interiors monthly april 2015
DESCRIPTION
The April 2015 issue of Interiors Monthly looks at how leading rug manufacturers are reinventing kilims, using gold, combining styles and the latest designs; examines how Royal Warrants are helping businesses; report on Which? approval, reinvention and the next generation in the beds and bedroom sector; explore how software is boosting retailers’ efficiency; look at glamour and urban chic in the wood and laminate sector; looks at the latest in the protection and warranties sector; sees the latest LVT trends and previews iSalone/Fuorisalone, Buying Group’s National Flooring Show and May Design Series. Plus the latest industry news, comment, appointments, jobs and new products.TRANSCRIPT
Interiorsmonthly
f i r s t f o r f l o o r i n g , f u r n i t u r e a n d a c c e s s o r i e s
April
2015
RugsGolden times
UpholsteryOn the up
F U R N I T U R E F L O O R I N G B E D S C A R P E T R U G S A C C E S S O R I E S
THE PLACE TO BE THIS MAY!SO MUCH TO SEE...
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EDITOR’S COMMENT
www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 3
Spending signs
Andrew KiddEDITOR
Register for the Buying Groups'National Flooring Show at:www.bgnfs.co.uk
Editor: Andrew KiddT: 01273 930 029 E: [email protected] advertising (South): Tim BodenT: 01732 441 130 E: [email protected] advertising (North): Jarrod BirdT: 01565 631 397 E: [email protected], flooring, lighting and accessories advertising:Joanne PaullT: 01732 441 130 E: [email protected]
Published by Interiors Media LimitedMinerva House, Kinnings Row, Bordyke, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1NPT: 01732 441 130 F: 01732 362 919E: [email protected] in England no. 6397722Print: Knockout Print Design by TSS DIGITAL © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236
Interiorsmonthly
f i r s t f o r f l o o r i n g , f u r n i t u r e a n d a c c e s s o r i e s
April201
5
RugsGolden times
UpholsteryOn the up
F U R N I T U R E F L O O R I N G B E D S C A R P E T R U G S A C C E S S O R I E S
THE PLACE TO BE THIS MAY!SO MUCH TO SEE...Visit www.bgnfs.co.uk to register
The past few weeks have brought a flurry ofsales figures from major interiors retailers(see page 6) and with them confirmation ofencouraging performances.
DFS continues to increase its market share,ScS has sold more sofas, Next’s home storesare outperforming clothing and furniture wasthe best home sector for John Lewis.
For flooring, ScS has enjoyed a double-digit rise in carpet sales, flooring has donewell at John Lewis, and Topps Tiles has liftedturnover again.
Among flooring suppliers, Headlam hasboosted profits and sales, with 2014’s growthcontinuing into 2015 (see page 8).
Of course, there are always things that canbe improved – DFS’s sales mix was lower, ScSsaw half-year losses increase and for Next
£2.4m of profit disappeared because ofbreakages – but it does seem the sector isenjoying its best health for quite a while.
General elections are traditionally thoughtto cause a wobble as consumers think aboutwhat a new government will do, but thismonth’s freeing up of pension pots is boundto see some of that cash make its way intoshop tills to compensate for any pre-electioncaution.
One thing that isn’t showing any caution isthe number of iSalone and Fuorisaloneinvites that have been filling my inbox, as thenumber of city-centre events continues toincrease. We’ll be bringing you the best fromMilan in next month’s issue but you can whetyour appetite with highlights on pages 78-79of this issue.
We’ve also previewed the Buying Groups’National Flooring Show (see pages 73-76) asit cements its place as the UK’s second retailflooring event after The Flooring Show, andMay Design Series (see pages 80-81), whichhas boosted its number of overseasexhibitors.
Once you’ve enjoyed those, remember tocast your votes in the Interiors Monthly 2015Awards (see page 16).
Consumers have certainlybeen spending – at themultiples at least – withretailers posting impressivesales performances
CONTENTS
www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 5
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE6 Good times for retailers
8 Retailer blames delivery firm for collapse
12 ‘Open season for design theft’
FEATURES16 Awards
Cast your votes in the Interiors Monthly 2015 Awards
24 RugsKilims reinvented, golden touch, rate of knots and
the latest designs
34 Royal WarrantsHow the royal seal of approval helps business
41 Wood and laminateGlamour and urban cool: the latest styles
42 UpholsteryIncreasing sales, fabric first and details matter
48 LVTSeries Three for LooseLay and rooms for all
52 ProtectionEnsuring the best customer service
60 Beds and bedroomWhich? approval, next generation and reinvention
68 SoftwareMaking life easier
73 PreviewBuying Groups’ National Flooring Show, May Design Series
and iSalone/Fuorisalone
REGULARS17 Warranties
18 New Products
NEXT ISSUEiSalone review
Carpet
Long Point preview
INTERIORS MONTHLY APRIL 2015
NEWS
6 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Good times for retailersInteriors retailers, including DFS, ScS, John Lewis and Next,
have enjoyed strong sales growth in recent months.
DFS saw total sales jump by 10.5% to £431.2m in the six
months to 31 January. Of this DFS accounted for 9.1% of the
rise with Sofa Workshop and Dwell increasing sales by
£5.46m. Online sales were up from 9.7% of sales to 10.9%.
Underlying profits lifted by 16.5% to £27.6m, in what is
the quieter and less profitable of the two halves for the
group. Gross margin on sales decreased slightly compared
to last year, reflecting price points and product sales mix
effects, but overall gross profits rose by 16.5% to £45.9m.
The 13 stores covered by its Scottish consumer
distributions centre will be fitted out shortly and leases
have been signed on units in the North East and Central
Southern England.
Upholstery and flooring chain ScS had its highest level of
orders for this time of year but losses have risen. Like for like
orders climbed by 7.5% in the 33 weeks to 14 March after a
first half rise of 7.8%.
Operating losses, excluding the cost of its stock market
flotation, rose from £3.4m to £5.2m as it spent more on
advertising, online, promotions and its 30 House of Fraser
concessions.
Flooring sales were up by 12.7% (£1.6m), upholstery sales
by 5.1% (£5m), three new stores had sales of £2m, online
sales increased by 27.6% (£1m) and the House of Fraser
concessions from £1.5m to £8.8m as it was rolled out.
Promotions, such as the ‘free carpet’ during the winder sale,
saw gross margins fall 0.5% to 43.5%.
Home continued to perform for Next, with the chain able
to boost margins while outperforming clothing.
A planned hike on the margin on furniture sales increased
its overall margin by 0.3% to 16.3% in the year to the end of
January. But this was offset by £2.4m of stock damage,
particularly flatpack furniture including items returned to
stores and a £900,000 sofa recall.
Home stores opened in the past year delivered sales 13%
higher than targets compared with 9% for clothing, with a
20% margin and 21-month capital payback. Total sales rose
by 7.2% to £4.02bn with underlying pre-tax profits up
12.5% to £782.2m.
At John Lewis, furniture was the best performing home
category in the past year, with a 12.8% increase in the 53
weeks to 31 January. Flooring was up by 6.1% as home sales
increased by 7.2%. Its House range grew by 24.2%.
Total sales were up 9.2% to £4.43bn (7.5% on a 52-week
basis) combined with growth in operating profit, up 10.8%
to £250.5m (10.4% on a 52-week basis).
Despite the John Lewis performance, the staff ‘s
Partnership bonus will fall from 15% to 11% as Waitrose’s
profits suffered in the supermarket price wars.
Flooring and tile retailer Topps Tiles said it expected sales
will be about £104m for the six-month period ending 28
March, compared with £97.7m last year, a rise of 6.4%. Like
for like sales will be 5.2% higher at the 339 store chain. Like
for like growth in the past two years is more than 15%.
DFS is among the retailers enjoying growth
Bed company Sealy’s Napoli
1200 has secured the Which?Best Buy accolade in the
pocket spring mattress
category for the third
consecutive year (see p60)
while the brand has been
recognised as one of the UK’s
21 interiors consumer
Superbrands.
Sister brand Silentnight
Beds won the Superbrands
Household – Beds and
Bedroom Furniture category
for the 10th consecutive time.
B&Q won the Retail – DIY,
Gardens and Homes sector;
John Lewis was the winner of
Retail – Department Stores
and General Retailers, as well
as being the sixth strongest
overall brand behind British
Airways, Rolex, BBC, Microsoft
and Nike.
The other interiors
Superbrands were Argos,
Debenhams, Dulux, Habitat,
Homebase, House of Fraser,
Ikea, Lakeland, Marks &
Spencer, Pyrex, Royal
Doulton, Royal Worcester,
Screwfix, Slumberland,
Tempur, Waterford,
Wedgwood and Wickes.Napoli 1200 was named a Which? Best Buy
Consumer Superbrand status for interiors firms
We have enhanced the Diamond collection with
the introduction of a premium 4000 pocket sprung
memory wool mattress for superior style and comfort.
To find out more about the Diamond Collection please contact
your local area manager or our dedicated customer contact
centre on 01282 851111 or visit www.silentnight.co.uk/diamond
NEWS
8 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Monsterbeds vowsto fulfil all ordersOnline bed retailer Monsterbeds has
promised to fulfil outstanding orders
or refund customers after blaming the
collapse of City Link for its closure.
It has stopped taking orders saying
the demise of the delivery company
ruined its cashflow.
Daniel King, Monsterbeds md, says
the administration of City Link on
Christmas Eve meant it was unable to
fulfil orders so customers claimed
their money back through their bank.
This led to it being unable to process
orders and suppliers then withdrew
their support.
‘Because chargeback levels went
above 1% our merchant service
terminated our account, saying it
would be 118 days before we could
access our funds,’ says King.
‘When I heard the news about City
Link on Christmas Day, I thought it
would be all right, we thought there
would be a way around it. But it is
very hard finding people to deliver
beds these days. It took us two
months to set up an arrangement
with a different courier, and then,
after all the deliveries had been
labelled up, they said they no longer
delivered beds. You would have
thought the clue was in our name.’
Eleven staff have lost their jobs as a
result.
‘I’m doing all I can to save the
company, but I don’t know whether
we will be able to get through this,’ he
says.
As recently as 5 March the company
was advertising discounted beds after
running a clearance sale in January.
Rates to bereviewedThe Government has launched a review
into business rates, following its
announcement last December.
Retailers have long called for changes
to the system that can be traced back to
1601, which bases the cost on the rental
value of the property.
Companies are still being charged on
the value of properties in 2008 and were
told by the Chancellor in December that
any changes to the system would be
fiscally neutral.
‘The time has come for a radical
review of this important tax. We want to
ensure the business rates system is fair,
efficient and effective,’ says Danny
Alexander, chief secretary to the treasury.
John Cridland, CBI director-general,
has stated that the present system is
‘outmoded, clunky and regressive and
holding back the high street.’
‘We’ll be making the case for removing
the smallest firms from paying business
rates completely and introducing more
frequent valuations,’ he says.
The review is due to be completed in
time for next year’s budget.
Headlam seeswinter growthFlooring group Headlam is to reward
shareholders with a double-digit boost
to its dividend after strong performance,
which has continued into 2015.
Operating profits climbed by 13.7% to
£31.5m in 2014 as sales rose by 5.3% to
£635.2m. Dividends for the period will
rise 14.4% to 17.5p. The group says it
continued to grow UK market share with
UK like for like sales up 5.9% in a market
it estimates grew by 2.4%.
‘The momentum created in the UK
through the final quarter has continued
into January and February,’ says Tony
Brewer, Headlam chief executive, ‘with
3.1% like for like growth over the two
month period. As we enter March, our UK
businesses are well placed to take
advantage of improving market
conditions with a comprehensive array of
product launches and marketing
initiatives.’
Heal’s has closed it King’s Road, London
store and will open a branch at The
Queens Building in Westbourne Grove
three miles away.
The King’s Road store closed last
month, while the new branch will open
in the former art deco cinema in the
summer.
The retailer is also is investing in a
website launching this month, and its
flagship Tottenham Court Road store is
being redeveloped.
Recent improvements include the
introduction of a Designer Floor on level
two which is now home to seven
international brands, including Cassina,
Ligne Roset, Vitra, Riva and Philippe
Starck’s new collection TOG, which is
exclusive to Heal’s.
‘We are two years into a programme of
change to ensure Heal’s remains at the
forefront of British design, and more
importantly, to put the customer at the
centre of all we do. Shopping habits have
Heal’s swaps King’s for Queens
changed beyond recognition in the past
10 years and we needed to respond to
the new consumer digital age and how
customers research and shop,’ says Will
Hobhouse, Heal’s chairman.
‘Service, whether online or in-store, is
paramount and we know that the
changes we are making will ensure we’re
at the top of our game. Our design
advisers and store staff at King’s Road will
be absorbed into the business wherever
possible.’
Heal’s new home in Westbourne Grove
01795 439 159www.gal ler ydirect.co.uk
Gallery has grown since 1973 to become a leading British-based
and furniture. With over 40 years of manufacturing expertise, Galleryhas extensive knowledge and experience putting quality central,every time. Couple this with the wealth of expertise brought to thecompany by the Frank Hudson acquisition, it is easy to see howGallery now offers such an outstanding range of high quality, yetvalue focused products.
With their award winning design-led ethos, Gallery has alwayslooked forward to the future,predicting trends and continuingto stay ahead of up-and-cominginterior styles. Innovativedesigns, coupled with traditionaland modern manufacturingmethods, create classic andcontemporary furniture and
modern-day interiors.
Park Lane – posh and profitableIf you take a stroll down fashionable Park Lane thisspring you’re in for a pleasant surprise! Our flagship80/20 wool twist range has enjoyed a colour makeoverincluding five additions to create an on-trend palette of23 options. Also Park Lane’s 50oz Elegance and 40ozClassic weights are now available in multiwidth, 2m,2.5m, 3m, 4m and 5m to deliver a carpet that’s both poshand profitable buy saving less waste and increasingaffordability.
