Interior Design Blog
New rug designs to transform a tired room
February 26, 2010
When a room is looking a little tired and dated and re-decorating sounds like too much hard work, a new rug is one of the most cost-effective and easiest ways to create a whole new mood in your home.
From the UK with love
A legion of UK firms will be arriving in Russia from 14-20 March, to showcase the best of British design. The event is supported by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and will capitalise on Russia's taste for luxurious goods.
Eco-friendly wallpapers
Design - savvy children (or their parents) can now fulfil their interior decoration desires with a special high-end wallpaper range designed especially for them. The new range is vibrant and boldly colourful, and it is aimed entirely at kids of all ages.
Give your home a natural look
With spring and summer just around the corner, Cimitree have rounded up their finest new tables for anyone looking to bring the warmth and texture of natural woods into their homes.
Traditional tableware for the modern age
If your home is lacking an elegant touch, then worry no more as the V&A is showcasing some of the finest ceramic and tableware collections, to give your home a stylish look this spring.
Sitting comfortably
We Britons spend around 49 hours a week on our sofa, therefore it can be said that it is one of the most valued pieces of furniture in our homes. A good sofa should be the ultimate place to relax and needs to be comfortable and good for posture.
Nailing the perfect chair design
February 25, 2010
By Carrie Milford, idfx
What's the best way to promote a new product? By showcasing it in an exciting and innovative way. Heico Fasteners UK did just that when they teamed up with London Metropolitan University and the Association of Master Upholsterers & Soft Furnishers (AMUSF) to present a contest for the university's upholstery students. The students were challenged to incorporate Heico's new line of Powder Coated decorative nails into a chair design.
Ecobuild 2010: bigger than ever
February 24, 2010
Next week Earl's Court will be the place to be for all things sustainable with the 2010 edition of Ecobuild. It's no surprise this year's show is set to be the biggest ever. With a wealth of seminars, conferences and other interactive workshops, this three-day event (Tuesday through Thursday) will satisfy both eco experts and novices.
Designs on you
Would you like to gain practical insight into the work of interior designers and learn how to create your own schemes? Perhaps you are a property developer who wants to design interiors or a product designer who deals with interior designers but would like a greater understanding of their work. If so, help is at hand.
WETSTYLE makes its mark on UK hotels
Renowned for always bringing the latest designs from the world wide bathroom industry to the UK market, C.P. Hart is launching a complete bathroom solution offering basins, baths, furniture and mirrors for a totally complementary styling to any home or hotel room. The exclusive new range is appropriately called WETSTYLE and is the brainchild of a little known design house in Montreal, Canada.
Brand new kitchen light sensors
Leading manufacturer of chic energy efficient lighting products, Sensio Lighting, has launched the HD LED 24V Triangle Light with sensors.
Sleek and discreet, at just 20mm thick the slim rectangular SE9001HDS sits flush under cabinets to provide essential task lighting in the kitchen. Turned on and off by a sensor, the user merely needs to wave past the sensor to bring light to the kitchen.
The retail price of the Sensio light is £35 including VAT and is supplied with a 2.5m LED cable and mini plug. The entire new LED HD lighting range can be found on the website at www.sensio.co.uk or alternatively call Sensio at 0845 0340 780
Beirut Revisited
By Kate Burnett, idfx
I grew up hearing stories about Beirut from my grandfather who loved it here in the 1950s. Little did I imagine that I would visit for myself (let alone blog about it!). He for one would be excited that I had now also visited the city and also amazed at how it has changed, for better and, sadly, for worse.
Homebase brightens up Carlisle train station
Homebase have brightened up Carlisle train station while making a new TV ad for the retailer. The station's bridge was painted in a range of stripes, one platform was covered with purple wallpaper and there were lampshades hanging from the ceiling.
Sleek and stylish radiators
Breaking the boundaries of design, Vogue (UK) Ltd, the radiator and towel warmer specialist introduces the IN002 from the contemporary collection.
Exhibition: Ceramic Art London 2010
From 26 - 28 February 2010, London's prestigious Royal College of Art will play host to a three-day exhibition of contemporary ceramics, Ceramic Art London, a must-visit exhibition for anyone with a passion for great design and a love of ceramics.
Looking for some signature wallpaper for your home?
Whether you're in need of some trendy home textiles or a change in wallpaper, Tres Tintas Barcelona has a range of stylish interiors to bring your home to life this year.
Design company transform a rundown hotel
A Midlands based interior design company, which is under a year old, has completed its first multi million pound contract on a five star hotel in the north east of England.
