Interior Design Section

Harlequin To Launch Six Ranges Of Bedlinen

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Harlequin To Launch Six Ranges Of Bedlinen  Harlequin has joined forces with Bedeck, one of the leading manufacturers of luxury bedlinen, to produce a sumptuous new range of bedlinen and accessories. This will be Harlequin’s first collection of own-brand bedlinen.

Derived from six best-selling Harlequin designs, the bedlinen comes in four sizes of duvet cover (single, double, king, super king) and two styles of pillowcase (oxford and housewife), complemented by flat and fitted sheets, decorative cushions and throws.

  • Azara features a sophisticated ivory paisley on a sultry black ground, with a plain black reverse. Printed onto 200 thread count cotton sateen, the duvet covers and oxford pillowcase feature a panel motif whilst the housewife pillowcases have black embroidery on an ivory ground.
  • Marbree a graceful floral motif, features a floral panel in charcoal and gold embroidery on ivory, with an ivory reverse, flat-piped in gold. The duvet covers and oxford pillowcase come in a soft 220 thread count cotton sateen.
  • Nalini an elegant aqua and champagne-coloured floral panel embroidered onto a white 220 thread count cotton sateen ground. The duvet covers and oxford pillowcase have a plain white reverse and are flat-piped in aqua.
  • Pod - pictured here is a zingy aubergine and lime-coloured retro-chic motif printed onto 200 thread count ivory cotton sateen. The duvet covers, which feature a panel down one side, are backed in a multi-coloured horizontal stripe and piped in aubergine. The oxford pillowcase mirrors the duvet cover, but with an all-over background texture reverse, whilst the housewife pillowcase is a multi-coloured horizontal stripe.
  • Prato a contemporary horizontal stripe printed onto 200 thread count cotton sateen. Both the duvet covers and oxford pillowcase come in a relaxing combination of aqua and natural, with an aqua strié on the reverse, piped in a plain aqua.
  • Venezia is a dramatic aqua damask design woven in sumptuous 300 thread count cotton sateen, with a plain aqua weave reverse. The duvet covers and oxford pillowcase feature an all-over motif and are enhanced by piping around three sides. The housewife pillowcase has aqua embroidery on an ivory ground

There is also a comprehensive range of complementary products, comprising embroidered flat sheets and housewife pillowcases, strié-printed fitted sheets, housewife and square pillowcases.

To complete the look, there are plain silk or velvet cushions and co-ordinating throws, in shades specially selected to harmonise with the duvet cover designs and colours.

The collection will be available throughout the UK from September 2010.

To view the exciting new Harlequin bed linen collection or for details of stockists, please visit the website.
Tel:  (0845) 603 0861.

George Clarke joins Fun on the Floor’s Expert Panel

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

George Clarke joins Fun on the Floor’s Expert Panel Channel 4 presenter and architect George Clarke has joined Fun on the Floor’s panel of experts to help people make the most of carpet. George, who presents Channel 4’s The Restoration Man and The Home Show, has joined the panel as Design Expert.

Fun on the Floor has been working with George and trend forecaster Victoria Redshaw, to identify the key interior trends for the next year. From the decadent drama of ‘Ballet Russe’ to the poptastic Miami-inspired mayhem of ‘Feelgood Factor’, everyone can find a look they love and be inspired to experiment with colour, pattern and texture at home.

George Clarke, Fun on the Floor’s Design Expert, says: “I’m really excited about joining Fun on the Floor. I’m passionate about helping people turn their home into a place, which meets their family’s needs and is somewhere they love spending time.

“I’m a big fan of carpet and I don’t believe we all make the most of carpet. Carpet is warm, easy to care for and hygienic. It absorbs sound and keeps the heat in. And there is a huge variety of textures, colours and styles that can completely transform a room.

“Instead of thinking about your flooring and then the décor, consider the floor as part of the décor. A bold coloured, striped, patterned or beautifully textured carpet can be an integral part of a room’s scheme and can dramatically change the way the room looks.”

  • Visitors to Fun on the Floor’s website can ask the Expert Panel any questions about carpet and receive a personal reply.
  • There’s also a downloadable voucher for VIP service at a Fun on the Floor retailer.
  • With interior design ideas and practical advice on everything from planning and fitting, there’s a wealth of style inspiration for using carpet.
  • A new carpet can be delivered and your home transformed, in as little time as 5-7 days from time of purchase.
  • All of the retailers on www.funonthefloor.com offer a free measuring service and will fit in around your schedule. Not only that but carpet can be fitted a lot quicker than the time it takes to re-paint a room, with an average sized room completed in under 2 hours.

About Fun on the Floor.

In 2008 a collective of carpet manufacturers, distributors and retailers joined forces to create a major generic marketing campaign under the banner of ‘Fun on the Floor’. The campaign aims to get the nation embracing the attributes of carpet.

