Interiors Monthly October 2009

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ctober 2009 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

National Floor Show A fond farewell?

Best of BritishLocal heroes

Furniture Origins (UK)Celebrating its first anniversary

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The service you’ve all been waiting for

THINK howthis conceptwill work for

you!

t h e c o m p l e t e s e r v i c e

Setting Standards - Not Following Them

www.tcsimports.comor contact your local representative:

Scotland - Donald Coltart on 07831 188844North West, North East, Lincolnshire & Yorkshire - Gavin Boden: 07720 074906

East & West Midlands - Peter Bellis: 07860 418168London North Thames to Northamptonshire - Trevor Cassell: 07710 727895

London and South East - Peter Morris :: 07831 558616South West & South Wales - Paul Clifford on 07886 642086

Ireland: 042 9 351 351UK: 00353 42 9 351 351

Fabric SuitesCinema Seating

Recliners

Small Dressers

Large Mirrors

Leather SuitesElectric Recliners

TablesMatching

hairsLarge Dressers Leather Suites

Corner UnitsTables

Small Dressers

Coffee Tables

Fabric Suites

Matching Kids ChairsFootstools

Lamp/End TablesTV Units

Italian Leather Suites

Sofa Beds

Hall TablesCoffee Tables

3 Drawer

HiFi Units

Italian Leather Suites

Footstools

Powerlift Recliners Coffee Tables

Nest of 3 TablesCD/DVD Stands

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TRADE

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Birthday present

on your birthday, but

store.

back in to it,’ says Peter

chief executive.

Well trodden

InnerCoverSpread_IM_1009 28/9/09 10:26 Page 1

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 3

Andrew KiddEditor

Furniture Origins (UK) is celebrating its firstanniversary with the launch of the Savanahbedroom collection, with four more excitingnew ranges arriving before Christmas. Tel: 0845 223 4900.

Interiors MonthlyEditor: Andrew KiddT: 01732 766 333 E: [email protected]

Furniture advertising (South): Tim BodenT: 01732 367 757 E: [email protected]

Furniture advertising (North): Jarrod BirdT: 01565 659 414 E: [email protected]

Carpet and flooring advertising: Joanne MillerT: 01732 766 344 E: [email protected]

Sales executive: Ben WatkinsT: 01732 367 757 E: [email protected]

China sales agent: Jane DaiT: 00 86 755 8292 5229 E: [email protected]

Published by Interiors Media Limited124 Pembury Road Tonbridge Kent TN9 2JJ T: 01732 367757 F: 01732 352063E: [email protected]

Registered in England no. 6397722

Printed by Headley Brothers Design by Icon Colour © Interiors Media Limited

Editor’s comment

TO GO OR NOT TO GOThis was the choice faced by the National Floor Showorganiser: stay at Harrogate with the number of retailersvisiting falling steadily and a venue that isn’t really thatwell suited for a major exhibition or move to anothervenue in the hope of injecting new life into the event?

In reality, it wasn’t much of a choice and while themove may not be popular with everyone, the organiserdeserves credit for trying to improve the show (see page10), although it seems to have missed a trick or two bynot starting the show on a Sunday (rather than Tuesday)to allow more independent retailers to visit when theirstore is closed nor adding a public day.

The flooring industry needs a successful exhibitionwhere it can show off and shout about its latest andbest products, but at the moment it may end up withtwo: NFS at the NEC and a new Harrogate event. Whatit doesn’t need is for neither show to be sufficiently largeor attractive to retailers so both struggle and eventuallyfail. I suspect whichever event can gain momentum ofmanufacturers’ commitments will emerge ‘the’ show for2010, but the final decision will be made by whichexhibition attracts you the retailer.

There appears to be a definite improvement in themood of retailers in the past few weeks, with a hopethat we are nearing the end of the recession or at leastover the worst of it. Dunelm Mill’s 16% like for like salesgrowth in the past quarter shows that shoppers are stillbuying, you just need the right products and offers.

One fly in the ointment could be the OFT’sexamination of pricing and advertising in the interiorssector. Most independent retailers are likely to see this asnothing to do with them, but some of the multiples mayhave more to think about. The major furniture retailernearest my home practically always has posters claimingits sale must end on Monday. Yet they are still there therest of the week and which particular Monday the salewill end on is never specified. And don’t get me startedon ‘the price will go up post-event’ offers…

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




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Sun1 Wed 4 Nov 9am - 7pm 2009 Brussels Expo Heysel

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6 OFT to examine pricing

8 Fun the Floor has £2m budget

10 NFS to move to the NEC

20 Carpet: interiors trends

28 Upholstery: design inspiration

33 Best of British supplement: why buying local matters for furniture and flooring and profiles of leading players

57 Rugs supplement: the market’s future prospects, the best from the shows and profiles of leading companies

66 Accessories: on the road

68 Review: National Floor Show

74 Review: Las Vegas Market

78 Review: Intertextile

3 Comment

5 Contents

14 New products

81 Entertainment

83 Final polish

Contents

News

Features

Regulars

Upholstery: what’s next for recliners?

Natural flooring: nature’s way

Worldwide Interiors Exhibitions Guide

Carpet: a lifetime in the industry

Next issue

So howcome you

make it lookso easy?

Boost your sales thisAutumn, take advantage ofour show centre referrals.It makes sense to be a Vale-Bridgecraft stockist.

In a nutshellyou need to be aVale-Bridgecraftstockist like me!

www.valebridgecraft.co.uk

005_IM_1009.qxp 29/9/09 17:06 Page 7

Lord Harris, Carpetrightexecutive chairman says he isoptimistic thanks to itsgrowing insurance business,the collapse of Allied Carpetsand signs of an upturn in thehousing market.

He told shareholders – ofwhich he is the largest – atthe group’s AGM last monththat: ‘The last financial yearwas extremely challenging forthe group. Market conditionsand consumer confidencedeclined throughout the year,leading to a significantreduction in sales volume.‘

He said that throughout thisperiod Carpetright remainedprofitable and that he wasmore confident about thefuture prospects for a numberof reasons.

‘We are securing more

insurance business each weekand have secured contracts tosupply a number of housebuilders. We have a centralwarehouse and cutting facilitythat has the capacity tosignificantly increase volumesat minimal additional costs.Finally, the mortgage approvaldata is providing an indicatorthat the market will bestronger in the spring of nextyear,’ says Lord Harris.

‘All these factors make mecautiously optimistic ahead ofour important autumn tradingperiod, although it is too earlyto say to what extent this willimpact on the full yearfinancial results.’

Carpetright’s next tradingupdate on 28 October willcover the first 25 weeks of thefinancial year to 24 October.

Furniture and flooring retailerswill be at the centre of anOffice of Fair Trading studyinto potentially misleadingadvertising and pricingscheduled to begin thisautumn.

A consultation on the scopeof the study ended on 18September, but the OFT says itis ‘minded to include severalpricing practices which maylead to consumer detriment’.

These include ‘drip’ pricingtactics, where consumers onlysee an element of priceupfront but price increments‘drip’ through during thebuying process.

‘Baiting’ sales which enticeconsumers with promises of

discounts but then have veryfew items on offer at the saleprice.

‘Reference prices’ – pricepromotions that create arelatively high reference pricecompared to sale price, suchas was £50, now £20, halfprice, 50% off, or £20compared to a recommendedretail price of £50.

‘Time limited offers’ such assales that finish at the end ofthe month or special pricesavailable for one day only.

‘Complex pricing’ where it isdifficult for consumers toassess unit price, for examplethree for two or ‘non-inclusive’ prices whereconsumers assess unit price,

for example, a final price.The OFT says: ‘We also

intend to look specifically atprice comparison websitesthat may be complicated bythe use of these practices.

‘For each practice, we mayfocus on one or more keyindustries, such as furniture,travel, electrical goods orentertainment.’

Senior OFT officials haveconfirmed that as well asfurniture the flooring sectorwill be examined.

The OFT is also consideringincluding the use of personalinformation in advertising andpricing, particularlybehavioural advertising whereinformation on a consumer’s

online activity is used to targetthe Internet advertising theysee.

Possible outcomes of amarket study include: givingthe relevant market a clean bill of health, publishinginformation to helpconsumers, encouraging firmsto take voluntary action,encouraging an industry codeof practice, makingrecommendations to theGovernment or to sectorregulators, investigation andenforcement action againstcompanies suspected ofbreaching consumer orcompetition law and a marketinvestigation reference to theCompetition Commission.

6 Interiors Monthly October 2009

News

OFT to investigate ‘potentiallymisleading advertising and pricing’

Carpetright ‘cautiouslyoptimistic’ on autumn trade

Vale Furnishers has expandedits Ash Vale, Surrey store to36,000sqft with the openingof a rooftop conservatory.

Alex Mundell, ValeFurnishers general managersays the opening of theconservatory provides morespace for customers which willfurther enhance their

shopping experience.‘Many of our customers are

investing in a significantpurchase when they visit ourstore,’ says Mundell. ‘Weensure our customers havethe time and space to explorethe store, test the furniture oreven enjoy a cup of coffee ortea at their leisure.’

The store now has 36,000sqft of floorspace

Vale sees benefits on top

6News_IMoct.qxt 22/9/09 19:27 Page 6

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THEINTERNATIONAL

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News

Fun on the Floor, the genericcarpet marketing campaign,has returned for its secondyear with a major advertisingseries focused on consumerhome interest magazines.

Despite the state of theeconomy during the past year,FotF – funded by Abingdon,Associated Weavers, Balta,BIG, Brockway, Carpetright,Condor, Cormar, Domo,Headlam, Llano, RogerVanden Berghe and Terza –has a budget of £2m.

Unlike the 2008 campaign,there will be no billboardposters. This time leaflets andadvertisements will feature inhome interest magazines,national newspapers andonline advertising.

At least 73 advertisementshave been booked, runningfrom September to Novemberas a mixture of single, double,and four pages. Furtheradvertisements are planned.

The campaign will reach 20million homeowners aged 18and above, including 9 millionfemale homeowners aged 25and above. Some 73% ofconsumers will belong to theBC1C2 socio-economicgroups; 12% will be agedbetween 25-34, 36% 35-54and 35%, 55 plus.

The advertising is alsoexpected to receive strong

editorial support from thetitles, with several seniorconsumer journalists praisingthe carpet imagery producedfor the FotF/Scarlet OpusTrends Report (see p20) which has been sent to themedia.

‘This is the best imagery wehave seen in a long time. Infact it is the greatestphotography we have everseen. This is just what weneed,’ says Claudia Baillie,Living Etc features editor.

The publications being usedinclude: 25 Beautiful Homes,BBC Homes & Antiques,Country Home & Interiors,Country Living, Daily MailWeekend magazine, Daily MailYou magazine, Easy Living,

Your Home, Essentials, Hello,Homes & Gardens, HouseBeautiful, Ideal Home, LivingEtc, Mail on Sunday, MarieClaire, OK!, Prima, Woman,Woman & Home andWoman’s Own.

Advertisements will alsoappear on the websites ofHouse to Home, Living Etc,Ideal Home, Homes &Gardens, Woman & Home,National Homes, Goodtoknowand What’s on TV along withnewsletter sponsorship.

The campaign’s website willalso play a central part in thecampaign. Paid search termswere used in the summer toboost visitors to the website,with 3.2 million impressionsbetween 24 June and 23 July.

A further campaign will run inNovember.

Search engine optimisationhas also been used. In AugustFotF was ranked first for asearch of ‘carpet ideas’,seventh for ‘carpet flooring’,13th for ‘carpet/carpets’ andseventh for carpet retailers.The percentage of visitors tofunonthefloor.co.uk from non-branded keywords has risenby 54% since January, thanksto the increased number ofrankings.

The website has also beenrevamped, including addingan Ask the Expert section toanswer questions aboutcarpet. Consumers will usuallybe recommended to visit theirlocal carpet retailer.

Interiors Monthly online polls – the results

The campaign’s photography has been praised and more than 70 advertisements have been booked

Interiors Monthly onlinereaders reckon the recessionis almost over.

An interiorsmonthly.co.ukpoll asked if you thought therecession was over: 31% said

Very soon; 21% Yes;18% Inanother six months; 12% No;12% Bumping along thebottom; and 6% voted Notfor another year.

In a second poll we asked

where the National FloorShow should be held in2010.

Some 36% said Harrogate;16% the NEC, Birmingham;15% Manchester; 14%

Brighton; 12% London; and7% voted Somewhere else.

New polls are regularlyadded to the website, so visitinteriorsmonthly.co.uk andhave your say.

Fun on the Floor returns with a £2mPress campaign for its second year

8news_IMoct.qxt 29/9/09 13:55 Page 8

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CHOOSE GREENWOODGreenwood Retail’s professionally planned sales

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Even in a downturn.

