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Damien Breitner, Flagship Store Manager at Calligaris has given his insights into the industry.

Calligaris collections combine the excellence, functionality and elegance of Made in Italy design. We focus on the importance of living spaces as intimate and personal containers; furnishings that enrich the spaces of everyday life are able to instil harmony, beauty and elegance in the home a unique and personal place. At Calligaris, we believe that furniture should be as functional as it is elegant. When it comes to contemporary design for real life, Calligaris is where you’ll always feel at home.

Calligaris

What are the origins of the brand?

Italian design since 1923, Calligaris was born in Manzano as a small craft workshop founded by Antonio Calligaris for the production of the Marocca chair, which was characterised by a wooden frame and straw seat, a typical artefact of the area. From the 1970s the family businesses developed in a more industrial sense becoming a leader in a geographical area known worldwide as the “chair district”, and began to lay the foundations for the conquest of other markets. The first catalogue appears and the export begins. From this moment Calligaris started distributing its products to the final consumers through local dealers both in the Italian and European territories. In 2008 it opened the first Flagship Store in Milan, which is followed by the ones in Paris and London.

Calligaris
Calligaris

How do your products and services enhance interior design projects?

It creates a sense of home and belonging to the interiors. We know that every space and home-maker’s needs are different, so we offer a wide range of products and made-to-order options to make sure you find what you like. Whether it’s a dining area with an extendable table that is always ready to welcome friends and family, the comforting call of the sofa, the dreamy prospect of your bed at the end of a long day, the home working area where ideas and inspiration can flow freely, when it comes to contemporary design for real life, Calligaris is where you’ll always feel at home.

Calligaris

What value does your specialist sector add to the industry?

At Calligaris, we believe that furniture should be as functional as it is elegant. Innovative design should be engineered to offer real-life solutions and essential comfort. Even after 100 years of experience in the industry, we continue to experiment with materials and finishes. We believe in quality. We choose top-range materials, we research new formulations to offer the finest performances and durability, and we submit our products to rigorous test sequences to obtain the necessary certifications in accordance with the highest standards.

Pioneer of introducing ceramic as a material to the tabletop experience for more than 20 years, our well-known ceramic table tops are the best example of practicality. Calligaris ceramics are obtained by coupling a porcelain stoneware slab with a tempered float glass. The result is a surface with exceptional scratch, shock, stain, thermal and chemical resistance features. It is easy to clean and hygienic, does not absorb liquids and does not release harmful substances. After all, our ability to embrace change is perhaps the most enduring characteristic of the Calligaris brand.

Calligaris

How do you work with interior designers?

The Calligaris Trade Department, based in our London Flagship Store, provides the trade network with the best knowledge and experience of our brand. Designers have the opportunity to open a trade account with us, enjoying exclusive offers and special prices. They have access to an exhaustive list of catalogues, pricelists and digital files to incorporate into their projects. While the interior design client could spend weeks ordering swatches and samples online or in stores, we will easily provide them with fabrics, and leather samples to look through. The greatest ideas are often the result of collaborated work, for this reason, for every project, Calligaris offers its 100 years of experience to support and provide the best furniture advice to the industry. Because ideas are never enough.

Calligaris

What has been your most significant company highlight or success from the past year?

Calligaris turns 100! A hundred-year journey that has turned what was originally a small chair manufacturer into the large international production reality that it is today. From the first seat weaving machine to the production of furniture and furnishings that make every home a warm and welcoming place. Calligaris stands out for its commitment to craftsmanship, adding touches of elegance and sophistication to its homes.

On the occasion of its 100th anniversary, Calligaris returns to impress with a new collection able to combine excellence, functionality and elegance of Made in Italy design. The original collaboration with Pininfarina has been renewed. The new Orbital table pushes even further the passion for innovation, harmony and beauty without losing its winning aesthetic and functional characteristics. The new Orbital is the result of a process of rationalisation of the lines that have made the shapes even lighter and contemporary despite a widening of the surface of the top with the aim of enhancing the uniqueness of the mechanism. Definitively 2023 has been a year of great success for Calligaris.

Calligaris

What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests?

Times are changing, and grey is no longer the darling of the design world. Instead, warmer and bolder colour schemes have taken over. The reason for this shift is simple: people are tired of the lifeless, cold feeling that grey can evoke. They want spaces that feel welcoming and inviting. Warm shades like terracotta, rust, and mustard create a cosy atmosphere, while bold hues like emerald green and deep blue add a touch of drama.

Lighting trends generally imply that the big light era is over, and that wall and floor lamps are the most important now. They create different shadows and corners in the room, offering you different atmospheres to relax, enhancing communication, and relations. Nowadays, it’s all about mixing and matching different styles and colours to create a unique and personalised look for your room. The space that perfectly reflects your style.