C. P. Hart delivers a breathtaking new furniture line
An innovator in bathroom design, luxury supplier and retailer, C.P. Hart, adds yet another breathtaking furniture line to its glamorous portfolio. 'Twenty', a sleek and contemporary modular collection is now on display at the company's flagship Waterloo showroom.
What's your favourite building from the last 50 years?
Whether you're an architect, interior designer, contractor or consultant, now is the time to nominate a UK building for the Architecture Club's 50 Years of Architecture Competition.
Traditional tableware for the modern age
If your home is lacking an elegant touch, then worry no more as the V&A is showcasing some of the finest ceramic and tableware collections, to give your home a stylish look this spring.
Vintage Chandelier covers
February 23, 2010
Gosh I wish there was a way to make my enormous chandelier chain match the rest of my country pile's decor. Oh there is you say? The Vintage Chandelier Company has introduced a range of bespoke chain covers for its tailored antique chandeliers? Perfect!
2010 Travel and Leisure Design Awards
London based design group Priestmangoode, has won two awards at the 2010 Travel and Leisure Design Awards. Their two big entries in the competition included Motel 6, a roadside motel transformed into a stylish economy hotel chain, and First Class airline suite, top in-flight comfort and privacy in a calm and luxurious space.
Stoke Newington Town Hall gets restored back to life
Following major restoration work by Hawkins / Brown to bring it back to its former glory, Stoke Newington Town Hall has re-opened to the public. The Grade II listed Art Deco building has been carefully restored and refurbished to preserve its original features whilst providing flexible spaces with state-of-the-art AV facilities in two unique spaces for community use and private hire: the Council Chamber and Assembly Hall.
Future flower power
Designer Tonkin Liu, brings his landmark contemporary artwork to the banks of the River Mersey this month. Liu's international design competition winning proposal Future Flower, is 4 metres in diameter, 13.5 metres in height, wind powered, with metallic petals that gently flutter and light up in the wind. The direction of the wind determines which petals illuminate, resulting in an ever-changing and dynamic flower.
A More Chic Bathroom
By Carrie Milford, idfx
The idfx Focus in the January issue was all about the latest trends in bathroom fashions. Forget crisp, clean white surfaces. Decadence is in again. Though that was last month's issue, April's issue will feature ceramics. So, I can't help but mention one of the latest styles from Rak Ceramics perfect for a bathroom, a beautiful line of ceramic wall tiles entitled More Chic.
Excellence Supreme by Vi-Spring
Vi-Spring has launched the Excellence Supreme which is inspired by 1950's glamour. The sumptuous Vi-Spring mattress is made entirely by hand and filled with over 3,000 springs and 100 per cent natural fillings including; renewable bamboo fibre and luxurious cashmere, alpaca and blended lambswool and cotton.
A smart sustainable home with DuPont™ Corian® by Karim Rashid
February 22, 2010
These are renderings of a special installation Corian has comissioned Karim Rashid to create for their Milan store. Its unveiling will happen during the city's design festival, Salone Internazionale del Mobile 2010. It is based on the design versatility and sensuous qualities of Corian and also features other advanced products from DuPont Building Innovations.
Nigel Coates at Salone Internazionale del Mobile
Baroccabilly
Revered designer and Head of Architecture at the Royal College of Art in London, Nigel Coates, is set to make his mark in a spectacular fashion at Milan this year with two new shows. As part of Fuori Salone, new limited edition pieces will be showcased in a one-person exhibition, Baroccabilly at the Carlo Madesami Gallery on the eastern side of the city centre. At the Rho Fiera, Coates will present a new furniture collection with Fratelli Boffi entitled Animalia.
Slice and dice directly on your countertop with Çimstone
By Carrie Milford, idfx
I admit it: I am lazy when it comes to cooking. Sure, I enjoy creating a meal, but all of the utensils that go into preparing food (and then must be washed) often discourage me before I've begun. So I was thrilled when I came across Turkish company Çimstone at the Surface Design Show in Islington last week. They've removed the need for a cutting board!
Brit Insurance Design Awards 2010
The third annual Brit Insurance Design Awards has produced another eclectic and progressive range of nominees; from the beautiful Hutong Bubbles in Beijing (pictured above), to the late fashion designer, Alexander McQueen.
The Painted House
The Painted House project is a joint collaboration between Jonathan Woolf architects and Bharat Patel. During the project both partners used two 1940's semis in a north London suburb, to create a 7,500 square foot house for an extended family of eleven people.
Renowned architects set to design V&A extension
Ten architects, including some of the world's biggest names in design, have been invited to draw up plans for an extension to the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Architects including Tony Fretton and Amanda Levete, are among creating concept designs for around 1,500sq m of extra gallery space, with a budget of around £28m.
