FURNFETTISh

Pham Thi Kieu Phuc held a position in Air France that many envied. But after being involved in the decoration of Ha Noi Opera Hilton Hotel she put that career aside and found Module 7, an interior design company.
"I don't have any regrets, I have to take risks. That's what inspires us to achieve success." Phuc said.  She leaves the impression of a quiet woman at first sight, however, like the lacquer she works with, she has many a complex and creative ideas. Her products stress on traditional materials from craft villages in Vietnam like wood, bronze, lacquer and she keeps in mind to maintain a connection with the design process as well as the local artisans who make her products.
"Ethnic craftsmanship embodies reflection, meditation and inspiration, working with artisans, I feel closer to my own truth. I have never had nostalgia, on the contrary, I have been in many western countries that even make me feel confident following my own direction." she said.  Phuc loves the exquisiteness of traditional handicrafts yet she does not object the use of foreign products.

She feels that her products reflect the Vietnamese cultural identity through an international prism. Her business was started more than a decade ago and back then there were hardly any lacquer tables, chairs or cabinets available in the market. Since handmade lacquer products require significant efforts, producing small goods such as cups, plates and bowls is far easier than making furniture.
She expresses that traditional lacquer is no longer produced on a large scale due to it costing so much and due to the non existence of  fake lacquer, people more than often tend buy low-quality lacquer products The furniture market in Vietnam also lacked creativity according to her when she started off with her business, since design was a new concept in the Vietnam furniture industry she had an easy time entering the market without doing any prior research.
She loves the silent, discreet nature of lacquer products. She believes they have an inner beauty from many grinding and painting stages.


She plans to build a place where she can co-operate with other designers to display the products to customers all over the world and produce environmentally friendly products.
Also to partner with a number of craft villages who experience difficulties due to malfunction and to help them advance their designs and market them online.
 

Online retailer Milan Direct has enhanced its reputation for style with the launch of a range of retro Scandinavian furniture.Being the hottest design trends of the moment, the new range makes designer living a dream come true.
Co-Founder Dean Ramler, said this was Milan Direct’s answer to the ever growing demand for Scandinavian furniture.
“The philosophy of Scandinavian design is not much different to the philosophy of Milan Direct. It is a design movement founded on principles of simplicity, minimalism and functionality,” Mr Ramler said.

“Our new range represents beautiful, simple, clean lines and is both classic Scandinavian design and signature Milan Direct.Since the 1950s the term ‘Scandinavian design’ has symbolised beautiful, clean designs, accessible to all and inspired by nature - with a focus on comfort and enjoyment. Danish Scandinavian furniture is definitely the look of the moment and it’s not difficult to see why. Its designs are clean and effective, only the elements that are absolutely necessary are included. This simplicity in design results in a style that is highly unique and anything but predictable. We’re supremely certain the new range, with its highly reasonable prices, is exactly what Australian consumers are looking for,” Mr Ramler said.
The Milan Direct retro range is a mix of furniture and home wares, which includes contemporary lamps, lounge chairs and fashionable rugs.

“With such strong aesthetics, it was only natural Milan Direct include a contemporary range of inspiredDanish furniture to our customers. A range that is both stylish and affordable.These pieces give our customers the chance to enjoy contemporary Nordic aesthetics minus the typically high price tags. At Milan Direct we’re committed to our mission of offering designer living minus the designer prices and this new range is testament to that commitment. Our customers deserve items that equal real value for money which is exactly why we pursued an appealing range of retro furniture that offered the perfect combination of style, quality and affordability,” said Mr Ramler.
 

Merel Karhof has been utilizing breeze as muse for years, finding new ways to spin airflow. The London-based designer’s wind knitting machine which united a metal mill and loom to make one-of-a-kind scarves. Her ongoing Energy Harvesters series underscores her fascination with the invisible force. And her newest project, a furniture collection, is not only inspiring but it’s the extremely ambitious.

Karhof cited the project at the Zaanse Schans region of the Netherlands, an industrial milling hub which dates back almost 300 years. On-site, Karhof's harnessed raving gales and used original, still-functioning machinery in a three-fold process to create the furniture: a sawmill sliced the wood that provided the structure for each piece, a color mill ground the pigment which was further used to dye the yarn, and Karhof’s own knitting machine transformed those colored fibers into mini pillows to upholster the stools, benches, and seats. And much like she did with the scarves, whose length corresponded to time it took to make, each cushion is sized relative to how long it took to produce.

The concept itself is enough to make this one of the coolest design endeavors in the furniture industry, not to mention a thoughtful approach to sustainability.

The credit of using reclaimed wood as opposed to conventional wood to furnish houses, offices and summerhouses has escalated in recent times. The current frequency at making reclaimed wood part of homes stress on the fact that reclaimed timber has a unique, quirky and exquisite look, but also is an added environmental benefit that salvaged wood generates.

The environmental benefit of using reclaimed wood as opposed to non-recycled materials is that it eliminates pointless waste. The exposure of other types of waste often prevents the wood from completely decomposing and instead the wood partially breaks down, which generates the release of methane gas which causes a vicious cycle in global warming, creating ground-level ozone, which is bad for both the environment and for human health.

The Global Tree Campaign, a joint venture between Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) is an international campaign that concentrates to saving trees that are threatened with extinction across the world. According to the campaign, more than 8000 tree species are threatened with extinction.

When buying furniture, such as settees, beds, coffee tables and dining room tables and chairs that have been made out of reclaimed wood, it saves trees from being cut down. The Global Trees Campaign also estimates that less than 10 percent of wood waste is actually recycled.

Reclaimed wood not only adds a unique, rustic and hand-crafted look with a stylish and tasteful edge, but goes a long way in the quest to minimise the carbon footprints.

With work all set to start in the UK on the execution of the EC Directive on Alternative Dispute Resolution ADR, Jo Swinson MP took time to reference The Furniture Ombudsman in the midst of a Parliamentary debate on the new legislation which is expected to have an impact on retailers and consumers across Europe.

Ms Swinson MP, who became Minister for Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and Women and Equalities Minister in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in 2012 said "The UK already has compulsory schemes in place in areas such as financial or legal services, and many sectors have voluntary schemes in place such as The Furniture Ombudsman which several large retailers are signed up to."

Head of The Furniture Ombudsman, Kevin Grix stated "I was delighted to read the transcript of the discussions in Hansard in which Ms Swinson MP rightly acknowledged The Furniture Ombudsman's position within the consumer dispute resolution landscape. I predict a change in the consciousness of consumers and retailers over the next 5 years when it comes to alternative dispute resolution and Ombudsman schemes in general. I am proud that The Furniture Ombudsman has been leading the way in relation to consumer and retailer disputes for over 20 years, and we remain committed to providing a first class service throughout the implementation of the Directive and beyond."

BDI member DCA has been selected as Hitachi Rail Europe’s design partner responsible for the interior design of the Super Express trains that form a key part of the DfT’s Intercity Express Programme (IEP).
 
Under this programme Hitachi Rail Europe will be supplying a fleet of 92 electric and bi-mode trains for the Great Western Main Line and the East Coast Main Line, comprising 596 carriages in total.

DCA’s work on the interior design, which will be completed during the second half of 2013, includes the construction of a full size mock-up at their Warwick workshops to demonstrate their interior design solution to all the relevant project stakeholders.

Rob Bassil, the Director responsible for DCA’s Transport Sector said: “We are very excited to be involved in what is one of the biggest and most significant contracts ever placed in the UK rail industry. The new trains will offer British passengers a step change in reliability, capacity and comfort, and Hitachi has challenged DCA to deliver an iconic interior design to underline these benefits. We have put the right staff, resources and processes in place to support the Hitachi team in doing exactly that.”
    
     

The winners of the 2013 Carpet Design Awards were announced on Sunday, 13 January. It was the eighth time that this fascinating competition has been staged at DOMOTEX. The winners in ten different categories received their awards at the world’s leading trade fair for carpets and floor coverings. Every year the prestigious Carpet Design Awards sets the highest standards in terms of the quality and design of handmade rugs and carpets. An international panel of top professionals selects the winners in ten product categories.

 “I have been involved with the jury of the Carpet Design Awards now for four years and I continue to be surprised and excited by the stream of new ideas presented each year for us to judge. This year it has been noticeable that traditional carpet patterns have re-entered the contemporary rug design lexicon, opening up many new possibilities for the coming years”, says James Ffrench, chair of the Judging Panel.

This year’s high-calibre panel of judges comprised six top names from the field of materials, so the emphasis of the competition was on the quality of the materials used and the quality of the product itself, as well as such properties as novelty, imaginative design and the implementation of creative ideas. For the first time this year the competition also included three modern design categories in the competition.

Participation in the Carpet Design Awards competition is not exclusively restricted to exhibitors at the leading trade fair DOMOTEX. This underlines the international significance of the award, which is viewed by participants, and effectively used by the winners, as a mark of quality which is recognized worldwide.

On the 21st December 2012, Craftwood celebrated four staff 10 year service awards. Managing Director, Alan Carter and his wife, Jes Carter, who is a non-executive Director of Craftwood decided that the continuing success of the business was definitely worth celebrating and wanted to recognise and award each of the long serving members of staff.

Each of the staff members has worked for the company since its inception in 2000, with Alan Carter taking over the business in 2009.

The four long serving staff members included Darren Lofthouse, Upholstery Supervisor; Mandy Lofthouse, Financial Director; Sally Papworth, Sales and Marketing Co-ordinator and Stewart Smith, Joinery Supervisor.

Darren, Mandy and Sally all received a watch and Stewart received a Kindle Fire HD
Alan Carter stated; “We felt it is incredibly important to recognise the years of hard work, loyalty and dedicated service that these members of staff have given to Craftwood by really celebrating the event”.

Craftwood Interiors is a global specialist in the manufacture of bespoke contemporary upholstered banquette seating for the commercial marketplace. It manufactures fixed or free standing seating with either a sprung or platform base.



Source: BCFA

At the FX Awards 2012 held on November 22, 2012 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, the DO chair by Orangebox received the Workplace Seating Award, while the Flo Plus monitor arm by colebrookbossonsaunders got the Public,Leisure and Office Products Award.  Both are FIRA members.

The 2012 Product of the Year award was won by Virgin Atlantic's in-house design team for the design of the new Virgin Atlantic A330 Upper Class Cabin.  Levent Caglar, Chief Ergonomist at FIRA, worked with the Virgin Atlantic design team, providing the ergonomics input and assessing the design as it was developed.  
 
Another important award was the Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to design, won byNiels Diffrient. "I have worked with him for the last ten years," said Caglar.  "He has designed Freedom and Liberty chairs and a number of desk lights for Humanscale, who are FIRA members, and I have been working with them very closely.   Niels' latest design is the World Chair, for which I've provided the ergonomics input for the design.  FIRA was also involved in testing various prototypes."

United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI) is proposing to organise a trade mission to the USA for members of the furniture sector based in London and the South East.

The intention is to build the mission around one of the 2013 trade shows, either Highpoint (October 19th to 24th) or the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York (May 18th to 21st). It would include links with the British Consulate and, hopefully, an opportunity for participants to hold meetings arranged for them with potential customers.

Eligible organisations would be furniture companies, or suppliers of products to the furniture industry, based in London (M25 area) and the South-east (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of White, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey and West Sussex).

There is a high probability that some of the costs of participation will be subsidised through a Government grant.

Source: FIRA

At the FX Awards 2012 held on November 22, 2012 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, the DO chair by Orangebox received the Workplace Seating Award, while the Flo Plus monitor arm by colebrookbossonsaunders got the Public,Leisure and Office Products Award.  Both are FIRA members.

The 2012 Product of the Year award was won by Virgin Atlantic's in-house design team for the design of the new Virgin Atlantic A330 Upper Class Cabin.  Levent Caglar, Chief Ergonomist at FIRA, worked with the Virgin Atlantic design team, providing the ergonomics input and assessing the design as it was developed.  
 
Another important award was the Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to design, won byNiels Diffrient. "I have worked with him for the last ten years," said Caglar.  "He has designed Freedom and Liberty chairs and a number of desk lights for Humanscale, who are FIRA members, and I have been working with them very closely.   Niels' latest design is the World Chair, for which I've provided the ergonomics input for the design.  FIRA was also involved in testing various prototypes."

Ahmedabad-based Timbor Home has announced that the company has won an order of Rs 4 crore for solid wood furniture from Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd. (A Tata Power Co.) for their Mundra Township Project in Gujarat.

One of the the largest manufacturers-retailers of modular kitchens and solid wood furniture in the country, Timbor Home Ltd. makes a range of solid wood furniture. Continuing with the trend of executing furniture projects for housing colonies in large power projects, Timbor Home will now execute the same for Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.

"The company has in the past done similar furniture projects for housing colonies for large power projects in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The company has also tied up with various real estate companies in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Indore, Chennai and Bhubaneswar for furnishing their apartments with ready to use kitchens and furniture," Timbor Home said in its filing on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on Thursday.

According to the company, the trend for fully furnished apartments is fast catching up in the country, with the real estate sector under pressure, offering value additions like kitchens and furniture works out as a win-win proposition for the builder and the customer.

The company is a fully integrated player and manufactures all the components in-house at its state-of-the-art, fully automated plants in Changodar, Vatva and Umreth. The in-house manufacturing capability helps the company to garner higher profit margins on its products compared to importers and traders of kitchens and furniture.

Timbor Home has a pan-India retail presence in 81 cities with over 140 exclusive showrooms for its various products.

Source: Business Standard

Australian furniture industry has reported to be sluggish with unlikely chances of resurrection in the next 12 months. Industry experts have augured minor gains in 2015/16, when industry revenue is anticipated to grow at a rate of 1.3 per cent per annum to reach $1.30 billion. Martin Lewis, the CEO of Furnishing Industry Association of Australia (FIAA) remarked that currently the industry is struggling. He said, “Despite the overall economy of Australia doing well by world standards, thrift is the dominant concern among the Australian consumers. The housing and construction industry have been in decline for several years and house prices have dropped continuously over the last five years. Australian consumers have focussed more on paying down mortgage debt and adding to superannuation savings. Discretionary purchasing on items such as furniture, including kitchen renovations, has been flat. Much of this is a hangover from the global financial crisis, from the domination of the ageing baby-boomer population focussing more on retirement planning, and from the rise in the Australian dollar particularly. The Australian dollar has climbed since January 2012 from $0.89 US to $1.03. Australian manufacturers have suffered big time from this.”

Rohan Wright of Australian Furniture Association Inc. shares the same view and believes that the market is probably over-serviced at the moment. About the current state of the furniture industry in Australia, he said, “Furniture sales are described as the worst they have ever been. The lack of new housing starts, baby boomers nearing retirements with lower wealth levels, and fear of a global recession have combined to make the market very challenging across the board.”

Read more in Nov-Dec issue of Furniture & Accessories Europe

UBM is launching its first ever furniture and interiors show in Southeast Asia in September next year. The Southeast Asia Furniture & Interiors Import-Export Exhibition (SEAFIE) will be held in Kuala Lumpur, at the Putra World Trade Centre from Sept 13 to 16, 2013.

SEAFIE will complement the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF), held in March every year, and other UBM industry shows, notably Furniture China which is the largest furniture expo in the world, Index Fairs in India and UK Interiors.

This exciting new show will cover gross exhibition space of 45,000 sq metres and feature the international mid- to high-end brands of home and office furniture, interior design products and soft furnishings. SEAFIE is targeted to draw 300 international exhibitors and 20,000 buyers from all over the world.

The four-day fair will be organised by the same professional team behind MIFF, which has 19 years of proven track record and in-depth market knowledge. “The timing is ideal for the launch of SEAFIE in light of the changing market environment. Based on in-depth market research by UBM, September is a key second buying season for furniture and interiors buyers worldwide these days,” said MIFF Chairman Datuk Dr Tan Chin Huat.

Another booster for SEAFIE is the expanding Southeast Asian market itself because of its 600 million population and growing middle class customers. While furniture and fittings exports from Southeast Asia have been on an uptrend, imports too have increased significantly due to growing purchasing power and demand for branded high quality lifestyle products.

“SEAFIE will be a fantastic opportunity to tap into this market for manufacturers, designers and distributors of mid- to high-end furniture brands focusing on design and interior furnishings,” Tan added. “We are also targeting 20,000 buyers from all over the world. There will be lots of trendy purchases and exciting deals for contract buyers, proper developers, project managers and interior decorators.”


Source: IAFP Alliance

Herman Miller, Inc. announced results for its second quarter ended December 1, 2012. The company reported net sales in the quarter of $441.8 million; a decrease of 0.9% from the same quarter last fiscal year. New orders in the second quarter of $475.8 million were 8.1% higher than the prior year. Sequentially, net sales in the quarter decreased 1.8% from the first quarter of this fiscal year, while orders were up 5.3% over the same period.

Herman Miller reported second quarter diluted earnings per share of $0.14. This compares to $0.41 per share in the same period of fiscal 2012. The company’s earnings this quarter were reduced by non-cash charges associated with the strategy to terminate its domestic defined benefit pension plans and expenses associated with previously announced restructuring actions. Excluding the impact of these items, adjusted diluted earnings per share in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 were $0.35.

Brian Walker, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “While the quarter’s sales came in below our expectations, we see progress and momentum in our strategy, evidenced by solid growth in consolidated orders and backlog. A combination of factors contributed to lower than anticipated sales in the quarter, including long-leadtime orders, disruption caused by the East Coast storm, and further weakening of demand in Europe. However, we’re encouraged by the increased order activity reported by each of our segments and by the particular strength of our key growth initiatives.”

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Europe's Top 100 Office Furniture Companies" report. It provides details on companies operating in European office furniture markets. JSA League Table of the 100 largest office furniture companies in Europe. The information in the report are:
- Sales turnover with increases and decreases
- Market share
- Profitability - in money and by percentage of sales
- Number of employees

Companies Mentioned

USM
Steelcase
Koenig + Neurath
Kinnarps
Haworth
Nowy Styl

Source: BusinessWire
 

The efforts of British furniture manufacturers to become greener are again to be recognised with the launch of the second annual Furniture Makers Sustainability Award.

British manufacturing members of the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP), administered by FIRA will be invited to enter for the award, which aims to recognise, reward and publicise the good work being done in the British furniture industry to further sustainable manufacturing. This year, current holders of the Furniture Makers' Manufacturing Guild Mark will also be eligible to enter, as sustainability is one of the criteria used to assess companies applying for the Mark.

The inaugural award was won earlier this year by Orangebox, with runners up being the Symphony Group, Premiere Kitchens and Senator International.

The 2013 trophy will be awarded to the company which, in the judges' opinion, has made the most notable improvements in sustainable manufacturing during 2012, in such areas as environmental waste, energy, packaging and transport management, purchasing policies, employment, training and education. The judges will take into account the size of the business concerned so that the relative importance of the progress can be measured.

Entries for the award are invited by 1 February 2013, shortly after which the judges will draw up a short list of companies who will be invited to present their case in person to the panel on 25 April 2013.

The judges for the 2013 award will be Charles Vernon, Master of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers; David Walton, Chairman of the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme Steering Committee; Alan Marshall, liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers and environmental adviser to the industry; Barbara Chandler, freelance writer, journalist and photographer. The judges will be assisted and advised by James Bell, FIRA's Environmental Consultant.
 

Interiors UK 2013 will feature Signature Spaces with room concepts brought together by the industry’s most celebrated designers. Nina Campbell, one of the most respected and influential interior designers will dress the show entrances and a signature space in Hall 3.Nina is thrilled to be designing the entrance hall at the Interiors Show in January.

