The fashion house of Dolce & Gabbana put Sicily on the fashionista map and spread the island’s crafts worldwide by incorporating iconic Sicilian images in its bold prints like the colourfully decorated horse cart, ripe lemons and oranges. This was an early inspiration for the interior design concept created for the hotel by The Hickson Design Partnership (THDP), a London-based interior designer and architectural practice with a team of 50% British and 50% Italian designers.
Giardini Naxos, founded in 734 BC by colonists from Chalcis in Euboea, and was the first Greek colony in Sicily. Ancient Naxos was destroyed in 403 BC, and the centre that rose in its place in the Middle Ages as a fishermen's village. In the late 19th century elegant villas were built, used as holiday mansions by the upper classes.
The Greek heritage that remains in Sicily can be seen in the architecture of a few very important buildings. The Temple of Concordia today is a popular seaside-resort, offering more than 40 hotels, and a great number of vacation homes. Throughout the year the island plays host to numerous artistic, cultural, and religious events. Sicilians love a celebration!
The ancient Phoenicians and Greeks brought their artisanal traditions to the island, creating amphorae, kraters, kylixes, and other typical ancient wares and the technique of laying bright, saturated colours have been introduced into Sicily during the Muslim conquest.
The building presents most of the room facing the sea allowing the Mediterranean light to enter from the big windows and the guest can enjoy the salty air from the guestroom balcony. It sits at the feet of Etna volcano and near to Taormina.
Detailed local research guided the narrative of the entire concept project, commencing with the refurbishment of the main public areas, lobby and lobby bar, guest check in, Restaurants Panarea & Sciara, and creating a new Pool Terrace and Fluido bar.
The interior design concept was inspired by the natural beauty of the volcanic beaches, the sea, mount Etna’s super-natural presence and the features of the island of Sicily and the ambition was to bring them into the centre of the hotel. By adding local decoration, artworks and colours the goal was to add character, a deep sense of authenticity and a refined and resort-based palette of natural tones with touches of colours of the sea.
The lobby was a large open space of over 700sqm meters, previously decorated in a heavy baroque style, the concept from the outset was to re-activate this space, giving it a new heart and focal point – and to be appealing to both guests and to walk-in locals.
From the outset THDP considered adding a new lobby bar to the centre of the space, being both a visual anchor but also dividing the space and making it feel more intimate. With the new layout smart workers and leisure guests can meet using a polyvalent area which can host all, thanks to the different typology of seating. The style is elegant, Mediterranean with sea colours and Taormina’s stone colours melting indoor and outdoor colour palette.
The bar utilizes local materials to create a new feature in the centre of the lobby space, the bar top from local company Nero Sicilia is a made from volcanic lava stone extracted from the quarries of mount Etna glazed in cracked white glass. The bar fluted and curved front is formed from woven faux leather by Natutex, the rear bar features antique mirror with the joinery finished in Italian Oak and Rattan.
The seating in the Quintessenza features two room divider style banquet seating, fitted with USB and power outlets it’s the perfect place to work and relax, the backs of the banquets are finished in woven faux leather by Naturtex. The bar offers a range of seating options from the bar stools facing the bar from Gervasoni to the lower relaxed armchairs are from Miniforms and Torre 1961. The tables and banquets were manufactured to THDP’s design by Riabita. The new highly decorative wall covering is by Janelli & Volpi.
The reception has been inspired by the Sicilian attitude of welcoming and it has been translated in three large reception desks, the feature rear wall is tiled with hand painted local tiles by La Fauci, the accent decorative lights are from Aromas del Camp and are of copper and rattan, thus from the very beginning of their journey the guest is surrounded by an authentic and local experience.
The reception desks are finished in dark grey lava stone by Nero Sicilia, with a façade of woven faux leather by Naturtex adding warmth and texture, the fronts of the desks feature oak panelling mimicking the fluted effects of classical columns of the Temple of Concordia.
New desks, headings and rear artwork and tiling by La Fauci were all custom designed by THDP.
The Panarea Restaurant is the place in the morning for breakfast but easily converts during the day to host lunches, special events and dinner in the evening. The layout of the restaurant focuses on the new buffet counters which are aligned to the show cooking area - allowing guest to admire the chefs preparing their dishes to order. The restaurant has materials, features, and shapes that reminds guests of antique craftsmanship, incorporating hand painted tiles in the niches at the entrance with traditional motifs from La Fauci.
The buffet counters are cantered into the new restaurant and are closable during evening set up and special events with a custom designed screening. The counters feature built in an invisible heating and cooling elements which allow all the dishes to be moved around and swapped around to offer maximum flexibility to the hotel. During events the buffet counters can be stripped back and closed off - giving the restaurant less of a ‘breakfast’ space feel and more of a space for fine dining.
The buffet area has screens featuring irregular but geometric shapes hanged from the ceilings that recall ancient Greek terracotta jars. The artisan tributes continue on the walls covered with a braided woven leather cowhide effect inspired by ancient Greek sandals.