Calligaris

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

Interior design has drastically evolved over the past decades. This evolution reflects how homes have changed to accommodate families’ needs and preferences. While many of today’s most popular interior design elements have roots in mid-century style, innovations continue. Sustainability, technology integration, maximising small spaces, and versatility for remote work are currently inspiring trends. Interior design will continue evolving as lifestyles, demographics, and technologies advance. No matter the decade, effective design always stems from understanding human behavior and optimizing homes to support occupants’ lifestyles and well-being.

Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?

As part of the Calligaris family, we are determined to make a difference on the issue of sustainability. The Greenbow – our sustainable agenda program aims to structure and organize corporate activities dedicated to this theme by acting on two fronts: on the Product, creating green furnishings, composed of natural and recycled materials and thinking about circularity, and on the Company system, for a sustainable approach to product development, production and distribution.

With Greenbow, Calligaris Group wants to give substance to sustainability initiatives: “We do not immediately promise you 100% green in everything, but certainly 100% commitment and transparency to make our contribution to a sustainable future”.

What does being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner mean to you?

For us, the SBID Accreditation represents the benchmark for professional standards, knowledge & experience across the industry. As a globally recognised marque of achievement, the SBID accreditation signifies the highest level of professional competence, along with a commitment to upholding industry standards. Being part of the membership network provides us with an extensive community of interior design professionals operating across the commercial and residential sectors, throughout the UK and beyond, enhancing our trade network and gaining access to exclusive opportunities.

Damien Breitner, Flagship Store Manager at Calligaris

About Calligaris

Calligaris collections combine the excellence, functionality and elegance of Made in Italy design. We focus on the importance of living spaces as intimate and personal containers; furnishings that enrich the spaces of everyday life are able to instil harmony, beauty and elegance in the home a unique and personal place. At Calligaris, we believe that furniture should be as functional as it is elegant. When it comes to contemporary design for real life, Calligaris is where you’ll always feel at home.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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

Four distinct product ranges, each with its own design ethos, form the new 300 strong collection launch at Arteriors. Spanning across furniture, lighting, accessory and wall décor designs which seamlessly merge the boundaries of art and interiors. Combining inspiration sourced as much from the natural world as from the history of art and architecture, items are designed to reinterpret classic forms for a modern, luxury clientele.

Arteriors, Trudell chair in Ink £4,040 and Wilder Mirror £3,108
Arteriors, Lovell Chair in Oyster Linen, £5,749

Refined Geometry: A selection of products which borrow inspiration in shape from Classical architecture, with sweeping curves and arches, and triangular detailing reminiscent of temple tympanums. Use of materials including sumptuously-smooth leather and elaborately detailed wood veneers fashions a mid-century look which is proving timeless.

Arteriors, Twyla Ottoman, from £1,709
Arteriors, Vancouver Cocktail table £4,040 and Avalon Ottoman in Swiss Coffee £2,378

Deep Luxe: Luxury in its truest form is presented through plush materials and extravagant, yet understated details which take inspiration from sophisticated European interiors. Rich velvet textures, subtle golden detailing on furniture and accessories, and magnificent statement lighting all bestow elegance.

Arteriors, Tristan Dining table £7,769 and Topanga Dining chair £2,175
Arteriors, Trescott Cabinet, £12,119

Material Contrasts: Designs selected to sit beautifully as pieces of art in their own right create spectacular contradictions when placed together. Mixed materials form a juxtaposition of the man-made and natural, with finely machined metals, imperfect natural woods, high-sheen resins and organic ceramics.

Arterios, Tricia Chandelier, £3,729
Arteriors Valeswood Settee in Platinum £5,283 and Tulum Pendant £5,904

Artisanal Modern: Timeless design with a polished twist is central to this collection. Expressive detailing and thoughtful shapes bring a fresh perspective to designs inspired by the early 20th century – traditional winged-back armchairs, art-deco inspired desks, and opulent chandeliers recall a familiar yet innovative aesthetic, each design combining artisanal and traditional techniques.

Arteriros, Winnie lounge chair £4,040 and Trai pendant £3,418
Arteriors, Tallulah Tray £765 and Towne Chandelier £5,283

Highlights from the collection presented within Arteriors’ new showroom at Chelsea Harbour’s Design Centre.

About Arteriors

Arteriors began 35 years ago as a boutique accessories company and has evolved into a global force in the design industry. With premier lighting, furniture and accessories, Arteriors redefines interior spaces through unexpected creativity and meticulous craftsmanship.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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

Liang & Eimil, a name synonymous with sophistication and innovation in the world of interior furnishings, proudly introduces its latest triumph—the all-new Chair and Table Collection. With a decade of unrivaled expertise in crafting exquisite furniture, Liang & Eimil once again elevates interior design to new heights with this stunning addition to their repertoire.