On arrival expect to be amazed by a grand entrance designed by Nina.The individual halls will be defined by one of Nina’s loves; colour.  Expect a marriage of traditional, well loved and opulent designs with a new, fresh and contemporary colour palette. Colour stories such as coral, apple green, aqua and stone will be making their debut in various forms.

Nina will have two stands of her own at the show. Her ‘Home’ shall reflect her own, cosy, inviting and somewhere you immediately get offered a drink and want to settle in. Built around the ethos that mixing style and comfort is essential it will reflect exactly what she achieves when designing for her clients and her own homes. Among the displayed products include beautiful glass, table linen, whimsical china, embroidered cushions and other home accessories and gifts.
 

Dutch designer Reinier de Jong will present both REK bookcase and REK coffee table for the first time together at the IMM Furniture fair in Cologne from January 14 to 20. A brand new version of the bookcase will be on show. Reinier de Jong will also present a new chair which will have its world premier in Cologne. Visit us at stand number 080 in exhibition hall 3.1 (aisle C).

REK bookcase is now finished with wonderful, light grey Tefor by Abet Laminati, a 100% recycled and recyclable laminate material. The original design of the bookcase is from 2008 and was taken in production in 2009. REK coffee table, its little brother is produced since 2012. Both designs have a unique feature in common: The bookcase grows with your book collection and the coffee table grows with your coffee needs. Both bookcase and coffee table are exclusively available at Reinier de Jong.
 
Last but not least: A new chair design by Reinier de Jong will be launched at the IMM fair in Cologne. Details and images of the chair will be released just a week prior to the fair.
The Dewar Glassware and the Copper Lights by David Derksen will also be exhibited in the stand.

The REK series has grown to design icons in just a few years. They have been published in magazines and newspapers all over the world and have been sent to clients in the United States, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, China among others.

A new WIPO report shows that while the global economy continued to underperform, intellectual property (IP) filings worldwide kept growing strongly in 2011. It also finds that China’s patent office became the largest in the world, as measured by the number of patent applications received. Before 2011, China already accounted for most filings of utility models (UMs), trademarks and industrial designs.1

World Intellectual Property Indicators 2012 shows that patent filings worldwide grew by 7.8% in 2011, exceeding 7% growth for the second year in a row. Similarly, UM, industrial design and trademark filings increased by 35%, 16% and 13.3%, respectively.

“Sustained growth in IP filings indicates that companies continue to innovate despite weak economic conditions. This is good news, as it lays the foundation for the world economy to generate growth and prosperity in the future,” said WIPO Director General Francis Gurry.

China’s State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) overtook the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in 2011 to become the largest patent office in the world, after having surpassed the Japan Patent Office (JPO) in 2010. In the 100 years before 2011, only three patent offices – Germany, Japan and the United States - had occupied the position of largest office.

In the Report’s foreword, Mr. Gurry points out that “even though caution is required in directly comparing IP filing figures across countries, these trends nevertheless reflect how the geography of innovation has shifted.”

Industrial design applications worldwide grew strongly over the last two years. In 2011, design filings increased by 16%, following 13.9% growth in 2010. This considerable growth was mostly due to strong growth in China. SIPO accounted for 90% of total growth from 2009 to 2011. The 775,700 industrial design applications filed worldwide in 2011 consisted of 691,200 resident and 84,500 non-resident applications.

Unlike patents, the list of top 20 offices includes 8 offices located in middle-income countries. China – a middle-income country – received the largest number of design applications (521,468) in 2011. Turkey, another middle-income country, received 41,218 filings, which is larger than the number of filings at the JPO or the USPTO. Between 2010 and 2011, the IP offices of China (23.8%), India (16.7%), Mexico (17.2%), Turkey (17.6%) and Ukraine (17.5%) each saw rapid growth in filings.

Juno, a system of chairs designed by James Irvine for Arper and presented at Salone del Mobile 2012 in Milan, received the 2013 iF Design Award 2013 for the “Product Design” category.

For over 60 years the German iF Design Award – considered as a quality design label – has promoted the best international design in three main fields: product, communication and packaging. This year's jury, consisting of international experts and designers belonging to different fields, has selected the best design projects, out of the over three thousand projects submitted, on the basis of their background, ability to interpret future trends and several year’s experience.

The Juno collection met the criteria established by iF to define “good design”: a daring, intelligent, passionate yet reliable and ironic design, capable of embodying human qualities.

Juno, together with the other awarded products, will be displayed in the iF exhibitions held at the Hannover Exhibition Centre and Hamburg HafenCity, as well as in the iF online exhibition. The award ceremony will be held in the BMW Welt in Munich on February 22nd 2013.

Karl Lagerfeld, the German based Fashion designer has collaborted with Chaplin, high-end furniture and interiors brand for an upcoming photographic project in Paris.

The designer has chosen furniture from the company's Cassina collection.

The presentation will take place in the Paris showroom from the 31st of January until the 10th March and is the first step in a series of cultural activities born from the unique collaboration between Karl Lagerfeld and Cassina.

The Montana bed frame, designed by the Kintech design team, is the first bed to achieve FIRA Gold Product Certification and is now on display at FIRA's Showcase at their Stevenage headquarters.

Aimed at the general accommodation, leisure and hire markets, the bed features a sturdy 40 x 25 x 1.6mm furniture gradesteel tube perimeter frame, ensuring a light but strong construction. The upper surface of the bed is spanned by individually sprung birch plywood slats.

The product has clean contemporary lines, is light to move and transport, yet provides a sprung bed base for improved comfort.  The Montana bed is supplied with safety radius corners at the foot end and square corners at the head end.

Kintech Limited is the first manufacturer to receive FIRA Gold Product Certification for domestic beds.  Selected products from both the Montana and Maine bed ranges have received FIRA Gold Product Certification, following stringent assessment of the products to ensure they fulfill or exceed all relevant industry standards.

The accreditation means that the production processes used by Kintech have passed a rigorous series of tests to ensure that the beds are made to the highest standards each and every time.

Following the inaugural Global Design Forum which took place as part of the London Design Festival in September, the conversation as to how design can be used to create a better world went to Hong Kong as part of the Great Week of Creativity held from November 5-11 2012).

The Global Design Summit was a half-day thought leadership conference that continued to drive the debate about the role of design today and in the future. The event followed in the footsteps of the inaugural Global Design Forum that took place in London in September 2012.

Influential and emerging designers, entrepreneurs and business leaders from the local market of Hong Kong and China, as well as individuals from the UK identified and debated the core issues that were raised at the London event.

The aim for all of the Summits is to shape the future agenda for design, with Summits around the world providing truly global perspectives. Hong Kong was the first Summit to take place in another city and future cities are currently being considered.

The Global Design Summit in Hong Kong was curated and delivered by the London Design Festival and was an integral event as part of the GREAT campaign to promote and leverage British creative industries.

The event, which took place in the afternoon from 2-6pm, was be both practical and visionary: examining the state we’re in and offering fresh insights and solutions through debate and discussion.

The BCFA launched a new brand and Association logo at the member’s annual luncheon at the Dorchester Hotel on November 1. The BCFA held a student competition to design the new logo and brand image.

Managing Director Colin Watson commented, “By utilising our extensive contacts within Universities and Colleges across the UK we invited design undergraduates to consider a brief to reinvent the image of the association.”

The response was overwhelming with over 60 entrants submitting up to 3 concepts each. The standard of many of the entries was exceptionally high but one design immediately impressed and was a unanimous winner with our judges. The winning designer Steven Titchener has since graduated from the University of Derby Ba (Hons) Visual Communication (Graphic Design) and now is unsurprisingly working full time for a graphic design agency.

The 30^th edition of the International Exhibition of Outdoor Products closed positively at Rimini Fiera, and the organizers disclose early guidance on the most successful themes of the event.

First, the international standing, a result of painstaking search, selection, and invitation of business delegations from all over the world, who participated to more than 1,500 official business meetings. According to early visitor projections, a significant increase was recorded in the number of designers and architects, more and more interested in SUN and surely attracted by the new show Garden SUN, dedicated to the encounter of the top flower and plant offering with the demand from public and private large-scale design, and bound to increase in time.

The open-air tourism area – Camping&Village Show – was also expanded, in line with the data disclosed by Faita Federcamping during the show. These include the closing figures of the open-air tourist season, which shows a 3% increase. Thus, growing attendance of open-air hospitality facility owners.

The bathing sector also recorded significant attendance from all over Italy, despite the uncertainty pervading this business due to the Bolkestein directive, still to be regularly implemented.

Great interest was displayed in the events, installations, conventions, and workshops: bathing themes were discussed in depth, and the meetings promoted by Paysage-Architettura del Paesaggio, dedicated to large-scale design themes and an ideal cultural counterpart for the new Garden SUN sector, were also very successful. The SensorialE installations in the main Hall and the outdoor ambiances beneath the fair’s Dome, the great wood in hall A3 and the display of the winning products conceived for the SUN.Lab design competition involved, fascinated, and attracted thousands of specialized operators.

The Furniture Ombudsman (TFO) to welcome Starplan Bedrooms to its growing list of Full Members.

Starplan Bedrooms is a bed and bedroom furniture manufacturer providing fitted and freestanding bedroom furniture, sliding wardrobes and beds to over 15,000 homes in the UK every year. The direct-sales bedroom furniture company does not just manufacture the products; they design, make, sell and fit them - ensuring the best value for money for consumers.  
 
Ian McCreey, Starplan Bedrooms said, "Since opening our first furniture showroom in 1972, Starplan Bedrooms have always been determined to offer top quality bedroom furniture and beds at good value prices and to give customers the highest possible service. By becoming The Furniture Ombudsman members we can offer our customers' even greater assurance that they can buy from us with full confidence of a fair deal.
 
Jon Walters, Service Delivery Manager for The Furniture Ombudsman said "We are very pleased to welcome Starplan Bedrooms as a Full Member. Our ongoing aim is to continuously assist in raising standardsthrough our members, and it is always pleasing when retailers add their commitment to this cause. Consumers that purchase from a Full Member of TheFurniture Ombudsman can have total peace of mind, knowing that the retailer now abides by the code of practice and decisions of an independent and recognized body."


Source: FIRA

Sleep 2012 provides the perfect platform for Lyndon Design to debut an inspirational seating collection that flaunts an innovative and modern twist on a classic buttoned back sofa collection. The company will also exhibit several new soft seating upholstery ranges and occasional table collections, including collaborations with award-winning furniture designer Mark Gabbertas, together with a display of bespoke banquette seating for which Lyndon Design is renowned.

Designed in-house by Lyndon Design, the new collection will be available in an armchair, and two and three seater sofa options.

Two new soft seating upholstery collections - Framed and Orten - will also be on display at the show. Designed in collaboration with Mark Gabbertas, they are perfect for the hotel and hospitality environments. Whilst Framed features a distinctive hardwood timber structure that has been skillfully designed and sculptured to hug the luxurious internal upholstery, Orten offers a more classic proposition that provides the specifier with added versatility and the option to evolve and scale. The recently launched Metro table collection will also be on display.

Commenting on its presence at Sleep, Managing Director, Tim Armitt said: “Sleep is the perfect platform to showcase our latest products and to demonstrate our product design and manufacturing capabilities, in particular our bespoke offer which is regularly called upon by leading four star, five star, and boutique hotels across the globe.”


Source: BCFA

Pre-registration is now open for the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2013/30th ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS 2013), The Décor Show 2013 and The Hospitality Show 2013. Industry professionals can register at www.iffs.com.sg for complimentary access to the trilogy of design-led shows, where the latest in quality furniture and furnishings will be presented under one roof. Co-locating with the shows is the Hospitality.Design.Furniture (HDF) Luxurious Projects Asia, Summit & Awards 2013. In this second edition, the HDF conference will focus on luxury projects from the region, and will also see the launch of a new Awards segment to recognise the best architectural and design firms in the industry.

Following a successful 2012 edition that welcomed 23,552 trade visitors comprising 118 overseas buying delegations, over 512 exhibiting companies from 26 countries, and more than 150 conference delegates, IFFS 2013 expects to usher significantly more quality industry professionals to the trilogy of shows, slated to be held from 9 to 12 March 2013 at the Singapore Expo. To date, 85% of available exhibiting space for IFFS 2013 has already been sold.

The HDF conference and awards show will be held on 11 March 2013 at Max Atria, Singapore Expo. More than 200 delegates are expected to attend the one-day Luxurious Projects Asia Summit and key speakers have already been confirmed. They include Milou Ket from Milou Ket Styling & Design, Frank Santagata from Marina Bay Sands, Gordon Gill from Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, Kratsen Vollmer from Frost & Partners and Jan Zastera from Preciosa Lighting. These professionals will be joined by other trade experts in sharing their knowledge, views, and outlook of the hospitality, design, and furniture industries, with luxury projects across Asia serving as an anchoring theme.

The inaugural HDF Awards will be held during a luncheon, where awards for five categories will be presented to the winning companies.

Ambiente exhibitors may submit innovative products for kitchen and household until December 5, 201. After the successful premiere at Ambiente 2012, London product designer Sebastian Bergne will again curate the special show in the foyer of Hall 4.0. “With ‘Solutions’, functional innovation comes to the forefront and will involve products with a high market relevance that can help consumers in their day-to-day lives.

The product designer, commenting on the special show, says: “I was very pleased about the response we received to the first edition of ‘Solutions’ in 2012. The visitors were very clear about the value of presenting innovations that do not necessarily have to be connected with a high visual design orientation. I hope that we shall receive even more applications from large and small companies for the forthcoming edition, so that the show may even more strongly represent the high level of innovation that can be found among the Ambiente exhibitors.” Sebastian Bergne’s design office in London creates the blueprints for design-oriented brands as well as mass-produced articles for multinational corporations.

With its unrivalled offering in the field of table, kitchen and household, Ambiente offers ideal conditions for a top-quality selection of products for the special show. In 2012, products by famous companies and less well-known manufacturers were represented in the heavily frequented special show area. For the second round, Bergne will once again be guided by a utility-driven concept in terms of layout. The aim is to make everything clear and understandable: the perfect setting for new materials, techniques and design features.

Ambiente exhibitors still have until 5 December to enter their innovative products for “Solutions”. After the closing date, Sebastian Bergne (Sebastian Bergne Ltd.), Gabriele Heins (Der Feinschmecker) and Claus Tormöhlen (GALERIA Kaufhof) will select the participants.

Arper now opens its new showroom in Clerkenwell, a strategic space in London’s design and architecture district, thus further expanding its international network of showrooms.

This elegant space, which has been designed by the London-based architects 6A, is open to the street on the two sides, featuring the use of different materials - plaster, wood and cast aluminium – all in the shades of white. These elements, which meet the pursuit for the essential that characterises the Arper trademark, alternate with other elements in concrete, memento of the industrial past of this district. All this gives life to a unique context for the exhibition of the complete Arper collections.

The new Arper showroom in London is an exhibition area especially conceived as a place where the experience of Arper brand values can be communicated and shared. Bearing this premise in mind, the 560 sqm space has been conceived to be flexible to allow it to host both exhibitions and events, which Arper wishes to organize here to further cement an open exchange of ideas with architects, specifiers and designers and with all the London design community.

This showroom will allow for a comprehensive exhibition of Arper collections, while acting as a meeting place for architects and for hosting cultural events. The “Lina Bo Bardi: Together” project, for instance, which Arper has already launched and sponsored, from September can be visited at the London headquarters of the British Council."

Sustainability is a broader concept whereas green implies to relative perception. Sustainability endorses a wider aspect which spans through practices in various stages of production.

A product can be termed sustainable when it has been manufactured through a process which does not risk resources and cast no harm to the components of environment. While, a product which holds minimum to no threat to the environment during its life span can be labelled as green.

A product can be either green or sustainable or both at the same time.

Wood is an eco-friendly or green product but until it has been harvested responsibly not to deplete the forest, it cannot be termed as sustainable.

Read more in the current issue of Furniture & Accessories Europe.

The 8th edition of iSaloni WorldWide Moscow has already started with a succesful press conference and the special master class led by the italian architect Flavio Albanese.

During the next three days, Rodolfo Dordoni and Roberto Peregalli/Laura Sartori Rimini from the Studio Peregalli will continue with the discussion about the evolution of planning over the last decade, focusing in particular on the contract and residential sectors, design in its own right and interior decoration, together with Olga Kosyreva, a journalist and design critic.

Besides the master classes, we recommend also not to miss the SaloneSatellite WorldWide Moscow where 34 selected young designers will be showcasing their prototypes in the entrance lobby at Halls 7 and 8, with an installation on the theme “DesignTechnology”.

On Friday, October 12th at 12 noon will take place the award ceremony and the top three ranked designers will be invited to the 2013 edition of the SaloneSatellite in Milan.
You can follow the Moscow Exhibitions both in Russian and in English or in Italian, on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn and two new channels dedicated to Russian users: vk.com and Odnoklassniki. Keep you updated!

Source: i Saloni

In September 2012, the office furniture division of Trä- och Möbelföretagen (TMF) joined the Fédération Européenne du Mobilier de Bureau (FEMB). TMF represents the wood processing sector and furniture industry in Sweden with its 800 members. Per-Arne Andersson, CEO of Kinnarps AB, will ensure an active cooperation between Sweden and the other European associations.

Even before the official admission of the Scandinavian association, Swedish representatives were regularly integrated into the work of the special committees of the European umbrella association. “We are delighted that we can now follow this cooperation in an official capacity,” commented current FEMB President Henning Figge when asked about the recent move. He considers Scandinavia an important partner, particularly with regards to establishing norms and developing sustainability certificates. However, the expansion of the FEMB to the north is only intended to be the first step. As Figge already announced on taking over the presidency at the beginning of the year, the executive committee of the European manufacturer association is also seeking to expand its membership to include Eastern European states.

At the ORGATEC fair, the FEMB is exhibiting with its current members – the national associations of Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, the United Kingdom and Turkey – at a joint booth with representatives of the German office furniture industry, bso, in hall 8, booth C041.

Tonight marks the beginning of the installation of Interiors Belgium 2012, an event which emphasizes really experience. It comes with new formula, new premises, with more 250 exhibitors and many exhibitions. The countdown for this events has begun, but still much work is left to be done before the doors are opened on Saturday, October 20 for all.

Onlookers certainly will not fail to notice that things that are happening on the Grand-Place of Kortrijk. Tonight they will witness there is a chair on the Grand-Place- eight meters high. Lowie Vermeersch, Commissioner INTERIOR 2012 remarks, "On the 23rd Biennale of Interior, we want to focus on the experience. Unusual objects are one thing, but 2012 is going INSIDE further. This is an event that appeals to all the senses. In 1976, there was already a chair Giant of the Grand-Place. We redo this year. A huge chair symbolise renewal and link with many events in the city but a monument that recalls the roots of avant-garde interior Biennale."

In addition to the huge chair, there is an arrival of a long table too. A model of some 30 meters, ideal to accommodate over 100 guests. The table is arriving by river boat to the island of Buda Kortrijk, where hundreds of design enthusiasts are cheering him an enthusiastic welcome. People are curious of this Table now in the exhibition complex and this first furniture marks the kickoff of INTERIORS 2012.

The Furniture Ombudsman (TFO), has Gautier to its growing list of Full Members. Established in 1958, Gautier UK is the subsidiary of Gautier SA the premium French Furniture manufacturer. Gautier specialised in junior bedrooms in the early days, famously creating boys beds in the shape of cars. Gautier sells their products through 80 franchised stores worldwide plus their own flagship store in London; their TFO membership will extend to their UK customer base. Speaking of their TFO membership,...

