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Siminetti has announced a partnership with Plastiks, whose mission is to connect people around the world to fight global plastic pollution. Plastiks is a recovery-guarantee marketplace that enables sponsorship of projects in a new initiative to help reduce plastic waste in the environment. In line with its ethos to produce products that are sustainable and natural, Siminetti, is working with Plastiks to prevent plastic waste from invading the oceans, while improving the quality of life of local communities involved in collecting plastic.

Siminetti works with the world’s leading interior designers, architects and private individuals to offer Freshwater and Saltwater Mother of Pearl luxury mosaics and decorative panels in a range of colours, styles and patterns. Their Saltwater pearl is sourced from Pacific communities who depend on sustainable relationships with ocean lagoons; the shells are a bi-product of the food and pearl industry, which Siminetti sources directly, using shells that would otherwise be discarded.

Under the Plastiks initiative, for every m2 of Siminetti product sold, a kilo of plastic will be recovered from the ocean, which provides communities with additional income, while creating a circular economy model, around recycling the ocean harvested waste and upcycling it into new products.

Plastiks launched earlier this year as the world's first utility NFT dedicated to revolutionising the fight against plastic waste. Each NFT created uses data to certify that a corresponding amount of plastic has been recovered, thus ensuring that it does not end up in the environment.

About the project

Siminetti has chosen, via Plastiks, to specifically support the Second Life project; a social enterprise in Southern Thailand that teams up with coastal communities to collect plastic waste from the sea. The objective is to provide those communities with additional income, while creating a circular economy model, around recycling the ocean harvested waste and upcycling it into new products. It’s known that plastic can have many lives beyond the single use given to it and that’s the goal of Second Life project, which aims to maximise social impact by engaging in geographies where waste infrastructure is underdeveloped.

All of these environmentally beneficial investments are showcased using Plastiks' Sustainability Dashboard, a real time view of plastic recovery that clients can view via the Siminetti website. Clients will receive a certificate that provides information about the amount of plastics recovered by the project on their behalf.

Simon Powell, CEO of Siminetti, said: ‘Our collaboration with Plastiks represents an additional and powerful step in our joint goals of sustainability and regeneration. In conjunction with Plastiks and our chosen project, Second Life, we have a unique opportunity to reveal the value of plastic, share this with our clients and together make a direct impact in the effort to stop ocean plastic pollution.

The NFTs allow our clients to directly contribute to the global fight against plastic waste and improve the lives of the people on the ground. I am immensely proud that Siminetti is able to work with these groups through this fantastic project’.

Andre Vanyi-Robin, CEO of Plastiks, said, ‘We’re delighted that Siminetti has chosen Plastiks to help it lead the way in sustainable living and plastic recovery. We hope to expand our network of companies across the globe who are dedicated to reducing the amount of single-use plastic ending up in the environment, while enabling them to demonstrate to their stakeholders that they are fully committed to tracking, measuring and fighting plastic waste’.

Siminetti is committed to the climate action agenda and this initiative with Plastisks allows them to address plastic pollution as part of their sustainability journey. The company will now have its positive footprint recorded and openly available in the marketplace, to be shared with its customers and the global community.

About Siminetti

Siminetti was founded in 2010 and works with some of the world’s leading designers, architects and private individuals to offer freshwater and saltwater pearl, mosaics and decorative panels in a range of colours, styles and patterns. Using only the finest freshwater and saltwater pearl from around the world, Siminetti is proud of its ethical credentials, ensuring they meet strict ecological standards and are sourced from sustainable, farmed locations wherever in the world they are grown.

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Dulux is celebrating two decades of Colour of the Year and has just launched its colour for 2023: Wild WonderTM  - and four complementary, versatile colour palettes that can be used to create stunning spaces across all sectors.

Wild WonderTM - a soft gold with hints of green inspired by fresh seed pods and harvest grain – is Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2023. Its upbeat glow connects us with nature, creating a sense of energy and positivity.

As people search for support, connection, inspiration and balance in the world today, they’re diving into the wonders of the natural world to find it. Extensive research conducted by Dulux colour experts and international design professionals found that even with so many challenges ahead, there was hope at the heart of global social, design and consumer trends.

Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux UK, says: “Our relationship with the natural world feels more precious and precarious than ever. As well as understanding the value of nature more keenly, with climate change becoming a reality for all of us, we also feel the urgency of reconnecting with nature and the necessity of working with rather than against it.