Crafted to perfection, the Chair and Table Collection is a testament to Liang & Eimil’s unwavering commitment to blending style, comfort, and functionality. This collection features an array of modern yet timeless pieces, each designed to seamlessly integrate into a variety of interior aesthetics.

Key Highlights of the Collection:

Armchairs in Neutral Shades with Solid Wooden Legs:
Embrace understated elegance with our armchairs, available in a palette of neutral shades. The addition of solid wooden legs infuses warmth and sophistication into any space.

Elis Occasional Chair - Bilma Sand
Elis Occasional Chair - Beverly Boucle Espresso Grey

Dining Chairs with Versatile Leg Options:
Choose from dining chairs with solid wooden legs for a classic touch or steel legs for a modern twist. This versatility allows you to create a dining area that perfectly suits your style.

Lucca Dining Chair - Bilma Sand & Dry Honey Oak
Katania Dining Chair - Lander Rust

Bar Stools with Backrest:
Our bar stools provide not only comfort but also support with their backrest design. Elevate your kitchen or bar area with these stylish and functional seating solutions.

Dukes Bar Stool - Sysley Chalk ll
Dukes Bar Stool - Sysley Rust ll

Faux Marble Side Tables and Coffee Tables:
The collection introduces a range of faux marble side tables and coffee tables with glass tops. These eye-catching pieces effortlessly combine luxury and practicality.

Argos Side Table - Black Marquina Faux Marble
Rock Side Table - Grey Faux Marble

Upholstery in Neutral Shades and Autumnal Colors:
The chair upholstery is available in a selection of neutral shades for a timeless look. For those seeking a touch of autumnal warmth, explore hues of rust orange and ochre that evoke the spirit of the season.

Amber Dining Chair - Lander Ochre
Albi Dining Chair - Morgan Sienna

Exciting News from Liang & Eimil:

In addition to the Chair and Table Collection launch, Liang & Eimil is thrilled to announce two exciting developments:

Decorex Exhibition:
Some of the exquisite pieces from our new collection will be proudly exhibited at Decorex in London Olympia this October on stand C33. This prestigious event is a must-visit for design enthusiasts and industry professionals. Explore our latest offerings in person and be captivated by the beauty of Liang & Eimil’s craftsmanship.

Rock Side Table & Rock Coffee Table - Grey Faux Marble

New Showroom in Shoreditch:
We are delighted to unveil our new showroom in the heart of the vibrant design district in Shoreditch. Nestled just a stone’s throw away from Liverpool Street station, this showroom promises to be a convenient and accessible hub for all your interior design needs. Join us as we celebrate the opening in October, and immerse yourself in the world of style and sophistication. The showroom will be located at 4 Ravey Street, London, EC2A 4QP. Opening times are Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.

Rock Side Table & Rock Coffee Table - Beige Faux Marble

The Chair and Table Collection from Liang & Eimil is more than just furniture; it is a testament to the brand’s commitment to impeccable craftsmanship and design excellence. Each piece is crafted with precision and attention to detail, ensuring that it not only enhances your living space but also stands the test of time.

Whether you are an interior design professional seeking to impress your clients or a homeowner looking to elevate your living space, Liang & Eimil’s Chair and Table Collection offers the perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality.

About Liang & Eimil

Liang & Eimil, a British brand that specialises in furnishing design for the residential and hospitality sectors, believes in making ordinary moments remarkable. Renowned for producing expertly crafted furniture, lighting and accessories, they take pride in offering innovative solutions that can be tailored to any interior design aesthetic.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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

Following insight shared by Arteriors’ London showroom team, who have spoken with their luxury designer clientele and delved into sales data from our Spring Summer season so far, material of choice for high-end interiors falls into four distinct categories. Across all product types, from furniture and lighting to wall décor and accessories, designers are choosing either textural ceramics, high-gloss lacquer finishes, woven naturals, or classic antique brass. The collection of best-selling designs showcases the favourite materials being used to add a sense of luxury to residential and commercial specifications around the globe.

Arteriors - Douglas Sconce £532
Arteriors - Clyde Centerpiece £315

To introduce colour into projects, sleek lacquer is a brilliantly bold option that creates drama and fun within a space. Particularly striking on larger items such as accent tables, the high-shine finish catches the light beautifully, showcasing the depth and richness of each tone. We’re seeing predominantly bright primary colours selected as designers and their clients experiment more with different tones, using furniture as a vehicle to usher in a palette of joyous colour.

Arteriors - Uma Side Table £962
Arteriors - Turnley Cocktail Table £3,304

With designers increasingly striving to form connections to nature within their projects, a host of neutral ceramic accessories and products which incorporate natural materials remain high-performers. A palette of beige and earth tones, pared with the soothing organic shape of ceramic lamp bases and beautiful vases, and mixed woven naturals used on seating and table designs, helps to imbue a sense of the harmony and serenity of the outside world.

