabrics in extra width combine the charm of silky iridescence with functionality. A generous offering of new colours renews some of the best-loved fabric ranges, including merino wool satins and linen basket weaves.
Cover image: TIGER BEAT - Jacquard velvet with tiger coat, col. 4 Papaya
Photography by Ilaria Orsini
About DEDAR
Founded in 1976, Dedar is a family-run fabric house located close to Como, in the heart of a manufacturing district. Dedar experiments and innovates to attain product perfection through an ongoing dialogue with those craftsmen and textile specialists who are most familiar with the techniques employed in the production of excellent fabrics. Characterized by seductive colour palettes and unexpected patterns, Dedar’s fabrics combine precious yarns with research into fiber technology to offer various solutions for curtains, upholstery and wallcovering of timeless elegance.
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The global leader in producing and distributing innovative and sustainable surfaces for architecture and design, the Cosentino Group, has introduced a new high-performance, ultra-compact stone collection: Dekton® Pietra Kode, the vision of renowned designer and architect, Daniel Germani.
Pietra Kode reinterprets the timeless beauty of three classic Italian stones: Vicenza, Travertine and Ceppo di Gré. Each of these antique natural stones has inspired three Dekton® concrete series within the collection, with enhanced technical properties for the world of modern architecture and design. Each colour incorporates contemporary elegance into the design, with the rich shades and textures creating a sensory experience beyond what the eye can see. The carbon-neutral Dekton® surface allows the collection to be used in a virtually limitless range of indoor and outdoor applications, including kitchen and bathroom worktops, flooring, furniture cladding, wall cladding and more.
Pietra Kode marks the third collection developed with designer and architect, Daniel Germani. While Germani’s previous “Industrial” and “Chromica” collections for the brand have been inspired by industrial design, the seven hues that make up Pietra Kode channel the influence of Vicenza stone, travertine, and Milan’s iconic Ceppo di Gré stone on Italian architecture over the centuries.
“For this collection, I spent a lot of time decoding each stone’s history in Italian architecture and reimagined them in a contemporary design with all of the benefits of Dekton,” said Daniel Germani. “Pietra Kode is a collection that showcases luxury in the small, understated details. It’s designed with the future in mind and compliments any space in a way that won’t go out of style.”
Four warm and versatile colours that reinterpret the code of classic Vicenza stone. With neutral, earthy tones and a rich design that flows onto the edges, all coexist in perfect harmony and complement cream, wood, and taupe palettes.
VK01 Nebbia is inspired by the texture of Grigio Alpi, with a fine-grained white creamy base dotted with warm taupe hues.
VK02 Avorio features a light beige shade in an extremely natural finish, inspired by the eponymous Avorio stone, an Italian material characterised by the presence of fossil shells.
VK03 Grigio boasts a gray colour scheme and warm nuances. VK03 Grigio draws its inspiration from Grigio Alpi, made popular by the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, who used it in his villas and palaces in the Veneto region. It blends perfectly with creams, woods and taupe colours.
VK04 Grafite combines a mix of black and gray interspersed with whitish and reddish cloud-like patches, channeling the texture of dark, fine-grained limestone.
The series reinterprets the stone out of which Rome was built, made classical art shine and inspired Renaissance architecture. Two elegant designs are full of nuances reminiscent of these classic styles.
TK05 Sabbia reinterprets Italian Travertine, cut with a vein in its thread that flows through the pieces in a disorderly and colourful way, making it perfect for rustic or natural environments.
TK06 Marmorio takes cues from Travertino Navona, the quintessential Roman stone. Its porous striped structure gives an elegant, bright and lightweight look to any design.
It reinterprets the beauty of the Ceppo di Gré stone, often used in architecture in Milan, to design spaces that inspire us and connect us with nature. Like Vicenza Kode, Ceppo Kode also features design along the edges, perfect for particularly exposed applications.
CK07 Ceppo - the distinctive blue-gray multiform structure of the Italian Ceppo di Gré stone inspires this unique colour. It is an unmistakable pebbled pattern that is ideal for both indoors and outdoors, with its timeless design making it a perfect choice for a classic or modern look.