“The earth and its materials have been inspiring humanity for centuries. Now is the time to put them centre stage and bring the outside, in.

“We’re re-evaluating our relationship with nature and sensing the importance of learning from it not just about it. Were understanding afresh that nature is the source of everything, bringing us solace, inspiration, materials and a myriad of blueprints for living. That’s why, this year, we’ve put the wonder of nature at the heart of our colour story.”

“Wild WonderTM speaks to us in a language we instinctively understand,” says Heleen van Gent, Creative Director of AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Centre, which chooses the colour. “Nature is what inspires us and makes us feel better in our lives and in our homes. That’s why, for the first time in 20 years, our entire colour palette is inspired by the rhythms of nature.”

The name Wild WonderTM was created on the basis that ‘wild’ conjures up the freedom of nature and ‘wonder’ conveys the natural magic we see all around us. Wild WonderTM is a positive, natural tone that, by connecting us with the natural world, can help us feel better in our homes.

Four decorative paint colour palettes have been designed around Wild WonderTM:

  • Lush Colours - beautiful forest hues that are inspired by the plant-filled habitats of gardens and woodlands
  • Buzz Colours - upbeat tones of pinks and ochres that capture the bustling biodiversity of a wildflower field or grassland
  • Raw Colours - harvest shades that mimic nature’s raw materials
  • Flow Colours - warm neutrals and deeper seashore tones that bring a sense of fluidity and momentum

Lisa Pilley, Dulux Trade Commercial Colour Consultant, adds: “Wild WonderTM and its four versatile colour palettes reflect the natural world and intuitively connect with nature’s supply of substrates and materials - whether structural or aesthetic. As the world strives to re-use, rescue and build sustainably within commercial design programmes, placing humanity and environment at the heart of design is becoming increasingly essential.

“Colour can be transformational and guide occupants’ feelings and emotions. This year’s Colour of the Year and associated palettes open opportunities to connect the natural world with our everyday lives in the built environment.”

The year 2023 brings two major milestones to the Global Aesthetic Centre. Its ColourFuturesTM trend forecast will celebrate its 20th anniversary, while the team also reaches three decades of trend analysis, colour research, colour design and art direction at AkzoNobel.

The launch of Wild WonderTM is supported by the Dulux Trade Colour of the Year 2023 Specifier brochure, designed to inspire commercial design professionals working in all sectors, from hospitality to healthcare.

This brochure is part of Dulux Trade’s ongoing dedication to supporting specifiers with their latest projects, and is part of a wider package of ColourFuturesTM content. The package includes design mood boards and advice videos that can be harnessed by professionals looking to create the perfect space – in any setting – using Wild WonderTM.

To download the Dulux Trade Colour of the Year 2023 Specifier Brochure and for more information visit www.duluxtrade.co.uk/COTY23 and follow #CF23 on social media.

About AkzoNobel

We supply the sustainable and innovative paints and coatings that our customers, communities – and the environment – are increasingly relying on. That’s why everything we do starts with People. Planet. Paint. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering paints company that’s committed to science-based targets and is taking genuine action to address globally relevant challenges and protect future generations.

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The UK’s market leader in luxury vinyl flooring, Karndean Designflooring, is giving designers greater flexibility to create engaging industrial interiors with the introduction of concrete design flooring in an extra-large tile size.

From 27th September, its popular LooseLay range will include three concrete designs in a larger 1000mm x 1000mm tile format, offering the ability to create an on-trend streamlined look quickly and with less environmental impact. A realistic alternative to poured and polished concrete, Karndean’s LooseLay range is designed to not only meet but exceed expectations in commercial spaces.

Expected to find favour in settings such as retail, hospitality and public sector spaces, the new tile size is ideal for laying in a grid pattern to create minimalist clean lines and an unbroken effect.

Karndean’s LooseLay flooring is designed to be easy to install, featuring a K-Wave friction grip backing that creates a strong bond to the subfloor using a combination of weight and friction. With just tackifier required in high traffic areas and at thresholds, Karndean’s water based tackifier offers twice as much coverage than standard adhesive which supports less waste and overall lowers the impact on the environment.

Rather than having to replace the entire floor in the event of damage, each tile or plank can be lifted individually, making it the perfect option for high footfall spaces. This also allows for simple access to underfloor services as required or for flooring to be reused in another setting.

With a subtle emboss and matt finish, the creamy-grey tones of Quebec, complex grey shades of Colorado and gunmetal grey mottled effect of Vermont offer a look that’s reminiscent of a concrete floor but without the cost or inconvenience. Unlike the real thing, these designs can be combined to incorporate effective wayfinding and zoning.

