This month's product roundup features the latest news and designer collaborations from SBID Accredited suppliers; from a debut range of desirable dressing table mirrors, new-to-market sustainable gym equipment and innovative tiling patterns for exquisite natural materials, to adaptable design concepts for contemporary bathroom furniture and fittings.
EDITION 90 Bathroom Collection by KEUCO: Where the circle meets the square
Introducing EDITION 90; a new collection of bathroom furniture and accessories designed exclusively for KEUCO by renowned German design agency Tesseraux & Partners. The theme and design element that is prevalent throughout the collection is the merging of the circle with the square, creating a distinct 90 degree angle.
With wall mounted washbasins which can mixed and matched with all the Edition 90 furniture, the collection is uniquely adaptable and can be placed wherever you wish; offering the flexibility to create uniquely personal designs for the bathroom. The design language and visual statement of Edition 90 is best exemplified by the fittings; the range includes single-lever, three hole and wall mounted options for washbasins and for bathtubs, an elegant free-standing mixer fitting or wall mounted spout with separate built-in thermostatic flow controls.
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Armac Martin collaborates with interior designer, Sophie Paterson for latest collection
Armac Martin announce their first ever collaboration collection. Introducing The Claremont Collection - a debut range of desirable luxury brass dressing table mirrors, designed by eminent interior designer Sophie Paterson.
The new Claremont Collection features three impeccably crafted mirrors in a timeless satin antique lacquered finish. Each sophisticated mirror captures the essence of everlasting style designed to transcend the ages. Sophie Paterson said: ‘Together we wanted to create a range that would work in any interior from classic to contemporary, with a timeless design that would be equally functional and beautiful.’
Siminetti shares a breakthrough in the study of its luxury material, Mother of Pearl
Mother of pearl (also known as nacre) is one of the most studied biomaterials due to its beauty and incredible strength. Through technology and advanced modelling, researchers discovered that the iridescent colours of pearl we adore, are a direct result of the varying thickness of its layers reflecting light back to our eyes.
This furthers the understanding of the colours that Siminetti are able to offer for their exclusive luxury surfaces, and builds upon the reasons why specific colourations of nacre can only be found in specific areas. Highlighting the exquisite natural wonder of this unique material, Siminietti's latest and most desirable collection features highly detailed patterns inspired by nature. The intricacy requires the best artisans, implementing their extensive wealth of knowledge to ensure the designs showcase the beauty of mother of pearl in a more deserving fashion.
Paragon Studio launches with bespoke, sustainable gym equipment
New to the market, Paragon Studio launched its design-led range of high-end, sustainable gym equipment for private, residential and superyacht gyms across the globe. With years of experience in the luxury fitness sector, the extensive collection meets the increased demand for customisation and bespoke gym design, using the finest natural and sustainably-sourced materials.
With origins in the superyacht and hospitality sectors, Paragon Studio understands that the identity of a boat or hotel is part of the whole experience and enjoyment of a space. Its ability to customise products with logos and monograms, whilst matching materials used throughout the rest of the space offers interior designers complete ease of design specification.
From shower area to shower tile: Bette revolutionises the shower area
With BetteAir, the world's first shower tile made of glazed titanium steel, Bette completes the evolution of the shower tray into a part of the bathroom floor. BetteAir integrates so perfectly into the floor that it is hardly noticeable, a milestone in bathroom architecture. What's more, the floor-level installation of the shower tile is a real revolution, as it can also be glued directly to the screed like a conventional tile.
Made of durable and easy to clean glazed titanium-steel, Bette has reduced the height of the BetteAir shower tile to an unbelievable ten millimetres, which roughly corresponds to the thickness of a large-format tile. Designer Dominik Tesseraux (Tesseraux & Partner, Potsdam) sums up the revolutionary development: "BetteAir has all the advantages of a tile without its disadvantages. With the shower tile, the floor of the shower is immaculately beautiful, free of joints and thus absolutely hygienic and easy to clean."
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This month's product news highlights SBID Accredited suppliers working to improve the negative impact of our interior environments, with the latest sustainable products and innovations in interior design. From circular production models in sanitaryware and new recycled materials for upholstery, to smart technology in the bathroom and ecological, air purifying paints.