Read More "Gautier Is the New TFO Member"

For 2013, the goal is to enhance the international orientation of the MIFS format in collaboration with Koelnmesse and market the event under the dual name “Rooms Moscow/MIFS”. In order to ensure Koelnmesse’s interior design and furniture expertise is integrated to the greatest possible effect and can be deployed to ensure the new format’s long-term success in Russia and Eastern Europe, the product groups will be based on those of the world-class trade fairs in Cologne.

In May 2012, Media Globe Krokus (MGK) held the Moscow International Furniture Show (MIFS) for the first time. Around 250 exhibitors and 12,000 registered visitors took part in the premiere. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Koelnmesse will contribute its expertise in the areas of global exhibitor and media management.

Ever since their decision to collaborate, MGK and Koelnmesse have been working intensely on the implementation of their first joint Russian furniture show. The most important decision – setting the dates – has now been made: Rooms Moscow/MIFS will take place at the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Center from May 21- 25, 2013. The set-up period is from May 17- 20, breakdown from May 25- 27.

The range of products on show at Rooms Moscow/MIFS will be based on the leading international trade fairs in Cologne – imm cologne, LivingKitchen, ORGATEC, spoga+gafa and interzum.

According to AMEDORO, the Russian association of furniture and woodworking enterprises, consumer spending on furniture increased by 38% to US$ 14.8 bn in 2011 as compared to the previous year. In 2011, imports accounted for around 55% of all furniture spending in Russia.

The Carpet Design Awards at DOMOTEX set new global standards for quality and design in hand-made carpets and rugs - and next January sees the eighth round of the annual prize competition. Intending entrants are now invited to submit their entries for the top award in this market segment. The competition for the 2013 Carpet Design Awards is open to all manufacturers of hand-made carpets - not just those who will be exhibiting at the DOMOTEX trade fair, which runs from 12 to 15 January in Hannover. Prizes will be awarded in a total of ten categories. For the first time there are three separate categories for entries in the section 'Best Modern Design'.

The entries will be judged by a distinguished international jury. In 2013 the jury panel consists of six respected carpet industry insiders, who are well qualified to judge both the quality of the products and the creativity and inventiveness of the manufacturers. 'High-quality hand-knotted rugs are pieces of floor art. The Carpet Design Awards provide excellent examples of this', said jury member Nina Yashar, whose Milan gallery 'Nilufar' is an internationally renowned showcase for traditional and modern designer furniture and carpets.

Those who make it through to the jury's final selection are invited to present their designs at the new stand for the Carpet Design Awards in Hall 16 at DOMOTEX. The 2012 competition attracted 211 entries from manufacturers in 26 countries. The closing date for entries in the 2013 Carpet Design Awards is 6 November 2012. The formal presentation of prizes takes place on 13 January 2013 at the Carpet Design Awards stand.

The jury members includes James Ffrench (USA), director of Beauvais Carpets, New York; Peter Kindermann (Austria), resident expert for carpets and rugs at Kika/Leiner, Graz; Jean-Louis Mainguy (Lebanon), interior designer and furnisher, Beirut; Detlef Maltzahn (Germany), owner of the carpet auction house Rippon Boswell, Wiesbaden; Alix Perrachon (USA), author and owner of a consultancy business for decorative carpets, New York; Nina Yashar (Italy), owner of the Nilufar gallery, Milan.

The categories for the awards include best studio artist design, best modern design, standard, best modern design, superior, best modern design, De Luxe , best traditional nomadic design, best traditional workshop/formal design, best old/antique carpet, best modern collection, best collection traditional and best innovation.

FIRA has announced the publication of a new industry standard for glass in furniture - FIRA-FRQG G001 Glass in furniture - requirements. The document has been produced by FIRA in conjunction with the Furniture Retail Quality Group (FRQG), comprising technologists from the major retailers of furniture in the UK.

The introduction of harmonised European Standards has forced the withdrawal of a number of key British Standards covering the use of glass in furniture. The FRQG felt that the new European requirements did not fully address the safety risks posed by glass in furniture, and therefore were no compliant with the obligation to supply a safe products as required by the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Subsequently the FRQG has produced this new  guide that contains, and updates the requirements from the now withdrawn standards BS 7449 (glass in storage furniture) and BS 7376 (glass in tables).

It is expected that this document will become the document of choice when assessing the suitability of glass and mirrors to be used in the domestic environment.

The Malaysian International Trade Fair (MIFF) is already booked with 80 percent of the exhibition space. MIFF 2013 will be held from March 5 to 9, 2013, in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. The five-day fair will cover 75,000 sq metres of display halls at the downtown Putra World Trade Centre and nearby Matrade Exhibition & Convention Centre. The strong response from exhibitors comes on the heels of the resounding success of MIFF 2012 in raking in record sales of US$830 million despite the uncertain global economic outlook.

“MIFF remains outstanding as one-stop source centre for furniture buyers and importers from all over the world. It has proven itself over and over again as the place that offers more value and wide selection with top quality,” said MIFF Chairman Dato’ Tan Chin Huat. “In fact, 40 percent of the space for 2013 was locked in by exhibitors by the last day of MIFF 2012. I am delighted at the continued confidence and staunch support that further bolsters MIFF’s standing as a global top 10 and number one furniture fair in Southeast Asia.”

Overall, Tan expects to maintain a steady turnout of 500 Malaysian and international exhibitors and 20,000 trade visitors including 7,000 international buyers from 140 countries. “These have been our numbers in the last few years, we are very comfortable with it given a show of our size and capacity. The bigger challenge, as always, is providing buyers with more variety and new products to get them to increase orders,” he said.

The International Furniture Fair Singapore Pte Ltd (IFFS Pte Ltd) has announced the appointment of Mr Ernie Koh as the Chairman of the board. Ernie, who is the Executive Director of Koda Ltd, took over the helm from Mr Andrew Ng, Deputy CEO of Lorenzo International Ltd, from August 2012.

With close to two decades of significant experience in international marketing and corporate branding, Ernie will spearhead the IFFS’ marketing strategies, formulate business expansion plans, broach new design concepts and take charge of driving the business growth internationally, as well as to strengthen the IFFS’ foothold in the region.

“I am honoured to be part of a dynamic team and I hope to play a significant role in promoting IFFS to be one of the best exhibition experiences for all delegates through tenancy remixing, introducing new spectrum of experiences and enhanced or innovative marketing and promotions. There will be new challenges faced, but I am sure we will adopt clearly defined strategies and a creative approach to ensure healthy and continuous growth for IFFS,” said Ernie, Chairman of IFFS Pte Ltd.

While at EuroCucina 2012 in Milan, Formica Corporation captured some pictures demonstrating how designers used curves to “soften” contemporary kitchens and add another level of visual interest.

Versatile and easy to fabricate, decorative laminates are ideal for creating curved countertops, cabinets and kitchen islands.  To see real-life applications, check out the work by The Kerfkore Company.  Kerfkore, one of the company’s many products, is a substrate material that allows horizontal or vertical grade high pressure laminates to be formed into virtually any shape without stress cracks, delamination or telegraphing.

France will be the Partner Country of the 2013 edition of Ambiente, consumer-goods fair in Frankfurt.  Strategic cooperation with UBIFRANCE has made way for French Partner Country presentation. Extensive programme of events will be presented during the fair under the motto, ‘l’art de vivre à la française’.

Olivia Putman, one of the leading personalities of the French design scene, has agreed to be ambassador of the ‘Partner Country France’ project and curator of the special Partner Country presentation at the fair. The designer and artistic director of renowned Agence Andrée Putman will stage a special show on the French way of life in the foyer of Hall 4.1.

“We are delighted to welcome France as the Ambiente Partner Country on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the German-French Treaty of Friendship. This underscores the good relationship and long trading relationship between our two countries”, says Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt GmbH.

Christophe Lecourtier, CEO of UBIFRANCE, is looking forward to working with Ambiente: “France is delighted and proud that tribute is to be paid to its dynamic creativity and imaginativeness at the coming Ambiente in Frankfurt. It is a very special honour to be invited to be the Ambiente Partner Country, all the more so in 2013 because this initiative coincides perfectly with the 50th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty, a cornerstone of the German-French friendship.” The Partner Country presentation has been made possible by a strategic cooperation between Messe Frankfurt and UBIFRANCE, the French office for international business development.

Last year, France was one of the top five international visitor nations at Ambiente, together with Italy, The Netherlands, Switzerland and the USA. In February, the French exhibitors presenting innovations and new products will include renowned companies such as Deshouliéres, Emile Henry, Garnier Thiebaut, Le Creuset and Peugeot. The Partner Country exhibitors will be emphasised by a variety of measures including a special sign on their stands and a brochure.

Following London design team Doshi Levien's successful launch of the new design event at the imm cologne 2012, the trade fair has nominated designer Luca Nichetto as its Guest of Honour for "Das Haus - Interiors on Stage 2013". In his design, the Venetian focuses on solutions that are intended to enable occupants to live in direct contact with the plant world.

In Nichetto's "Haus", plants appear as an integral element of the architecture and interior design: in specially created pots, they adorn not just the walls of the façades, the louver-like structure of which is dotted with transparent gaps and spaces for plants; inside too, they take on specific functions that improve the indoor climate. In the form of big plant pools, planted courtyards and integrated terraces, they fill the interior with greenery, allowing its architecture to stage the interplay between indoors and outside.

There will be a whole series of products and prototypes specially designed and produced for "Das Haus", as well as items loaned from Nichetto's artist and designer friends who support his vision of living in close touch with nature. "I wanted to be able to see the green outside through every big window. I want to live in a modern home, but I also want to feel at home," says Luca Nichetto, describing a style of living that many people can identify with. At the same time, his design largely dispenses with enclosed spaces: "There are classic, separated living areas, but they don't necessarily require walls to separate them," Nichetto says. "For one thing, plants change the perception of a room, and the furniture, of course, shows you what area of the house you're in. I like the idea that the furniture gives the space its function."

At the next imm cologne in January 2013 Pure Village, where "Das Haus" is located, will be moving to Hall 3.1, along with the "D3 Design talents" exhibition and the lecture forum "The Stage".

Under the title Pure, the imm cologne brings together presentations by brand-name manufacturers who feel a special commitment to design. Pure Editions, a platform for creative brands with visionary products and product concepts, will make its debut in 2013.

ANIEME presented the report of results of foreign trade of the Spanish furniture sector on the months January to June 2012. Exports of furniture made in Valencia have increased by 19.2 percent over the first half of last year. Nationally exports also show a significant positive increase of 7.9 percent in this period.

January-June'12: Exporting furniture C. Valencia increased by 19.2 percent
During the first half of 2012, foreign sales of furniture made in Valencia have totaled 160,123.3 thousand euros, which has led to an increase of 19.2 percent compared to the volume registered in the same period previous year.

January-June'12: Importing furniture C. Valencia fell by 16.2 percent
During the months of January to June 2012, the C. Valencia imported furniture worth 123,251.7 thousand euros, representing a decrease of 16.2 percent.

With these data we have to balance the sectoral balance shows a surplus of 36,871.6 thousand standing coverage rate in a 129.9 percent.

Mueble de España, Furniture from Spain, will be back to Shanghai at the fair Furniture China 2012, in September from 11 to 15.

Spanish Furniture invites you to have a stroll through the International Brand Hall (W1) to discover the different worlds of Spanish creations: a selection of home-fashion offerings, new proposals for contract spaces and an amazing array of exclusive objects d’art that will leave no visitors indifferent!

The high-end furnishing proposals on display in Shanghai will be completed by a set of original decorative items and luxury objects that will stand out for the high-quality materials, the attention to details and the beautiful designs.

The World Furniture Summit 2012, organised by the China National Furniture Association and Shanghai UBM Sinoexpo International Exhibition Company, and co-organised by the International Association of Furniture Publications (IAFP), will be held in September 11th in Shanghai Pudong Kerry Hotel.

As an international furniture industry event, the summit will attract more than 500 industry representatives from both domestic furniture manufacturers and the wider international furniture industry. The World Furniture Summit is a high-end summit that provides real and healthy information exchange across world furniture markets.

The delegates at home and abroad will be gathered at the summit and so far we have confirmed 19 speakers. The keynote speakers include Mr. Changling Zhu, the president of China National Furniture Association; Mr. Denis Heylen, the president of European Furniture Retailers Association; Mr. Todd Wanick, CEO of Ashley Furniture Group; Mr. Lim Cheok Sin, the chairman of Council of Asia Furniture Associations and Mr. Depei Wang , a famous Chinese economist.

The 2012 World Furniture Summit won the great support of IAFP at this time. The International Alliance of Furnishing Publications (IAFP) is an association of the foremost trade publications from each country, based on quality editorial content and on circulation. Their member publications provide information, business reports, products news, trade events and everything people need to know to do business in the furnishing industry...anywhere in the world. The aim of the alliances is to assist and promote the industry through the medium of print and to increase awareness of the different markets.

The international Tendence consumer-goods fair has closed its doors after attracting around 46,000 visitors (2011: 52,000*). In view of the current economic climate, a decline in the number of visitors from European countries outside Germany was expected beforehand. “Despite the euro crisis, many exhibitors noted an increase in orders. Against the background of a volatile business environment, the mood at Tendence was extremely good. The important buyers came to the fair”, said Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt GmbH.

Despite the drop in the number of Asian exhibitors, the exhibition space increased by 3.8 percent from 130,000* m² (gross) in 2011 to 135,000 this year. Altogether, 1,852 exhibitors from 66 countries presented their latest products and innovations (2011: 2,063 from 67 countries*). The level of visitor satisfaction remained unchanged at a high level. Tendence welcomed visitors from 91 countries (2011: 103 countries). The top five nations on the visitor side were Switzerland, The Netherlands, Italy, Austria and France.

The majority of exhibitors said they were satisfied with the course of business at the fair. “Our customers want an autumn fair. For us, it is a very important market place for meeting national and international customers. Tendence is where the sector gets together in the autumn”, explained Stephan Koziol, CEO of ‘Koziol ideas for friends’. A similar opinion was voiced by Jürgen Reiter, CEO of KARE: “For us, Tendence is the most important order venue in the autumn and we need this platform.” Talking about the external conditions and the course of business at the fair, Oliver Kleine, CEO of Leonardo, said, “The European crisis has undoubtedly left its mark on the trade. On the other hand, innovations always find a buyer. All in all, we are satisfied with the quality of the visitors, if not the number.”

Discussing the significance of the international order platform, Thomas Grothkopp, Director of the German Association for Tableware, Housewares and Home Decor (Bundesverband für den Gedeckten Tisch, Hausrat und Wohnkultur e.V. - GPK), said, “Tendence has once again demonstrated that it is of central importance as a venue where the trade can place follow-up orders for the Christmas business and early orders for the following year. For the trade, the combination of Living and Giving is not only attractive for placing bulk orders but also for putting together the very individual assortments of smaller and specialist retailers.”

There was a good reaction to Messe Frankfurt’s activities to promote bonds of customer loyalty with significant increases in numbers signing up for the ‘Upgrade’ programme for retailers. Special offers and events on retail subjects and special presentations proved very popular among trade visitors.

The next Tendence will be held from 23 to 27 August 2013.

A new contract with IKEA and an aggressive push to sell furniture in China and Europe have netted huge profits for Nova LifeStyle, a manufacturer of urban contemporary furniture.

Nova reported that its sales in the second quarter went up by 74 percent to $16.15 million, compared to $9.26 million in the same quarter a year ago. Net income jumped by 146 percent to $1.42 million compared to $0.58 million last year during the same period.

After acquiring Diamond Sofa last year, the company went public. Company co-founder and CEO Jeffrey Wong attributed the quick growth to increased internet sales as well as greater penetration of major furniture markets. Furniture manufacturers rely heavily on high-end wood machinery that cuts and processes goods with CNC wood machines and related equipment such as sliding table saws and edge banders.

The California-based company has increased its franchised furniture stores to more than 100 locations in the U.S. The manufacturing agreement with IKEA is expected to generate new sales starting next year.

Nova LifeStyle makes modern furniture that includes sofas, dining rooms, cabinets and bedrooms in matching collections under the LifeStyle brand.

Wood Bros is the latest company to achieve FISP (Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme) after adopting an ethical approach to environmental and social issues.

FISP, which is audited by FIRA International, was launched in 2006 to support and improve the furniture industry's sustainability credentials. FISP has rapidly become established as the industry forum on all environmental and sustainability issues.

The certification process has involved FIRA staff working with Wood Bros to develop systems and techniques to ensure that they are achieving the high standards expected to ensure compliance and attain an audited accreditation.

 As part of the completion, Wood Bros has produced an environmental policy, key to upholding good practice. They have also looked at other key issues such as waste management and energy usage. The approach was extended into Wood Bros' social responsibilities, where they looked to ensure that they were an ethical employer committed to the outside community.

Peter Sheffield CEO of Wood Bros comments "Obtaining FISP accreditation represents the completion of the first stage of a focused and ongoing approach to sustainable and ethical sourcing. We selected FISP as our preferred accreditor because their programme was industry specific and therefore more relevant and accurate in meeting our needs."
 

BDI member PDT has worked with HumanToolz to design a unique stand that attaches securely to the iPad and provides limitless viewing angles on any surface in either landscape or portrait orientation.

The stand is made of high quality aluminium alloy commonly used in the aerospace and automotive industries and is designed to stay on once attached. Its 4-corner design protects each corner and prevents the entire rear of the iPad from making contact with harmful surfaces. As an added advantage, the magnetically attached Smart Cover remains easy to remove when not needed.

The high pressure moulding process gives the stand impressive mechanical and aesthetic qualities as well as making it functionally sound and extremely lightweight. Secondary precision machining ensures accurate tolerances to within thousandths of an inch, critical for optimal fit to the iPad.

Curtain up on the new Heimtextil Trend: Stijlinstituut Amsterdam gave a preview of the 2013/2014 season on behalf of the Heimtextil Trendtable. During the Tendence trade fair, Anne Marie Commandeur, designer and CEO of Stijlinstituut Amsterdam, presented the new Heimtextil Trend Book, ‘Being’, in the ‘Portalhaus’ of Messe Frankfurt on 24 August 2012. Heimtextil exhibitors, designer, furnishing specialists and interior decorators took advantage of this opportunity to discover the latest design developments around four and a half months before Heimtextil 2013 opens its doors (9 to 12 January 2013).

“Stijlinstituut Amsterdam and the Trendtable designers have created an impressive work of reference that will be a first-class source of inspiration and guideline for the international sector. We can look forward to a fantastic Trend Show with lots of surprising elements at Heimtextil 2013”, says a delighted Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies, Messe Frankfurt. At the fair in January 2013, the new trend themes will be visualised in an elaborate special show in Foru

Zaha Hadid Architects will be showcasing at the Biennale theme ‘Common Ground’. This year’s Biennale theme ‘Common Ground’ shows how the work of the major protagonists of contemporary architecture - often regarded as independent individual creations - is in fact based on historical lineages of collective research. This is also true of the work of Zaha Hadid Architects. Initial works of Zaha Hadid Architects has been inspired by Russian Suprematism. In installation...

Read More "Zaha Hadid at Venice Architecture Biennale - Common Ground"

Not many days to go, we are heading towards the 30th China International Furniture Fair (Guangzhou) Homedecor + Hometextile China 2012 that has been scheduled from September 7-10, 2012.

