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?

Villeroy & Boch introduce stylish new tableware collection Althea Nova for summer 2010. The fresh, botanical print design is teamed with a country classic shape, for a slightly nostalgic yet very on-trend feel.

The white fine china collection has been inspired by the resurgence of the kitchen garden and features a wide range of herbs and edible flowers, accompanied by their Latin names.

With ‘growing your own’ very much in focus, this collection evokes the feeling of nature and the natural world in a very feminine and elegant way.

The traditional shape matches this new pattern perfectly and lends the crucial traditional edge. All plates and serving platters are generously sized and ideal for modern family dining.

The pattern offers two interpretations of the botanical theme, the first shows finely drawn herbs with a shadowed effect in light watercolours, whilst the other features herbs close up and in perfect detail with strong colours.
Prices start from £10.95.

Althea Nova is matched with New Cottage crystal glassware in light green and yellow and stainless steel polished cutlery.

The Althea Nova collection will be available from September 2010.

To View the whole Althea Nova stylish tableware collection, visit the Villeroy & Boch website.
http://www.villeroy-boch.com

Tel: (020) 8875 6060

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

September 1st marks Red Candy’s first birthday!

It’s been exactly one year since the homes across the country have been enlightened to bold design, from a superior choice of vintage inspired pieces and innovative contemporary design, to choosing red as a subtle accent, or fully indulging in this passionate colour.

And now, Red Candy gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning with the new Guzzini compact Espresso Maker:

• This funky and thoroughly modern single espresso machine is compact and lightweight, making it perfect for the smaller kitchen or city apartment.
• Few can resist the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the morning and this Espresso Maker fixes any caffeine craving on the touch of a button.
• Featuring a translucent water compartment & aluminium/chrome tray designed for ground coffee, but will also work with the tea bag coffee capsules that you can buy from supermarkets of coffee shops.
• As with all Guzzini kitchenware, the compact Espresso is formed in vibrant colourful acrylic to match design and function.
  Dimensions: 16 x 21 x 23.5 H - 1200 W.
  Priced at: £129.

If you’re looking for the perfect piece of kitchen kit for the switched on urbanite, look no further than Redcandy.co.uk!

About Redcandy - A website dedicated to the celebration of red home furnishings and modern interior accessories.
Whether you use red as a subtle accent, or your love of this passionate colour sees it spread throughout your life, RedCandy provides for all by stocking the latest, most fantastic and innovative red products and designs from across the world.

For more information on the Guzzini compact Espresso Maker visit the Redcandy website.
Tel:   (0121) 4496123.

Epitomising laid-back chic and simple modernity, the new Wedgwood ‘Nature’s Canvas’ has been created, in tune with relaxed living and dining for everyday.

Inspired by natural textures and materials, the collection of organic shapes in a neutral colour palette, sits just as perfectly in a minimalist urban apartment as well as a country-style kitchen.

Senior designer, Louise Rosie comments, “The collection is a celebration of individual simplicity, inspired by the essence of Josiah Wedgwood’s Jasper. It has its roots in the past, but reflects the essential needs of today. The familiar form and soft natural tones create a feeling of well-being and comfort.”
 
The Nature’s Canvas collection:

• Is available in three distinctive and versatile colour ways - Limestone, Sandstone and Marble, all finished with a hand applied turquoise edge line that defines the silhouettes and provides a contrast to the body colour.
• The glazed and unglazed surfaces emphasise purity and reflect the tactile textures of traditional handcrafted ceramics.
• The striking marble design is created using a traditional potter’s technique of wedging noted in Josiah Wedgwood’s ‘Experiment Book’ early in 1759. Two coloured clays are wedged together to form the body, creating an individual and unique decoration across each piece.
• Nature’s Canvas offers the freedom to create a tabletop that is natural, exquisite to look at and yet meets all practical tableware needs.
• A combination of casual dinnerware items, ceramic and wood accessories, ideal for any occasion.
• All accessories including serving bowls, platters, jugs and a lemon juicer are beautifully gift boxed and ready to become an essential part of any home.  A natural design for everyday… live it and enjoy it!
  Stockists within the UK and Ireland:
   
  Prices:
  Dinner Plate (28cm): £10.00.
  Salad Plate (23cm): £9.00.
  Soup/Pasta Bowl (21cm): £10.00.
  Cereal Bowl (18cm): £8.00.
  Mug: £9.00.
  Cup and Saucer: £12.00 (available in Limestone only).
  4 piece gift box: £36.

Stock available in-stores end August 2010.
To view the Nature’s Canvas collection of tableware, visit the Wedgwood website.
http://www.wedgwood.com

ASPACE, the well known children’s furniture and accessory company, has a collection of innovative and practical storage solutions.

Storage and maximising space is as important now as it was back in 1910, and with products to suit most styles, space and budgets ASPACE are bang on trend with their shelving units, cupboards, tote bags and toy boxes.

If only we all had Mary Poppins’ ability to tidy with a click of the fingers, but for us mere mortals ASPACE storage ideas can give the big clear up “an element of fun”….

• Almost magical is the inspired ASPACE “Storage System” featured here, made up of versatile modular storage units. Available in ‘all pink’ or in ‘matt white’ (with customised colour options for the drawer fronts) these practical mix and match storage units have a deceptive level of capacity - and hide a multitude of sins.
• The Uffizi Toy Box with static feet and castors (with slow-close safety hinges) and the Uffizi Storage Cupboard with integral bookshelf is “practically perfect in every way!”
• The new 112 page autumn/winter catalogue from ASPACE also features fun and stylish colourful storage box sets.
• Other new additions include the fabric covered Red Stars Toy Box and a range of Fabric Storage Drawers.

