Fluorescent Smogg is excited to present ‘Portal Patch’, in collaboration with world renowned US artist Mars-1. The new collaboration focuses on 15 hexagonal, bas-relief ceramic tiles exploring natural form and geometric patterns, designed by Mars-1 and made with master craftsmen and tile artisans Viuva Lamego. Mario Martinez, aka Mars-1, is known for his fantastic, imaginary worlds. Inspired by surrealism, street art and abstract expressionism. He creates densely composed extraterrestrial landscapes brimming with light effects, floating orbs, and other flying geometric forms, referencing physics, collective consciousness, and the mystery of life itself. Nike CEO Mark Parker and Grammy Award-winning musician Everlast are among the collectors who have bought his work. The tiles are showcased via a cutting-edge virtual gallery, inviting collectors, art fans and interior designers to see the tiles in virtual environments alongside world class artists represented by Fluorescent Smogg. Collectors can visit the gallery to explore hand finished editions of the tiles and tile artworks. The tiles are available in 3 colourways, black, white and teal. PortalPatch.com also features a configurator, enabling visitors to place combinations of the designs to suit their application and wall size, switching between single and mixed colour schemes. It also showcases 3 different configurations from Mars himself. The collection represents a lexicon that can be arranged in almost endless combinations, whilst retaining the artisanal process that makes these ceramics unique. The designs include shapes like Icosahedron Suction Cup and Multi Vortex, reflective of the otherworldly influences for which Mars-1 is famous. “When starting this project, I had the idea to build on old world knowledge and traditions, to connect with and blend modern technologies and tools for creating art,” said Mars-1. “We worked closely with Viuva Lamego in Portugal, a company that has been in business for 150 years, to hand produce and manufacture the tiles. We utilised 3D software and printing for the prototypes to lean into the symmetrical and perfect geometric nature of the shapes and designs that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to create.” Fluorescent Smogg has long held a reputation as a forward-thinking production house, working with the world’s leading contemporary and progressive artists for over a decade. This new venture continues that trend, merging art and interiors, fusing traditional and cutting edge crafts.

Tiny homes are fast rising in popularity and for good reasons. After all, young singles and empty-nesters need a smaller space for themselves as it makes no sense for spending money on spaces and utilities you really don’t need. However, it is not common to come across the perfect home design plans for tiny homes with one or two bedrooms. Tiny house plan designs follow small square footage and are a great option for budget-friendly house hunters. Sometimes, these house plans cover less than 1000 sq ft and thus are a lot more affordable and easier to maintain. It is seen that most tiny house plans offer open floors and outdoor living spaces. Go ahead and browse through some great ideas and flexible plans for tiny houses. Live in a shipping container- Design your own tiny house in a modern shipping container and maximize space and connection to lead a luxurious and comfortable life. Go ahead and make room for optimal efficiency and cover those floors with quality carpets. Incorporate a full-size bathroom and kitchen with a flexible layout. Ideas for large families- Who said that couples with large families could not live-in tiny homes? Well, new designs and ideas ensure that each family member has privacy, and there is even private space for mom and dad in a master bedroom in the loft. Having the bedroom upstairs means more lounging space downstairs. A cottage plan and façade- If you like the idea of a fairytale-style life, then opt for the cottage plan for your tiny house. You could use the house as a stand-alone home or your office or art studio. The cottage looks sure looks adorable, and one can customize the plan as they like. A multi-functional tiny house- Many people prefer a flexible and portable house that is multi-functional too. All you need to do is make sure you have a separate office and a trailer chassis. Incorporate all the green technologies in the house that allows in natural light with skylights. The minimalist look- If you are the minimalist kind who prefers a tiny house interior design with a clean, sleek look, well, you can go for it! This is a great option for homes of all shapes and sizes, and the minimalist look makes the tiny home look larger and less cluttered. The simplistic yet sophisticated design indeed looks attractive and spacious. For the creative types- If you are an artist or a writer or are involved in any kind of creativity, the tiny house can be your haven and give you the freedom to follow your dreams. You could stay alone and let those creative juices flow with a tiny house plan that is just perfect for you. Spend time with nature and create art or music or write a book in your tiny house with a dedicated space for your creativity. The modern tiny homes- If you are a modern millennial, there are plenty of simplistic innovative design plans that add efficiency for minimalist living. Still, living in a tiny house doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on comfort or luxury. You can place all your attention on the details and get more out of every inch of the space.

