Make a Striking Interior Transformation With Metamorfosi

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

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

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

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

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

Cover image: Rak Oltremateria Bagno

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern and minimalistic family house design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, ND Studios.

Natascha Dartnall, Founder & Director of ND Studios: We completely reconfigured an existing property, retaining only the listed front façade while building a modern house behind. It was important that we had lots of options when it came to marbles, stones and woods. For our client, the materials were just as important as the furniture, fixtures and fittings themselves.

Our clients shared our own commitment to sustainability and wanted to, where possible, make environmentally conscious decisions during the design, build and install. ND Studios will always seek to employ sustainable practises where possible. One of the main ways we achieved this on this project was to install a ground-source heat pump which is more environmentally friendly than alternative options because it recycles heat between seasons and it releases fewer carbon emissions.

What was the client's brief? 

Our client wanted their new house to be a family home suitable for both relaxation and entertaining – with a spa, cinema room and home café all on the client’s shopping list. We were asked to create fresh and contemporary interiors with a nod to minimalism. Our clients were keen that we embraced an aesthetic that had longevity and that would age well while also ensuring that it was as sustainable as possible.

What inspired the design of the project?

Given that this was to be family home but with a modern, minimalist aesthetic a main priority was to ensure the house would work, practically speaking. How could we ensure there was a sense of home while staying true to the very pared back concept?

The bedrooms are an ode to modern comfort: clean lines, muted shades and plenty of light thanks to floor to ceiling windows. The guest bedroom includes a plump, fabric headboard which extends all the way across one of the walls, serving as a backdrop to the nightstands as well as the bed itself. This adds some softness to the room. The abstract paintings above the bed with vivid cerulean blue and scarlet red markings also adds vibrancy – just another example of how we made this modern house a family home.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The first hurdle for us was ensuring we had planning in place to knock down much of the existing property and build its modern replacement. The façade of the original property was listed and as a result it had to remain intact. This didn’t jeopardise our client’s vision or our execution of the project: we all felt it added character and a sense of history to the new home. While this held us back, it was only a matter of time before we got the go-ahead. It was a chasing and waiting game.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

One of the most exciting spaces to work on was the home café which has an industrial vibe with a sculpted slab of White Fantasy marble serving as the bar area. We kept it neutral but monochrome with lots of angles and lines which made for a contemporary socialising space you’d expect to see in a busy metropolis but is a brilliant surprise to find within a leafy suburban home.

The cinema room was another exercise in making a space both relaxing, physically comfortable but also chic. There is plenty of softness thanks to the silk carpet by Loomah and the abundance of cushions, but we ensured the space has plenty of hard lines and angles too, so that the room has a sense of structure.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

To have recognition for our work from an established industry body is an honour, and one which we hold in high regard.

Questions answered by Natascha Dartnall, Founder & Director, ND Studios.

Introducing the latest flooring collection from sustainable Swedish design company, Bolon - Truly rugs.

Designed to make a statement, the Truly rug collection features enlarged patterns, colour effects and hyper texture. Truly is a bold collection, created in-house, and shaped around the creative vision of the five women who make up the design team, including Annica and Marie. The range consists of five made-to-measure rug designs, each with its own expression and identity, representing the passions and expertise of the Bolon team.

The bold designs consist of ANYTHING EVERYTHING, which features a graphic pattern building rooms within a room, DISRUPT AND DISCOVER, an elegant multicoloured check, 100%, a sparkling out of focus zig-zag pattern, PRECIS, a flowing pattern in magnified formations and I SEE YOU, a collage-like pattern with layers of subtle surfaces.

The creation of the Truly rug collection follows on from both the introduction of made-to-measure rugs to Bolon’s product portfolio last year, and the launch of the Truly flooring collection, earlier this year.

Headquartered in Sweden but globally renowned, Bolon is passionate about sustainability which is woven into the brand’s DNA. Truly is made in Sweden, only with renewable energy and using a mixture of recycled and new material.