Arteriors - Blume Vases Set of 3 £490
Arteriors - Horatio Chair £3,304

Brass is the material which most epitomises versatility and sits within modern schemes as successfully as in more traditional spaces. Favoured as the perfect material for lighting designs, we’ve worked with our design team and used brass across all ranges, hero-ing the material on larger furniture as well as on those smaller decorative pieces. This season sees a distinct mottled finish to provide visual texture and an antiqued look favoured to bring warmth into décor.

Arteriors - Sonia Vases Set of 2 £319
Arteriors - Rochester Side Table £1,338

Products from the SS23 collection available to view within Arteriors’ Chelsea Harbour showroom, and a showroom team on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Arteriors Honey Lamp £902
Arteriors - Turin Side Table £1,732

About Arteriors

Arteriors began 35 years ago as a boutique accessories company and has evolved into a global force in the design industry. With premier lighting, furniture and accessories, Arteriors redefines interior spaces through unexpected creativity and meticulous craftsmanship.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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

There is no substitute for the beauty of bespoke. In fact, bespoke home design allows you to get exactly what you want, without compromise. Size, style, shape and colour can all be customised to create individual pieces that fit perfectly within your home, enhance your lifestyle and complement your personality. That’s because truly bespoke design embraces every fine detail. Therefore, no element is too big, small, or unimportant to make a difference. In visual terms, a unique bespoke space can be made to feel just how you want it to, using cabinetry, colour, lighting, wall coverings and window dressings.

Attention to detail
“Attention to detail always matters, and especially in bespoke home design,” confirms our director Mark Taylor. “With bespoke home design you can achieve an exact fit to the concept or ideas put forward. A bespoke interior stands out because it is unique, and can be very personal in a visual or practical way. For example, a study, kitchen, or utility room designed around your specific needs can make life so much easier.”

Home design elements to consider
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the different elements of any bespoke home design. “How bespoke you can go is usually led by budget,” notes Mark. “But if you have any areas earmarked for built-in furniture, it is much easier to [do justice] to this sort of space with a bespoke furniture fitting.”. He emphasises: “Dictating exactly what the required piece should look like – and what goes into it – means you can have exactly what you want.”

In this study we designed the units to hold pull-out files and lever-arch files. The doors, which feature wall lights, neatly hide a printer and electrical equipment

Full-room renovations
Bespoke home design can be harnessed to transform entire rooms, or smaller, specific areas within a certain space. “With bespoke kitchens, for example, there are no limits in terms of what you can achieve. This is apart from the limitations of the space you are working within, and the budget you are working to,” Mark observes. Everything else is up for negotiation. “Available options include changing the door style and shape, work surface detail, height, and most importantly fitting everything into the space you have.”

Bespoke joinery allowed us to accommodate awkward shapes and slanting ceilings in this Grade II listed mill house renovation, project collaboration with HollandGreen Architecture & Interior Design

Personalising smaller spaces
In fact, bespoke home design helps to bring your vision to life. If you can imagine it, we can create it, and that applies just as much to furniture as it does to cabinetry and joinery. “With upholstered seating, for example, you may want something that fits exactly within a space,” notes Mark. “Or you may require a certain shape or size to create a specific look. So, bespoke home design can provide a great sense of personal creation and uniqueness, which all help to make a truly personalised space.”

This bespoke seating has been crafted to fit neatly within this space, using our design specifications. We handpicked the fabric, which features a striking contemporary pattern and distinctive colourway

Introducing technology to your home design
Smart homes with connected devices can provide additional comfort and luxury in a bespoke setting. In fact, integrating technology into the home has become a key concern for bespoke interior design. So, we keep up-to-date with the latest design software and look at ways in which this can be advantageous to you and your home. At Mark Taylor Design, we can design intelligent homes, which will integrate innovative tech, to create an entertainment hub as the home is no longer just a living space.

Putting systems in place
We tend to work with clients who don’t want unsightly hi-tech equipment to be the main feature throughout their home. Mark explains: “Our secret is to keep your environment soft and welcoming by hiding some technology from view where possible. However, beautiful tech, such as B&O speakers, which resemble works of art, can also become an integral part of the room’s design, which will enhance its overall vibe.”

Technology continues to advance at great pace where speakers can be plastered within your walls so they are hidden from view. Voice recognition apps allow you to operate your heating and lighting and you can set your dishwasher to switch on in advance via a Smartphone from a remote location. You can pre-programme autonomous vacuum cleaners and mowers, making housework and gardening less stressful and time-consuming.