A consideration that you will have to think about when you order your blinds for bifold doors is the particular type of control operation system that you want to opt for. There are five control systems available that are slim and can be used on bifold doors ranging from electric or motorised to manually operated. Therefore, there is a wide choice of different options available that will suit all tastes and aesthetic preferences. This article shall discuss these options and the individual benefits that each control system brings. SV System Cordless Slider The SV System from Morley Glass and Glazing offers a cordless slider which is a manually operated Venetian blind that comes with a designed magnetic slider allowing the blinds to be effortlessly lowered and tilted. Cordless control is an excellent safe choice for families with small children. The SV system does not detract from the aesthetic look of your blinds for bi-folding doors as it is placed discreetly on the side of the blinds.  W Smart Solar Control System The W Smart system offers a solar control system that occurs via a battery operated, motorised blind system. This type of control system boasts long-life rechargeable batteries and an eco-friendly option to users as it removes the need to frequently manually open blinds or spend time replacing batteries. A further benefit of the W Smart solar control system is that the modern stylish remote is easy to use and can be placed in either a horizontal or vertical position on the sliding doors. S System Slider Moray and Glass offer a manual blind operation system specifically for pleated integral blinds in the form of the S System Slider. This is a magnetic handle that you can attach onto your bifold doors when you want the blind to be moved up or down. The advantage of this operation system is that the handle can be removed when not in use, therefore, it does not affect the aesthetic look of your bi-folding doors. Each door can also be operated with the same handle which makes the S System slider simple to use on bifold doors. MB System Motorised Brushless A motorised blind system for Venetian or Pleated blinds, the MB System by Morley Glass offers a significant improvement on previous electrical systems thanks to the brushless motor.  The MB system offers users control at their fingertips in the form of a unique control box that allows blinds of bi-folding doors to be simultaneously opened or shut as well as the accurate tilting of slats. SV + Symmetrical Slider Morley and Glass have perfected a SV+ Symmetrical slider which allows users to achieve aesthetically symmetrical blinds making it a great option for bi-folding doors.  The control system works through a magnetic slider which is placed on either the right or left hand side of the glass, while the narrow adhesive transport profile is responsible for maintaining the linear movement of the slider. The cordless control mechanism coupled with the antibacterial finish makes it a safe and hygienic option for your home.

Following the successful transformation of the reception area in Building 8 last year, the team at Exchange Quay has re-appointed highly-acclaimed architecture and interior design studio, Jasper Sanders + Partners along with contractor Aztec Interiors, to further extend the reception revamp at the Manchester office development. Works have now commenced on the reception area of Building 5 and Till Asset Management, acting on behalf of Exchange Quay, has announced a further investment into remodelling the Building 1 reception area as part of the scheme’s ongoing commitment to heightening its occupier experience. The investment into upgrading the reception areas totals some half a million pounds. Similarly to Building 8, the new revamped reception areas will focus on carefully restoring the design intent of the original buildings, and the architects will seek inspiration from two nearby canal systems to create a maritime theme for both reception areas. The buildings will benefit from new wall panelling, carefully crafted joinery and a finish that incorporates the external features and brings a classic sense of identity back to the two buildings, while introducing a more modern way of working. North West contractor Aztec Interiors will undertake the 6 week programme to upgrade the reception in Building 5 first before moving onto Building 1. Exchange Quay, comprising 435,000 sq ft, is one of the largest office developments in the North West with over 4,000 workers.  The campus, which has its own Metrolink tram stop, is located approximately 1.5 miles to the southwest of Manchester City Centre and is strategically located just off Trafford Road which links Salford Quays to both Manchester City Centre and the regional motorway network. Liam MacCarthy, Director at Till Asset Management, said; “We are delighted to announce plans to further extend the reception revamp at Exchange Quay. Following some excellent tenant feedback on Building 8, we were pleased to welcome back the leading design team to continue the works on the entrance areas of Building 5 and also 1. The new area at Building 8 has already made a huge impact on tenants and we look forward to seeing the new works progress.” Jasper Sanders, Design Director at Jasper Sanders + Partners, said; “Creating the re-design for reception 8 at one of the most impressive office developments in the North was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and we are looking forward to the opportunity to continue implementing the design on Building 5 and then Building 1. The new entrance areas will provide a great sense of identity and connection to the building and provide greater space options for occupiers and visitors alike.” The quoting rent on Exchange Quay is £20 per sq ft plus car parking.