In the meantime CIFF has already declared its 2013 dates. The 31st China International Furniture Fair (Guangzhou)-Home Furniture China International Outdoor & Leisure Fair 2013 Homedecor & Housewares China 2013 China (Guangzhou) International Trade Fair for Home Textiles 2013. The 2013 show had been scheduled from March 18-21, 2013.

The 31st China International Furniture Fair (Guangzhou)-Office Show China International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Raw Materials Fair (Guangzhou) 2013/interzum Guangzhou will be held from March 27-30, 2013

Whilst everyone in the furniture trade may know of FIRA, not everyone understands the full extent of the organisation's activities and how they can help furniture retailers and manufacturers meet their business needs.

FIRA is holding a free Open Day on Thursday 4 October, at its Stevenage headquarters where visitors can explore the company, ask questions, tour the renowned test facilities and listen first hand to FIRA's extensive offering.

This Open Day, which will be held from 10.00 a.m. until 2.30 p.m., will include a number of informative presentations from FIRA experts:-
•    An introduction to FIRA
•    FIRA Certification Schemes including FIRA Gold, Innovation Award and Ergonomics Excellence
•    An Insight into Ergonomics - a fascinating presentation explaining the importance of ergonomic design.
•    Environmental Services - including information about the Furniture Industry Sustainability programme and carbon footprinting.
•    FIRA Service Technicians - provides an excellent insight into our customer service solution
•    The Furniture Ombudsman - a unique organisation which inspires consumer confidence.

As part of an extensive campaign to raise the profile of the British Furniture Industry and highlight its impact on the UK economy, Stephen McPartland, MP and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group (APPFIG), has visited the newly refurbished Arthur Brett flagship showroom, 103 Pimlico Road, Belgravia.

Supporting handcrafted British furniture Stephen visited the new showroom where he viewed some of the timeless pieces of bespoke furniture in the Arthur Brett portfolio.  

Founded in 1860 Arthur Brett is steeped in history and is one of Britain’s foremost hand crafted bespoke furniture manufacturers. The collection  consists of handmade furniture from a core range of classic designs, custom made pieces designed especially for a client, in addition to made-to-measure architectural paneling.  

In the picture from left to right - Louis Aldred, Stephen, McPartland, Lawrence Berman

For more information contact Jackie Baxeley

The 30th China International Furniture Fair (Guangzhou), known as the “No.1 Platform for the World Class”, “Asia’s Furniture Sourcing Center” and “Weatherglass of China’s Furniture Industry” will open concurrently with the Homedecor + Hometextile China (Guangzhou) 2012 (collectively known as the “CIFF 2012 September”) in China Import & Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou on September 7-10, 2012. 

The exhibits cover modern home furniture, classical home furniture, outdoor living, home decor and home textiles and feature a wide range of new fashion for home furnishing. It brings together exhibitors from the top supplier bases all over China and the international brands from abroad like Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia and Israel, providing global professional buyers with the most favorable and valuable offers. Diversified industrial activities will be held during the exhibition, providing the visitors with the most direct market information to precisely grasp the industry trends, further create and share the opportunities.

The overall GCC interior contracting and fit-out market will increase by 87% in value this year, the highest increase since 2008, from $5.04bn in 2011 to $9.4bn, according to new research by Ventures ME.

The research shows that the UAE remains the GCC’s largest interiors market, with forecast spend in interior contracting and fit-out across residential, commercial, hospitality and retail segments totalling $3.73bn for 2012, up 62% on 2011 figures.

Despite this strong growth, the UAE’s dominance is now being challenged, with Saudi Arabia’s interiors and fit-out sector growing twice as quickly over the year, and more than doubling in value: up 125%, from $1.55bn to $3.48bn, and buoyed by significant government investment in housing, healthcare, education and other infrastructure projects.

The interiors sector in Qatar and Oman also records significant growth for the year, up 91% to $1.15bn and 125% to $0.27bn in 2012 respectively.

However, it is Kuwait which records the highest GCC market growth, from $0.19bn in 2011 to $0.65bn in 2012, a rise of 242%.

This is spurred largely by the retail segment, as Phase III of the Avenues mall nears completion, and sees Kuwait clock the highest retail fit-out spend in the GCC for 2012.

Bahrain was the only GCC market not to record any growth, remaining flat at a forecast value of $0.28bn.

Fit out and interiors spend across all segments in 2012 ­ residential, commercial, hospitality and retail ­ show significant growth from 2011 figures.

The GCC’s residential segment still accounts for the largest spend on interiors, set to increase in value from $2.5bn in 2011 to $3.7bn in 2012 (up 48%), and accounting for 39% of the overall GCC interior contracting and fit-out market.

The research was commissioned by dmg :: events, the organising team behind the INDEX International Design Exhibition, MENA’s largest and longest-established interiors and design exhibition.

The 22nd annual edition of INDEX will run from Monday 24 September till Thursday 27 September at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

“The report is great news for all of us working in interiors and fit-out,” said Naomi Barton, INDEX event director. “The sector in the GCC is now at its highest value since 2008; all segments are seeing marked growth, and all markets are performing well ­ and many of them exceptionally well.

"The opportunities for business and employment generation are exceptional and pretty much unrivalled anywhere else on the globe.

"Given the huge regional market growth and potential, INDEX International Design Exhibition 2012 responds to the keen demand we are seeing from the interiors and construction industries for access to the latest designs and trends from renowned interior designers and manufacturers from across the world,” said Barton.

Source: BCFA

A few years ago functionality was restricted to shape of arm rests, back rests, foot rests, headrests and movement of sofa. Then the function of adjusting these parts was introduced. Companies and designers have come up with techniques to introduce functions in upholstery furniture in the most unassuming way. Fixtures such as rotating plates, fittings, pins, magnetic connectors, telescopic rails and other mobile parts are inherited in the sofa invisibly. The added features have taken the market by storm. Upholstery furniture equipped with electronic systems is the new trend. Natuzzi brings a host of sofa equipped with electronic functions such as music systems and electronic motion controller.

Brio from Natuzzi requires the touch of a finger to transform into a reclining couch. The hidden Soft Touch sensor on the side of the sofa when stroked moves the backrest forward and lifts the footrest to provide unparalleled comfort. The Zero Wall technology allows the Soft Motion system to be used without having to move the sofa away from the wall. Brio is available in leather and microfiber fabric cachemire effect, also in the chaise longue version with Soft Motion.

Read more on the current issue of Furniture & Accessories Europe

INDEX International Design Exhibition, scheduled in September 24-27,2012 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, is undoubtedly the most important occasion for the MENA region’s Architect and Design community to meet network and do business.

Building on the overwhelming success of the six product-focused events launched at INDEX 2011- Furnishings, InRetail, Kitchen and Bathroom, Lighting, Outdoor Living and Textiles – INDEX 2012 is delighted to continue the INDEX evolution by welcoming back these six product sectors and launching five brand new product sectors.

Wood has been with us since time immemorial, being part of our environment, housing and tools, wood has gain momentum and now wood dominates to improve our lifestyle. By using wood as a touch sensitive surface for domotic control lighting and other electrical installations at residential and commercial complexes can be controlled at the stroke of it.

The furniture designed with this novel technology, offers a wooden outer image and has different touch sensitive areas over surface that enables the user to control all sorts of electric appliances touching over a wooden surface.

Wood has long been used as an artistic medium. It has been used to make sculptures and carvings for millennia. Examples include the totem poles carved by North American indigenous people from conifer trunks, often Western Red Cedar, and the Millennium clock tower, now housed in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Read more on the latest issue of Furniture & Accessories Europe.

A century-old, red-brick office complex in Venice that once housed the business of legendary furniture designers Charles and Ray Eames has been sold to New York investors who plan to improve the property.

The husband-and-wife Eames duo were among the most famous designers of the 20th century, creating popular modernist pieces, including a curvy leather-and-plywood lounger, that were widely embraced in the decades after World War II and are still sold today.

DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners bought 901 Abbot Kinney Blvd. from Nextengine Ventures for $13 million, according to sale documents.

The new owners will do some minor restoration of the 14,275-square-foot building and work to find additional tenants, said Andy Rifkin, managing partner of DLJ. It has been used lately by post-production and special-effects businesses.

Venice offices are attracting technology firms including Google as well as “fashion and design types,” Rifkin said.

Charles and Ray Eames took over the front three rooms of the former Bay Cities Garage in 1943, when the 901 address was still part of Washington Boulevard. Eames products were also manufactured there until the 1950s.

The Eames office was at its peak from the early 1950s until Charles’ death in 1978, though the Eames firm remained in the building for another decade.

DLJ’s acquisition is part of the company’s strategy to buy and restore vintage properties, Rifkin said. The company bought the historic Taft Building at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in December and is working on a $15-million retrofit of the office tower completed in 1923.

It is also developing a shopping-and-apartment complex with 1,000 units called Blvd 6200 near Hollywood and Vine with Clarett West Development.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Based on available products, Chinese bedroom-furniture manufacturer Soufeiya Home Collection Co., LTD and Hettich have teamed up in developing the "Think! The future!" bedroom concept that picks up on current and future furniture trends. The concept has been on display since July 8 and will continue till 11, 2012 at the "CBD" Fair in Guangzhou, China, and afterwards on a road show through China.

The partnership between Soufeiya and Hettich is seen as a great opportunity for jointly presenting innovative products in the growing Chinese market and for strengthening both brands. The concept uses Hettich's Sensys hinge with integrated soft-closing function, Quadro runners, InnoTech drawers and TopLine sliding door fittings.

The concept covers the activity zones of "laundry preparation", "hygiene and make-up", "sport and leisure", "intelligent garment storage", "optimum travel preparation" and "everyday clothing". Each zone focuses on optimising the way in which the bedroom is geared to the demands of daily life. Compartmentalised doors in the hygiene and make-up zone provide additional storage in the same way as horizontally and vertically adjusting standing surfaces do. Clothing is stored intelligently in a carousel, with the capability of selecting outfits to suit the occasion from an iPad.

A new concept for designing internal front panels permits maximum use of glass in the fronts and rear panels of the drawer. Illumination integrated in the rear panel creates attractive highlights. An intelligent control system for opening and closing individual zones and functions inside the furniture gives the user every last convenience.

The majlis is traditionally the heart of any Arabic home - the welcoming room where families meet and socialise with friends.  With the new younger generation now designing their own homes, the majlis is evolving into a space that combines tradition with contemporary and cutting edge design.

Once again, a team of independent judges will shortlist six candidates from across the GCC, who will then create their contemporary majlis spaces at the INDEX International Design Exhibition 2012 for final judging. Preparations for the 2012 competition are well under way.

For the second year running, Switzerland, Sweden, and Singapore lead in overall innovation performance according to the Global Innovation Index 2012 (GII): Stronger Innovation Linkages for Global Growth, published by INSEAD, the leading international business school, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a specialized agency of the United Nations.

The report ranks 141 countries/economies on the basis of their innovation capabilities and results. It benefits from the experience of Knowledge Partners Alcatel-Lucent, Booz & Company, and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), as well as an Advisory Board of eleven international experts.

The study shows that the dynamics of innovation continue to be affected by the emergence of new successful innovators, as seen by the range of countries across continents in the top twenty GII ranking, as well as the good performances of emerging countries such as Latvia, Malaysia, China, Montenegro, Serbia, Republic of Moldova, Jordan, Ukraine, India, Mongolia, Armenia, Georgia, Namibia, Viet Nam, Swaziland, Paraguay, Ghana, Senegal; and low-income countries Kenya and Zimbabwe.

“The GII is a timely reminder that policies to promote innovation are critical to the debate on spurring sustainable economic growth,” WIPO Director General Francis Gurry said. “The downward pressure on investment in innovation exerted by the current crisis must be resisted. Otherwise we risk durable damage to countries’ productive capacities. This is the time for forward-looking policies to lay the foundations for future prosperity.”

The Furniture Industry Environment Committee (FIEC) held their semi-annual meeting on 21st June 2012 at FIRA International.

Discussions were varied and included details of new and forthcoming legislation, details of the FIRA led 'PG 1/12 Wood Combustion Project' and the FIRA Specifier Services launch as well as updates on a range of other significant environmental issues affecting the furniture industry such as biomass subsidies, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and the REACH chemicals regulations. Subsequently, a meeting of the FISP Steering Group followed.

Established in 2002, FIEC aims to facilitate dialogue and action on key environmental issues facing the furniture industry. The Committee is comprised of representatives from all major Trade Associations in the furniture and associated industries, larger UK manufacturers and other interested parties such as the Environment Agency.
 

ZHA showroom to be launched at the London Festival of Architecture on July 3rd to showcase selected design objects by Zaha Hadid. The showcase will feature among others the recently designed floating staircase.

The new floating staircase maintains the lightness of the gallery space. Each suspended step is articulated as a separate ribbon cast from Ductal, an ultra-high performance concrete with exceptional structural as well as aesthetic qualities. The tensile strength of Ductal allows the ribbons to remain relatively thin with each tread cast from a single adjustable mould that was engineered in Italy by Il Cantiere. The floating staircase has been designed to be demountable.

Other designs to be displayed are: The Peak Site Plan (1983), Aqua Table (2005), Seamless Collection (2006), Belu Bench (2005), Lotus (2008), Cirrus (2008), Kloris (2008), and Seoul Desk & Table (2009).
 

An updated energy study conducted by Dr. Joe Huang, a research scientist and president of the consulting group White Box Technologies, has reinforced an earlier study that awnings and exterior shades can provide significant savings on home cooling costs by reducing the load on air conditioners. The new study calculates the impact of awnings in 50 cities across the United States, and will be available to the public in late summer 2012. It also supports previous research, “Awnings in Residential Buildings, The Impact on Energy Use and Peak Demand,” a study conducted in 2007 by the Center for Sustainable Building Research, University of Minnesota.

According to the updated analysis, in a hot year, awnings can reduce annual cooling energy by more than 52 percent, compared to homes with completely unshaded windows. The amount of cooling energy saved varies depending on the number of windows, type of glass in the windows, window orientation and the climate of the region. This can amount to as much as $200 or more in energy savings for home homes with equal window distribution having single or double pane windows.

For instance, in Fort Worth, Texas, in a house with awnings, cooling energy use can be reduced by as much as 16–25 percent compared to the same house without awnings. Both cooling energy savings and peak demand reductions are largest on homes with west-facing awnings.

“People now realize that cooling energy is lost through glass doors and windows,” said Michelle Sahlin, managing director of PAMA. “This study bolsters the fact that awnings and exterior shades are an effective method to reduce heat gain and cooling energy costs.”
The updated study, commissioned by the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA), increases the number of variations (cities, shade designs and fabrics). White Box Technologies also incorporated updated information about weather and energy costs, and includes improvements to the simulation model.

Source: Professional Awnings Manufacturers Association
 

The Interiors Group have recently provided and fitted out a modern, combined office space, in the heart of Bristol’s Enterprise Zone, for EMO and The Real Adventure. The two leading marketing agencies are part of the communications division of Creston plc, which is a marketing services company focused on insight-led communications.

The move came about when Creston made the decision to relocate both EMO and The Real Adventure to one site. The choice to relocate made a great change from the variety of offices that the two agencies occupied – including a cellular and quirky old Victorian rectory. Both agencies now occupy the west wing at One Glass Wharf at the new and modern Bristol Temple Quarter Zone.  

The Interiors Group were tasked with the initial brief to provide an internal fit out and create a clean, contemporary office space with open spaces, so that visitors and clients can walk in and identify that they are in a buzzing company made up and achieved through their employees. Creston believed that being in the same office would create opportunities which would enhance both businesses whilst promoting their theme of, ‘better together’. 

Matt Hardy, Digital Director & Joint Managing Director of The Real Adventure commented:
“From our initial briefing meeting, we were very confident that The Interiors Group could bring to life the creative, dynamic space reflective of our two agencies’ cultures. The end result is remarkably true to the original concept – a clean, bright & stimulating environment that inspires our employees & “wow’s” our clients”

Victoria Wilmotte in collaboration with Poliform presented new designs during the 2012 Designer’s Day at the Silvera showroom. The display trails the identity of the brand Poliform through the use of repetitive elements found in factories.

Stacks of panels used to manufacture fitted kitchens, as well as wardrobes and other items which make up the Poliform collections featured in the exhibition space.

A game of different heights which not only emphasises the exclusive wood and bent steel models, devised by the designer, but which has also appeals to visitors, inviting them to interpret them freely.

Two British Standards committees (FW0/2 Domestic and contract furniture and FW0/4 Educational furniture) recently met to discuss the potential future of the draft European Standard EN 16121 Domestic and Non-domestic storage furniture.

The committees werenot happy with the standard for two main reasons.

·         Firstly the standard would not apply safety tests to a lot of products as they would fall outside the bounds of what would be considered a safety risk. The UK did not accept this and want the requirements changed.

·         Secondly the UK felt that the entrapment requirements for furniture for kindergardens were unworkable an need these to be changed.

The UK therefore voted against the Standard progressing to become a full British and European Standard. However, due to the way voting works in the European Standards body it is likely that this standard will progress anyway despite the flaws.
 

Giving a sorely needed boost to investor sentiment, Swedish furniture and home accessories retail giant IKEA became the first major global retailer to enter India under the new foreign direct investment (FDI) rules for single brand retail.

The Swedish giant said it will invest €1.5 billion (around Rs 10,500 crore) in India, in two stages.

The first tranche will be of €600 million (around Rs 4,200 crore), followed by €900 million (around Rs 6,300 crore) for the initial establishment of IKEA’s 25 retail stores in India through its wholly owned subsidiary, an official statement said.

The company will also hike its existing sourcing for its global operations from India substantially, to over $1 billion, from the current $600-800 million.

IKEA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mikael Ohlsson, met the Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Mr Anand Sharma, at St. Petersburg in Russia on Friday to confirm the investment and sourcing plans in the single brand retail sector, an official statement said.

Mr Sharma said despite the problems in the global economy and the recent lowering of the credit rating outlook, investor confidence in India remains robust.

The Minister also informed that IKEA had certain reservations about sourcing norms (that companies with over 51 per cent FDI should source at least 30 per cent from small industries in India), which were discussed with the officials of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. He added that “suitable answers” were provided leading to IKEA’s decision to invest.

Official sources said IKEA has filed its application for investment in India in single brand retail, adding that the company has sought Government permission to set up a wholly-owned subsidiary.
 
IKEA’s investment plans come just ahead of the June 25-26 stock taking meeting in Brussels between India and the European Union on the Free Trade Agreement negotiations. One of the key demands of the EU is that India should give European companies greater retail market access.

Sourcing norm remains a challenge: IKEA
IKEA has agreed to comply with the Government of India’s norms on local sourcing, but said the rule remains a challenge in the long term.

The norm says that companies with over 51 per cent FDI in single-brand retail should source at least 30 per cent from small industries in India.

In a statement on Friday, the company said, “We will source at least 30 per cent of the purchase value of products sold in India from our direct and indirect supply chain comprising Indian small industries.”

“In the longer term, however, the mandatory sourcing of 30 per cent of the value of goods sold in India from domestic small industries remains a challenge,” it said.

source: Hindu Business Line
 

Swiss-based specialty chemicals company serving the textile industry,Clariant, has joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC). The move is aligned with Clariant’s commitment to uphold sustainable practices in textiles and supports the SAC’s overall vision of addressing social and environmental challenges in the apparel and footwear industry.

