[email protected] - interiors monthly magazine · direct all enquiries to:...

Buoyant Upholstery Limited t: 01282 691 631Hallam Road, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 8AJ e: [email protected] w: www.buoyant-upholstery.co.uk

INNER_IM_0211 31/1/11 10:30 Page 1

Anecdotally the winter sale seems to havegone quite well for many of you, helped bythe cold weather hitting at the right time interms of the sales, in sharp contrast to a yearago.

In fact, it seems to have been such a goodJanuary that quite a few of you decided togive the past month’s major trade exhibitionsa miss. British retailers were hard to spot atHeimtextil and Domotex and the first fewdays of imm Cologne, while the Tuesday andWednesday of interiors were noticeablyquieter than in recent years.

Is it that more retailers are content thisyear to simply wait for the sales rep to turnup with the new lines? Or are you puttingless importance on having the latestproducts this year?

Prior to last month’s shows there was asuspicion that many suppliers would playsafe with this spring’s introductions as theybelieved stockists were being more thanusually cautious. And so it proved to bewhen the products were unveiled. interiors,for example, was particularly mass marketthis year. There were still things to excite andcapture the imagination at the NEC – you justhad to search a bit harder for them. There are in-depth reviews from Hannover, Cologne and Birmingham in this issue, with Frankfurt’sfinest in the March issue.

Another thing all the shows had this yearwas talk about the major price rises affectingraw materials, for example in oak and wool,and how suppliers had little option to passthese increases on to retailers, even thoughthe general economic climate is such thatretailers may find it difficult to then passthese on to consumers.

Two things almost everyone agreed onwas that it was unlikely anyone would beable to gain a short-term advantage byholding their prices across the board andthat the situation wasn’t going to reverse any time soon. It’s something we’ll belooking at in the March issue.

EDITOR’S COMMENT

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 3

A positive start?

Andrew KiddEDITOR

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Published by Interiors Media LimitedUnit 11, Riverside Business Centre, Riverside House,Riverlawn Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1EPT: 01732 783 561 F: 01732 783 562E: [email protected] in England no. 6397722Printed by Headley Brothers Design by TSS DIGITAL © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236

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Your reliable partner for 25 yearsGala updated for 2011

F U R N I T U R E F L O O R I N G B E D S C A R P E T R U G S A C C E S S O R I E S

Interiorsmonthly

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Feb

ruar

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DomotexFlooring’s future

Without snow getting in the way, did 2011 getoff to a good beginning?

003_IM_0211 2/2/11 16:52

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004-005_IM_0211 3/2/11 09:19 Page 2

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006_IM_0211 3/2/11 11:54 Page 1

CONTENTS


INSIDE THIS ISSUENEWS8 Carpetright warns on profits

10 Floors-2-Go gets investment boost

12 New Design Britain winners revealed

FEATURES22 Carpet

The right display stand for the job

29 Review: interiors 2011

Including:

31 Upholstery

Sitting comfortably

38 Living and dining

High gloss and modular

47 Beds and bedrooms

Be bold, be large, be stylish

52 Children’s furniture

Racing ahead with MyPod and Wendy

58 Flooring

Successful full-scale debut

61 Review: Domotex

Flooring winners

65 Review: imm Cologne

Investment pays off in style

REGULARS3 Comment

14 New products

NEXT ISSUEBest of British supplement

Belgium supplement

Heimtextil: furnishing stars

INTERIORS MONTHLY FEBRUARY 2011

007_IM_0211 3/2/11 10:14

NEWS

8 Interiors Monthly February 2011

Shop shape: Some 2.2m viewers watched Mary Portasexamine customer service and sales techniques atupholstery chain CSL as part of her Channel 4 Mary Portas:Secret Shopper series last month.

Sales fall gatherspace at CarpetrightCarpetright has warned that profits will be

lower than expected after the sales fall in

the UK and Republic of Ireland accelerated

and European sales continued to decline.

UK and Ireland sales dropped by 5% in

the 13 weeks to 29 January and by 7.7% on

a like for like basis. This compares with falls

of 2.1% and 6.1% respectively in the six

months to 30 October.

Sales since Christmas have been ahead of

a year ago – when winter sales were hit by

bad weather – but not by as much as the

chain had expected.

Lord Harris, executive chairman says: ‘The

tough trading conditions in the UK and

Republic of Ireland have continued into the

third quarter of our financial year, with

adverse weather conditions and fragile

consumer confidence producing a difficult

floorcoverings market.

‘As we stated at our last update, we were

expecting January trading to be boosted by

the impact of snow in the comparative

period. Although we have achieved an

increase in sales year on year since

Christmas, this has not been at the level

expected. We expect the total UK and

Republic of Ireland full year margin to be in

line with previous guidance of a 50 basis

point increase on last year. The focus on

effective cost management has continued.’

Analysts had been expecting profits of

about £26m, but Matthew McEachran,

Singer Capital Markets retail analyst,

says he expects the chain to miss this by

about £6m.

Mark O’BrienMore than 200 people attended a service at Basildon Crematorium on 4 January for Mark O’Brien, Cormar Carpets central London salesman, whodied on 2 December 2010. He was 34.

O’Brien had worked for Cormar Carpets for a relatively short time afterjoining from Abingdon Carpets.

During his time working for both companies in London and Essex, hemade a great many friends, both with his work colleagues and customers,through his friendly manner and positive approach to life. Through his style of selling he became very successful and was destined for a strongcareer.

He leaves his partner of 15 years, Anita, and their son Max aged eight.Friends described O’Brien as a larger than life character whose charm,

enthusiasm, big heart, drive and success will be remembered by all thosewho knew him.

FIRA firstfor IkeaIkea is the first company toachieve the updated FIRAGold Installation Certification.

‘This will give ourcustomers assurance thatthey are using installers theycan trust, allowing them touse our installation servicewith confidence,’ saysJohanne Murphy, Ikea UKcommercial support manager.

Ikea’s processes andprocedures were externallyaudited to ensure it offers aconsistently high qualityinstallation service.

‘Continuous auditing andfeedback will promoteongoing serviceimprovements, increasingcustomer satisfaction andinternal efficiencies,’ saysMurphy.

Idol sponsorshipSilentnight Beds is sponsoring ITV2 show American Idol for a

second year.

‘American Idol has a strong mass-market profile which is

perfect to align with the Silentnight brand,’ says Amanda

Jones, Silentnight marketing director. ‘The sponsorship

worked brilliantly last year and we are hoping for the same

positive response from audiences in 2011.’

Silentnight characters Hippo and Duck will begin and end

each show in their new CGI format.

According to the Broadcasters’ Audience Research Board,

the opening episode of the last series gained 1.02m viewers. Hippo and Duck in their new CGI format

8news_IMfeb11.qxp 1/2/11 14:18

009_IM_0211 3/2/11 09:22 Page 1

NEWS


Online campaign: The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers has launched a campaign to boostconsumer awareness of its Manufacturing Guild Mark award. It has launchedwww.qualityukfurniture.com featuring the current award holders and has been working on itssearch engine optimisation and promoting visits to the website via a Google Click advertisingcampaign. Just 21 firms have achieved the award since it was launched in 1994.