AssociatedWeavers
Sale
s:01
42
24
3110
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ail:
sale
suk@
awe.
beLo
okfo
rth
eBu
tter
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Unstoppable StainAwayFirst of the 2015 new product launchesFor the New Year Associated Weavers promisedyou product launches with flair and imaginationand we’ve opened our account with the newtrendy Studio Twist – a smart 1,150 grampolypropylene carpet that’s tipped to be a bestseller this season. Studio Twist is an attractiveaddition to our hugely successful StainAwayCollection and gives retailers a carpet that willbe at home in any room of the house, produced
in 4m and 5m money saving widths, incorporatinga 15 year StainAway Guarantee and a 15 yearwear warranty. Look out for more newStainAway products in 2015 and plenty of newcolours in existing top selling ranges. Ask yourAssociated Weavers area sales manager toshow you Studio Twist as soon as possible, andthere are more StainAway POS and warrantybrochures available.
StainAway warrantiesDon’t forget to utilise the StainAway warranties available toyou. These warranties offer peace of mind to the consumer andare a useful selling tool to the store to help the retailer up-sell.We have three warranties available,20 year, 15 year and 10 year,these are used on all of the vastarray of Associated WeaversStainAway products.
Studio TwistA fabulous new range for any room in the home,
a great addition to our StainAway brand.
Simon LewyckyjCommercial Manager Associated Weavers
“ ”
NEWS
12 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Court fee rise means ‘openseason for design theft’Companies face a major increase in the cost of protecting
their intellectual property, which could mean ‘open season
for design theft’.
The Government has introduced percentage issue fees for
claims over £10,000, calculated as 5% of the value of the
claim, up to a maximum of £10,000. Previously the
maximum issue fee was £1,920 for claims of more than
£300,000.
‘What this means for IP claims is stark. When an IP claim is
issued there are two court fees that must be paid. The first is
for the injunction – to stop the infringer, and the second is
the claim for damages that follows, if infringement is found.
As a defendant is not bound to tell a claimant what they
have been doing until after infringement is proven,
calculating accurately what a claim is worth is nigh on
impossible, so in order not to be limited in the amount of
damages which can be claimed the issue fee has always
been in the unspecified bracket,’ says Dids Macdonald, Anti
Copying in Design ceo.
‘For IP infringement in plain terms this now means the
court fees are going up from £2,200 or £2,400 to £10,280 or
£10,480 depending on the court (Intellectual Property
Enterprise Court or High Court respectively). This is
disastrous for small businesses and designers who are the
subject of design theft. Small businesses will need help to
pay for any claims they want to bring because the effect of
the increase in court fees is, in reality, open season for
design theft.
‘After such strides have been made to improve UK design
law in recent times, it seems ludicrous that many in the
creative industries may now be precluded from taking
action on infringement because of exorbitant court fees.’
peo
ple
Interfloor has
strengthened its
management
with the
recruitment of
John Cooper as
md. He joins
from leading
barbecue brand
Weber, having
previously worked at Hozelock, AAH,
and ABF.
‘I’m delighted to be joining the
company at this time of exciting
development. The existing
management team has done a great
job steering the business with
amazing success through some very
challenging market conditions since
2008, and we are now poised to
embrace the opportunities that the
improving market conditions give us
by focusing even more on
exceptional service and strong brand
support,’ says Cooper. ‘We have
robust processes, great products,
great brands, great people, and a
strong financial backbone. We are
well placed to help our customers
take advantage of the significant
growth opportunity that stems from
rising consumer confidence in the
home improvement market,’ he says.
Cooper will report to chairman Phil
Reeder.
Former Carpetright chief executive
Darren Shapland has become
chairman of tiles and flooring retailer
Topps Tiles. Shapland succeeded
Michael Jack last month, who
stepped down after three and a half
years as chairman and more than a
decade as a director. Shapland is
currently chairman of Poundland
and Maplin and a director at
Ladbrokes and Wolseley.
Nick Gigg, Swanglen national sales
manager, has taken responsibility for
customer accounts and sales at the
headboard and beds company.
This follows the retirement of md
Martin Allen at the end of March.
Smallbone of Devizes and Mark
Wilkinson owner Canburg has
recruited Iain O’Mahony from Linley,
where he built up its fitted furniture
division. O’Mahony returns to the
group as director for prime
developments for London, Europe,
Middle East and Africa.
Velda has named Simon Rexworthy
as agent for the South West and
Richard Piercey as agent for East
Anglia.
Serene Living
has named
Graham Morley
(left) as sales
representative
for the North of
England.
Ireland’s largest furniture retailer has cut
its losses by almost €4m and could make
its first profit next year.
Harvey Norman saw sales rise by 4% to
€149.2m in the year to the end of June
2014, with like for like sales up 8%. The
chain has two stores in Northern Ireland
and a dozen in the Republic of Ireland,
and cut losses from €11m to €7.4m.
Its Australian parent says losses halved
in the second half of last year, suggesting
it could be on course to make its first
profit since entering the market more
than a decade ago during which time it
has lost €106m.
‘The Irish economy is showing signs of
stability and growth. The tough austerity
measures, which have impacted the
retail sector negatively, have improved
the fiscal position. Now that these
measures are coming to an end we
anticipate that consumer sentiment will
continue to improve,’ says the company
accounts.
Market leader hoping for profit Late shift for NIFSThe Northern Ireland Flooring Show is to
switch to a late afternoon and evening
format, to attract retailers after work.
Organised by distributor PFL, it will
take place from 3pm-9pm at the Ramada
Plaza Hotel, Belfast on 16 April. More
than 20 companies are taking part
including Ardex, Cormar, Desso, F Ball,
Floorwise, Forbo, Polyflor and Rhinofloor.
‘We appreciate that everyone is busy
so we’ve reinvented the exhibition
format,’ says Sean Haugh, PFL md.
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www.furlongwoodflooring.co.uk
T H E F U R LO N G F LO O R I N G P O R T F O L I O
www.furlongflooring.co.uk I Sales: Preston - 01772 696 787 I Dartford - 01322 628 707 I Gloucester - 0845 520 0800
T H E F U R LO N G F LO O R I N G P O R T F O L I O
ww.furlongflooring.co.uk I Sales: Preston - 01772 696 787
Hardwood flooringThe Natural Choice
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The Natural Solutions Collection features some of the most beautiful species
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Using advanced technologies, these floors
are processed and enhanced for use throughout
the home, will never go out of style and will
add value to your home with each passing year.
Backing is added to ranges for use with underfloor
heating or surface coated with oils, lacquers
and varnishes for subtleties in sheen and hue.
To take advantage of this great collection of
natural wood flooring contact us today.
AWARDS
16 Interiors Monthly April 2015
RETAILERS TO COMPLETE ONLY
Best Customer Service (Furniture)
Best UK Furniture Manufacturer
Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer
Best Furniture Buying Group
Best Accessory Supplier
Best Bed Manufacturer
Best Bedroom Manufacturer
Best Dining Room Manufacturer
Best Living Room Manufacturer
Best Children’s Furniture Manufacturer
Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer
Best Leather Upholstery Manufacturer
Best Furniture Wholesaler
Best Fabric/Soft Furnishings Manufacturer
Best Furniture Exhibition
Best Furniture Website
Best Customer Service (Flooring)
Best UK Flooring Manufacturer
Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer
Best Flooring Buying Group
Best Carpet Manufacturer
Best Rug Supplier
Best Laminate Manufacturer
Best Solid/Engineered Wood Manufacturer
Best Underlay Manufacturer
Best Flooring Accessory Supplier
Best Vinyl Manufacturer
Best Luxury Vinyl Supplier
Best Flooring Exhibition
Best Flooring Website
Best Flooring Wholesaler
Best Software Supplier
Best Finance Provider
Best Supply Chain/Logistics Company
Best Business Support (Flooring)
Best Business Support (Furniture)
Best Marketing Support
Best New Exhibition
Innovation of the Year
Best Mattress Manufacturer
Best Recliner Manufacturer
Best Home Entertainment Supplier
Best New Supplier
Product of the Year
SUPPLIERS TO COMPLETE ONLY
Best Flooring Retailer (1-2 stores)
Best Flooring Retailer (3+ stores)
Best Furniture Retailer (1-2 stores)
Best Furniture Retailer (3+ stores)
Best Online Retailer
Please fax your completed form to 01732 362 919
or email your nominations to: [email protected]
Name
Company
Position
Tel Email
Pick your favourites
WARRANTIES
www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 17
QWe’ve had a couple of potential customers ask usabout warranties and we weren’t sure how to answerthem. The first is replacing her dining table and she
mentioned that she has two large dogs that sometimes jumpon to the table. She asked if she bought a warranty with thetable, whether she would be covered if the dogs scratched it.
The second customer wondered if they would be covered ifwhile redecorating (they are about to move house) paint wasspilled on their new furniture?
AA protection plan is an insurance policy that providescover against accidental damage, accidental staining andstructural faults. As the normal use of a table is not
intended to be suitable for dogs jumping on it, then the firstincident would be considered an accident and therefore becovered.
However, as with all insurance policies, there are certainprincipals that apply, one of which is the fact that you cannotinsure yourself against something that you know is going tohappen. Subsequent occurrences would be considered neglect,and any claim declined because you knew it would happen andfailed to take adequate precautions to prevent the dog fromdamaging the table.
Your second customer should rest assured that a Guardsmanprotection plan would provide cover for a spillage of paint on tothe furniture while decorating. However, as with the previousexample, there is the expectation that the householder takesadequate precautions to protect their furniture. In this case, ifthe furniture is staying in the room while decorating was beingcarried out, it should be well covered with dustsheets. If, in spiteof the precautions, a spillage still occurred then this wouldcertainly be covered.
Sponsored by
Your questionsansweredHelen Kershaw, Guardsman head of marketing,answers your questions on product protection
Customers should take adequate precautions against damage
Contact Gareth PriceTel: +44 (0) 7974 209761 www.LynchSales.co.uk
Copyright 2014 Lynch Brothers Licensing Corporation
11.6% of annual turnover in 11 hours!
To learn more, call Gareth Price today for a complete outline, including a copy of our easy-to-understand, one-page contract, or
visit www.LynchSales.co.uk
When Mr. John Krawczk made the difficult decision to close his
store, Pine & Things after 39 years trading in Canterbury, his choice
of promotional partner was straight forward. He chose Lynch.
For results you can bank on
choose Lynch.
NEW PRODUCTS
18 Interiors Monthly April 2015
1 4
5
2
3
1 Comfort Zone’s Renaissance combines
comfort and durability, featuring a heat-
treated spring unit composed of two parts.
The base of the unit has cone-shaped coils
supporting a sprung pad designed for
upholstery. On top, a seat cushion features
Reflex foam for support and resilience.
Tel: 01282 452 188
2 Lano Carpets has added Granada, a
saxony in 15 natural and on-trend colours, to
its Premium Easy Care Collection. Using 100%
heatset polypropylene for durability and a
more wool-like appearance and spun in a
two-ply yarn for better resilience, Granada
promises great everyday performance.
Tel: 00 800 5266 5266
3 Sweet Dreams’ California is available in
three-seater, two-seater and chair options all
with scatter cushions. It is available in three
colourways.
Tel: 01282 830 033
4 Already featuring herringbone of Toulouse,
Leoline’s Woodmark collection has been
updated for 2015 with the bleached look of
Azur and the stripped pine of Cardassian
(pictured), bringing a cushion floor collection
packed full of on-trend looks, available in 2m,
3m and 4m widths.
Tel: 0800 032 3970
5 Lothian Wool Berber & Stripes from Balta
Broadloom, brings the popularity of
coordinated styles in the appeal, luxury and
resilience of 100% British wool. The 4m and
5m carpet is available in eight natural Berber
colourways and four coordinating stripes
that have a 2.5cm repeat ideal for stairs,
hallways and landings.
Tel: 00 32 5662 2211 ���
Perfect performers and famous for bringing pure luxury,warmth and comfort to the home, Tredaire underlays are designed
to keep carpets looking good and feeling fabulous for longer.
The Tredaire range features outstanding levels of comfort and performance so every carpet gives that ‘on air’ feeling. That’s why Tredaire
is the UK’s biggest selling underlay brand - the market leader!
@interfloor101706 238 810 interfloor.com
NEW PRODUCTS
20 Interiors Monthly April 2015
6 8
7
106 The Bo Bohemian collection from Louis de
Poortere features two designs in Flowers
and Tribal. The worn vintage feel of Flowers
comes in four neutral shades with Bourges
Brown, Glastonbury Grey, Paleo Persian and
Woodstock White, as well as the impactful
Roskil Red. The patchwork nomadic rework
of Tribal comes in seven bold hues.
Visit: www.louisdepoortere.com
7 The Quick-Step website received 24,000
requests through its Find an Installer page in
2014, all of which go straight to Quick-Step
Master Installers across the UK. Qualified at
the Academy for Excellence in Flooring, the
Master Installers are recognised by
consumers as the best tradesmen to install
their new Quick-Step floor, whether wood,
laminate or LVT.
Visit: www.quick-step-academy.co.uk
8 The made in the UK Optima underlay from
Floorwise delivers commercial
environments ultra durable underfoot
comfort and carpet protection, helping to
extend the life of carpets in busy areas such
as hotel receptions, corridors and bar areas.
Thanks to its dense rubber crumb
construction, Optima is the benchmark in
high performance underlay for the most
demanding of environments.
Tel: 01509 673 974
9 Polyflor’s Polysafe Wood fx PUR
decorative safety vinyl flooring was installed
in the reception area, dining room and hair
salon of the Winchcombe Place care home in
Newbury, Berkshire, which won a SBID
International Design Award for New Build
and Development. European Oak 3347
shade was chosen to create a welcoming,
inspirational and comfortable atmosphere.