“Joining the SAC is a natural progression in our contribution to the industry’s move towards greener production,” said Thomas Winkler, head of Clariant’s Textile Chemicals Business Unit. “We will continue to innovate to ensure that our products and production processes use resources and energy more efficiently, thus reducing our impact on the environment.”

Founded by an industry-wide group of leading apparel and footwear brands, retailers, manufacturers, non-governmental organizations, academic experts and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the SAC works to reduce the environmental and social impacts of apparel and footwear products around the world.

“Seeing a global leader in textile chemicals like Clariant joining our organization is excellent news,” commented Jason Kibbey, executive director of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. “Clariant’ engagement alongside the SAC is the sign that we are taking the right route towards a greener textile industry.”

Source: IFAI

FIRA announced following standards have been approved for publication, and will be published by BSI later this year:

EN 1728: 2012 Furniture. Seating. Test Methods for the determination of strength and durability. This standard is test methods only, and unlike the previous version it replaces, which was solely for domestic furniture, it covers all uses (except office). The impact on the publication of this standard is minimal, but it will force the revision of a number of other European requirements standards, which will have a significant effect.

EN 16122: 2012 Domestic and non-domestic storage furniture. Test methods for the determination of strength, durability and stability. Again this is a test methods only standard and currently has little impact. However it is forming the basis of a new standard for non-domestic and education standard (EN 16121) which is currently being reviewed and if published will force the withdrawal of BS 5873-4 (educational storage) 7 and BS 4875-8 (stability of non-domestic storage) and a partial revision of BS 4875-7 (requirements for storage furniture), which will have a big impact on manufacturers. The standard is also being used as a reference document in the revision of EN 14749 (safety requirements for domestic and kitchen storage) which is currently being revised
 

According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the seasonally adjusted index of all production in the UK fell by 1% in April 2012 compared to April last year and by 0.3% for manufacturing.  However, the manufacture of furniture showed one of the largest declines, falling by 11% and this is highlighted in the ONS report.  When adjustments for seasonal variations are removed, the decline in furniture manufactured was greater at 11.7%.

Making a good thing even better - for interzum Project Manager Matthias Pollmann and his team, that was the goal behind their strategic revision of the interzum 2013 concept. From now on, in order to provide a clearer structure and facilitate categorisation for visitors and exhibitors alike, the trade fair will concentrate on three exhibition segments instead of seven. In 2013, the world's biggest trade fair for suppliers to the furniture industry and interior finishing will be continuing...

Read More "A NEW, FORWARD-LOOKING STRUCTURE FOR INTERZUM 2013"

FIRA Service Technicians is acknowledged by the furniture industry as a leading provider of independent furniture care and repair on behalf of retailers and manufacturers.

 The service successfully keeps approximately 90% of products in the customers' home - but this can only happen if a technician is called out to visit.

Emma Delea, FIRA Service Technicians Account Manager, explained, "In some circumstances our clients don't have the opportunity to appoint FIRA as the customer has refused the product at the point of delivery. This is known as a 'door step rejection' and can often result in the product being returned to a logistics company's distribution centre."

 "Our client still needs some form of fault assessment, however, and we conduct this as we would do in the home. We visit the warehouse to determine whether there is a manufacturing fault, a logistics issue or, in some cases, no fault with the product."

FIRA Service Technicians have been operating this "warehouse inspection service" with one of its major clients since 2008.

The technician will inspect the product to try and determine/categorise the problem and provide a very detailed line by line analysis, which together with the inspections conducted in customer's homes, gives a complete overview of customer impact.

Emma added, "Two of the most value-adding aspects of warehouse inspections are determining when it is appropriate to return the product to stock, or perhaps identifying when it could be sold at a reduced price or sent to a jobber. Increasingly, we have found that we can add even more value to the process by carrying out simple repairs. Our work has also helped various logistics companies identify those parts of their operations that need modification, benefiting all."

 John Oliver, Manager of FST, says "In essence, we are simply ensuring that even when we don't get the chance to inspect products in the consumer's home, we're still able to achieve commercial benefits for our clients in getting the greatest value from returned furniture that otherwise may have been subject to value-destroying disposal routes".

Indeed, a relatively new user of this element of the FIRA Service Technician services portfolio: Chris Eastwood, UK Fulfilment and Logistics Manager at Made.Com, commented "Whilst exploring the outsourced care and repair service offered by FIRA Service Technicians, we were pleasantly surprised to discover a solution to a returns issue.

Already we have seen tangible benefits from the work FIRA have completed in our warehouse; combined with their in-home service, we are confident that we have a comprehensive solution in place which will benefit both our customers and the company, alike".

Berlin born Hanna Krüger believes in instilling the allusion of the moment of creation in her designs. To her design is a reflection of the moment it has been created in. Designing bore deep significance in her life and to further her knowledge about the intricacies of it she moved to Kassel in 2005 to study product-design with the main focus on furniture design and exhibition architecture at the University of Arts Kassel. Her biography says, “In the design of objects I am interested in the simultaneous coexistence of the raw material and the resulting new which comes out of it”. The process of designing is a unity of materials, methods, cultural contexts with the perspective of the person who directs it into the end product.

Read more about the designer in the upcoming issue of Furniture & Accessories Europe

A bed which is equipped with a device that enables it to automatically straighten the bedding, what is called “to make the bed”, once the occupant has gotten up and left the bed unmade.

The main pieces that are straightened and put in order are the following: the bottom sheet, top cover (duvet), and the pillowcases. The duvet, the pillowcase, and the pillow itself are straightened mechanically while the bottom sheet is kept straight since it is attached with Velcro to the mattress cover.

The time the bed takes to make itself:50 seconds

2 ways to activate the mechanism:

1- Setting the switch on the bed-frame to MANUAL. In this case, pressing the “go” button on the remote control causes the bed mechanism to begin to stretch the bedding out and put the bed clothes in order.

2- Setting the switch on the bed frame to AUTOMATIC. In this case, three seconds after the person gets up, the mechanism is activated and automatically begins to make the bed, straightening the bed clothes and putting them in order.

Operation

When the bed-making mechanism activates, a lid on each side of the bed opens and a mechanical arm with two rollers emerges on each side atf the foot of the bed. After positioning the lateral cord that holds the duvet between the two rollers, the arm pulls the duvet up to the head of the bed. Once the cord is fully extended, the arm descends and the lid closes.

At the same time, the pillows are straightened by cords attached to the pillowcases after which the panels rotate elevating the pillows; and once the upper coverlet has been stretched to the head of the bed, the pillows fall back onto it.

Safety

If the mechanism is activated when the person is still in bed, the device will not function and if pressure is applied to the bed while it is being made (with the mechanism functioning) the device stops immediately until the remote control is again activated (if the switch is set to the manual mode).

This summer footballs fans will be watching the much anticipated Euro 2012 football tournament taking place in Ukraine. The Official England supporter's club has announced however that, the lowest number of tickets in years (3,000 for the first match) have been bought by UK fans for the international tournament. Fans have decided instead to stay in the UK to watch the games at home or in local pubs. With this in mind CSL Sofas are encouraging football fans to save money and stay at home on the sofa to enjoy the competition, supporting their team with family and friends from the comfort of their living room. As all matches will be shown on either BBC or ITV channels, settling on the sofa to watch each match is possible for every TV owning football fan!

CSL Sofas is a UK based sofa specialist offering a comprehensive range of stylish leather sofas, fabric sofas, recliner sofas, sofa beds and corner groups. CSL have various sizes of sofas available including 2 or 3 seater sofas and large corner sofa designs which allow a group of friends or a large family to sit happily in front of the television.

In 2011, CSL Sofas were the second participants of the Mary Portas TV series 'Secret Shopper', tasked with improving customer service experiences in the UK. Managing Director Jason Tyldesley and the rest of CSL allowed unrestricted access to Portas and Channel 4 who helped the company put in place ground-breaking concepts such as 'Right for You', 'Love it or Exchange It Guarantee' and the 'Inspiration Station' - a free design consultation station available before or during making a sofa purchase. Following the program, CSL were included in Mary Portas' independent review of other furniture stores where they came out on top.

With the current weather in the UK only encouraging footie fans to stay indoors, there is even more reason to enjoy all of Euro 2012 from the comfort of your home. For those considering purchasing a new sofa this summer, CSL have an App designed to assist customers with their sofa buying experience. The App can help users:

·         View CSL's extensive Furniture Ranges

·         See CSL sofas in any room

·         Stay up-to-date with the latest CSL Promotion

·         Arrange delivery

·         Pay CSL balances

Source: PR Newswire

As Britain goes sports mad for London 2012, the fashion emphasis for Littlewoods Europe is hotly sports luxe. The new summer collection features a strictly sporty new range for women, men and children.

After putting in the hours to tone and condition, women will love to show off the resulting fitter silhouette in a range of svelte bodycon dresses in trending prints and this season's essential strong block colours.

For participating in or watching sports from the sidelines, trainers are a must-have. So simple to choose in familiar UK sizes from the women's, men's and children's ranges, with big brand names.

Shorts are big fashion news. The term is relative, with the trend being for flattering teeny-weeny to relaxed and below the knee. The collection includes beaded, ripped, skinny and cuffed.

A spokesman from Littlewoods Europe said: "Our customers in Europe tell us one of the best things about shopping with Littlewoods Europe is being able to pick sizes they recognise and know will fit them, especially in shoes and boots.

"With our sports luxe collection, it's easy to find the top trends from the UK in a perfect fit, without having to go from shop to shop trying to find the right size."

Source: PR Newswire
 

A shelf with a digital angle. the surfaces of this object dissolve into strings which connect and transform into other new surfaces.

In today’s Western society, digital communication, networking and the Web 2.0 are parts of our daily life. The constant ‘real time’ connection is changing us, our environment and the perception of it.

On the threshold of the post-digital society the limits of space and time are abolished. The physical dematerialization is a true consequence. The Bauhaus industrial product has become obsolete. Hybrid objects are becoming media, surfaces transform into spaces and spaces turn into unsharp gradients.

In an accelerated era full of freedom of forms and the change as a status quo I am creating an object which itself has no definite state and which is capable of interacting with the user and his environment.

“www” is an interpretation of the ‘shelf’ archetype. Between form and function, between space and dimension, between a not-yet and a not-anymore it creates concrete opportunities and specific associations. Through its parts it is not only a modular system, but also a type of installation in an ever changing space.
 

Ikea Group, the seller of sofas, bookshelves and cutlery, will consider entering India after policy clarity, and open stores faster in China as it boosts sales outside Europe.

The company is watching legislative developments in India to weigh a potential entry, Chief Executive Officer Mikael Ohlsson said in an interview in Shanghai. In China, where Ikea is increasing store openings to three annually from one, sales are expected to rise by at least 20 percent this year, he said.

Expanding in Asia would allow the furniture retailer to reduce its reliance on Europe, where the company gets about 80 percent of revenue. Sales at Ikea have risen every year since 2001, and climbed 6.9 percent to 25.2 billion euros ($31.4 billion) in the fiscal 12 months ended Aug. 31.

“Cautiously we are adding new markets,” Ohlsson said today. “We have big interest in opening in India. When the conditions are ripe in India we can start to prepare for an opening there.”

India’s government in January removed a 51 percent limit on foreign ownership of stores selling a single brand, a decision that was seen benefiting firms such as Ikea. Overseas companies selling one brand have been still slow to enter because of rules that mandate them to procure at least 30 percent of their requirements locally.

‘Positive Movement’

The Indian government is drawing up plans to ease the foreign investment norms for single-brand retail, including the sourcing conditions, the Hindustan Times reported this month citing government officials it didn’t name.

“We are following very closely positive movement of legislation in India and try to understand the consequences,” Ohlsson said without providing a timeline.

Unlike Ikea, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT), Carrefour SA (CA) and other foreign chains selling multiple brands are still not allowed to retail directly to Indian consumers.

The global economic slowdown hasn’t affected expansion, Ohlsson said. In January the furniture company, founded in Sweden, said it plans to spend 3 billion euros on expanding in the coming year to add stores, factories and retail centers.

In China, Ohlsson said he plans to keep lowering prices after bringing them down 50 percent over the last decade.

“Over the past years we have dramatically reduced our prices in China,” he said. “We will continue that this year and also next year to be more affordable for more people.”

The furniture retailer is expanding in China amid slowing economic growth in the country. The world’s second-largest economy expanded 8.1 percent in the first three months of this year, the fifth quarterly deceleration.

The company expects to add about 1,200 new jobs per year in China, where it currently has about 5,500 employees, he said.

Ikea, which saw some of its fastest growth in Russia, China and Poland last year, plans to open in South Korea “in a couple of years,” Ohlsson said.

Source: Bloomberg

Furniture in Fashion has moved its office from Bolton town centre to an industrial estate in Farnworth last year after the bulk of its customers moved to the web.

Now it is helping entrepreneurs set up affiliate and “drop-shipping” businesses.
Drop-shippers — essentially roving salespeople — set their own online prices for Furniture in Fashion products while affiliates are paid a commission for anything they sell through their websites.

The furniture is made in Malaysia and packed in Germany, while the company also employs 46 staff in Bolton, India and Pakistan.

The overseas workers are involved in search engine optimisation.
Managing director Asad Shamim is also planning a call centre in India for a 24- hour operation.

He said the company now has a network of about 200 affiliates and drop-shippers.
He said: “In the first three months this year our sales increased by 40 per cent. This method is ideal for home-based businesses because it eliminates the need for storage and inventory management.

“One of the main advantages of drop-shipping is it also lowers start-up costs.
“The cash outlay needed is greatly reduced and money can be ploughed back into developing their services.”

Asad Shamim moved the store from Trinity Street, Bolton, last year because of rising business rates, while visits to the showroom were falling.

He said: “The whole retail base in the area changed when Focus stopped trading, Rivington Taylor closed and the old college was demolished.

“Then a fire destroyed a business across the road from us, along with our warehouse.”
Now the company, which used to have five warehouses scattered over different sites, is under one roof in a 50,000 sqft warehouse on Farnworth’s Express Industrial Estate. Mr Shamim spent several years looking for the 30- acre site, which cost £2.5 million to redevelop, and houses all the business, including the warehouse and 90 per cent of the stock, showroom and offices.

Source: PR Web

Archana Achutan from the Indian city of Chennai sees bookshelves, bowls and even garbage bags in a newspaper. 

For a month now, Achutan has been training the adults at Sahayatha - a centre for those with multiple disabilities - to turn cardboard and newspaper into furniture, using appropriate paper-based technology (APT). These stools, cupboards and beds can bear up to 90 kilos of weight. 

Achutan, who has cerebral palsy herself, says that Sahayatha has since been flooded with orders for bookshelves , shoe racks and bowls. "I am very proud of our garbage bags and liners since they can take both wet and dry garbage," says Achutan . "All our furniture is eco-friendly and is water, heat and insect-proof ," she adds. 

Meanwhile, in another part of Chennai, VG Martin, a retired Indian Coast Guard employee, has been manufacturing furniture out paper honeycomb, a form of packaging material that is both eco-friendly and sturdy. And Martin can prove it too, considering that he has been sleeping on a paper honeycomb bed for the past three years. "I have invested over 50 lakh in this venture. I have around 50 customers but I wish there were more, says Martin who has named his outfit Chennai Go Green and employs rural women to make the furniture. "I find that awareness is lacking about such furniture," he says. 

But it looks like paper honeycomb furniture may soon be catching on. Recently , there were reports that the Netherlands-based Honicel Worldwide - manufacturers of paper honeycomb products - is setting up a plant in Chennai. While most of the production would cater to the packaging industry, furniture is also on the agenda.

Source: Times of India

Moooi announces its brand new collection for 2012. The new collection comprises art by Marcel Wanders, Stefano Giovannoni, and Studio Job. Marcel Wander's Valentine, Baby Valentine, Big Ben, Delft Blue Jumper, Container New Antiques and the Monster Barstool make the collection an interesting presentation.

Stefano Giovannoni contributes to the collection with his Mask lamp. Studio Job adds sublime beauty to the collection with Altdeutsche Cabinet, chest and clock; Paper Chandelier XL is one striking design for the studio in the collection.

Bounce designed by Fenny Ganatra was launched at Spoga+Gaffa in Cologne, Germany in September 2011 and displayed for the first time in Singapore at the IFFS 2012. “The uniqueness of Bounce lies in the use of materials. Bounce has been created with high quality polycarbonate and silicone that is engineered with a unique proprietary process,” explained Fenny. Bounce is joie de vivre, a seating innovation is functional, contemporary and visually appealing. The chair is lightweight and weather proof too which is stackable.

Read about more such products in the current issue of Furniture & Accessories Europe.

SFMA has announced to hold its 11th annual exhibition from October 5th to 21st 2012 at the Lighthouse, Mitchell Lane, Glasgow.

The Scottish Furniture Makers Association (SFMA) has produced some great achievements in art, education, architecture, and engineering that have gained true global respect. In coming to Glasgow in 2012 and exhibiting at the Lighthouse the SFMA is recognising the proud heritage of a city in which many of these achievements are reflected.

 

The touch of a finger is all that’s needed to transform this sophisticated sofa into a reclining couch. The hidden Soft Touch sensor on the side of the sofa when stroked moves the backrest forward and lifts the footrest to provide unparalleled comfort. The Zero Wall technology allows the Soft Motion system to be used without having to move the sofa away from the wall. Brio is available in leather and microfiber fabric cachemire effect, also in the chaise longue version with Soft Motion.

Read more about similar products in the May-June issue of Furniture & Accessories Europe

FAE: What made you decide to form an association?

We established our architecture practice in 2004 and started to develop our own furniture pieces for interiors projects. Being architects, we understood the need for well-crafted, highly adaptable but equally stylish pieces which can work in a range of settings, from dining rooms to conference rooms. After gaining the recognition and confidence from the two Interior Design Best of Year Awards, we took the plunge and established Studio Lawrence in 2007.

FAE: What has been your greatest achievement so far?

We are currently working on a spectacular 1500m² Villa in Holland which is due to be completed later this year. The quality, craftsmanship, depth of thought and detail will make this a truly stunning representation of our works and ideals.

FAE: Who has been your inspiration in the design field?

The American Abstract Artists have been a great inspiration and we have always admired the way they play with colour and proportion. The sheer variety of work by Gerhard Richter is astounding, from the picturesque to the abstract. The wealth of ideas from architects such as Arne Jacobsen, Gio Ponti and Adolf Loos are also greatly inspiring, with their work extending into broad fields such as typography and writing.

Read the interview further in the current May-June issue of the Furniture & Accessories Europe

Fermob, the French outdoor furniture company, has expanded its reach to the United States with installations in New York’s Times Square, The Harvard Yard and Google headquarters. Located just outside of Lyon, all of Fermob’s furniture is made in France for a truly unique look and authentic French feel. Fermob has over a dozen collections and their furniture comes in 23 eye-popping colors. One of the most popular collections among consumers and commercial customers alike is the Fermob...

Read More "FERMOB SHOOK HANDS WITH LUXEMBOURG AND BISTRO INSTALLATIONS"

eijkingdelouwere, established by the Louwere and Eijking in 2004, gave a boost to their career facilitating maximum freedom in design and implementation. The project in the firm comprises urban planning, architecture, interior and product design. They went further to start their furniture brand, Studio Lawrence, in 2007. Both the designers have their own working style but both work with the same aesthetic morale and drive combining the rich artistic and academic understanding of design. Their...