We designed pull-out filing drawers, and a tray for a printer, behind these cupboard doors to hide everything from view when not in use

Hi-tech lighting control
Lighting is one of the most crucial elements, which will add atmosphere to a room and Mark explains: “Lighting control can alter the mood of a room with a verbal instruction or via a Smartphone. You can create party vibes or add interest to a child’s bedroom with colour-changing lights. You can also change the warmth of your light without the need to change any bulbs.”

A phone charging point has been built within this work surface, which blends old materials with new technology. The worktop has been crafted from a waney-edged piece of oak complete with bark. Place the phone on the oak top and, when you hear a 'ping', your phone starts charging.
This room incorporates a great variety of lighting, including alcove lights, wall lights, and a circular light that glows down on the side table

The importance of lighting design
As mentioned, the role of lighting within bespoke home design cannot be overstated. “We have learned a lot about lighting over the past few years, by attending lectures with specialist lighting companies, and working with lighting experts,” Mark reveals. “Lighting is recognised more, and we know that it changes our moods, and can be used really effectively to enhance the spaces we live in.”. “Principally we look at light temperature, using mainly warm lighting in people’s homes. We also consider the direction of lighting, and the intensity, which can be controlled by dimmer switches.”

Practical home design elements and aesthetic finishes
We believe the best bespoke home design combines practical benefits with appealing aesthetics. In other words, think about what you need, what you’d like, and how everything should look. After all, different lifestyles require different priorities. For example, at Mark Taylor Design, we can customise home office furniture to hold everything from lever-arch files to printers. We can also design hall units to accommodate coats, school bags and hockey sticks. Kitchen cupboards can incorporate concealed storage space to maintain a clean, clutter-free look. In fact, bespoke design is all about making life easier – and easier means different things to different clients.

This luxury blue bar area is completely bespoke, from the stylish bar top and the curved leather-clad panels to the brass inlay detail on the walls
Here the Quooker tap, soap dispensers and waste disposal buttons are all colour-matched in an antique brass finish, which ties in with the kitchen’s light fittings, door handles and faceplates

Making less to mean more
Bespoke home design tends not to shout. Often its objective is to help elements blend in, not stand out. What you don’t notice can be just as important – and finer details play a key role. In size terms, it’s a small element, but the right brassware, for example, can make a big difference when coordinating metallics in the kitchen. “Keeping handles small and discreet will ensure they won’t detract from and overpower furniture doors,” notes Mark.

Being creative with colour
Colour impacts, influences and enhances bespoke home design. “In all our projects, we allocate time to achieve the right colour combinations,” Mark confirms. “This involves mood boards, and usually site visits to check that the colours, fabrics and textures we have chosen work in natural light”. Bright or contrasting colours can really make a space pop, as can combining different colours and textures. However, colour minimalism can also make a serious style statement. “Using one colour on the skirting, walls and furniture within a space really makes any detail stand out,” Mark explains.

In this bespoke bar area, the deep gold colourway in the alcoves and mini spotlights instantly help to enhance the display statues. These niches create contrast against the blue wall, yet tie in beautifully with the solid brass inlay detail
This bespoke interior features one colour on the skirting, walls and furniture. We added oversized mouldings to the latter, and tongue and groove panelling on the walls. These elements help to create more texture and depth and we have carefully created shadows through our lighting design

Adding texture
Texture is key in interior design in terms of adding dimension and comfort to a room. After all, the way in which a surface or material looks or feels and layering the look can help to add depth to a space. Mark notes: “Texture adds another dimension, beyond colour and space. It provides a way to cast positive shadows to accentuate corners or to reflect light in a different way. Texture will add visual interest and will drive the eye to various parts of the wall or surface. Finally, in larger space it does more and works harder than flat colour.”

The brick slips on this kitchen wall add texture, which helps to create more depth in this room design. These also provide contrast against the bespoke mid-blue cabinetry

Versatile functionality in home design
Both ambient, accent and task lighting have a key role to play. “For ambient lighting, we might create a background light from ceilings or LED strips running around a room,” Mark explains. “Accent lighting aims to highlight areas or items such as paintings, bookcases, pieces of sculpture or joinery”. “As its name suggests, task lighting helps to highlight an area where you carry out specific tasks, such as a kitchen work surface.” Mark concludes: “When you turn off task lighting, ambient lighting can take over, which will help to make the area feel softer. This is especially relevant when you use a space for different activities, or at various times of the day and night.”

This bespoke bookcase features a wallpapered back panel. The tone is darker than the room's wallpaper to add a pop to this piece of furniture. We added discreet lighting, too, which helps to highlight prized possessions on the shelves
Backlit shelves in this home office instantly add warmth and these help to create a distinctive display

About Mark Taylor Design

Mark Taylor Design is a British manufacturer of superlative bespoke furniture, cabinetry and specialist joinery, working in Central London and the Home Counties.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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

As a team, sofa.com always find it interesting to look back at the successes of the year so far, delving into the data to look at what clients are seeking when it comes to luxury design.