The website is an interactive resource for anyone interested in learning more about the transformation that carpet can bring to a room – whether home owners, home improvers, retailers or media - with further details about the campaign, informative top tips and style advice from the expert panel.

Why not visit this innovative and inspiring website for more information on all aspects of carpet products and design?

Charles: A Nostalgic Collection Of Sandberg Wallpapers

Monday, September 6th, 2010

Charles: A Nostalgic Collection Of Sandberg Wallpapers  Charles offers a mix of nostalgic wallpapers, combining classical and archive-inspired motifs with contemporary designs from the Sandberg Studio, all interpreted in true Sandberg style.

The collection encapsulates the spirit of adventure and travel from a bygone era: sophisticated, elegant, avant-garde but essentially timeless.

Drawing inspiration from an eclectic range of sources, including old luggage, maps, books, buttons, men’s’ tailoring and shoes, Charles is a reassuringly easy collection to work with.

It can be used equally effectively to paper either a signature wall or all four walls, and harmonises effortlessly with the existing fabrics in the Sandberg portfolio.

Albert: An elegant, classical diamond pattern, inspired by the fine detailing on buttoned sofas.

Arthur: An enchanting medallion pattern, reminiscent of the inside of an old book cover. A charming, small-patterned wallpaper, which will work well on all four walls of a room.

Charles: Charles is an elegant, marbled-effect paper, adapted from the covers of antique books.

Ferdinand: Ferdinand resembles an antiquarian map, but look more closely and you can discern some of the animals from the Leonard fabric, as well as motifs from Greek mythology and sailing ships from yesteryear.

Harry: Paying homage to men’s suiting, Harry is a chic design based on a classic herringbone tweed pattern.

James – in our picture: A vintage design celebrating the era of elegant travel, James depicts old luggage labels from trips all over the world.

Leopold: A dramatic wallpaper with a witty undertone, depicting lions in a stylised forest setting.

Margret: A pattern originating from 1929, Margret is a delicate floral wallpaper with a very subtle effect.

Mr. & Mrs. Collins: Mr & Mrs Collins are clearly a stylish couple, and this whimsical design celebrates elements of their carefully co-ordinated wardrobe!

Peggy: A charming paper, based on a dainty floral motif discovered in a hut, which dates back to 1870, situated on the island of Dalarö,.

Philip: A versatile, sophisticated stripe based on men’s’ shirting fabrics.

Stephen: A small-scale plaid in a highly useable range of colours.

The screen-printed papers come in four-panel rolls for ease of hanging. They are also fully washable, making them not only decorative but highly practical as well.

All the Sandberg wallpapers are manufactured using sustainable resources from Scandinavian forests.
Little Greene distributes them exclusively in the UK. Visit the website to view the unique new collection.

Tel: (0845) 880 5855

Silent Gliss Venetian Blinds Give Ultimate Control

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

Silent Gliss Venetian Blinds Give Ultimate Control
Venetian blinds give sleek style with ultimate control over light and glare; as the day goes on small adjustments enable maximum light and visibility.

Each system within the range offers different benefits:

  • The Silent Gliss 8300, with either 16mm or 25mm slats in a choice of 77 different colours, is controlled with a single metal chain for raising/lowering of slats and tilting. A series of 8300 blinds can be fitted side by side with minimal light gap.
  • Systems 8100 and 8110 have integrated control wands with brake for user friendly, precise opening and tilting. System 8100 has 16mm slats and can be positioned within narrow frames because of its small headrail.
  • System 8110 has either 16mm or 25mm slats. Privacy feature is standard for the 25mm slats, allowing no direct light to penetrate when in the closed position. Both systems are available in 77 different colours.
  • Silent Gliss also offer a cord operated system 8900 with 25mm or 50mm slats in real wood or 50mm aluminium slats, suitable for larger applications. The 8950 system is an electrically operated version, also available with real wood or aluminium slats.
  • The Silent Gliss 8500 is motorised, offering quiet and smooth operation at your fingertips. Add a remote for flexible control over the system. Available with 16mm and 25 mm slats.

Most of the 77 colours are available in the 16 and 25 mm slats.

For the 50mm there is a choice of 30 wood slats and 5 aluminium colours.

Many of these venetian blinds systems can also be fitted to sloping windows (up to 15 degree incline from vertical) using guide wires.

For more information and to see the range of Silent Gliss blind solutions, please visit the website.

Tel: (01843) 863571

New Tile Collections By Leading Designer Nick Munro

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

NEW Tile Collections By Leading Designer Nick Munro Well known for his role on BBC1’s High Street Dreams, Nick Munro is celebrated as one of Britain’s most original and innovative designers - and now he’s launching two new collections with Fired Earth.