The new seating offers relaxed arrangements with a mix of table sizes, featured in fabrics reflecting the colours of the sea, visible from the restaurant. THDP also designed high tables, which can be used in the morning for breakfast to display local pastries and in the evening a high table dining experience. The adjustable tables made by Riabita, who also carefully prepared all custom furniture for the project and project managed their execution on site.
The custom designed carpeting by THDP is made by Ulster Carpets, the ceiling lighting are re-purposed light fittings from a hotel in Milan owned by the client – made in Murano.
The word “Sciara” is a local term, used in Sicily in the Etna area to indicate the accumulations of volcanic ‘waste’ that form on the surface or on the sides of the mountain. The term gives it name to the fine dining restaurant at the hotel, where the interior concept is intense and reflects power and wonder of the volcanoes spilling lava – dark intense with touches of blue & red - recalling colours of the sea at night, foreboding, dark yet attractive and welcoming.
The walls were finished with rough hewn lava stones, giving a raw and natural feel, to compliment this toughness the seating by contrast is curved and flowing and features 4 signature tables finished in enamelled lava stone by Nero Sicilia, the booths too are curved and help give the restaurant a centering. There are screenings in copper tones which feature so the design of super scaled rattan, adding a sense of privacy whilst not robbing the restaurant of its sea and pool views. The flooring is stained Natural Oak laid in a herringbone design by Havwoods. The copper-coloured feature lighting is from Utu, the hexagonal mirrors by Sovet.
The bar, show kitchen and wine display area were all uplifted, with lava stone from Nero Sicilia used for both the bar top and front, and in a glazed motif for the table tops.
The Fluido Bar is located on the pool terrace, just outside La Sciara Restaurant offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean sea and the unique grey volcanic sandy beaches. The pool Bar is characterized by a contemporary, indoor meets outdoor styled residential look and feel. The walls are finished in a cement-coloured panels by Cosentino, the bar top is white Dekton and the bar front is feature tiles in raw and glazed lava stone by Nero Sicilia.
The bar serves pre-dinner aperitives with signature cocktails, open to guests and locals, the ambition is to become a destination bar for the hotel adding to its local night scene. The seating is part dining, part informal lounge sofas with outdoor furniture by Etimo & Varaschin. The flooring is a grès tiling from Gruppo Florim, who also provided the surround to the pool and its interior. Large ecru umbrellas offer shade to the guests during the summer times. THDP created a warm garden style lighting effect, selecting outdoor weathered wall fittings by Aldo Bernardi & suspended light by Faro Barcelona. The large pergola and pavilions are custom designed and supplied by Corradi.
About THDP
THDP was founded in 2005 by partners and couple Italian Architect Manuela Mannino & British Interior Designer Nicholas J. Hickson. The studio is based in south east London and Italy and has a team of 10 people between the two countries. The studio designs hotels, restaurants, and residences internationally, focusing on the south and east part of Europe and Italy. THDP aim to be flexible and able to react to the fast-moving waters of the hospitality sector, prioritizing authentic narrative based on local research and curated selections of artisans, local companies and talented artists. This work is reflected in the guests experience that will be dotted with details to discover during their stay. THDP's approach springs from an endless creative curiosity, enthused by the founders to every team member, each one of them a true passionate designer and a talented focused team, who is integral part of the successful accomplishments of our projects.
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What are the latest tile trends that are worthy of note for interior designers? Ben Bryden, Sales and Marketing Director at RAK Ceramics UK, takes a look.
Practical, versatile and stylish flooring solutions don’t get much better than porcelain tiles. Strong and durable, this is a material that is suited to all areas, commercially and domestically.
Lava Concrete is a versatile collection that suits any setting, either with a contemporary or minimalist mood, and is suitable for residential projects through to the contract market. Lava Concrete can be chosen in five colours – Dark Grey, Light Grey, Beige, White and Mix Grey – and is available in a range of sizes to suit the application.
The manufacturing process of porcelain, which uses a finer and denser clay combined with high temperature and high pressure, results in a material that is far stronger than other types of ceramic, which is what makes this a material that is highly suited for flooring. Bathrooms benefit in particular from the properties of porcelain, which because of its density is extremely resistant to humidity and water.
The Fashion Stone collection makes a powerful statement with its sheer simplicity. Packed full of sass and contemporary style, this is the ideal tile choice for creating a minimalist look and feel.
Another major reason for the popularity of porcelain is the sheer versatility of the material. Colour and style choice is almost endless and finishes are also variable, giving designers a huge amount of creative freedom and enabling the material to be chosen for almost any application. Tiles can be printed or embossed in numerous ways and solid floor tiles can be mixed-and-matched in patterns and colours in any number of ways. They can be chosen to match or contrast with wall tiling and splashbacks for a cohesive look and can be chosen to replicate the look of many hardwoods and natural stones for the ultimate luxe look.
Solid, durable and extremely versatile, RAK Ceramics Curton are stone-look porcelain tiles that make a highly attractive visual impact.