Graphenstone's Spring Update highlights its collection of air purifying paints
Many people’s homes will emerge from the pandemic transformed - and now you can actively clean your air with one of the world’s most certified eco paints. Three full 15 litre pots of Graphenstone's Cradle to Cradle Gold Standard lime paint, Ecosphere Premium will absorb as much CO2 as a tree (as well as Nitrogen Oxide and Sulpher Dioxide).
Plastic free, toxin free and fully sustainable these unique paints incorporate Graphene technology to make it super strong and longer-lasting, whilst being fully breathable. This allows moisture to flow through the paint surface, which helps to reduce condensation, mould and mildew, creating a much healthier indoor environment. Graphenstone paints are now available in a range of sizes, over 1000 colours and varieties for all areas and surfaces in both interior and exterior projects.
Aiming for a world without waste – GROHE launches Cradle to Cradle Certified ® products
To tackle resource overconsumption and waste in the bathroom sector, the global brand is taking the step away from a linear model, towards circular value creation (the economic model of the future) by launching four best-selling products as Gold-level, Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified ®. After switching to CO2-neutral production, with targets to replace all plastic components in product packaging, GROHE is reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable transformation. In contrast to a linear model, the C2C concept enables GROHE to drastically reduce the use of new resources: a product is designed and manufactured with the intent of using its components in its end-of-life-phase for the creation of new products. Cradle to Cradle Certified ® products have thus been assessed for use of environmentally safe, healthy, and recyclable materials.
“There is a massive opportunity for innovation in the building sector, since it accounts for more than 50% of the worldwide material consumption”, said Prof. Dr. Michael Braungart, who developed the C2C design concept together with William McDonough. “GROHE plays an important role in setting a precedent that circularity in the sanitary industry is indeed possible.”
Linwood introduces more sustainable fabrics with its range of recycled materials
Using offcuts from the fashion industry – Verde is Linwood's new eco-friendly plain cotton collection woven with 80% recycled cotton – an exciting addition to their sustainable fabric offering. Sales Director, Warrick Gloyn says: "We are striving to produce fabrics that last, feel good and that don’t harm the earth. This is our first launch for 2021, but we are working on a new generation of recycled fabrics."
The chemical-free cotton fabric is double brushed and comes in a comprehensive palette of 46 colours from off whites and classic neutrals to fresh pinks and blues. The durable fabric is ideal for curtains, loose covers and upholstery, and is easy to maintain. This range sits alongside the Lana wool collection made using 85% recycled yarns, as well as a leather upholstery range, Saddle II using off cuts from shoes and bags which are usually sent to landfill.
Roca transforms bathroom experiences with innovative Smart Shower technology
Roca developed a Smart Shower to revolutionise daily shower routines. The innovative shower uses smart technology to provide unique showering experiences with customisable settings and ease of use, the Smart Shower is a beneficial addition to any bathroom design. The intelligent control has a sleek, simple interface and allows up to three users within the same household to pre-set their desired settings. They can set shower duration, maximum temperature and flow rates all based on individual needs. The interface features a colour LCD display and touch sensitive controls with soft turn dials to ensure it is extremely easy to use and control.
One of the smart benefits to the digital shower is that it can be controlled via an app. The app helps with energy and water saving, enabling users to monitor water and energy consumption to run their shower more efficiently. “It may seem like a luxury, but the Smart Shower is not just for convenience,” comments David Bromell Head of Marketing at Roca. “In addition to providing a luxe showering experience, the intuitive system will actively work to reduce water wastage, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for the bathroom.”
Sensa by Cosentino® introduces 5 new colours to its' natural stone collection
A global leader in the production and distribution of innovative surfaces for the world of architecture and design, launches five new colours for its innovative range of protected natural stone, Sensa by Cosentino®: Siberia, Platino, Vancouver, Silver Grey and Graphite Grey. These new designs in quartzite and granite have been carefully selected for both composition and resistance to stains. “With this launch, we intend to respond to market demands by adding to our portfolio soft colours and tones, different matte finishes and, above all, exclusive and distinctive materials”, says Francisco Guzmán Gutiérrez Martos, Product Manager of Sensa by Cosentino®.