The two new tile collections - Roman Mosaics and Welsh Mountain Slate are designed to be both beautiful and functional.

“I’m really excited about the new tile collections,” says Nick. “Welsh Slate is a great product. I love the Welsh mountains and I love the colours when the sun breaks through - the green meadows, crystal streams, blue skies - and, of course, the perfect blue-grey of the slate.

“It’s brilliant for wall and floor tiles as you can cut it very precisely and it doesn’t peel, making it safe to walk on.”

Nick and his wife, Ali - a textile designer - have also worked together to create a new mosaic collection for Fired Earth.

“When Fired Earth asked me to work with them on a new collection of hand made mosaic tiles, it gave me the perfect opportunity to work on a joint project with Ali, who is a brilliant textile designer.

The two of us looked at the original Fired Earth mosaics and we loved the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the Tunisian artisans, but decided that we could bring a new and more contemporary spirit to this ancient process.

We’ve created both geometric and figurative designs in an unusual colour palette of ochres, reds, greys and oranges.”

With Nick’s brilliant eye for design and instinctive understanding that Fired Earth wants to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional, these new collections are set to become design classics.

Roman Mosaics
Using an organic palette of Tunisian stone and marrying it with geometric patterns inspired by Roman baths and spas, the couple have achieved a new perspective on mosaic art.

Unique and evocative, as suggested by their names - Ludo, Maze, Lattice, Pyramid, Tartan and Rooftops - they can be used as details to add interest to a room, or using a whole panel to fundamentally change the space within which they are used.

Suitable for most purposes, looking equally stunning on walls and floors. Priced at £44.94 each. Pictured here is the lattice design.

To view the striking new Nick Munro tile collections please visit the Fired Fired Earth website.
Tel: (0845) 366 0400


 

The Perfect Presents From The Travelling Souk

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

 The Perfect Presents From The Travelling Souk The Travelling Souk has found the perfect presents, with one for every occasion and for every person – a unique selection of tabletop accessories that have an instant impact.

All handmade, silver plated and finished with colourful glass beads.

Not only are they tastefully ornamental and functional, they are attractive and fun too!

  • Quirky butter knives and the cake forks in our picture, are like little jewels on your tea tray, they will also make perfect housewarming present.
  • And a ‘must have’ for every bar – a glamorous bar set, consists of a drinks measure, small plate, drinks stirrer and lemon fork. It makes an ideal present for Dads all year round, or a graduation present.
  • Also available are wonderful cheese knives, which make a great accompaniment to every cheese board or platter and would be ideal for cheese lovers worldwide.
  • Cheese Knife - £21.75.
    Bar set with drinks measure - £46.25.
    Cake Fork - £9.75.
    Butter Knife - £14.75.

Since Georgiana Pike set up The Travelling Souk in 2003, she has raised more than £300,000 for charities.
At the events ,10% goes to the hostess’s assigned charity and 2.6% of each purchase from the website set up in 2008, also goes to charity.

For more perfect present ideas, visit the Travelling Souk website.

Tel: (01865) 821835

Launch of The English Glasshouse Announced

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

 Launch of The English Glasshouse Announced TimberWindows.com is pleased to announce the launch of The English Glasshouse.

The company, which produces bespoke timber orangeries and conservatories, as well as roof lanterns and pool houses, is already setting new standards for the industry.

With each building constructed individually to suit not only the style of house, but also to take into account the preferences and style of the Owner - the fact that there is nothing mass-produced is obvious.

The honest charm and character that shines through is unmistakable.
Whether you’re looking for something contemporary or traditional and whatever size your home, The English Glasshouse can create a garden room for you that will not only add value to your property, but will also change the way you live at home.

Giles Henman, Conservatory Director of TimberWindows.com, says: “Our mission, with The English Glasshouse, has been to bring 21st century standards of insulation and security, while not compromising on design and ensuring each English Glasshouse requires little maintenance and is built to last.

“We have taken the very best American, Scandinavian and European technology and married it with peerless British design, to create glass buildings that are both beautiful and a joy to live with.”

Conservatories and orangeries by The English Glasshouse are the only ones in the UK to be manufactured exclusively from engineered hardwood (multi-layered timber sections laid out at opposing grains) and oak, ensuring many problems usually associated with wood, such as warping and twisting, have been eliminated.

The English Glasshouse offers a unique guarantee of up to 30 years and prides itself on building strong relationships and offering the very best customer service.

To view the stunning range of bespoke glasshouses and orangeries, please visit the English Glasshouse website.

Tel: (0845) 652 7365.

Sumptuous Sitting Rooms with EASipanel

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

 Sumptuous Sitting Rooms with EASipanel Create a luxurious sitting room to relax in by teaming deep, complex hues of purple with sumptuous, soft furnishings for a classically inspired use of colour.