About Cosentino
Cosentino Group is a global, Spanish, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for the world of design and architecture. It works together with its clients and partners to provide with solutions that offer design and value, and inspire the life of many people. Dekton is Cosentino's innovative, ultra-compact and high-performance surface that offers endless design possibilities for outdoor and indoor spaces.
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Leeds-based surface material supplier, CDUK, announces that PaperStone® - the award-winning innovative material made from FSC-certified paper and cardboard combined with a natural resin - has been awarded with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certificate.
The certificate follows the FSC-certified supplier’s ongoing commitment to help the design community to make informed decisions when specifying surface materials, ensuring that all designs are built to last and with as little impact as possible on the planet and consumers’ health and wellbeing.
Achieving an EPD certificate for PaperStone® allows CDUK to provide transparent data about the environmental sustainability of the innovative material and to support architects and designers to get their projects recognised by building assessment schemes including BREEAM, LEED and WELL Building Standard®.
The EPD certificate is just the latest achievement for PaperStone®, which is made from FSC-certified paper and cardboard combined with a petroleum free and VOC-free phenolic resin (PetroFree™), as well as being NSF certified and meeting Euroclass C-s1,d0 Reaction to Fire Classification.
The certificate covers popular colours Charcoal, Graphite, Gunmetal, Pewter, Sand and Slate, and is expected to be extended to the whole range later this year.
This achievement further demonstrates the environmental impact of PaperStone®, following a series of recognitions from industry awards, including Mixology Awards, SBID International Design Awards and Designer Awards.
Vicki Richmond, Marketing Director of CDUK, said:
“A key focus for CDUK is to provide the architecture and design community with all the necessary tools to create outstanding designs that are built to last and to be kind to both our planet and human wellbeing. PaperStone® perfectly encapsulates aesthetics, functionality and sustainability and achieving an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certificate is a testament to the first-class credentials of the new generation material”.
About CDUK
CDUK is a supplier of surface materials and complementary products to the specification market in the UK and Ireland, including architects, interiors designers, kitchen designers, fabricators and contractors. Having built a strong reputation as the exclusive distributor of Corian® Solid Surface in the UK and Ireland, CDUK now offers an extended range of services as well as products from a number of leading brands.
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Multi-disciplinary architectural practice, Studio Power has specified Cosentino’s Silestone® in Arcilla Red from the carbon neutral Sunlit Days collection for a freestanding island and matching flooring at its Salford studio. Dekton® Eter has also been selected for the kitchen area worksurfaces and splashback.
“We explored various materials during the design process and felt that the warmth, earthiness and calmness of the Arcilla Red Silestone® was perfect for the studio island unit. We have always aspired to have a sculptural installation and Arcilla Red Silestone® has done just that! Meanwhile, Dekton® Eter has been perfectly combined with the matt charcoal grey kitchen units to achieve a coherent monochromatic backdrop, which acts as a shadow to showcase the Arcilla Red Silestone® installation to its fullest potential,” says Jyh Lee, Architect at Studio Power.
Studio Power specified Silestone® in Arcilla Red for both the kitchen island and flooring. The island is designed in a 12mm thickness and the flooring, 20mm. This carbon neutral material is made from 20% recycled materials and is a fully sustainable choice. Part of the Sunlit Days collection, it’s a deep and earthy red that adds warmth and a statement look to the open-plan space. A hybrid surface of premium minerals, quartz and recycled materials, Silestone® ’s innovative HybriQ+ technology ensures it is also low maintenance with a high resistance to scratches and stains, making it the perfect choice for this busy working studio.
Dekton® Eter in a 12mm thickness was then selected for the kitchen area worksurfaces with an 8mm thickness for the splashbacks. Fabricated by Bolton-based Signature Splashbacks, this innovative ultracompact surface is made from a mix of porcelain, glass and quartz. It’s extremely scratch resistant, stain resistant, fire and heat resistant with high strength and versatility in its application. Along with residential projects of any size, whether kitchen or bathroom worktops and wall cladding, it can also be used for residential building facades, flooring, furniture and shower trays.
Just like Silestone® ’s Sunlit Days collection, Dekton® is also carbon neutral and combines sustainability with safety and energy efficiency. Dekton® has LEED and BREEAM certifications in environmental and sustainable design along with the highest classification in fire resistance. Part of Dekton®’s Natural collection, Eter is a dramatic black and grey-toned surface material with a contemporary look ideal for Studio Power’s kitchen area.