Tiles with a subtle or a bold marble-effect pattern work well when teamed with materials such as wood, bringing nature indoors and creating a calming, timeless and high-end look that works well across all areas, from public to more private. Porcelain also offers a wonderful opportunity to introduce pops of colour to the setting, with vibrant colourways offering a brilliant way to catch the eye and turn a specific area into a focal point.
RAK Ceramics Circle Wood is a wood effect tile that brings nature indoors in the most practical of ways, ideal for high traffic areas, such as the kitchen.
Installation of the tiles themselves is also straightforward, with mega slabs from RAK Ceramics minimising grout lines and creating a luxe look.
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. 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.
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Designed for multifunctional living, whether cooking for the family, entertaining friends or simply catching up over coffee, this kitchen from My Fathers Heart features stunning Dekton® by Cosentino worksurfaces on both the central island and the surrounding cabinetry within this large, open-plan space.
Created by Sheffield-based kitchen designers My Fathers Heart, the room combines stunning SieMatic S2 handleless cabinets in the Umbra velvet-matt finish with Dekton® in Kira, an earthy toned ultra-compact surface that has the look and feel of natural brownstones. Highly resistant to UV rays, scratches, stains and thermal shock, Dekton® is the ideal choice for homeowners looking for a durable, hardwearing worksurface solution and it can also be used for flooring 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.
Within the central island, Dekton® blends effortlessly with rich walnut, which creates visual contrast and provides a warm tone for the breakfast bar area with its high stools for snacks and coffee. The BORA Professional extractor hob in an all-black steel finish sits neatly within the surface while antique brass pendant lights from Italy drop stylishly from above. The slim profile of the worksurface beautifully enhances the elegance of the appliances and kitchen furniture, while the colour palette is warm and inviting, creating a relaxed, contemporary look.
Chrissi Batey, Senior Kitchen Designer for My Fathers Heart, explains the process behind the design, “We spent a long time with the customer and their interior designer choosing a door finish from the SieMatic palette that would perfectly balance the wider scheme of the room and settled on Umbra. Dekton was the natural choice for worktops due its superior hardwearing qualities and Kira, with its warm earthy tones and elegant fine veining, was chosen to seamlessly complement the doors whilst adding subtle drama to this impressive open plan space.”
Added features such as the black Quooker tap, which provides boiling, sparkling and chilled water on demand, an antique mirrored splashback and bespoke metal framed shelving provide the perfect balance between practicality and beautiful aesthetic.
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.
RAK Ceramics, one of the leading ceramics’ brands in the world, unveiled its latest tiles and sanitaryware collections at Cersaie, one of the largest and most important international ceramics exhibitions which takes place annually in Bologna, Italy.
RAK Ceramics continues to provide its customers with ‘Room for Imagination’ and presented a complete collection of innovative new tiles, sanitaryware and complementary bathroom furniture and accessories. Displayed on one single stand RAK Ceramics continues to establish itself as the world leading ceramics lifestyle solutions provider.
Through-body veining is a RAK Ceramics innovation that enables natural marble veins to pass through the entire thickness of an unglazed porcelain slab with breath-taking results.
Thanks to innovative printing technology, pattern repetition is kept to a minimum and the delicate lines throughout the slab surface appear random and natural. From floors to wall surfaces and kitchen worktops, the effect is particularly dramatic when the product is used over large areas, with RAK-Preziosi being just one example.
Inspired by the elegance of marble, RAK-Preziosi has a smooth to the touch finish and a distinctive patterning that make this porcelain surface a stand-out backdrop feature wherever it is used. The epitome of luxury and sophistication, this maximus marble collection is also available in the trend-setting open book effect in a huge range of sizes, thicknesses and design solutions and can be chosen in several colours, including Green, Ocean, Pearl, Rio and Rock.
Among the many RAK Ceramics bathroom sanitaryware solutions to be shown at Cersaie, a highlight will be RAK-Valet. Designed by Patrick Norguet, the collection brings together the creative flair of the French designer and the manufacturing quality of RAK Ceramics.
The RAK-Valet collection, available in matt and glossy finishes, features thin-profiled washbasins, a generously sized, luxurious bathtub and sanitaryware with elongated lines. The collection is completed with details such as metal legs and towel rails or the functional and highly elegant little ceramic shelf, yet another design triumph by Norguet.
RAK-Valet also co-ordinates perfectly with some of the most successful furniture ranges by RAK Ceramics, such as the newly released RAK-Joy Uno cabinets and mirrors.
Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO, RAK Ceramics commented:
“We are proud to present our new collections at Cersaie 2021, especially at such an extraordinary time. Cersaie is an essential event on our marketing calendar and one of great strategic importance for RAK Ceramics. In recent months we have put all efforts into strengthening our positioning as a lifestyle solution provider by developing new collections for bathroom floors, surfaces, large-format tiles, sanitaryware and accessories, all of which are perfectly coordinated.”
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.