If you would like to find out more about GreenwoodSales, why not take look at our online brochure atwww.greenwoodretail.com or call Bernard Eaton

now on 01625 521010 or send an e mail enquiryand we’ll be glad to explain the possibilities and

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In my humble opinion logisticsis the area that gets the leastattention in our industry, yet isof vital importance, whetheryou are an importer,manufacturer or retailer. Howthe item gets from the factorydoor to the end userdetermines the profitabilityand customer satisfaction fromthat sales transaction.

My experience is that thisarea is often overlooked. Iremember years ago selling toa large, well-known furniturechain. The buyer had no ideaof the maximum weight orcarton size his company couldhandle and he was not sure ifwe would be delivering tonational distribution centres orsplitting containers toindividual stores. Moreworrying was hisbewilderment of why I wasasking these questions.

The end user, who we allwork for, expects theirfurniture to arrive in perfectcondition and on time.Therefore it is simple toconclude that the leastnumber of times that item hasbeen handled reduces thechance of damage, thetransport mark up and thechance of the delivery datebeing missed.

At Flexiload 87% of ourbusiness is straight from ourAsian warehouse to the retailerin direct mixed productcontainers. This logisticsapproach answers theprevious questions, no extrahandling, lower cost andspeed. Other systems work

equally as well, such as floordisplays from UKmanufacturers who offer directhome delivery.

Do you do your own homedeliveries? What training doesyour staff have? Whatimpression do they and yourdelivery vehicle leave with thecustomer? Does it meet yourcustomers’ expectations? Howefficient is your warehouse?Do you rotate stock well andmaximise floor space etc?

The next time you aresourcing, ask a few questions,find out how many times yourfurniture will be handledbefore it reaches you andquestion the mark-up appliedto the item along the way.Think ‘Will this supply chainwork and will I get the itemon time and in perfectcondition?’Simon Bonham is Flexiload md

If you would like to express anopinion, [email protected] write to Interiors Monthly,124 Pembury Road, Tonbridge,Kent TN9 2JJ. Name, addressand daytime telephonenumber must be supplied.

Opinion: What about the logistics?

Simon Bonham

New websitenow live!

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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1 CPW Furniture’s Rough Sawn range strikes a balance betweencontemporary lines and a rustic finish to ensure widespread appeal.Constructed from 32mm thick timber, Rough Sawn offers a range of itemsfor living, dining and bedroom areas. Tel: 01797 225 014.

2 Bringing fashion to the floor, Roomz SR is the latest product to roll offthe Leolan development lines. Interpreting stone, ceramic and wooddesigns in outstanding clarity, Roomz SR features Leolan’s Comfort Foamto improve underfoot comfort over traditional cushioned sheet vinyl.Giving a softer and more welcoming feel to vinyl, it is ideal for bathroomsor relaxation areas. Tel: 0032 5665 3211.

3 Thanks to the simple measuring kit, clear instructions, installationaccessories and a two tread pack, Stair Make-Over can be installed bybudding DIYers as a weekend project making it the ideal in-stock to takeaway today product for the retailer. Tel: 0031 4 0208 6222.

4 Passion is a new collection of drapery polyesters embellished withcontemporary satin embroidery from Prestigious Textiles for windowdressing and coordinating cushions. Passion comprises two contrastingfloral trails – peonies for Patricia and chrysanthemums for Penelope – plusa boldly interpreted yarrow head design called Petra. Tel: 01274 688 448.

5 Hyder Living’s Z Bunk turns bedrooms into space saving homeworkstations. With a solid square tube steel construction, swimming pool stylebunk ladder and a wood topped work area with keyboard slide andshelves, the Z Bunk is ideal where space is tight. Tel: 01484 531 000.

New products

1

2

3

4

5

14NP1_IMoct.qxt 22/9/09 17:54 Page 14

Today, the Lynch Sales Companycontinues the tradition begun by its founder in 1914when Lynch Sales Company originated the concept ofpromotional sales to generate cash, expand or changelocation, remodel stores, or update inventory.

Lynch Sales Company’s copyrighted SalePlans are strategically designed to achieve 20 to 30percent of a store’s annual volume in just 30 sellingdays. Through these Sale Plans, Lynch helps clientsthroughout the United States, Canada and the UnitedKingdom generate unparalleled in-store traffic andmillions of pounds in sales.

Lynch has worked with some of our nation’sfinest retailers including: House of Fraser, Beales Plc.,Collingwood & Batchelor, Glasswells and Stollers tohelp them achieve their business objectives; be that toclear redundant stock, reposition a store, consolidateor refurbish. Lynch has a plan which will help takeyour business where ever you want it to go.

U N C O M P R O M I S I N G I N T E G R I T Y.. U N P A R A L L E L E D R E S U LT S .

Copyright 2009 Lynch Brothers Licensing Corporation

Serving the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom

We don’t have to brag and boast. Our clients happilydo that for us. And, you can rest assured that we holdsigned and dated proof, including contact addressesfor each and every testimonial we use.

"On a final note, I would like to say to any retailerwho reads this letter, but is sceptical as to whether a

Lynch Sale is right for them, the results areoverwhelmingly positive."

Mathew Philpott - DirectorPhilpotts of Hitchin2nd August 2009

"The sales figures for July is probably 2.5 times what wewould have achieved with our normal sale, which makes it

our most profitable month in 16 years trading."

Howard Webb, Managing DirectorWebb House Furnishers

26th July 2009

"......I have to admit that the results have exceeded ourwildest expectations. We have reached over 25% of our

annual turnover in just 22 days, which I feel in thesedifficult times to be quite amazing."

Mr. J.E. Scadgell - Managing DirectorH.G. Scadgell Ltd

4th July 2009

"I was greatly impressed with the response to the initialmail out letter, which produced some 600 people through

the door within the first two hours, and 1,000 over theopening day."

Richard Nunn - Managing DirectorRichard Cook Furnishers, Ltd.

26th May 2009

Calll thee Lynchh Saless Companyy todayy forr aa completepicturee andd too revieww ourr onee pagee contract.. Or,visitt ourr Webb site:: www.lynchsales.co.uk

We ThinkOur Clients

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CONTACT GARETH PRICE

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015_IM_1009 28/9/09 11:11 Page 15


6 Amtico International has fusedcomplex metallics and contrasting hardand soft materials to create Fiber; asmooth flooring tile that encapsulatesreal woven fabric. Two years in themaking, the collection gives theappearance of a textile, but with a soft,clean finish and the easy maintenanceyou can expect from Amtico. Visitwww.amtico.com.

7 For those wanting premium wideparquet planks with inspiring aestheticelements and quality, Quick-Step has the Palazzo range. With a length of182cm and a width of 19cm, theselong, wide planks will add depth to aroom. The joint on the long side of theplank provides extra perspective. Tel: 00 32 5667 5211.

8 In another pioneering development in

manufacturing from MohawkInternational, SmartStrand with DuPontSorona fibres is set to raise the bar in allround carpet performance and appeal,offering unbeatable stain protection,time-tested durability, incredible softness and eco-smart technology. Itbrings stunning textures and colour tothe home. Tel: 01480 479 830.

9 Quattro is a new mixed material rangefrom Barlow Tyrie, comprising stackingarmchair and lounger, lounger side tableand two dining tables. Quattro’scontemporary design combines Textilenewith stainless steel for the stackingarmchair and teak arm inserts. The sunlounger features Barlow Tyrie’s newinfinity backrest, which provides multiplepositions. Visit www.teak.com.

10 Ethnicraft’s oak Shadow collection

features pure forms and simplicity.Straight lines and large surfaces are thecharacteristics of this collection, as wellas the shadow lines between the robustframe and the doors. The modest andsober design makes this collection all themore powerful. Tel: 00 32 3443 0100.

New products

6

8

7

910

16NP2_IMoct.qxt 23/9/09 13:22 Page 16

Leading the way in design and innovationFrom the ordinary to the extraordinary, whatever your projectrequires, Pergo’s complete collection of laminate designs means we have a floor to suit any environment. Continually looking to the future, Pergo’s new product portfolio for 2010will prove our commitment to design, innovation and durability.

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New products

11

11 Natura Rustic Oak, exclusively from Earth Imports, deliversvalue with bedside cabinets wholesaling at just £62.10.Crafted from 100% oak, it features dovetail joints, diamonddowels and antique brass fittings. Proportioned to meet thedemands of modern housing while delivering an understated

Victorian charm, all 15 piecesare currently in stock. Tel:01603 858 428.

12 Another exclusive fromEarth Imports is NaturaHome Office, the firstrange of its kind toaddress cable

management issues, it says. In acontemporary stylecrafted from 100%solid American whiteoak, this 10-piecerange has hiddenfeatures such as

secret drawers;fully adjustableshelving; discreetkeyboard trays;reinforced filingcabinet slides anda cable duct to

keep cables and power blocks hidden. Tel: 01603 858 428.

13 The Maison Collection was the star of the Long Point showfor Derwent, with clean contemporary lines for a timelessclassic feel. This, combined with various fabric choices, makesa strong statement about a modern lifestyle with comfort andelegance. Étienne (pictured is the Grand sofa) and Lucien arethe first designs from the collection. Tel: 01773 604 121.

14 After 25 years of supplying the upper end of the fittedbedroom industry and national showhomes, Ashmoors islooking to expand into retailers of upholstered furniture andinterior designers, with its stylish and creative designs tofurnish any home. To see the complete range, visitwww.ashmoors.co.uk.

15 Boogie Nights from the Plantation Rug Company, launchedearlier this month, has become a bestseller overnight afterfeaturing in the Daily Express. The inexpensive 100% acrylicrug with retro 1970’s swirls and geometric lines in psychedelicshades was showcased as a good find for students –withstanding spills and stains due to the material. Visit

www.plantationrug.co.uk.

16 Homeserve’s new range offurniture care kits for leatherand fabric upholstery, carpetsand wood were developed bythe leading supplier of careproducts for furnishings,Uniters. They are availableexclusively in the UK fromHomeserve. Tel: 01934 637162 or email [email protected].

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Hathaway BerbersMade with British Wool in 15 rustic colours

Tel: 01827 831430 Fax:01827 831431www.georgiancarpetsuk.co.uk

019_IM_1009 5/10/09 08:55 Page 19


Carpet

FAB FIVEON TRENDThe Fun On The Floor/Scarlet Opus 2009 trend report identified five key interiors trends and carpet is at the centre of them

An emerging influence, Eastern Odyssey is a huge trend thatwill bring much needed colour and pattern to a darker seasonsuch as autumn/winter.

In addition to the bright sari shades, the colour palette isupdated by the addition of rich spice and dark maroon tonesinspired by monsoon rain and mists.

Maroon is a key colour development in this trend, forexample its inclusion in decorating schemes through one step of laying a new carpet will help to refresh rooms anddeliver a contemporary look. A visual opulence is reinforced bythe use of an orange toned gold as well as burnished copperand brass.

The hustle and bustle of Indian city streets with their jostlingcrowds, decorative tuk-tuks, billboards and market stalls inspiremash-up patterns and colour mixes that reflect the vibrancy oflife. Mash-up patterns include Kashmiri’s, Boteh borders andButi florals. This trend is not about coordinating, but lively mixesof different patterns on upholstery, wallcoverings and oversizedwall decal motifs, curtains and carpets.

The abundance of pattern is balanced by areas of strong,plain colour blocks, with the introduction of bold carpets whichcan stop room schemes from looking chaotic. The juxtaposingpatterns enrich and add character while the plain areasadd depth and provide a calming foundation.

EASTERN ODYSSEY

Key shadesPickle, Orange, RichTurquoise, Dark Teal,Cerise, Maroon and RichDamson.

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Carpet

This trend’s look can be achieved by the playful use of scale.Much of the Alice in Wonderland story involves manipulatingscale and this is an important feature of furniture design andinterior design in 2010. Carpet’s essential role in this trend is toprovide a neutral or vivid base, either of which works well toenhance the Magic Garden look.

Another important feature is storybook illustrations, with adoodled, naive styling or narrative layouts that appear to tell astory and have a logical progression, for example around theedge of a plate, wallcovering or tabletop. These placementpatterns are much more interesting than conventional patternlayouts.

The tangled foliage and colourful blooms of magical fairytalegardens are an integral part of this trend. Vibrant mixes of large-scale floral prints that appear to grow up wallcoverings and walldecals create indoor country garden scenes. Floral wallcoveringscan be used to decorate fitted wardrobe doors and bedsidetabletops.

Carpets with tiny, scattered flowers also help to bring theoutside inside. For a bolder look, select a small scale ginghampatterned carpet or for a plainer look invest in a pale blue orpale pink cut pile carpet.

This may sound rather serious and drab but this trend is not allabout severe austerity. There is a cheerfulness in its styling thatreflects the spirit of 1940’s wartime Britain.