Leading hospitality and retail design agency UXUS announce the details of Luna, a new interior concept for McDonald’s designed to bring people together in a welcoming, playful and shareable environment. UXUS have developed a unique design language for McDonald’s inspired by the circle as a symbol of inclusivity, unity and togetherness. Initially developed for the Chinese market, the Luna concept will now be rolled out globally. The hospitality experience developed by UXUS breaks expectations of traditional décor by incorporating new circular and semi-circular seating typologies symbolising inclusivity and connectivity, which allow people to come together in the round. Stools and free-seating encourage diners to shape their own experience, while layers of partitions and inviting ‘full-moon’ windows create transparency throughout the space, revealing the communal environment and connecting adjacent groups of diners. “Connecting is more important today than ever before. We continuously share moments of our lives with friends and family and search to connect with the world around us in meaningful ways. Luna embodies a sense of connectivity and togetherness, without compromising efficiency, durability or cost-effectiveness. The way the concept brings these together with new interior architecture, graphic elements and materiality using iconic circular shapes is a refreshed, contemporary expression of the brand that still feels very much grounded in McDonald’s familiar and much-loved brand language,” said George Gottl, Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of UXUS. UXUS have applied a new approach to materiality, colour and texture to amplify a sense of discovery. Wooden finishes, textured vinyl upholstery, perforated steel and concrete-look laminate create an immersive environment that engages the senses. In addition, lighting incorporating curved shapes and circles as well as illuminated surfaces and down-lit walls create depth and a warm, welcoming environment. The interior also features a playful take on McDonald’s iconic Golden Arches, with arch-inspired stools, bold graphics and lighting which reimagine iconic branded elements in surprising and unexpected ways. “We continually have our customers top of mind when we design spaces for them to come together to dine. Enjoying a meal with friends, family or colleagues is perhaps the most social of events and creating environments that can make that experience easy, convenient, safe and rewarding is what we constantly strive to achieve. Luna, as developed with UXUS, ticks those boxes and it is a concept we are starting to scale around the world. And when dine-in restrictions resulting from COVID become increasingly eased, we look forward to welcoming even more guests back to our dining areas to enjoy the McDonald’s experience and for some, the delights of Luna,“ commented Stephen Douglas, Senior Director, Global Development at McDonald’s.

The way you choose to decorate your house reflects your personality. However, certain tastes can mean more money out of the pocket and experts at MyJobQuote.co.uk sought to find out which interior design style is the priciest! To do so, MyJobQuote.co.uk analysed the ‘shopping’ tab on Google for keywords related to seven interior design trends: Minimalist, Scandinavian, Industrial, Rustic, Bohemian, Shabby Chic and Gothic. The study’s aim was to find out how much it would cost to furnish a one bedroom home in each interior design style. Gothic – £58,174 If you are a fan of the Gothic style, expect to spend a small fortune on your surroundings, with figures revealing this interior design style to be the most expensive to recreate in your house. You can bank on spending up to £58,174 on Gothic furniture for your home according to the products sold on the first few pages of Google! Why is it so expensive? Gothic furniture is more often vintage or made from solid wood materials which makes the products more expensive. The characteristic contour and ornaments take longer to produce and require skilful hands to do so, which also contributes towards the premium prices. Rustic – £6,994 In second place we find Rustic furniture, which can cost you an average of £6,994. While the design of Rustic furniture is simple, just like Gothic we find the usage of expensive wooden materials to be a characteristic of this style. The opposite of minimalism, the furniture is usually heavy and oversized. Shabby Chic – £5,807 If you are a fan of Shabby Chic designs, it can cost you around £5,807 to furnish a one-bedroom house. While the materials used are much lighter than Rustic furniture, the vintage aesthetic makes it one of the more expensive interior design trends. Industrial – £5,362 Following in fourth place, we have the Industrial style which can cost you almost £5,400 for a sofa, bed, dinner table, desk/dressing table, chair, wardrobe, bookcase, armchair and side table. The Industrial interior design style is simple but the usage of metal alongside coarse materials gives it an edgy look loved by many. Minimalist – £4,530 For those who prefer Minimalist interior design, less is more. And unless you are Kim Kardashian, a Minimalistic house can also mean you end up spending less money on furniture. In fact, you can expect to spend approximately £4,530 to furnish your house in this style. Bohemian – £4,204 For those bubbly souls who like to be surrounded by patterns and colours, the Bohemian interior design style is best. And luckily for them, the Bohemian style is the second least expensive style to recreate in your home, costing approximately £4,204 to buy the average priced products. Scandinavian – £3,861 Whether you are on a budget or are a fan of the airy and bright look, the Scandinavian design is the one for you, being the cheapest interior design style. In fact, it would cost approximately £3,861 to make your home look Scandinavian. Simple yet functional, this style makes use of materials such as hemp, leather and wood, making you feel connected to nature.