Bolon’s made-to-measure rugs offer customers endless options to select the right design, trimming and size for their specific project. There are eight available trimming options and Bolon produces rugs between 2 x 2 metres and 4 x 8 metres. Bespoke rug sizes are available upon request.

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A new resource book celebrating design and best practice has been published by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) for anyone involved in specifying or designing with architectural ironmongery and hardware.

The book, available as a free download at www.gai.org.uk/specifier, showcases award-winning architectural ironmongery projects and products from this year’s GAI/RIBA AI Specification Awards. As an SBID Accredited CPD learning opportunity, it also provides a source of information and reference for specifiers and designers, with articles, best practice advice, and latest updates on competence, standards, and legislation.

Among the feature articles, RIBA past President Alan Jones discusses meeting the challenges of fire performance, life safety, acoustic separation, security and user requirements in today’s ‘more for less’ construction culture.

The guide discusses the value of working with a Registered Architectural Ironmonger (RegAI) to achieve world-class project delivery, compliance, and outcomes. And there is information to help specifiers find fully qualified architectural ironmongery professionals, including a full RegAI and GAI member directory.

GAI Technical Manager Douglas Masterson said: “The GAI Specifier’s Resource Book is not just a celebration of design excellence and best practice, but a guide to some of the key issues impacting on today’s AI and wider construction sectors.

“The aim has been to produce and distribute a resource which helps architects, architectural technicians and technologists, interior designers, M&E consultants and others involved in the design and specification processes to better understand some of these issues, and underlines the importance and value of engaging with high-quality AI professionals and companies from the very earliest stages of their projects.”

The new GAI Specifier’s Resource Book 2022 is available as a free download at the link below, and also available is a series of free GAI technical specifier guides focusing on the legislation, standards and best practice involved in key areas of AI specification, from fire safety, fire and escape doors to accessibility, security and access control.

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What are the origins of your brand?

AkzoNobel is one of the biggest Decorative Coating companies in the world, with a rich history. Our brand, Dulux, began its origins way back in 1919. At the end of the First World War a long-established firm of varnish makers called Naylor Brothers extended its activities into paint production and moved out of central London to set up a factory in Slough on a 30 acre site.

Jumping forward to 1931 the first ‘Dulux’ alkyd-based synthetic finish was produced, based on a new formulation and the brand name ‘Dulux’ was established (a combination of ‘Durable’ and ‘Luxury’).

In 2021, we proudly celebrated our 90^th birthday!

How do you work with interior designers?

Drawing on 90yrs of experience, we help provide the tools Interior Designers require to support them in completing their projects. Distilling how colours and other materials work together, we understand that colour, in isolation, is only one part of the story. We work with the Interior Designer to carefully curate a palette of colours which tells a story, creates a desired outcome, and unlocks the potential of their project.

What value does your sector add to the interior design industry?

Our Commercial Colour Consultants are experienced in working with Contractors, Specifiers and end users. Using insights gained from these relationships, and a wealth or colour experience, our Commercial Colour Consultants can support Interior designers with their projects, across a range of sectors and working environments.

Paint has the power to pull the final design together, marrying up all elements of a space or aid as a backdrop for other elements to take centre stage. We can help you to win client confidence and underline your professionalism with brave design transformations and achieve comfortable yet functional spaces that surpass expectations.

How do your services/offering enhance an interior designer’s projects?

Working with our Commercial Colour Services team ensures that your final design serves not only to provide a beautiful place to live or work but can promote better outcomes for the people using the space, as well as helping you to deliver on the organisation’s wellbeing and sustainability goals too.

There is a vast array of building specification requirements to also be aware of and each space presents its own challenges and requirements in terms of design. Our team of expert colour consultants are on hand to support Interior Designers to meet those challenges. We support Interior Designers to deliver colour designs that optimise commercial spaces efficiently and support the occupants’ needs. We guide you through our colours & colour coding system to ensure best choice of paint colour to work with your design.

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

Clients are looking for more and more ways to improve people’s lives. Delivering better living and working outcomes is now an everyday expectation for building owners. The effective use of colour in a building can markedly improve how occupants feel in that building. Whether the goal is to improve wayfinding in hospitals, support the visually impaired in a care home, or create a calming space conductive to learning in schools, great colour schemes can help enhance building design.