Hotelympia gets a make-over for the 2010 show
February 19, 2010
Leading lights in the industry are getting behind Hotelympia to make sure that the 2010 event gives something extra special back to its 40,000 plus audience. Visitors to the show will be spoilt for choice, with stands covering everything from design & décor, bathroom & hotel spa, tabletop, catering equipment and food & drink.
A bathroom fit for royalty
Want a bathroom that's fit for a king? Leading bathroom furniture maker Acajou, have taken inspiration from King Louis' favourite designs to their new 'Opulent Additions' range. Among this collection comes the 'Chantilly' suite, which is lavishly decorated in a Far Eastern style.
Surface design in 2010 and beyond: Brintons
February 18, 2010
I recently had the chance to pick the brains of several surface manufacturers to find out what's new for 2010. Check back the next few days for a briefing on colour and texture trends across the industry. Or read yesterday's interview with Martin Saxby of LG Hausys Europe. Tuesay's post is with Ella Small of Mandarin Tiles.
National Homebuilding and Renovating Show
From the 18th - 21st March the National Homebuilding and Renovating Show will be on at the NEC, Birmingham. It is Britain's biggest self build and renovation consumer event and attracts over 40,000 visitors each year.
Belt, light turned sculpture
February 17, 2010
Super-styled out door lights can really make a garden shine in these dark wintery nights. Belt is a new outdoor lamp, compromising a twisted beam, bathed in LED lights that really bring the outdoors alive.
Surface Design Show's ground-breaking innovations
Digital Glass London used the Surface Design Show to showcase its groundbreaking, decorative and energy efficient innovation that can dramatically enhance glass in any location.
The Parabola Arts Centre's big transformation
The Parabola Arts Centre by Foster Wilson Architects has completed a new state-of -the-art 325-seat theatre for The Cheltenham Ladies' College and the local community. Primarily the building will be used by the College of Drama, but it is also suitable for dance, musical theatre, chamber music, conferences and lectures.
Surface design in 2010 and beyond: LG Hausys
I recently had the chance to pick the brains of several surface manufacturers to find out what's new for 2010. Check back the next few days for a briefing on colour and texture trends across the industry. Or read yesterday's interview with Ella Small of Mandarin Tiles.
Elipta Escape by Adamsez
With its elliptical design and generous proportions, the new freestanding Elipta bath from Adamsez is a comfort-focussed solution to minimalist design. It has sculptural inner contours that aim to ergonomically position the body for maximum comfort, and provides ample shoulder space and bathing
depth.
2009 saw the introduction of the colour black in the bathroom, with accents of black on taps and furniture presented in stylish finishes. In 2010, the sheer sleek and sexiness of black has made it the defining colour in modern bathrooms. Need to soothe your cares away? Now you can with Hudson Reed's exciting new chromotherapy shower kit (Soothe), designed to light up your life. Soothe contains an LED lighting system inside the showerhead which is powered by the water flow, so no external electrical connections are needed. Controls on the vertical riser allow the lighting to be changed from white to blue to red, or even a soothing combination of favourite colours in the overhead shower. In addition, the diverter on the shower column changes the flow from the overhead system to the unique chromotherapy hand shower. The all-encompassing, luxuriating experience of using a wet room has seen its desirability soar in recent years as home owners seek to improve their living space and move away from the traditional bathroom layout of a shower cubicle and separate bath in favour of a more open plan approach afforded by the wet room. Italian-inspired kitchen designs have always been popular, but very pricey. However, Cucina Colore is offering its customers the best of both worlds by upgrading their kitchens into Italian masterpieces, oozing sophistication and exclusivity, without the designer price tag. Have you ever dreamt of transforming your bathroom into a luxurious spa? Well now you can with IBB's stunning new collection of accessories, which will transform your bathroom into an oasis of calm. If you're looking to give your home a more polished look, than Coco Målé Interiors may be just for you. The company is proudly launching its new "Oriental White" furniture range - a signature collection of Eastern inspired pieces with a contemporary twist and a clean off-white finish. Lenova Kitchenware adds exotic flair to the kitchen with a dramatic new bamboo sink. Featuring all the organic warmth and natural beauty of wood, this eye-catching sink is surprisingly durable and can easily withstand the rigors of daily use in any modern kitchen. I recently had the chance to pick the brains of several surface manufacturers to find out what's new for 2010. If you can't make the Surface Design Show opening today in London, check back the next few days for a briefing on colour and texture trends across the industry. This season, go for a Global Gathering of your favourite pieces or give your home an organic Modern Rustique