An abundance of simple patterns inspired by the reworkingand recolouring of classic men’s suit fabrics, for example tweed, herringbone and plaids, to create fantastic carpets, upholstery that has patches of appliqué, cushions,

throws, lampshades and even wallcoverings.For a more feminine touch, choose ditsy scattered floral

patterns (neats) reminiscent of tea dress fabrics for bedding,curtains and wallcoverings. References to nature via pattern,colour, form and materials are key. Working the land in our ownsmall ways and living in harmony with nature are keyaspirational characteristics informing the work of designers.

MAGIC GARDEN

KING AND COUNTRY

Key shadesGratedGinger, SweetPotato, RawCarrot, Basil,Spruce,Beetroot andRich Soil.



Carpet

The palette of putty hues provides a bare but warm foundationand reveals dramatic toned shadows. Carpets play a key role tocreate the calming soothing feel. Subtle, quiet pattern comes inthe form of self-coloured, raised, matt/shine and opaque/transparent pattern elements on white bedding, lampshadesand tableware.

Very simple repetitive and mirroring geometrics, for exampleChinese Boxes, also embellish textiles, furniture and tablewareand help to convey harmony and balance. Wave textures and

rippling patterns express a calming ebb and flow whilescalloped edges on tableware and textiles convey a sense ofrhythm. Broad undulating ribbon formations form the basis ofnew seating and lampshade shapes. A laser-cut patternedleather or soft-cover armchair in a living or bedroom introducessubtle pattern, texture and a focal point.

Art Deco furniture shapes can also look stunning as part ofthis trend, but select simple curved pieces rather than angulardesigns.

Key shadesSunshine Yellow, SummerMeadow, Candy Cane,Peach, Apple, Summer Skyand Alice Blue.

Key shadesPale Putty, Putty,Grey, Clay, Blue Ashand Gun Metal.

PLAIN AND SIMPLE



Carpet

A trend is emerging for oversized furniture and hugependant lighting that adds tension and gravitas to designschemes. The use of looming scales will also see furnitureunits introduced that resemble huge monolithic slabs ofstone and create dramatic atmospheres, taking theirreference from communist buildings and monuments.

Carpets play a huge role in conveying on trend colourin large blocks. There are also military influencesemerging that resemble the embellishments on high-ranking uniforms via metallic seating, tables anddecorative brocades, jacquards and heavy velvets used as upholstery fabrics with wide braid trims. Velvet trims are also added to blankets, throws and cushions in rich colours.

This trend’s colour palette includes Caviar Black, RoyalBlue, Rich Damson, Purple and Russian Red. Plain carpetsin deep jewel colours such as Dark Sapphire Blue or DarkAmethyst make stunning carpeting options that aresumptuous and luxurious.

Chandeliers are adorned with lots of mini lampshadesand embellished with beading and coloured crystals.

Key shadesEmerald, Russian Red, VioletQuartz, Rich Damson, RoyalBlue, Darkest Purple andCaviar Black.

IMPERIAL GLAMOUR


Woodside launches new Lapwing ranges in both Bedroom & Dining.

Call one of our agents today for an exclusive appointment to visit our trade showrooms.

South: Gary Priday - 07968 112403 Northern Ireland: Dougie Yeates - 07850 313237North: Eddie Haetzman - 07968 112414 Lincolnshire: Graham Adams - 07711 036127Scotland: Ian Crowther - 07930 314077 Channel Islands: Robin Humphrey - 0796 6227121

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

025_IM_1009 29/9/09 08:27 Page 25


Upholstery

DERBYTOP FORMZanotta’s Derby armchair comes from a study of ergonomics and ground-breaking technological processes

‘When I visited Italy to improve mystudies on sculpture 10 years ago, I gotto know and appreciate design. I had areal passion for works by Ron Arad andCarlo Mollino, the former was modern,and the latter classical. Their two visionshad in common the quest for curved,organic shapes, dynamic items thatseemingly describe gestures made whenusing them. I find it a timeless stylebecause it precisely meets therequirements of modern living.’

Thus Noé Duchaufour Lawranceintroduces the story of his progress incontemporary design that is packed withsuccesses, like the items designed forZanotta: the Dessouschic table andconsole table in 2005 and the Derbyarmchair, launched at ISalone in April.

‘This is an enveloping, ergonomicbergère armchair; a harmonious, sinuousitem centred on a solid swivel steel base,’says Duchaufour Lawrance.

‘To produce it Zanotta created amanufacturing process based on topquality industrial engineering. The body isexternally made of stiff polyurethaneupholstered with either leather or fabric.

‘Inside, the chair has elastic stripspringing and multiple-densitypolyurethane padding. The technologicalsolution of moulding the body alongwith the elastic strip springing creates aharmonious unit with the padding.

‘An additional layer of polyurethaneadapted to the seat enhances softness.’

The armchair’s overall shape comesfrom a study of the seat-backrelationship. It is innovative because theproduction process organises thesequence of each component’smanufacturing processes.

They are first individually moulded, andthen calibrated, assembled and finishedwith a highly technological sartorialsystem. The result is a comfortableZanotta says Derby’s overall shape is organically perfect

26_28upholstery_IMoct.qxt 24/9/09 15:15 Page 26

Changing of the Guard

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027_IM_1009 28/9/09 11:30 Page 27


Upholstery

Born in 1974 in Mende, the designer lives and works between Parisand Italy. From 1992 to 1997 he attended the Olivier de Serre School’smetal sculpture section and then the University of Decorative Arts. Heexhibits in Paris, Milan and Tokyo.

Since 2000 he has strengthened his profession as designer, with theinterior design of public spaces, bars, restaurants and shops, includingSketch in London, and designed the latest concept of Air France. Hehas cooperated with Zanotta since 2003.

armchair that welcomes the bodywith an organically perfect shape.It is no mere chance that theyoung French designer refers to agroup of creative designers whoare inspired by the elements andshapes of nature and whosemasters count Mollino anddesigners such as Ross Lovegrove.

‘Lovegrove’s approach to thisworld of industrial items hasalways fascinated me,’ saysDuchaufour Lawrance, ‘and since Icome from sculpture, I think I havesome excellent opportunities topractice this profession.

‘As a sculptor one acquires solidknowledge of how materials reactto torsion and movement. Onelearns to obtain forms andvolumes, and studies subjects suchas anatomy, geometry andergonomics. One becomes expertin the strengths and thrustsexerted by the body on forms. Ihave loved art and nature since Iwas very young. I spent a lot oftime moulding soft, sinuous itemswith my hands.’This article originally appeared in theSeptember issue of ZanottaHappenings.

Noé Duchaufour Lawrance

The polyurethane body is upholstered in leather or fabric

26_28upholstery_IMoct.qxt 24/9/09 13:28 Page 28

SERVICO is a leading independent furniture repair specialist to the furnitureindustry and offer service to the whole of the UK, including southern Ireland.We work with manufacturers, retailers and private customers across the whole of theUK. Our dedicated call centre staff will meet your needs ANYWHERE in mainland UKand make appointments on your behalf to suit your customer requirements.Our team of fully trained technicians will report and rectify all problems professionallyand promptly.

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A classic, rustic French influenced design, with elegant curves and modern clean lineswhich enables this collection to fit perfectly into any town or country home.

Sophistically crafted from solid Oak and Oak Veneers and finished in a subtle lacquer, the beautiful Bordeaux collection

eludes style from its timeless design to its simple finish.

Bordeaux Collection

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030-031_IM_1009 28/9/09 11:43 Page 30

Tel: 0845 606 7004 Email: [email protected] www.wguk.com

030-031_IM_1009 28/9/09 11:44 Page 31

Advertising feature


CWO bedroom range

FURNITURE ORIGINS (UK)Furniture Origins is one of the largest, most successfulmanufacturers of dining and bedroom collections in solid oak,birch and ash. Its dining and bedroom ranges arecomplemented with a wide selection of dining chairs andoccasional furniture.

For the past year Furniture Origins (UK) has operated from a40,000sq ft site in South Wales, but the company will soon bemoving closer to Cardiff with its logistic partner SpectreLogistics. The new site will be a state of the art 120,000sq ftwarehouse and head office incorporating a large showroom.

‘This will be used as a great “selling tool” as it is close to theM4 motorway – thus allowing customers to view all our currentand new developments,’ says Steve Egan, Managing Director.‘We will also maintain all of the current knowledgeable staff andwill continue to offer the wholesale and direct container optionsthat have proved so successful.’

One of Furniture Origins’ new collections is Savanah (picturedon the front cover), an elegant white painted range with refined

CWO dining range

oak tops, available in both dining and bedroom, perfect forelegant country living. Further collections will be launched overthe forthcoming months. For further details on current and newcollections, please contact your Furniture Origins area salesmanager or our sales office on 0845 223 4900. Our small uniquededicated team each has an average of more than 20 years ofexperience and is headed by Steve Egan, Managing Director.CONTACT:Andrew Cavaciuti: South/West/Wales Channel Islands,[email protected], tel: 07500 830 888Barry Webb: Midlands and key accounts,[email protected], tel: 07702 603 971Mike Brown: North England and Scotland,[email protected], tel: 07831 572601Rossmore: Dermot McNally, [email protected], tel: 00 35 3 478 1366/478 1360Teresa Reaney: Head of sales and marketing,[email protected], tel: 07971 349 834.

AK3_32FOad_IMoct.qxt 22/9/09 19:38 Page 32

BEST OF BRITISH


Del33bob cover_IMoct.qxt 24/9/09 13:06 Page 33


Best of British

WHY BUY UK?QUALITY AND VALUETwo leading industry figures explainwhy UK manufacturing is so important

The UK’s manufacturing industry hassuffered in recent years, but it is time touse the skills and resources this countryhas to offer, according to furniture andcarpet industry leaders.

‘After the incredibly difficult economicconditions that the world has faced in thelast 18 months, the BFM will enter thenew decade confident that its members’fortunes are on the rise,’ says StuartChadwick, BFM chairman.

‘The government has woken up to thefact that UK manufacturing really matters,not only in supporting the Britisheconomy but in arresting the rising tideof unemployment.

‘Following previous recessions it hastaken our industry an average of threeyears and three months to recover to apre-recession level of growth. However,having had to fight against the deluge ofimported furniture that has hit the UK inthe past 15 to 20 years, BFM membershave become leaner, more efficient andmore operationally effective and,therefore, in better shape to tackle the

challenges that they are presented with.’Chadwick says the British furniture

industry up to the early 1990s and sincethe last war was built with the closecooperation of UK manufacturing andretailers, with countless benefits.

‘The BFM’s Ask If It Is Great BritishFurniture campaign has been gatheringsignificant support and momentumthroughout 2009, which is an indicationof both the retail sector and theconsumer returning to Britishmanufacturing,’ he says.

The campaign’s focus has been onunique selling points such as quality,

value for money, shorter delivery times,choice, better aftersales service, ethicaland moral issues, design andcraftsmanship. These factors are high in aconsumer’s conscience since, as a nation,we seem to be moving from thedisposable lifestyle attitude, to a moreconsidered approach when purchasingbig ticket items. People want to buy thebest value for money, not just thecheapest, says Chadwick.

‘If British manufacturers are thereforecompeting on more than price alone,then the long term future is very bright as no matter what style preference a retail customer or consumer has, the diversity of theindustry means that traditional,contemporary, classical and designertastes can all be satisfied by Great BritishFurniture; just Ask If It Is.’

Rupert Anton, Carpet Foundationmarketing director says British madeproducts have long had a special place inour hearts and homes.

‘Recent years may have seen us switchfrom the workshop of the world to aservice based economy, but we still havethe skills and resources to make qualityproducts – and none more so than carpet and we should celebrate that and sell it, particularly as consumersentiment is so pro-British at themoment,’ he says.

‘For consumers looking for quality,performance and luxury from their newcarpet, the message should be clear –Buy British. Our manufacturers use thebest materials and techniques and UKmade carpets are produced in compliance with stringent environmentalregulations. Our manufacturers alsosupport the farming industry andcollectively are the biggest users of British wool in the country. In theircommunities they provide jobs, skills

and a sense of brand identity and pride.’He points out the similarities between

retailers and UK manufacturers. In manycases both are family-owned firms drivenby a passion and pride and steeped incarpet. Manufacturers that support theCarpet Foundation have more than 1,000years of carpet making experience

between them. Manufacturers andretailers are run with dedication bypeople who know everything aboutcarpet and understand and appreciatethe craftsmanship that goes into them.

Anton believes failure to support UKmanufacturers could have severeramifications for the UK supply chain androb the consumer of choice and what isbest in the carpet industry.

Turning one’s back on UKmanufacturers could particularly harmindependent retailers who pridethemselves on personal service and whoare well served by UK manufacturers.Loss of production will lead to the loss ofthe independent’s competitive edge, asthey are not in a position to commit tobuying containers of carpet from overseaslike larger retailers, he says.