Fleur Carson, commercial sales director at Karndean Designflooring, said: “It’s easy to see why concrete flooring is a timeless choice when looking for a modern backdrop and industrial finish in commercial spaces. Providing a neutral grey background, our concrete designs look fantastic in conjunction with either the clean lines of a fresh white interior or with the calming earthy tones of a biophilic scheme. By adding resimercial elements, designers can create inspirational spaces which will enhance health and wellbeing.

“We see it as our responsibility to create the best arrangement of functional tones and textures with the lowest possible environmental impact. Our new 1000mm x 1000mm tiles are designed to offer outstanding aesthetic and technical performance and so enable the installation of a stunning floor quickly but without compromising on practicality. Designers can be confident that our flooring will provide a neutral canvas and perfect complement to lighting, furniture and other design elements as well as help meet sustainability targets.”

Karndean’s LooseLay flooring absorbs the impact of noise with strong acoustic credentials. An incorporated acoustic layer effectively reduces noise transfer to the floor below by 13dB and, for additional protection, tiles can be installed over Versilay InstaShield to achieve impact sound reduction of 17dB.

Naturally warmer and softer underfoot than concrete, Karndean flooring is also compatible with underfloor heating systems and is easier to keep hygienically clean, requiring no resealing or resurfacing.

To find out more about Karndean’s LooseLay collection and view its Environmental Product Declaration, visit karndean.com/commercial.

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.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

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Ledbury Studio creates kitchens that are uniquely personal to every client – a point happily noted by the owners of this stunning home in Poole. “It was love at first sight when they saw the eclectic range of materials on show at our studio in Notting Hill,” says Ledbury Studio founder Charlie Smallbone. This, coupled with Ledbury Studio's skill for mixing and matching these beautiful materials to create truly bespoke designs was perfectly aligned with the clients vision for a contemporary kitchen that oozes wow factor.

Extensive building work was required to create the light-filled, open-plan space that now exists. To divide the large space into smaller areas of activity, Charlie designed a screen in black-stained oak and aged brass to frame the kitchen. From this vantage point, the eye is automatically drawn to the striking mirrored splashback embellished with aged copper. It provides a stunning backdrop to the island, another talking point thanks to the verdigris copper panels edged in black-stained oak on one side and the black-stained oak cupboard doors surrounded by aged brass on the other.

To pull the various metallic elements together, Ledbury Studio’s design included an aged-brass rack over the island. This creates a small space to display beautiful objects.

Injecting a neutral note is the poured concrete flooring and the base cupboards that run in an L-shaped configuration to the island. Made from oak and painted white to allow the beauty of the grain to shine through, the cupboards are topped with a pale quartz worktop and feature patinated brass surrounds and kickplates to coordinate with the other cupboards in the kitchen.

Also sharing the space is a bank of built-in tall cupboards illuminated by an LED surround. They incorporate a large larder for food storage, ovens and a fridge, and the cupboard fronts are made from liquid metal in a specialist shagreen finish. Aged-brass handles unify the look. "Every Ledbury Studio kitchen is truly unique and this one was no exception," says Charlie. "Our clients were thrilled with the result, and in particular, with the range of materials used."

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.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

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Creating a virtually seamless, durable mural, Metamorfosi from RAK Ceramics is a decorative porcelain surface that will make an eye-catching impression for any interior.

Metamorfosi is a large-format surface, available in two sizes - 120x260cm and 120x120cm. Inspired by the colours and shapes found in nature and responding to this important interior design trend, Metamorfosi is highly durable and splash resistant, just as porcelain should be, yet visually striking in its appeal, with several design options to choose from.

Rak Metamorfosi Boutique

From geometric and floral patterns and lush tropical leaves, to bold and vibrant shades that tap into the trend for block colouring, Metamorfosi brings the beauty of nature in all its boldness indoors.

The collection includes nine colours and 11 decors transferred on to large-format brushed resin porcelain stoneware slabs, to create striking wall decorations that become part of the interior design. The shapes on the ceramic surfaces have a handmade appearance, creating a versatile, contemporary a wallpaper effect.

Rak Oltremateria Cucina

Metamorfosi is part of the Signature Collection from RAK Ceramics, a modern, sophisticated product range of cladding solutions for all design requirements.