The revolutionary ultra-compact surface, Dekton® by Cosentino has been specified at the trendy Kol restaurant in Marylebone, London. Opened in October 2020 by former Noma Mexico chef Santiago Lastra, his debut restaurant Kol brings together Mexican cuisine with local British produce, including shellfish from Scotland's shoreline and foraged ingredients from Kent's woodlands. Kol offers a set menu of unique, thoughtfully curated dishes with plenty of flavour, such as short rib with quince mole, and squash sorbet with rattlesnake chilli.
Designed by A-nrd Studio, Kol's distinctive open plan layout with its kitchen as the central focus pays homage to Mexico with its warming, vibrant colour palette, while also incorporating a sense of pared back, minimalist Scandinavian design with plenty of wooden elements, straight lines and foliage. Spanning across two levels and five hundred square meters, the restaurant also boasts a mezcal bar on the ground floor, for serving up Mexican cocktails and spirits to guests.
Fabricated by LBS Enterprises Ltd, bestselling Dekton® Trilium, made from up to 80% of recycled materials, was the surface of choice throughout the restaurant's kitchen and serving areas. Showcasing a mixture of colours inspired by volcanic rock, Dekton® Trilium's intense and irregular accents of black and grey and its matte finish result in a rich and varied surface design, with an appearance that alters depending on the angle of the light on the surface.
"Dekton was always the surface of choice for my new Kol restaurant in Marylebone, London," says Santiago. "Its technical properties exceed the other options available and there is so much choice when it comes to the look and feel of the surface; it was difficult to choose a colour! We decided that Dekton Trilium was perfect for helping to convey the relaxed yet fun feel that we wanted in the restaurant - plus, we loved the fact that Dekton Trilium is made from 80% recycled materials. I am so pleased with how Trilium has brought the open-plan restaurant kitchen design to life, and its durability is second to none."
As with all Dekton® designs, Dekton® Trilium boasts superior technical properties, such as high resistance to UV rays, scratches, stains and thermal shock, and very low water absorption. Made from a sophisticated mixture of the raw materials used to make glass, next-generation porcelain surfaces and quartz surfaces, Dekton® is suitable for a variety of different projects, including worktops, flooring and wall cladding, both inside and outside. Dekton® Trilium is also available in Dekton® 4mm Slim, which combines the technical and mechanical features that Dekton® is known for with a much thinner (4mm), lighter (10 kg/m2), and manageable format for installation - ideal for wall, door and furniture cladding.
In addition, carbon neutrality has been achieved for the entire life cycle of Dekton® (from cradle to grave), covering Scopes 1, 2 and 3, from the extraction of the raw material, to the use of the product and the end of its life. This recognition, obtained through emission reduction and compensation projects certified by the United Nations, confirms the good practices of Cosentino Group in terms of sustainability and environmental management.
Image credits: Bircan Tulga, Black Edge Productions.
Silestone® by Cosentino, the leading global hybrid mineral surface for the world of architecture and design, presents Sunlit Days, the first carbon neutral collection in the quartz surfaces and engineered stone industry.
This milestone demonstrates the brand’s commitment to sustainability and highlights the excellent environmental management that the Cosentino Group has been carrying out for years. To reach this new milestone in the industry, Cosentino commits to offsetting the CO² emissions of the entire life cycle of the Silestone® Sunlit Days series. To this end, the company relies on different voluntary offsetting projects, duly certified and in the framework of the Voluntary Carbon Market. This initiative is also complemented by a partnership programme for the preservation of the seabed.
Sunlit Days is a collection of five colours inspired by the Mediterranean, the connection with nature and, above all, colour, the distinguishing feature that has made Silestone® a distinctive leader in the industry since its inception. Sunlit Days is a journey through light and colour, with a fresh style and Mediterranean tones, inspired by human values and simple and profound ways of living.
Faro White, Cincel Grey, Arcilla Red, Cala Blue and Posidonia Green are more than just the names of these five colours. They are stories, experiences and expressions. They are a tribute to the way of life of real people who have found their true essence by the Mediterranean.
Faro White represents the white of the Mediterranean and its sun-drenched walls, symbolising purity, simplicity and serenity. Inspired by the lighthouses that point the way for ships, this colour is also characterised by a silky, smooth texture. Faro White is a hymn for life loving people.
Cincel Grey is a fine-grained, silky grey, a shade that performs at its best when bathed in light. It is neutral and versatile, balanced between warm and cool. Its soft texture is captivating.
The Mediterranean breathes fire, and blood seems to flow in some parts of its geography. This is just what Arcilla Red is, an earthy red shade that makes you fall in love, tastes like wine and smells of petrichor. Essence, burst of colour, strength, passion and a lot of character. Its soft texture blends harmoniously with its beauty.
Talking about the Mediterranean means talking about the sea, its breeze, its vastness and its infinite horizon. Cala Blue is a deep and sophisticated blue colour that vibrates with the rest of the elements that surround it. Its texture feels like the caress of the sea.