The Cosentino Group collaborate with the Environmental Association, Sustenta to consolidate its vision as a climate leader through measures and transformative projects to achieve a more sustainable economic model. This commitment translated into improving waste recovery rates, the reduction of emissions and energy efficiency.
Not only natural, but supernatural: Martini Interiors introduces Essenza Supernatural
The latest addition to the Essenza collection, luxury design-oriented kitchen program by Martini Interiors, Essenza Supernatural is a kitchen composition that lays its foundations in innovation, technology and sustainability.
With the high quality of 'Made in Italy' craftmanship, the use of precious materials and numerous customisation possibilities always present in the brand's DNA, Essenza Supernatural goes beyond its own limits, creating a product in which cutting-edge composition, technological and decorative solutions and attention to sustainability are the absolute masters.
In short, not only natural, but supernatural: the scheme utilises environmentally-friendly materials and innovative finishes in every detail; derived from certified forests and treated with finishes that enhance the natural grain of the wood, whilst remaining natural and non-toxic.
This month's industry news features new-to-market products across residential and commercial design from exclusive designer collaborations in lighting and sanitaryware, to signature brand collections for flooring and architectural hardware.
Gwyn Carless at The Light Yard reveals new Collection in partnership with LSA International
Created in partnership with renowned glassware brand LSA International, the latest Collection from Greater Manchester-based lighting house Gwyn Carless at The Light Yard embodies timeless artisan principles, superior craftsmanship and considered design.
Evoking Jazz-era opulence, the new Collection of made-to-order contemporary indoor luminaires incorporates key pieces from LSA International’s celebrated Epoque series. Mouth-blown glass vases in hues of Amber or Peacock are teamed with Edison-style LED bulbs and exquisitely machined UK-manufactured fixtures to create decorative pendant, wall and flush ceiling lights. With bathroom-ready IP44-rated versions available, design continuity can be achieved as never before, while the products also offer scope to coordinate the sumptuous lighting with statement glassware from LSA International’s eponymous range.
The Collection, handcrafted in the uniquely customer-facing lighting atelier of master craftsman Gwyn Carless, affords design and renovation professionals expanded opportunities to integrate vibrant works of authenticity and refined beauty into their interior schemes. It is available now.
Croft Architectural Hardware continue to evolve with new improved website and products for 2021
Croft Architectural Hardware, the manufacturer based in the heart of England with a history spanning over 150 years, announced the launch of their brand-new website and 2021 brochure, following their recent branding and logo refresh.
The new site offers a glimpse into the Croft manufacturing facilities and offices, as well as having improved usability, allowing users to easily access all of the Croft products. “Croft have come along way over the years and we’re now designing and manufacturing both traditional and unique products” says Paul Clifford, Commercial Director at Croft. “We wanted the website to showcase our full product portfolio, whilst reflecting who we are as a business."
A contemporary social space for the Aberdeen Altens Hotel features Karndean Designflooring underfoot
With subtle visual cues to divide different spaces using a combination of warm toned and geometric floor designs, Karndean Designflooring served up the perfect flooring choice as part of the new look Aberdeen Altens Hotel based in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
Rebranded as Coast and Keg, the hotel’s three restaurants and bar have been combined into a new open plan space, increasing capacity and creating an adaptable entertaining space with both formal and casual dining options. Fleur Carson, commercial sales director of Karndean Designflooring, said; “Using different flooring designs across the large open plan area has created zones which can be used for a variety of functions such as dining, socialising or working.”
Karndean’s Lime Washed Oak was selected across the seating areas to introduce a natural element with interesting textures and a contemporary sun-bleached driftwood appearance. Fleur added: “Using both straight lay and herringbone laying patterns, the flooring has been laid in zones to create an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.”
RAK-Petit is big on style in small bathrooms with its latest designer collection
With the size of the average UK bathroom measuring around 4.4m2, the latest designer collection from RAK Ceramics solves the problem of creating luxury results in compact spaces. In fact, RAK-Petit is designed specifically with small bathrooms in mind.
Created in collaboration with award-winning Italian designer Maurizio Scutellà, RAK-Petit is a collection of small washbasins for compact spaces, from cloakrooms and en-suites to small family bathrooms. With minimal shapes and modest dimensions, RAK-Petit washbasins are perfect for small spaces that are also big on style. The collection includes deep-based washbasins that can be installed alone or combined with RAK-Joy vanity units in the domestic bathrooms, as well as freestanding washbasins that are statement pieces in their own right.