‘We need to keep the UKmanufacturing base alive. Retailers needthe supply chain and the service. Wehave seen what happens in otherindustries when the UK manufacturingbase disappears. It is our industry thatsupports and drives local economies andour industry that produces a qualityproduct that is worth preserving andselling.’

‘UK manufacturingreally matters’

‘We still have theskills and resources

to make qualityproducts’

34bob intro_IMoct.qxt 22/9/09 19:19 Page 34

Copies of the latest bedroom and lounge/dining furniturebrochure are available from Kingstown Furniture Limited, theBritishmanufacturer of value formoney, assembled furniture.

Request your copy from 01482 717225or email: [email protected]

Kingstown Furniture LtdVictoria House

Leads RoadHull

East YorkshireHU7 0BZ

BEDROOM & LOUNGEFURNITURE

035_IM_1009 30/9/09 15:51 Page 35


Best of British

KINGSTOWNTEST OF TIMEShoppers are increasingly looking for productsthat will last and support the local economy

With more than 30 years ofexperience producing bedroom,lounge and dining furniture,Kingstown Furniture has seenmany trends come and go. But,the trend for buying British is setto continue, according to GeoffBrailsford, Kingstown Furnituregroup sales director, who saysconsumers are increasinglyappreciating the benefits ofshopping closer to home.

‘As a result of the creditcrunch, consumers are trying tomake the most of their hardearned cash and are looking forproducts that are built well andwill stand the test of time. Theyare looking closer to home in aneffort to support the UKeconomy and this has certainlybeen reflected in our sales to UKretailers in the past year. At thesame time, exchange rates arealso working in our favour andwe believe all of these factorswill encourage the consumer tocontinue to buy British post-recession.’

He believes that in recent yearsconsumers have grown tounderstand the advantages ofbuying British: buying frompeople they can trust and whowill be there in the future.Designs are aimed specifically atthe British market.

‘As a British manufacturer, weare well placed to offer quickdelivery times and reduceddelivery costs. All Kingstownproducts are made to order soretailers can purchase as little asone piece at a time for a specificcustomer. Our just in timemanufacturing system also

ensures that we never run out ofstock. We can react to problemsquickly and build closerelationships with our retailers sothey can contact us easily,’ saysBrailsford.

The firm has been workinghard to support retailers duringthe recession, includingattending major and regionalexhibitions, placing show vansaround the country, providingPOS material, maintaining steadycommunication with stores ondevelopments within thebusiness and updating the liveryon its vehicles. This is designedto raise awareness and drivepotential consumers to itswebsite and brochure hotline.

‘Kingstown always encouragesits retailers to communicate tocustomers that Britishmanufacturers have high qualitystandards. In fact, Kingstownnow carries a Union Flag andBritish made caption on ourmain brochure and theKingstown website also has aMade in Britain theme to furtherreinforce this message,’ he says.

As part of its continuousimprovement programme,Kingstown is investing in newmachinery and vehicles.

‘Early next year will see thelaunch of yet more innovativedesigns and products and acontinued commitment tooperating with great care for theenvironment and ensuringworking conditions for itsworkers meet strict criteria thatmay not always be the case withmanufacturers from other areasof the world,’ says Brailsford.New Kingstown vehicle livery

Signature (below) and Aruba (above) are two bestselling ranges

36kingstown_IMoct.qxt 22/9/09 18:04 Page 36

CORMAR CARPETS AREN’T JUST BRITISH-BASED,

THEY’RE BRITISH THROUGH AND THROUGH,

ALWAYS HAVE BEEN AND ALWAYS MADE USING

MATERIALS OF THE HIGHEST

QUALITY FOR LASTING

GOOD LOOKS

AND HARD-WEARING

CAPABILITIES.

CORMAR CARPETS’

AWARD-WINNING SERVICE

STARTS THE MINUTE THE YARN IS PUT ON THE

TUFTING MACHINES AT HOLME MILL, LANCASHIRE

AND CARRIES RIGHT THROUGH TO FAST DELIVERY

BY CORMAR’S OWN DEDICATED TRANSPORT FLEET.

YOU CAN ALWAYS RELY ON CORMAR

TO CONTINUE TO SET

THE BENCHMARK FOR

QUALITY, VALUE

AND SERVICE

THAT IS GENUINELY

WHEN WE SAY IT’S YOU CAN RELY ON IT

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

037_IM_1009 28/9/09 11:48 Page 37


Best of British

CORMAR CARPETSSHOUT IT LOUDThe company is heavily promotingits Britishness to consumers

One of the few carpet companies to stillmanufacture all of its products in the UK,Cormar Carpets is raising awareness of itshome-grown heritage with a ‘BritishMade by Cormar’ logo which will featureon all sample books, swing tags and POSfor all units and lecterns.

‘We are proud to be one of the fewremaining British-made manufacturers,’says David Cormack, marketing director.‘It is very important to us to be seen tobe delivering British made, high quality,affordable carpets. It seems it is alsobecoming increasingly important toconsumers and retailers.’

For the consumer, buying British alsomeans supporting British jobs, somethingthat is an increasing issue for peoplegiven the current economic climate.

‘It’s nice to know, for example, thatbuying from Cormar helps to supportover 200 jobs in the north of England as

Cormar’s Berwick collection in Woodash

The British Made by Cormar logo features on its delivery fleet

Right:

Avebury and

Lindisfarne

ranges

well as over 50 van drivers andsales reps nationally. Not onlyare all Cormar carpets made inthe UK, but much of the woolin yarn production is Britishwool too,’ says Cormack.

Dealing with a manufacturerwhich is locally based means itis on the spot to take fullcontrol of the manufacturingand distribution process.

A good backup service in a competitivemarketplace is essential for retailers.Cormar prides itself on offering a 48-hourservice to most customers through its 10outbases nationwide which reduces leadtimes and offers a flexible and reliabledelivery service.

‘We noticed that there was a surge ofsupport for British produced goods andthe logo is a reassurance to consumersand retailers that our carpets are made in

Britain. Good UK companies continue tothrive because retailers know that dealingwith a British-based company has manyadvantages, especially when it comes toservice.’

Cormar was one of the pioneers oftufted carpet production in Britain in the mid-1950s and more than one million customers choose a Cormarcarpet every year.

38cormar_IMoct.qxt 22/9/09 18:07 Page 38

Tel: 01536 200502www.underlay.com

Ball & Young LtdA Vita Group Company

Proudly made in the UK

039_IM_1009 28/9/09 11:49 Page 39


Best of British

WBHTIDE IS TURNINGThe cabinet manufacturer is seeing more and more retailers appreciate UK manufacturing

Mark Woodberry, WBH md,believes the tide is turning as anincreasing number of retailersunderstand the benefits of UKmanufacturing.

‘Being a UK manufacturer maynot have been in vogue, butmore people now understandthe advantages. We may havebeen a lone voice in the dark butnot now – the message meansmore in the current economicclimate.

‘For example at InteriorsBirmingham in January, whilethere was an abundance ofimport opportunities, we sawretailers with a purpose to buy.Retailers’ buying strategies haveshifted to minimise risk, whiletaking advantage of what UKmanufacturing can offer. At thistime people don’t want to tie upresources. People questionedwhether their existing supplychain fitted with the new reality.They now wanted a respectedUK supplier,’ he explains.

Woodberry says the BFM’s AskIf It Is campaign is now reachingthe end consumer as they arestarting to question the originsof products. The UK element isstriking a chord because theeconomy has forced people toreconsider things they previouslyviewed as acceptable.

‘Retailers are asking us for POSthat says “UK made”.’ Inresponse, the group is puttingMade in UK on as manymaterials as possible, from POSand literature to advertisementsand furniture packaging.

‘Retailers are recognising themajor advantages of UK

manufacturing. We are trying topromote that it is not just aboutthe product. As a UKmanufacturer we can take on asmuch or as little of the service asthe retailer wants. We havesome stockists who after havingthe product on the floor neversee it again as we handleeverything from the moment wereceive the order,’ he says.

‘Overseas suppliers cannotintegrate themselves into aretailer’s business as we can andform a proper partnership. Withimports it’s much harder tocreate that partnership, supplierscan change from month tomonth. Retailers have recognisedthey have viable options in UKsuppliers.’

Woodberry says its productdevelopment is among thequickest in the country. ‘Viable,commercial products are turnedaround really quickly so we canfine tune products to currenttrends. One retailer pointed outa gap in the market to usrecently and that range will belaunched by the end of the year.’

The group is celebrating its60th anniversary, an occasionthat doesn’t happen unless youare an aware, responsive andgood company, he says.

WBH is a member of ACID sodesign integrity is assured. ‘Wedon’t take standard off-the-shelffinishes, they are all developedand exclusive to us. We keepourselves at the forefront oftechnology and that has allowedus to have the quality whilemaintaining price points. We settrends, not follow them.’

WBH is proud to say ’made in the UK’

Mark Woodberry: WBH sets trends

40wbh_IMoct.qxt 24/9/09 13:05 Page 40

Where Great Carpets BeginTel: 01562 749300 www.victoriacarpets.com

CrownTwist

041_IM_1009 29/9/09 08:31 Page 41

042_IM_1009 28/9/09 11:53 Page 42

Produced from recycled post-consumer polyesterbottles, duratech™ offers tangible environmental benefitswhilst outperforming every other fibre filled seat cushion

under the exacting testing conditions of FIRA

duratech™, the only FIRA Gold Award approved fibre filled seat cushion is value-engineered to be asenvironmentally focused as it is resilient and comfortable. Manufactured extensively from recycled polyesterbottles and, owing to the advanced composition of the materials used, it requires substantially less filling withno reduction in performance. With significant savings made to carbon emissions generated during fibreproduction, duratech™ is at the cutting edge of effective carbon footprint management.

duratech™, time to rethink what you expect from a cushionFor further information on duratech™ please contact our dedicated service team

on 01706 874000 or email [email protected]

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043_IM_1009 28/9/09 11:55 Page 43


Best of British

VALE-BRIDGECRAFTSHOWROOM SUPPORTThe upholstery company is adding to its network of regional showrooms

Vale-Bridgecraft celebrates a joint total of128 years of British manufacturing thisyear and has made further investment inits network of stockist support regionalshowrooms. Europa Boulevard,Warrington will be the location of its nextshowroom that is scheduled to open itsdoors in the New Year.

Stuart Chadwick, Vale-Bridgecraft mdsays the company has a close relationshipwith all its stockists and supports themnationally with advertising.

‘We recognise the necessity to workclosely with our independent retailers anddeliver the message of the quality andservice synonymous with independents.If the public want to examine a largerrange of our products they can visit oneof our show centres. All orders taken arereferred back to Vale or Bridgecraftstockists,’ he says.

The company works in a niche area ofthe market and tries to offer a productthat delivers original design and standsthe test of time while ultimately offeringgood value for money.

‘We also strive to create and protect agood retail margin for our stockists. Shortlead times support liquidity and the highlevel of customer service available fromBritish companies helps enormously infending off foreign competition,’ he says.

British through and through thecompany operates from Hebden Bridge,West Yorkshire.

‘We are a major contributor to the localeconomy and are proud of ourconnections with the local community,’says Chadwick. ‘The company is on fullproduction and summer and autumnsales are well up on last year. One aspectof the downturn has been the public’sfocus on British-made products andsupporting UK employment. This ofcourse has given UK furnituremanufacturing a well deserved boost.’

The company is operating at full capacity for models such as Pompadour

All ranges, including Ella, are made in Hebden Bridge

The company also benefits greatly fromits strong connection with the AIS andMinerva buying groups.

‘Both organisations actively supportBritish-made products and their

recommendation to members is of greathelp. We were recently awarded the2009 Gold Standard Award for serviceand quality from AIS, repeating ourachievement of 2008.’

44vale_IMoct.qxt 22/9/09 18:09 Page 44

045_IM_1009 28/9/09 11:56 Page 45


Best of British

ULSTERINNOVATIONInvesting in innovation and service is at the heart of the company’s philosophy

Innovation is at the heart of Ulster’spolicy of leading the market in terms oftechnology and service. Its latest stepforward is the newly installed wiltonlooms, with the capability of weaving 5mwidth carpets for its Ulster Velvet andYork Wilton ranges. Ulster is the firstcarpet manufacturer to offer 5m widepremium quality, plain woven wiltoncarpets in the UK, it says.

All 42 York Wilton and 42 Ulster Velvetcolours are now available in colourmatching widths – 5m, 4m, 3m, 2m and1m, and held in stock for rapid delivery,maintaining the company’s distinctivereputation for multi-width options acrossall its ranges.

Woven carpets are manufactured inone of the world’s most technicallyadvanced carpet weaving plants, with avastly reduced carbon output, minimisingits impact on the environment.

