Rotpunkt, award winning designer and manufacturer of carbon neutral German Kitchen furniture leads the way in eco-luxe interior design on account of its market-leading furniture solution BioBoard Gen2, which has been in production for nearly two years and is available to UK customers. Made from up to 90% recycled wood, this versatile eco-luxe material is one of the most environmentally-friendly chipboards ever used in the global kitchen industry, becoming a key pillar of the company’s integrated social-environmental policy up to 2030. Not only does BioBoard Gen2 reduce the use of virgin wood in the supply chain, but it also benefits indoor climates by ensuring the amount of formaldehyde released is half that of new chipboard. “As sustainability meets luxury design in the 2022 kitchen, we are proud to lead the way with an eco-friendly alternative that does not compromise on quality or design. All KBB professionals know that ‘change is an inside job’ and developing a brand is ever-evolving, which is why we are excited to report huge retail uptake and market support in our mission to become sustainable in every aspect of our business. To paraphrase Henry Ford, ‘Any customer can have any kitchen in any colour, as long as it’s green!’ As a German manufacturer, we have long been aware of the importance of recycling and protecting the environment and in 2017 our founders decided to take action in line with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals – known as the Agenda 2030 – and so this has always been a fundamental part of our corporate responsibility,” said Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt, Matt Phillips. Rotpunkt is laser-focused on seeing green solutions throughout its supply chain from the factory floor to the end users’ experience in the showroom. The company’s senior management team is continuously working on rethinking processes and questioning consumer habits – to pursue its zero carbon target by using an “avoid-reduce-compensate” approach. Emissions that cannot be avoided or reduced have been offset through sustainability projects since 2019 in partnership with myclimate. “It is a credit to the imagination and commitment of our global Rotpunkt family that our vision is on track despite challenges in the wake of the pandemic. In 2020, we ensured that all our materials for kitchen production were fully FSC-certified and this year we converted our heating system so that it uses wood waste, having made a complete switch to green energy to promote climate-friendly production across our Bünde and Getmold sites. Our next goals are to ensure that not only are our kitchens manufactured in a carbon-neutral way, but that all our raw eco-luxe materials are zero carbon too. We are investing in our production facility at our Bünde site with state-of-the-art robotics and a photovoltaic system to harness solar power as well as installing of charging stations for electric vehicles,” added Matt. As the journey to zero carbon emissions gathers pace, so do technical innovations at Rotpunkt. For instance, a new batch production process size at the Getmold site is significantly reducing wastage and the order-shipping team now have the option of using a passive robotic exoskeleton that reduces the physical strain of performing heavy repetitive or overhead tasks. All staff can explore extensive wellness options as part of the company’s employee benefits package –proof that sustainability starts from within.

While most of us can only aspire to live in a million-pound property, that doesn’t mean that we can’t make our homes feel like a modern mansion. Design inspiration is drawn regularly from the rich and famous, but which luxury home features are more accessible than we may think? Windows and doors specialists, Genesis Collection have analysed property data to reveal the features that the UK’s million-pound properties have in common. The investigation, which involved deep-diving into hundreds of properties across the UK that are currently available on the market, found a total of seven unique features that were a recurring theme throughout. The good news? Lots of these home features are readily available to the wider public, which means everyone can draw inspiration and add a little luxury to their own spaces. Floor to Ceiling Glass Doors This feature was by far the most repeated design element encountered throughout the UK’s high-end properties. Whether sliding patio doors or aluminium bifold doors, the designs and colours varied by interior theme but the core design concept remained very much the same – floor to ceiling glass. As most of these properties also have large and beautifully landscaped gardens, it’s understandable why such a feature may be in high demand. However, the light inducing benefits of floor to ceiling glass are also popular, making this a highly sought-after element for any home. Freestanding Bathtub Though the style of many of the million-pound bathrooms varied, one common feature remained throughout – freestanding bathtubs. Whether the powder room was traditional in design, with Victorian-themed tiling and clean white features, or modern, with floor to ceiling marble, the inclusion of a freestanding bath is a clear indicator of a luxury home. Fireplace Another stunning piece encountered in almost all million-pound homes currently on the market was a statement fireplace. Coming in a vast array of designs, a fireplace can easily compliment any interior theme, whether that’s farmhouse décor or minimalist chic. Similarly, to the kitchen island, a fireplace creates a focal point in any room and creates a highly sought-after cosy ambience. Open Plan Space Perhaps an interesting observation, each of the properties analysed all had a very similar approach when it came layout, with big open plan living spaces a theme throughout. Large kitchens continuing into dining rooms and dining rooms continuing into living rooms were all popular designs. Often, this open space is also extended seamlessly through glass doors into an outdoor the patio, creating the illusion of an even larger space, thus achieving a luxury look.

