Mar Ricketts and Guildworks soar to new heights

RH, a prominent home furnishings retailer, has launched RH Contemporary, a new business branch that significantly expands its product offerings through collaborations with a diverse array of global designers. This initiative marks RH's most substantial concept launch since RH Modern in 2015, reinforcing the company's ambitious growth trajectory. The new collection encompasses a wide range of items, from large furniture pieces such as sofas, beds, wardrobes, and outdoor furniture, to lighting, textiles, and decorative objects. The launch of RH Contemporary follows other significant developments for the company, including the unveiling of RH San Francisco, the acquisition of private planes and a yacht for charter, and plans for future locations in Manhattan, Oxfordshire, Paris, London, Milan, and an 'RH Ecosystem' in Aspen featuring the company's first spa. The development of RH Contemporary began prior to the pandemic, with RH leadership strategically using that period to focus on long-term growth initiatives rather than short-term revenue pursuit. A key aspect of RH Contemporary is its multi-tiered approach to elevating production standards and materials. This includes a partnership with Holland & Sherry, an established Savile Row tailor, to supply a comprehensive range of fine textiles for upholstery and curtains. Additionally, the collection features high-caliber Indian hand-loomed throws and pillow covers by textile artist Neeru Kumar, whose work has been acquired by the Victoria & Albert Museum. A significant portion of RH Contemporary's upholstered furniture, including modular leather seating and low linear sofas, is crafted in Italy. To achieve this, RH collaborated with expert Italian upholsterers, ALT in Romagna and Crivellari in Padova, whose founders are prominently credited on the RH website alongside the designers. Italian-sourced materials, such as travertine stone from outside Rome and Arabescato marble, are also widely used, although some fabrication occurs elsewhere. The emphasis on top-tier materials and production, including lacquered burl wood, hand-carved Spanish alabaster, and hand-applied plaster on lighting, is reflected in the collection's higher price points, with items like Jonathan Browning’s ‘Vouvray’ chandelier starting at over $35,000 and Joris Poggioli’s ‘Vitolo’ dining table starting at over $12,000. Gary Friedman, RH chairman & chief executive officer, notes that RH Contemporary items are priced approximately 30 to 35 percent higher than the current RH offerings. While large-scale furniture forms the core of the collection, smaller shoppable items are also included, such as vases and decorative dishes by Brooklyn-based ceramicist Dina Nur Satti, which incorporate her Sudanese and Somali heritage. Friedman expresses strong belief in RH Contemporary's potential impact, stating that it will likely have a greater influence on the company than RH Modern, not only from a design perspective but also in terms of quality. He anticipates that this new venture will redefine consumer perceptions of RH and expand its market aperture significantly. #RHContemporary #DesignerCollaborations #LuxuryFurniture #InteriorDesign #HighEndMaterials #ItalianCraftsmanship #GlobalDesigners #HomeFurnishings

British-Nigerian multidisciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori has partnered with Momentum Textiles & Wallcoverings to launch his inaugural collection of commercial textiles and wallcoverings. This collaboration, Yinka Ilori x Momentum, aims to inject positivity and joy into commercial spaces, drawing inspiration from Ilori's dual heritage and his belief in the power of community and affirmation. The collection is designed to transform commercial environments into vibrant, creative hubs that uplift and inspire. Ilori emphasizes that the collaboration underscores the happiness derived from strong community bonds and storytelling, bringing a fresh, optimistic approach to commercial design. The collection features five distinct patterns available as textiles. "Shower Me With Flowers" reimagines floral motifs with geometric shapes, offering a contemporary take on traditional prints. "Dream Catchers" explores perception through its unique and shapely patterns. "Eyes in Reflection" presents a grid-like design interspersed with subtle rounded elements, providing a structured yet softened aesthetic. "Blossoms Time" focuses on woven textures and is available in a variety of solid colors, adding depth and tactile appeal to the collection. The most dynamic textile pattern, "Rhythms Surround You," layers colors, shapes, and patterns to create a complex and visually engaging design. In addition to its textile form, "Rhythms Surround You WC" is also offered as a wallcovering, expanding its application possibilities within commercial settings. The wallcovering collection further includes "Moving Mountains," a playful geometric pattern that adds a sense of movement and fun to walls, and "Shifting Motions," which delivers a kaleidoscopic explosion of color, creating a dynamic and energetic atmosphere. These wallcoverings are intended to bring Ilori's signature vibrant and fresh perspective to a broader range of commercial interior applications. The Yinka Ilori x Momentum collection is rooted in themes of cultural heritage, community, and the positive influence of joy in everyday life. Ilori's work consistently leverages bold colors and geometric patterns to create spaces that evoke happiness and well-being. This new venture into commercial textiles and wallcoverings allows his distinctive artistic vision to be integrated into larger-scale projects, making his cheerful and thoughtful designs accessible for offices, hospitality venues, and other public spaces. The collection aims to not only enhance aesthetics but also contribute to an atmosphere that encourages creativity and healing, reflecting Ilori's philosophy of design as a tool for positive impact. This collaboration marks a significant step for Ilori in extending his artistic reach into the commercial design sector, promising to bring his characteristic cheerfulness and thoughtful design to a wider audience. #YinkaIlori #CommercialDesign #Textiles #Wallcoverings #MomentumTextiles #InteriorDesign #GeometricPatterns #VibrantColors #CreativeSpaces