Featuring circular and square shapes, the freestanding ceramic RAK-Petit washbasins in striking Alpine White measure an elegant 360mm wide x 900mm tall. RAK-Petit wall-hung washbasins are equally as stylish, again with round or square basin shapes combined with a ceramic ledge, providing an easy to wipe clean surface for soaps and toothbrushes. Measurements for the wall-hung basins are 765mm x 360mm.
TSAR Carpets introduces the Sierra Collection inspired by natural landscapes
TSAR Carpets introduces its new Sierra Collection, a series of broadloom wool-rich Axminster carpet designs inspired by mountainous terrains and desert landscapes worldwide.
While keeping in line with TSAR’s signature use of bold and signature designs, the Sierra Collection transforms the company’s vision for the future of hospitality, commercial and residential projects into paired-back contemporary statements teeming with topographical dimension. The collection features an array of natural, earthy tones in five distinct patterns, ranging from geological motifs to glacial-like elements that offer a sense of tranquillity and fluidity. Constructed for strength and durability, there are many functional benefits to Axminster, including pattern clarity, ease of maintenance, and sound absorption.
This month's product news highlights how key themes and sentiments from 2020 continue to form design inspirations for the latest interior product ranges, promoting wellbeing and a deeper consideration for nature. Featuring rainbow themed radiators and nature inspired luxury surfaces, as well as newly emerging trends in upholstery and the latest designer collaboration in wallpapers.
Siminetti launches its nature inspired Seasons Collection
Siminetti announces its latest collection in collaboration with renowned British Designer Chrisanna London. The Seasons Collection features a series of twelve stunning designs inspired by nature. Consistent in their quest to create inspirational luxury surfaces that are crafted with passion, viewed with awe and are kind to the planet, the collection transforms the tier of decorative surfaces, testing the boundaries of what is possible with nature’s most stunning material; Mother of Pearl.
The collection is divided into seasons. Each highlight how the natural qualities of mother of pearl could harmoniously tie with a selection of the most stunning organic shapes and patterns found in nature. Distinctive markings reoccur, creating symmetries, stripes, swirls, bubbles and waves with cycles, repetition and pattern to give a sense of order and calm – they help to harmonise our understanding of the world around us.
Inspired by the rainbows of lockdown, Bisque injects colour into modern radiator design
After a difficult 2020, rainbows became a symbol of thanks and optimism. As we move into a 2021 lockdown, a continued thirst for joy will cement a desire for more colourful designs in the home. Bisque is no stranger to experimenting with colour, which is why its radiators are design pieces, as well as functional items. Bisque boasts a bespoke colour-match service with over 2000 colours, from periwinkle to plum, its radiators can help to introduce a unique pop of bold colour to any space!
The return of tradition with Linwood's kilim-inspired collection
Traditional, Persian-style woven tapestry is having a resurgence. Found in Soho Farmhouse and the home of influencer, Millie Mackintosh, Linwood's kilim inspired collection features five designs which are inspired by rugs the design team discovered in Turkish and Moroccan bazaars. Surprisingly soft to the touch, this range is mainly for upholstery, but more adventurous customers might choose to make heavy curtains or indulgent floor cushions. Offered in a selection of timeless colours, alongside more contemporary tones for alluring modernity.
Graham & Brown announce its latest designer collaboration with new capsule wallpaper collection
Graham & Brown has teamed up with Sacha Walckhoff, Designer & Christian Lacroix Creative Director, to produce Paper Games; a playful and colourful capsule wallpaper collection.
Paper Games celebrates the art of paper cutting, a traditional craft dating back to the origins of paper creation in China, where it was used to form stencils to decorate fine silks. Sacha Walckhoff and Graham & Brown have adopted this technique to produce a graphic wallpaper collection, featuring joyful and contemporary flowers and trees. The striking colour palette stretches from saffron yellow to sky blue; a monochromatic palette of black and white is used to define the graphic patterns echoing Walckhoff's recognisable stylistic approach.
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Through over 500 tile designs, SBID Accredited Industry Partner, Parkside is a trusted tile specification company with the versatility to provide solutions for any commercial interior.