PARKLEX PRODEMA has extensive experience supplying panels for applications in many countries all over the world. The use of wood in the construction of hospitals facilitates the recovery of patients: it reduces stress and improves people’s mood.
Architects are provided the possibility of matching interior walls and ceilings with the soffit, creating a feeling of continuity both inside and out. They can also match the interior floor with interior walls and ceilings -as well as with the furniture-, creating a feeling of continuity within the same space.
PARKLEX PRODEMA’s own technology that contributes to improving the performance of the wood. Natural wood where the use of wood is not considered suitable.
With PARKLEX PRODEMA’s products, raw forest materials are an important part of the product. Aware of the importance that forest masses have for development of life on the planet, and to limit the greenhouse effect, we believe in purchasing sustainable forest products. Maintaining forests with controlled, appropriate felling helps to maintain biodiversity and the recovery capacity of the forests themselves.
In addition to environmental benefits, purchasing certified products has economic and social benefits, since it guarantees dignified social and labour conditions for the employees of the forestry management companies and other companies farther down the chain. In many cases, it is also a huge boon to revitalise rural areas.
The life cycle of an HPL is more than thirty (30) years. During all this time, and thanks to the surface composition of the board, that protects the wood, the finish of our product is stable and does not need any maintenance, sanding, varnishing, painting or any type of arrangement. Our materials do not require any type of chemical product to fix or clean them, so environmental impact in this regard is zero.
NATURFLOOR-W is a maintenance-free floor for indoor spaces. Designed specifically for areas with heavy traffic, like hotels, offices, museums, airports, and shops, it is also suitable for residential applications and can be installed over radiant flooring.
The anti-moisture treatment on the surface, along with the birch plywood (9-layer marine birch plywood) and counterbalance with HPL barrier, applicable to all woods and finishes, means that NATURFLOOR-W can be installed in areas frequently in contact with water. There is an option to specify even better anti-slip resistance.
This is a durable and sustainable product (FSC), 100% water-resistant, and with an AC6 score on wear resistance and Grade-4 scratch resistance. This makes it an ideal material for commercial spaces with heavy traffic.
Health
To certify our NATURFLOOR-W product, we use the Indoor Advantage Air Gold Certificate, since this certificate is well-known for floors around the world. It is based on controlling the quality of the air within and around buildings and structures, especially in terms of the health and comfort of the building’s occupants. When we speak of air quality, we must speak of VOC emissions (Volatile Organic Compound), meaning the volatile organic components that the product emits.
This document certifies that NATURFLOOR-W has low VOC emissions with the indoor air quality standard (IAQ). From a sustainable construction perspective, these products are candidates for obtaining LEED credits in the Indoor Air Quality section.
Cleaning and desinfection
Durability
The finish of our interior floor product is stable with minimal evolution over time. It does not need any varnish or paint to remain just like the very first day. The surface composition of the boards protects the product from moisture, wear, scratching, blows, marks from heels and pets, fading from sunlight, and stains, eliminating the need for any later treatment. Thanks to its durability, no type of maintenance is required.
The life cycle of an HPL is more than thirty (30) years. This makes our engineered hardwood floor a product with structural durability of more than thirty years. The structural durability of natural wood is less.
This is a durable and sustainable product (FSC), 100% water-resistant (NATURFLOOR-W can be installed in areas frequently in contact with water), and with an AC6 score on wear resistance and Grade-4 scratch resistance. This makes it an ideal material for commercial spaces with heavy traffic.
Natural wood that is extremely moisture- and fire-resistant, for interior walls and ceilings.
Thanks to the technical leak-tightness and moisture-resistance properties of the natural wood veneer, NATURHARDPANEL-W brings a feeling of special warmth to indoor areas in frequent contact with water. It is also a high resistance covering for commercial spaces.
It has been designed for high-traffic areas such as hospitals, hotels, offices, museums, or institutional buildings.
Anti-bacterial surface protection
NATURHARDPANEL-W contains silver ions, a naturally antibacterial element that helps to eliminate 99.9% of surface bacteria (Staphilococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli) within 24 hours.
PARKLEX PRODEMA use a technology that impregnates the natural timber veneer with a specific anti-bacteria overlay. This overlay lasts for the whole life of the panel; therefore, the anti-bacterial features are permanent and require no additional treatment (Tests according to ISO 22196:2007 / JIS Z 2801:2010).