Cover image: Rak Oltremateria Bagno

About RAK Ceramics

RAK Ceramics is one of the largest ceramics’ brands in the world. Specialising in ceramic and grès porcelain wall and floor tiles, tableware, sanitaryware and faucets, the company has the capacity to produce 123 million square metres of tiles, 5 million pieces of sanitaryware, 24 million pieces of porcelain tableware and 1 million pieces of faucets per year at its 22 state-of-the-art plants across the United Arab Emirates, India and Bangladesh.
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, RAK Ceramics serves clients in more than 150 countries through its network of operational hubs in Europe, Middle East and North Africa, Asia, North and South America and Australia.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

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Some spaces lend themselves particularly well to a generous injection of moody hues and this kitchen in Hackney, London, is one of them. Wall-to-wall bi-fold doors drench the space in natural light, allowing designer Charlie Smallbone of Ledbury Studio to dabble in a decadent mix of dark materials and bring a sense of drama to the bright space.

Typically for Ledbury Studio, metal punctuates the design, most notably on the front of the tall fridge-freezer, which is clad in aged verdigris copper panels. Subtler touches range from a strip of aged brass that runs along the top of the stained oak cupboard doors on the base run to a brass undermounted sink and aged brass handles on the island cupboards. Bringing the metallic elements together is a Stone Italiana Ambra worktop that combines the beauty of natural stone with the performance of hard-wearing quartz.

Continuity is essential when a kitchen is part of an open-plan space, and to strengthen this kitchen’s connection with the adjacent dining area, Charlie’s distinctive Choppy Water design is hand-carved onto the end panel of the island and on the cupboard in the dining area. As a side note, the cupboard comes complete with a built-in wine cooler, wine rack and a fluted-glass cupboard for glassware, making it a super-handy addition.

Storage is a crucial aspect of all Ledbury Studio kitchens. In this one, a large larder cupboard fitted with doors, racks, shelves and drawers offers a wealth of space for everyday cooking essentials. Open shelves above the sink serve a more decorative purpose, letting the homeowner showcase some of her favourite accessories to personalise the space.

Ledbury Studio kitchens start from £50,000.

Ledbury Studio 2 (9)

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.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

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

The UK’s market leader in luxury vinyl flooring Karndean Designflooring is on a mission to change the way people think about flooring with its new Clerkenwell showroom.

Situated at 20 Clerkenwell Green, in the heart of London’s vibrant design district, the new studio is designed to inspire the design community and highlight the endless possibilities of flooring design. The showroom features a beautiful selection of bespoke floors that demonstrate how Karndean flooring can meet both aesthetic requirements and demanding technical specifications, whilst also protecting a listed period building.

Inspired by a concept of ‘random chaos’ to instill a sense of happiness and optimism, the showroom features abstract designs that highlight the outstanding versatility of luxury vinyl flooring. Architects and designers will be able to discover imaginative floors that push the boundaries of style whilst effectively protecting and enhancing the building’s original features.

Fleur Carson, commercial sales director at Karndean Designflooring, said: “As a brand we have been expanding steadily and continue to make our mark on the commercial interiors industry, so this investment is the obvious next step for us. Having a permanent showroom in Clerkenwell will make us more accessible to those working at the cutting edge of design and will enable us to show how an extremely modern floor can fit into a historic setting.

“We have designed the showroom to exemplify both the potential of our products and how expressive design can be used to influence mood. Using both off the shelf examples and a bespoke design, we offer a selection of original floor designs that will raise a smile, support wellbeing and connect us to the natural world.”

To support its ongoing mission to create inspiring places to work, meet or play, the showroom presents creative floor designs that respect the building’s legacy whilst securing the original floor underneath. On the ground level, visitors can experience how a complementary combination of designs from our Heritage Collection and bespoke cuts can be used to demarcate activity zones and guide users through the space. By using a rigid core format in the basement, the design ensures that the existing floor is completely protected.

On the first floor, a floating sub-floor safeguards the floorboards so that a unique abstract design can be laid, illustrating the full potential of Karndean flooring. Here, designers can learn how design components and bespoke elements in interesting patterns and colour combinations can be used to create truly innovative designs that reflect individuality and enrich the user experience.

The new showroom will be open by appointment. Visitors will be able to explore the flexibility of Karndean flooring, meet with dedicated commercial specification managers and attend events and continuing professional development seminars (CPDs).

To find out more visit karndean.com/clerkenwellshowroom.