EASipanel’s Raised & Fielded panelling in our picture, is the perfect blank canvas for creating a richly traditional look.

Simply attach the panels to existing walls and choose a sophisticated paint tone to enhance the naturalistic wood grain effect.

EASipanel’s Marketing Director, Daryn Forster said: “The key to creating a sitting room with a lavish feel, is to mix different tactile finishes and materials. Striking patterns and dark soft furnishings are an instant way to create this popular look.

Painted panelling from EASipanel is a simple and inexpensive way to form the basis of this boutique-chic style.”

EASipanel’s Raised & Fielded design features an inset frame detail:

  • Standard 3ft (512mm x 915mm) is priced at £8.99, and 5ft (264mm x 1,525mm) at £10.99.
  • One length of dado moulding covers the width of approximately two panels and costs around £3.55.

Also available is EASipanel Tongue & Groove design, which comes in:

  • A 3ft dado height size (516mm x 915mm) at £7.99 per panel, and a taller 5ft size (516mm x 1,522mm) at £10.99.
  • One length of dado moulding (1,032mm x 60mm x 15mm) covers the width of approximately two panels and costs around £3.55.

EASipanel is available from Homebase stores nationwide and independent retailers.

To view EASipanel’s striking panel projects gallery, covering every room in the home, visit the website.
Tel: (0113) 2718311.

Vax Your Carpets Back To Life With The Rapide Carpet Washer

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

 Vax Your Carpets Back To Life With The Rapide Carpet Washer If dusty feet and dirty paws have taken their toll on your carpets this summer, don’t despair as help is at hand. New from the floorcare experts at Vax, the Rapide Ultra carpet washer makes it quicker and easier than ever before to keep your carpets looking spotless.

The Ultra is the latest in Vax’s popular Rapide range of upright carpet washers, which are as simple to use as a regular dry vacuum cleaner.

This new edition combines the Rapide’s trademark ease of use and manoeuvrability, with the very latest deep cleaning, quick drying technologies, giving you Vax’s best ever carpet cleaning performance - so that you can achieve professional results yourself.

Washing removes the embedded, oily dirt that gets trapped in carpet fibres and is left behind by your dry vacuum cleaner.
It brightens the colour and lifts the pile, so carpets look and feel like new again. Think it’s too much hassle? It’s as easy as 1,2,3…

  • 1. Fill it up: Dry vacuum your carpets thoroughly, then fill the Rapide Ultra’s solution tank with water and the supplied Ultra+ cleaning solution – Vax’s toughest solution yet.
  • 2. Get washing: Press the trigger to apply solution as you push the machine forward and powered jets will pump solution deep into the carpet pile, while rotating brushes lift out embedded dirt, allergens and odours. Simply release the trigger as you pull backwards and the powerful suction removes the dirt and water. New Dual V technology ensures your carpets dry really quickly.
  • 3. Empty it out: Pour away the dirty water, then stand back and admire your fresh, clean carpets! They’ll be touch dry and ready to walk on again in just an hour or so.
  • The Rapide Ultra isn’t just for carpets either - its flexible hose and wash tool make it easy to clean stairs, soft furnishings and even valet your car seats.
    If your carpets have particularly stubborn spots and high traffic areas, choose the Rapide Ultra 2 – this comes with a fantastic pre-treatment kit to break down dirt and stains before you wash. Simply use the wand to apply the pre-treatment solution to the affected areas, leave for around 15 minutes and wash as normal.

The W90-RU-B Rapide Ultra (RRP £229.99) and W90-RU-P Rapide Ultra 2 (RRP £279.99) are available from major retailers, or direct from Vax online.

For more information on the ultimate carpet washer visit the Vax website.

Tel: (0844) 412 8455.

The Ultimate Real Wood Bespoke Shutters

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

 The Ultimate Real Wood Bespoke Shutters  The New England Shutter Company is the only company which designs and makes authentic bespoke solid timber shutters; it has an international reputation with top interior designers, leading architects and private customers.

Shutters on Trend
Architects and designers have been commissioning fabulous faux leather and suede covered shutters from The New England Shutter Company ever since they launched.

Now this trend comes to our homes too, bringing new decorative style to windows:

  • TNESC’s wonderful faux leathers and suedes come in a fabulous array of colours; from deep, rich tones to hot brights and a palette of sophisticated neutrals.
  • Incredibly tactile and luxurious, these finishes offer super chic window solutions.
  • The New England Shutter Company individually measure and build each commission to order, offering tailor-made solutions to even the most awkward windows or doors. Their trained measurers and fitters operate nationally.
  • The company will provide you with the skilled services of their qualified carpenters, who come fully equipped with sample panels and hardware to show you all your options.

For more information on bespoke solid timber shutters visit The New England Shutter Company website.

Tel: (020) 8675 1099