Ulster was the first company inNorthern Ireland and the first textilemanufacturer in the UK to achieve theCarbon Trust Standard certification. Thisaward is given to organisations that havemeasured, managed and reduced their

Elements Wilton’s Cascade design

Ulster’s Oakapple

Ulster’s manufacturing is vertically integrated

carbon footprint year-on-year. Ulster hasworked with the Carbon Trust since 2001and been able to reduce its carbonfootprint by 44%.

Given that all woven manufacturingremains in the UK and is verticallyintegrated, Ulster controls all aspects ofthe manufacturing process from theselection of materials to yarn spinning atits Ulster Yarns plant in Ravensthorpe,West Yorkshire, weaving and finishing.This provides quality control, consistencyin colour, long-term security of supplyand a highly reliable service.

Ulster has also recognised theresurgence of patterned carpets andclassical design, with its most recentaxminster range – Country HouseCollection – the biggest launch sinceSheriden in 1994. Each of the threedesigns – floral Melrose, plaid Beaumontand Persian Kazan (also a coordinatingrunner) – is distinctively different but havea complementary colour palette resultingin standalone products or coordinatingdesigns. An 80% wool, 20% nylon yarnblend, it is available in five colourmatching widths.

Another addition is the ElementsWilton range with four textured designs –Manhattan, Mirage, Cascade andLagoon. It is an 100% wool cut loopwoven wilton in four naturalcolourations. For residential andcommercial applications, there are avariety of textured designs and are acontemporary alternative to plain carpet.

‘Customers can be reassured by thecompany’s worldwide reputation forexcellence, finest quality merchandise andguaranteed high level of customerservice.

‘Our wealth of carpet design andcolours will satisfy every taste and helpcreate rooms with a luxurious andtimeless appeal,’ says Jeremy Wilson,residential sales director.

46ulsterAK_IMoct.qxt 29/9/09 10:49 Page 46

Woodside are proud to launch the Nimes Dining range which has been designed to match thehugely successful matching bedroom range. With its proven warm golden tones and strong lines designed for UK homes, this range will attract sales to be proud of.

Call one of our agents today for an exclusive appointment to visit our trade showrooms.

South: Gary Priday - 07968 112403 Northern Ireland: Dougie Yeates - 07850 313237North: Eddie Haetzman - 07968 112414 Lincolnshire: Graham Adams - 07711 036127Scotland: Ian Crowther - 07930 314077 Channel Islands: Robin Humphrey - 0796 6227121

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

047_IM_1009 29/9/09 08:30 Page 47


Best of British

SOMNUSHERITAGEThe brand has more than 160 yearsof history and technical innovation

VICTORIA CARPETSCLICKING WITH CUSTOMERSSimple and efficient ordering can now be achieved online

The Somnus bed name has been inexistence since 1840. It bloomed in the1930s selling its luxury mattresses andbeds to leading hotels and cruise linersand in 1940 it produced its 20 millionthmattress. In 2000 Harrison Beds boughtthe renowned brand.

‘The Somnus brand has been given anew lease of life and relaunched withnew ranges, but still holding true to itscore values,’ says Alan Scott, Somnus,sales and marketing director.

The revamped luxury bed brand is nowselling to the most respected names inretailing such as Barker & Stonehouse andHarrods. It has always been a naturalleader in technological innovation,

Ordering online is fast and simple

Victoria Carpets has introduced an easyto use online ordering facility for stockistsat http:b2b.victoriacarpets.com.

The simple to use website means thatonce registered, retailers can reservecarpet for up to seven days or place anorder quickly and simply.

to be the store or warehouse, or analternative destination as it is linked withthe manufacturer’s transport system. It isalso linked to Victoria’s accountsdepartment to ensure retailers cannotplace orders above their credit limits. Thissensitive information is not displayed onscreen.

The company points out that thesystem does not replace telephoneordering and it has no plans to reducethe number of telephone operators.

developing itsdouble tieredspring systemin 1924.

At the heart of eachSomnus bed in the 2009 collectionsis the patented Sense pocket springsystem, designed to provide deepsupport, natural posture and extremecomfort that only the multi-tieredtechnology can deliver.

Sensa was launched in 2007 and isnow a key part of all its new products.The multi-tiered technology dissipates thesleeper’s weight across a higher numberof independent pocket springs providinggreater stability, durability and support.

This unique selling feature separatesSomnus from its competitors and helps tocreate natural posture and extremecomfort for its customers.

No compromises have been made witheach of the fillings selected for theirindividual quality and character to createthe best in bed system integrity andcomprehensive customer choice.

When placing theorder, a picture ofthe carpet is shownto ensure the correctproduct is ordered.

On ordering,retailers can see the first possible dispatchdate and can select the day they want itdelivered, up to two months ahead. Thisallows the consumer to be given accurateinformation and fitting arranged.

The retailer can select where the orderis delivered to: the default location, likely

Somnus’ Legend

48Som_vic_IMoct.qxt 22/9/09 19:21 Page 48


Best of British

SWEET DREAMSOTTOMAN EMPIREIntroducing another style option on all models has brought benefits

AXMINSTERGOING GREENThe company has developed an environmentally friendly collection

Swaledale

excellent, with an ottoman bed nowaccounting for a significant proportion ofdivan sales.’

Lancashire bed manufacturer SweetDreams has opened fresh sales avenues,thanks to the introduction of anottoman style across its extensive rangeof divans. The company has won severallarge accounts in new areas thanks tothis offer, and ottoman beds have alsoprovided more opportunities for saleswith existing stockists.

‘The introduction of an ottoman styleto every divan in Sweet Dreams’ luxurycollections, and selected models fromthe other collections, has been a majorspur to sales in a year when trading hasbeen difficult for everyone,’ says JackieMcGarvey, Sweet Dreams sales manager.‘Take-up of the ottoman has been

Sweet Dreams has always prided itselfon its wide range and choice ofspecifications. The divan offer extendsacross six collections, with the top four,Well Being, Pocket Spring, Sleepzone andNature’s Fresh – introduced this year –comprising some 20 models. All of thesebeds are available as ottomans, in singlesize as well as doubles and king size.

All the company’s divans – ottomansincluded – are made in the UK, at Sweet Dreams’ premises in Burnley. Also, as many components as possibleare sourced in the UK. Thanks to its UKbase, all models are offered on 10working day delivery along with a homedelivery option.

Eternity from the Well Being collection

With environmental concerns an ever-important issue, Axminster Carpets hasshown its commitment to theenvironment with the development ofthe carbon neutral Swaledale collection.

As the collection uses wool from theSwaledale breed of British sheep and is manufactured locally with anindependent third-party assessment ofthe carbon footprint from its production,the company is confident Swaledale willbecome one of the most talked aboutcarpets.

Swaledale sheep have wool with aninherent amount of grey fibre. Thischaracteristic, which is more pronounced

reduced further in the near future due toadvances in manufacturing technology.From these figures, Axminster Carpetscalculated Swaledale’s carbon footprintand invested in a number of projects inthe UK and other countries, includingwind and wave power and reforestation,to offset all carbon emissions.

in the lighter shades, gives the carpet aunique look not seen in other ranges.

To achieve a carbon neutral status forthe 80/20 wool-rich Swaledale, AxminsterCarpets underwent an independentassessment of its carbon footprint for alloperations. Aspects examined includednot only the energy consumed in themanufacturing process at AxminsterCarpets, Curragh Carpets and theBuckfast Spinning Mill, but also thecarbon emissions attributed to flights, rail,lorry and car journeys associated withsales and distribution.

Axminster says the results are amongthe lowest in the industry and are set to

Camomile from the Nature’s Fresh collection

49sweet_Ax_IMoct.qxt 25/9/09 12:34 Page 49

Advertising feature


‘Carpet1st.co.uk puts them right upthere with companies who have spentsmall fortunes to achieve the sameresult. Like it or not, the Internet is here to stay and will continue toincrease its influence in our industry astime goes on.

‘As a group of retailers we cannotignore it – and so we are being

METRO MOVES MEMBERS

Kipping says the website is a majorinvestment for the group, havingfunctionality and layout that wouldcompare favourably to the very bestwebsites to be seen in any industry, andyet this cutting edge technology is nowavailable to members who may not beup to speed with the latest onlinetechnology.

Flooring buying group Metro hasbrought its members firmly into the 21st century by allowing them all to sell online.

‘Carpet1st.co.uk is our ecommerceconsumer website, which enables ourmembers to sell carpets, rugs, naturals,vinyl, ceramics, laminates, wood, etconline 24/7,’ says David Kipping, Metromd. ‘In addition to the main website wehave registered a domain for each of ourmembers, where they host apersonalised version of the website. Notonly can consumers order flooringonline, but the website features a 24-hour sample service on our full rangeof own-labelled products, in addition toinspirational images, roomsets andbuying advice.

‘It is an impressive and professionalflooring store online.’

On entering their postcode consumersare automatically directed to the nearestmember website, and since theproducts are own-branded, it will makeit difficult for consumers to shop around,thereby preventing prices being drivendown and margins suffering, he says.

‘Sample requests can be followed upby our retailers offering measuring andestimating, installation and accessories,and importantly, inviting consumers tovisit their stores as they will be the localstore, who can service sales properly.

‘Quite simply, we seek to driveInternet enabled consumers into ourmembers’ stores, to develop traditionalface-to-face business.’

50_51metroad_IMoct.qxt 25/9/09 12:37 Page 50


Advertising feature

proactive in finding how we can use it’spower to our advantage and still retaingood margins. This may be beyond thescope and resources of many retailersas individuals, and shows the benefit of a major progressive buying group,’says Kipping.

As well as the extensive level ofCarpet1st own brand products, Kersaint

inspiration gallery, a guide to flooringand information about the free delivery.

Shoppers are told that the retailer willbe in touch to discuss fitting and fittingaccessories. Consumers can also ordersamples and there is also a telephonehelpline. Products are displayed by threecategories: New Products, Best Sellersand Special Offers.

ONLINE

Cobb and Crucial Trading rugs can bepurchased.

While consumers are browsing forflooring, no indication of pricing is given.If having found a product, they click onView Price, they must enter theirpostcode to be given the information.

As well as flooring, the websitecontains a guide to measuring floors, an

For more information onwww.carpet1st.co.uk or how being amember of Metro buying group can helpyour business contact:Metro Group, Metro House, 21 ChorleyNew Road, Bolton, Lancashire BL1 4QRTel: 01204 393539Fax: 0871 7145136website: www.carpet1st.co.uk

50_51metroad_IMoct.qxt 25/9/09 12:38 Page 51

052-053_IM_1009 28/9/09 12:00 Page 52

“We’re Welsh through and through - our first store

opened in Port Talbot in 1979 and now we operate

right the way across South Wales.

But everything is driven by the customer, so for years

we’ve had to scour the globe to give them the highest

quality merchandise, at the keenest possible price,

with the highest levels of service.

Inevitably we’ve had to buy from overseas - if you can

call the Bristol Channel a sea.

For over 25 years our main supplier has been Caxton.

They’re English, so we’ve always been hard on them…

but they’ve never let us down.

Recently however, like everybody, we’ve been sourcing

some merchandise from China. And this has made me

appreciate what Caxton do for me - especially given

the current trading conditions.

They deliver in 4 weeks, direct to my customer if

required. No need to carry any stock, no currency

nightmares. Huge range, all covered by a 1 year

manufacturer’s guarantee. Great marketing support

programme and after sales backup. Plus the

reassurance of dealing with a UK company that’s been

around for 60 years.

In future I suspect the nearest I may get to China is

the restaurant they take me to in Weston-super-Mare”

To find out how we could help your business, call 08700 600 555 today.

“Unfortunately we still have to buy from overseas”

Dave Semmens, MD Happy Home Furnishers. South Wales

052-053_IM_1009 28/9/09 12:00 Page 53


Best of British

BRITISH WOOLWARNING CALLThe loss of the UK’s remaining wool scouring plants would cause huge problems for the carpet industry

The British Wool Marketing Board(BWMB) plays an integral part in the wooltextile world. It considers its role withinUK wool manufacturing as an industryguardianship, particularly as more andmore manufacturing heads overseas.

The BWMB, which auctions BritishWool on behalf of 50,000-plus UK sheepfarmers, says maintaining the UKinfrastructure is vital as the ongoingbleed of spinning, dyeing andmanufacturing to other countries meansit will weaken the position for everyonestill manufacturing here.

Ian Hartley, BWMB ceo says theindustry has to consider the damage tothe overall UK textile industry. Scouring(washing) of wool in the UK is now onlydone by the remaining two commissionscourers in Yorkshire and these rarelywork to full capacity (along withAxminster’s in-house facility).

He says the importance of scouringhouses to the UK carpet industry shouldnot be underestimated. Wool sold in theUK needs to be fully washed of thegrease and impurities before it can bespun and dyed before manufacturing.

It is a costly process, due to the highcost of maintaining a system that meetsEU effluent regulations to protect theenvironment. Scouring in non-EU areas is done less expensively because stricteffluent checking processes are not inplace.