With a philosophy of developing thoughtful responses to the unique demands of clients and their projects, Parkside delivers a range of additional services including waterjet cutting, colour matching and bespoke digital print. Chymia, a collaboration between Mutina and Laboratorio Avallone is the latest porcelain tile collection available in full exclusively at Parkside.
Chymia fluctuates between the discipline of graphic design, expressive gestures of mark making and the two extremes of black and white, where symbols and textures are combined to create patterns of light and shadow on the surface. Black forms the basis, in a distinctive tone created by designer Gennaro Avallone, with the patterns taking on various shades of black all the way through to white. Throughout the collection, black and white are never separate but co-exist, with each pattern also available in white, taking on various shades all the way through to black in a reversal of role.
Each of the 22 (11 black, 11 white) designs in Chymia is obtained by combining the principle black and white structures with 11 patterned textures, achieving a tile that can be used randomly in monochrome compositions. The collection involved research on glazes and raw materials, along with the combination of traditional applications and modern technology to achieve the absolute colours used.
Chymia came to life in a collaborative project between ceramics manufacturer Mutina and Laboratorio Avallone, a Milan-based studio whose research reaches in to painting and sculpture to create unique objects of contemporary furnishing. The collection was developed with the aim of making a break with traditional styles, restoring an original quality to ceramics with unexpected outcomes.
Sarah Holey, marketing manager, Parkside: "Chymia is a collection that’s full of surprises. Taking the apparent simplicity of monochromatic pattern, it reveals that careful experimentation and attention to the creation of pure colours can bring depth and new-found results to a seemingly traditional black and white palette. Infusing new meaning into checkerboard or bringing more depth and nuance to all-over black or white, it offers some hugely exciting opportunities for designers and we’re delighted to welcome it to the Parkside portfolio."
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Safety has always played an essential role in our design choices, but this is particularly true at the present time, driven by a genuine revolution in the way we organise our living spaces around post-pandemic lifestyles. This transformation has obliged us, starting from the design phase, to contemplate new hygiene measures that enable us to enjoy our living and working spaces in total freedom and safety.
SBID Accredited Industry Partner, RAK Ceramics, an international player renowned for its products and complete systems in porcelain and ceramic for floor and surface coverings, sanitaryware and bathroom fittings, has now launched RAK-Sanit, the company’s own health and safety revolution.
The research and development laboratories of RAK Ceramics are always at the forefront of technology and were the first in the world to supply antibacterial interior design solutions as early as 2009, thanks to the development of special certified antibacterial glazes.
Today, with the new RAK-Sanit programme, RAK Ceramics offers an even wider range of solutions for floors, surfaces and sanitary fittings, produced with glazes that reduce the possibility of contagion and therefore contribute to creating safer environments, both in residential and commercial projects.
RAK-Sanit is the ideal solution for domestic dwellings, modern and safer schools, public and private offices, restaurants, hotels, laboratories and, indeed, all those premises in which hygiene is of primary importance. All those places generally described as “community spaces”, in which numerous people of different ages, genders and cultures make random encounters. Inside, toilet facilities destined for use by all and sundry are increasingly in need of strong, antibacterial elements with a long product life.
The RAK-Sanit bactericide action is permanent, guaranteeing built-in protection throughout the entire expected product lifetime, thanks to its constant action against microbial colonisation; this technology, which has proved its capacity to reduce or eliminate the quantity of bacteria up to 99.99%, including MRSA, E. Coli, Salmonella and Legionella, actively prevents the growth of microorganisms 24 hours a day.
In more detail, the RAK-Sanit programme comprises:
Solutions for floor and wall coverings in gres porcelain and ceramic, treated with an incorporated glaze that is 99.9% effective in just 8 hours. The products for floor and wall covering solutions are tested and certified* in compliance with the Japanese Standard JIS - 2801:2000 and the International Standard ISO 27447:2019.
Solutions for sanitaryware (WC, bidets, washbasins, toilet seats and lids, rinsing systems) treated with RAK-ProTeK glaze fired at high temperatures onto the ceramic to guarantee a smoother antibacterial surface, unlike standard ceramic material with its rougher surface.