Tel: 0161 767 1111
10 Breaking with the convention that
tombolas all have to look the same, this new
tubular construction with swappable full
height graphics is created to maximise the
strong appeal of Crown Floors within
stores. It can hold 74 carpet samples (14in x
18in), and being on wheels is mobile.
Tel: 0800 077 3301 ���
9
Visit our GAUTIER stand at Milan Fair from 14 to 19 April 2015
Hall 14 - Stand D33-D37
100 STORES WORLDWIDE DUBAÏ PARIS DELHI GENEVA MOSCOW LONDON TORONTO RIYADH CASABLANCA
Be inspired by our stylish range of kids, adult, living and dining room furniture at www.gautier.co.uk
FRENCH MANUFACTURER
PREFACECollection
NEW PRODUCTS
11 13
11 Himalaya has introduced a tombola
showcasing its range of natural yarn
carpets, including Apollo and Ares
featuring yak hair that offers excellent
thermal insulation, humidity regulation,
softness, resilience and durability. A myriad
of styles await retailers, from beautiful
chunky and multi-level loops to luxurious
Saxony styles.
Tel: 07976 607 657
12 Architecture is Kare Design’s latest
collection, inspired by the 1970s and
the interior of its flagship Munich store
that is housed in a former power station
(see Interiors Monthly, January 2015).
Visit: www.kare-design.com
13 Riva 1920’s Infinity table has a two-step
extension system that can extend by
60cm or 120cm as it combines 2.7cm walnut
Sun 9.30am-5pmMon 9am-5pmTue 9am-5pm
12
NEW PRODUCTS
REGISTERFREE NOW
boards with aluminium U-shaped legs.
Visit: www.riva1920.it
14 Meritalia’s Opera, to be launched at
iSalone this month, asks ‘Who said that a
table is a flat surface with four legs, that a
table can’t make you think, that a table can’t
have a double life: above and below the flat
surface and that by now all tables have
already been invented?’
Visit: www.meritalia.it
15 The sculptural back of Cane-line’s Amaze
bench is a minor work of art, while at the
same time ensuring excellent comfort
through its curved shape. The chairs and
bench’s wide armrests add to the comfort
and also accommodate cups. Specially
designed cushions are available for both
bench and chairs.
Visit: www.cane-line.com
14 15
RUGS
24 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Geometric medleyA different take on kilims from Nani MarquinaThe Mélange collection by fashion
and homeware designer Sybilla for
Nani Marquina sets out to reinterpret
the kilim, with 20 contradictory rugs
that complement each other.
Due to be launched at iSalone in
Milan this month, Mélange has four
designs: Zoom and Stripes toy with
the extreme amplification of
graphics; Color is a study of
proportions among coloured
surfaces; and Pattern features
geometric prints in white, black and
red. The collection has coordinated
ottomans and a giant patchwork
effect is achieved by overlaying the
rugs.
Thanks to the simplification of
classic motifs such as geometric
patterns and a pared colour palette,
Mélange is a contemporary version
of the kilim. The rugs are hand
woven with 100% hand-spun Afghan
wool with 156,000 knots per sqm
and a weight of 1.4kg per sqm.
Visit: www.nanimarquina.com
Zoom: a
patchwork
effect is
achieved by
overlaying
the rugs
www.avenuefl oors.co.uk
a brand of
BUBBLEGUM
&LIQ
UORICE
NEWDE
SIGNS
FOR 20
15! STYLE,
QUALITY & VALUE
MAKE YOUR MARK WITH AVENUE
IN 2015!
VISIT THE WEBSITE TO SEE NEW DESIGNS, DOWNLOAD THE 2015 BROCHURE AND
ORDER FREE SAMPLES!
RUGS
26 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Piles of goldAulana uses gold to create colour
Italian carpet and textile company SoFarSoNear, Wools of New
Zealand, and Noble Bond, have teamed up to produce Midas,
the first rug with Noble Bond’s Aulana technology that uses
gold to create colours.
Noble Bond founders, Professor Jim Johnston and Dr Kerstin
Lucas, Victoria University of Wellington and the MacDiarmid
Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology New
Zealand, created the Aulana technology, which stems from
1,700 years ago and uses gold to create colours (see box).
SoFarSoNear designed the rug, which is on display by
appointment at its London showroom. It is expected to retail at
about £12,000.
‘Aulana is about creating an heirloom. Its products won’t be
gold in colour, but gold is in there creating the elegant, soft
hues that are visible. And because it is gold particles it is
permanent so, like cathedral windows, Aulana colours will never
fade, and our ancestors can inherit an Aulana rug centuries
from now and the colour will be just as rich,’ says Steven
Parsons, WoNZ innovations manager.
Visit: www.sofarsonear.comwww.wools-nz.co.ukwww.aulana.co.uk
Midas contains gold to create its colour
The scienceThe fourth century Roman Lycurgus
cup, housed at the British Museum,
uses colloidal gold and silver
dispersed in the glass to create the
unique effect where the cup appears
green in reflected light and red in
transmitted light.
Much later, colloidal gold and silver
were used to provide the red and
yellow colours in the glass of gothic
cathedrals, although at this time the
science was not understood.
In 1856 Michael Faraday gave a
public lecture with Prince Albert as the
honoured guest, where he explained
and demonstrated how colloidal
particles of gold generated a purple
colour in a gel matrix.
With the birth of the quantum
mechanical era and the development
of the understanding of how light
interacts with materials, in 1908
Gustav Mie applied James Maxwell’s
electromagnetic theory for light
scattering to small spherical gold
particles, providing a theoretical
treatment for the localised surface
plasmon resonance absorption of gold
colloids, to explain how different
colours can be generated.
Research in the past two decades
demonstrated how the colours
depend on the size and shape of the
colloidal gold particles.
Johnson and Lucas developed the
science further and applied it to wool,
creating Aulana: pure New Zealand
wool coloured with pure gold.
WoNZ is a cornerstone shareholder
in Noble Bond and has global partners
in SoFarSoNear, mill Grentex, and
manufacturer Obeetee.
Desire &Desire Stripe
To find out more about our products, please contact us on the information below:
IndustrieparkKlein Frankrijkstraat 389600 Ronse – Belgium
email: [email protected]: +32 (0) 55 50 90 50
The New Leader in Today’s Flooring
RUGS
28 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Rate ofknotsCC-Tapis’ latest designs
Since its foundation in 2011, CC-Tapis
has combined Tibetan artistry with
contemporary design and its 2015 collection
continues that ethos.
Its Dipped range has been expanded with
the Ribbon, Origami, Cut and Frame designs.
In Ribbon an undyed mix of aloe, pure silk
and Himalayan wool act as a background for
an abstract silk and wool ribbon with tonal-
shadow cuts to give depth and three-
dimensionality.
Classic and contemporary meet with
Stencil, where bold triangles appear to have
been stencilled on to the rug where the
decorative design delicately shines through
thanks to the addition of pure silk.
Described as a work in progress, Federico
Delrosso is developing a collection called
Behindsurfaces as he investigates the ���
Cross (Me) Knot A
Dipped Ribbon
Behindsurfaces
CARPET VINYL WOOD RUGS LVT UNDERLAY
To register visit www.bgnfs.co.uk
THE PLACE TO BE THIS MAY!
“The Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show
held at Cranmore Park in Solihull, is the ideal
opportunity for Buying Group Members to
meet all their approved suppliers mid-way
through the year and get up to date with
all the new carpet collections and in-store
displays.” David Cormack, Cormar Carpets
“The Buying Group Show is second only to
Domotex Hannover and is most certainly
the best UK flooring show a must to visit for
all retailers” Peter Pithie, Godiva Carpet.
“Location, Location, Location... Professional
show with the right suppliers, we look
forward to this show every year” Simon Manley, Michael John Flooring.
Tuesday 12th May, 9:00 - 17:30
Wednesday 13th May, 9:00 - 17:00
Cranmore Park, Solihull,
West Midlands, B90 4LF
Above: Pepe 1
Above right:Casellario
Monocromo in teal
Right: Stencil in sage
with coloured
highlights
unseen, the surfaces behind surfaces in our
everyday lives: something that only becomes
visible through the removal or decay of
another surface.
Aldo Parisotto and Massimo Formenton’s
Casellario Monocromo may look like a simple
patchwork of silk and Himalayan wool made
from two different finishing techniques, but
every knot has its place and spaces between
the panels show the nude dyed cotton warp.
Pepe, by Federico Pepe, has three
geometric designs combining green, black,
red and white.
Cross (Me) Knot by Studio Ctrlzak
combines traditional Tibetan and Nepalese
designs with typical European motifs.
The rugs will be introduced at its Milan
showroom during Fuorisalone.
Visit: www.cc-tapis.com
30 Interiors Monthly April 2015
RUGS
To see the full range or request a free sample please visit: www.axminster-carpets.co.ukor call us: 01297 33533 / 32244
made inGREAT
BRITAIN www.axminster-carpets.co.uk
Simply Natural Ribgrass Stipple Breccia/Eggshell - 45113
Introducing 12 NEW colours to our Simply Natural range.
Simply NaturalStunning textured carpets produced using our unique cabled yarn to produce hard wearing carpets that retain all the luxury of pure new wool.
NEWCOLOURS
available now
RUGS
32 Interiors Monthly April 2015
1
1 Each exclusive design from Crucial
Trading not only makes a stylish wall to
wall flooring solution, it can also be
translated into a beautiful bespoke rug
and runner at the click of a button at
www.crucial-trading.com.
Tel: 01562 743 747
2 Scrubbable, bleachable and UV-treated
for outdoor use, Dash & Albert’s
polypropylene Lucy rug can stand up to
all that you dish out: terrific for high-
traffic areas and muddy paws.
Visit: www.dashandalberteurope.com
3 The continuing expansion of Riviere’s
rug collection has seen it look to Persia
for most of its new designs. Arcadia
(pictured) is a modern interpretation of
an antique Sultanabad Persian rug using
the signature Riviere silvers and greys.
Visit: www.riviererugs.com
4 Rug Couture’s Excelsior rug is hand-
knotted with pure silk and is also
available in hand-tufted wool, hand-
knotted wool, art silk, silk and as a
mixture of any of these materials.
Vist: www.rugcouture.com
5 The busy, colourful pattern of squares
on Artisanti’s hand-tufted Multi-
Coloured Cube rug is enhanced by the
contrasting stitching between the tiles in
colours from the same palette.
Visit: www.artisanti.com
2
3
4
5
ROYAL WARRANTS
34 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Hypnos has more than 100 years of
experience in hand-crafting bespoke
mattresses and beds for the finest homes
and hotels around the world. Voted NBF
Bed Manufacturer of the Year twice,
holding a Royal Warrant and being a
carbon neutral company are all defining
factors that set Hypnos apart from many
other bed makers.
Hypnos is a proud holder of a Royal
Warrant, first granted to the Keen family
by George V in 1929 and renewed by
Queen Elizabeth II.
Peter Keen, Hypnos chairman, and his
family remain behind the wheel of the
business, personally overseeing the
‘royal requests’, organising the
manufacture of beds and mattresses for
the Royal Households, family and
palaces. The Royal Warrant is a mark of
excellence that helps distinguish Hypnos
as a business with a reputation for
outstanding craftsmanship, service and
for the best in British quality.
‘There aren’t many businesses which
can claim to know the Royal family well,
but as their trusted bed provider, Hypnos
can. Indeed, we are considered their
sleep and bed experts, having made
bespoke beds specifically for visiting
dignitaries and presenting to the Royal
Households at Buckingham Palace, to
teach the importance of sleep and its
impact on health and wellbeing,’ says
Chris Ward, Hypnos marketing director.
Being a trusted supplier to the Royal
family has boosted Hypnos: it now has a
global reach that caters to royals and
dignitaries across the world, both in retail
and hospitality.
‘We are a brand that’s recognised as a
symbol of excellence supported by our
royal association and our company
profile has grown through a reputation
for outstanding quality so we are loved
and trusted by retailers at home and
overseas. The Royal Warrant has been
fundamental to this development and
become part of who we are as a
company and helps to guide us in our
constant innovation and pursuit of
perfection within our craft,’ he explains.
The warrant also underlines its ethical
stance and it has synergy with the Royal
family on its commitment to the
environment. All its beds are made using
environmentally-friendly and sustainable
materials: FSC or PEFC certified divan
timbers that have been sourced from
managed forests, and its mattresses are
made using layers of natural breathable
fibres such as wool, cashmere and silk.
‘Our responsible approach has led to
us becoming the first carbon neutral bed
maker in the country, with all beds 100%
recyclable – we even provide all our
retailers and hoteliers with a disposal
service for old beds which creates
recycled raw materials for re-use in other
industries. Therefore it goes without
saying our Royal Warrant isn’t just an
accomplishment, for Hypnos it’s a way of
life and a core value to our business,’ adds
Ward.
Visit: www.hypnosbeds.com
Above:Sovereign
Above right:Hypnos uses
natural
breathable
fibres
Right: Prince
Charles visited
the Hypnos
stand during
2013’s
Coronation
Festival
Mark of excellenceEndorsement by the Royal family benefits Hypnos
Best of British
The pursuit of perfection – beautiful handcrafted pocket spring beds, with a Royal Seal of Approval and
an unrivalled 10 year guarantee. Hypnos provides retailers with exquisitely tailored beds; sublime comfort;
a choice of design options; a commitment to sustainability; a strong consumer brand and excellent support.
Don’t miss out try the gorgeous new Regency and Pillow Top Collections today!
T: +44 (0) 1844 348200 | E: [email protected] | www.hypnosbeds.com
Hypnos is proud to be Carbon Neutral, complying with BS PAS 2060 Standard.