‘British scouring houses have hadconsiderable investment that ensuresthey remove a high level of impurities.Environmental impact is now a majorconcern and Government regulation isgrowing increasingly specific, somethingthe UK scourers take seriously and thisenables manufacturers to know that thefibre has been processed responsibly andwithout damage to the environment,’explains Hartley.

Scouring washes away any impurities prior to manufacturing

Ian Hartley, BWMB ceo

‘While cheaper options exist elsewhere,we have to bear in mind that maintainingscouring in the UK is critical because ifwool is sent elsewhere to be scoured, it ismore likely to be spun and manufacturedthere. Ultimately, we need to keepscouring in the UK, so that the chain ofproduction that follows on from it withinthis country is also maintained.’

Through its Origin is Everythingcampaign, the BWMB has sought tohighlight British wool as a natural,sustainable fibre and promote the wholeBritish theme to inspire retailers toconsider and promote British textiles toconsumers.

‘Our campaign reflects the recent trendfor all things British but it is based on ourknowledge that support for British-madeproduct is key to keeping our UK industryalive and kicking. Textile manufacturing inthe UK is not one but a chain of events,that will falter without each link beinglooked after and maintained. We shouldnot look at each area of production in

isolation of the other as this will not helpthe industry as a whole.’

While, the heyday of textiles has longsince gone from the UK, Hartley says:‘There is a stronghold of qualitymanufacturers here that maintain highstandards and produce excellent product.Our aim is to ensure that continues.’

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Best of British

RYALUXWILLIAM CLASSICSThe carpet manufacturer has honoured its founder with a contemporary collection

Candy Cane

Coffee Kisses

Ryalux has honoured its founder WilliamLomas, naming its contemporary WilliamClassics collection after him. Lomasfounded the company in 1970, afterproducing his first bespoke carpet fromhis investment in a single-pass tuftingmachine. This unconventional method ofsmall batch carpet production allowedhim to uniquely offer his customers ahigh quality carpet in any colour and anysize, a proposition which is still at theheart of Ryalux today.

William Classics is a wool collection oftwists, velvets, plain and striped loops.These four textures have been created towork on their own or coordinate witheach other, bringing a classic orcontemporary look to the home.

The 72 colours take their inspirationfrom both the latest trends andtraditional style to bring homeowners the best of British design and style. Allcarpets in the collection have beentreated with Ryaguard stain protectionsystem, making them suitable for useanywhere in the home.

Darren Clanford, Ryalux creativedirector says the colours and textures ofthe collection are a true celebration ofclassic British style.

‘William Classics has been tailored tosuit a discerning market, with everysingle colour selected to appeal to a widerange of customers and their spectrum oftastes. The fresh colour palette has beendesigned to allow the creation ofbeautiful, stylish interiors with aquintessential British feel. After all, thecollection is named after Ryalux’s founder,William Lomas, who was a true Britishgentleman,’ says Clanford.

Available in 4m and 5m widths, William Classics has replaced the Lomas Chatsworth and Devonshireranges. The range is supported withupdated POS. Savile Row

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Software

MASTERPIECEFORWARD PLANNINGRetailers are taking advantage of market conditions to position themselves for an upturn

A recurrent theme among visitors to theMasterPiece stand at the National FloorShow was a desire to position for anupturn and be more robust in adownturn, says Charles Pearson,MasterPiece Systems ceo.

‘Several retailers are taking advantageof current slower conditions to introducenew systems while there is time to think.We can make savings and encouragefootfall in the short term while being a

key element of a leaner, more profitablebusiness down the track,’ he says.

MasterPiece can be used on a tablet PCin the customer’s home. Customers areimpressed with the ability to entermeasurements and planning directly onscreen. They are even more impressed,says Pearson, when the estimator showsthem the estimate and can rapidly costdifferent options. A printed estimate is leftwith the customer.

‘The costsavings with

MasterPiecederive fromachieving morethroughputwith less effortand reducedmistakes.Consider howmuch time iscurrently spentwriting downcustomerdetails multipletimes, doingand revisingcutting plans,costing and re-costing jobsand writing upestimates andfitting sheets.WithMasterPiece allthese tasksbecome eitherfully or largelyautomated,’explainsPearson.

‘Customerservicecontinues backin the shop

with the ability to rapidly access anycustomer’s job. Estimates can be revisedat telephone speed and emailed to thecustomer. When the fitting day arrivesboth the customer and fitter have agreeddetail on furniture removal etc, somisunderstandings are avoided.’

This means that misunderstandingsthat can sour the relationship with thecustomer are therefore minimised.

Finally, beyond the fitting customerdetails are still in the archive for use inmarketing, or for rapid recall when thecustomer next makes a visit.

‘By the time the next recession bites,mailshots to previous customers held inthe MasterPiece archive will drive footfall.Not only are names and addresses held,but also the rooms measured but notfitted can be seen. Mailshots can thus betargeted with illustrative prices based onthe specific rooms of likely interest,’ hesays. ‘And when the customer visits thestore, the details are readily at hand.

‘For businesses which have seenthrough the tough conditions so far, the best time to invest is now,’ saysPearson.

Measurements are taken in the customer’s home

056_IM_1009.qxt 29/9/09 16:01 Page 56

Interiorsmonthlyf i r s t f o r f l o o r i n g a n d f u r n i t u r e

RUGS


Kersaint Cobb’s GobiStylish curves and stripes

57rugs cover_IMoct.qxt 23/9/09 17:18 Page 57


Rugs

Shoppers want to know where the rug was made

optimistic about the ongoing success ofboth sectors, given suggestions of amove away from laminate to wood.

‘The popularity of hardwood andnatural stone flooring will continue tobuoy the market and rug sales are likelyto be underpinned by the fact that theyare a relatively cost-effective, fast and

simple way to change or upgrade aroom,’ it says.

One sector of the rug market that hasbeen relatively unaffected by therecession is Oriental rugs, whereupmarket shoppers have continued tospend on what many consider asinvestments.

CROWDED HOUSECOVERING ALL ANGLESThe trend for wood and stone floors has brought more retailers into the rugs market

The UK rug market is worth about£100m (at MSP), but is unlikely to see anygrowth in the value of sales until 2011,according to AMA Research.

‘Value growth has been constrained bythe entrance of new suppliers into thesector, which has led to increasingcompetition and pressure on prices.Declining market conditions as a result ofthe credit crunch and its effects on theglobal economy will continue to erodeconsumer spending, particularly in theshort term, and rug suppliers will face adifficult few years, with the marketunlikely to resume its former buoyancyuntil mid to late 2011,’ says itsFloorcoverings UK 2009-2013 report.

Recent years have also seen moreretailers enter the market, includingfurniture retailers wanting to increaseaccessory sales from a sector many see asrequiring little sales skill or floorspace;online retailers hoping consumers willbuy online without seeing the quality ofthe rug; and supermarkets increasingtheir home offerings.

This has created a large increase in thenumber of rugs available to consumers,but no rise in the value of the market.

Evidence of a cake being spread morethinly recently came from Carpetrightwhen it cut back on floorspace allocatedto rugs and laminate flooring.

It was this link with laminate and woodflooring that provided the bulk of sales inrecent years.

‘The rise in popularity of smoothfloorcoverings, in particular wood andlaminate, but also more recently naturalstone, has helped to drive demand forrugs, with natural wood floors inparticular providing the perfect setting forattractive, individualistic rugs that areoften the focal point of the room,’according to AMA.

The research firm is also more

Dun

elm

Mill

Fairw

ind

The number of retailers selling rugs has increased

58Rugs_IMoct.qxt 23/9/09 17:19 Page 58

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Rugs

CRUCIAL TRADINGEXPRESSIONISMMore and more shoppers are turning to bespoke rug designs to show their individuality

Crucial Trading’s bespoke rug offering isan important part of its business asconsumers want to express theirindividuality rather than buying ‘off thepeg’ rugs.

‘Our rugs are all about quality of thematerials and workmanship. The CrucialTrading rug-making facility inKidderminster produces rugs of thehighest standard due to a long-servingand experienced team of craftspeople, themany quality checks done throughoutthe manufacturing process and the use of

The sisal MahaleThe wool Olympus

only the highest standard of products. ‘Because our rugs are bespoke, using

any one of our 326 broadloom productsand 137 borders, the possiblecombinations are as limitless as theconsumer’s imagination,’ says MichaelTurner, Crucial Trading, general manager.

‘The ability for the consumer to order arug at “any size” up to a maximum of 7m(special requirements will always beconsidered) and subject to the width ofthe broadloom is a key attractor.’

With so much choice, selecting a

design could be daunting for someshoppers. To make the process easier thecompany’s new display stand, the DesignHub, shows larger samples and isdesigned to work with its Rug BordersBook launched last year. The Design Hubdisplays rug examples and holds the RugBorders Book.

The large format of the book allows the entire borders range to be seen at aglance, making choosing even easier. Anyof Crucial’s broadloom products can bemade into rugs and consumers can

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Rugs

The wool Linear

choose to have a single border, doubleborder or border with piping. ‘Ourborders are lined which gives a lovelyfeeling of luxury to the finished rugs andwe also properly mitre the corners, withinternal sewing, rather than simplyfolding them.’

Retailers can contact their businessdevelopment manager to discusssampling for rugs. Some retailers display alarge rug or runner for impact, whileothers display multiple rug samples.

This year saw the launch of a series of

brochures to give consumers moreinformation while trying to create theirdream rug at home.

‘Our new format brochures feature allof our products printed as colouraccurately as possible at 100% of actualsize. Each page is perforated so theconsumer can sit at home and tear outthe borders and broadloom they areinterested in and have a good play atdesigning their rug, placing the samples exactly where their intended rug will lie,’ says Inga Morris, Crucial

Trading marketing manager.And if they don’t want to do this

they can use Crucial’s award winningwww.crucial-trading.com website to tryout the combinations, either at home orin-store.

‘There are a few ways that retailers canwork out a price for our rugs. They caneither ring the Crucial Trading sales office,work off our price list which also containspricing examples, or they can use ouronline rug builder which will give them asuggested retail price,’ says Turner.

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Rugs

SHOW STOPPERSCOVERING ALL ANGLESThere were a multitude of rugs at 100% Design and Decorex, here are some of the best

Right: Liz

Eeuwes’

Strathmore

Below: Print Tuft

& Fold’s

Rhythmical

runner

Bottom right:

Knots Rugs’

Moroc Star

Knots Rugs unveiled its third FlorenceBroadhurst collection, introduced fashiondesigner Tracey Boyd’s rug range basedon her fabrics and wallcoverings andfabric firm Borderline’s first rug collectionwhile previewing its Loverugs brand.

Jacaranda introduced the Lustre rangein four sizes, all held in stock, whileadding two designs to its Himalayancollection following a design competitionamong Huddersfield University’s surfacedesign students.

Liz Eeuwes’ debut collection is inspiredby the colours and structures of theScottish landscape. Print Tuft and Fold,made up of soft furnishings designer ZoeBeck, fabric designer Kim Bassett and rug

62_63decorex_IMoct.qxt 29/9/09 17:10 Page 62


Jacaranda’s Lustre

La Alpujarrena’s Vertigo

Emery & Cie’s antique chinoiserie

designer Claire Alderdice showed offAlderdice’s Rhythmical runner.

Spanish manufacturer La Alpujarrenafocused on texture in its contemporary andclassical designs while Riviere introducedElectric Eel, combining hand-knotted Tibetanwool with Chinese silk in muted colours.

The Rug Company debuted collections fromdesigners including Tom Dixon, Neisha Crosland,Emily Todhunter, Suzy Hoodless and Katrin Cargillalongside the Lacy X and Fish rugs from Eva Zeisel.Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby’s launches for the firmcentred on animal characters in bright hues.

Emery & Cie opted for a dark blue palette for the majority of itslaunches but preferred grey for its antique chinoiserie rug.

Rugs

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Rugs

RUGS WITH FLAIRINFINITE PASSIONFor a quarter of a century, the company has shared its expertise for rugs with consumers

Rugs with Flair added to its awardwinning product offer at last month’sNational Floor Show.

‘Launches included the luxuriousshaggy Tangle range. Made from 50%heatset frise and 50% shiny polyesteryarn, it is available in a stunningcollection of vibrant and natural shades,’says Jennifer Doran, marketing designer.

New designs and colours wereintroduced to existing ranges includingInfinite, Splendour and Monte Carlo,while a large collection of circular rugswere launched featuring designs andcolours from the Infinite, Splendour andStarlet ranges.

‘At Harrogate we had lots of positivefeedback from customers saying that wewere one of the few companies at theshow investing in new designs.Retailers also particularly likedthe new Splendour designswhich are available in avariety of colours,’ saysDoran.