makeover with The One's inspiring Spring 2010 Collection. Billed as one of the season's hottest home fashion trends, Global Gathering is a vibrant mix of colours, patterns and textiles with all your favourite things taking centre stage. Architect Steve Leung has been credited as one of the leading trendsetters in Asian contemporary interior design and has been showered with awards and accolades. His innovative projects in Hong Kong include the newly opened Hyatt Regency, Sha Tin and the Crowne Plaza, on Causeway. Manchester city centre's landmark hotel developments has received the perfect finishing touch from a designer with a truly unique approach and an eye for style. Clare Whitehead of Manchester-based Vivo Interiors, who works on many of the most prestigious developments across the north of England, has recently completed the fit outs for 45 serviced apartments at The Light, Manchester's first Boutique ApartHotel designed by Conran & Partners.Black is the new black
February 16, 2010
Soothe your cares away
The latest Fundo wet room
Most Curious Indeed
By Carrie Milford, idfx
Starting the day with soaked shoes and an overworked umbrella is never pleasant, even if you're used to London rain. But I was instantly cheered up when I walked into Tracey Neuls' Marylebone Lane shoe store this morning to see artist Nina Saunders latest work, Most Curious.Kitchen Italia
Get the spa look in your bathroom
Oriental white to brighten your home
Dramatic new bamboo sink
Surface design in 2010 and beyond: Mandarin Stone
The One's Spring Zing
Hong Kong's hotel design industry
Stepping into the Light
Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center Grand Theater
Qingdao is a coastal city at the southern tip of China's Shandong Peninsula and served as the site of the 2008 Olympic Games sailing events. It is now the National Training Centre for Aquatic Sports and host of an annual 10-day festival, the Qingdao Sea Culture Festival. The city is also home to the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center Grand Theater, a prestigious new venue which opened late summer 2009.
Bright colour schemes from Dulux
February 15, 2010
To combat yet another dreary grey Monday, here are some nice interiror shots from Dulux. Things always look better with a lick of paint, and I'm pretty sure springtime gets everyone thinking about brightening things up and having a bit of an overhawl.
Cutting edge bedrooms
Beautiful bedrooms require beautiful furniture, and Reflex offers the best crystal crafted furniture in the whole of Europe. The company has revolutionised the crystal industrial industry by combining new high-quality materials to their furniture including glass, leather, marble, forged iron and wood. The creative designs not only convey crafting at its best, but also help to express the cutting edge synthesis of technology, design, research and tradition.
Fabrics collection to suit all homes
Whether you're going for a 'sophisticated', 'contemporary' or 'modern' look in your home, the Fanny Aronsen suits any residential setting. The collection is artistic and decorative with lasting features, combining technical development and subtle intuition. The endless possible combinations let the fabrics fit perfectly in any contemporary setting.
Candlelight lamps
Candles have officially come back into fashion. Artisan and designer Kevin Reilly, has gone back to basics, using candle wax to produce his new line of lamps, evoking both a modern and traditional style.
Jeremy Cole designs
Award-winning artisan Jeremy Cole, launched onto the UK design scene in 2005, and is considered to be one of the best ceramicists in the world. His work entails contemporary style, timeless beauty and care and skill into each handmade piece, embracing traditional methods of production with his own modern flair.
Gorenje's Ora-Ϊto lightens up
February 12, 2010
When Gorenje launched its Ora-Ϊto minimalist collection two years ago, it came only in black... until now! The Slovenian manufacturer is now producing the range in white, and expects that it could be even more popular than it's predecessor.
Top five romantic hotel design schemes
February 11, 2010
With Valentine's Day this weekend and wedding season around the corner, it seems there's no finer time explore my favourite romantic design schemes featured in some of the newest hotels worldwide.
Bottles of wine newly shine
Meyda Custom Lighting said it uses "hot shop" glass blowing techniques to re-shape wine bottles into light fixtures. These new pendants, shown in green 3", blue 4" and an amber 5", use a 40-watt T6.5 bulb and are available in frosted or transparent coloured glass.
Cevisama 2010
February 10, 2010
Greetings from Cevisama 2010! I am thoroughly impressed with some of the products I have seen so far and will be posting up some of my favourite photos and new ideas later this week. Kickstarting the event was the Tile of Spain Awards ceremony that saw Carlos Ferrater and Xavier Marti Gali recognised for their Benidorm West Beach Promenade project (above). What an amazing use of tiles!
Recycled guns and knives: Olympic sustainable architecture
Knives, bullets, body armor, guns and items of jewelry - think of anything that can be confiscated by the police department. And you have it right there, melted down to aid the construction of London's 2012 Olympic site in Stratford.