Topps’ sales risedespite snowTopps Tiles has seen sales rise in the pastquarter. Like for like sales increased by2.2% in the 13 weeks from 3 October,with total sales 1.8% higher.

‘We experienced some disruptionduring December from the extremeweather conditions and I feel thebusiness has responded well during atesting period. Against this context I am particularly satisfied with theperformance over the period as a whole,’says Barry Bester, chairman.

The 312-store chain plans to add 10stores this year.

Consumer confidence in making bigticket purchases has fallen to its lowestlevel in three years.

A balance of -29 of consumers thoughtJanuary was a good time to make amajor purchase, the lowest sinceDecember 2008, according to the GfKNOP Consumer Confidence Index surveyof 2,000 shoppers. January’s score is the10th lowest level of consumerconfidence for major purchases since1994.

The fall reverses the improvement inconsumer confidence seen since May,when the index climbed from -24 to -7 inDecember.

Overall consumer confidence droppedfrom -21 to -29

‘The VAT increase is the first of thegovernment’s austerity measures thathas had a widespread impact onconsumers, and it seems to have hitpeople’s economic confidence hard,especially as the biggest drop was inconsumers’ appetite for major purchases.With inflation on the up and the full forceof the cuts yet to hit, these figures couldbe the beginning of a very painfulperiod,’ says Nick Moon, GfK NOP SocialResearch md.

Ratings also fell for personal financialsituation over the past 12 months,personal financial situation for the next 12months, general economic situation overthe past 12 months, and general economicsituation over the next 12 months.

Investment boostfor Floors-2-GoFloors-2-Go has received a £3.25m

investment and recruited Jim

Hodkinson, Furniture Village chairman

and former B&Q chief executive as

chairman.

Private investment syndicate

Hotbed made the investment two and

a half years after the founding Hodges

family bought the 94-store chain out

of administration and is likely to see it

boost its expansion.

‘The history of Floors-2-Go could be

used as an MBA case study. The

business’s acquirers abandoned the

highly efficient and responsive

customer service driven model that

made the firm so successful, which

contributed to the firm’s rapid demise

at a time when the property market

was still riding high,’ says Gary Robins,

Hotbed chief executive.

‘With the Hodges back in control,

even in a much tougher retail market,

the company’s fortunes have already

changed. The appointment of Jim

Hodkinson, the man who made B&Q

the UK’s largest DIY retailer, is

fantastic news, bringing a wealth of

experience.’

The chain has also recruited

Rob Marsh as non-executive

chairman. Marsh is a supply chain

and sourcing expert having acquired

and built up Hexel Group, which

specialised in serving major retailers

including Tesco, Marks & Spencer and

Argos.

Rob Hodges, Floors -2-Go ceo, says

the investment and recruitment will

help it ‘cement our position on the

high street as the UK’s biggest wood

and flooring specialist’.

Confidencetakes a fall

10news_IMfeb11.qxp 1/2/11 14:33

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011_IM_0211 3/2/11 12:44 Page 1

NEWS


Talent gets a boost fromNew Design Britain AwardsThe cream of the country’s interiors

design talent was recognised by the

New Design Britain Awards at interiors

2011 at the NEC.

Benjamin Boyce won the Furniture

category with his Peg Leg table;

Alex MacMaster took the Accessories

award with his Iris lamp pendants;

Henoc Maketo scooped the Fabrics

section with Buildings in Cross and the

Surface Coverings award was taken

home by Elaine Ng Yan Ling with The

Clusters.

Jessica Penrose won the Barjis Rug

Design Competition with her Coming

Home to Roost rug.

Among the competition prizes were

an annual membership to ACID and

internships with Barjis, Ercol, Fromental,

Mark Hutchison Furniture and Marks &

Spencer.

Penrose also receives a week-long

trip to China where her winning rug

design will be manufactured.

Clockwise from

top left: Irislamp pendants;Peg Leg table;Coming Home toRoost rug; The Clusters;Buildings inCross

12news_IMfeb11.qxp 1/2/11 14:36

OPINION


There has been much media coverage of the UK economycontracting by 0.5%. Much of the blame was put on the adverseweather conditions over the Christmas period which meantpeople were not spending in major retail areas. The UKeconomy is heavily reliant on the retail sector, when it does wellthe rest of the economy does well.

So, is it now time for landlords to rethink their tenancypolicies to something that supports retailers in good and badtimes?

Also, given the global recession and Mother Nature, canlandlords do anything to secure themselves over future adversetrading conditions, especially those which they have little or nocontrol over?

The retail sector can better improve its sustainability duringtough trading conditions through more collaborative and

cooperative workingrelationships with its partners ielandlords and tenants.

Retailers are subject to highfixed costs in terms of their rent,stock and staff. One way toreduce this burden is by linkingthe rent payable by a retailer totheir turnover. This reduces thefixed costs of the retailer andensures landlords get a return;they have to work just as hardto get people through thedoors.

This collaborative approach isthe foundation of Home Quarter’s business model and hasproved very successful since we launched in Liverpool One.

This business model protects both the retailers and thelandlords. Should there be a poor trading period retailersneedn’t worry excessively about meeting fixed rent payments.On the other hand, if there is an extremely successful tradingperiod landlords will see their turnover increase as well. Thisensures both sides have the motivation to succeed for eachother. Home Quarter relies on the retailers to do well as muchas they rely on us to give them every opportunity to sell theirgoods.

Collaborative business models between landlord and tenantaren’t anything new; however, they have been used less andless over the years.

Maybe in these austere times it is time for retail businesses toevolve their tenant agreements to a more cooperative andsustainable system.

Alastair BaileyHome Quarter md

Time to rethink rentpolicies for retailers

This businessmodelensures both sideshave themotivationto succeed

013_IM_0211 2/2/11 16:41

NEW PRODUCTS


1

1 Kährs’ World Collection

provides an eco-friendly

alternative to a tropical wood

floor. The sustainable oak floors

are available in one, two and

three-strip designs and have an

authentic ‘exotic’ stained finish

in a choice of copper/red wine

and rich burnt orange/topaz

tones. Kährs has removed

tropical species from its range

until guaranteed controlled

sources can be found.

Tel: 023 9245 3045

2 Leoline has renamed one of

its most enduring collections.

Previously known as Mastergrip

in light of its excellent slip-

resistance, Softstep continues to

perform in areas prone to slips

and trips but now has a name

in-keeping with its high levels of

underfoot comfort.

Tel: 0800 032 3970

3 Limelight Beds’ Dorado –

available in black and white –

has a padded headboard for a

touch of luxury with contrasting

chrome feet. Dorado’s curved

design suits any contemporary

interior while the high quality

frame and slatted base mean it

boasts strength and comfort.