Material of choice:

The past few years had seen an increase in sales of upholstered seating and bedroom furniture in colourful fabrics. However, 2023 so far sees a shift, as neutral tones overtake to reign supreme once again. Comprising the largest percentage of sales, two beautifully cool-toned beiges share the top spot – Pumice house basket weave, and Cashew viscose linen.

Sofa.com Piper Dining Chair in Pumice House Basket Weave, £300
Sofa.com Audrey double bed in Olive Cotton Matt Velvet, £1,600

A palette which has always been well-suited to high-end hotel and residential design, this move to a more muted, modest scheme sits in line with a wider consumer trend seen this year – minimaluxe, or quiet minimalism. A focus on a few pared-back hues used together to create a streamlined aesthetic. Often you’ll notice that it is no longer colour that is used to showcase personality – the detail is all in the unique shapely elements of furniture, or the texture of the fabric selected.

Sofa.com Cohen modular sofa in Royal Fern brushed linen cotton, £2,340

Furniture Shape and design:

Sales of furniture with multifunctional features have increased year on year. The flexibility of modular furniture allows us to rearrange and reshuffle to accommodate extra guests, to adapt for entertaining purposes, or to allow increased space for stretching out and relaxing.

The top preforming sofa first debuted in 2009 and has continued to hold the top spot – and for good reason. The timeless shape, and ever-expanding offering of configurations allows Bluebell to sit equally as perfectly within contemporary specifications as traditional schemes. Another classic which has hurdled a few other contenders and is now situated at second place, is our Otto. Sleek lines, yet unbelievable comfort make this the ideal option for all settings.

Sofa.com Bluebell 2.5 Seat Sofa in Taupe Brushed Linen Cotton, £1,980
Sofa.com Otto 3 seat sofa bed in Shell heathland weave, £3,630

Sofa.com have been lucky enough this summer to work on a number of hotel redesigns, and are pleased that the focus on creating bedroom furniture that is both designed to last yet has elements of key trends is popular within the hospitality sector as much as with residential shoppers. Sales of beds and mattresses in particular sit at 50% up on last year’s figures.

The sofa.com design and trade teams continue to work together ceaselessly to ensure new products are created in response to the needs of our customers, building on successes, adapting to meet any challenges and always bespoke.

About sofa.com

Passionate about outstanding interiors, sofa.com offers a diverse and design led collection of made-to-order sofas, armchairs, beds, footstools and home accessories. With an extensive range of styles and over 100 fabrics to choose from, as well as the option to upholster in your own fabric, the customisable nature of sofa.com’s products make each piece easily adaptable to any interior style – perfect for interior designers and specifiers looking for stand-out pieces for upcoming projects.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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

Oxley’s furniture have been displaying their outdoor furniture at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for 30 years, demonstrating the company moto of sustainable luxury. Each piece of furniture they have ever made in all those years has been made from 100% recycled aluminium and the company is currently re-recycling furniture that it sold at its first appearance at the show back in 1993.

For this year’s stand Oxley’s have teamed up with JAB International® to promote their wonderful outdoor fabrics complimenting their luxury furniture. Over the summer months Oxley’s Furniture will be displayed at JAB’s London showroom in the Chelsea Harbour, beautifully paired with JAB outdoor fabrics for the cushions.

Barrington1300 Table with Dining Chairs

To further this collaboration between the two companies, Oxley’s will also be promoting JAB carpets. The purely elegant carpets generate fluent transitions between indoors and outdoors, creating a homely atmosphere on terraces, gardens and pool areas.

Simon Hudson, Managing Director of Oxley’s Furniture said: “This is the first time we have worked so closely with one of the world’s eminent outdoor fabric houses. We have put together a display that demonstrates what can be achieved when outdoor luxury fabrics and outdoor luxury furniture work in harmony”.

Artemis 2300 Table with Armchairs

The RHS are committed to improving their sustainability practice, something that Oxley’s strongly backs. Sustainability is at the core of Oxley’s as a business. By using recycled aluminium, Oxley’s saves 95% of the energy needed to create new aluminium, and due to it being infinitely recyclable it can be used over and over again and won’t lose its quality.

Barrington table 1000 set BAT1000

To further their sustainable efforts, Oxley’s offers a unique buy back guarantee that allows customers to buy the furniture they want completely risk free. Once Oxley’s customers have owned their furniture for 12 months, Oxley’s will buy it back for half the original purchase price for the next 10 years. This is a wonderful example of a company working in a truly circular way and taking responsibility for the whole lifecycle of their products.