The silver ions bind to the cells: once inside, silver denatures the enzymes essential to the production of energy. Being unable to produce energy, the bacteria are unable to reproduce. This technology is therefore able to reduce or eliminate the quantity of bacteria up to 99.99% and its action is effective against a vast range of gram positive and gram negative bacteria, as well as fungi. RAK-ProTeK glaze has been tested by the Artest laboratory in the Italian ceramic district of Modena.
*Certified effectiveness
RAK-Sanit tiles are tested by CERFRIT Laboratory – USA, according to the Japanese Standard JIS Z 2801:2000. This Standard specifies the testing methods to evaluate antibacterial activity and efficacy on bacteria on the surface of the products.
RAK-Sanit tiles are tested by METS Laboratory – UAE, according to the International Standard ISO 27447:2019. This Standard specifies the test method for antibacterial activity of semiconducting photocatalytic materials.
Test method for the determination of the antibacterial activity of materials that contain a photocatalyst or have photocatalytic films on the surface, by measuring the enumeration of bacteria under irradiation of ultraviolet light.
From the flooring to the furniture, this month's round up of product news from SBID Accredited partners has got you covered. Featuring new variations of natural limestone floors, an impressive collection of ceramic wall tiles and luxuriously handcrafted furniture inspired by great American design movements.
Karndean Designflooring introduces five new stone designs
Karndean Designflooring is celebrating the understated colour tones found in natural limestone by introducing five new stone designs to its modern Korlok collection. The new limestone hues create a neutral backdrop for any interior design scheme!
Designed to offer quicker installation times and enhanced acoustic benefits, it is the first time the brand has added stone to its rigid core portfolio. It enables architects, interior designers and contractors to specify a wood and stone rigid core design in the same space when looking to support wayfinding. Like all Karndean floors, the designs are handcrafted to reflect the understated colour tones found in natural limestone and have been developed to include subtle veining, delicate mottling and a chalky appearance to create a realistic finish.
The latest ceramic wall tile collection from Parkside
Designed in collaboration with a leading colour consultant, Matrix is the latest ceramic wall tile collection from specification company Parkside. Inspiring creativity, Matrix offers an unprecedented portfolio of 23 tile colours, available in matt or gloss finishes, accompanied by matching grouts and trims. With the Matrix collection, Parkside wanted to create a range of colours that would allow the design community to curate co-ordinated looks or mix and match colours to create striking design statements.
The Matrix colours were developed in collaboration with colour consultant Vanessa Konig, who wanted to ensure that they would complement natural materials as well as work across a range of environments; from warm, cosy restaurants and bars to more pared-back, minimalist designs.
Bette offers over 400 colours for bathroom inspiration
German bathroom manufacturer, Bette, offers its baths, shower trays and washbasins in over 400 colours and also creates bespoke colours for large projects. A new colour reference fan, featuring its most popular colours, is also available. Bette can create its bathroom components in over 400 colours because of the way its products are made. Each item is individually manufactured in titanium-steel, before its durable BetteGlaze enamel finish is applied and fired. Bette mixes colour pigments into the BetteGlaze enamel finish, prior to application, which is why such a huge range of colours, including gloss, matt, shimmering and glittering options, are available.
Bette’s unique finish not only allows over 400 colour options, but the glazed titanium-steel results in products that keep their good looks for many years, are easy to clean, 100% recyclable and come with a 30 year warranty, making them ideal for both contract and residential projects.
Luxury furniture brand, Linea Luxe offer bespoke service for any brief
Linea Luxe believe that all life’s greatest luxury products can only be crafted by hand. Attention to detail, care and respect for how they treat each creation allows the masterpiece to develop. With an experienced team that works with the best tools and latest technology, they employ traditional techniques learnt from a lifetime of experience. Every piece that leaves the workshop carries with it a sense of pride and commitment that it has been produced in the best possible way.
Their collections have been inspired by the great American design movements covering Retro, Art Deco, Mid Century and Regency periods; taking inspirations from the design icons of the time and adding a unique modern twist. Linea Luxe produce case goods and upholstered items, all made 100% in the UK. In addition to their furniture collection, they are also known for bespoke and one-off furniture with a skilled team to take almost any brief and effortlessly transition idea to reality.