Tel: 01455 850 150

4 Billards Bréton’s Verso is

both a classical piece of

furniture or, depending on the

finish, a pop art prototype. All

versions can be turned into

dining tables or desks simply by

adding two or three plates in

the same finish.

Tel: 00 33 1 3975 9515 or visit

www.billards-breton.com

5 The Bolero range from Lano

Carpets has been given a new

lease of life with eight new

shades that reaffirm Bolero as

suitable for homes wanting

stylish on-trend carpets that

are easy to care for and will

withstand the demands of busy

family life.

Tel: 00800 5266 5266 ��

2

3

4

5

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6

6 Avenue’s Touch of Class

Ultimate Oak collection brings a

full spectrum of oak finishes with

the performance, ease and

underfoot comfort of cushion

vinyl. It features oak tones

ranging from off-blacks

through to chocolate browns,

cool greys and limed washes.

Tel: 0800 032 3970

7 Brintons recently

scooped the House Beautiful Gold

Award for Best Carpet Range for its Laura Ashley

Collection by Brintons. The range consists of 12

classic broadloom designs and four stripey runners.

Tel: 0800 505 055

8 Novostrat has introduced Combat and Combat Plus to its range of high

performance underlays for wood and laminate floors. Combat is

laminated on one side with a 40micron clear film to protect the floor

against humidity migrating from the sub-floor surface while Combat Plus

is laminated on both sides.

Tel: 00 353 61 339 287

9 With heritage one of the biggest words in fashion and interior design at

the moment, Artwood’s Design Paint collection capitalises on this trend.

The hand-finished wood flooring can be in any Farrow & Ball floor paint

finish, including Mouse’s Back, Eating Room Red and Tanner’s Brown.

Tel: 0845 519 2726

10 Floorwise has launched two brochures featuring an expanded range

of metal profiles and PVC skirtings and trims that deliver performance,

quality and value. Detailing profile specifications, the brochures are a vital

reference for finishing solutions.

Tel: 01509 673 974

7

8

9

NEW PRODUCTS

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“Greenwood understandsthe market better

than anyone and it shows in the results”

Edward Dark, MD-Challicoms of Clevedon

When Challicoms of Clevedon switched to GreenwoodRetail to run their promotional sales event in September 2009,they were delighted at the difference that Greenwood made.So delighted, in fact, that Greenwood were invited to plan

and manage their recent sales event in January 2011.

And it’s what you can expect when you employthe expertise of a team with many years of British retail

marketing experience. Working with people who really talkyou language is always good, and it’s even better when that

means more sales and more profit for your business.

Whatever type of retailer you are; town or city,retail park or high street, mass market or high end,

general furnisher, department store or specialist, GreenwoodRetail are able to plan, manage and implement what our

clients tell us is ‘the’ most effective and profitablesales campaign available in the UK.

Call us now to discuss how one of our Sales Eventscould work for you, or to request our 2011 Information Pack.

Call Bernard Eaton on 01625 521010

Or go online and visit our website at: www.greenwoodretail.com

GREENWOOD RETAIL LTDBritain’s Leading Experts in Retail Sales Promotion

Wilmslow House, Grove Way, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 [email protected] www.greenwoodretail.com

017_IM_0211 3/2/11 09:46 Page 1


11

13 14

NEW PRODUCTS

��

15 11 Somnus has introduced the Duchess

limited edition sleep system, developed

to support Somnus customers with a

model produced with extra quality

features, more springs, higher quality

natural fillings and a keener price.

Tel: 0113 205 5200

12 Fresh for Spring 2011 is the Garden

Party collection by Prestigious Textiles,

a traditional floral story on cotton

panama in a series of contemporary

colour stories. Designs include rambling

roses trailing over a shadowy backdrop

of patio pots, a random scattering of

rosebuds on a floral silhouette and an

elegant trellis of abstract ogees.

Tel: 01274 688 448.

13 As part of Cavalier Carpet’s

continuous product development, it has

recoloured Cartouche, its market leading

velour. It is available in 20 colours giving

a choice that reflects both modern and

traditional furnishing tastes.

Tel: 01254 268 000

14 Balterio has expanded the

Magnitude collection with the original

ChomeZone technology, with four

modern designs, increasing the number

to 12. The company has also revamped

its website.

Visit www.balterio.com

15 Osmo UK, the eco-friendly wood and

finishes expert, has expanded its Polyx-

Oil range with Polyx-Oil Tints. With new

colour tones for this market-leading

range, Polyx-Oil Tints will bring a touch of

elegance and glamour to any room.

Tel: 01296 481220

12

18np3_IMfeb11.qxp 1/2/11 19:20

Feel free to contact us directly or speak with your local agent for more information and a brochure pack.

If you would like to see the ranges in our Dronfield showroom, please contact us for an appointment.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Scotland: Ian Crowther - 07930 314 077 North East/North West: Chris Woodhead - 07710 920 409Midlands: Chris Smith - 07882 651 325 Northern Ireland: Dougie Yeates - 07850 313 237

South West: Neil Bonnick - 07967 660 715

Woodside Furniture Ltd., Unit 4, Wreakes Lane, Dronfield, Derbyshire S18 1LN T: 0114 229 0741 F: 0114 229 0740 W: www.woodsidefurniture.co.uk E: [email protected]

Rustic Manor

Carla Dining

019_IM_0211 3/2/11 11:46 Page 1


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NEW PRODUCTS

2016 Georgian Carpets’ Super

Twist, is a heathered 80/20 wool

twist in three weights: Deluxe,

Supreme and Elite. It is available

in 4m and 5m widths with 12

colours. 17 Also from Georgian

is the Cherwell Twist, a budget

80/20 heathered British Wool

twist in three weights: Deluxe,

Supreme and Elite. It is available

in 4m and 5m widths with eight

colours.

Tel : 01827 831 430

18 With the popularity of its

cream and white painted range

of East Coast style furniture,

Atlantic Homes has added a

range of black painted cabinets.

The stylish new finish comes

as the result of retailers wanting

to offer a Boston Townhouse

feel to the range. It also

complements the range of dark

olive woods used on the dining

tables and darker fabrics on the

chairs.

Tel: 01225 317 000

19 Rattan Splice by Harry

Parr-Young addresses the

conventional style of rattan

furniture, recreating the

perceived association with its

exotic and outdoor context, this

rattan furniture sits logically in

the contemporary furniture

market and domestic setting.

Tel: 0751 3380 802

20 One Call Furniture has

added to its offer with taller

wardrobes on all ranges,

including Alpine (pictured) after

investing in new machinery.

Mode has also been expanded

to offer a full range of products.

Tel: 08451 084 084

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021_IM_0211 3/2/11 16:39 Page 1


Stands that

deliverHaving the right display stand in-store

can make all the difference to sales

Many carpets seem similar to the consumer, even if they arequite different in terms of their construction and fibre mix. Aconsumer judges the carpet on its texture, colour andcomparable price, rather than distinguishing on weight, qualityor manufacturer. This makes the story behind the carpet andthe advantages it offers over its equivalent important in helpingthe consumer to make their purchasing decision, says HowardLindsay, Mohawk Group UK sales director.