ROYAL WARRANTS
36 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Driving forceSleepeezee continues to thrive‘I am proud to work for a Royal Warrant holder and this is
reflected in every product we produce in the Sleepeezee
factory,’ says Michael Mattacks, Sleepeezee production manager.
Its Rochester, Kent, factory has always been highly regarded
for its craftsmanship, design and innovation, and
has built and maintained an enviable reputation for
exceptional British-made quality and value for
money.
This was reinforced a little over 30 years ago
when Sleepeezee received the highest honour of a
Royal Warrant from Prince Charles for its mattresses
and divans.
‘Holding a Royal Warrant underpins our drive and
determination to remain as one of the leading bed
manufacturers in the UK,’ says Howard Wilson,
Sleepeezee md.
Sleepeezee’s hard work and commitment was
clearly demonstrated at last year’s Bed Show, which
saw the launch of a collection of beds which
included Aqua3 and Sensoria.
Sleepeezee, tel: 01634 729 443
Sensoria
Aqua3
ROYAL WARRANTS
38 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Bespoke centenaryStaples is celebrating 100 years since first supplying King George V
Staples is celebrating the centenary of
first supplying King George V with a bed
to rest his broken pelvis, the result of an
accident while visiting British troops in
France.
A keen supporter of British trade, the
king granted a Royal Warrant to Staples
in 1923. The Royal Warrant has been
graciously re-granted by each successive
monarch to this day.
Staples has a long and respected
history of making luxury beds in the UK
since 1895, combining craftsmanship
with the best natural fillings to enable it
to hand-craft each unique customer
Staples’ beds are handmade
with natural fillings
order to the highest manufacturing
standard; embodying the meticulous
attention to detail that its hand-made
quality beds are synonymous with.
Over the past year, Staples has
continued to invest in technology,
production machinery and its
distribution fleet to enable it to further
improve the quality of its beds,
mattresses, delivery and service; in
addition to continued improvements
to both new product ranges and its
current products.
Staples will be the only bed
manufacturer exhibiting at this year’s
Royal Windsor Horse Show between
13-17 May along with other fellow Royal
Warrant holders in the Royal Warrant
Holders Association Pavilion, united by a
commitment to the highest standards of
service, quality and excellence.
Visit: www.staplesbeds.co.uk
Visit us on Stand 12 13th - 17th May 2015
Staples are the only bed manufacturer to be exhibiting at this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show between 13th-17th May 2015 along with other fellow Royal Warrant holders, united by a commitment to the highest standards of service, quality and excellence. Visit us on stand 12 in the Royal Warrant Holders Association Pavilion.
Staples are proud to be celebrating their centenary year of supply to the Royal household.
Staples remain a leading bed manufacturer using traditional methods of crafting handmade, quality beds and mattresses; and have stayed true to their
heritage for over 100 years.
ROYAL WARRANTS
40 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Carpet on seaBrintons has supplied more than21,000sqm of carpet for P&O’s newBritannia cruise shipBritain’s biggest ever cruise ship, the £473m P&O Britannia,which was officially named by the Queen last month, featuresmore than 21,000sqm of custom Axminster carpet from RoyalWarrant holder Brintons.
The 3,600 passenger vessel is the largest cruise ship designedfor the British holiday market. Weighing 141,000tons andstretching longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall (1,082ft), it boasts15 passenger decks, 26 places to eat and drink and fourswimming pools. It also features a three-tier atrium and a 936-seater theatre.
Hospitality designers Richmond International, a companyrenowned across the globe for its work on luxury hotels,specified Brintons as part of its brief to create a ship thatcombined the excitement of cruising with the sophistication ofa five-star hotel.
‘This is an extremely prestigious and exciting project and onethat we are really proud to have been involved with. Designingthe right carpets for the public spaces was obviously a criticalpart in delivering the overall vision of what Richmond wantedto achieve and ensure a successful solution for P&O,’ says LoisNorman, Brintons senior designer.
‘Working in partnership with Richmond, our design teamcame up with a number of bespoke carpet designs for all thepublic areas of the ship, including the atrium, theatre,restaurant and bars, casino, library and wedding chapel.
‘A fresh and neutral colour palette was used throughout themain areas, with subtle highlights of stronger colours liketeal. Many areas featured contemporary geometrics and cleanlines to create a sophisticated hospitality look. Each of thethemed restaurants also had unique concepts including naturalforms and oriental geometric designs,’ Norman adds.Visit: www.brintons.co.uk
The Queen admires the atrium of the ship
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www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 41
FloorplansAdd style with the latest
wood and laminate floors
Quick-Step’s Impressive range features HydroSeal technology
– the layer on the joints ensures water or liquid on the planks
stays where it is and doesn’t penetrate through the joints –
means it can be used in kitchens, bathrooms and halls.
Pictured is 1860 Natural Pine.
Visit: www.quick-step.co.uk
Lamett’s Atlanta engineered wood collection has 19cm x 186cm planks in four matt colours: the
light Pure and Smoked White (pictured) and the darker Fleur de Sel and Smoked Biscuit.
Visit: www.lamett.com
Kährs’ Bloc Collection uses individual 18mm thick oak staves, in three sizes (300mm x
300mm, 300mm x 600mm and 300mm x 900mm) and three shades (Natural with a clear,
satin lacquer pre-finish, White and Grey which have a stained lacquer finish creating a
washed hue). Sections are easily joined using an oak tongue to create unlimited geometric
designs – from traditional herringbone to modern brick – in single or multi-colours. Staves
can also be used to create borders.
Tel: 023 9245 3045
Give a room
some historical
glamour with
Meister’s
Sheringham
Smoked Oak as
today’s
contemporary
styles flirt with
the enchanting
romance and
opulence of the
past. Meister’s
engineered wood
collection has a
35-year warranty
and the
Masterclic Plus
system on the
ends and Uniclic
on the sides.
Tel: 01706 238 810
Balterio’s Urban collection has four oak wood-mix
decors, four pine decors and four concrete tile
decors (including Ivory Terra), all of which go
together if used in the same
room. This collection is
Balterio’s response to the
contemporary trend for
converting properties
such as old factory
buildings into housing.
Visit: www.balterio.com
UPHOLSTERY
42 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Sitting Pretty has seen the number of its
stockists double in the past 18 months
and now has more than 400 retailers
selling its upholstery in the UK and
Republic of Ireland.
‘Our brand will be as popular as the
more established recliner manufacturers
in time, no doubt, as our growth figures
suggest we are heading in the right
direction and we are delighted how far
Sitting Pretty has come in just 13 years,’
says Jim Henderson, Sitting Pretty md.
‘With our new 2015 products now
available for shopfloor stock, we are
really excited about the new launches
and there is a real buzz around the
factory and sales team.’
He says it can offer retailers something
a little different to what they have
probably been displaying, from memory
function handsets to super-petite lift
chairs with seat heights of just 16in. The
Super Grande lift chairs have a 24in wide
seat and can be fitted on lift mechanisms
that carry up to 35 stone.
‘It has been a slow process winning
shopfloor space but we’ve believed in
our brand and it is now starting to pick
up pace with retailers believing we have
something different and giving us a go.
Those who have given Sitting Pretty a
chance haven’t looked back,’ he says.
The manufacturer has enjoyed
increased sales every year and has
confirmed its presence at The January
Furniture Show for 2016.
It has also made some staff
appointments. Martin Henry has become
agent for West Yorkshire and the North
East, alongside Keith Measor (South East
and West), Des Gwilliam (West Midlands,
Central and Southern Wales) and Alan
Hignett (North West England and North
Wales) while it is recruiting for agents in
Northern Ireland, Scotland and the
Republic of Ireland.
Sitting Pretty, tel: 01773 811 610
Above: Aspley
Right: Farndon
Below: Newark
More retailers are stocking Sitting Pretty
Moving up
JOIN THE RISE!Become a stockist of the UK’s fastest growing lift recliner brand!
Unbeatable trade prices and 6 standard sizes of lift recliner available across all of our County Collection
Zip speed dual motor lift chairs at just £450!
Memory function handsets available across all of our Dual motor lift recliners in our County Collection
Call 01773 811610
Visit our website www.spchairs.co.uk
Fine�Quality�Reclining�Chairs�and�Complementary�Lounge�Sofas
UPHOLSTERY
44 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Aristarchus has launched its first soft cover upholstery range
Aristarchus has widened its product offer
with the Bruach Collection, its first fabric
upholstery range.
Bruach showcases high quality
upholstered wing chairs, tub chairs and
dining chairs. The fabrics are sourced
from mills in Scotland and are 100% pure
new wool with a Teflon coating. The Crib
5-graded fabrics are sent to the
company’s factories in Asia where they
are manufactured on to the contract
quality frames. All removable cushions
are manufactured in the UK with a
feather and fibre core, and are available
in a variety of colours and patterns.
‘This summer we will also be launching
another range of chairs, upholstered in
the UK, with fabrics sourced directly from
mills in Belgium and Germany. This will
give our customers the flexibility to order
chairs, either individually or in larger
quantities, from a choice of fabrics, at
competitive prices, and receive delivery
within four to six weeks,’ says Nick
Barclay, Aristarchus md.
He set up Aristarchus in Perth seven
years ago and takes pride in its
diversified range of products and
services.
‘Over the years, we have forged
strong partnerships with our factories,
who fully understand the quality and
value that our customers expect from
our furniture. We carefully maintain these
important relationships so that we are
not regularly switching suppliers and
compromising the quality of our
products,’ he explains.
With a stockholding of more than £1m
ready to ship from warehouses in
Scotland and China, it offers both
wholesale and direct container service.
To achieve the biggest savings
containers can be mixed from the China
warehouse and sent direct to the
customer. It also supplies products for
bespoke projects.
‘Our customers range from small,
family-run companies to large
multinational organisations and can
choose from 15 ranges of dining,
occasional and bedroom furniture in oak
or pine finishes. We are proud to cater for
the diverse needs of these differing
businesses and unlike many other
wholesale companies there is no
minimum order requirement; we are
happy to supply individual pieces as and
when needed,’ adds Barclay.
Aristarchus has its own haulage fleet,
so has full control of the location of its
products and when deliveries will be
made, eliminating problems such as
damage or delayed orders held in depots
when non-specialist carriers are used.
All of its products can be seen, by
appointment, at its Perth showroom.
Visit: www.aristarchus.co.uk
Left: Glen Lyon
Centre: Glen Clova
Bottom: Glen Coe
Branching out
ARISTARCHUS
Scotland, North West England & Ireland : David Green : 07769 792 954 North East & Yorkshire : Tom Holmes : 07850 447 004 Midlands & North Wales : Andrew Lees : 07793 209 334 South West & South Wales : John Pilling : 07771 573 964 East of England : Clive Scofield : 07853 375 869 London & South East : Colin Brett : 07818 694 247
(Other items in this range are available)
+ + +
DEVONSOLID NEW ZEALAND PINE
PACKAGE DEAL
If you would like any further information, please contact our office by calling 01738 629734 or by emailing [email protected]. We have a show room in Perth, Scotland, where all of our products can be viewed by appointment. Alternatively, you can contact one of our sales representatives or agents;
ONLY £389
UPHOLSTERY
It’s all inthe detailSometimes it’s the smallest
things that make designs
stand out
Bretz’s Ohlinda features buttoned seat cushions and
optional scatter cushions while the rear cushions can
be removed, changing the corner unit into a long sofa
or double daybed.
Visit: www.bretz.com
&tradition’s Mayor sofa was designed by Arne Jacobsen for the town hall of Sollerod,
Copenhagen built from 1939-1942 and designed by Jacobsen and Flemming Lassen.
Visit: www.andtradition.com
Baxter uses
quilting to
delineate the back
and arms on the
Tactile chair, sofa
and coffee table.
Visit: www.baxter.it
Tommy M’s Wrangler
uses large stitching for
the sofa to create its
jeans inspired look.
Visit: www.tommym.com
Arketipo’s Sin Seat, by
Giuseppe Viganò, has a
quilted panel in aniline
leather while the rest of
the chair can be
upholstered in any leather
or fabric in the company’s
collection. It will be
debuted at iSalone.
Visit: www.arketipo.com
46 Interiors Monthly April 2015
LVT
48 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Deeper intothe woodsKarndean Designflooring is
expanding its LooseLay range
Karndean Designflooring is introducing
Series Three to its LooseLay collection
supported with a new POS unit.
The six latest wood designs tap into
the trend for popular oak tones,
fashionable rustics and deep greys. With
a 15-year residential guarantee, the full
Karndean LooseLay collection will now
feature 19 wood designs and eight
intricate stone tiles.
Inspired by nature, the collection
features a wide range of tones from the
light, blonde hues of Cambridge LLP113
to the striking, warm ginger tones of
Burlington LLP110.
Karndean LooseLay’s friction grip
backing and increased dimensional
stability secures the floor firmly in place.
It can be installed over most hard floors
as long as they are dry, smooth, sound
and dust-free.
The collection’s large scale 1,050mm x
250mm planks and 610mm x 500mm
tiles combined with the fact that it’s
quick and easy to fit, means reduced
downtime, mess and installation costs.
‘Homeowners are seeing the benefits
of Karndean LooseLay in place of
traditional carpet and laminate, and it’s
continuing to grow from strength to
strength in the marketplace,’ says Paul
Barratt, Karndean Designflooring md.
‘The collection is not only design-led
but it’s also compatible with underfloor
heating and the individual planks allow
easy access at all times. Our newest
wood designs are a welcome addition
and reflect the trends we’re seeing within
interior design.’
The LooseLay POS unit holds all three
series, showcasing the colour bank with a
mixture of sample boards and product.
With its interactive design, customers can
arrange the samples on the viewing
platform. ‘We have worked with retailers
to create a POS unit that works for both
the customer and the store, reducing the
stand’s footprint while increasing the
visibility and prominence of the designs,’
adds Barratt.