Questions answered by Martha Dunican, Commercial Colour Services Operations Manager, Dulux.

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a Rome inspired hotel design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, THDP.

DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti is interiors and decorations and the lushness of an internal lobby garden – where guests can immerse themselves in the light of the eternal city from morning to evening.

The main entrance is located on the main façade of the historic building overlooking Piazza Esquilino, on the corner with Via Urbana. The hotel features a rooftop bar and terrace, bar and café with an entrance on Piazza dell’Esquilino, three meeting rooms, a fitness centre and Mamalia restaurant, serving reinterpreted traditional cuisine.

What was the client's brief? 

To convert the two pre-existing buildings, with the aim of combining the Roman rhythms and lifestyle with the functionality of a hotel and establishing a continuous dialogue with the city.

What inspired the design of the project?

Rione Monti, once popular and dilapidated, today it is a place to discover, a central and young meeting point that live in harmony with the ancient, made of narrow medieval streets and hidden trattorias, alternative shops, and trendy bars. Without a doubt a cosmopolitan area where the atmosphere of an ancient community and the boutiques and clubs not to be missed during your stay.

The Monti district is an authentic area where working-class Rome once stood, where the elderly maintain tradition and where young entrepreneurs open trendy galleries.

This atmosphere with a retro flavor, combined with the climbing on the terracotta facades, the pots of plants left simply along the sidewalk of the streets with the typical Roman San Pietrini, was the greatest inspiration for the interior design concept, created by the THDP studio with Italian roots and designers.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Designing case good furniture by carefully sampling all custom finishes for the project and project managing the execution on site was challenging during 2020 because of the first Covid lockdown.

Another challenge was planning the entrance of the hotel, which follows the Esquilino hill, gently rolling down. The lobby and the bar are at two different levels, which required to insert staircases and a lift.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

This was the first THDP’s project in the Italian Capital. It was also a new way to push the boundaries of the Double Tree brand, by creating a more authentic experience for the guest where there was an accurate research of the neighbourhood areas, thanks for part of the internal local THDP team.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID awards are unmissable, as they select original projects from around the world. It is quite an exciting award as there is a combination of projects and a very glamorous award ceremony in London, where our company is.

Questions answered by Manuela Mannino, Partner and Founder, THDP.

In an increasingly competitive post-COVID, more financially cautious Interior Design market, it is important more than ever to have a USP that sets your business out from the crowd, and creates more opportunities to gain contracts based on something offered that is greater than a simulacrum of the previous project. The increasing reliance on fully bespoke work or ranges designed either for commercial roll-out or for a specific project is becoming well-trodden. Clients are increasingly knowledgeable but also demanding in terms of the quality-to-cost ratio, which as we all know can really start to eat into margins. While manufacturing in the far East or more obscure parts of Europe can certainly help to protect the profits, there is also another way, certainly not as frequently used as it might be.

Eco-friendly, Green, Renewable, Socially conscious – these are all phrases that more and more come into the planning of a build or a fit-out, and the environmentally astute designer will understand that many clients will be now building this into their considerations (though by no means all of them - to whom these concepts would be entirely alien..). One of the easiest and quickest fixes to this is to use antique, classic design, vintage and “retro” furnishings, underlining your green credentials but also opening up a world of other opportunities and ultimately, greater profitability. After all, no new materials are being used or manufactured, and items that already exist are being re-employed, repurposed and in many examples, aesthetically reconsidered and reaccommodated.

While the phraseology and terminology surrounding this concept can often sound trite and a marketing nightmare (“upcycled”, “preloved”, “retrostyle”) it is just the other side of a coin that has on the obverse “fine art”, “design” and “antique”. With over 30 years dealing in both new and old furniture and art, I would postulate that in general the quality of manufacture in particular of older furniture and design objects is considerably higher than that of today. As an additional bonus, many things were made in small or even unique numbers – equivalent to the dream phrase “Limited Edition” that is a gilt-edged chance to increase sales.