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.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

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

When it comes to choosing a durable, hardwearing, easy-clean, low-maintenance flooring solution for a large family home, Dekton® is the ideal solution. For Michael Stephenson and the team at HG Design Solutions, who were tasked with designing the interior of this large Northumberland family home, Dekton® Soke 8mm x 1420mm x 1420mm floor tiles were the perfect choice for the entire downstairs layout, including the open-plan kitchen-living area, dining room, utility and grand entrance hall.

Created in collaboration with Shaun Ramsey Construction, the project involved applying Dekton® Soke flooring throughout the downstairs of the property and out into the garden area, creating a seamless finish and flow throughout the entire house and garden. Part of the Dekton® Industrial Collection, the Soke tiles are inspired by classic cement floors with realistic veining and a statement grey finish that beautifully complements the traditional style of this home’s interior décor.

Highly resistant to UV rays, scratches, stains and thermal shock, Dekton® is the ideal choice for homeowners looking for a durable, hardwearing solution for floors, worksurfaces and wall cladding both indoors and out. What's more, carbon neutrality has been achieved for the entire life cycle of Dekton, so homeowners can rest assured that their surface of choice is sustainable and helps build a better future.

Dekton® was also selected for the kitchen worksurfaces as well as for the table in the dining area that flows effortlessly from the open-plan kitchen-living space. Dekton® in Olimpo was specified from PWS Worksurfaces and as part of the Stonika Xgloss Collection, it offers a luxurious Carrara marble look and feel with grey veining on top of a cool white background.

Michael Stephenson, Director and Founder of HG Design Solutions, explains the process behind the design, “We introduced the client to Dekton and it was after he and his wife came to the Darlington centre to view the materials that they agreed on Soke for the flooring and Olimpo for the worksurfaces and table top, as these were the perfect choice in terms of durability and style.”

The marble look of the Dekton® worksurfaces create wonderful contrast against the burnt orange banquette seating and wall colour within the dining area, which provide a pop of colour and add further personality to the design. It also looks stunning in the utility room with its rich, dark navy painted timber cabinetry and white wall units for a nautical look.

Dekton® by Cosentino is available in a range of designs, from industrial inspired to marble 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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You’d be forgiven for thinking that the owner of an Edwardian villa in the New Forest would be looking for a classic kitchen to match her house. In fact, nothing could have been further from the truth. Her reason for approaching Ledbury Studio in the first place was because she was looking for something a world away from the standard Shaker look.

“When I first met our client, not only was she undertaking a big move from the Midlands to the New Forest, but she was also embarking on a sizeable kitchen project too,” recalls Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio. “She knew she’d be spending most of her time in her new kitchen, as it was roomy enough for both a large island with breakfast bar, a separate dining area, and plenty of tall cupboards for storage.”

To bring the required contemporary aesthetic to the room, Charlie designed furniture that combined beautiful book-matched walnut veneer with hand-patinated zinc panels. The zinc panels are edged in the same walnut and the cupboards feature aged-brass handles. This juxtaposition of timber and metal is a signature feature of the Metallics Collection from Ledbury Studio, giving Charlie’s kitchens their unique look and feel.

The stunning island – topped with an Ambre quartz worktop ­– is an obvious focal point, but you also can’t ignore the imposing Housekeeper’s Cupboard behind it. Charlie designed this piece of furniture to mimic the cupboards beloved of the original residents of Victorian and Edwardian homes, so it seems fitting that there is a contemporary version in this house. It has space inside for the microwave and breakfast items, with pan drawers below and fluted-glass cupboards on either side lit from within to create a display. There is also a tall larder next to the fridge with pull-out freezer drawers, and sufficient cupboards and drawers elsewhere in the kitchen to keep it clutter free without any need for wall cabinets.

“What’s so pleasing about this kitchen is that one of the pieces I designed for it has already become one of our client’s most treasured possessions,” says Charlie. “The bespoke walnut table was made from a single piece of walnut, which we then embellished with aged brass. We designed a banquette seat also made from wood and upholstered in leather. The banquette needed to be durable enough for the other important member of the household, my client’s gorgeous Dalmatian, to be able to lounge in comfort too!”

Bringing the whole design together – and adding an additional contemporary feel – is the chic terrazzo floor. Again, it’s a great hardwearing choice for a dog owner, and the shades of grey perfectly play off the tones of the zine panels above. Both homeowner and her canine companion are delighted with their new kitchen!

Ledbury Studio kitchens start from £50,000.