Visit: www.karndean.com
Above: Karndean LooseLay Series Three Boston LLP111
Below: Karndean LooseLay Series Three Hartford LLP112
Karndean LooseLay Series Three Stamford LLP109
LVT
50 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Work, rest and playThe flooring is making itself at home in a variety of rooms
LVT continues to show its suitability for
different rooms, from kitchens to living
rooms, to company reception areas.
Consumers are turning to LVT to make
bold statement designs in the kitchen
and bathroom to create a wow factor
that will increase the value of their
homes, according to David Bigland,
Moduleo UK and Eire md.
‘In the past six months, we’ve seen
a marked increase in the number of
consumers looking to make real
investments in their kitchens and
bathrooms, to increase their return on
investment later down the line. We’re
confident this correlates with the
housing market, where homeowner
confidence is growing and more people
are looking to sell. This means investing
in those key rooms and the best
products, which is reflected in our sales,’
he says. ‘Together with our full range of
design floors and the long-lasting
guarantee, kitchens and bathrooms will
be stylish, durable, and most importantly
a big selling point for homes.’
For one homeowner Quick-Step’s Livyn
LVT was the solution for his living room.
Ruben Deschamps wanted to replace
the tiled floor in his new home. Because
the living room adjoins the kitchen, he
needed a floor that could withstand wear
and tear and, above all, it had to be
water-resistant. With two young children,
the floor also needed to be easy to clean
and handle a certain amount of rough
use. Warmth and cosiness were essential.
‘The shiny, white tiled floor was too
cold for our tastes and we felt that the
house lacked cosiness and warmth. Our
living room has been completely
transformed, because we have also
painted the walls and kitchen cabinets
in a fresh, new colour,’ he says.
‘The floor is absolutely beautiful and
has a warm feel. As soon as you come
into the living room, the Livyn floor
invites you to take off your shoes and
socks and enjoy the floor in bare feet. We
can see how much our daughters enjoy
playing or crawling around on this soft
floor as well.
‘It has also turned out to be really
easy to maintain. Because Livyn has
a sealed surface and a protective
coating to prevent dirt and stains, you
can wipe away coffee, fruit juice and
jam without much effort. With children
in the house that is a luxury you
can’t do without,’ adds Deschamps.
Polyflor’s Expona LVT was used to
create an eye-catching floor for the
reception of a new Cala Homes division
in Welwyn Garden City recently. Dark
Contour 7215 was chosen as it fitted with
the brand image of the housebuilder.
Expona Design has a 3mm gauge and
0.7mm wear layer making it suitable for
heavy commercial applications, such as
an office reception where there is likely
to be high levels of foot traffic.
Expona Commercial in Light Grey
Matrix 5074, was selected for the staff
kitchen and dining area. The cross-linked
and UV-cured PUR polyurethane
reinforcement used in Expona flooring
ensures a simple cleaning and
maintenance regime.
‘Polyflor Expona ranges were specified
for this job at Cala Homes because of the
vast range of attractive design options
available to us. The Expona Design and
Expona Commercial collections give a
stunning, hard wearing finish which will
look good for years to come,’ says Nicola
Forgette, md of contractor Gifford Grant.
Visit: www.moduleo.co.uk
www.polyflor.com
www.quick-step.co.uk
Moduleo’s Blackjack Oak Polyflor’s Expona Dark Contour 7215
Quick-Step’s Livyn Classic Oak Light Beige ESC001
UNDERLAY
www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 51
Brand alert Carpenter has updated its branding and
warned about the dangers of some imports
Carpenter’s latest branding creates a
consistent, more visually identifiable
appearance across its 14 underlay
ranges.
Product wraps, underlay samples, deck
boards and two new lorries now feature
the new ‘rainbow’ concept, designed to
be eye-catching, colourful and modern.
‘The new concept incorporates a great
new and much more contemporary
colour palette with an instantly
identifiable pattern. We underwent a
rebrand over five years ago, so we felt
that it was time to refresh our image and
create something more visual that
customers could instantly recognise,’ says
Helen Rowberry, Carpenter national sales
manager for underlay.
Rowberry has also warned that
retailers could be selling dangerous and
illegal underlay. ‘The market has become
incredibly competitive with many budget
end products flooding the market: a lot
of them from overseas. While on the face
of it some of these products may appear
to be cheap, they may come with a high
price to pay. Buyers need to consider a
number of factors when they buy PU
underlay, and will often find that only by
buying British made products can they
be sure of the products’ provenance,’ she
explains.
Retailers need to ask if the products
have been tested to and meet the
correct British Standards, have fire
certificates and if the chemicals used are
legal and not dangerous to the end user?
‘These are all questions that the
responsible manufacturers will be able to
satisfy. And they are questions that need
to be asked and satisfactorily answered
for anyone wishing to buy underlay with
complete peace of mind,’ she says.
Carpenter is fully licensed and meets
all HSE requirements for the chemicals it
uses and the company is compliant with
all legal standards and regulations.
‘This involves time, effort, investment
and testing and is not something that
less scrupulous overseas producers may
take so seriously,’ Rowberry stresses. ‘For
instance, when producing the foam that
goes into underlay, solvents should not
be used as the blowing agent. Methylene
chloride is no longer used in the UK but
is believed to still be widely used
overseas. And buyers should consider the
ethical policies of the overseas
producers. Do they pay staff a fair and
honest wage, offer safe and suitable
All of Carpenter’s
underlay is UK
produced and
recyclable
working conditions? And what about
environmental responsibilities?’
Carpenter underlay is made from
recyclable material and is fully recyclable
at the end of its lifetime. Its underlay
recycling scheme began in 2012 and
encourages customers to return all
Carpenter offcuts, which are then
recycled into more products.
‘At a time when all businesses are
looking to trim down on unnecessary
expenditure we are providing a service
that is really useful and cost effective –
and encourages fitters to get rid of waste
in a responsible manner. The British-
made philosophy that Carpenter follows
has led the company to become a
reputable British manufacturer bringing
responsibly produced products and
peace of mind to all its customers,’ adds
Rowberry.
Visit: www.carpenter.ltd.uk
PROTECTION
52 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Ensuring a smooth journeyCastelan continues its pursuit of customer service excellencePutting the customer at the heart of the
business is the key focus at Castelan,
according to Richard Gretton, Castelan
commercial director.
‘The products we produce, whether a
protection plan, care kit or service
promise, are only of any value if they
deliver when the customer needs them
most. It’s not just about the products
either – the customer journey has been
completely reevaluated over the past
three months to ensure that, at every
touch point, the customer is treated fairly
and professionally,’ he says.
This was recognised by Business Leader
magazine’s annual awards – for the
second year running, Castelan won the
Customer Excellence category.
‘This demonstrates that we are
recognised as leaders in this field by our
business peers as well as customers. With
service delivery as the foundation of our
activity, we continue to win new
business both within the independent
sector and with national retailers, secure
existing relationships for the long-term
and develop new products for the care
market. Innovation in our Care Solutions
business will see exciting new care kit
development – particularly as customer
choice shifts towards fabric covers,’ he
explains.
Castelan has expanded its offering to
retailers with a home furniture assembly
service, helping it to add another touch
point in the customer journey.
‘Castelan continues to offer and
expand an “end to end” solution to
customer service which means the
customer can have a smooth journey
from issue to resolution whether that be
via the use of a care product, plan or
repair. I believe this is where the true
value lies: in giving the retailer the
confidence to sell the product knowing
that their customers will not be let down
by service. From this, naturally, comes
the commercial benefit that the retailer
can enjoy, backed by the most
experienced support team in the sector,’
adds Gretton.
Visit: www.castelangroup.com
Castelan has reevaluated the customer journey
The UK’s largest directly employed team ofmobile furniture care and repair technicians.
Invitation
to call 01934 423 214 or
e-mail [email protected]
Premier Care Kits Warranty Solutions Claims Handling
www.castelangroup.com
Mobile Technicians
featuring
PROTECTION
54 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Stay calm and carry onThe sector is waiting on a FCA review
The demise of the OFT in April 2014 saw
consumer credit licensing move to the
jurisdiction of the Financial Conduct
Authority. During this time the FCA
issued many retailers with an interim
licence and announced a timetable for
granting full or limited permission.
‘This has led to widespread confusion
and concern about a consequential
impact on the current model of furniture
protection plan sales. Additionally, the
sector anxiously awaits the publication of
the FCA thematic review of insurance
mediation in retail, with initial findings
due in May,’ says Phil Griffin, Guardsman
UK md.
For many retailers furniture protection
plans provide an important part of their
consumer proposition and profits.
Guardsman is working with its retailer
partners to safeguard the sector, and
make adjustments to the programme
that will protect them from the scrutiny
of the regulators, says Griffin.
The company is focused on retail
compliance and routinely reviews its
terms and conditions in line with best
practice. ‘We are already implementing
significant developments to our
programme to sustain this important
sector for the benefit of our retailers
and their customers. Not only are we
confident that these adjustments meet
the latest requirements of the FCA, but
we will develop them further as the FCA
publishes its thematic review findings,’ he
explains.
‘It seems increasingly that the regulator
will leave its requirements and guidelines
open to interpretation rather than being
specific. With such significant and
complex change ahead, the Guardsman
team is working closely with retailers to
navigate a path of compliance,’ he adds.
Guardsman’s consumer research
validates the value to consumers of
protection plans for their furniture. Griffin
says this is most evident when
Guardsman’s services are called upon in
the event of a spillage or accident on
upholstery that could otherwise require a
costly repair or replacement.
Visit: www.guardsman.co.uk
‘The Guardsmanteam is workingclosely withretailers tonavigate a path ofcompliance’
Phil Griffin (left) says protection plans are
important to retailers and consumers
By introducing Guardsman protection plans to your retail businessnot only will you see sales and profit growth at little risk, you willalso be offering your customers the very best aftercare service.
At Guardsman we know how important it is to your customersto have peace of mind that their new furniture will look goodfor years to come. Our years of experience and comprehensivenetwork of technicians are on hand to deal with the everydayspills and accidents that can occur to new furniture in the home.
For more information about how Guardsman can support your business and customers,call us on 01235 444771.
Stretch your profi ts...
...with the leading Furniture Protection Plan provider.Guardsman, the low risk option to increase your turnover and profi t.
PROTECTION
56 Interiors Monthly April 2015
When cats gettheir claws out…Dealing with cat scratches on leather upholstery
Dogs are likely to be seen as more of a
hazard to leather upholstery, but the family
feline can also cause damage.
The first type is where the cat scratches
the seating cushion causing a straight line
scratch.
‘If the scratches are light and have not
damaged the leather itself, only lightly
scratching the coating away, Leather
Recolouring Balm should be sufficient to
restore the colour that has been scratched
away and blend the scratches in with the
surrounding leather,’ says Ben Staerck,
Leather Clinic md.
The second type is caused by the cat
sticking its claws into the leather. When it
pulls its claws out, it draws out the fibres of
the leather causing significant damage and
the leather becomes rough and unsightly.
If the area of damage is larger than the
size of a tennis ball you will need: Leather
Binder to strengthen the area; a Leather
Repair Kit to fix the scratches; and a
Leather Colourant Kit to restore the colour.
If the area of damage is smaller than a
tennis ball, then a Leather Binder, Leather
Repair Kit and Leather Repair Touch Up Kit
is needed.
After cleaning the area with Leather
Ultra Clean, trim any loose long fibres with
sharp scissors.
Apply a small amount of Leather Binder
to a sponge and rub directly into the
damaged area. Coat the area and allow to
dry. Apply 8-10 coats, allowing each coat
to dry before applying the next.
Once the binder has been applied, the
area should be sanded down using fine
sandpaper (1,200 grit is sufficient).
Ensure the area is free from any residue
from sanding. Then, using the heavy filler
and palette knife, spread a thin layer of
filler over the scratches. Leave for 20-25
minutes to dry and apply additional layers
if required: aim to have the holes, scratches
and gouges filled so that they are level
with the surface of the leather.
After applying the filler, it should be
sanded down again.
Wipe the leather down with the alcohol
cleaner to remove dirt and residue from
the leather’s surface.
Once dried, apply the first coat of
colourant by sponge. If this emphasises
some of the scratches you thought were
‘healed’ apply more filler, sand down and
re-apply the colourant.
After the first coat of colourant has been
applied, build it up in a series of thin layers,
leaving time for each coat to dry before
applying the next. Apply as many thin
layers as required to blend with the
surrounding area and conceal the repair.
Once you have a good coverage of
colour, apply the lacquer on to the leather
to seal the colour in. Take the glossy Super
Seal and apply using a sponge or airbrush,
in three to four layers. This forms the basis
for a flexible and robust finish. After this is
done, apply the Leather Finish, using the
contents provided in four to five layers. For
both products, allow time for each coat to
completely dry before applying the next.
Visit: www.furnitureclinic.co.uk
Staingard’s commitment to the
development of its comprehensive
range of furniture protection and care
products has contributed to another
year of growth. Paul Aiston, Staingard
md, says its ‘personal, straightforward
and flexible approach to the delivery
of products and schemes to the UK’s
most discerning of furniture retailers,’
has paid off.
‘Growth has been fuelled by our
commitment to these basic principles
and future growth looks assured as
Staingard continues to grow on the
strength of the many referrals from
both its retail customers and
consumers,’ he says.
Visit: www.staingard.co.uk
Dedicated care service brings rewards
Please visit www.staingard.co.uk or call 01244 888658
WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED?Add value to your sales and aftersales service with the one-stop solution and market
leading specialists in Furniture Protection, Care and Repair. Also offering Product
Personalisation and full Account Support and Training.