The antibacterial properties of our panels have been verified by independent regulators, with tests carried out to certify their effectiveness in eliminating 99.9% of surface bacteria.
Besides, a special resin incorporated into our production process protects our panels against damage from household, commercial and alcohol-based cleaning products, as long as PARKLEX PRODEMA standard cleaning and maintenance recommendations are followed.
NATURHARDPANEL-W anti-bacteria: the best solution for high-sensitive areas -hospitals, surgeries, nursing homes and laboratories-.
Resistant to chemical agents
Greater lifespan
Preventing bacterial surface contamination extends the lifespan of our products. As antibacterial protection is a natural part of our products, rather than an additional coating, PARKLEX PRODEMA panels are ingrained with longer lasting protection.
The finish of our interior wall and ceiling products is stable and does not change over time. It does not need any varnish or paint to remain just like the very first day. The surface composition of the boards protects the product from moisture, wear, scratching, blows, fading from sunlight, and stains, eliminating the need for any later treatment. Thanks to its durability, no type of maintenance is required.
The life cycle of an HPL is more than thirty (30) years. This makes NATURHARDPANEL-W a product with structural durability of more than thirty years. The structural durability of natural wood is less.
These are durable and sustainable products, moisture-resistant, and with Grade-3 scratch resistance. This makes it an ideal material for commercial spaces with heavy traffic. Thanks to the technical leak-tightness and moisture-resistance properties of the natural wood veneer, NATURHARDPANEL-W is a high-resistance covering for commercial spaces.
To certify our NATURHARDPANEL-W product, we use Clean Air Gold Certificate. It is based on controlling the quality of the air within and around buildings and structures, especially in terms of the health and comfort of the building’s occupants. When we speak of air quality, we must speak of VOC emissions (Volatile Organic Compound), meaning the volatile organic components that the product emits. This certificate analyses the results obtained, based on the CDHP (California Department of Public Health Standard Method). Based on the numbers, it indicates in which of the three foreseen scenarios the product can be installed: offices, schools, or private residences.
This document certifies that NATURHARDPANEL-W has low VOC emissions with the indoor air quality standard (IAQ). From a sustainable construction perspective, these products are candidates for obtaining LEED credits in the Indoor Air Quality section.
Food contact
The NATURHARDPANEL-W S HPL board is suitable for contact with food in accordance with CE Regulation 1935/2004 and EU Regulation No. 10/2011.
Fire: the best classification
NATURHARDPANEL-W timber faced panels are classified as Class A (ASTM E84) or B-s1,d0 (as per EN 13501-1). This proves that it achieves the absolute best reactionto- fire classification for an organic product. The test also includes a measurement of smoke production and the presence of burning droplets, with NATURHARDPANEL-W achieving the highest rating in both categories.
NATURSKININT-W - Natural wood veneer for application on surfaces
NATURSKININT-W is a high density natural wood veneer. Its thickness (1.5mm - 3mm / 0.06” - 0.11”) makes it flexible for application on different surfaces, such as doors, columns, furniture and other interior elements. It adheres to any material -chipboard, fiber cement, MDF, metal, etc.- and its radius of curvature of up to 25cm / 9.85” allows it to cover rounded corners, columns... Suitable for covering doors, making furniture, etc.
NATURSKININT-W contains silver ions, a naturally antibacterial element that helps to eliminate 99.9% of surface bacteria (Staphilococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli) within 24 hours.
NATURSKININT-W anti-bacteria: the best solution for high-sensitive areas -hospitals, surgeries, nursing homes, laboratories-.
PARKLEX PRODEMA panels are protected against potential damage caused by alcohol-based cleaners, including those used to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Preventing bacterial surface contamination extends the lifespam of our products. As antibacterial protection is a natural part of our products, rather than an additional coating, PARKLEX PRODEMA panels are ingrained with longer lasting protection.
The finish of our interior covering product is stable and does not change over time. It does not need any varnish or paint to remain just like the very first day. The surface composition of the boards protects the product from moisture, wear, scratching, blows, fading from sunlight, and stains, eliminating the need for any later treatment. Thanks to its durability, no type of maintenance is required.