Read More "PATRICK DE LOUWERE AND BART EIJKING: UNITED THEY LEAD"

Caesarstone made a first-time appearance at EuroCucina 2012 in Milan, Italy April 17-22. The world-renowned event, EuroCucina, the International Kitchen Furniture Exhibition, is the only international kitchen tradeshow, and is known for bringing the biggest and best names in kitchen design and innovation together to showcase the latest in kitchen products, furniture, and accessories. One of 150 stringently selected exhibitors, Caesarstone -- who was the only surfacing company in attendance --...

Read More "CAESARSTONE’S FIRST APPEARANCE AT EUROCUCINA 2012"

Reportlinker.com announced that a new market research report is available in its catalogue. The report analyzes the worldwide markets for Coatings in Million Gallons and US$ Million by the following Product Segments: Architectural Coatings (Exterior Solvent Based Architectural Coatings, Exterior Water Based Architectural Coatings, Interior Solvent Based Architectural Coatings, Interior Water Based Architectural Coatings, Architectural Lacquers, & Other Architectural Coatings), OEM Product...

Read More "NEW MARKET RESEARCH REPORT FROM REPORTLINKER"

Designing and innovation goes hand in hand and perhaps Emiliano Godoy, the Mexico based industrial designer knows it best. His designs make us think and renew the production and consumption structures as he brings along a new wave in the designing industry. He paves the way to change the unsustainable patterns of product development into sustainable innovation process. A professional Industrial designer from Pratt Institute’s graduate program (New York, 2004), with a BA degree in industrial...

Read More "EMILIANO GODOY AND THE ENIGMA WITHIN"

Making a good thing even better – for interzum Project Manager Matthias Pollmann and his team, that was the goal behind their strategic revision of the interzum 2013 concept. From now on, in order to provide a clearer structure and facilitate categorisation for visitors and exhibitors alike, the trade fair will concentrate on three exhibition segments instead of seven. In 2013, the world’s biggest trade fair for suppliers to the furniture industry and interior finishing will be continuing...

Read More "A FORWARD LOOKING STRUCTURE FOR interzum 2013"

Office Exhibition starts today at Dubai World Trade Center with hundreds of market leading brands and products from exhibitors representing over 20 countries. The show is the largest commercial fit-out and design exhibition in Middle East and find out the latest innovation and international trends. The show delivers an exciting product showcase of sleek, innovative and smart office designs for the modern workplace. With GCC interior design spend forecast to reach US$56 billion in 2012, according...

Read More "OFFICE EXHIBITION RAISES ITS CURTAIN TODAY!"

Furniture Expo Bangkok is the best place to visit for all the professionals and entrepreneurs in furniture industry, with fantastic products on display, amazing networking opportunities and of course, a chance to take their business to the heights of success. The whole of mid-May will be a time for furniture industry professionals aiming to exhibit at the Furniture Expo Bangkok, slated for a 9 day show at one of the most spacious and well equipped venues in the bustling capital city of Thailand....

Read More "FURNITURE EXPO 2012 BANGKOK! THE RIGHT EQUATION FOR FURNITURE INDUSTRY"

Boffi Soho is ready with the 2012 novelties: • for the kitchen collection Aprile design Piero Lissoni (worktops in white Corian and very thin stainless steel, as well as doors - of different width and thickness - made of solid staves treated with oil, which have an elegant three-dimensional effect) • for the bathroom collection Quadtwo design Jeffrey Bernett (evolution of a project thought for reduced spaces with addition of storage compartments) and Index design Felicia Ferrone (a...

Read More "BOFFI SOHO WITH ITS 2012 NOVELTIES"

Home design and décor have become a way to display comfort, great taste and quality of life. Beijing Home Fashion & Décor Exhibition (HFD 2012), with the theme of Stylish Living, will present the latest home products including furniture, accessories, home building materials, home textile and beddings, from July 12 to 14, 2012 at New China International Exhibition Center in Beijing, China. The show presents the latest trends in interior design and provides a communication platform...

Read More "DESIGN AND COMFORT THROUGH HOME DESIGN AND DÉCOR"

Despite mixed summer weather, sales in outdoor furniture for Milan Direct are experiencing an unrivalled boom. Indicating that while summer in Australia can be as different as our landscape, cooler summer nights are not affecting the popularity of outdoor dining. Gone are the days of the six-seater plastic setting on the patio. Today’s outdoor furniture is a definite style statement, in the opinion of Milan Direct. The Milan Direct wicker furniture range is now available. Offering fast...

Read More "BOOMING OUTDOOR FURNITURE SALES FOR MILAN DIRECT"

Thailand International Furniture Fair (TIFF), Thailand’s most spectacular event for innovatively-designed and eco-friendly furniture items concluded in a grand style on March 18, 2012, generating over 268 million Baht, and demonstrating great potential of talented designers. Organised under the theme “Fill Green, Feel Good”, this year as well TIFF managed to maintain its successful momentum from last year by drawing over 18,869 international visitors. The fair attracted a large...

Read More "FANTASTIC TIFF!"

The Association of Modern Kitchen (AMK) has published its completely updated kitchen AMK Guide. The AMK Kitchen Advice is almost a classic that appeared since the 80s in a total of twelve issues in the millions. In recent months, now the new 75-page book has been created, which accompanied the end of the first idea of the kitchen to the allocation and purchase advice and assistance is available. A special feature of the kitchen AMK Guide is the independence from specific vendors. Despite the...

Read More " KITCHEN GUIDE FROM THE ASSOCIATION OF MODERN KITCHEN "

Beau McClellan Design will be exhibiting as part of B5 - The Art of Living's stand at the forthcoming Hotel Show, held from 15-17 May 2012 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. B5 - The Art of Living has been distributing and retailing Beau McClellan Design’s exclusive product collection in Dubai since the end of last year. This event presents the perfect opportunity to further expand the brands presence and profile within the Middle East region. The 60 sqm stand will be divided into four...

Read More "BEAU MCCLELLAN DESIGN AS PART OF B5 AT THE DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE"

Decoration + Design Melbourne and the co-located Furnitex will be held on July 19 – 22, 2012 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Decoration + Design is Australia's leading soft furnishings & interior products trade fair showcasing the latest designs from leading Australian manufacturers and importers. This fair gives interior designers, decorators, architects, furniture and furnishing buying groups and retailers the opportunity to see and buy the latest products, learn the latest...

Read More "VIBRANT DECORATION + DESIGN IN MELBOURNE"

Pure LatexBLISS, a division of Latex International, opened its first permanent European showroom in Brussels, Belgium. The 884 square foot showroom is located at the high-traffic Trade Mart Brussels center in space D-334. The new showroom will highlight the company’s popular Slow and Fast Response Latex collections, all featuring ActiveFUSION Climate Control, as well as its uniquely designed Talalay latex mattresses. All BLISS products will continue to be made in the United States and...

Read More "EUROPEAN SHOWROOM OF PURE LATEXBLISS IN BRUSSELS"

Japanese furniture is rapidly becoming one of the most popular styles available across the world. Its calm, clean design aesthetic combined with its passion for 'form meets function' modernity helps it to blend well with almost any other design style you care to name. If someone wants an organic, one-with-the-nature look for his home, he would definitely want to check out Japanese interior designs. Japanese homes are designed in such a way that it gives home a calm and light feeling...

Read More "EXPLORING THE "T" FACTOR OF JAPANESE FURNITURE"

Creative mind finds rare beauty in common sight; a collaboration of two creative minds leads to roads uncharted and unravelled through general thought. When Patrick de Louwere and Bart Eijking met while studying at the Faculty of Architecture in the Delft Technical University of Holland, an association was formed which in future would set on to become one of the most successful and celebrated duo in furniture design and architecture who would earn accolades and awards for their works year after...

Read More "CREATIVITY WITH PATRICK DE LOUWERE AND BART EIJKING"

For the second time, the Home&Trend Award will be presented again this year during Tendence (24 to 28 August) in Frankfurt. In cooperation with Messe Frankfurt, the 'LifeCare' campaign awards a quality mark with the distinction Trend Product of the Year 2012. We are noticing that the trend is away from the 'hunt' for the cheapest product and towards much more aware purchasing decisions, says Chair of the LifeCare campaign, Harald Schultes, with conviction. Consumers themselves...

Read More "2ND “HOME & TREND AWARD” DURING TENDENCE IN FRANKFURT"

Armstrong World Industries, Inc. a global leader in the design and manufacture of floors, ceilings, and cabinets, reported first quarter 2012 results. Consolidated net sales decreased as improved pricing and favorable product mix were unable to offset volume declines. Volumes declined across all businesses and geographies, particularly in Europe. The decline in operating income was driven by lower volumes and input cost inflation, a lower pension credit, and lower earnings from the WAVE...

Read More " ARMSTRONG WITH ITS FIRST QUARTER 2012 RESULTS"

Italian furniture manufacturers have again had to struggle against sharply declining domestic sales since 2011, a trend which especially affects small companies aligned primarily to the Italian market. The Italian furniture industry had already been hit hard by falls in turnover during the economic crisis. A sharp decline in production value of 17% in 2009 was followed in 2010 by only a minimal recovery of 1.6%. And in 2011, turnover even failed to reach the low level seen in the crisis year...

Read More "ITALIAN FURNITURE CONTINUING TO STRUGGLE AGAINST SHARPLY DECLINING DOMESTIC SALES"

The Eurocucina this year attracted a record breaking 330,000 visitors from around the globe. The 150 exhibitors held their flags high at the 27,000 sqm of exhibition space displaying the best technology and designs for the kitchen. Austrian design manufacturer, steininger.designers, an acclaimed name in the kitchen industry presented “Heart of Gold” modular kitchen at the event which was highly appreciated by the visitors. The new type of modular kitchen with the modular system impressed...

Read More "STEININGER.DESIGNERS AT SUCCESSFUL EUROCUCINA"

BabiesRUs announced that it has partnered with world-renowned fashion icon and mom of four, Heidi Klum, to create an exclusive collection of affordable luxuries for little ones, adding to its growing assortment of differentiated product offerings. From apparel and accessories perfect for mixing and matching, to furniture, bedding, room decor and gear featuring fun, colorful patterns, as well as optimal functionality, the collection is being designed for newborns, infants, toddlers and growing...

Read More "BABIES"R"US TO CREATE AN EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION OF AFFORDABLE LUXURIES FOR LITTLE ONES WITH FASHION ICON HEIDI KLUM"

Luxury British bed maker, Vi-Spring, has been awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Excellence. The Plymouth-based company has been recognized for producing bespoke beds of the highest quality, resulting in significant growth in local and overseas sales during the last six years. Her Majesty The Queen marked Vi-Spring's success in her birthday honours on 21 April 2012. The award is judged on International trade, innovation and sustainable development, and is considered the highest...

Read More "QUEEN'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE FOR LUXURY BED MAKER "

Lectra, the world leader in integrated technology solutions dedicated to industries using soft materials-textiles, leather, industrial fabrics, and composite materials announced the launch of DesignConcept Furniture V2R3, its innovative solution for designing and developing 3D/2D products, dedicated to the furniture industry. DesignConcept Furniture is the most comprehensive 2D/3D design and virtual prototyping solution on the market. It enables manufacturers to respond quickly to biddings from...

Read More "LECTRA LAUNCHED DESIGNCONCEPT FURNITURE V2R3"

According to a new poll carried out by the forsa market-research company on behalf of Messe Frankfurt, many Germans enjoy making spontaneous purchases. 58 percent of respondents commented that they spent money spontaneously at least once in the last year. On the list of the most popular purchases, furnishings take third place ahead of entertainment electronics, CDs, DVDs and jewellery. Only clothing and books are purchased spontaneously more often. In 41 percent of such cases, the value of the...

Read More "SPONTANEITY AT MESSE FRANKFURT"

Netscribes (India) Pvt. Ltd., a knowledge consulting solutions company, launched its report, Furniture Market in China 2012. The market will be boosted by the rising income coupled with booming real estate sector, resulting in increased demand for furniture products. The report provides detailed information about the exports and imports of furniture products covering country-wise import and export for the year 2011. Import and export data provided are in value terms. Factors driving the growth...

Read More " NETSCRIBES ANNOUNCED THE LAUNCH OF ITS REPORT, FURNITURE MARKET IN CHINA"

The Secretary General of the Spanish Confederation of Wood (CONFEMADERA), Francesc de Paula Pons, traveled to Cantabria on 2 April to get a first-hand review of the situation of the sector in the region and see what is being done in terms of timber construction in the area. The aim of the locomotion was to observe the whole construction process and confirm the importance of this type of construction in the region of Cantabria. The Secretary General of the Confederation was accompanied by the...

Read More "THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF CONFEMADERA VISITED THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR OF CANTABRIA"

The furniture capital of Germany recently held its latest design exposition at IMM Cologne where brands showcased the newest and most refreshing design ideas in the field. Over 50 countries joined in the event displaying the future of home interiors. The world’s leading furniture suppliers took the opportunity to present their latest products to design buffs. IMM Cologne is also known as the central meeting place for furniture suppliers and design decision-makers to exchange ideas about...

Read More "REFRESHING IMM COLOGNE 2012"

Epicor Software Corporation, a global leader in business software solutions for manufacturing, distribution, retail and services organizations, announced that Zhida Group, a leading home furniture and accessory manufacturer, has enhanced operational efficiency across multi-sector manufacturing subsidiaries with the Epicor(R) next-generation enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. Zhida Group selected Epicor ERP in 2007 to master its diversified operations and centralize its business units....

Read More "ZHIDA GROUP ENHANCED OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY ACROSS MULTI-SECTOR MANUFACTURING SUBSIDIARIES WITH THE EPICOR(R) NEXT-GENERATION ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING (ERP) SOLUTION"

Creazioni returns to the Salone del Mobile di Milano, bringing a colorful mix of products for the entire house. New pieces and new finishes enrich the offer and prove once again that high-end Italian furniture with classic inspirations can be elegant and fun at the same time. The colorful and intriguing Creazioni brand, from the historic Italian furniture manufacturer Silik, is back again at the famous Salone del Mobile di Milano. This year the brand is world premiering some all-new contemporary...

Read More "CREAZIONI RETURNS TO THE SALONE DEL MOBILE DI MILANO"

Mercedes-Benz cooperates with Formitalia Luxury Group: Mercedes-Benz Style presents its first furniture collection in Milan World premiere at the Milan Furniture Fair, 17 - 22 April 2012

Initial pieces from the Mercedes-Benz Style furniture collection: one sofa, chaise longue, sideboard, dining room table with chairs, shelf unit with integrated home theatre system, bed and chest of drawers

Progressive design with an unmistakable automotive identity

Milan/Stuttgart – A dynamic design idiom expressing incredible ease and perfectly crafted luxury materials – Mercedes-Benz now bring their unmistakable styling and high standard of quality to the living room. In collaboration with the Formitalia Luxury Group, one of the leading Italian manufacturers of designer furniture, Mercedes-Benz has created a furniture collection under the Mercedes-Benz Style label. The collection will be presented at the "Salone Internazionale del Mobile", 17 - 22 April 2012 in Milan.

"Formitalia and Mercedes-Benz stand for top quality and exquisite workmanship which embodies luxury and passion. We are therefore extremely pleased to create the first Mercedes-Benz Style furniture collection together with Formitalia", says Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. "The various pieces of furniture reflect the progressive, dynamic design idiom of our current show cars and concept vehicles, offering an exclusive, emotional experience outside our vehicles as well". The interplay between dynamic proportions, naturally stretched forms and curved lines conveys an extraordinary harmony and modern ease. The furniture gives the impression of floating in space.

The furniture collection, which was developed in collaboration with designers from Formitalia, comprises one sofa, a chaise longue, a dining room table, various chairs, a sideboard, a shelf unit with integrated home theatre system, a chest of drawers and a bed. All the pieces are produced by Formitalia and will be sold worldwide via exclusive furniture stores, showrooms and interior design stores from October 2012. "We very much admire the superb design skills and high-quality materials of Mercedes-Benz and are delighted to be able to bring the typical Mercedes elegance and sense of well-being into the home", says Gianni Simone Overi, CEO of the Formitalia Luxury Group.

According to Stephen McPartland, MP for Stevenage, home of The Furniture Ombudsman and the Furniture Industry Research Association, the most significant threat to the furniture industry at the moment is the Government’s support to energy suppliers in the form of subsidies. These subsidies cost the taxpayer over £100M in 2009/10 and the figure is rising all the time. They encourage the construction of new power stations designed specifically to burn huge quantities of biomass. Unfortunately,...

Read More " ACCORDING TO STEPHEN MCPARTLAND, MP FOR STEVENAGE, SUBSIDIES A THREAT TO FURNITURE INDUSTRY"

From April 16 to 22 Moooi will be presenting its new collection at its showroom in Milan for the 51st edition of Il Salone Internazionale del Mobile. Visitors will experience a variety of new creations by Marcel Wanders and Studio Job together with the new photography concept by Erwin Olaf and Marcel Wanders. Visitors will also witness the playful wisdom of the Grandfather Clock, the magic mystery of the Blanket Chest and the symbolic décor of Studio Job’s amusing Cupboard. To top...

Read More " MOOOI WITH ITS NEW COLLECTION AT ITS SHOWROOM IN MILAN"

The UK-based trend-forecasting agency Trend Bible began working on its autumn/winter 2012/2013 in early 2011. The experts observed social, economical, cultural and consumer behavior to build a picture of what they thought the future might look like. What they found is the resurgence of “casually styled” spaces, where decor is mismatched yet sentimental and where tactile handmade goods take center stage. Learn more about these four trends on the horizon below.
       
 “Artful, eclectic curation to reflect a sense of personal style” sums up this trend. Salvaged, “rustic, weather-beaten materials and finishes sit alongside warm and cozy fabrics,” according to Trend Bible. “In essence, this trend is about the celebration of tactile qualities in a post-digital era, where products that tell a story and bring a wholesome, unrefined attitude are valued.” Think reclaimed rough wood, rusted metal, hand-knitted and crocheted fabrics as well as felt, leather and wool. Distressed finishes on furniture add a tactile quality as well.

Dramatic yet whimsical romantic elements will carry over from spring/summer 2012. “Products have a playful quality and reminds us of our childhoods, as adults retreat into child-like worlds in times of political, economic and environmental confusion,” according to Trend Bible. Along with the romantic elements comes bold, graphic patterns and “feather-light” fabrics. Decor elements include chandeliers, pendants, flowers and nostalgic, vintage decor make up this trend story, plus soft lighting, plush rugs, flowing curtains, hand-drawn illustrative characters and damask patterns.

This trend forecast gathers inspiration from the 1970s documentary and subsequent 2009 film Grey Gardens, which tells the story of the decline of a 1920s household and its inhabitants. Once decadent and luxurious, the bohemian home slowly decayed, resulting in “flickers of faded grandeur,” reports Trend Bible. The agency’s forecasters say the trend also was inspired by the effects of the global recession, resulting in “down-at-heel glamour.” More elements picked up from the original Grey Gardens include the concept of a garden inside the house, such as wrought iron and rusty finishes, birdcages and fresh flowers; luxe finishes like plush velvets, paisley patterns and furs; and chinoiserie.

This trend story celebrates different culture’s traditional handmade goods. Patterns and crafts from “Scandinavia, Mexico and South America” and Native American goods like “dreamcatchers and feather trims influence decoration and print,” according to Trend Bible. The trend includes a multicolored palette, primitive decoration, simple illustrations, handcrafted textiles, pieced and patched fabrics and wood, raw and rough-edged ceramics and strong angular geometric patterns.