The treasure of the Mediterranean Sea gives its name to this green colour that conveys the beauty of the Posidonia meadows. Energy, joy and nature come together in this proposal ready to surprise, ready to hypnotise. Its soft and delicate texture is complemented by this harmonious shade, ready to conquer.
Sunlit Days is a collection created with the exclusive and pioneering HybriQ® technology by Silestone®. This new production process is characterised by the company’s commitment to the environment, the circular economy and sustainable management. The manufacturing process of Silestone® with HybriQ+ uses 99% reused water from the production processes, 100% renewable electric energy and a minimum of 20% recycled raw materials in its composition.
Furthermore, HybriQ+ technology stands out for the new formula used in the manufacture of Silestone®, which significantly reduces the presence of crystalline silica. Instead, a hybrid formula made up of mineral raw materials and materials of a recycled origin is used. With this new composition, the outstanding mechanical and technical performance and timeless beauty of Silestone® remain intact.
This month's product news highights from SBID members explores the latest luxurious textures and captivating prints, with new smart technologies for the bathroom and functional design solutions for the workspace; from ergonomic office chairs to intelligent toilet technology.
New for 2021, Kinesit Met is a sophisticated evolution of the Kinesit office chair, now available in a refreshed palette. Created as Arper’s first regulatory-compliant office chair, Kinesit Met is available with metallic finished armrests and in new, rich and nuanced materials, colors, and textures. Inspired by the contemporary moment and the evolution in our workplaces and spaces, Kinesit Met is designed for how (and where) we work today – softer, adaptable, and from anywhere. This new palette selection adds refinement and style to imbedded soft technology, marrying performance and style in a sleek silhouette. Design has come home.
Light and minimal in design, Kinesit Met features built-in mechanisms hidden discreetly under the seat. An invisible, adjustable lumbar support is concealed within the backrest’s thin frame to give additional flexibility and comfort. Kinesit Met is available in a low or medium back option customisable in a range of textured and shaded fabric options. Aluminum armrests and base are available in metallic finish options of copper, light grey and anthracite.
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The rimless, wall hung Veil WC by international bathroom brand, Kohler integrates motion-activated hands free opening, closing and flushing for a complete sanitary experience. For a personalised user experience, a stainless steel cleansing wand adjusts the water spray temperature, shape and position; whilst a UV light and electrolysed water sanitises the wand’s surfaces providing a fully-integrated self-clean system.
The intelligent Veil toilet incorporates a warm glow nightlight and a heated seat that is made from antibacterial materials. Front and rear wash modes and a warm air-drying system also benefit from adjustable temperature settings to ensure a comfortable experience. With an ergonomic seat design to ensure complete comfort, Veil’s seamless finish offers a luxurious yet practical addition to any high-end bathroom.
Sleek woodgrains are combined with a subtle overprint. LACEWOOD takes inspiration from classic oak, ash or cedar. Smooth and unadorned Lacewood provides a seamless pared-down backdrop, while LACEWOOD GEO features geometric lines in matt and burnished metallic inks to give a contemporary twist with biophilic pattern.
Driftwood white and the warmth of oak are offered alongside the rich, intense hues of mahogany and ebony. Combined with classic woodgrain and a simple structured overprint, Tektura creates a visual connection to the patterns, colours and textures found in nature.
A deep viscose pile, super soft feel and vivid colours elevates these printed velvets to the pinnacle of luxury. The nine designs, which celebrate fantastical dreamscapes, are enlivened with a bold, contemporary colour palette with the occasional glint of glamorous metallic. This is Linwood’s premium printed velvet collection… not only is it sumptuous in look and feel, it’s also durable and water repellent.
From capturing the serene beauty of an ornamental garden which are perfectly expressed in scenic designs, to recreating the charm of the 1920s with whimsical printed velvet fabrics to celebrate the mystery and magic of the Orient; this exuberant collection of patterns offers a versatile choice for any kinf of upholstery.
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This July SBID members showcase their latest product news with flexible bathroom interior solutions, exclusive trade offers for interior designers and unique, halo-inspired architectural luminaires. Featuring innovative solid surfaces, stylish matt-black finishes and digitally-enhanced taps.
Creativity comes out on top with RAK-Plano
RAK-Plano countertop surfaces from RAK Ceramics combine elegance, durability and practicality, transforming the RAK-Joy or RAK-Joy Uno vanity unit into a versatile piece of bathroom furniture. Available in three different TECHWOOD finishes and in the manufacturer’s innovative matt white RAKSOLID material, RAK-Plano is a one-piece vanity top, without joints that can be drilled and cut (if necessary) directly on site. This gives designers complete freedom in positioning the washbasin and mixer. Available in a range of colours, the countertop combines easily with any décor, responding to trends in bathroom design; from Matt White, Grey Elm, Scandinavian Oak and Mokka Walnut.