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.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

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

Material Source Studio has opened its doors, offering architects and designers in the North West the opportunity to immerse themselves in ‘beautifully useful’ products and materials. CDUK is proud to announce its partnership with the Studio which will include a CDUK exhibition area showcasing a diversity of products including Corian® Solid Surface and the recently launched sustainable surface, PaperStone®.

CDUK

CDUK is a leading supplier of surface materials and complementary products. With over 40 years’ experience the company understands customer needs and continues to provide design solutions based on market intelligence. Building on decades of product experience, CDUK understands the value of collaboration and working with fellow creative partners to take products directly to market. With an ambitious programme of growth and development, joining Material Source Studio shows how CDUK is diversifying and tapping into new audiences while continuing to provide high quality design products, expert training, and support.

Material Source Studio

Material Source Studio is the first of its kind in the UK, the 15,000sqft studio is situated in the Grade II listed Hanover Building in NOMA. Set across two levels, it features a wealth of inspirational exhibits and interactive displays from 35 leading brands operating in the commercial interiors and built environment sectors. It also includes an 60-seat theatre, a CPD area, a 300+ book library, 7 meeting spaces, a co-working hub and a podcast studio. Plus, an internal garden and a fully mature, 6-metre tree, spanning both floors.

The space is enhanced further with a seasonally-changing Gallery, opening with two exhibitions as part of the Material Source Studio Presents series. “From the Ground up: A preview” comprises a celebration of innovation in biomaterial development, and “Coo Birds by May Wild Studio” features the local studio’s signature Coo Bird sculptures, inspired by Manchester’s pigeon population.

Fusing the creative acumen of Darren Clanford with the operational experience of Michael Rogan, Material Source Studio was a venture born out of a fervent desire to support and champion the North West’s creative communities. The addition of David Smalley as commercial director bolstered the vast amounts of experience both Darren and Michael bring to the table.

A word from the founders

"With Material Source Studio, we’ve had nothing but support from the design community of the North. And, for this, I can’t thank them enough. It's kept us positive through a pretty tough transformation over the past two years.

“The Studio has been designed by the team at Material Source led by Darren, the partners and the A&D community. I’d like it to be used by everyone as a place to work, meet and, also, socialise. Something we’ve all missed lately.

"I personally can’t wait for the talk series we'll be running in our Theatre space, especially the sessions focused on how we can influence the wellbeing of everyone who walks through our door. After being empty for almost 50 years, it will be great to see the Hanover Building alive again”, comments Michael Rogan, operations director and co-founder of Material Source Studio.

Vicki Richmond, Marketing Director, CDUK: “We are incredibly excited to be joining Material Source Studio as a partner. The space offers the perfect backdrop to showcase our offer and allows our customers to not only look at but also touch our products, something which has been very difficult over the course of the pandemic. For us, taking our products directly to our customers is essential to how we work, especially when supporting specifiers and architects and designers unlock their design potential.

Our exhibition pod at the Studio will be supplemented by events and workshops throughout the year which encourage learning and participation from our loyal existing customers and potential new ones.”

Inside the Studio

Best in the business: 35 built environment brands showcase their products to visitors Making up the Studio’s core offering are bespoke partner PODs – created by neighbouring design and build studio, Tim Denton - and showcasing paint, tiles, flooring and wallcoverings furniture, lighting and smart solutions, fabric, bathroom accessories, plants and acoustic panels.

In addition to the interactive PODs, products from all partners are featured in-situ throughout the space, offering further inspiration to visitors. The entire scheme has been developed by creative director, Darren Clanford, who carefully curated a unique ambience for every zone.

“When serving a design driven audience, it goes without saying that the interiors of Material Source Studio needed to be aspirational. Working with products and materials from the best built environment brands in the business allowed us to create a versatile palette of dynamic, on-trend schemes.

“Spanning a range of ‘zones’, from our 60-seat theatre, to the podcast studio, never-before-seen bespoke pieces from our partners are featured throughout, illustrating the extensive capabilities of each and every one”, comments Darren Clanford, creative director and co-founder of Material Source Studio on the design of the space.

The Studio’s opening hours are 10am – 6.30pm Monday to Friday (closed weekends and bank holidays), and it operates an open-door policy. Events will be advertised on materialsource.co.uk, where you can also find out more information on all partners.

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.
We are a family owned business with over 40 years’ experience. We support our customers through a journey, as their design partner, from sourcing the best products and materials to helping them unlock their full potential through expert advice and technical knowledge. Our team of industry experts also provides technical advice, sampling and bespoke training courses for designers, manufacturers and fabricators.

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