 

The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) 2012, held from Mar 6-10, posted yet another record sales high of US$830 million, an increase of 6.68% over 2011 orders of US$778 million. The show registered a bigger turnout of overseas buyers of 6,605, an increase of 1.58 per cent over 2011, as interest in MIFF, one of the top 10 furniture fairs in the world, remained buoyant. Buyers from 140 countries consisted of visitors from the ASEAN region (21.4%), Far East (15.4%), Europe (12.9%),...

Read More " MIFF 2012 WITH HIGH RECORD SALES OF US$830 MILLION"

The Furniture Ombudsman (TFO), which aims to inspire consumer confidence in the furniture industry by raising standards and improving service, has been referenced in the latest Laura Ashley catalogue. The page within the Laura Ashley Spring catalogue explains how its Membership of The Furniture Ombudsman provides consumers with the full confidence that they will always receive the very best customer service and after care. The page within the catalogue explains how Full Membership of The Furniture...

Read More "TFO IN THE LATEST LAURA ASHLEY CATALOGUE"

GRASS has set the stage for growth and has built a new logistics hall in Götzis. This new logistics hall is part of an extensive investment programme. GRASS-owner Würth has invested a three-digit million amount since the take-over in 2004, mainly for modernising the two Vorarlberg production sites at Höchst and Götzis. The new building in Götzis, with an investment volume of nearly six million euros, replaced the old dispatch hall and comprises a cutting-edge logistics...

Read More " A NEW LOGISTICS HALL IN GOTZIS BY GRASS"

Sales of office desks and chairs have soared in recent months, suggesting that a growing number of people are planning to work from home during the Olympic Games, according to a new report.
Retail giant John Lewis said sales so far this year were up by 14% compared with 12 months ago, adding that customers were clearly getting their houses ready for home-working during the summer.
Demand for office furniture has been highest in the South East, especially London and commuter areas close to the capital, where workers will be affected by the increased number of visitors using public transport this summer.

Sally Hudson, of John Lewis, said: "We've seen more and more of our customers getting their homes ready for home-working - either for the Olympics, or longer term.
"Despite the advent of laptop computers and Wi-Fi, most of us still require a designated work station in order to work from home productively."

Source: The Press Association.
 

Furniture Manufacturing and Supply China 2012 will run concurrently with FMC China & Furniture China at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center on September 11-14. FMC will build a new export trade platform for 2012 and 850 exhibitors are expected to participate. Purchasing groups from Vietnam, India and Mexico will bring 30 to 40 furniture manufacturers respectively to the event. Furniture China, which takes place September 11-15 located in the same convention center,...

Read More "FURNITURE MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLY CHINA 2012 TO RUN CONCURRENTLY WITH FMC CHINA & FURNITURE CHINA"

Robert and Bob Brownlee, owners of The Home Furnishing Company, Inc. added U-Haul truck and trailer rentals to the furniture store business. Families needing the finest in moving services now will have increased convenience and a shorter distance to travel when moving, which not only will make their move easier but also will have the positive effect of reducing the amount of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere. U-Haul partnering with business owners across North America to increase...

Read More " THE HOME FURNISHING COMPANY, INC. ADDED U-HAUL TRUCK AND TRAILER RENTALS TO THE FURNITURE STORE BUSINESS"

Furniture manufacturers and exporters have started receiving big orders from new foreign buyers and those that halted purchases in the midst of global crisis, boosting hopes of a rebound for the sector this year. The big volume of orders was gained during their participation in the recently held biannual Manila FAME trade show organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). Emmanuel P. Padiernos, vice president for market development of Chamber of Furniture...

Read More "FURNITURE EXPORTERS EXPECTS 2012 RECOVERY"

Cole & Son unveiled its latest range of wallpapers- Albemarle which derives its name from a Bohemian club in London. The damask patterns on the paper which derives its inspiration from 18th and 19th century era lends Victorian element to an interior - ideal for creating light and airy atmosphere. The collection comprises primary designs such as decadent damasks and refreshing tile-effect papers in metallic finishes.

The company with a vast archive of damask print experimented with various printing techniques to create relevance between heritage patterns and contemporary design trends.

Get to know about more such furnishings products in the current issue.

Design and comfort plays high when it comes to consumer’s choice. “It’s inbuilt in the popular culture to share the planning and acquisition of a new kitchen, a high-quality lifestyle product, with friends and colleagues. Customers deal in detail about innovative design and materials and features of modern appliances focusing on comfort aspect,” says Hüther. Steib too believes in the role design plays in the sector. “Design is the predominant factor that sells...

Read More "DESIGN AND COMFORT TOPS CONSUMER CHOICE IN KITCHEN "

Award-winning architects AL_A and engineering firm Arup transform the V&A Museum’s Grand Entrance on Cromwell Road with the installation of a giant timber wave cascading down the steps. Built from oil-treated American red oak, Timber Wave is a three-dimensional latticework spiral, 12 metres in diameter, that employs construction techniques and materials normally used in furniture making to create a majestic three - storey - high structure. ‘The brief was to respond in some way...

Read More "A DESIGN TO ADMIRE: THE TIMBERWAVE"

Speaking about the trends reigning this season Steib says that focus is currently on experimenting with vertical lines, i.e. high drawer fronts. Extra-wide front panels will also continue to set the tone in the upcoming season. He adds, “In terms of materials, far greater use is expected to be made of glass and stone, coupled with a used-look and surfaces that give the impression of being very natural.” He forecasts, “Alongside handle-free fronts, highly characteristic handles...

Read More "KITECHN TRENDS"

The unexpected heat wave in March has brought an early boost to sales of barbecues and garden furniture with demand for rattan garden furniture in particular exceeding all expectations for the time of year. With increasing talk of the low rainfall and the threat of droughts, the unseasonably average temperatures have swept the nation into a feeling that Summer’s here and it’s hard to believe the clocks were altered just a week ago; with a jolt back to reality that we’re only...

Read More "UNSEASONALLY HIGH TEMPERATURES HAVE PRODUCED A WELCOME BOOST FOR SALES OF RATTAN GARDEN FURNITURE "

CIFM, which ended on March 30, 2012 has again proved itself as Asia’s one of the largest one-stop woodworking machinery and furniture production fairs. A record 1,057 international and domestic exhibitors hailing from Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the UK, the US and Vietnam have set...

Read More "CIFM, ONE OF THE ASIA’S LARGEST FURNITURE PRODUCTION FAIRS"

According to Katy Cowan of News, Britain educates artists, designers and architects more than any other countries in the world. “Each year we produce designers and architects, not just for Britain, but for the world. People come to study in Britain and then take the ideas they’ve developed here back to China, India or the far east,” Mr Hilton, who now becomes a Doctor of Arts, said. He also added that it’s amazing how far this country’s come. Born in Hastings,...

Read More "ACCORDING TO KATY COWAN (NEWS) BRITAIN IS BEST FOR DESIGN EDUCATION"

The International Furniture Fair Singapore 2012/29th ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS 2012), Deco Asia 2012 and The Hospitality Show 2012 was a great success, boosting industry confidence for the year ahead. A total of 512 companies from 26 countries participated in the trilogy of shows this year, occupying 67,000 square metres of space across seven halls in Singapore Expo. The event yet again welcomed a strong contingent of exhibitors from the ASEAN and Asian countries, and audiences were treated...

Read More "SUCCESS NOTE FROM IFFS/AFS 2012"

Staples, the world’s largest office products company and second largest e-commerce company, announced the appointment of Willem Vos as Director of eCommerce, Staples Europe. Vos will report to Peter Howard, SVP, Head of Staples Online and Marketing, Staples Europe. “Willem brings strong eCommerce skills and a broad experience to Staples,” said Howard. “He’ll define and lead the implementation of a long-term pan-European eCommerce strategy, driving growth in European...

Read More "STAPLES ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF ECOMMERCE DIRECTOR"

The Furniture Ombudsman (TFO), which exists to help raise standards and settle disputes between consumers and retailers in the furniture and home improvement industries, received the support of its local MP. Stephen McPartland MP has written a letter to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in support of TFO’s bid to establish a Consumer Code under the OFT’s Consumer Code Approval Scheme (CCAS). The CCAS aims to raise standards by allowing retailers who have signed up to an approved code...

Read More "TFO RECEIVED THE SUPPORT OF ITS LOCAL MP FOR ITS BID TO ESTABLISH A CONSUMER CODE UNDER THE OFT’S CCAS "

e2e Materials, an innovative clean technology spinoff of Cornell University that develops products made from its advanced biocomposite materials used for the furniture and cabinet industries, announced it has engaged the product design expertise of furniture industry legends Carl Gustav Magnusson and Emanuela Frattini Magnusson. Regarded as one of the most acclaimed industrial designers today, Mr. Magnusson has left an indelible mark on a wide range of products, including those for Teknion,...

Read More "E2E MATERIALS ENGAGED OFFICE FURNITURE LEGENDS CARL AND EMANUELA FRATTINI MAGNUSSON FOR INNOVATIVE PRODUCT DESIGN"

On the eve of the Salone del Mobile, Cosmit President Carlo Guglielmi and the President of FederlegnoArredo Roberto Snaidero will inaugurate the first literary café under the banner “ i Saloni Milano” at the Italian Cultural Institute in Madrid, Calle Mayor 86, across from the Palacio Real. With 170 square meters dedicated to the promotion of Italian excellence in design, art, music and film,the “i Saloni Milano” café, curated by Cosmit, is the first café...

Read More "THE FIRST LITERARY CAFÉ UNDER THE BANNER “ I SALONI MILANO” WILL BE INAUGURATED ON THE EVE OF THE SALONE DEL MOBILE "

Oak Furniture King has announced on social networking site Twitter the start of a 30 day countdown until the launch of the company’s new ecommerce store. Managing Director Khaled Ullah, explain the decision to make this announcement on Twitter, “Social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook have become part of everyday life, it seems the right place to make this announcement. Our new website is just the start of what we have planned for 2012, social media will play a big part...

Read More "OAK FURNITURE KING STARTED 30 DAY COUNTDOWN UNTIL THE LAUNCH OF NEW ECOMMERCE SITE"

Autonomy, an HP Company, announced that IKEA Italy, part of the leading global furniture retailer, is using Autonomy's technology to power its document and business process management systems. Founded in Sweden in 1943, IKEA has grown to become the largest furniture retailer in the world, with over 330 stores globally. IKEA is widely known for producing affordable, high-quality self-assembly furniture and home products. IKEA Italy needed a single, centralized repository where employees could...

Read More "ACCORDING TO AUTONOMY, IKEA ITALY IS USING AUTONOMY'S TECHNOLOGY TO POWER ITS DOCUMENT AND BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS"

FOR FURNITURE – Trade Fair for furniture and interior design has opened its door today at PVA EXPO PRAGUE which will be lasting till March 25, 2012. The company is already on with its project called DESIGN SHAKER to support the topic of design and its novelties. The goal of this project is to start a debate about contemporary design. There is also going to be round-table meeting regarding this particular project. The most important czech designers and theorists of design is going to sit...

Read More "FOR FURNITURE HAS OPENED ITS DOOR TODAY WIT THE HOPE OF CARVING A NICHE IN THE WORLD OF FURNITURE"

Last year, 270,000 people visited the Ideal Home Show, and it's back at Earls Court, London this spring. The show, which runs from 16 March to 1 April 2012, has more than 600 exhibitors offering inspiration for your home including interiors, DIY, gardens and gadgets. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is offering advice on how to lush up your living room and visitors can check out the latest design trends, furniture, storage ideas and ideas on how to decorate your home. Whether someone wants to spruce...

Read More "IDAEL HOME SHOW 2012 WITH SOMETHING NEW AND EXCITING"

The Furniture Industry Environment Committee (FIEC) held their semi-annual meeting on 23rd February 2012 at Senator International. Discussions were varied and included details of new and forthcoming legislation, proposed revisions to PG1/12 ‘Combustion of Waste Wood' as well as updates on a range of other significant environmental issues affecting the furniture industry such as biomass subsidies, carbon footprinting and European Ecolabels. Subsequently, a meeting of the FISP Steering...

Read More " SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING OF FIEC HELD ON 23 FEBRUARY, 2012"

OCee Design has become the latest furniture manufacturer to become a full member of the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP). OCee Design's new commitment to FISP demonstrates that despite the economic conditions FISP membership continues to be seen as a valuable accreditation scheme, particularly for those manufacturing for the contract market. Mick Harris, OCee Design Transport and Facilities Manager said, Our membership of FIRA helps us to understand and comply with the...

Read More "FISP ADDED OCEE DESIGN IN ITS TERRITORY"

FIRA exhibited at kbb2012 exhibition, showcasing its many services. A high number of show visitors came to the FIRA stand to ask questions and for more information about the varied services provided. The new exhibition stand which was designed especially for the show looked fantastic and received some really positive comments from exhibition attendees who commented on the clean and crisp look and feel of the information displayed. FIRA were also proud to sponsor the award for Kitchen Designer...

Read More "FIRA EXHIBITED SUCCESSFULLY AT KBB 2012"

The global outlook series on Furniture and Fixtures provides a collection of statistical anecdotes, market briefs, and concise summaries of research findings. The report offers a bird's eye view of the furniture industry, highlighting the fundamentals underlying the industry's growth and actionable insights into major categories of Furniture and Fixtures i.e. living room furniture, bedroom furniture, kitchen furniture, dining room furniture, bathroom furniture, garden furniture, and office...

Read More "REPORT ON GLOBAL FURNITURE AND FIXTURES INDUSTRY"

During the imm cologne, there were 180 square metres at the centre of Hall 3.2 that were clearly distinct from the rest of the trade fair: this is where designer duo Nipa Doshi and Jonathan Levien were given the opportunity to orchestrate the very first “Das Haus – Interiors on Stage” special exhibition. Just a few hours after the opening of this year’s furniture trade fair it was already clear: “Das Haus” was not just well worth visiting, it proved to be an...

Read More " WITH “DAS HAUS – INTERIORS ON STAGE” EVENT, THE IMM COLOGNE WAS PURSUED A REVOLUTION"

The International Furniture Fair Singapore 2012/29th ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS 2012), Deco Asia 2012 and The Hospitality Show 2012 opened today to much fanfare, with guest of honour, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade & Industry gracing the occasion. Through 12 March, the trilogy of shows will reinforce its status as Asia’s premier, design-led furniture sourcing platform for the industry. Of particular significance are two brand new programmes — the Hospitality.Design.Furniture...

Read More "IFFS/AFS 2012, DECO ASIA 2012 & THE HOSPITALITY SHOW 2012 REINFORCING INDUSTRY-LEADING POSITION"

Mantò - the new sofa by Poltrona Frau - speaks the language of Hot culture. The Mantò project comprises a two-seater sofa, a two-seater large sofa, a three-seater and a dormeuse. The natural elegance of the piece stems from the masterful tailoring that goes into the handling of all materials. The piece is available in leather or fabric, according to taste, and all surfaces are designed and executed exclusively by hand. The exterior of the sofa is fashioned like a cape, completely...

Read More "POLTRONA FRAU’S MANTO"

As part of their move to strengthen the India International Furniture Fair (IIFF), the show organisers have entered into a strategic partnership with the Indian organiser of a mega exhibition series on architecture, construction, engineering and building materials. IIFF organisers, the International Furniture Fair Singapore (IFFS) and MP International (MPI), inked a project joint venture agreement with Asian Business Exhibition and Conferences (ABEC) today at a ceremony held at the International...

Read More "INDIA INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE FAIR TIES UP WITH NEW STRATEGIC PARTNER FOR STRENGTHENING THE SHOW OFFERING "

To give the furniture industry an extra boost, IE Singapore has plans to give the local industry a boost, since Singapore furniture companies need to upgrade to stay competitive. The global furniture trade grew by almost 10 per cent between 2009 to 2010, from US$95 billion to US$105 billion, but it has since been in decline. To give the industry a boost, the government is taking pro-active steps to drive business. Singapore's Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang said: Raising...

Read More "IE SINGAPORE TO GIVE THE LOCAL INDUSTRIES AN EXTRA BOOST"

According to RNCOS, many big names in the international furniture market are also planning to make their mark in the growing Saudi Arabian industry. Saudi Arabia is one of the largest furniture markets in the Middle-East, and thus, an attractive destination for global players. According to a research report by RNCOS, many international retailers are planning to enter the prolific Saudi Arabian furniture market, in which the consumption is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of around 12% during 2011-2013. Many...

Read More "INTERNATIONAL RETAILERS SHOWING INTEREST ON SAUDI ARABIAN FURNITURE MARKET"

As the two consecutive fairs started on two consecutive days, Kuala Lumpur seems to be getting too busy with the number of foreign footfalls for the furniture festival. MIFF and EFE, two most prominent furniture events in the world calendar have reinstated the fact that Malaysia is one of the largest manufactures and exporters in the world furniture industry.

Number of visitors and exhibitors in both the fairs is surely impressive. The invitees are happy along with the participants of the fair with the outcome as all other editions of these two fairs. Moreover, the assistance given to the delegates including the shuttle services throughout the city remains commendable and visitors' favourite. Today was our first day at both the firs. Therefore, too early to comment on the future courses, however, the interest in general visitors regarding our magazines and the number of visitors at both our stalls are quite encouraging.  

Next few days, according to me, an eye-witness, looks promising for the furniture industry in the region.

As the two consecutive fairs started on two consecutive days, Kuala Lumpur seems to be getting too busy with the number of foreign footfalls for the furniture festival. MIFF and EFE, two most prominent furniture events in the world calendar have reinstated the fact that Malaysia is one of the largest manufactures and exporters in the world furniture industry.

Number of visitors and exhibitors in both the fairs is surely impressive. The invitees are happy along with the participants of the fair with the outcome as all other editions of these two fairs. Moreover, the assistance given to the delegates including the shuttle services throughout the city remains commendable and visitors' favourite. Today was our first day at both the firs. Therefore, too early to comment on the future courses, however, the interest in general visitors regarding our magazines and the number of visitors at both our stalls are quite encouraging.  

Next few days, according to me, an eye-witness, looks promising for the furniture industry in the region.

Godrej Interio launched their latest ranged of furniture Freestile using augmented reality at the Lakme India Fashion Week in Mumbai. Digital Law & Kenneth conceptualised the activity that was part of Anita Dongre's show at the event. Hungama and White Leaf Entertainment were the technical partner and the event organizers respectively for the show. On the activity, Bedraj Tripathy, senior general manager marketing, Godrej Interio, said, We have thousands of products which we obviously...

Read More "GODREJ INTERIO LAUNCHED THEIR LATEST RANGED OF FURNITURE AT THE LAKME INDIA FASHION WEEK IN MUMBAI"

Hong Kong Houseware Fair 2012 (Asia's Biggest Houseware Event) is scheduled from April 20 to April 23, 2012 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. 687 exhibitors from 37 countries are expected to be present at the show. Hong Kong, with its immediate accessibility to the largest consumer market in the world – China – and potentially most lucrative markets in the coming future – South Asia and South East Asia, has for the past years served as a viable sourcing...

Read More "HONG KONG HOUSEWARE FAIR 2012 FROM APRIL 20 – 23, 2012"

Almana Maples relaunched its showroom at Assiri Interchange (Midmac roundabout). A number of diplomats and VIP guests took the opportunity to view the large selection of European and American furniture and fittings on offer at the newly-renovated location. The store was officially launched by chairman of the Almana Group, Omar al-Mana, as well as ambassadors from the US, Japan, Cyprus and Egypt. The company provides services specifically for the project and contract market, rather than retail...