FABRIC, CARPET
& CABINET CARE
PLANS AND
PRODUCTS
LEATHER
CARE PLANS
& PRODUCTS
MATTRESS & BED
CARE PLANS &
PRODUCTS
NATIONWIDE
FURNITURE
REPAIR NETWORK
Staingard Limited Email: [email protected] Tel: 01244 888658
The Safest Hands for total furniture care and protection
BUYING GROUPS
58 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Friends unitedMinerva is celebrating its 25th anniversary
Next month buying group Minerva
Furnishers Guild celebrates its 25th
anniversary. Set up after the demise of
the Green Group when several large
retailers left to set up their own buying
group, Minerva’s now life president Derek
Hayes, owner of Bath retailer TR Hayes,
was instrumental in the group’s creation.
‘I was upset at the demise of Green
Group: I’d lost my group, my £3,000 bond
[worth £6,515 today] and my friends,’ he
says.
Determined to restore the benefits of a
buying group to the former Green Group
members, he invited retailers to join the
group – named after the Roman god of
healing – and 39 others came on board
(paying a £1 bond). Today it has 130
members.
Within months it was hosting its first
exhibition at the National
Motorcycle Museum in
Birmingham. Over the years
the event grew and last
October became The Autumn Furniture
Show open to non-members and held at
the Telford International Centre.
Hayes rates the success of the
exhibition, the increase in membership,
and the benefits they receive, as the
group’s greatest success.
‘We’ve been lucky: retailers and
suppliers wanted to come on board. It’s
been the work of past and present board
members,’ he says when asked what the
biggest challenge has been. The
friendship among members and the
interaction between members is the
group’s main strength, he says.
Hayes is also quick to thank his wife
From left: Minerva founders Ron
Rawlings; Michael Pugh; Derek
Hayes; Richard Nunn and Alan
Walker pictured at the group’s
20th anniversary dinner
Below: The group bought its first
permanent head office last year
‘The interactionbetweenmembers is thegroup’s mainstrength’
Margaret, who was a lynchpin in the
running of the group and providing
support, especially in the early days.
‘She’d often ask: “Where are we off to this
week?” when we went to visit potential
members on what was supposed to be
our afternoon off,’ he says.
Interest in the group continues to
increase among suppliers and it is keen
to source more exclusive products to
help its members differentiate
themselves from competitors and boost
its membership further.
Last year it bought its first permanent
head office in Corsham, Wiltshire after
many years of renting various properties
in Bath. In recent years it has taken on
more staff so it can offer additional
benefits to members, such as marketing
and container breakdown services.
Did Hayes think the group would be
entering its second quarter of a century
when he was driving across the country
recruiting members? In response, he
quotes his father: ‘Work as if you are
going to live forever but make sensible
arrangements.’
Visit: www.minervafurnishers.co.ukThe group’s show now takes place at the Telford International Centre
2 5 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y
F U R N I S H E R S G U I L D
M NERVA1990
-201
5Benefits of joining Minerva
• Low cost membership
• UK & Ireland coverage
• Rebate scheme negotiated with an impressive supplier basewith many leading brands; national & international
• You remain as an independentbut with the support of a professional team
• Exclusive ranges negotiated with suppliers
• Own brand ranges available to members only
• No compulsory purchases
• Networking opportunities in a friendly non-competitive environment
• We organise two shows a year at the International Centre, Telford in May & October
• Monthly newsletter featuring news from the trade,product promotions and new launches
The Minerva team are very approachable and wewelcome enquiries from prospective new members. The process of joining couldn’t be easier and we help you from start to finish.
Prospective new members are encouraged to contact Minerva on 01225 444 204or alternatively email us: [email protected]
Founded in 1990, 2015 is an important year in the history ofMinerva Furnishers Guild as it celebrates its 25th birthday.
BEDS AND BEDROOM
60 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Durable hat trickSealy has gained the Which? Best Buy pocket
sprung mattress accolade for the third year running
Sealy’s Napoli 1200 is still the highest
scoring product in the pocket spring
mattress category in Which?’s latest
review and so has retained its coveted
Which? Best Buy accolade with which it
was originally accredited in 2013.
In 2013 the magazine said the mattress
stood out from the competition as it was
the most durable of the pocket sprung
mattresses it tested. It reported the
Napoli 1200 wouldn’t move when people
turned over in the night, and that it
provided good body and back support
for most sleepers. Although it wasn’t the
cheapest of the beds tested, it was the
most durable.
The following year Which? said the
mattress still provided good support and
would continue to do so after several
years of use. It also commented that it
wouldn’t get harder or softer over time,
or sag so much compared with the other
pocket sprung mattresses on test.
Overall, the review concluded it was the
top choice for people looking for a
pocket sprung mattress.
Its current conclusion is that Napoli
1200 provides good support for most,
doesn’t sag and is breathable, so won’t
get damp with sweat.
‘The Sealy Napoli is a great example of
the company’s proactive development of
the product sector. Sealy is renowned as
being a leader in sleep technology so
this bed is very much the modern face of
pocket sprung mattresses with its zonal
construction, Smart Fibres and the
exhaustive testing programme for
everything from flammability to pressure
point management and spinal support.
After all, do you really want to sleep on a
mattress made the same way as the one
your grandparents slept on?’ says Neil
Robinson, Sealy marketing director.
The Napoli 1200 has a micro-quilted
mattress and contains seven zones of
specially designed motion and weight
responsive pocket springs for total spinal
alignment by differentiating the firmness
of the springs along the length of the
bed.
Around the perimeter and underneath,
the pocket springs are surrounded by the
patented Unicase system which offers
EdgeGuard to ensure the sleeper receives
proper support with no sagging right up
to the edge of the mattress. This is
topped with a deep layer of Innergenic
latex for comfort and pressure relief.
The Napoli 1200 also enjoys the
benefit of Sealy’s Smart Fibres, which
contain Tencel and Purotex to help keep
the mattress materials cool, fresh, dry
and hypoallergenic and are endorsed by
Allergy UK to reduce house dust mites.
The symptoms of house dust mite
allergies are a major cause of disturbed
sleep, especially for people with asthma,
and an average mattress can contain
tens of thousands of house dust mites
and their waste.
Visit: www.sealy.co.uk
Left: Which?
Best Buy
Napoli 1200
Below: Neil
Robinson
It was back in 2013 that the Sealy Napoli 1200 was accredited with the Which? Best Buy
for Pocket Spring Mattresses.
A lot of companies have tried to overtake us since then... and they're still trying.
The Which? accreditation is trusted by the consumer as objective, trustworthy and hugely
important when it comes to making major buying decisions. So if you haven't already
done so, make an astute buying decision yourself, and order some today.
www.sealy.co.uk
all overagain...
BEDS AND BEDROOM
Train to gainThe Trailblazer initiative is helping create
the industry’s next generation of staff
Apprenticeships offer many advantages
to employers from addressing ageing
workforce issues to multiskilling
employees while maintaining good
labour cost control. They also provide an
alternative view and approach to the way
things are done and an opportunity to
refresh attitudes and behaviours in the
labour intensive environments most
furniture businesses operate in.
Silentnight recently became involved
with the Government’s Trailblazer
apprenticeship scheme aimed at
attracting talent and developing highly-
skilled employees within UK businesses.
A Trailblazer is an employer led group to
design new apprenticeship standards
and assessments for their respective
industries.
The furniture industry Trailblazer has
representation from all sizes of furniture
companies, plus training providers and
industry bodies from across the country.
‘The Trailblazer’s focus is on setting out
the skills, knowledge and behaviours
that employers want from their
apprentices. Last month, we were
delighted when the new standards for
the apprenticeship scheme were
approved by the Government,’ says
Michael Dingwall, chairman of the
Furniture Making Apprenticeship
Standard of the Government’s Phase 3
Trailblazers initiative, and Silentnight
manufacturing manager.
‘The main reason we at Silentnight
champion apprenticeships, and indeed
why we got involved in the Trailblazer
initiative, is to ensure we can shape the
training to suit the industry needs and
ensure we get high calibre employees to
secure the future of our business.’
Silentnight has offered engineering
based apprentices for many years, but
since 2011 it has expanded to other parts
of the business. Manufacturing
apprenticeships, delivered with Burnley
College’s furniture department, account
62 Interiors Monthly April 2015
for the majority but there are also
apprentices in supply chain
management, logistics, mechanical HGV,
customer service, junior management
and finance.
Silentnight employs 670 people in
Barnoldswick, including 16 graduates of
the apprenticeship schemes now in full-
time employment along with 18
apprentices in different departments.
The company is committed to
recruiting apprentices when possible and
will take on four manufacturing specific
apprentices this year.
All apprentices take a two-year course
and are guaranteed full-time, permanent
employment upon completion.
‘We fully believe in apprenticeships
and therefore have committed to full-
time, permanent positions to ensure
maximum benefit for both the business
and apprentice. In providing our
expertise for training of apprentices, we
are looking to bolster our workforce in
the long-term so we would always
ensure a full-time role on completion of
the scheme,’ explains Dingwall.
‘The main advantage of the Trailblazer
initiative is that employers are setting the
standards for apprentices of their
particular industry. Specifically for our
industry and Silentnight, this means we
are at the forefront of training the next
generation of furniture manufacturers
and ensuring they have the skills and
knowledge set we, as employers, require,’
he adds.
Visit: www.silentnight.co.uk
www.apprenticeships.gov.uk
Michael Dingwall
Tom Firth, former apprentice
and now full-time employee
Silentnight will take on four
manufacturing apprentices this year
Stand out from the crowdwith Sleep Council SalesAcademy Accreditation
• Focuses on sleep knowledge, not product knowledge
• Shows how to use that knowledge effectively to build trust with customers
• Demonstrates professional achievement and adds credibility to your sales pitch
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• Only £25 per person
To find out more and enrol, go to www.sleepcouncilsalesacademy.org.uk
The new online qualification for bed retail sales professionals
BEDS AND BEDROOM
64 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Corndell has updated its bestselling
Annecy painted bedroom collection
which was launched in 2010.
New lifestyle imagery, brochures and
POS highlight a range of products and
colour introductions designed to appeal
to those wanting furniture influenced by
the popular grey trend with the painted
finish providing an ultra-smooth,
luxurious look which highlights the crisp
detailing of the cabinets.
The new palette includes the current
White, Buttermilk and Cotton, which is
currently the most popular finish
selected for displays. A pale taupe; a pale
blue grey (Haze), a traditional soft, green
grey (Ledum) and a deeper, warm grey
(Fawn) have been added.
The range also now offers a triple
wardrobe with three drawers and a
mirrored central door; blanket box,
cheval mirror and a bed with slatted
head and footboard with cornice and
pilaster effect detailing.
From its factory in Witney, Oxfordshire,
Corndell is able to ensure consistent
painted finish production, allowing
retailers to offer their customers choice
across a range of colour and product
options.
Visit: www.corndell.com
Shades of todayFive years after its launch, Corndell
has revamped its bestselling range
Left: The triple wardrobe and 5ft
bed in Cotton with a Chartreuse
highlight emphasising its cool grey
tone
Below: The new Annecy bedstead
feature with blanket box
Bottom: Chest of drawers in Cotton
with painted backdrop in Fawn
S I E S T A B E D SCOMFORT & QUALITY ASSURED
Est 1986
BEDS AND BEDROOM
66 Interiors Monthly April 2015
1 2
3
4
5
1 Koket’s vintage inspired Orchidea bedside
table has sensuous curves and subtle gold
gilt with an oval top in ebony veneer and
high gloss black lacquer frame. Two drawers
are lined in black velvet and adorned with
cast bronze orchid handles supported by a
polished brass base.
Visit: www.bykoket.com
2 Melody Maison’s Rose king size bed
in ivory cream features rose detailing
on the fascia of the head and foot of
its frame and the classically styled sides.
Visit: www.melodymaison.co.uk
3 An extreme softness inspired by its shape.
When you look at the headboard of the
Natuzzi Piuma bed it’s easy to imagine two
pillows side by side. A refined profile
distinguished by an original detail: the
leather and fabric ruche.
Visit: www.natuzzi.co.uk
4 Sweetpea & Willow has debuted a king
size antique white version of its Black Rococo
carved bed with matching Classical White
two-drawer bedside tables.
Visit: www.sweetpeaandwillow.com
5 The Pontalba chest of drawers from
Oficina Inglesa is shown in cherry with an
antique black finish. It features four long
drawers and Louis XVI feet adorned with
sabots in antique brass. It is also available in
oak, walnut, mahogany or painted.
Visit: www.oficinainglesa.com
LIVING AND DINING
www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 67
Simply versatileL’Abbate has taken a less complicated approach
Unlike, say its Salon sofa which combines
chesterfield, Louis and 1970’s legs,
L’Abbate’s latest living and dining designs
aim for simplicity.
The Anything bookcase has a zigzag
pattern in the side panels making it
possible to place the shelves at the
desired height. The back panel stabilises
the bookcase rack but works as a stylistic
element that accentuates the spaces
between the shelves and makes them
small individual rooms. Made from ash, it
is available in a variety of colours and can
be freestanding.
A wood skeleton that allows different
applications as regards seat and back on
the chair and table top on the table,
enables Framework to be customised
and adapted. The framework is a support
structure on which software can be
organised and designed. In the same
way, the Framework chair is formed by a
support structure in beech on which
various types of designs, materials and
upholstery can be adapted. The table is
available in walnut or beech and a
lacquered finish, and square or
rectangular.
A high pressured laminate plate is bent
to 90deg around two parallel axis to
create C-Shelf. The horizontal surfaces
serve as shelves, while the vertical one
provides the connection to the wall.
Available in lengths up to 1.8m, C-Shelf
has a black outside and white interior.
Visit: www.labbateitalia.it
C-Shelf
Above and right: Framework chairs and table
Anything
SOFTWARE
68 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Seeking the holy grailSoftware companies are making sure technology responds to users’ needs
MasterPiece System continues to
develop its MasterPiece package, with
the latest developments including an
autoplanner for retailers that gives lower
wastage; support for planning and
costing a wider range of LVT products,
including Moduleo, Lifestyle Floors and
Project Floors; and significant
improvements to take-off and planning
in the contracts version.