RAK-SOLID is an incredibly durable solid surface material, composed of a mixture of natural minerals and resins, exuding consistent quality and performance. Just as hardwearing and simple to care for, TECHWOOD is a wood effect material that gives the tactile impression of real timber, produced from polypropylene recyclable material.
Powell & Bonnell introduce the halo-inspired luminaire, Celeste Sconce
The iconic depiction of the halo in Romanesque art served as the visual origin point for the Celeste Sconce. Designer, Jake Oliveira set out to create a luminaire that would honour a mother’s protective, enveloping embrace of her child. This imagery was interpreted as a marriage between two pure and simple silhouettes which draw attention to the interplay of light and shadow. The first stand-out feature of the piece is it’s composition, which consists of an ethereal resin bulb that floats effortlessly within the shade. The immaculate fusion of both elements was the result of endless hours of engineering and iteration, utilizing 3D printed and polyurethane tools to stablish an angled shade with architectural overhang.
Since contrast was such an essential ingredient in the Celeste Sconce’s makeup, careful material selection and the union between the chosen materials was paramount. The shade is fabricated from porous sand-cast metal, specifically brass, bronze, or aluminum. Sand-casting is a forgery technique that has been used since 704 BC. With an organic nature and human aesthetic, the artful finish carries the story of the hands that made it. This is paired with a sleek resin bulb which is poured via the modern technique of silicone slip-casting. A highly refined, polished lip on the shade’s edge helps to coalesce the pitted nature of the metal with the sculptural smooth bulb. The bulb can be cast in any of Powell & Bonnell’s resin colours, allowing for a dynamic pop of colour.
GROHE supports energy and water saving with first digitally-enhanced tap, GROHE Plus
With its brand new GROHE Plus basin taps, global bathroom and kitchen fittings brand GROHE now offers users the possibility to accurately control the water temperature of their basin tap using the innovations of digitally-enhanced design. The digital upgrade within the existing GROHE Plus collection not only enables safe water enjoyment, but also supports users' increasing desire for sustainable living. Using the principle of “nudging”, a concept from behavioral economics, users are made aware through a visual colour change displayed on the spout of the tap when hot water is flowing - often unnecessarily – in order to encourage users to avoid wasting energy. This design approach promotes responsible use of the valuable resource of water and saves energy at the same time.
The eco-friendly functionality of GROHE Plus is reinforced by its accessible Eco Spray setting. To switch from the standard spray to the more refined Eco Spray of just four litres per minute, which reduces water consumption without compromising on user comfort or experience, users can simply swipe their hand over the lit icon on top of the spout to activate the sensor-controlled system which will change the water flow. The GROHE Plus collection is also future-oriented in its hybrid design language, which skillfully combines cubic and organic shapes. This makes the range a real statement for every modern bathroom, both in terms of sustainability and progressive design elements. At the same time, the design supports ergonomic comfort and invites interaction with a 90-degree swivel spout to increase functionality and user-friendliness.
KEUCO Black Concept collection adds an elegant touch in a modern bathroom
When it comes to modern furnishing, black surfaces and finishes catch the eye, offering a luxurious and stylish appearance. If black is destined to be a key colour in your bathroom designs; KEUCO has an extensive range of products within their Black Concept collection.
KEUCO's EDITION 11 bathroom furniture is available with a stylish black metallic-pigmented lacquer finish. The vanity units, sideboards, storage units are all designed handle-free with a soft-touch closing system. This noble matt-black look exudes an air of elegance and extravagance, yet the velvet matt quality of the bathroom furniture ensures the room maintains cosy in atmosphere. The modern yet honest design elements of EDITION 11 shower heads, fittings and accessories in brushed black chrome create a minimalistic look with an elegant contrast when combined with white ceramic washbasins. The Black Concept collection offers a range of interior solutions for any darkly accentuated, colour coordinated bathroom design with matt-black surfaces and metallic optics which results in a sleek and sophisticated space.
John lewis & Partners Business support designers with exclusive trade discount
John Lewis & Partners Business support Interior Designers, Architects and Home Stagers to procure items for your projects. The supply chain has presented many with challenges over the past year and John Lewis & Partners Business have also had to navigate through this turbulent time. Their priority is helping design professionals access John Lewis & Partners home collections, whether that be dining chairs, mattresses, wallpaper or tea towels! Offering immediate visibility of what is available, if it's in stock on johnlewis.com then a dedicated trade team at John Lewis & Partners Business can hand hold your purchase. In addition for 2021, they are exclusively offering interior designers an increased trade discount of 20% when ordering full price pieces from the Home assortment*.
*Discount not applied to reduced or special buy prices and excludes electrical, technology and bespoke orders.
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Using tiles in interiors has been common practice for decades, from our bathroom floors to our kitchen walls. In fact, the use of tiles stems back to Ancient Egypt! Today, as interior designers are always looking for new ways use materials and innovate their designs, the specification of floor and wall tiles is getting more and more creative. Newly SBID Accredited specialists in tiles for specifiers, Craven Dunnill share their story; from a longstanding heritage, to how they work with interior designers to supply unique and bespoke tiling solutions for their projects. Discover their insight on the latest trends for interior tiles!