Raf Simons, the acclaimed Belgian fashion designer and co-creative director of Prada, in collaboration with Danish textile brand Kvadrat, has unveiled an innovative home storage system dubbed the Shaker System. This collaboration marks a significant departure from their previous endeavors, which primarily focused on upholstery fabrics. For their eighth year of partnership, Simons has ventured into product design, drawing inspiration from the practical and minimalist aesthetics of traditional Shaker homes. The Shaker System reimagines the classic wall-mounted peg rail, a staple in Shaker design, known for its functional approach to keeping common spaces orderly. Simons's fascination with Shaker furniture, which he describes as both pure and surprisingly futuristic, began during his tenure as chief creative officer at Calvin Klein in New York City. His updated version transforms the simple peg rail into an upholstered railing with discreetly hidden hooks. The system is available in Kvadrat’s Vidar 4 fabric, offered in a selection of colors: pink, dark green, black, and white. This design, while appearing minimal, incorporates a technical complexity to achieve its refined simplicity. The expansion into a new product category reflects Simons's desire to create something beyond conventional fabric collections or standalone furniture pieces. He aimed to develop a system that deeply integrates with domestic environments and influences how individuals interact with objects within their homes. Unlike art objects destined for galleries, Simons’s intention was to craft a functional and impactful product for everyday use. This shift is rooted in his background; prior to his fashion career, Simons studied industrial design at Genk’s Luca School of Arts. His design philosophy for the Shaker System is informed by a broad spectrum of influences, including 20th-century art and design figures like Joe Colombo, known for his adaptable domestic systems, and Jacques Adnet, recognized for his meticulous leatherwork. American minimalists such as Donald Judd and John McCracken also served as critical references, alongside the Shaker movement’s emphasis on intuitive functionalism and economic form. These inspirations coalesced into a system that is both aesthetically refined and highly practical. To complement the core Shaker System, Simons has designed a series of coordinating accessories tailored for different areas of the home. These include a magazine holder, wool throws, and matching pillows for living spaces, and a coordinated key holder, shopping bag, and slippers for entryways. The overarching goal behind these accessories is to enhance the system’s utility and integrate it seamlessly into daily life. Ultimately, Simons emphasizes that a truly significant object is one that is used consistently, highlighting the blend of design innovation and practicality at the heart of the Shaker System. #RafSimons #Kvadrat #ShakerSystem #HomeStorage #ProductDesign #InteriorDesign #TextileDesign #BelgianDesign #DanishDesign

The article revisits the architectural material of glass bricks, highlighting their resurgence in contemporary design. Initially gaining popularity in 1977, as noted by Carter B. Horsley in a New York Times article, glass bricks were appreciated for their translucence, privacy, visual appeal, and structural order in residential and restaurant projects. However, after a period of widespread use, the material became associated with the dated aesthetics of the 1980s, leading to a decline in its perceived value. Despite this historical perception, contemporary architects are now re-evaluating and re-integrating glass bricks into modern designs. This renewed interest stems from their unique properties, which allow for innovative applications across various architectural contexts. The material offers a balance of natural light penetration and visual obstruction, making it suitable for spaces requiring both openness and privacy. Modern architects are employing glass bricks in diverse projects, moving beyond their previous utilitarian roles. Examples include their use in sleek, minimalist bathrooms where they contribute to a sense of spaciousness while maintaining privacy, and in industrial-themed bars and restaurants, where they add a distinctive textural and luminous quality. The material is also being incorporated into vintage residential windows, blending historical charm with contemporary functionality. Furthermore, glass bricks are finding applications in experimental urban facades, where they contribute to dynamic and visually engaging building exteriors. The versatility of glass bricks allows them to create different aesthetic effects, from smooth and uniform surfaces to more textured and fragmented appearances, depending on the type and arrangement of the blocks. Their ability to diffuse and transmit light without offering clear views makes them ideal for interior partitions, exterior walls, and decorative elements where controlled light and a sense of enclosure are desired. This adaptability supports a wide range of architectural styles and design intentions. The comeback of glass bricks signifies a shift in architectural trends, where previously overlooked or stigmatized materials are being re-imagined and utilized in innovative ways. This trend reflects a broader architectural movement towards material exploration and the re-evaluation of established construction components. The article suggests that the current "boom" of glamorous glass bricks is not merely a nostalgic revival but a sophisticated re-introduction driven by their inherent qualities and the creative approaches of modern designers, who are harnessing the material's potential to meet contemporary design challenges and aesthetic preferences. #GlassBrick #Architecture #MaterialInnovation #ContemporaryDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #CommercialArchitecture #GlassFacade #DesignTrends #BuildingMaterials