Since its foundation 25years ago, the family run

Infinite’s Damask

Tangle’s Majestic (above left). Shazam is one of the new Splendour designs (above right) and Starlet’s Twilight is one of the designs available in circles (inset)

business has established itself as a marketleader in the design, importation anddistribution of quality rugs.

‘Our experience and expertise is rugs.We are passionate about what we doand we constantly strive to provide allour customers with fresh and innovativedesigns. We offer a diverse collection ofrugs from cutting edge concepts to moretraditional designs in many textures andqualities, allowing us to meet thedemands of all our customers’ tastes andbudgets,’ says Doran.

‘We also sell a number of accessories,including anti-slips, stain removers andrug clips. All this, and our promise toendeavour to provide fantastic value andexcellent service, makes Rugs with Flair a

highly recognisable and trustedtrademark among rug retailers andconsumers.’

Tastes may change from year to yearbut the company’s Infinite range is a long-term bestseller. Part of the range,Damask, won the Home Products of the Year award at a major show, judgedby a panel including designer LindaBarker. Earlier this year Interiors Monthlyreaders voted the company Best Rug

Supplier 2009.‘Our dedicated team pridesitself on providing a service

second to none andconstantly strives to deliverthe values the business

was founded on 25 yearsago,’ says Doran.

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Rugs

RETAIL STARSX FACTORKnowing what your competition isup to can provide an advantage

Above: The French Bedroom Company’s cowhide rug

Left: Mac & Mac’s Hemp rug

Below: Sheerhome’s stag design

Staying one step ahead of thecompetition is vital to success,and knowing what they are upto is a large part of that. Sowhat are retailers offering in theway of contemporary rugs?

Dunelm Mill has a wideselection of rugs among itssuccessful homewares offeringincluding the Jigsaw, whichretails from £34.99.

Fairwind’s black and whiteShifting Sands rug is fairlytraded, made in Kashmir andavailable in two sizes (180cm x120cm and 150cm x 90cm). Thecompany also offers an ‘anysize’ option, retailing at £11 per30sqcm.

Mac & Mac’s offer includesthe Hemp Rug from Calligaris,available in natural, red and black in two sizes:170cm x 240cm and 200cm x 300cm.

Sheerhome’s rug collection contains a number of stagdesigns, handmade from 100% wool, while The FrenchBedroom Company opts to be different with its cowhide rugs.

The cowhides are from organic British cows. It claims the extremelyhigh-shine coat, thick skin and fluffy hair means it will last twice aslong as a standard hide and give increased light reflection around theroom. Hides are tanned in the UK for a low carbon footprint.

Left: Fairwind’s

Shifting Sands

Right: Dunelm

Mill’s Jigsaw

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Accessories

BITA ON THE ROAD AGAINAfter the success of its three previous roadshows, more than 20 companies embarked on a six-stop tour

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it could havebeen the maxim of British Interior TextilesAssociation members as they set off on atour of venues across England, visitingCobham, Exeter, Ipswich, Leicester,Manchester and Newcastle from 13-24September.

The aim was to attract retailers whomay not have time to visit largeexhibitions but wanted to see the latestfurnishing fabrics, curtains, blinds, poles,trimmings, cushions, bedding,wallpapers, rugs and other accessories.

Sunflex’s Sunlover Prestigious Textiles’ Honshu

Brands included Alhambra, ConceptTextiles, Curtain Express, Drapes,Globaltex, Hallis Hudson, Hardy, JonesInteriors, Norwood, Pavilion, PrestigiousTextiles, Simpson Interiors, SpeedyProducts, Sunflex, Swatch Box, Swish, TRUTextiles and Whiteheads.

Whiteheads’ Matthew Crew says: ‘Wehave attended all the shows from thebeginning two years ago and it is finallygetting some momentum so we are veryencouraged. In Cobham we wereoverrun with visitors.’

Hallis Hudson expanded its Neo metalpole collection with new chrome andblack nickel finishes, a larger 35mmdiameter range, and a 5m length one-piece pole in stainless steel-effect finish.All components are offered separately soconsumers can cover larger windows andbay windows more effectively.

It also debuted three tiebackcollections. Twister is a small scale, shortembrace tieback with a bi-colour, spiralstyle of mould. Abacus is a tiebackembracing a series of ribbon balls

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Accessories

Swish’s Sophia Hallis Hudson tiebacks

interspaced with crystal beads threadedon to a braided cord, while Diamante is asimple style tieback wrapped with abeaded collar and complemented with atight braided cord.

Prestigious Textiles showed off a widerange of fabrics including Honshu, acollection of soft embroidered cottons forcurtains, accessories and upholstery. Thecollection comprises six coordinatingdesigns, with natural forms contrastingwith the gently textured cotton backdrop.

Heading the collection is the intricate

and richly-coloured floral Samani,complemented by Tabuka, anembroidered leafy trail and simple spot,Taiza. For upholstery and cushions, thecollection is completed by the Yaiza fineblazer stripe and the broader barcodestripe Mikuni, together with thecoordinating plain Askuni.

Colourways encompass violet, fuchsia,rose, azure, tangerine and jonquil. Theseare set on backgrounds of pastels andwarm neutrals, balanced by gentlerpalettes of natural and charcoal.

Swish introduced a collection of pre-packed 28mm decorative poles.Sophia has ceramic fluted spear finialsand brackets suitable for heavier weightcurtains. It is available in five sizes, from120cm to 360cm, and three finishes:antique brass, satin steel and black nickel.

Sunflex introduced the woodenSunlover venetian blind in an ebonyfinish. With a coordinating valance it isavailable in nine sizes from 60cm to180cm with a drop of 170cm. The blindcan be trimmed to size.

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Review

NATIONAL FLOOR SHOWCOLOUR BY NUMBERSNFS’s final appearance at Harrogate sawa plethora of products – and colour

Flor by Heuga’s Funky Feet/2

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Review

Porcelanosa showed off its parquets

While much conversation at the NationalFloor Show concerned its move to theNEC next June in an effort by theorganiser to boost visitor numbers, therewere plenty of new products to see.

This year’s event had more of a carpetfeel about it, with fewer wood andlaminate exhibitors than in 2008. Carpetfirms were more willing to introducecolours than before, accepting that whilethey may not become bestselling shades,they have to give consumers the choice.

Brockway Carpets expanded its Cresta,Amore and Florian collections with 30colours, including steel greys, sea greensand amethyst purples. Colours for Cresta,available in 40oz and 50oz weights, havebeen increased from 15 to 28; the 45ozAmore has seven more colours and the60oz Florian now has 18 colours.

Malatan introduced its Ecovisesubsidiary with its Eco range using onlynatural products. The wilton is made byblending 100% natural colour wool andprocessed without dyes or chemicals. It isavailable in a 3.66m width with cotton,jute and latex backing.

From Ryalux was the Ultimate

Collection available in a dozen texturesfrom twists to shag pile in up to 7mwidths and any colour. Aimed firmly atthe top of the market, it will be in storesby November. Its Naturals Collection sawthe addition of 10 designs under theRyaloop name, including two stripeddesigns in neutral palettes and fourcoordinating plains in 4m and 5mwidths. Both collections have new POS,while the Pownell POS has been updated.

Cormar Carpets’ 80/10/10 NaturalBerber Twist range is available in 12natural flecked shades and 35oz, 45ozand 55oz weights. The 100% woolAvebury and Lindisfarne are available in4m and 5m widths using a three-foldyarn. Avebury is a fine textured loopdesign tufted on 5/32nd gauge in adozen neutral shades, including fourheathers, while Lindisfarne comes in achoice of six natural colours in twodifferent textures: a level loop and atextured loop.

Flor by Heuga introduced sixcontemporary shades to its Funky Feet/2range including Red Garnet, Emerald,Amethyst and Golden Yellow along with

five classic shades including Sea Salt,Pistachio and Juniper Blue. Building on itsCountry Classic range, it launchedCountry Contemporary using the samecolours but with a cut rather than looppile. Also introduced were new POSdisplays with greater productinformation.

Porcelanosa debuted the Roble LouvreSiena parquet under its L’Antic Colonialbrand, with a Dutch pattern.

Karndean revamped its bestsellingKnight Tile collection with a dozen styles:four wood shades of Honey Maple,Victorian Oak, Edwardian Oak and NativeKoa and eight stone styles, includingRamsey Slate and Cara Marble. Juraprovides a fresh look with a narrowborder.

British Wool highlighted the findings ofits environmental impact study intoBritish wool with a new logo. ‘Theindustry will now have measurable datawhich positions British wool favourablyfor the growing environmental agenda.This will be of key importance tocommercial carpet manufacturers andbuyers,’ says Richard Poole, British



Review

Wool European business manager. Manx highlighted the recoloured 80/20

Ashworth with new shades includingAubergine, Gentle Fawn, Steel Drum andIrish Linen to complement the 11 existingcolours, while Victoria introduced theEstrada wilton and the 100% woolNatural Accents.

Kersaint Cobb entered the engineeredand solid wood market. Its collection hasa 14mm engineered floor with Clicsystem in natural oak, an 18mm multi-layer wood floor with a choice of threeoak finishes and black walnut, a 20mmmulti-layer floor in five oaks and an18mm solid oak floor. The 14mm and20mm floors have plank lengths of 1.86mwhile the 18mm and solid floors haverandom lengths of 40cm to 1.7m and30cm to 1.5m respectively. The companyalso expanded its rug offer with a host ofnew designs and a new display stand.

Asiatic overhauled its contemporaryoffer including 44 new designs inHarlequin, faux suede in Laya and severaltextured designs. The new Royal Kasqaihas nine designs and six sizes.

Associated Weavers’ cut pileberber Saxony CrosslandBerber has a 10 strongneutral colourbank and isavailable in 2.5m, 4m and 5mwidths. Suitable for heavy wearlocations, the 100%polypropylene cut pile twistSantorini has 12 shades and isavailable in 4m and 5m widths.Everest Twist is a lightweightversion of Santorini, also availablewith a felt back.

Bajong unveiled several ranges inmuted colour palettes, includingDaytona, Arizona, Orlando, Palermoand San Jose, while it debuted the yetto be named 70oz, 90oz and 115ozchunky shag pile.

Georgian’s 100% wool Impressions hasthree designs and five colours per designwhile Luxor Twist is available in 40oz and50oz weights.

Kingsmead introduced Triple TwistHeathers and Cheviot, a polypropylene ina choice of two weights. It alsoshowed off its Everon branding for

Carpenter’s underlay

British Wool Marketing Board


F Ball’s Stopgap Green Bag and 114 underlayments

Review


Brockway’s Cresta

Kingsmead’s Argyll

Ryalux’s Ryaloop


Review

its polypropylene ranges with the earthycolour palette of Lothian and mineralpalette of Argyll.

Gaskell debuted the 100% wool RusticaEssence while Mr Tomkinson launchedthe Nevada berber in two designs andeight shades, and the Classic Berber inthree designs and six tones.

Shaw Home Foundations introduced10 ranges, including eight polypropylenedesigns and Oregon, a nylon Scotchgardin 4m and 5m widths.

From Carpenter was the 180kg persqm Extrastep 6mm polyurethaneunderlay and 9mm Ultrastep, claiming itas the heaviest PU underlay available.

Osmo demonstrated its Old Styletraditionally styled solid wood flooring,available in five surfaces – sanded,brushed, aged, sand blasted and handplaned – and several finishes.

Ossfloor introduced the bleachcleanable Defiant collection, backed byOzzie the punk dog POS. It includes a 4mand 5m twist, twist supreme and a 4msaxony on felt and secondary backing.

3M’s Nomad Aqua Plus entrancematting absorbs dirt and water, reducingthe need for temporary matting in-storeand reducing the risk of accidents. Itsmiddle layer retains up to 5.5litres ofwater per sqm until it evaporates.Porcelanosa’s Teka


Pownall’s Comfort


Review


3M’s NomadKarndean’s Jura

Cormar’s Avebury

Osmo’s Old Style



Review

LAS VEGASHOMING INThe Las Vegas World Market sawa wide variety of influences

The Las Vegas World Market Centerhas ambitions. The furnishingsshow, held twice a year, is led byvisionaries who bring a breath offresh air to the industry.

Beyond three buildings and anevent that houses permanent andtemporary showrooms, the LasVegas Market also boasts some ofthe most enlightening seminarsfrom influential speakers includingVicente Wolf and Robyn Waters.Topics ranged from trends tolicensing, to sustainability.