The very best classic design and antique pieces carry unique possibilities to the curious and canny Interior Designer – the layer of intangible “softness” that comes from years of patina on wood or glass for example, is almost impossible to reproduce with newer items. Who can resist a pier mirror of old mercury glass compared to a harsh modern example – it’s even more flattering in soft lighting. Finding and placing quirky, unusual or unique items opens up a world of choices, as well as adding a story to each individual item, at the higher end of the market, even remarkable provenance on occasion. These are the kind of objects that invite conversation, not just act as a backdrop or support.

With the rise of identikit interiors with a restricted palette and furniture and accessories that seem to disappear into the background, the bold and individualistic client will revel in this concept of “uniqueness” and this is most certainly a selling point for certain types of customer. The well-curated interior will speak of the owner’s intelligence, taste (if such a thing exists) and idiosyncratic approach. More often than not though, they will need some assistance with this, or certainly a collegiate approach.

Best of all for the canny client though, is the huge investment potential for their interior choices to become a sure-fire investment. The area of Fine Art is well covered and well-evidenced, but increasingly, Design and Decorative Arts are becoming (or already are!) a rich seam of capital gain. A case in point for example is the famous Jean Prouvé Chaise “Tout Bois”- a set of four in 2019 sold at Christie’s for 23,750 Euro, but in 2021 a similar set sold for 50,000 Euro – doubling the value in only two years. The joy of investments like this is that the individual items carry great value but lend themselves collectively to creating stunning and meaningful interiors.

Many Designers are cautious about introducing these elements into their schemes as they often lack the knowledge or confidence to utilise items from eras unfamiliar to them or are unsure of the market. I don’t believe that they are not employed simply because they are inappropriate. The subject is large and potentially complex, and it is absolutely possible to make errors. However, perhaps the biggest problem of all is knowing where to find these items and at the right price for the business and the client.

I would argue that there is actually huge potential to make greater margins or certainly to protect margins, by introducing a higher percentage of such items into a project, whether it is residential or hospitality. The integration of reclaimed or salvaged architectural elements is seen frequently in hospitality, and many of the very best projects in Europe and the USA at the highest level of residential are populated with exceptional examples of classic design – it must be impossible to move in California now without bumping into a Corbusier Chandigargh chair (original of course!!).

It is possible to create large margins with informed and intelligent purchasing, while also offering the client the possibility of a return on investment, something that is impossible with a bespoke site-specific sofa for example. Older pieces can even be bespoked of course, through reupholstery, readjustment and gentle intervention. Clients will be aware of the market prices of brand new standard items but won’t necessarily know the price of classic design, and in certain instances may be pleasantly surprised. There are rich pickings in the market still for undiscovered gems and unappreciated designers to become household names. The value for instance of Eames, Wegner, Juul has all absolutely rocketed as they take their place in the Pantheon (or “Premier League”) of design stars, but there are plenty who are brilliant but considered “1st Division” It's important to find new avenues for increasing profitability and a few well-sourced items will add character and interest to a project as well as increasing value to both the client and the business.

All images courtesy of Modernforms.

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Italian design is matchless, its inventiveness legendary. Signature and Tosca are the latest additions to premium bathroom retailer, C.P. Hart’s portfolio of exclusive furniture.

Sourced from inspirational makers in Tuscany, Italy and renowned for its high-quality and chic designs, Signature and Tosca are created for bathrooms of all sizes.

Signature Bathroom Furniture

Carefully selected by C.P. Hart, Signature is a highly versatile range, making it the perfect storage solution for both large and small bathrooms. The collection of clean-lined and contemporary wall-hung vanity units and wall cabinets come in various shapes, allowing you to configure your bathroom furniture to optimise space.

The Signature range is crafted with exceptional attention to detail. Vanity drawers are internally painted in Anthracite Gray and come equipped with soft-close and push-pull mechanisms, accessible through recessed handles that are subtle yet practical, offering a comfortable and secure grip.