The life cycle of an HPL is more than thirty (30) years. This makes NATURSKININT-W a product with structural durability of more than thirty years. The structural durability of natural wood is less.
These are durable and sustainable products, moisture-resistant, and with Grade-3 scratch resistance. This makes it an ideal material for commercial spaces with heavy traffic. Thanks to the technical leak-tightness and moisture-resistance properties of the natural wood veneer, NATURSKININT-W is a high-resistance covering for commercial spaces.
The NATURSKININT-W HPL veneer is suitable for contact with food in accordance with CE Regulation 1935/2004 and EU Regulation No. 10/2011.
NATURCLAD coverings provide for installation of wood covering (NATURCLAD-W) or super-texturized panels (NATURCLAD-B) for ventilated façades, with no need for maintenance.
They consist of a high-density Bakelite body, a wood veneer treated with synthetic resins on the surface (NATURCLAD-W) or a unique texture on the surface that does not create repeated patterns (NATURCLAD-B), and a triple-layer exterior film that provides greater durability to the panels and protects them from solar radiation, atmospheric agents, and dirtiness, and has anti-graffiti properties.
NATURSOFFIT-W is an HPL product with natural wood designed for exclusive use in sheltered and horizontal applications, such as false ceilings and roofs. The panels cannot be directly exposed to ultraviolet radiation or water, but they can be applied to outdoor areas protected from these two elements. They do not require maintenance and provide outdoor spaces with the warmth and versatility of a natural wood design.
NATURSOFFIT-W increases the range of wood species for outdoors without maintenance.
Provides for installing pre-machined wood or super-texturized panels on façades with no need for maintenance.
They consist of a high-density bakelite body, a wood veneer treated with synthetic resins on the surface (NATURSIDING-W) or a unique texture on the surface that does not create repeated patterns (NATURSIDING-B), and a triple-layer exterior film that provides greater durability to the panels and protects them from solar radiation, atmospheric agents, and dirtiness, and has anti-graffiti properties.
About PARKLEX PRODEMA
PARKLEX PRODEMA is the merger of two international brands, specialized in coverings for architecture. For decades, they were competitors in the architecture, interior design, and construction industry. The union between these two brands is our new future, because we believe that union, today (on this new international stage), is the best formula to keep growing and innovating.
Garrett Leather is pleased to introduce Mira - a collection of olive tanned, natural grain, premium leather. This exclusive collection is a unique pull-up leather with self-healing resiliency. Mira, meaning “to look” or “behold”, encourages designers to experience the restorative capabilities, rich colors, exceptionally soft hand, and pleasant fragrance that this leather offers.
Mira balances luxury and sustainability with a heightened focus on material awareness and longevity. Olive tanning reduces carbon emissions and has an overall lower environmental impact. It facilitates a circular economy, safeguarding value in the form of energy, revitalization, labor and materials. The patented wet-green® OBE tanning agent is a byproduct of fallen olive tree leaves sourced in the Mediterranean. Rather than burning or discarding the leaves, they are collected and brewed like a tea. This extract is the same concentrate found in extra virgin olive oil and natural cosmetics. The result is a bio-based, extraordinarily soft leather that engages your senses. In the spirit of full transparency, this leather achieved Declare status and is LBC Red List Free.
When Mira is stretched or pulled, the color migrates and becomes lighter in the pulled areas, exhibiting signs of energy and life in each hide. It’s a marvelous display of nature’s beauty and authenticity, with prominent natural and unique markings, such as neck wrinkles and striations. Varied degrees of mottling add to the depth and layers of color. An evolved palette of high-impact, organic colors tap into our optimism and inspiration for our most treasured spaces.
Mira is finished with a combination of transparent waxes and oils, which highlights the natural grain and accentuates its exceptional softness. Alluringly supple and inviting, you’ll immediately discern Mira’s rich, full-bodied hand-feel.
Created with longevity in mind, Mira’s self-healing and restorative capabilities celebrate nature’s perseverance.
Light marks and scratches will appear with use and fade over time. Mira ages beautifully, developing a rich patina. It is recommended for all upholstery applications, especially in residential, corporate, and hospitality settings, as well as vertical wall applications.