Tiled stoves that only warm up are a thing of the past. Today’s end customers expect an unobstructed view of the fire from several sides and thus a real “campfire feeling”, of course with the highest environmental standards at the same time. Angularly bent fire-viewing panels made of glass ceramics are therefore correspondingly popular. In order to reduce the technically unavoidable slight bulges at the outlets of the bending edges, the special glass manufacturer SCHOTT has developed an innovative process. Irlbacher, a global specialist in glass technology and glass processing, has now added these ideally curved viewing panels to its portfolio. Angularly bent fire-viewing panels have been used for some time to create the visually enhanced impression of a fireplace. Until now, however, for physical reasons, these tended to develop a slight bulge at the outlets of the bending edge, as in the picture above left. The fireplace manufacturer has to take this bulge into account when fitting the glass ceramics exactly into a frame or even a frameless design. A special bending process for glass ceramics, developed by SCHOTT, now solves this fundamental issue. The bulge at the outlet of the bending edge is considerably reduced, as can be seen in the picture above right. The flat pane of glass ceramics is almost ideally curved and can thus be integrated into frame constructions much more easily; the frames can be much slimmer. In addition, the mechanical solidity of the curved edge can be improved by up to 80%. The result is a visually more sophisticated play of flames as well as an additional enhancement of frameless designs – for a distinctive spatial impression. The portfolio includes large bending radii between 30 and 95 mm. The soft curvature facilitates an even more natural fire experience and an all-round uninterrupted view of the flames. End customers experience a real campfire feeling in the middle of their living room. The variety of large bending radii allows fireplace manufacturers to differentiate themselves by using dense glass systems instead of two flat panes – thus creating designs that are both elegant and extravagant.

Pour Moi, the rapidly growing lingerie, swimwear and clothing brand, has commenced a comprehensive, quarter of a million-pound, fit-out project to its new head office in Brighton.  The work is being carried out by BRAC Contracts, which also completed the transformation of the building in Black Lion Street, including the construction of a new, two-storey rooftop extension that Pour Moi is leasing from DTZ Investments on a ten-year agreement.  Work on the 1,000 m² project is focused on the transformation of the fourth floor to provide office space with work including the installation of stud partition walls, glass partitions, full M and E installation and a kitchen and tea points.  The fifth floor, which boasts a stunning roof terrace with far reaching views over the Brighton coastline, will include a bar area for entertaining and product launches and a bespoke photographic studio area.  BRAC Contracts has partnered with Brighton-based Axiom Architects on the project. Pour Moi was established in Macclesfield in 2005 and set-up its head office in Brighton in 2017.  It has subsequently grown its headcount ten-fold from five employees to 50 and with further growth anticipated, it needed a new base from which to realise this growth.  Michael Thomson, CEO and Founder of Pour Moi, explains: “Moore House on Black Lion Street offers our growing business a unified balance between the fourth floor being used as a functional workspace and the fifth floor offering space to entertain, with the bonus of outside space. “Not to mention the enviable location just minutes from the seafront, which collectively sold this building to us as somewhere that we wanted to grow our fabulous brand.” Completion of the project is anticipated by mid-November and Adam Clark, MD at BRAC Contracts, concludes: “Having worked with the building owners, DTZ Investments, on the refurbishment of the existing building and the two-storey airspace extension, it was an honour to be chosen by Pour Moi to carry out the refit work – not least of all because the team there commented on the quality of our previous work. “Having been involved with this building over the entirety of its transformation, the BRAC team is looking forward to seeing how Pour Moi brings the new areas to life.”

Snowsound is honored to have earned two prestigious awards at NeoCon 2021, North America’s largest design exhibition and conference for commercial interiors. Snowsound Dunes, a wall-panel system designed by Felicia Arvid, won the prestigious Silver Award and the Innovation Award in the Acoustic Solutions category. Recognizing new products exhibited at the MART, the Best of NeoCon 2021 competition celebrates products in 52 categories in the 30th annual competition. Sponsored by NeoCon and managed by The McMorrow Reports, Best of NeoCon has been a hallmark of NeoCon since 1990. It is the official awards program honoring outstanding new products from exhibiting companies across a wide range of verticals. “We are thrilled to celebrate Snowsound’s new, permanent showroom in the Mart with two Best of NeoCon Awards for Dunes—one for Innovation and one for Acoustic Solutions. It’s proof the judges and market care about acoustics as well as aesthetics,” said Sam Barry, VP of Sales + Marketing for Snowsound North America. Dunes was also honored with an ADEX (Award for Design Excellence) Platinum Award 2021. At home in a range of commercial settings including workplace, hospitality, education and multifamily amenity spaces, Dunes is a wall-applied acoustic solution consisting of two layers of Snowsound’s Fiber Boucle textile. One layer serves as a flat base backing and the other as a three-dimensional sound-absorbing pocket created with repeating pleats held by steel clips. “Think of Dunes as a three-dimensional tapestry, with amazing acoustic performance that comes from the topographies between the backing fabric and the air pockets in the hollow reliefs of the upper layer of Snowsound Fiber,” said Barry. Dunes blends poetry and function to offer a seductive aesthetic with the unsurpassed acoustic performance Snowsound is known for. Designer Felicia Arvid’s custom hourglass shape forms a seamless, three-dimensional wall with gracefully wandering lines. The subtly undulating form vividly evokes the sensuous and feminine movement of sand dunes, which also inspire the name. The textural quality of the material with its boucle finish suggests the millions of grains of sand that comprise a dune. Dunes is available in a range of options including special order colors. It is easy to clean and sanitize, 100% recyclable and Greenguard Gold certified. Dunes provides Class A sound absorption (ISO 354), Class A fire and smoke safety (UL 723/ASTM E84) and meets CDC guidelines.