He says a display stand can potentially make or break sales.‘The stand is really the first point of communication for manymanufacturers and so the messages it delivers must be clearand significant enough to make a difference.’

With space limited in-store, not every supplier will have a wallunit, something that Vorwerk has factored into its dispays. It hasmoved away from wall displays, opting for a free-standing unitmore reflective of its brand and approach to carpet with stand-out colours, inviting textures and modern patterns. ��

CARPET

Vorwerk’s tower display

Alternative Flooring’s standincludes stairs

22-24carpet_IMfeb11.qxp 2/2/11 15:37

arton thefloorS e e u s a t H a r r o g a t e - S t a n d B 3 2

Alex Kilday – Scotland: 07775 504929Peter Baldwin – NW: 07973 410688Mark Keepfer – Wales & SW: 07976 700222Gary Kendall – Home Counties N: 7802 661944John Constable – London & SE: 07836 734322Mark Borrett – South & SE: 07968 119056

John Pringle – Cumbria & NE: 07779 140781 Paul Brown – Midlands: 07973 783532

Richard Cooper – E Anglia: 07860 525245Gary Foster – Home Counties N: 07515 283872

Mark Broster – London & SE: 07766 255222Jenny Borrett – South & SE: 07969 816727

clarendoncarpetsGorsey Lane, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 1JU

Sales: 01675 433066

Reps & Agents:

©

Mike Mortimer – Scotland: 07975 682385Peter Baldwin – NW: 07973 410688Mark Keepfer – Wales & SW: 07976 700222Gary Kendall – Home Counties N: 7802 661944John Constable – London & SE: 07836 734322Mark Borrett – South & SE: 07968 119056

John Pringle – Cumbria & NE: 07779 140781Paul Brown – Midlands: 07973 783532

Richard Cooper – E Anglia: 07860 525245Gary Foster – Home Counties N: 07515 283872

Mark Broster – London & SE: 07766 255222Jenny Borrett – South & SE: 07969 816727

Martin Pow – South West: 07968 119887

023_IM_0211 3/2/11 12:42 Page 1


‘Our premium display tower allows us to do exactly this andstands out without taking up too much room. The feedback wehave from retailers expresses this as a key component in itssuccess. Room on the shopfloor is tight so something whichtakes up so little room but that shows so many eye-catchingcarpets is a real allure. The stand also means retailers do nothave to sacrifice wall space from another brand to experienceour ranges,’ says Ian Hammond, Vorwerk Carpets UK salesdirector.

Reflecting the trend for striped stair carpets, AlternativeFlooring’s latest wall unit features a set of stairs to better showhow the carpet will look at home, and makes full use of itsphotography from its ‘be’ marketing campaign.

‘Consumers are inspired by our lifestyle imagery thatthey see in the media. These images then linkthe end-user with our brand. When entering a“be retailer” store our new corporate stand letsconsumers connect with these key images andtouch the product, which in turn helps consumersengage more strongly through appealing to thesenses,’ says Lorna Haigh, Alternative marketingmanager.

For Mohawk, using its tombolas to get across itsenvironmental message is key. EverStrand ismade from recycled plastic bottles with atotal of 3million turned into carpet everyyear, while SmartStrand is made fromrenewably sourced polymer with superiorstain resistance.

‘Communicated on our POS units,these unique attributes help to make bothranges stand out from others in-store, providinga genuine story to our carpets – in both respects agreen ideal that consumers can buy in to. These carpetsare some of the biggest selling in the US and as we develop

our UK strategy, the effectiveness of the stands will provide avaluable addition to retailers looking for a new generation ofcarpet,’ says Lindsay.

Mr Tomkinson’s waterfall lecterns allows the retailerto show the full colourbank of the four featured rangeswithout the customer having to turn over lots of

samples to see the colours underneath. It also has aset of hanging samples underneath the display for

the retailer to use when going to measure up or toloan to the consumer, and a space for a roomscene and key features and benefits.

Axminster’s roll out of its latest wall unitsdemonstrates the impact the right display canhave. ‘Featuring existing ranges, the stands have been

modernised to reflect a more youthful and stylishAxminster Carpets, drawing consumers away fromthe notion of us as a brand steeped in richlycoloured patterned carpets and introducing us as afar more on-trend manufacturer, with a particulareye for quality,’ says Richard Lawrence, Axminstergroup head of marketing.

‘The feedback we have received from retailershas been quite astonishing. Many have said the

impact of the new units has been so strong that they havenoticed a definite shift in consumer buying habits. Consumersare now trading up to Axminster Carpets on the strength ofthese stands, proving that brand is equally as important asproduct, particularly in the middle to high end sector.’

He says this has resulted in a noticeable increase in sales at atime when floorcovering and furniture stores are being hit bylack of consumer confidence and high street spending.

CARPET

Mr Tomkinson’s waterfall

Axminster’s new standsmay influence shoppingpatterns

22-24carpet_IMfeb11.qxp 2/2/11 16:46

025_IM_0211 3/2/11 09:49 Page 1

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vert

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Brand successflip-top table and dining table extending to

180cm. Merlot is an oak finish living and din-

ing collection while Grange saw a revised fin-

ish with a higher sheen introduced alongside a

fixed top dining table.

G Plan’s launches were headed by the

Monet bedroom range – reflecting the designs

of Matisse but in a warmer colour – and the

transitional Renoir living and dining range in

oak.

A writing desk and corner table were added

to Matisse while Gainsborough was expanded

with a curved door sideboard.

There were a plethora of debuts for

Relaxateeze headed by the Maxi recliner with

massage function. Two recliners incorporate a

rocking action, as does the accompanying

footstool, while nine swivel recliners feature

three leather models.

Leather club chairs were joined by three

striped fabric club chairs and the Louis club

chair with button back.

The launches were supported with several

new POS options for Relaxateeze studios.

With so many successful launches it is no

surprise that by the end of the year stock-

holding will rise from £8m to £11m.

Morris Furniture Group enjoyed another highly

successful interiors show, with orders being

taken across all the brands from the start of

the exhibition to the end.

Zone premiered Scan, a Scandinavian influ-

enced collection in a washed oak finish with

black glass inlay.

A slatback chair was introduced across the

Inca, Loft, Metro, City and Jazz collections

and the KD dining chair was launched in

brown or cream with light or dark legs.

For Morris, Eclipse is a living and dining

range in an oak finish with a walnut inlay,

even on the handles. It includes a square

Above: Relaxateeze’s Prosecco

Below: Morris Furniture’s Merlot (left)

and Eclipse (right)

26-7morrisadv_IMfeb11.qxp 2/2/11 18:59

Ad

vertising feature: M

orris Furniture Group


Contact

Morris Furniture Group

89 Southcroft Road

Glasgow G73 1UG

Tel: 0141 300 7200

Above: Zone’s Scan

Left: G Plan’s Monet and

Renoir (bottom left)

Below: Relaxateeze’s Rosa

26-7morrisadv_IMfeb11.qxp 2/2/11 19:00

Ad

vert

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auch


A clever choice in furnitureThe UK is one of the largest export markets for

German bedroom manufacturer Rauch, and

according to Michael Stiehl, Rauch md, the

past 10 years have seen significant changes in

the market.