Read More "ALMANA MAPLES RELAUNCHED ITS SHOWROOM AT ASSIRI INTERCHANGE"

Hundreds of pieces of furniture will be on display at the 18th edition of the five-day Malaysian International Furniture Fair which isgoing to commence from March 6, 2012. The fair, where the manufacturers will get a chance to show their latest designs, will be held at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) and Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre (MECC). Certainly, the Malaysian furniture industry is not at its sunset and the MIFF has proven this for the past 17 years. The prices of Malaysian-made...

Read More "MALAYSIA BEING ONE OF THE TOP FURNITURE EXPORTERS WORLDWIDE"

EuroCucina is a major biennial show, focussing kitchen furniture and fixtures held in Italy which is the magnet for the sector world over. This year it is to be held from April 17-22 at the Milan Fairgrounds in Rho. The show brings the best from the sector with participants comprising top industry manufacturers and designers defining the current and upcoming trends. With an exhibition area expanding 35,000 sqm and around 150 exhibitors, the show boasts of 297,460 professional visitors in the previous edition.

Wolfgang Steib, MD, Marketing and sales at Hettich tells that in terms of design, the whole of the world – apart from the US – looks to Italy where, every two years, EuroCucina points the way. “With Italy still going through difficult economic times, this year’s EuroCucina will focus more on sellable kitchens rather than pure show objects. High expectations on design are set to grow, also in relation to fittings in the kitchen.”

Hüther is of the similar opinion. He says, “In times of uncertain financial markets, people rather invest their money in reliable material assets including modern kitchens”. German kitchens are popular and demanded all over the world. “The modern fitted kitchen, invented in Germany more than 60 years ago, has proven successful and has continuously been developed further. The combination of international design and style, highly efficient production technology and logistics as well as best workmanship and product quality results in attractive, reliable and durable products. This quality is gaining ground. It can be appraised at trade fairs around the globe and in the showrooms of our manufacturers - and in the kitchens of many satisfied customers everywhere in the world” he adds.

Kitchen is now the new living room. Kitchen has become central to one’s house, literally. Frank Hüther, CEO of Arbeitsgemeinschaft Die Moderne Küche e.V. (AMK), Germany concedes this when he says, “Kitchen has become a ‘public area’ inside the house,replace comma with a semi colon the theme is open, allowing the visitors and guests to look at the proceedings within it.” Kitchen is no more a secluded room in some corner of a house. remove quotation mark...

Read More "PARADIGM SHIFT IN KITCHEN DESIGN"

Natural rattan makes a comeback at IFFINA in 2012. Durable, flexible and lightweight, this resource has all the right attributes to design practical home solutions that are cost-effective to ship around the world.

Read More "IFFINA AGAIN WELCOMES NATURAL RATTAN "

SUN.LAB 2012 had been launched and calls for entries from young outdoor designers under the age of 35. The competition will be held under the theme NATURE INSIDE and the last date for submitting entries being set for May 14, 2012. The competition in its 5th edition is being organised by SUN, International Outdoor Exhibition  

The theme for this edition is NATURE INSIDE. The suggested theme is aimed at inspiring a fertilization, cultivation, and hybridization between design and organic-inspired disciplines. This “translation” activity is offered as an opportunity to meditate about the relation between nature and artefacts.
 
The projects shall be assessed by a jury made up of representatives of Fiere e Comunicazioni S.r.l. and a panel of designers and engineers. The entries shall be assessed according to project originality, reproducibility on an industrial scale, and environmental sustainability.

The selected projects shall be granted a free exhibiting space inside the show SUN.LAB: FOR A CREATIVE OUTDOOR.
 
 

Nuove Dimensioni Ambientali, S.p.A. (N.D.A.), the Italian supplier of solutions for acoustic insulation, uses Basotect® to absorb sound and thermally insulate its Zeus® ventilation system. This is the first instance of BASF’s special foam Basotect is being used in ventilating systems of this type. Zeus is designed to provide thermal insulation and sound absorption in building air vents and the inside is lined throughout with light gray Basotect G. BASF’s open-cell melamine...

Read More "NDA USES BASF’S SPECIAL FOAMBASOTECT FOR A QUIET KITCHEN"

The Casanova bedroom furniture collection is now available from Flamingo Furniture .This impressive collection is a contemporary style bedroom suite. It features skipped dressed panels that highlight the natural features of the timber which. The result is a stunning display of natural gum vein. The Casanova bedroom furniture collection includes fully dovetailed drawers. The Chests feature push release, ball-bearing runners and solid bases. The collection includes: • A double bed •...

Read More "THE CASANOVA BEDROOM FURNITURE COLLECTION NOW AVAILABLE FROM FLAMINGO FURNITURE "

The FIRA funded study for Blum has looked into how real-life kitchens are used and the impact this has on the design, manufacture and installation of furniture fittings. FIRA Project Manager, Sue Calver will be presenting the findings of a study into the real usage of kitchens at 11am on 5 March at KBB 2012 at Birmingham NEC. The study is the outcome of a Design and Innovation competition held to celebrate 60 years since the establishment of the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA)....

Read More " PRESENTATION OF FIRA FUNDED STUDY REGARDING REAL-LIFE KITCHENS"

Designer furniture retailer Kontenta have announced their forthcoming website launch with a simultaneous competition to win over £800 worth of Kartell furniture by the designer Philippe Starck. The online retailer hopes to make designer furniture more accessible to everyone with a new website that enables shoppers to browse and buy high quality brands at great prices and with ease. As part of their launch, Kontenta are offering the public the chance to win over £800 worth of designer...

Read More "WEBSITE LAUNCH BY KONTENTA "

Association of German Furniture Industry E.V. (VERBAND DER DEUTSCHEN MÖBELINDUSTRIE E. V.) has planned for new trends in the world of furniture.Furniture for the year 2012 will be smaller, much in accordance to the recent trends and needs of the twenty-first century. Just as the technology will be significantly smaller, even the furniture of the coming season will also be much smaller than what it used to be. Natural products like untreated wood is going to be used as the raw material for...

Read More "NEW TRENDS IN THE WORLD OF FURNITURE"

Manila FAME reveals the latest global trends -- Paradiso, Tribal Fusion and Stone Age. These trends will reflect the products to be featured in the March 2012 edition of Manila FAME, Asia’s second longest-running trade show and the country's premier trade event for furniture and furnishings, holiday and gifts, and fashion. Slated on 14-17 March 2012 at the SMX Convention Center, Manila FAME is the flagship project of CITEM, and has been instrumental in the development of the Philippine...

Read More "PARADISO, TRIBAL FUSION AND STONE AGE AT MANILA FAME MARCH 2012"

The inaugural Singapore Furniture Design Week held in conjunction with the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2012/29th ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS 2012), Deco Asia and The Hospitality Show 2012 in March at the Singapore Expo, presents two new highlights - the ‘48 Hours Showroom Makeover Challenge’ and ‘30 Chairs Life Stories’. The two exhibits will demonstrate the past, present and future of furniture design in Singapore. High-end fashion retailer, Bonia has also...

Read More "NEW HIGHLIGHTS AT IFFS 2012 "

The wood decors, Swiss Elm and Lancelot C were exhibited at the ZOW 2012 to represent the RENOLIT exhibition motto Let's move!. They not only graced the front and tops of two chests of drawers but also the walls behind them. Furniture and walls thus blended into one another and demonstrated the quality and application opportunities of high-quality, decorative surfaces. One of this year’s innovations included the deep-pore embossing effect “Okasha” which allows the viewer...

Read More "WOOD DECORS SWISS ELM AND LANCELOT C WERE EXHIBITED AT THE ZOW 2012"

Chinese kitchen manufacturer OM HOME is the proud 2011 winner of the first “Colour Road Star Award”, offered by the RENOLIT DESIGN business unit in Deidesheim, Rhineland-Palatinate on 8 December 2011. The company’s innovative and stylish use of 3D films from RENOLIT DESIGN’s extensive range including Colour Road 2011/12 collection trend colours, as well as the overall form and distinctive kitchen concept played a key role in the jury’s decision. With its exciting...

Read More "OM HOME AS THE PROUD WINNER OF THE FIRST “COLOUR ROAD STAR AWARD” "

Our Vice President Mr. Apratim Ghoshal just came back from the press trip recently organised by i saloni. His experience is certainly splendid and at the same time envious. I Saloni 2012, which is preparing to once again set the stage on fire, is scheduled on  17-22 April. Interview with John Anzani, President Assarredo, being uploaded on YouTube shades light on some of the most interesting aspects of the event. You can listen to it from our website www.furniture-magazine.com as well. Being a follower of this event, along with Mr. Anzani, I also wish to see wonders of the industry accumulated under one roof.

Officexpo was held at the CNR Centre, Istanbul. The tangible result was a series of attractive and innovative prototype reception seating products, some of which will undoubtedly find their way into full production. However, Programme Manager Sezgin Akan explained that the real benefit was that these manufacturers had all said how much they had learned about the opportunities that could flow from working with outside designers and how much the designers had learned from the manufacturers. Much...

Read More "OFFICEEXPO AT ISTANBUL"

FIRA welcomed Certwood Limited to its list of members. Certwood offers a range of moulding operations from its manufacturing site in Luton. Certwood's trade moulded products include stadium seating and automotive moulded products including interior trim, under bonnet and exterior body. The company also provides trade moulded products and industrial applications for white goods, irrigation and consumables.

Read More " CERTWOOD NEW MEMBER OF FIRA"

Anders Pettersson, 52, has been appointed CEO and member of the Board at Hilding Anders, Europe’s largest provider of beds and mattresses . He will be assuming his position as CEO officially from 8th February, 2012. Anders Pettersson, a Swedish national, is an experienced and proven international business leader with a successful track record in durable consumer and branded goods companies. Anders Pettersson is delighted to join Hilding Anders. Anders said, “I believe this is a...

Read More "ANDERS PETTERSSON CEO AT HILDING ANDERS "

The new standard for school furniture replaces the previous 2006 version with immediate effect. The 2006 version assumed that the only fixed height chairs without arms were used in schools. The new standard covers more product. In summary the key changes in the new standard are: - A requirement that any chair or table has been assessed to appropriate sizemark requirement of EN 1729-1. - Addition of requirements for swivel chairs - Addition of requirements for chairs with arms - Additional...

Read More "NEW STANDARD FOR SCHOOL FURNITURE PUBLISHED BY FIRA"

Making your ambience a cynosure for its visitors and them leaving with an impression of having been in a place which is decorated with updated décor items need not have you fill your place with items which has been through the process of latest mechanical techniques of mass production, for handcrafted décor items which have been in purpose, literally since the time when humans began to civilize are still here, aggravated with time but true to its roots and usual traditional techniques....

Read More "ADD DESIGN VALUES WITH HANDCRAFTED DECOR"

The Office Exhibition 2012 will see a return of some of the world’s top designers of office furniture, organisers said today. The Middle East’s leading and largest industry platform for office design and fit-out solutions has confirmed the participation of some of the most sought-after brands from Europe, America and the Far East. Responding to the increased demand from international and regional manufacturers, the 2012 exhibition will enjoy 30 per cent more floor space than the...

Read More "GALA TIME FOR THE OFFICE EXHIBITION 2012 "

FIRA and The Furniture Ombudsman will be exhibiting at Kbb Birmingham from March 4- 7 at Birmingham NEC on stand N81 in Hall 18. The Furniture Ombudsman will join the FIRA team to share information on the work they do to inspire consumer confidence within the furniture industry through its independent dispute resolution service, range of courses regarding consumer law and membership scheme. FIRA will host two seminars at this year's exhibition. The first, to be held at 11am on Monday...

Read More "FIRA COLLABORATING WITH THE FURNITURE OMBUDSMAN AT KBB BIRMINGHAM"

Lighting extols exuberance of a well crafted piece on architecture and complements its design contours while adding to the enigma of its beauty. Lighting design has become equally voracious in its presence as interior and architectural designs are. One designer who can be dignified as a pioneer in this field is Beau McClellan. He enjoys a huge fan base and clientele list with strong brand presence in Europe, Middle East and Asia for his innovating designs incorporating the latest LED technology. The...

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Carpetright plc, Europe’s leading specialist carpet and floor coverings retailer announced its trading update for the 12 weeks ended 21 January 2012. According to the updates, Carpetright’s group sales declined by 3.8%. Sales in the UK declined by 4.8%, with like-for-like sales down by 0.5%. In local currency terms, total sales in Rest of Europe (The Netherlands, Belgium and the Republic of Ireland) decreased by 0.1% with like-for-like sales up 0.3%. After allowing for the movement...

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Kitchen has been an indispensible corner of any dwelling but it had long been an underrated segment in the furniture industry. Since the last two decades, some companies with their designs for the area have lured attention towards the necessity of upgradation in the outlay of kitchens and reeked in perception for this segment as well. It has been a challenge to introduce modern kitchenware into traditional kitchens that had been essential to the household for its long association with it. The...

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Humans spend about one-third of their life sleeping. Good sleep is vital for a fresh start to the morning and an active day. The importance of deep and permanent sleep has been an elusive topic of study and its benefits have been confirmed by researchers worldwide. “Quality sleep plays a crucial role in human life and role of mattresses in this regard has been redefined” says Ulrich Leifeld, CEO of Fachverband Matratzen-Industrie e.V., the Association Mattress Industry at the imm cologne.

Mattresses have the task to support the body while it perfectly relaxes during sleep. In the majority of the sleep systems support function works through a combination of mattress and box spring. The box spring is in most cases the base.  These form a resilient surface that adapts to the body parts, without resulting into sagging relieving the spine perfectly.  "More and more people know these beds from hotels and are excited by the comfort, and the optics," adds Leifeld about box spring beds. Box spring beds are in vogue because the pleasantly soft surface.

All good quality mattress types consist of different layers on a supporting core insulation and padding layers are offered with different material combinations. Since almost all mattresses look almost identical externally, it is important to learn something about the meaning and function of the materials used. Mattresses must ensure that no pressure point arises while a body is relaxing on it.

Expert Leifeld suggests that before choosing a mattress one must take time out opt for trial on mattress in their preferred sleeping position.
 

“Mirror reflectsas it recollects.” Mirrors are reflective of ones image; a mirror reflects what it recollects and gives a true visual picture of its existence and this one feature is what makes all the difference for mirrors to be so unique and elusive in the home décor industry. This reflective feature adds on a number of other features which expands the playful arena of décor to experiment with objects like mirrors and come up with exemplary designs. Mirrors could...

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The industry where brands reign the top slot is brimming with a generation anew. Far ahead in their thoughts and ideas this new breed of designers come up with fresh concepts and techniques to create products that keep the design world awestruck. Ergonomic and innovative use of materials accompanied with distinctive design element leads to enchanting and mesmerizing outcomes. With the zest to surpass self with every new design the swaths is assured to be BIG. In this issue of FAW we talk to...

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Nineteenth century brought along a certain fascination towards furniture and associated industry in Turkey. Earlier furniture, taken merely as a necessity, was concentrated to small workshops with artisans detailing the products made. With exposure to new techniques and growing market, the furniture industry in Turkey has been on a growth extravaganza. In recent years, its growth has been synonymous with the driving force behind overall Turkish economy. Globalization, innovative improvements...

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Malaysian furniture industry has covered a transitional journey ever since furniture manufacturing has taken on an industrial phase. During the Second Industrial Master Plan the industry received a new lease of life with Taiwanese investors contributing to the rubber wood furniture factories. The furniture industry during that era grew at an average rate of 11 per cent intensifying the growth of timber and timber products industry. Contemporary furniture industry encompasses a major component...

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Renowned lighting designers these days prefer to work with LEDs including the organic LEDs. For most of them, LED is the future. Some of the greatest artisans spoke to us on LEDs. Wait for our upcoming issue of Furniture & Accessories USA where renowned designers and experts share their ideas about LEDs and other sources of lighting and the latest astonishing designs from the industry.

McClellan, Peter Raynham, Rogier Van der Heide are some of the lighting wizards who will be cited in our magazine. Wait for the pilot issue of the magazine.

Tomek Rygalik, the award winning Polish designer with his experimental approach lends an aesthetical touch to each of his designs. Born in Lodz, Poland in 1976, he was influenced by the social and economic transformation he witnessed there, which is quite reflected in his designs. He holds a degree in Architecture from the Technical University of Lodz and pursued Industrial Designing from the Pratt Institute in New York. After completion of his course, he worked with several design companies...

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World Market Center Las Vegas will present an exciting lineup of complimentary educational seminars during the upcoming Winter 2012 Las Vegas Market, Jan. 30 – Feb. 3, 2012. Winter 2012 Las Vegas Market will feature thought leaders in all corners of the furniture, design and business worlds. Retailers will benefit from new ideas and best practices in powerful selling and marketing techniques and a distinguished panel discussion highlighting the latest in eco-friendly options. Designers...

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South East Asia, considered the den of innovative designs and inspiring materials does not only attract eyes from the continent but allure the international attention alike. Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam comprise a large market and are among the major producer of furniture and furnishings. There are pertinent reasons behind it as well. The constant lookout for novel ideas and techniques keep the limits soaring. The current globalization progress has been important...

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Design that exudes class and craft, occupies one’s mind through eternity. Christopher Guy has carved an illustrious name for himself, pursuing his unique design concept that transcends modernity and traditional limitations to achieve a style that is cosmopolitan and timeless. Born in Britain, brought up in Spain and France Christopher Guy Harrison is currently based in Singapore. His multi- national background emanates the quintessential stroke in his creations, a blend of exoticism and...

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BIFMA International’s Leadership Conference is scheduled on January 25-26,2012 at the Houstonian Hotel, 111 North Post Oak Lane, Houston, TX 77024. Alan Beaulieu, President, Institute for Trend Research will be the speaker of the event. He is one of the country’s most informed economists. Alan’s talk, Opportunity in a World of Uncertainty, will be on Wednesday( 24 January) at 11:00am. Verne, founder of the world-renowned Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is going to present...

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IMM COLOGNE 2012 : GETTING HOT AND HAPPENING (12.02.2012.) Visitors will be able to observe all of the latest trends of solid wood, upholstery and bedroom furniture at the upcoming imm cologne 2012. Visitors can see upholstered furniture in Halls 4.1, 5.2, 6 and 10.2. Every year during imm cologne, this area is transformed into the global mecca for upholstered furniture. Willi Schillig will be presenting a new design vocabulary, for example in the 16650 seating model from the boogie series....

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Crystals are now been considered as vogue element in urban décor, thus one of the most favoured decorative accessories in the interiors industry today. Crystals are solid substance often as rigid as a rock and pristine as snowflakes; it can be formed into alluring decorative objects, absorbing various designs and patterns. These not only add elegance to contemporary home interiors, but also add a distinguished sense of fashion. Whether it is an artwork of crystal flowers or figurine to...

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Marc Newson is the most acclaimed and influential designer of his generation. He has worked across a wide range of disciplines, creating everything from furniture and household objects, to bicycles and cars, private and commercial aircraft, yachts, various architectural commissions, and signature sculptural pieces for clients across the globe. List of his acquired awards is somehow very long, thus instead of documenting the long list, we republish the conversation between us: FAW: How would...

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One of the most celebrated thing in the world, it expresses joviality, it portrays life, without it you don’t really like to live; we are talking about colors. Color plays on the psyche of the consumer, to personalize the piece of furniture in one’s room, a suitable color is the most crucial. When most of the trend forecasters around the world are having a tough time to analyze the trend in demand every season, we have Mark Woodman to tell us what’s in a color! Mark is...

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