‘The MasterPiece Base version is a
highly affordable and simple to use
measuring and planning system. Margins
are improved by tighter plans and an
accurate figure for underlay. For
additional time saving, you can draw
straight on to the screen as you walk
from room to room, using a tablet. The
tablet can be operated with either a
finger or a pen. A retailer with more than
one site can arrange that jobs are
automatically synchronised to give
access to any job from any location,’ says
Charles Pearson, MasterPiece System md.
Additional capabilities are available,
such as accurate tile planning, including
Karndean and Amtico products. Retailers
with a commercial arm can benefit from
tracing round PDF/CAD floorplans,
speeding up the take-off of
measurements. There is also a whole rolls
autoplanner for minimising wastage
across several whole rolls and the
supplier’s ‘in stock’ lengths.
The module for automated costing,
invoicing and fitting sheets is configured
for the individual business, including
rules for how to cost HSLs and apply
minimum charges. Estimates no longer
have to be written up; these and invoices
can be emailed directly to the customer.
The information pack for the fitter can be
printed in one action. Some customers
purchase MasterPiece
primarily to bring all
information together
with rapid access for
all jobs, small and
large, recent and
historic.
AccuracyBrian Gray, RFMS director
says: ‘Retailers that have
made the change to
estimating software have largely
overcome the single biggest obstacle
most salespeople face in making a sale –
accurately quantifying the project.
Finding time to quantify, together with
the fear of getting it wrong, both work to
slow up the sales process. For every day
that goes by between completing the
measure and getting the quote into the
customer’s hands, the likelihood of
securing the sale reduces.’
The obvious measurable benefits with
the software are the speed of quantifying
– up to 60% time savings over traditional
methods are commonly experienced –
and accuracy. But Gray says there several
other less obvious benefits: upskilling
existing salespeople; being able to focus
on sales skills not flooring skills when
employing new salespeople; getting new
salespeople to achieve sales targets more
quickly; taking the drudgery out of the
sales process; processing more quotes
and using the time saved to follow up on
leads.
‘The functionality available to a user in
software is improving as each year goes
by. Measure by RFMS has regular releases
incorporating enhancements that have
come about as a result of
Measure Mobile 3 by RFMS speeds
up accurate quotes for customers
MasterPiece measuring
and planning system���
DROP THE PENCIL AND PAPER!
Cloud Storage options available from £135 p.a. for up to 100 plans
Use Measure Mobile 3 to create precise estimates for all types of flooringaccurately and on-site!
• Open and edit your Measure projects using Measure Mobile 3 or Measure Desktop• Save your projects in the cloud for reliable and immediate access from anywhere on
your PC or mobile device.• Need to verify a measurement in the field? No problem. Open your Measure takeoff in
Measure Mobile 3, verify and edit as needed.
Use Measure in the cloud.
www.measuremobile3.com
IT’SFREE!
Estimating / Planning �
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Mayne Computer Technology, Unit 13b, Brindley Court, Lymedale Business Park, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 9QA
Phone 01782 562522
www.maynetechnology.co.uk • [email protected]
www.measuresquare.co.uk • [email protected]
One Solution:New Mayne Mosaic Mobile now available
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SOFTWARE
70 Interiors Monthly April 2015
suggestions from users. If you last looked
at estimating software some years ago
then it is time to look again because the
goal posts have been moved,’ he
explains.
‘The other thing that has changed is
technology. Measure Mobile 3 was
released last month; a completely new
build of the very successful app for tablet
and smartphones. The free app will put
in your hands all the tools necessary to
measure, quantify and quote in the
home. The holy grail of selling
floorcoverings has been to have the
ability to close the sale in the home or to
at least leave the customer with a quote.
Measure Mobile 3 has all the tools to do
this simply, easily and accurately,’ adds
Gray.
All togetherAccording to Retailsystem Furniture
Software, retailers need to merge their
websites.
‘As the recovery takes hold, we’re
noticing retailers are growing quite fast
at the moment. These businesses are
finding the Internet a very useful tool for
sales and for generating enquiries, but
many have different systems for
displaying their ranges, updating details,
products, colours, materials and so on
and actually making sales and collecting
payments through their websites. It’s all
getting very complicated,’ says Stephen
Smith, Retailsystem md.
The answer, he says, is website
integration, which put simply is a way of
using just one database for all ranges
Mayne’s estimate/order screen for
mobiles and tablets has been designed
to look like an order pad
and all the details of each product across
all applications.
‘This makes life so much easier and
much more controllable, because you
can either see the whole picture of
live stock levels at a glance, for example,
or focus on specific stores, specific
ranges or even specific customer
demographics to provide you with a
choice of analyses at any time and in
real time,’ he explains.
Leading website platforms, such as
Magento and Opencart, can be
integrated with Retailsystem’s software
for the management of the other aspects
of a retailer’s business.
‘That means you can very easily set up
your website for online trading in the
way you like to do business and the way
your customers like to shop,’ he adds.
Tablets and mobilesMayne has introduced a version of its
Mayne Mosaic software to run on tablets,
iPads and iPhones.
Mayne Mosaic is a cloud-based system
for flooring and furniture retailers. The
point of sale module enables entering
enquiries and orders quickly and
efficiently, checking and allocating stock,
or raising a purchase order to the
supplier for non-stock and direct delivery
orders.
For flooring retailers, the system
integrates with the Measure Square
system for fast and accurate estimating
and planning.
In the mobile version Mayne has
designed the estimate/order screen to
look similar to an order pad, so is easy to
use with minimal training.
Both Mosaic and Measure Square can
be accessed anywhere with Internet
access from PC or iPad, enabling
estimates and plans to be produced at
the customer’s home.
The Mosaic CRM module handles the
customer interface from initial enquiry to
delivery and fitting, and incorporates
actions, reminders and follow ups. The
integrated Estimators and Fitters diaries
can also be linked to Google Calendar.
As the system is modular, it allows
users to choose the modules they
require, both initially and in the future as
the requirements of the business change.
Visit: www.masterpiece-system.com
www.maynetechnology.co.uk
www.measuremobile3.com
www.retailsystem.com
Make sure your website works across all devices
SOFTWARE
www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 71
Pole positionThe winner of Computers for Flooring’s
TFS draw enjoyed a day at Silverstone
Laywell Flooring won Computers for
Flooring’s prize draw at The Flooring
Show last year for a Porsche track day at
Silverstone. But the company went one
better by arranging for the winner to
attend the Porsche Carrera Cup GB media
day when the cars involved in the
16-round championship were unveiled.
Computers for Flooring is sponsoring
Paul Rees, who races for Parr Motorsport
and took third place in the 2014 Porsche
Carrera Cup GB in his rookie year.
The sponsorship meant Paul Williams
and Richie Sissons from Laywell Flooring
in Sheerness and Sittingbourne, Kent,
visited the British Racing Drivers’ Club
clubhouse at Silverstone, where they
enjoyed hospitality before driving a
Porsche 911 GTS, Porsche Panamera and
Boxster GTS round the track.
‘The event was a great success with
Paul referring to the experience as
“literally the best day ever”,’ says Kristian
Bailey, Computers for Flooring md.
‘We will return to the The Flooring
Show this year to showcase our
management software designed
Kristian Bailey,
Computers for Flooring
md (left) and Ray de
Bolla, sales director
(right) were joined by
winners Paul Williams
and Richie Sissons from
Laywell Flooring
specifically for the flooring industry, and
also give the opportunity for a similar
experience to another lucky winner,’ he
adds.
Visit: www.computersforflooring.com
REVIEW
72 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Ne
w L
on
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ab
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Lo
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on
Exceeding goalsThe combination of two shows brought a more diverse visitor mix
This year’s New London Fabric show saw the merger of the
London Fabric and Sofitel Textile Show events with 21
exhibitors showing in executive boxes at Chelsea FC’s Stamford
Bridge stadium.
DFS, John Lewis, Next, Shop Direct and Steinhoff were among
the retailers present.
Tina Evans, Shop Direct senior product designer, praised the
show’s ability to allow visitors to meet so many international
fabric companies in one day, which ‘would normally take weeks
to visit’.
Alstons, Buoyant Upholstery, Collins & Hayes, David Linley,
Duresta, Henderson Russell, John Sankey, Lebus Upholstery,
Parker Knoll, QFC, Vale Bridgecraft and Wade Upholstery were
among the manufacturers who visited.
‘We are delighted at the response from both visitors and
exhibitors alike. The BFM aimed to deliver a show that provided
a friendly, professional environment in which to do business,
combined with the choice of international fabric brands and it
has passed expectations,’ says Jackie Bazeley, BFM md.
Mark Vervaeke, Fedustria director, says combining the two
events helped to attract more visitors with a more diverse mix.
‘Visitors and exhibitors love the venue and we expect more
exhibitors in 2016.’
Marianne Hrynchuk, Flanders Investment & Trade economic
representative, says the show was a good solution for
companies and provided what visitors wanted. ‘There is a good
feeling here and everyone is excited about the location and the
executive boxes format.’
Next year’s event will take place at the end of February.
Visit: www.bfm.org.uk/londonfabric
Companies exhibited in executive boxes, including Vanelli which prides
itself on producing quality fabric collections using an eclectic range of
designs complementing each other through clever use of colour. Each
range is carefully put together, considering current trends and essential
classics which will suit any room, drawing on a wealth of experience to
offer a complete look for the home.
Visit: www.vanelli.com.tr
Visitors were impressed with the
selection of exhibitors from home
and overseas
PREVIEW
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Adam Carpets will launch its designer-led
mood board POS, with samples from all
of its ranges on a series of four boards.
Each board has its own interior trend and
theme.
Amtico will showcase the Amtico
Signature and Amtico Spacia collections.
Axminster Carpets is adding 16
contemporary colours to Simply Natural
and Devonia, including cool ashes, dark
greys and dusty eggshells.
Brockway Carpets is introducing five
products, ranging from plain wool twists,
combined wool twist and velvet designs,
100% undyed wool velvets and loops.
It will also add styles and colours to its
bestselling Lakeland Herdwick and
Cavendish Collection. This will be
supported with display units, featuring
new POS, photography and reasons to
buy wool corner POS. The units, which
have floor carpet to create a store-within-
a-store feel, are suitable for straight,
L- and U-shaped displays.
Cormar Carpets will show the Bouclé
Neutrals 50% New Zealand wool/50%
polyester loop pile range. It comes in
three designs: Texture, Level and Stripe,
and six contemporary neutral shades.
Crucial Trading has seven additional
colourways for its Mississippi collection,
from rich red and plum tones to fresh
lime and blue colourways.
Elliot Anti-Slip will display anti-slip rug
underlays in rolls and pre-cut packs.
Gaskell Wool Rich’s highlight will be
Faroe, the winner of the Wools of New
Zealand Best Product Award at Domotex.
The three-ply 100% wool loop pile
developed in association with WoNZ has
three designs and nine colours per
design, available in 4m and 5m widths.
From Home Foundation is US Floors’
CoreTec One and CoreTec Plus LVT. The
UK range of 15 wood planks and five tiles
have a 0.3mm wear layer (CoreTec One)
or a 0.55mm wear layer and attached
cork underlay (CoreTec Plus), supported
by a deckboard display stand.
Its Sensa laminate range is updated
with Cosmopolitan, which has a large
toast-rack display stand, along with its
Instalay self-adhesive acoustic underlay.
Kenburn will offer information on its
carpet compactor that allows retailers to
reduce the cost of disposing of carpet
and underlay waste.
Kingsmead Carpets is adding designs
across its three categories of Wool Loop,
Wool Twist and Clean Easy.
Launching padFlooring retailers will have the chance to see the
largest number of new products since Domotex Clockwise from
top left:
Adam Carpets’
mood board POS;
Kingsmead’s
Majesty;
Ulster Carpets’
York Wilton in
Squirrel; Parador’s
Trend Time 6
Brushwood
���
PREVIEW
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Berber loop offers three 100% wool
styles; Roxburgh is the latest addition to
the wool twist offer and recognises the
move towards grey and stone shades
while Majesty, Fantastic, Wonderful and
Marvel Plus join the Clean Easy portfolio.
POS will be launched across the three
categories, with interchangeable
modular wall units and lecterns.
Mayne Computer Technology’s Mayne
Mosaic Mobile software runs on tablets,
iPads and iPhones, giving retailers the
ability to create estimates and orders in
the showroom or in the customer’s
home. The estimate/order screen is
designed to look like an order pad for
intuitive use.
Mr Tomkinson’s Tomkinson Berber has
a new construction and will be available
in 40oz and 50oz weights, a dozen
colours and 4m and 5m widths.
Oriental Weavers unveils the Essence
range of loom-knotted New Zealand
wool and viscose cream rugs with
detailed hand-carving. The Conran,
Serene and Evora viscose ranges will be
introduced alongside a chenille
patchwork range produced in its Gobelin
factory. Several machine-made ranges
will feature a new frisee collection with
neutral colours in traditional and modern
designs.
Parador has developed 10 more decors
for its Trendtime 6, including the mix and
match Nova and Valere, with soft shades
of white, cool grey and brown combined
with discreet lime-washed pores. Natural
Texture gives depth to the satin matt
finished planks.
Penthouse Carpets is showcasing its
new branding and launching Cumbrian
in 18 colours, 4m and 5m widths and
40oz and 50oz weights. As with all its
wool products, it is mothproofed and
backed using jute.
Cumbrian, along with Wentworth,
Vermont and Stateside, make up
Penthouse’s ‘one priced’ tombola
concept, where retailers are offered a
choice of more than 72 colour variants, in
both 40oz and 50oz weights.
Phoenox Textiles debuts the Origins
collection of modern and traditional
designs alongside the latest New
Zealand wool rugs from its Rug Guru
brand, and Hug Rug and Muddle Mat
doormats.