Cabinet tops and finishes are available in natural and timeless shades, including glossy and matt lacquers and wood finishes. A range of stunning marble stoneware tops with integrated basins or countertop ceramic basins are also included in the collection.

The Signature range offers a selection of sleek LED mirrors and towel holders to complement the furniture, all available to purchase from C.P. Hart.

Tosca Bathroom Furniture

The Tosca range, designed by Italian architectural designer Enzo Berti and hand-picked by C.P. Hart, breathes its classical heritage in a thoroughly contemporary way. The collection showcases a statement display of modular wall-hung and floor-standing vanity units, cabinets, and benches, available in various sizes allowing you to configure your optimal bathroom set-up.

The units feature simple, elegant lines enhanced by an Anthracite Grey frame and spacious, soft-close drawers. The front panels and tops can be crafted from wood or stone for a natural textured effect, or they can be lacquered or made of glass for a sophisticated feel. Please speak to a C.P. Hart sales consultant to discover the breadth of finishes available.

The Tosca range comes with washbasin options for maximum customisation, including blown glass countertop designs, integrated basins, undermounted or countertop solutions, and freestanding designs for an eye-catching and highly individual result.

“The use of age-old Tuscan materials, such as traditional terracotta, blown glass, and marble, introduces a timeless appeal to these collections, while the natural colour palette adds softness to minimalist design.”
Yousef Mansuri, C.P. Hart director of design.

Signature and Tosca are currently displayed in C.P. Hart’s flagship Waterloo showroom.

Visit A C.P. Hart Showroom here.

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

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

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

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

Ledbury Studio kitchens start from £50,000.

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In this week's interview with SBID Awards Product Design judge and Founding Partner of Oliver Burns, Sharon Lillywhite shares her approach to creating unique design narratives, enhancing user experience through design, and talks about finding the balance between beauty and functionality.

What impact does the power of good design have on user experiences?

When we are designing a space, I spend time getting to understand what environment and atmosphere the client wants to create. As Coco Channel once said, ‘An interior is the natural projection of the soul’. To achieve this, our design studio always uses a multi-sensory approach to enhance any surroundings. A powerful design tool to achieve this is colour, which plays a central role in influencing our moods and the atmosphere within a space. In one of my projects for ‘Veterans Aid’ I used colour psychology to transform the existing space into a warm and inviting home for 55 former members of the British military who were in crisis. The result was a warm, welcoming space with elements of discreet luxury that inspires confidence in the residents.

When designing for the luxury market, how do you approach the product specification? What are your top considerations?

Our designs are born out of a story that either the property or the client wants to tell, making it a space with a unique narrative. This concept drives the requirement for bespoke pieces with the highest level of craftsmanship and design. Our clientele are seeking exclusivity and exceptional quality, and this is where we enlist the skill of artisans and craftsmen to create something extraordinary. From hand-painted wallpapers to embroidered linens, we feel very proud to work alongside these specialists to deliver something truly outstanding.

Can you describe the concept of Thoughtful Luxury? How can this be achieved through interior design?

At Oliver Burns, our ethos is ‘Thoughtful Luxury’, where design goes much deeper than just the aesthetic to reflect deeper values and meaning. The concept of Thoughtful Luxury underpins everything we do. It is reflected in our designs, from the concepts we develop, and is demonstrated in the unique understanding we have of our discerning clients and translated in our vision of client care. From concept to completion, this approach ensures that all of our projects are thoughtfully designed, thoughtfully built and thoughtfully finished.

As a designer, how do you strike the perfect balance between beauty and function?

A space is to be enjoyed and lived in and I don’t believe that there should be a compromise when it comes to beauty and function. If there is a piece that I know will work well aesthetically but may not be the most functional, then I will always try to work with designers to create something bespoke that I know will deliver on both elements.

Finally, what advice can you give to designers entering the SBID Awards?

Make sure that your project stands out and has a unique element to it. It needs to be inspiring and innovative, presenting something that we have not seen before. I am always looking for attention to detail, so make sure that every product and finish counts.

Questions answered by Sharon Lillywhite, Founding Partner, Oliver Burns.