Elite Stone showcases its 'Bond' Calacatta Borhini interior collection
Elite Stone curate innovative spaces in the kitchen and living area to create unique environments in perfect harmony. The kitchen enters more and more into the living space, becoming the cradle of conviviality. ‘Bond’ Calacatta Borghini interior collection is produced in marine multi-layered wood with a maple coating and backlit E-Light panels to light up the space. The exterior is entirely covered in washable quality leather, with hand stitching and steel handle inserts. A contemporary design with an illuminated sliding-top that opens up a worktop with integrated sink. The island, which can be opened from all sides, includes several extractable cupboards and internal drawers, and is complete with appliances with a smart ‘knock-to-open’ opening functionality. At the centre, an evocative winery space with a double door that can be opened fully to create a precious and modern lounge bar inside the home.
Our curated selection of product news this March features sleek screwless flat plates for streamlining your unsightly plug sockets, bespoke contemporary rugs inspired by glass objects and built-for-business office aquariums designed to boost employee wellbeing!
Schneider Electric present understated wiring devices with the Ultimate range
Ultimate Screwless flat plate provides one of the most comprehensive ranges of beautifully crafted, sleek, sophisticated fittings on the market. With only 1.5mm front plate depth, this cutting edge screwless design blends seamlessly onto wall surfaces. More choice, more style, and packed with innovative technical features for easy installation. It is available in a variety of colours, such as stainless steel, polished chrome, pearl nickel, black nickel, polished brass, gloss white piano black or transparent. With the option of producing exclusive made to order finishes to match your project needs. These colours are dark bronze, jet black, antique brass and bright white.
Introducing Everlux brassware finishes by Roca
Roca is pushing the boundaries of traditional brassware with the introduction of its new Everlux finishes for selected brassware lines including Insignia, Naia and Lanta in the exclusive PVD coating for a selection of coloured finishes including; Gold, Titanium Black and Rose Gold.
Deirdre Dyson launched new rug collection, Looking Glass
Deirdre Dyson’s new rug collection for 2020, ‘Looking Glass’ launched at Maison et Objet, Paris in January. These hand knotted designs were inspired by Deirdre's observations of colours and forms through glass, glass objects and water. Nine new designs take her carpets in an entirely different direction - Deirdre uses the interplay of wool, silk and grading together with bold shots of colour to recreate glassy effects to stunning effect. All Deirdre Dyson carpets are bespoke and can be made in any size or colourway required with the new collection on display at the Deirdre Dyson Gallery on 554 Kings Road.
Italian Luxury Surfaces join the ArtiCAD Supplier Partnership Programme
Italian Luxury Surfaces, sole UK distributor of Stone Italiana’s innovative range of quartz worktops, has joined the ArtiCAD Supplier Partnership Programme. The company’s beautifully manufactured surfaces are now available as a comprehensive graphics catalogue within the ArtiCAD-Pro software to help designers differentiate their designs and add value to their customers. Philip Winter, sales and marketing director, Italian Luxury Surfaces explains "We wanted to ensure that designers can access high-quality, accurate graphics of our products and create inspirational, photo realistic designs for their customers."
ViDERE showcases its built-for-business Aquariums
ViDERE's range of office aquariums are designed to help companies improve their working environment and employee wellbeing by helping people connect with nature. Designed in the UK and manufactured in Germany with a contemporary matt finish, each tank is built to the highest standard. Made with low iron glass to eliminate distortion and provide remarkable clarity, the tanks are mitred at the seams with high strength structural silicone and built with composite panels sprayed with a versatile and waterproof polyurethane lacquer for durability.
Surprisingly, there is no current UK legislation to control the composition of quartz work surfaces, nor set a minimum material performance standard for the quartz materials marketed and sold in the UK. SBID Accredited Industry Partner, Italian Luxury Surfaces expresses concerns over consumer safety and the importance of proper material certification as the Sales & Marketing Director, Phil Winter tells us more.
The quartz manufacturers who currently hold independent verification of their material quality, do so voluntarily or because consumer protection legislation in other markets demands it. There are three recognised dangers posed by untested & uncertified quartz materials. These are the potentially harmful levels of VOC emissions (Volatile Organic Compounds), the micro porosity that can make the surface difficult to clean or sanitise and most importantly, the surface finish leaching of toxic chemicals that can contaminate food.