The new collection from ASPACE represents the finest in children’s furniture, accessories and carefully chosen high quality gifts.

To view the complete Toy Storage Solutions or to order a catalogue vistit the Aspace website.

Tel: (0845) 872 2400

The Homes & Interiors Scotland Exhibition returns to SECC Glasgow on 27th - 29th August 2010, presenting a three-day showcase of what’s hot in the world of interiors.

Now in its sixth year, Scotland’s leading home event is set to be bigger and more stylish than ever, with an impressive array of design attractions and over 100 exhibitors for visitors to enjoy.

The breathtaking Interior Design Showcase makes a welcome return, with eight of Scotland’s top interior designers working their magic on a different room of the house.

Outdoor spaces aren’t neglected either with a Trend-setting Show Garden, so no matter what area of the house is needing a make-over, visitors are sure to pick up some great decorating tips thanks to the awe-inspiring room-sets.

In the Design Theatre, a packed programme of talks and demonstrations boasts slots from world-renowned furniture designer Tim Gosling, sessions from leading interior designers and architects plus flower classes by Mood Flowers.

Foodies will love the Cookery Demonstrations by award-winning Scottish chef and restaurateur Tony Singh, Scottish Chef of the Year, while the Scottish Chocolate Centre will be holding mouth-watering chocolate-tasting sessions.

Afterwards visitors can cleanse their palate and learn how to tell their ‘legs’ from their ‘noses’ with delicious wine-tasting workshops hosted by Pete Stewart from Inverarity One to One fine wines.

Key Information:
Homes & Interiors Scotland Exhibition 2010, SECC, Glasgow.
Opening times: 10am until 5pm, Friday 27th to Sunday 29th August 2010.
Advance tickets £7 (plus £1 booking fee) from www.ticketsoup.com
Tel: (0844) 395 4000.
On-the-door tickets, £10 per person.

For those homeowners looking for some fresh ideas and inspiration, as to how to rejuvenate a tired looking staircase, or want to cost effectively add some character to the heart of their home, then the Carpetrunners new online shopping website www.carpetrunners.co.uk is worth a visit.

Easy to use, packed full of great images of other people’s homes and useful blow-ups of the products featured, the website offers a wide selection of quality stair rods for runners and fitted carpets, door cover plates, rug and runner bindings and other innovative flooring accessories.

It also invites customers to send in pictures of their own homes, for other shoppers to appreciate, once they have installed their sparkling new stair rods and other flooring accessories.

For DIY enthusiasts, there are also practical design tips, which are regularly updated, and instructions on how to fit their own stair rods and door thresholds, or make their own carpet runners and rugs.

For a stylish choice of stair rods, rug and runner bindings visit the Carpetrunners website.

Tel: (01926) 885523.

Did you know that 66% of all candle sales happen in the 2nd half of the year?

This is because the autumn is naturally when we want to make our homes cosy and warm after a summer of outdoor activities and entertaining.

This is best achieved by lighting a Yankee Candle®, famous for their long lasting and true to life fragrances.

The NEW autumn fragrance collection contains natural extracts and delivers the sweet richness and spicy warmth of the season and will make any home feel comfortable and inviting:

• Creamy Caramels aroma of melt-in-your-mouth, sugar and gooey lusciousness will instantly appeal to those with penchant for buttery rich vanilla caramel!
• For those looking to escape reality will adore the fantasy fragrance of Mountain Lodge™. A luxurious retreat in front of a cosy hearth, with the warm aroma of cedarwood and sage will instantly lift spirits dampened by dark evenings.
• A classic autumnal treat comes in the form of Apple Cider. The welcoming hot-cider scent spiced with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg is perfect for fragrancing homes this autumn.
• Sandalwood Vanilla offers pure indulgence and will elevate any bad mood bought on by summertime blues. Luxurious warmth of fine aromatic sandalwood and rich comforting vanilla will fill homes with a lasting fragrance that can only come from Yankee Candle®.
• To add a touch of colour to any room this autumn, look no further than Spiced Orange. This bright and cheery blend of sunny citrus and snappy ginger is the perfect winter warmer.

For further information on the Yankee Candle® collections visit their website shop.

The kid’s summer holidays are just about to start, which presents the dilemma to parents up and down the land - how do you keep them occupied for six whole weeks?

Well before you start tearing your hair out, the Dotcomgiftshop can help you.

TheDotcomgiftshop online is choc-full of fun pursuits, to keep them captivated over the holidays - whether it’s playing with their selection of toys and games; getting creative with arts and crafts; or making new discoveries in the garden and kitchen.

So no matter whether you and your family find yourselves on a tropical beach, caravanning in the Dales, or simply in your own back-yard - Dotcomgiftshop can supply all you’ll need to keep them happy, learning and above all - having fun!

Featured here are a few of the childrens cookery games and accessories:

Children’s Minature Tea Set, 11 Pieces; £12.95.

20 Assorted Plastic Cookie Cutters; £4.95.

Children’s Baking Set Spaceboy Design; £12.95.

Skull Design TV Dinner Tray; £12.95.

Large Popcorn Holder; £3.95.

The Dotcomgiftshop online, offers a wide range of gifts, exclusively designed or sourced by their in-house team.

They are a little bit quirky, some are quite kitsch but surprisingly stylish; you’ll find vintage style kitchenware alongside glamorous baroque chandeliers.

This easy to navigate website is divided into sections:

• Interiors - Kitchen, garden, bathroom etc.
  Gifts for Her, Him and the Kids.
  Toys and jewellery, plus seasonal items.

Their appeal lies in the huge range of products on offer, all at remarkably affordable prices, plus their pledge to customer service and speedy delivery.

To view the wide range of gifts on offer visit the The Dotcomgiftshop online.