‘In the past decade the market has chan-

ged to a much more modern one and so more

accepting of German designs. Ikea has

helped this as it has the same products all

around the world and people now like the

European look,’ he says

Some 35% of Rauch’s turnover comes

through exports and Stiehl says white bed-

rooms are growing in popularity throughout

several markets.

In the UK, Rauch offers four collections

each aimed at specific market segments.

Under the umbrella brand Rauch, these four

collections reflect this strategy. Pack’s is its

first flatpack collection with an attractive prod-

uct range while Select is a contemporary flat-

pack collection aimed at younger consumers.

Emphasis is placed on functionality and a high

combinability of the furniture.

The Dialog collection has a variety of

designs and is long lasting with a high degree

of assembling.

Steffen is Rauch’s higher end, pre-assem-

bled brand, sold through specialised furniture

stores. It contains furniture in combinations of

wood, foil and high quality decors. With high

quality manufacturing it is designed for the

upper price segment with a wide vertical

range of products.

‘While we have grown in all four segments

in the past, Steffen is a particular area of

growth for Rauch. This year at interiors 2011

we showed Leona, our second design in the

collection after the launch of Aura last year,’

says Stiehl.

‘The new custom-made product ranges of

Futur and Dimension-3 from our Dialog range

were key elements at the NEC. Futur and

Dimension-3 are following our company slo-

gan: “Rauch – A clever choice in furniture”.

You can build your own wardrobe or dressing

rooms by choosing from a range of colours,

sizes, heights and surfaces while keeping the

functionality and the perfect look.’

All of Rauch’s products are made to order

with UK delivery times of four to six weeks.

Contact:

Easterhill Furniture

86 High Street

Evesham

Worcester WR11 4 EU

Tel: 01386 41333

Fax: 01386 765065

Email: [email protected]

Futur

Quadra

Leona

28rauchad_IMfeb11.qxp 2/2/11 13:43

C A R P E T S

F U R N I T U R E

R U G S

B E D S

L A M I N A T E

U P H O L S T E R Y

V I N Y L

A C C E S S O R I E S

Willis & GambierGreat Rooms achieves greatsuccess at interiors 2011

interiors 2011review

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At this year’s show the mass market was dominant, but there were

plenty of gems to be found, as can be seen on the following pages

Sherborne introduced the Malvern suitein standard and small sizes, with foursizes of lift and rise recliners along withthe Savoy and Toledo covers.

Cavendish’s launches included thecontemporary Kelly and Pandora cornerunit.

From Lebus was the Trafalgar knole infabric and leather, Mahica sports a brightfabric strip across the front while Empireis a double chaise with large swivel chair.

Celebrity added more sizes acrossmodels. It debuted the Cotswold

Inspired selection

��

Upholstery

Above: Ercol’s MaloneAbove right: Sweet Dreams’ MaineRight: Whitehead Design’s RitzBelow: Celebrity’s Cotswold

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sofa and the Woburn that can be split foreasy delivery.

Brunstad celebrated its 70thanniversary at the show and showed itscustomisable Delta chair.

Furniture Origins premiered five semi-aniline leather ranges while TCS unveiledthe Cameron leather and leather matchcollection and Madelyn hide sofa withrecliner.

Among Sweet Dreams’ launches wasthe contemporary Maine, offeringstorage and sold as a set including aswivel chair. ��

Top: Cavendish’s PandoraAbove: Brunstad’s StreamLeft: Relaxateeze’s Nero

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Davinci Furniture introduced apremium collection while maintaining itspromotional models.

‘Retailers want to be quality led, andnot just price led,’ says Adrian Kelly,Davinci md. ‘Leather has stopped being aspirational and has become justanother cover – we want it to be

aspirational again.’Davinci issupporting thepremium

collection by holding stock which allows14-day delivery. All the models featuresolid wood screwed and glued framesand in a first for Davinci, many areavailable in soft covers.

Classically styled Mona comes in twoleather shades and fabric. Winston has amore traditional look and is also availablein leather and fabric.

The contemporary Decor is alsoavailable with a choice of fabric or hideand sports metal feet, while Kelly isavailable in leather.

Interiors also saw Davinci introducethe Bugatti in leather and Shannon insoft cover to the collection.

The promotional Amari leather designis also available from stock on 14-daydelivery.

Above: Mona in leatherBelow: Soft cover WinstonBottom: Mona in fabric

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Innovation was the key for MikeAramayo, Buoyant Upholstery md.

‘The show proved that by innovatingrather than following, a product canattract the price it deserves to be sold at,’he says.

‘As we are known for corner groups,the retailers were snapping up our newdesigns.’

There was also a good reaction toOmega with its style, colours andExtraflex seat cushions. The Veyron, aleather and fabric model, also attractedattention.

‘The new concept of the Dolliefootstool had an amazing reaction. Wehave registered the patent of the nestingfootstool design in Europe and we werehanding out copies of the patent to saveanyone the bother of trying to copy it,’ hesays.

Buoyant has recently joined the BFMand Aramayo says retailers wereimpressed by the Ask If It Is campaignbeing promoted on the stand whichproved to be a major talking point.

The company has also revamped itswebsite and entered the contract marketafter 18 months of research at theHospitality 2011 show held at the sametime as interiors.

‘The business has gone from strengthto strength in the past two and a halfyears and our production is at recordlevels. We will never rest on our laurels aswe know that while the journey to thetop is exciting and enjoyable, it is evenharder to stay there and that is what weaim to do,’ says Aramayo.

La Tasca

Dollie

Veyron

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Halo used interiors to introduce aplethora of upholstery developments,with three new models, two rangeextensions, and an occasional chairdisplay system alongside a new leatheroption, Old Saddle Mocha.

Its Halo Licensing division unveiled theKelly Hoppen furniture collection ofmore than 30 pieces of living and diningproducts including sofas, armchairs,chaises, coffee tables, side tables, trunks,and dining furniture, as well as bespokecushions.

Hoppen joined visitors on the standfrom Paris via a video conference todiscuss her inspiration for the range andher love of vintage style and iconicdesign.

The show also saw the UK debut of theEsquire licensed collection of upholsteryand cabinet alongside the D-Bodhi byHalo range of reclaimed Indonesian teakdesigns. ��

Top: Kelly Hoppen sofa instone linenLeft: Flea Market armchairBelow: Viscount William sofa


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Exclusive launched the Premier marbledining collection while Winsor added theStockholm compact collection withelliptical recessed handles and metaldetailing.