Oxley's Luxor 3060 with Armchiars in Titanium

Oxley’s are delighted to be exhibiting at The RHS Chelsea Flower Show for another year. Please go and find them on stand SR132 and try out their luxuriously sustainable outdoor furniture.

For more information about Oxley’s please visit www.oxleys.com or contact them via [email protected] or 01386 701 894.

Oxley's Furniture Luxor Lounger 2021

Cover image: Scroll sofa double set

About Oxley’s Furniture

Oxley’s Furniture is an English manufacturing company, based in the Cotswolds, that has been producing bespoke, luxury aluminium outdoor furniture for 30 years. All Oxley’s furniture is made to order from recycled aluminium, we manufacture outdoor furniture in the most sustainable way possible. Our aim has always been to produce timelessly elegant, luxury outdoor furniture that will last for generations.

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For 35 years, Arteriors have been proud to work with artisan craftsmen from across the globe to create the highest quality furniture, lighting, wall décor and accessories.

To cater for our extensive and always growing network of interior design clientele, each season we cherry pick pieces of inspiration from around the world, curating product collections tailored to a wide range of design led interiors.

For the past few seasons, we’ve taken direct inspiration from a range of global destinations to produce statement pieces that combine unique location-specific elements with our signature aesthetic.

Berlin Bauhaus

An architectural movement that proceeded to inspire art and interior design for generations, Bauhaus combines contemporary geometric shaping with unique materials. Material of choice for this collection is luxurious leather. This is seen across an assortment of upholstered furniture, as accent detailing on accessories, and as part of lighting designs. A variety of finishes and forms creates distinctive, design-led products that showcase the juxtaposition of using a material ordinarily associated with a more traditional aesthetic within sculpted and soft designs.

Meyer Desk, £5,403; Hoover Chair, £2,840
Sebastian Sofa Indigo Velvet £7,769' Santorini Chandelier £4,195

Bel Air Luxe, & Monaco Glamour

Collections that imbue luxury in the traditional sense of the word are inspired by Monaco and Bel Air. Both exude opulence and grandeur with highlight features such as sumptuous velvet seating and rich mahogany furniture with extravagant chandeliers to bring to life this vision of luxury.

Napili Naturals

Inspired by a true tropical paradise and timed to launch with the approach of the summer season, this collection sings with the use of natural rattan and raffia, and elegant use of lighter hues are reminiscent of such coastal destinations. We’ve strived to be innovative with material choices, incorporating open linen weaves, coconut shells and wooden beading within our decorative accessories.

Eleanor Lounge Chair, £2,824; Omega Cocktail Table, £1801
Misha Accent Chair, £2909; Newark Floor Lamp, £2,632

Shibuya Modern

The beauty of minimalism is redefined in a collection influenced by Shibuya. Striking, modern shapes and a muted tonal colour scheme are juxtaposed by a selection of woods and ceramics that break up an otherwise monochrome palette. The highlight product from this range that most imbues a sense of Tokyo’s architecture and cultural influences is the Stella cocktail cabinet. With a silhouette reminiscent of a Japanese kimono, fashioned from panels of oyster oak, epitomising the aesthetic of this distinctive collection.

Montreal Fusion

A combination of traditional European influences appear to jostle with a contemporary aesthetic in our product range inspired by Montreal. The charm of this city is this combination of centuries-old architecture with elements of contemporary flair, recreated in product design through a mix of finishes including wood, blackened iron, and pale ivory.

Reid Dining Table £5,283; Ruskin Chandelier £2,175

Through decades of meticulous research, and by working alongside skilled craftsmen from around the globe, we’re continuously inspired to experiment with aesthetics, materials and techniques. A selection of location-inspired pieces are available in our Chelsea showroom, and form part of our Spring collection.

Cover image: Pierson Wall Plaques £855; Perez Coffee Table £2,331

About Arteriors

For over 30 years, Arteriors delivers impeccable style and artisanal quality craftsmanship within the lighting, furniture, wall décor and home accessory categories to discerning customers worldwide. This three-decade journey in pursuit of extraordinary product – from the understated to the unexpected – had been and remain at the core of what Arteriors do each day. Arteriors’ business has matured and expanded into a timeless lifestyle brand that has become premier resource for interior designers and retailers worldwide.

Today, Arteriors continues to reinterpret materials, forming objects of perfect proportions and scale, resulting in bold interiors that bring ease to everyday luxury.

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Gallery Collectional is a high-end design gallery located in Dubai’s Eden House. Opened in 2022, it is Dubai and the region’s first-ever permanent gallery showcasing collectible design, and it has since taken the lead as a regional authority. With a concentration on commissioned and limited-edition pieces, the gallery fuses a traditional gallery with a high-end design concept. Gallery Collectional offers more than just furniture, presenting unique pieces many consider works of art.