Thoughtfully crafted and effortlessly beautiful, Mira sheds a new light on olive tanned leather. All ten LBC Red List Free and GREENGUARD GOLD® Certified colors are in-stock and available for immediate shipment. Mira is sold in full hides averaging 45 square feet. To learn more about this exclusive collection and to request samples, please contact your local sales representative or visit garrettleather.com.
About Garrett Leather
For more than 30 years, interior designers, upholsterers, and manufacturers have used Garrett Leather products for private and corporate aircraft; corporate, hospitality, and residential interiors; luxury motor coaches, high-end cars, and private yachts. They are a privately-owned company dedicated to building relationships and earning their customers' loyalty by providing the highest quality leather and a superior customer experience.
Founder of Ledbury Studio Charlie Smallbone has stepped back in time for his latest project, creating the beautiful Stroud Kitchen for the owners of a 16th century Cotswolds home. The results speak for themselves - but the quirks of a home built when the first Queen Elizabeth was on the throne nonetheless provided Charlie and his team with a few challenges. Here he talks us through the project.
Our clients sought us out because they wanted a kitchen that would be in sympathy with the age of the house but that also had a contemporary look. Our projects range from Georgian townhouses to warehouse conversions, so we’re accustomed to striking this balance with many of our kitchens. This is why the owners came to us the minute they’d exchanged on the house.
The original kitchen had a small scullery attached. We knocked through the dividing wall to create one large space for cooking, eating and entertaining. However, the age of the property meant that none of the walls were straight and there were a lot of original features to account for. Plus, the low windows and doors, original brickwork and huge fireplace all had to work in harmony with the kitchen furniture.
We designed the island as the main working area and this houses the hob, prep space and plenty of storage, as well as a breakfast bar. As you stand behind the island, you can see a central dividing wall ahead, which is where the oven housing is situated (see image 4). The sink is in the corner and the fridge-freezer is on the other side of the dividing wall, next to the door to the garden (see image 5). At the other end of the island there are steps down to the utility room and a door into the dining room. Although it's one large space, there are clearly defined zones of activity in the kitchen
We used a range of finishes so that the various elements of the kitchen have their own identity. However, there is also a unifying theme: they are all designed to look like pieces of furniture. From the island to the oven housing, the fridge-freezer and wine storage, and the sink area – each resembles a bespoke freestanding piece. These include some clever design ideas: for example, to hide the electricity meters, we designed a shallow-depth cupboard (see image 6) that we've turned into a feature as a bar area with aged brass shelving above.
The ‘Choppy Wood’ carving on the back of the island cupboards and meter cupboard is a signature Ledbury Studio finish. It's created by hand-carving stained oak to form a textured surface that chimes well with the unevenness of the dark wooden beams in the room.
For the oven housing and fridge-freezer, we selected a patinated copper. The oven housing is visible from the breakfast bar, and there is a small drinks area next to the fridge (see image 7), so both pieces needed to be decorative. However, they are also practical: there is pan storage below the ovens and a large breakfast cupboard and larder sits alongside the fridge-freezer and wine storage (see image 13).
Adding contrast to the dark oak furniture, the sink area is in white-painted oak, while the worktops are Stone Italiana Ambra quartz, an excellent hardwearing choice for the working areas of the kitchen.
To add some glamour, the sides of the island are in Verdigris copper, which ties in beautifully with the oven and fridge-freezer housing. Meanwhile, the worktop on the island is edged in aged brass (see image 9), mirroring the handles used throughout. Finally, possibly my favourite feature, is the aged brass and oak screen (see image 10) that sits beside the stairs to the utility room. It’s for safety, but who says it can’t be a sculptural piece at the same time? Overall, I think the kitchen looks like it has always been there, which was what we intended, but it also adds a large dose of contemporary wow factor!
Ledbury Studio kitchens start from £70,000.
About Ledbury Studio
Ledbury Studio is a new and exciting design studio, showcasing Charlie Smallbone’s latest kitchen designs. Small and personal, Ledbury Studio has been established to explore and develop the interface between kitchens to cook and work in, and kitchens to live in. The company offers something very different in the world of kitchen design, something not found elsewhere. Combining exquisite materials and artisan craftsmanship, the new kitchen collections are striking and innovative and the culmination of Charlie Smallbone’s history at the forefront of cutting edge kitchen design.