Caxton introduced the high glossManhattan dining range in black with a4mm glass top on the dining table whileDarwin is a semi-modular collectionincluding two sizes of media cabinets.Huxley is a living and dining and homeoffice range including a corner unit inthe brand’s top-selling oak finish.

Bath Cabinets revamped its Crescentrange, which is now made in the UK, anddebuted the Gainsborough in a limedeffect oak veneer.

From Old Charm was a home officewriting desk and Lamborne, a smallerdining table and sideboard with centralwine rack. Occasional pieces were addedto Cotswold while Hertford saw a newwriting desk and two bookcases.

Nathan revamped all Classic andShades tables adding a sunburst andpremiered Nathan 900, a handle-lessmodular system in light and mid oak thatcan be wall mounted.

Gecko showed its audio-visualcollection with finishes including highgloss, walnut, white and black. Optionsinclude glass or speaker grille fronts,cable management, rear TV bracket, slowopening fronts and remote controlholder.

Willis & Gambier introduced GreatRooms, a collection of complementaryfinishes and styles, including the mediaeasel TV stand, while Hemmingway is a

Nathan’s 900Halo’s Esquire

Julian Bowen’s Palermo

Gecko’s Sapphire

��

Living and dining

curved dining and bedroom range.Levv launched the modular high gloss

Kubox storage system. Corndell unveiledthe chunky Prairie in acacia with leatherhandles and introduced a chair collectionavailable from stock.

Kettle Interiors debuted the Kent livingand dining and home office range with

solid oak edging and choice of wood ormetal handles.

G&P Furniture displayed theAshbourne dining table in medium oakalongside the Cleveland dining set.

Julian Bowen introduced the Palermohigh gloss white dining table with glasstop and chairs.

38LD_IMfeb11.qxp 2/2/11 10:31

Palatine Beds Launched their newest bed set ‘the Pandora’ and their

latest top of the range mattress ‘the Athena’ at the 2011 Interiors Show in Birmingham.

The AthenaThe Athena’ is a 1400 count pocket sprung mattress witha glittery quilted cover and 100% natural fillings includinglambs wool, horse hair and coir.

The PandoraThe Pandora is a 3000 count pocket spring mattress; hand tufted with all natural fillings, includinglamb’s wool, horse hair and coir. It has two rows of hand stitching on the border, a retro, coollooking viscose cover and 8 flag stitched fluted handles and vents.

The base is a 12.5g bonnel spring unit, shallow welled wooden frame, which is upholstered in awoven fabric and comes complete with chrome feet, linking bars and a high, deep paddedmatching headboard.

Both beds are on displayin the factory shop

alongside Palatine’s current retail and contractbeds from 8.30am to 4pm

Monday to Friday,10am to 4pm on Saturday.

Palatine Beds, Stamfordham Road,Westerhope, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 5HH

Tel: 0191 2772544 (switchboard), 0191 2772559 (sales) Fax: 0191 2772550

P

Sherry Design LTDScotstown, Monaghan, IrelandTel: (047) 86309Fax: (047) 89593Code from U.K.: (00353)Email - [email protected]

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Starbay is on course to almost doubleits product offering with the introductionof a walnut collection in addition to itsrosewood range.

Some 40% of designs are nowavailable in walnut and this will rise to70% by the end of the year. The company

is already enjoying success with itscoordinated range.

‘It is a lifestyle we are selling,customers often buy complete roomsetdisplays,’ says Simon Cook, Starbay UKagent. To help this a full display designservice is offered to retailers.

All products are produced in Starbayowned factories and they are handfinished.

Among the new products are make-uptrunks and the New York leather swivelchair with chrome sides and a storagedrawer at the front.

Above: Marilyn dressing chestLeft: All products are hand finished

Starbay home office

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In what is fast becoming a watershedyear for Sherry Designs, it launched fourranges at interiors. This year its celebratesits 50th anniversary and the recentacquisition of its Eastern Europeansupplier allows Sherry to compete moreaggressively on price, while improvingquality and service.

The new Simply Sherry conceptincludes an oak bedroom and diningcollection that pays close attention tothe functionality of furniture andparticular focus was given to customerfeedback in its development. The result isa collection of unique features aimed atmaking the collection more user friendlyand practical. All dining tables extendand cabinets include reversible drawersthat can function as storage or wineracks. A choice of handles are deliveredwith every piece, helping the collectionbecome the company’s most successfullaunch.

Also introduced was the Phoenixcollection, which targets the premiumdining sector with a hand-applied waxlacquer finish and a mild patina.

‘This collection caught the eye of manyretailers. Despite the undoubted qualityand design it was a surprise to manyretailers to learn how competitive theprices actually are. Phoenix has benefitedsignificantly from the acquisition of theEastern Europe plant,’ says Gareth Sherry,Sherry Designs director.

Top: Phoenix targetsthe premium sectorAbove: Simply Sherryoak dining rangeRight: Simply Sherryoak bedroomcollection

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Seconique launched more than 30products at interiors 2011.

‘We were delighted with the ordersplaced by discerning retailers for the newproducts,’ says Valerie Graham, Seconiquemd.

The addition of the trendyCharisma stowaway andRoxanne dining sets withmatching lamp and coffeetables to the popular Whiteand Black High Glossranges, were particularlywell received.

‘The mix ‘n’ match appealof the Hollywood,Hollyhurst and Hollyvilleranges in walnut veneer andblack gloss provedfavourites with everyone,not forgetting the innovativeLaptop table which was ordered bynearly every customer,’ she says.

Laptop table in black glass and chrome

Hollyhurstsideboard inwalnut veneerand black gloss

Hollyhurst entertainment unit in walnutveneer and black gloss

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Beds and bedroomOne Call Furniture introduced a still to benamed smoked finish bedroom range,taller wardrobes to all ranges andexpanded Mode so it now has the samepieces available as the other ranges.

Jade launched the high gloss metallicor walnut finished Torino.

Kingstown introduced the Smokey Oakfinish, added to Bordeaux includingdressing table and bed with the optionof glass tops. Rimini includes a lower bedthan other ranges, Lucia is a modern

white foilrange whileBella has a vanillalacquer finish with soft-close doors.

Kozeesleep debuted 19 models,including the 2,000 spring Wordsworth.

Caxton unveiled the Dorset in a whitepainted look finish and a three-doorsliding wardrobe to existing ranges andlower height wardrobes on its threebestsellers.

FromCore

Products wasthe Jamestown

painted range whilesister brand Expoline

debuted the Paris flatpack hardwoodcollection.

Kaylee with high gloss white, black orcream doors and white, walnut, wengeand Virginia oak carcases were Wiemanndebuts, while Winsor featured the

Above: Kingstown’s BordeauxLeft: Julian Bowen’s AvalonBelow: Palatine’s Pandora

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Rococo bedroom available in severalfabrics and headboard designs.

There were several bedsteads fromLimelight including Bianca in Americanoak with drawers, Venus in oak with anangled headboard, and the chesterfieldPhoenix with white or black footend.