Tabu chair by Nils Jeppe Hansen
February 9, 2010
It has been a while since I blogged about Corian - which is a surprise as I am, afterall, the world's biggest fan of Corian. I think it's the best thing ever and if they could make sliced bread from it I would eat it. Anyway, here is the Tabu chair by Nils Jeppe Hansen. He is one of the founders of DSA ARK STUDIO and exhibited this seat at the 2010 Stockholm Furniture Fair.
See The Light
February 4, 2010
By Jenny Brewer, idfx
Yesterday I went along to a dazzling Earl's Court for the ARC Show, a showcase of the leading brands in architectural, retail and commercial lighting. The highlight of the show for me was the Kinetica stand, previewing the Kinetica Art Fair open today until Sunday 7th February. An enclosed black-walled space was filled with dynamic light sculptures including a series of rotating neon curves by Roger Vilder, a spinning red optical illusion from Tom Wilkinson called 'Lets Bounce' and a hypnotic new Wave sculpture by Paul Friedlander using his Chromastrobic light technique, featured in February's issue of idfx (page 93).
Honouring a Progressive Master
![Pumpkin[1].jpg](http://blog.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com/widn_blog/Pumpkin%5B1%5D.jpg)
The great French designer Pierre Paulin, who passed away in July 2009, has now been given an posthumous honorary Royal Designer for Industry award for his outstanding contribution to design. One of his final projects was a collaboration with Ligne Roset, which began in late 2008 and brought his 1970s Pumpkin design (picture above) to the retail market for the first time, as well as creating new work. At the start of this project, Gian Luca Amadei interviewed Paulin and the resulting article is reproduced below.
Supersonic Design
'I'm the urban spaceman, baby; I've got speed
I've got everything I need
I'm the urban spaceman, baby; I can fly
I'm a supersonic guy.'
With this verse by the Bonzo Dog Band, host Christopher Frayling concluded the V&A's second annual design lecture. It had been a journey through design disciplines, the relationship between design and art and their influence in the making of a designed world.
Just what the doctor ordered
German design agency Dan Pearlman completed this holistic, sea-faring design scheme for the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Evangelisches Konigin Elisabeth Krankenhaus Hospital in Berlin.
Less is Less
The second floor of
Cinimod Studio's butterflies
February 3, 2010
![Cinimod%20Studio%20-%20Flutter%20-%20lowres[1].jpg](http://blog.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com/widn_blog/Cinimod%2520Studio%2520-%2520Flutter%2520-%2520lowres%5B1%5D.jpg)
I've never been too fond of butterflies outside of an idyllic countryside afternoon, and I'll probably blame this on Mariah Carey. However, seeing recent work by Cinimod Studio has banished all tacky memories of pink glitter and late '90s teenage bedroom décor.
Hotel in the sky is more than a flight of fancy
The Aircruise concept by product design consultancy Seymour Powell
It's more than 70 years since the Hindenburg disaster put an end to the golden age of the Zeppelin, and airships have come a long, long way since then. Safe and environmentally friendly, the airship, also known as the dirigible, has captured the imagination of a new generation of designers and engineers.
Six more weeks of winter
I'm not sure the Groundhog would ever sees its shadow in London, but I have heard that Punxsutawney Phil did signal six more weeks of winter for 2010, yesterday. That's an extra month and a half of snow and cold, and snowflake side tables by Offecct.
Aphrodite gets a makeover
February 1, 2010
Andy Barlow Interiors has designed the expansion of menswear store Aphrodite in Sunderland.
The more contemporary design for the two-story 3,000sqf store will also add a 40% increase in retail floor space and space for a new office and photo studio.
"We're looking more into texture and adding depth to this concept," Barlow said. "Our previous design at Aphrodite was very minimal and sleek. This new look picks up on that heritage but brings it firmly into the new decade with influences from Paris and Tokyo."
Aphrodite hopes to reveal the newly-designed store to be in May 2010.
Sustainability
God knows, much is discussed about sustainability. So much so that it can make you yawn with the repetition of "it is a good thing" - whilst simultaneously dreading receiving another telling-off on the way we live and how it's always someone else's fault (ie architect, engineer, contractor, designer, supplier, client - or bus conductor - you get my drift ...). Surely most of us are fed up with the green wash - that is the colour green which doesn't wash - and what used to be called whitewash in the broader sense of the word.
The Bath Room from Ideal Standard
On second floor of 99 Charterhouse Street, Clerkenwell, London, bathroom solutions provider Ideal Standard International, launched the Bath Room - a unique resource center and design studio for architects and interior designers.
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