Demonstrating the unsurpassed versatility of its flooring, Karndean Designflooring has given CoVault’s Glasgow head office a unique focal point that has returned the elegance and drama to a once neglected historic city centre building.
The Category B listed building in Bath Street, formerly the residence of a previous Lord Provost, convener of Glasgow City Council, has been restored to its former glory and is now home to CoVault’s head office and a contemporary workspace which provides a one-stop-shop for local entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
Fleur Carson, commercial sales director at Karndean Designflooring, said: “Hybrid working has become the new standard in many industries. By converting unused properties into flexible co-working spaces, we can not only revitalise our city centres but also benefit from the opportunity to work in new and collaborative ways.
“While it’s important to innovate to ensure a successful future, it’s also key to pay homage to the history of these protected buildings. Our designs are inspired by natural materials and manufactured with the latest cutting edge technology, therefore offering characterful floors that are architecturally sympathetic yet eminently practical for busy modern life.”
Making the most of the large open plan space whilst keeping the décor appropriate to the age of the building, the interior has been visually divided into activity zones using complementary flooring patterns and statement wall treatments, with comfortable furniture arranged into intimate hubs.
Inspired by boutique hospitality venues, the interior combines the sophistication of traditional style with the very best of contemporary design, featuring a neutral colour scheme in warm whites and greys with interesting pops of bold colours, a blend of cosy tactile materials and edgy soft furnishing and wallpaper designs. The floor features a timeless oak parquet design and a geometric tiled pattern inspired by grand Victorian villas. In the centre of the room, a bespoke focal point has been created with a hand-cut pattern in a selection of stone designs.
Victoria Scott, project manager at CoVault, explained: “The history of the building was an important consideration when specifying the flooring. The rear of the building, which now houses CoVault’s head office is believed to have been the ballroom. So, when we chose the floor design we knew it was important that this complemented the period of the property and also injected some grandeur back into the outdated space.
“I was keen to work with local businesses, manufacturers and craftspeople to minimise the carbon footprint of the project. Glasgow designers Timorous Beasties supplied the distinctive wallpaper and fabrics,
while the semi-circular booths were created in Falkirk and the antique pieces of furniture sourced locally and refinished here in Glasgow.
“The custom cut central flooring feature was designed to echo the luxurious previous life of this room. It sits beautifully under the domed copula, which is itself a thing of beauty as well as an engineering marvel. The amalgamation of all the different patterns, textures, and finishes has pulled the space together beautifully and given it a welcoming ‘home from home’ atmosphere. The initial wow factor really doesn’t wear thin when people come into the space for the first time.”
Designed to replicate the characteristics and beauty of natural materials but without any of the drawbacks that come with installing and maintaining the real thing, Karndean Designflooring offers a wide range of wood, stone and abstract designs, enabling designers to create unique floors that stand out for all the right reasons. With the ability to specify hand-cut bespoke designs, there are endless possibilities for a fully customised floor.
To view Karndean’s range of floors, visit karndeancommercial.com or follow @karndeancommercialuk on Instagram or LinkedIn.
About Karndean Designflooring
Our design process begins with a meeting…with nature. We see flooring differently. Pushing the boundaries has to be an adventure of discovery. It’s why we travel the world for inspiration. From the ancient European woodlands to the Australian outback, we pack our bags and go there. Every time, we connect with something extraordinary that shapes our every step. It’s how we bring the unimaginable, inspired from the outdoors, indoors.
Available from 1st November, the new Opus abstract collection from the UK’s market leader in luxury vinyl flooring Karndean Designflooring is designed to offer complete creative freedom to architects and interior designers looking to make a statement with a unique floor.
Revolutionising its abstract portfolio, the new Opus abstracts capsule collection introduces 22 new colourways in a range of tones, textures and sizes inspired by traditional trends from the Italian Renaissance, including natural stone, textiles and man-made materials.
The designs include organic pigments with a textile base, terrazzo from the Adriatic coast and stucco reimagined for the 21st Century as well as distinctive stencilled and abstract visuals on natural stone bases and timeless poured and speckled concretes.
Designed to bring impact to a range of settings including hospitality, retail and community living schemes, the new designs can be paired with existing wood planks and stone tiles from the Opus range to create imaginative bold bespoke floors that are intriguing and impactful. The collection offers ample opportunities to create visual movement with areas of pattern in perfect symmetry or offset designs for a disjointed uniformity that takes the concept of abstract flooring to a whole new level.