RFMS-UK will use the show to launch
the latest version of its free measuring
and estimating app Measure Mobile 3,
Clockwise from
top left: Wools
of New
Zealand’s
cleaning kit can
be used on
Aulana’s Midas;
Mayne Mosaic’s
Mobile; Rug
Guru’s Check;
Ryalux’s Period
Velvet Jasper;
Ultimate’s
Persian
collection
PREVIEW
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suitable for iPad and Android tablets. It
also allows the person measuring to
present and email a quote, take a signed
acceptance and receive a payment. In the
coming months further functionality will
be added to enable Measure Mobile 3 to
integrate remotely with RFMS at the
office, enabling salespeople to access
customer, product and inventory
information and to update quote and
order records in real time from the
customer’s home.
Ryalux is relaunching four collections
and adding one. Desert Tones has been
expanded from 10 to 12 colours, with six
new shades. It now has Ryaguard stain
protection and Ryaprotect anti-moth
treatment. It is introducing the
coordinating 50oz Natural Tones twist.
Ultimate Twist has been updated with
a 104-colour offer and Ryaguard and
Ryaprotect.
Twelve contemporary colours have
been added to Ryasilk bringing the total
to 21, while Period Velvet now has 30
colours. Ryafine Velvet will be added to
the Velvet display units.
Ulster Carpets has expanded its York
Wilton range with six greige, neutral and
earthy tones. The addition of Squirrel,
Flannel, Gainsborough, Pavilion, Cuckoo
and Cotswold takes the total of
colourways to 44. Braeburn is a
traditional plaid design with a
contemporary feel using plum purples,
petrol blues, mossy greens and
shimmering greys with accented pastel
shades with five colourways of Tayberry,
Estuary, Seaholly, Petrel and Myrtle.
Hamilton has been added to Ulster’s
Boho Collection while the Monaco,
Panama and Capri additions to the Open
Spaces Collection will be on display.
The show will be the UK launch of
Ultimate Rug Co’s Persian collection in
tie-dyed cotton chenille flat weaves in
contemporary colours and a vintage
worn look. Unity has been updated and
Keshen Supreme will be relaunched with
different designs and improved quality.
Wools of New Zealand is relaunching
the WoolSafe approved Woolclean
cleaning kit. All the products are suitable
for natural and synthetic carpets, contain
no solvents, alcohol, phosphates,
bleaching or optical brighteners, and
are not tested on animals. The kit is
recommended for use with Laneve
branded carpets.
Visit: www.bgnfs.co.uk
Clockwise from top: Gaskell’s Faroe; Crucial’s
Mississippi; Axminster’s Devonia; RFMS-UK’s
Measure Mobile 3 app; Home Foundation’s
CoreTec
PREVIEW
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Interfloor will show its latest engineered
wood, laminate and underlay products.
It will showcase its Meister engineered
wood floors, a premium range of German
floors for independent retailers featuring
30 colours and a 35-year residential
warranty. All the floors and matching
accessories are held in stock and
available on a three to five day delivery.
Interfloor provides a modular POS
system with a 64-page brochure to
inspire the consumer and drive demand.
‘The response to the Meister laminate
range has been outstanding. Retailers
and consumers alike love the brand. We
believe our new range of Meister
engineered wood will offer a unique
solution that will be equally popular,’ says
Steve Woodhead, Interfloor marketing
director.
The Meister laminate and Nadura
flooring range has 42 decors, an
expanded selection of colour matched
accessories backed by POS, a 64-page
brochure and a consumer sampling
service.
Six Tredaire underlays have been
upgraded and relaunched: Sensation,
Dreamwalk, Softwalk, Cosywalk,
Ambience and Revive. These products
now have stronger and more vibrant
colours, stronger backing with bolder
branding, improved POS and brighter
and tougher packaging.
‘The Seventh Heaven range is our
biggest selling Tredaire collection.
Although it has been very successful we
felt now was a good time to move the
range forward. This upgrade has been
designed to produce a better performing
product that looks better and is easier for
retailers to sell. We’ve invested
significantly in the range without
changing our prices. Feedback from
customers has been extremely positive
and we’re seeing a significant growth in
demand,’ says Woodhead.
Visit: www.interfloor.com
Top: Meister Oak engineered wood
Above: Meister Opaque White Oak
engineered wood
Left: the cover of the brochure
features Meister Mocha Thermal
Larch engineered wood
Highlights of Interfloor’s latest offerings
Triple play
The finest wool blends fromaround the world.Beautiful and exclusive wool and wool-blend
carpets without the price tag.
Gordon Hugo
T: 07976 607657
NEW TOMBOLAS& MERCHANDISING NOW AVAILABLE CALL GORDON HUGO07976 607657
To see the full range or request a free sample please visit: www.axminster-carpets.co.ukor call us: 01297 33533 / 32244
made inGREAT
BRITAIN www.axminster-carpets.co.uk
Introducing 5 NEW colours to our Devonia range.
NEWCOLOURS
available now
Devonia Eggshell Blue1306/76000
Devonia CollectionA collection of opulently rich high-wool-content carpets available in an extensive range of solid colours that enhances any interior.
78 Interiors Monthly April 2015
The furnishing world will once again
decamp to Milan for iSalone at Rho and
the mass of events throughout the city
centre. Here are some highlights
PREVIEW iS
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City withno limits
Henge has looked to the past for its
burnished brass Esagono coffee tables
with hexagonal tops reminiscent of a tray.
Think porcupine quills and bridges for the inspiration for Cattelan
Italia’s glass-topped Hystrix coffee table. It is available in six sizes
from 240cm x 100cm to 360cm x 130cm.
The enveloping and
seductive lines of Softhouse’s Tobia
sofa, dressed in chilli pepper velvet with a
shaped back to increase the feeling of welcome.
Laminam and Toto have combined to create two collections of large
ceramic surfaces using Hydrotect technology, with surfaces inspired by
oxidised metals, unpolished cement and smudgy watercolour paper.
Marcel Wanders has created a concept of two
opposite worlds – rational and emotional – using
LG Hausys’ HI-MACS material.
Targeted at consumers who
have never bought Flexform’s
upholstery before, the
modular Lario has
optional cashmere
cushions.
ContactVisit: www.salonemilano.it
www.superstudiogroup.com
www.venturaprojects.com
www.fuorisalone.it
www.milandesignagenda.com
PREVIEW
www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 79
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Varaschin’s modular storage system Fruits, by Daniele Lo Scalzo Moscheri, takes its inspiration from fruit
boxes and can be used indoors or out.
The fabric
Deliziosa is one
of three new
chairs in Calia
Italia’s Urbana
range, alongside
Delizia (leather
with chesterfield
centre) and
Deliziante (full
leather
chesterfield).
The triangular profile moka finished solid ash wood four
poster structure of Poltrona Frau’s Volare gradually thins and
lightens at it tapers towards the top. It is upholstered in
leather with two cushions attached by leather belt to break
up the austere look.
Casamania’s Summit is a modular sofa that can be used as three interlocking chairs.
Bentley Home’s Lancaster is designed to make an impact while being an
island of both acoustic and visual intimacy. It has a briar root plinth.
Porro’s Ellipse table, by Front, combines two ellipses and
seats six to eight people.
Comfortable, light and versatile, Baleri Italia by
Hub Design’s ISI adapts to any setting with its
painted metal frame and plastic body.
Capdell will introduce six
table collections, including
Gazelle, with a choice of
round, rectangular and oval
shapes and several materials
for the table top.
PREVIEW
80 Interiors Monthly April 2015
Ma
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Se
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Ma
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May Design Series is again divided into
five areas: furniture; kitchens, bedrooms
and bathrooms; lighting; decor and DX
with new materials and technology, but
this year promises a record number of
overseas exhibitors.
The New Design Britain Awards will
display the work of 30 finalists across six
categories: furniture; fabrics; surfaces;
accessories; interior design and
architecture; with the winners revealed
on 18 May. A selection of New Design
Britain alumni will also be exhibiting as
part of the feature. Forty of the UK’s top
designer makers will be showcasing
bespoke product designs ready to buy or
commission
The Fabric Pavilion returns while other
highlights include a selection of products
from shows in Stockholm, Frankfurt and
Copenhagen curated by Katie Treggiden,
Fiera Magazine editor; a new partnership
with Bucks New University which will see
a collection of students’ work that has
been influenced, inspired by or designed
in collaboration with the industry.
Birmingham City University has again
teamed up with Global Color Research
and digital wallcovering brand Tektura to
bring students from the Birmingham
Institute of Art & Design to the show and
explore 2015/16 trend predictions from
Mix Publications.
This page
clockwise from
top: Calia Italia;
SMA; RAK
Ceramics’ Gems;
Alhambra
Opposite page
clockwise from
top left:
Rug-Maker;
Dall’Agnese;
Egoitaliano;
Swaffer
Habitech; Chad
Lighting
CreativecentreFive design sectors in one place
PREVIEW
www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 81
Ma
y D
esig
n S
erie
s Ex
Ce
l Lo
nd
on
17
-19
Ma
yIncluded in the overseas furniture
exhibitors will be Egoitaliano, Calia Italia,
Alma de Luce, Dall’Agnese and SMA.
Swaffer Fabrics will be among the
fabric firms taking part, with its own
designs and those of Alhambra
International.
Clifton Lighting, Habitech iD and Chad
Lighting are exhibiting in lighting.
Decor features Rug-Maker celebrating
150 years of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s
Adventures in Wonderland. Granted an
exclusive licence to reproduce John
Tenniel’s artwork from the British
Library’s original collections, they present
two distinctive designs: The White
Rabbit, and Alice Drink Me, while Morris
Mirrors will show its latest mirrors.
Aran Cucine, Leicht, Compac UK, Doca
UK and Artinox are taking part in the
kitchen, bedroom and bathroom section.
RAK Ceramics is launching the Gems
collection including four polished
porcelain designs in three sizes and four
colours: ivory, lemon, light grey and dark
grey. Other surfaces on show will include
new large-format metallic porcelain,
Platinum Black, and bestselling wood-
effect tile, Hemlock.
Visit: www.maydesignseries.com
A rare opportunity to join in the CLOUD 9 success story
Ball & Young Limited, A Vita Group CompanyDue to Retirement We are Looking to Recruit an
AREA MANAGER(West Midlands, Gloucestershire, Hereford & Worcester,
Northamptonshire, Oxford and Warwickshire)
A leading manufacturer of a wide range of carpet and wood floorunderlays and accessories, including CLOUD 9, the Brand Leader.
As an ambitious professional, you will welcome this outstandingopportunity to further your career with a high profile company.
Experience in the Floorcovering Trade is preferable.
This challenging position offers a good basic salary, commission,company car and a range of other benefits.
If you feel you are able to meet the drive and ambition required tobe successful, please write in the first instance, enclosing a full C.V.
a resume of your sales experience and current salary to:
Ann Shaw, Sales & Marketing Director,Ball & Young Limited, Causeway Road, Earlstrees,
CORBY, Northants, NN17 4DU
Closing Date for Applications is 20th April 2015
Tuesday / Wednesday19th / 20th May 2015
FORMAT FOR 2015DAY ONEFour Ball Team Event
DAY TWOTwo Ball Team Event
OTHER ATTRACTIONSBacon roll and coffee courtesy of
the Committee
Prizes for Top 3 teams on both days
Nearest the Pin
Longest Drive
Tombola
Secret Auction
Largest carpet manufacturing /
retailer golf tournament in the UK.
Over £1,000,000 has been raised
for charity.
Kidderminster Golf Club - one of
the best courses in the Midlands
and host for the past 58 years!
Stay overnight and play golf on the
second day
All newcomers welcome
Closing date for entries May 2nd 2015
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01562 824737 Fax: 01562 752010
Design:kingsfordcreative.co.uk
BE YOUR OWN BOSSIf you are self-motivated, hard working and believe that you can run your own business then we can offer you a joint venture Carpet and Flooring Warehouse franchise.A highly rewarding opportunity with great earning potential,to join a chain of like-minded franchisees. Majority funding can be made available and we can also offer a preliminary Management position as the first step toward this exciting role.
IN-STORE CONCESSION SPACEAre you looking for the right outlet for your business,but struggling to find anywhere suitable in size,price or location? Look no further!
We can provide your business with 1,000 to 10,000 sq ft of shop floor space.Various locations and easy in, easy out terms offered.
So, if you sell Beds or Dining Furniture,Fabrics or Upholstery, Tiles or Sanitary Ware, you can join the Carpets4Less success!
For an informal chat regarding eitherof the above business opportunities,please call Malcolm or Carlon 01234 220077.
PARFLOORS.CO.UK� Based in Burnham on Crouch, Essex.
Carpet and flooring business.Owner established 2005.
� Phone and internet based tradingfrom modern freehold business unit 1,200 SQFT.
� Business owner looking for new challenges.
� For sale as a going concern.
� Turnover £235k PA, GPP 78K.
� Price including premises at£235,000 + VAT.
� Stock at valuation.
� Contact Trevor Parmenter.
PAR FLOORS 0800 [email protected]
A step towards better floors9 contemporarywood and stonestyles
Large stock holdingof all colours
Excellent resaleprofit margins
QA FLOORING SOLUTIONS LTDBlock HPickerings RoadWidnesCheshireWA8 8XW
Simply Better
SlipResistant
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Test
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all rooms
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20 YearsDomesticWarranty
10 YearsCommercial
Warranty
Call 0151 495 3434 or [email protected] more information
View the range and try the3D Room App online at
qaflooringsolutions.com
Luvanto ClickLuxury Vinyl Flooring
Charleston, the new collection, Loving you & your home Proudly made in the UK to BS 5808 (1991) and BS EN 14499:2004 www.underlay.com t: 01536 200502