Looking ahead, Andrew Henry Interiors has applied its’ insight and vision to uncover the interior design trends to watch out for in the warmer seasons of 2022. Influenced by the challenges of 2021, the period will see our homes continue to be more than just a place to retreat to. Therefore, the notion of our home space being our sanctuary will carve the way for the seasons style, with positivity and energy shaping each trend. “In summary, as the days lengthen and the temperature rises in 2022, we will see maximalism evolve with bold colour combinations, escapism will be expressed through cultural influences and natural materials will remain high on the styling agenda,” commented Andrew Henry, Director at Andrew Henry Interiors. The four key décor looks set to breathe new life into our homes during the spring/summer months of 2022 are: Sunny State This trend is driven by a need for optimism and joyfulness. In the wake of a global pandemic, householders will desire to surround themselves with constructive influences and joyful design. Art, colour, shape and materials all feed into this aesthetic of positivity. Colour is expressed on the walls, on kitchen cabinetry, on furniture and textiles as maximalism develops a step further this season. Key Words: Self-expression, inclusivity, aesthetics of Joy, 70’s nostalgia, design for play, Stay Positive Key Pantone Colours: Deep Sea Coral 18-1649, Pastel Lilac 14-3812, Cameo Green 14-6312, Crème Brulee 13-1006, Sunflower 16-1054 Colour Combinations: A playful palette of optimistic colour pops uplifts spirits in uncertain times. Clean pastel shades are merged in new zesty combinations, mixing in highlights of Deep-Sea Coral, Melon, Pastel Lilac and Cameo Green. Sunshine yellows are key throughout with a number of shades that can be combined for a nod to the 70s. Play with bold maximalist combinations that excite and surprise. Habitation This trend represents a more grounded pace of life. Deeper connection to the natural world is blended with inventive nature-inspired design in this rural organic trend. Interiors are brimming with natural textures and materials. New sustainable fibres come to the fore including nettle paper and vegan soy. Key Words: Designed by nature, do no harm, foraged & grown, wholesome Key Pantone Colours: Moss 16-0532, Mineral Gray 15-5704, Ruby Tan 15-1315, Major Brown 19-0810, Maroon 18-1619 Colour Combinations: A base of earthy neutrals merge with new coloured hues on lightweight fabrics for a breezy summer vibe. Sustainable dyeing techniques bring forth new vibrant shades of saffron yellow, algae green, duck egg blue and berry. Earth like Major Brown brings a grown-up weightiness to this palette. Sensorial Delight Drawing from spices, fragrant aromas, intense colour and heavily patterned textiles, this trend is inspired by Indian culture. With international travel curtailed due to both the COVID-19 pandemic and ecological awareness, summer 2022 will be a chance to celebrate the exoticism of different cultures within the home. Jewellery-inspired lighting makes a statement in living spaces incorporating with traditional wood furniture. Low benches and daybeds are key items. Key Words: Contemporary opulence, modern India, culturally rich, vibrant, highly patterned Key Pantone Colours: Bellini 13-1114, Meadow Mist 12-0106, Wood Violet 19-3325, Endless Sky 16-4022, Teal 17-4919 Colour Combinations: A palette of knocked back pastel shades, inspired by the faded walls of grand palaces, is shot through with rich jewel tone highlights. Warm apricot shades ground the palette, joined by vibrant pinks, soft mint and bejewelled greens. Dusted blue looks chalky in appearance, whilst amethyst purple adds depth. This is a versatile palette offering both calm and bold clashing combinations. Golden Hour This trend is where a home becomes a sacred sanctuary, a place of refuge. Precious warm sunny evenings are spent cocooned in nourishing interiors, detoxing from noise and distraction. Light pours through open spaces, reflected in tactile surfaces and infusing rooms with an ethereal golden glow. Softness is key for furniture shapes, so sideboards have rounded edges, chairs are cocooning and corner sofas gently curved. Key Words: Comforting cocoon, reflect & refract, peacefulness Key Pantone Colours: Mauve Shadows 16-3205, Twilight Purple 18-3820, Peach Whip 14-1309, Moonlit Ocean 19-4122, High-rise 15-4101 Colour Combinations: The light at the end of the day inspires summer darks to come into play here. A level of softness emerges with greyed pastels including blue, lilac and yellow feature. Almost-blacks come in the form of midnight navy and deep mystic purple. Hyper-real aqua brings an almost futuristic watery feel, alongside true blue. Play with transparencies and layering of colour.