What are the origins of Craven Dunnill?
We have been manufacturing and supplying ceramic tiles for commercial and residential projects for 150 years, since 1872; and we use every bit of that experience to ensure that our clients are always provided with professional, market-leading and passionate support. Our vast portfolio is stocked here in the UK, showcasing the very latest of British and European produced ceramic wall and floor tiles. Our specialist production factory, based in Ironbridge UK, still operates as the oldest surviving purpose-built tile factory in the world.
With a deeply rooted history in providing tiles for interior design specification, we offer distinctive designs inspired by our longstanding heritage, with an unrivalled reputation for quality, style, and service. With experience stretching back 150 years, we pride ourselves in our flexibility, technical support, fit for purpose guidance, and high product quality standards.
How do you work with interior designers?
Craven Dunnill stock the widest selection of ceramic tiles from the leading manufacturers around the World. Our vast range provides interior designers with limitless possibilities according to their project needs and requirements.
We appreciate that every project is unique and we have extensive experience across a wide variety of projects and installations. With the knowledge and experience of what is achievable, we work closely with interior designers to ensure we select products which fit the performance, quality and longevity demands for their projects.
We can provide a truly bespoke solution for even the most challenging of projects. If you can’t find the tile you need in our vast portfolio of wall and floor tiles, we have the facility to produce ceramic wall or floor tiles to almost any shape and/or size. All custom design and manufacture solutions are provided through our own specialist factory. Craven Dunnill Jackfield have been hand-making ceramic tiles for over 150 years and now combine modern and traditional production techniques to create bespoke wall or floor ceramics to almost any design and specification!
What value does your sector add to the interior design industry?
Tiles are an integral element for any project and offer a wide variety of materials, finishes and styles with versatile laying options which can bring the vision of interior designers to life. They can deliver stunning aesthetics, unify indoor and outdoor spaces with a seamless transition and offer everyday solutions to meet the challenging creative and practical demands of contemporary projects.
Creating surfaces for many projects involves not only meeting requirements in terms of practicality, durability but also aesthetics. Tile materials can guarantee comfort, elegance, very high-quality performance and longevity for long term use to meet more eco-friendly specification approaches to sustainability.
Today, hygiene and safety is more important than ever. Everyone wants to live and work in healthy environments. Ceramic surfaces with antibacterial protection, an anti-microbial shield integrated into the tiles, eliminate up to 99.9% of surface bacteria, 24 hours a day, forever.
How do your services/offering enhance an interior designer’s projects?
Specialists like no other. Craven Dunnill is renowned for the production and supply of ceramic wall and floor tiles to all market sectors, including specification, housebuilder, commercial, retail and specialist, for both the UK and global markets.
Product: Craven Dunnill prides itself on its choice and selection of best-in-class ceramic wall and floor tiles, sourced from the leading manufacturers around the World. Our products represent quality. And more than that, it is an ethos throughout the organisation. We have an appreciation and understanding of high-quality products, and that is recognised across everything that we do.
Sampling: Fast and efficient sampling is an important part of our specifier support service. Smaller tiles can be despatched as full tiles, and larger tiles can be sent either as 100×100 colour swatches – perfect for mood boards – or delivered as larger tile samples.
Service: We take our service and support very seriously – putting your needs first, and continually striving to exceed expectations. We aim to deliver an experience worth talking about, every single time. We have an experienced team of customer service advisors who are always on hand to assist with your specific enquiry, whether its face-to-face, online, or on the phone.
Technical: At Craven Dunnill, we set ourselves apart through the quality and accuracy of our technical support and guidance. We aim to build confidence and earn the trust of our clients by providing correct and appropriate technical information, and finding a solution to meet your specific needs. We are on hand to give all the necessary guidance on selection, installation, maintenance and care.
Our technical experts sit on a number of standards and technical committees including BSI, UKSRG (UK Slip Resistance Group) and TTA (The Tile Association). This ensures that any technical advice given is absolutely in line with current standards and industry guidance.
Custom Design & Manufacture: Using our own specialist factory, Craven Dunnill Jackfield, we combine modern and traditional production techniques to create bespoke wall or floor ceramics to almost any design. If you can’t find the tile size you need in our vast portfolio of wall and floor tiles we have the facility to produce ceramic wall or floor tiles to almost any shape and/or size.
Sustainability: Respect for the environment is more critical now than ever. We are market leaders in the supply of ceramic tiles with a green agenda, sourcing only from manufacturers with responsible practices and certified credentials. We have an experienced team that can support you in specifying tiles with the appropriate eco-credentials for your project.
What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests?
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This month's product roundup features the latest news and collections from SBID's network of Accredited suppliers; from aesthetic designs for sanitiser dispensers to a range of sustainably-made lounge chairs, the June edition showcases unique designer collaborations for signature furniture collections and hand-tufted rugs, as well as highlights new certifications for embedded carbon footprints of ecological paints!