The icing on the cake is themotivating marketing strategy ofmaking September National HomeFurnishings Month. This consumer-driven campaign allows retailers andmanufacturers to speak to

Above: The

past is

fashionable;

memories from

years gone by

adorn

upholstery at

Haute House

Right: The Life

Style showroom

supported the

eclectic mix of

furnishings

from African to

Indonesian

Left: Michael

Amini

merchandised

its windows in

Hip Couture,

blending

fashion with

furnishings

74_76vegas_IMoct.qxt 24/9/09 19:02 Page 74

Exclusive (U.K) LTDThorpe Drive, Thorpe Way, Banbury, Oxon, OX16 4UZT: (0044) 01295 701114 F: (0044) 01295 701014e-mail: [email protected]

Click onto our new website www.exclusiveuk.co.uk

to view all of our superb ranges

PLATINUM & FLAT PACK HOME DELIVERY SERVICE RE-LAUNCHEDWe are proud to announce we have re-launched our competitively priced Home Delivery

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075_IM_1009 28/9/09 12:04 Page 75


Review

consumers with a unified message. TitledIs it home yet?, the campaign hones intothe consumers’ emotions. HGTV’sMonica Pederson is the spokesperson forthe initiative, bringing a familiar face tothe target group.

More than just a market, Las VegasWorld Center aims to educate, inspire,and act as a platform to strengthen theindustry’s reach to the end consumer.Making a house a home.Jennifer Castoldi is Trendease Internationalfounder

The Sustainable Furnishings Council and World

Market Center Las Vegas hosted the second

annual One Good Chair Design Competition. The

Chopstick/Steamer stool by Ryan Horsman and

Jason Dembski only made it to the semi-finals,

but seemed to get the most attention for its

surprisingly comfortable sitting experience

Right: A look into the

space of Olde Good

Things and one is

transported back in time

while viewing

architectural and altered

antiques, such as this

mirror made from

reclaimed tiles

Ethan Allen opened a permanent showroom in Building C. It has merchandised its collections under

seven lifestyles: Estate, Country House, Loft, Villa, Global, Glamour and Metro

Left: In the

Sustainable

Furnishings Council’s

section, Nathan

Anthony’s Envi stand

displayed upholstery

made from

sustainable or

recycled materials

74_76vegas_IMoct.qxt 25/9/09 11:42 Page 76

Thinking space

For more information about thisyear’s exhibition, and to registerfor free entry please visitinteriorsbirmingham.com

TRADE ONLY

077_IM_1009 28/9/09 12:05 Page 77


Review

INTERTEXTILESHANGHAI SATISFIESThe Shanghai home textile show provedrecession proof as visitors flocked

Many trade shows these days seemsomewhat quieter than the hustle andbustle once known, but IntertextileShanghai Home Textiles (25-27 August)was the exception.

People flocked to explore the newestfabric offerings from domestic Chinesesuppliers, as well as exhibitors within the

Turkish and Pakistan Pavilions, the KoreanQuilt Display, and other internationalselections.

Visitors could find inspiration in varioustrend vignettes and take advantage ofthe successful business matchmakingservices offered by the show.

The overall outcome of the event had

both exhibitors and visitors coming awaysatisfied.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles2010 will return to Shanghai NewInternational Expo Centre on 24-26August 2010.Jennifer Castoldi is Trendease Internationalfounder

Above: Unique window treatments

were shown at Zopilot

Above right: Interior style is just as

much about fashion as one’s

wardrobe. Some companies took to

the catwalk to show off next season’s

collections

Right: Traditional handicrafts were

displayed alongside the latest

technologies in textiles at Intertextile

78_79intert_IMoct.qxt 24/9/09 13:22 Page 78


Review

The outdoor furnishings market is growing. Textile companies are

developing fabrics suitable for year long exposure to the elements, such as

this new design from Athenea by Girones that has high UV protection,

colour and weather fastness, with high durability and abrasion resistance

Trend experts from the style capitals of the world – Paris, Milan, New York,

and Tokyo – gathered at Intertextile Shanghai to give visitors a taste of next

season’s interior design trends. Four rooms were set up to embody Happiness

in Happy Land representing the spring/summer 2010 season; here is a look at

the New York interiors by Doneger Creative Services

Above: Upholstery

fabrics were

merchandised to

feel like a dining

room at Blossom

Home Decoration

Left: A variety of

trimming and fabric

options were

available to satisfy

any taste

Don

gli A

rt-T

extil

e

78_79intert_IMoct.qxt 24/9/09 15:02 Page 79


Preview

BRUSSELSMELTING POTThe Brussels Furniture Fair has long been regarded as a hidden gem

The Brussels Furniture Fair has becomean international platform for furniture inthe Benelux and continues to attractmore exhibitors and visitors from bothBelgium and beyond. The show has beenregarded as something of a hidden gemamong UK buyers. While it does not havethe reputation of larger shows, it has awide variety of products on show.

Held at the Heysel exhibition ground,the 1-4 November event will featuremore than 200 exhibitors, including TheSquare hall, home to up and comingdesigners and contemporary brands.

Brussels and the DECOoh! Exhibitionhave developed three trends – Curiosity,Sensitivity and Collectivity – centering oncraftology. Craftsmanship has come intoits own again: the art of doing andmaking it yourself. Intelligentcraftsmanship, where age-old traditionsare rationalised and perfected with theaid of technological and scientificresearch. Craftsmanship and technologygo hand in hand.

‘The Farm’ will become a key conceptover the next few years. Just like on afarm, we’re becoming aware of thelifecycle of products and their effect onnature. We want to understand howproducts are made. We know that weneed to be careful with our planet earth.

We’re looking for things close to homeagain. It’s more sustainable to processour own materials. There’s also aworldwide exchange of knowledge tosave energy and materials. We act ‘local’but think ‘global’.Curiosity: Experimenting and turning ourhand to everything. The theme is playfuland humorous; young and spontaneous,daring and dreamy. Creating forcreation’s sake, without furtherexplanation. Fantasy and hyperrealism gohand in hand, no rules have yet beenwritten in this open culture of team

mates. We’re choosing who we want tobe on the spur of the moment. In thistheme, street credibility is more importantthan being accepted by theestablishment.

Key words: experiment, bizarre, illusion,mystery, transiency, anarchy. Colours:lime, white, silver, mauve, black, lightblue, bright orange. Materials: plastics(recycled), technological materials, brokenmirrors/sequins, grilles, metals,transparent paper, recycled materials(whose origin you don’t immediatelyrecognise). Patterns: molecular patterns,outlines, spatters, Photoshop effects,knotted bundles.Sensitivity: A traditional yet avant-gardetheme. It is philosophical, emotional andecological. We’re searching for harmonywith ourselves and the world. We’rerecycling and repairing objects. Romanceand poetry gain more prominence. Wego in search of the centre of things,calmly and subtly. We feel engaged withnature: it is a state of mind, a way of lifeand for many a sign of insight.’

Key words: emotional, naturalmaterials, naturally effusive, arts andcrafts, cradle to cradle. Colours: off-whites, greens, dirty orange, greys (zinc,

anthracite, concrete), ‘ton sur ton’, sandand earth tints. Materials: light wood,felt, soft textiles and linen, moss, softwhite paper, clay, fibres, natural untreatedleather, ceramics, knitting and crocheting,reused materials (whose origins you dorecognise), origami. Patterns: sensualforms, plant motifs and prints, nostalgicmotifs from your grandparents’ era,natural imprints, woven patterns.Collectivity: We’re in search of securityand fixed values, albeit based on personalinsight and at our own discretion. This isboth a collective and an individualistictheme, together but still alone. Sociologyand anthropology are resulting in a newway of looking at our existence and atsociety. Contemporary culture as a newfoundation, as a new value.

Key words: community, togetherness,know-how, sharing and exchangingexperience, schooling, sustainability.Colours: dark green, purple, navy blue,petrol blue-green, mastic, burgundy,mustard, ochre, gold. Materials: wood,heavy fabrics, rubber, stone, bones,varnishes, heavy wallpaper. Patterns:graphic patterns, step and repeat, stripes,stylised ethnic prints, inlaid patterns,etched patterns and old drawings.

Some 200 exhibitors will be at The Brussels Furniture Fair

80brussels_IMoct.qxt 23/9/09 11:11 Page 80

Entertainment

For answers turn to page ??


ACROSS 1 Yonder yacht 4 Pole thrown by Scottish athletes 9 Congo, once 14 Prom duds 15 Martini garnish 16 Result 17 Candle count 18 Subdued 19 To be of use 20 Expressing commendation 23 Soprano Lily 24 “... ___ the cows come home” 25 Sister of Venus 28 Spanish dessert 30 Glasgow train station (abbr) 33 Large wading bird 34 Chemical used on trees 35 Way out 36 Informally 39 Fibbed 40 Dweeb 41 Entreaties 42 Spearheaded 43 Sigmund’s daughter 44 Retract 45 Actor Erwin 46 Paltry 47 Worldliness 54 N Atlantic archipelago 55 Assume as fact 56 Comic Philips 57 Over 58 Narrow mountain ridge 59 Gun, as an engine 60 Vends 61 Nostrils 62 Bambi’s aunt

DOWN 1 Lead 2 Enormous 3 Corp VIP, briefly 4 Person without a title 5 Female graduate 6 Seizes with teeth 7 Uniform 8 Comic Foxx 9 Cytokinin occurring in corn 10 Smith’s block 11 Golfer Aoki 12 Undoing 13 Sushi choice 21 Uncovered 22 Pong maker 25 Row 26 Els with tees 27 Ran swiftly 28 Plants 29 Ground 30 Old Testament book 31 Gannet 32 Rendezvous 34 Traditional prayer ending 35 Melodious 37 Affectation of sophisticates 38 Performs surgery 43 Capital of Greece 44 Narrate 45 Ruin 46 Skinflint 47 Wise one 48 Like some vaccines 49 Duration 50 When said three times, a 1970

war movie 51 Able was ___... 52 Predictive sign 53 US TV science series 54 Scale notes

Suduko Crossword

Easy

Difficult

Medium

81ent_IMoct.qxt 22/9/09 18:20 Page 81

EXHIBITION DIRECTORY

18th – 21st July 2010

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14th – 17th September 2009 & 1 – 5 February 2010www.lasvegasmarket.com

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www.londonfurnitureshow.com

13th – 16th January 2010

www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com

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Recruitment


082_IM1009 30/9/09 15:56 Page 82

Matching

hairs

s

3 Drawer

HiFi Units

Coffee Tables


Final polish

Birthday presentIt’s customary to receive giftson your birthday, butFurniture Village reversed thetradition by donating £20,000to the FTBA as it celebratedthe 20th anniversary of its firststore.

‘The association plays anextremely important role inhelping those in need acrossour industry and we havealways been proud to dowhatever we can to help withits fundraising activities. This isour way of putting somethingback in to it,’ says PeterHarrison, Furniture Villagechief executive.

Well troddenThe efforts of home interestmagazines and TV shows toraise the profile of carpets was

showing his skill on the 11th. The Waring & Gillow Cup

for best net team score wentto Servico; Ash Kholia wonthe Louis Lebus Trophy as bestnet manufacturer score; VincePeat took home the FredAllpass Cup for best net retailscore; Stuart Inskip won theJim Young Trophy for best netflooring score; the LPKUpholstery Cup went to GudsAhmed as best net guest

score; Michael Bryan won theVono Cup as best over 55player and Richard andGeorge Knight won theSlumberland Trophy as bestpair.

Clive Thirkell was nearestthe pin on the 13th, StuartInskip nearest on the 15th,while Gareth parry had thelongest drive on the 12th.

The event raised more than£7,000 for the charity.

again recognised at the CarpetFoundation’s ninth Red Carpet Awards. In the pastyear, editorial coverage worthsome £1m has appeared inthe media.

More than 125 journalistsattended the event, withLiving Etc, Period Living, YourHome, 60 Minute Makeover,Woman & Home, Homes andGardens and Sunday Mirrortaking home the prizes.

Fore – and oneIt appears that a golfing holein one is not as uncommon as we are led to believe. Inmost years the FTBANational Golf Championships,held this year at the Belfry,sees the feat achieved and this year was no exception,with Tony Cammack

Anniversary gift: from left: Eamon Wynne, sales and operations director;

Malcolm Walker, trading and buying director; Peter Harrison, chief executive;

Jessica Alexander, FTBA consultant; Charles Kerrigan, FTBA chief executive

and Ed Duggan, finance and commercial director

Entertainment answers

Easy DifficultMedium

In the news: Rupert Anton, Carpet Foundation marketing director is pictured

with the victorious Living Etc team, from left: Claudia Baillie, style writer;

Sarah Norman, managing editor; Mary Weaver, houses editor; Annabel

Smith, style director and Sarina Liu, picture editor

Servico’s winning

team (from left): Peter

McDonald, Darrel

Wilkinson, Ash Kohlia

and Dale Heathcote.

‘We all had a fantastic

time and everything

went well in the game

for a change,’ says

Heathcote

InnerCoverSpread_IM_1009 28/9/09 10:26 Page 1

Interio

rs Mo

nth

lyO

ctober 2009 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




Oct

ober

200

9

OuterCoverSpread_IM_1009 28/9/09 10:30 Page 1

Documents

Interiors Monthly October 2009