The gallery ethos is to provide a handpicked range of items only produced in small quantities by forming connections with well-known designers from around the region and the world to create rarer treasures and one-of-a-kind pieces that match the vision of a discerning clientele. This is achieved through the gallery’s extensive network of designers and brands.

High-end furniture, lighting, and various works of art are among the exclusively commissioned pieces vetted by a team of experts at Collectional, ensuring they meet the highest standards. Collections at the gallery are constantly changing with every season, and adding new pieces to the gallery is an ongoing story that evolves with every collaboration or artistic vision.

The gallery has also hosted various artists from around the region and the world, showcasing their work, artistry, and the inspiration behind their ideas. These events have been instrumental in bringing together clients and artists to interact in understanding the creative process and vision behind many pieces.

Unlike anything in the region, Gallery Collectional has become the standard for collectible design and a reference point among regional and international buyers—a destination for people who value one-of-a-kind collectible pieces.

Picture Credit: COLLECTIONAL

Location: Eden House

About COLLECTIONAL

Gallery COLLECTIONAL presents exclusive commissioned design pieces and a curated selection of our favorite art and design from around the globe. Along with its Design Platform offers a comprehensive turnkey solution for projects, including services to support interior design and procurement for furniture, lighting, surfaces and décor that vary in size and spans across the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) and beyond.

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Welltek is thrilled to announce their participation in Clerkenwell Design Week, happening from May 23rd to 25th. Each morning in our Clerkenwell showroom, we will be starting the day with a Nordic breakfast hosted by our partner, Martela. You will have the opportunity to meet our team, the designers and discover what we have in store for the event.

The Storytelling of Design

On Wednesday 24th, from 4pm onwards we’ll be opening up the showroom for drinks and discussions with another of our partners, Loook who will be sharing their unique perspective on the storytelling of design. Discover how Loook continues to push the boundaries of innovation with their latest developments. Come for a spin in the Vroom lounge chair, and check out the versatile Nugget chair, and the elegantly understated A Normal Sofa. Kevin and Ivar, the Loook designers are always willing to listen to their customers’ feedback on their products. One example of this is the latest adaptation to the Neuron Activation Pod (N.A.P) which will be

shown for the first time in the UK during CDW. N.A.P 3.0 can now be easily delivered to locations where access is tricky thanks to its modular design.

A study in Circular Design and Sustainability

Thursday will also feature Martela, who will be sharing how they have aligned their company strategy with a strong focus on sustainability. Last year, EcoVadis awarded Martela a Gold rating in sustainability for the second time. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from industry leaders on how to advance your business while promoting sustainability and social responsibility. We will be launching Martela’s Ella

chair to a UK audience during Clerkenwell Design week. Designed with a focus on circular design and sustainability, and to minimise its environmental impact, Ella features 100% recycled raw material for the seat and backrest to. We are delighted that Ella has been chosen to be part of the Sustainability Trail in partnership with OnOffice Magazine at Clerkenwell Design Week this year.

How will AI affect the Design Industry?

To celebrate the end of a week filled with creativity, we would like to bring together architects, interior designers, and industry specialists for an exclusive talk by a leading expert in the field of AI research and consultation. We believe that AI has the potential to revolutionise the design industry. We will cover a variety of ways in which you can harness the power of AI to unlock new opportunities and drive growth; enhancing human creativity, rather than replacing it.

Meet the Designer of Taiga Concept

Taiga has taken the UK design world by storm since we launched them at the Workspace Design Show earlier this year. With their unique soundproof pod designs that evoke a strong connection to nature, Taiga has pushed boundaries and captured the attention of design enthusiasts across the country. Immerse yourself in true Nordic calm inside a Taiga and meet the designer, Pekka Eskelinen to find out what makes Taiga Concept’s philosophy so unique.

New collaborations

Finally, we are delighted to announce our exciting new partnerships with Bulo and Inno. Bulo, a renowned Belgian brand, is committed to producing premium office furniture solutions with a focus on sustainability and a circular economy. Meanwhile, Inno is a leading Finnish furniture company that specialises in innovative designs for public spaces, hotels, and offices, using eco-friendly materials and minimising environmental impact.

For more information on Welltek’s participate in Clerkenwell Design Week click here and register.

About Welltek Ltd

The Founders of Welltek feel strongly based on their own experiences that it’s not enough to design interiors that look amazing. Obviously, everyone wants to live and work in an environment that looks great but whether a space is healthy is often overlooked. Welltek believes that the built environment should do us good, not harm. So we provide solutions that enhance air quality and natural light, as well as award winning, *multi-functional* furniture designed to reduce noise pollution and everyday stress – the elements which we believe most affect human health from the moment you step into the building.

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