The Risk of VOC
The VOC risk within quartz comes from the ‘resin’ element, the composition of which is often unknown, and it can vary hugely from manufacturer to manufacturer. Typically, the resin content when measured by weight, represents between 7% - 15% of the material. By volume, the resin proportion is much higher. Because VOC’s are volatile, these compounds vaporize and emit gasses, even long after the quartz has been formed and fabricated. Paint, for example, emits only half of its VOCs in the first year after application.
Marc Lallanilla, a sustainable living and green design expert, and Member of the Society of Environmental Journalists, summarized the issue in stark language in his recent article, ‘VOCs are linked to a range of health problems, including some very serious diseases. Benzene, for example, is one of several VOCs that's known to cause cancer. It's not suspected, it's known, beyond any doubt. Other health effects besides cancer include kidney damage, liver damage, damage to the central nervous system (including the brain), as well as minor complaints like headaches and eye, throat, and nose irritation’.
Consumer Misconception
An understandable misconception made by consumers, designers and interior architects alike is to assume that ‘country of origin’ or familiarity of a brand name provides a guarantee on a specific quartz material’s test and certification status. It does not. Fully certified quartz surfaces originate from all parts of the globe and worryingly, so do many currently uncertified and therefore potentially harmful quartz materials.
Thankfully, responsible counterparts within the kitchen industry are now starting to act, insisting that their sales and design teams are communicating the importance of only specifying independently tested and certified worktops to their customers. But many continue to place their customers at potential risk.
The only way to be 100% sure that your own quartz work surface is not placing the users at risk is to check if your quartz brand is certified for low VOC emissions by visiting www.greenguard.org. For material composition and food contact suitability, you can also check www.nsf.org.
Sadly, there are those within the kitchen industry who choose to hide behind the consumers’ ignorance of the very real health risks posed by poor quality quartz materials, with excuses such as, ‘no one has ever asked me for it’ when referring to material certifications or worse still ‘they won’t pay for it’, inferring that somehow a low price absolves the specifier from a professional duty of care towards their clients.
How are quartz surfaces certified?
When a surface is tested and certified by NSF International for food contact, they verify the composition of the material and they certify that the finish will not leach toxic chemicals that could contaminate food. Since quite literally anyone could mix their own blend of random materials, ‘bake it’ and sell it as ‘quartz’ in the UK.
Materials certified for specification in a ‘Food Zone’ are also evaluated for the temperature they can withstand before degradation occurs. High temperature resistance being an indicator of resin stability and therefore material quality and safety.
NSF’s testing is less stringent for materials designed to be specified and used in ‘Splash Zones’, where the focus is on durability, construction and clean-ability. Here micro porosity of quartz has practical issues as well as health risks. Materials with porosity are more susceptible to staining as the (relatively) open structure creates pockets that fluids can fill, discolouring the surface.
It would be incorrect to say that all untested and uncertified quartz materials are definitely dangerous. Until they are tested that is of course unknown. Equally, unless regulators insist that the quartz brand owners, importers and manufacturers submit their products to suitably qualified and independent agencies for testing, it is not possible to say with any certainty that they are 100% safe.
Verifying Certification Claims
Worryingly, the growing trend of unscrupulous manufacturers claiming certification they do not have has forced NSF to issue a warning on their website as they are “concerned about fraudulent downloading and manipulation of website text." Encouraging consumers to always confirm this information by obtaining accurate information, here.
No doubt there will be manufacturers and agents of other consumer product groups reading this article with a degree of disbelief. Most likely, reflecting on the rigorous R&D work and testing that they will have done. Quite rightly, they will be wondering how this vital element of a 21st century kitchen has escaped regulation!
Do the right thing, protect your family and clients by only using NSF 51 and GREENGUARD certified quartz.
About the Author
Phil Winter is the Sales & Marketing Director at Italian Luxury Surfaces, the sole UK Distributor of Stone Italiana. Previously, Phil has had the privilege of working with some of the most respected brands in the Kitchen & Interiors industry, such as Poggenpohl, bulthaup, Gaggenau and Bosch.
This article was written by Phil Winter, Sales & Marketing Director at Italian Luxury Surfaces.
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