Kettle Interiors launched the Provencepainted off-white and Chunky Oakcollections while Steens introduced theStockholm in glossy white, black and redalongside the Balmoral pine range withwaxed top.

Indiana, an oak stained ash collectionwith bevelled drawers headed FurnitureOrigins’ launches. Oman has dovetaildetailing on the dining table while Tia isa modern range in a light ash finish.

G Plan’s Monet reflects the designs ofthe Matisse but with a warmer colour.

Serene highlighted several ColinJackson designed beds, headed by thesofa-inspired Hampton. ��

REVIEW

Top: Kettle’s Chunky OakAbove: Core’s JamestownRight: Serene’s Hampton

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Left: Retailers’comments haveshaped the 2011rangeInset: Pure Latex Blissis only sold in-storeBelow: Only 100%Talalay latex is used

Pure Latex Bliss, which launched to theUK market at last year’s interiors, offeringopportunities to triple margins and aselective distribution strategy to retailers,returned to interiors with an improvedand expanded range. ‘The past 12months have been busy months for PureLatex Bliss as it has become the fastinggrowing mattress brand in the world,’says Kurt Ling, Pure Latex Bliss ceo.

Divan bases now come in five colouroptions including the original cream.

Electric-adjustable, static-slatted, andottoman storage versions have also beenadded to the range while pocket-sprung

and platform-top divans have beenintroduced to sit alongside thetraditional open-coil version.

Pure Latex Bliss continues to use only100% Talalay latex in its mattresses andpillows, with no additional fibre or foam.

‘This year’s interiors has been a hugesuccess for us. We had significantly more traffic on to our stand and thequality of orders has also been verypleasing. The past 12 months has seen us launch not only in the UK, butalso in France and Belgium. This year we are pushing into Germany, Austriaand Switzerland,’ says Chris Francis,

Pure Latex Bliss UK sales director.Most customers are independents,

while Furniture Village has recentlybecome a stockist, so the company hasdecided not to sell its products online.

‘Because we don’t have any onlineaccounts we are able to ensure our in-store stockists are not undercut. Retailersare the only ones who can sell ourproducts, helping them maintainmargins and gaining an exclusiveproduct option,’ says Francis.

Further support is provided throughwww.blissipedia.com, with regularupdates about innovations.

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Children’s furniture

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Above: Pinetum’s RumpusLeft: Caxton’s MyPod

Caxton introduced its first children’srange – MyPod. Available in white withgrey door panels, it has a choice of sixhandle colours that can be quicklychanged.

Items include cabin bed, slide-out bed,wardrobe, chest of drawers, storage unitand TV unit, all of which can fit under thecabin bed. The company says it is lookingto offer its independent stockists a newmarket for many of them.

Julian Bowen introduced two sleepers– Leo and Atlantis – while Pinetumunveiled Rumpus.

Sweet Dreams expanded its offer withsix models, headed by Bond – a fullbedroom set with working lights on thecar – and the multicoloured Rainbow.

Left: Sweet Dreams’ BondBelow: Julian Bowen’s Leo

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Steens has enjoyed success with itsSteens For Kids collection across Europein recent years.

It has now expanded the range with

the Wendy pine collection in awhitewash finish with pink detailing andHarry, the boy’s version, in blue.

According to the company, white is the

bestselling colour for children’s furnitureand the market remains buoyant withparents still willing to invest in theirchildren’s bedrooms.

Left: Parents are stillinvesting in children’sbedrooms Below: Wendy madeits debut at interiors

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FlooringVisitors responded to the full-scale debutof flooring at interiors as doubts aboutthe section’s popularity were firmlyassuaged.

Abingdon Flooring revealed that theSuper Click LVT system will be in storesnext month while Cavalio Floors showedoff its Vittara LVT range, available in 14wood styles as well as effects such asdriftwood, rustic wood, washed mapleand antique oak.

Plantation Rug Company’s productsincluded its latest London and Kelp,while Brockway Carpets showed itsthree-ply tufted level loop WoolImpressions carpet with Wools of NewZealand’s Laneve wool.

Crucial Trading enjoyed success withthe Moscow and Mississippi wool rangeswhile Lifestyle Floors chose theexhibition to debut the Dovedale andBurbage carpets.

WLD launched a Krono originallaminate collection of 56 decors in variedsizes from 6mm to 12mm.

Top left:

Brockway’s WoolImpressionsTop right: SuperClickLeft: Plantation’sLondonBottom left:

Crucial’s MoscowMuleBelow: Cavalio’sVittara

58floor_IMfeb11.qxp 2/2/11 19:11

Memory Foam Sofa Beds

• No minimum Order Quantity • Memory foam included in mattress and sofa• Free Point of Sale Material • 3 fold and 2 fold mechanisms available• Contract enquiries welcome • Non-memory foam sofa beds also available• 2 year guarantee • Matching Furniture Accessories available

More Designs available, please call for our latest brochure Concept Memory Sleep

Concept Memory SleepUnit 7-8 St Ives Business Park, St Ives Road, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 2BXT: +44 (0) 1254 662113 F: +44 (0) 1254 662118E: [email protected] www.conceptmemory.com Made in the

United Kingdom

Please contact us on:Scotland | Bob Dymond | 07831 500658North West & North Wales | John Edmundson | 07860 242778North East | Head Office | 01254 662113Midlands | Dave Sedgwick | 07748 835600South West & South Wales | Head Office | 01254 662113South East | Neil Facey | 07940 503106North London & East of England | Colin White | 07733 238345

Agents Required

To become aSiesta bedstockist call

0121 773 9969www.siestabeds.co.ukNationwide Weekly Delivery

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FLORENCE ALOE VERA VISCO FLEX BUCKINGHAM CARDIFF

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GoodbyegreenwashDomotex was the event where

flooring companies decided to

take their environmental credentials

more seriously

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Classen’s Extravagant

Balterio’s Impressio

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If the importance of environmentally responsible products hadbeen in doubt, or treated with scepticism, Domotex 2011 wasthe event that put it firmly on flooring companies’ agenda.

The past few years have seen environmental claims – oftenno more than spin – bandied about, but this year being greenseems to have stopped being a bandwagon companies had tobe on and become something very serious.

And this seriousness was illustrated by Balterio. Using sistercompany Balta’s carpet waste, Balterio introduced Integro – nota laminate floor, not a vinyl floor but something that combinedboth aspects – after three years of development.

Using polyolefines, Integro is a 4.5mm product with theClickXpress fitting system reducing the transport carbon

footprint and the need for glue. Production waste – and anyreturned product – can be completely recovered and made intonew product.

Ten decors will be available when Integro is introduced in thethird quarter of the year and it will be able to employ all ofBalterio’s laminate technology, for example V-Groove. Itswaterproof characteristics mean it can be used in bathroomsand kitchens and does not require underlay.

To further Integro’s environmental credentials, its packagingis recyclable non-chlorinated cardboard and the brochure ismade from waterproof paper with removable ink.