“We’ve long championed flooring without bounds when it comes to creating impressive designs that engage and provoke a reaction,” explains Fleur Carson, commercial sales director at Karndean Designflooring.
She said: “Design is a journey and we see it as our mission to design materials that support this with endless possibilities, fuelling creativity and promoting individuality. The new Opus abstract collection offers total freedom to curate designs that are truly unique.
“We’re proud of the craftmanship of our product designers and what has been achieved by creating such detailed textures and textiles. Replication of natural wood and stone designs has always been a fundamental part of what we do and we wanted to expand these boundaries to open up new territory and opportunities for design. We’re excited to see how designers will use our new portfolio to let their imaginations fly.”
Karndean’s new Opus abstract designs feature an R10 slip rating and 0.55mm wear layer, making these suitable for a wide range of residential and commercial settings. Naturally warmer and softer underfoot than real wood and stone, Karndean flooring is also compatible with underfloor heating systems and is easier to keep hygienically clean, requiring no resealing or resurfacing. For enhanced acoustics, Karndean’s gluedown designs can be installed over Versilay InstaShield to achieve impact sound reduction of 21dB.
To discover Karndean’s new Opus abstract collection visit karndeancommercial.com/opusabstracts
Cosentino Group, global leader in the production and distribution of innovative and sustainable surfaces for architecture and design, presents Dekton® Onirika, the latest collection of its leading innovative ultracompact brand surfaces. Cosentino and international interior design powerhouse, Nina Magon, have come together to create a one-of-a-kind Dekton® collection.
Inspired by marble patterns and immersive living, the stunning series showcases eight daring colours: Awake, Lucid, Somnia, Neural, Trance, Vigil, Daze and Morpheus, that represent the ethos of both brands: sustainability, forward-thinking innovations, and timeless elegance. Onirika represents a powerful journey of a detour in our dreams where boundaries between dreams and reality vanish.
Neural combines elegance and structure to bring peace and joy, calm sensations, and an overall feeling of wellbeing into a space. With fine, pale veins’ crossing the marbled pattern - the design creates a fascinating neural network, which teleports us into a white dream. It is best suited for bright, neutral spaces with soft textures, light colours, and wooden or metallic accents.
Lucid displays many shades, reflections, and glints of colour to create an illuminative perception of colours best combined with wood, grey and gold shades, and frosted glass.
Morpheus - the name of this same Lucid tonality but in Dekton® Velvet Texture finish.
Awake is a re-interpretation of the precious Paonazzo stone. It features thick veins of light greys, exquisite oxide terracotta, and a hint of subtle, inky blues. This iteration pairs beautifully with white, neutral tones, lightwood, and golds of any shade.
Trance features warm fine streaks that move between oxides and fade to reddish gold, combining perfectly with reddish oak wood and darker walnut tones. Blue furniture and warm golds in pale finishing bring sleekness to this vibrant colour.
Somnia boasts captivating details of warm oxid browns and whites that merge under a grid of think lines that create a sober texture. Somnia is perfect with warm dark woods, frosted glass and textured metal surfaces such as copper.
Vigil recreates a strong Calacatta structure with thick veins in gradients of light and dark greys, matched with a subtle touch of gold. This is a classic colour that is easy to combine with warm and cold hues, wood metal, and clean concrete.
Daze - the name of this same Vigil tonality but in Dekton® Velvet texture finish.
Onirika is a collection that unites the poetic and unique beauty of stones harnessed by Dekton® technology, just as those dreams where we observe and vaguely feel in control but only the deepest part of the mind truly understands. The collection is named in honour of the lavish inspiration of the two worlds conveyed in marbled colours to captivate the eyes and bring to any space a feeling that is understood but cannot explained.
“When working with product development team, we realized we’re not attempting to mimic any existing natural stone. With Dekton technology, we can create our own colours and structures, bringing to life something that is unique, beautiful and irreplaceable. The purpose of Onirika is to showcase the versatility of Dekton. We want all designers, architects, and people around the world to see that the product is not only a book matched worktop with a waterfall, but can also be used on walls, ceilings, facades, outdoor spaces, and more”, says Nina Magon.
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