KEUCO introduces additional colours and branding options for sanitiser dispenser
KEUCO’s sanitiser dispensers go above expectations, bold and bright or subtle chic, suitable for an extensive variety of areas, locations and situations: homes to hotels, supermarkets to shopping malls, airports to Aston Martin’s! These new dispensers meet the highest hygiene requirements, whilst combining functionality with a distinguished design.
Since the middle of 2020 hand sanitisers have become a must for every property. KEUCO’S dispenser has an elegant yet straightforward, linear design, along with superior technical features that have been invisibly integrated in the design. The KEUCO dispensers make a stylish addition in any location where hand sanitisers are required.
Arper presents its first sustainable lounge chair in solid wood with Kata
Lightweight in form and environmental footprint, Kata is designed with circular sustainability at its core. Arper’s first solid wood lounge chair, Kata takes inspiration from artisan-made wood and woven straw chairs and reimagines the near universal typology using contemporary, sustainable solutions in an expression that’s both graphic and warm. Kata finds form in juxtaposition - an evocative gesture in the movement between material presence and minimal silhouette, softness and strength, tradition and technology.
The Kata lounge chair is a union of traditional craftsmanship and soft technology. An oak and black locust FSC certified wooden frame supports a tailor-made 3D knit textile. The knit cover is created from recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic that is converted into durable and lightweight fibers - roughly 1 kilo of waste – or about 48 half PET bottles – is used to produce 1 kilo of yarn. The knit technology is also formed to fit the frame, avoiding leftover material waste found in traditional manufacturing, with unified seat and back structure available in lightweight stripe or graphic-patterned 3D knit with internal micro-padding - all suitable for outdoor use. Additional loose seat and back cushions finishes can be customized in both Arper's complete fabric catalogue.
TSAR Carpets introduces latest hand-tufted rug collection, Tæpper
A global industry leader in luxury custom-made carpets and rugs, Melbourne-based TSAR Carpets is pleased to introduce the new Tæpper Collection, a series of hand-tufted rug designs made in collaboration with designer Michelle Macarounas of Infinite Design Studio. The collection will be sold exclusively at TSAR’s studios in Melbourne, Sydney, New York, London, and Shanghai with each luxurious rug hand-tufted from the finest grade of New Zealand wool and shiny Tencel fibre, offering incredible durability and softness.
Featuring abstract designs inspired by the art and design of mid-20th century modernism - in particular, the object-mobile artwork of Alexander Calder - the collection’s sculptural graphics are enhanced by colorful dimension, adding a design-forward focal point for any room. “The goal was to create stylish area rugs that felt more like pieces of art and infuse an eclectic sensibility to any interior space,” says Macarounas. “My aim was for each design to be simple, yet strong enough to breathe on its own or sit in harmony with other interior design elements.”
Lalique launches Signature Collection in collaboration with interior designer, Pierre-Yves Rochon
The Signature Collection combines Lalique's extraodinary skills in the art of glassmarking with Pierre-Yves Rochon's outstanding expertise in designing interior solutions for luxury hotels around the world. The collection embodies the brand's timeless elegance as an enduring symbol of French luxury.
Pierre-Yves Rochon comments: “Crystal is a noble material that beautifully serves all forms of art: from architecture or sculpture to tableware or jewelry... As an Interior Designer, it is an inexhaustible source of inspiration and creativity. With this Signature collection of furniture, I wanted to write a new story in which metal sublimates the transparency, purity and brilliance of crystal. The Perles, Coutard, Vibration, Causeuses, Roses or Soudan pieces were born from the quest for the most beautiful aesthetic effect, the search for perfect proportions and the attention to every detail. Marked by the precision and the elegance of metal, the designs give crystal the freedom to blend in interior architecture and furniture design in a new manner. I am honoured to perpetuate René Lalique’s work, associating crystal and metal in my own turn.”
Graphenstone conclude certification for its embedded carbon footprint
The construction sector consumes 50% of all raw materials, produces 39% of all carbon emissions, causes 36% of all waste and 49% of total carbon emissions over the life of a building (source - WasteBuild). Architects, interior designers, manufacturers and contractors can all make significant contributions in protecting our fragile climate through choice of materials. For example in paints, one of the most polluting industries in the world, selecting and specifying newly developed ‘harm-free’ products using advanced technologies, as opposed to the same toxic options used over recent decades, can make a huge difference.
Graphenstone have now concluded the certification of its embedded carbon footprint. Its level is about one-fifth of the few other paints companies who have conducted the same research. The entire carbon footprint (complete raw material extraction to end of manufacture) presents the value 0.5kg / litre. BREEAM, LEED & WELL complaint, Graphenstone is certified for health and sustainability by the world’s most recognised product evaluation agencies (Cradle to Cradle Institute, Eurofins, Green Tag). They examine all aspects of a product's sourcing, development, energy, water and social impact, as well as how cleanly it dies off at end of life.
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