Among Balta’s launches, Nobility is a colourful striped Saxony,Gala was recoloured as it celebrates its 25th anniversary, ��

Left: Witex’s Ambient Ariosa Below left: Granorte’s Corium tileBelow: Krono’s Portland Oak

Opposite page, top row from left:

Par-ky’s Lounge, Sensa’s Urban LoftCentre: Idea’s My Family, Esprit’sIsland NatureBottom: Balta’s Nobility

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Gala Design is a textured loop, Sandringham Wilton is a six-frame wilton and Heartbreaker is a contemporary Stainsafeshaggy.

Associated Weavers recoloured some of its bestsellingranges, including eight new shades for Stainaway HarvestHeathers, Stainguard Harvest Heathers, Scottsdale Twist andTuftex Twist, including steel greys. Other launches were thethree yarn New Mood and the Magnum and Carnival shaggies.

Domo showed the two tone Whisper and Times Squarepolypropylene loop pile ranges alongside the Neptunus Saxony.Ideal introduced the cut length My Family collection of 20products alongside the Cosmopolitan shaggy and structuredloop New York.

Bolefloor introduced what it claims is the world’s firstindustrial-scale manufactured hardwood flooring with naturallycurved lengths that follow a tree’s natural growth, while Classentargeted the upper end of the laminate market withExtravagant.

Granorte unveiled a long narrow plank range and the Coriumtile combining recycled leather and cork. Witex also debuted along plank, Ariosa, which is suitable for kitchens andbathrooms.

Westco is to launch a laminate range from Krono targetingthe middle to upper market while Sensa showed Azzurio,adding a waterproof layer alongside Resisto combining vinyl forsound reduction with waterproofing.

Above left: Bolefloor’s naturalcurves, Above right: Quick-Step’s LargoRight: Domo’s Times Square

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imm Cologne was all about getting

back to nature with curves, untreated

wood and tactile leather

Buoyed by the strength of the Germaneconomy, exhibitors at imm Cologneshowed they were not afraid to invest ininnovation with a host of new productscatching the eye, especially inupholstery.

Helped by the launch of the LivingKitchen show, the 1,213 exhibitors filledevery available space of Koelnmesse –with many more wanting to have beenthere.

Plains dominated soft coverupholstery, with stripes or abstractgraphics restricted to accessorisation. Inleather, thick, barely treated natural skins

with a tactile, inviting character werewidespread. Curves were everywhere,such as Wittmann’s Alex, Cor’s Shrimp,Koinor’s Jetlag and Leolux’s Sella whilerecliners were pared down, a trendperfectly illustrated by Rolf Benz’s 360,Jori’s Square and Bretz’s Highland.

Wood’s popularity accelerated, not justin cabinet but on upholstery, withcompanies keen to highlight its naturalqualities. Oak continued to be the timberof choice, despite its recent higher cost,often untreated and sometimescomplete with bark.

The switch to LED lighting is showing

signs of completion with theoverwhelming majority of wardrobes,wall units, sideboards and displaycabinets using the energy-savinglighting.

Exhibitors were also keen to highlightthe importance of sustainability in theirdesigns.

For firms with European productionfacilities, other key messages were lowercarbon footprints and faster deliverytimes than Far East produced products.The most obvious example of this wasWelle’s home office collection. Nowproduced in smaller sizes more suitable

Above: Leolux’s SellaBelow: Softline’s Angel

Investing ininnovation

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for homes, for example a 60cm desk. Theflatpack collection is available on a fourday direct home delivery for mainlandUK and five days for Ireland. It alsoupgraded the interiors of wardrobes,introduced a motorised sliding door thatautomatically closes after two minutes (ithas a safety stop function) and a storagesystem available in three heights and fivesizes allowing maximum use of spacewithin 5cm.

By combining stone and steelDraenert’s Barcode table is 100%recyclable using fragments of more than200 types of stone.

Left: Rolf Benz’s360Below: Bretz’sHighland chairand sofaBottom: Domicil’sButterfly

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Above: Wittmann’s AlexRight: Koinor’s Jetlag

Above: Walter Knoll’s Blue TwoLeft: Cor’s ShrimpRight: Jori’s Square


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Above: Bordbar’s trolleyAbove right: Interlubke’s ReefRight: Vitamin Design’s GoBelow: Riva’s Boss

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Top: Hanna Korvela’s TempoAbove: Bretz’s SticksAbove left: Jan Kath’s Pimp My RugLeft: Kymo’s The Mash Up

The show wasn’t just aboutfurniture, flooring was on offer aswell.

Jan Kath’s Pimp My Rug tookrecycling to new levels, takingdecades old Persian rugs from aHamburg warehouse anddecolouring them before re-dying them in bright colours.The original patterns remainghostly visible.

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JULIAN BOWEN – DIRECT HOME DELIVERY


Another Successful NEC ProductLaunch for Julian Bowen

Among the star performing productswere the new additions to the Coxmoorrange, bench, square table, lamp, nestand coffee table. The new PalermoDining in blue/grey glass, white andstainless steel combination and thechairs in grey blue faux leather andstainless steel. Also the new Romanticwhite metal bed collection, whichreflected design detailing and innovationreminiscent of the Victorian/Edwardianera.

The show also saw the launch of thenew Julian Bowen Catalogue Issue 16,which also features all the new productslaunched at the show together with aCD.

These new products are in stock andavailable for delivery.

Julian Bowenrecognises where thekey areas of

importance lie within the operation. TheJulian Bowen business maintains asimple philosophy with commitment tostock at their 10,000 square metrewarehouse complex and a promptefficient delivery service second to none.Customer service is key so Julian Bowenset targets to deliver to customers in 2-3weeks.

The “New Success Story” for JulianBowen is the “Direct Home DeliveryService”. Seven new Mercedes Sprintershave already been added to the fleet,focused on delivering direct to theconsumer on a 7-10 day lead time. Oneand two man deliveries are available withthe option of “Room Of Choice” on the 2

man Service. We now have over a 100retailers signed up to the “Direct HomeDelivery Service”, so far it is proving to bea great success driving increased salesthrough both new and existingcustomers with a turnover in excess of£3 million.

Julian Bowen DHD appears to be morethan meeting customer expectations, ontime and trouble free, clearlydemonstrating their commitment toquality and service. The DHD service hasnow been operational since June and isavailable on all Julian Bowen products toany customers in mainland UK.

We instill a simple philosophy with allstaff to go the extra mile.

The Julian Bowen stand lived up to its usual expectations with a great variety ofproduct styles and new innovation, this was clearly a magnet for buyers whoflocked to the stand which was very busy and had a euphoric buzz with thelaunch of some 41 new products. It was clear to see the stand was overrun byretailers eager to see the latest launch. They have an indisputable reputation forlaunching new and exciting products with exceptional value for money.

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Buoyant Upholstery Limited t: 01282 691 631Hallam Road, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 8AJ e: [email protected] w: www.buoyant-upholstery.co.uk

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