Kudos Showers, a Cumbrian-based manufacturer of shower enclosures and trays, was recently acquired by the SanSwiss Group. Despite the common trend for global acquisitions to lead to a cessation of local production, Kudos's sales and marketing director, Nick Graville, indicates that SanSwiss has a long-term vision for the business, aiming to invest in British manufacturing. SanSwiss, part of the Ronal Group, views the UK market as a significant growth opportunity, valuing Kudos's expertise and established core business. The decision for acquisition came as Kudos's senior management team, led by managing director Mark Hill, felt the timing was right for the company, which was founded by Bruce Ledwith in 1999. It was crucial for Kudos to find the right partner, avoiding private equity. The initial interest from Ronal Group, an alloy wheel company, was surprising, but their 25-year ownership of SanSwiss, with a strategy for growth through acquisition and organic means, aligned with Kudos's values of product design, quality, and service. Mark Hill asserts that the acquisition provides Kudos with security for continued growth. Kudos has already demonstrated a strong growth trajectory, investing approximately £3.5 million over the past three years. This investment includes the establishment of a second showroom and a 60,000 sq ft finished goods warehouse in Sandbach, Cheshire, which has freed up capacity at its Cumbrian factory. Head of operations Kei Hitchcox highlights the significant increase in production efficiency, with semi-automatic lines now able to produce up to 3000 units per week with fewer personnel, compared to 800 units a decade ago. The company’s original site has expanded from 5,813 sq ft to 75,000 sq ft, and there are plans to further expand the Sandbach warehouse by another 19,000 sq ft to accommodate increased stock needs. Substantial investments are also being made in resin shower tray manufacturing to triple capacity by year-end, following increased tenders and market share gains due to supply chain uncertainties. Maintaining robust UK stockholding is a key priority, with 3,500 SKUs, including seals manufactured in South Africa, and a three-month stock holding. Spare parts for enclosures are available for 10 years from a third-party storage. The Sandbach warehouse aims to hold eight to ten weeks of finished goods stock. Kudos has streamlined its sales model to exclusively use distribution partners, focusing on improving logistics and supporting its partners. The company has also diversified its product offerings, enhancing its Premium collection with additions like level access enclosures for the Pinnacle 8 range and a Red Dot award-winning inward/outward opening door for the Ultimate 10 range. These Premium products are available only through displaying retailers to support brick-and-mortar businesses, and Kudos provides extensive after-care, including a team of retail support managers for display installation, product training, and technical assistance. Looking ahead, Kudos plans to expand into the merchant and contract sectors by introducing price-conscious SanSwiss-branded models under the Kudos name, offering a wide range of combinations. Mark Hill emphasizes that these products will maintain Kudos's high-end quality. This strategic move aims to leverage their strong position in the retail market and gain market share in developer and merchant sectors, supported by a dedicated sales team. The company also anticipates potential for SanSwiss to sell Kudos products in Europe. Mark Hill's ultimate goal is for Kudos to become the largest shower enclosure and tray business in the UK within the next five years, currently ranking fourth. Sustainability is another focus for Kudos, as highlighted by Kei Hitchcox. The company is working towards ISO 14001 certification and has already achieved ISO 9001. Significant strides have been made in reducing packaging waste, with a new machine cutting cardboard use by 30% and polystyrene padding by 65%. Kudos is also committed to reducing single-use plastics, aiming to decrease annual plastic consumption from 42 tonnes to less than one tonne by using a bespoke banding machine. This machine also offers energy efficiency, consuming significantly less power. Despite a general slowdown in the bathroom market post-pandemic, Kudos remains optimistic, reporting continued business and preparing for sales growth in the coming year, with retailers still experiencing strong demand and booking months in advance. #KudosShowers #SanSwissAcquisition #BritishManufacturing #ShowerEnclosures #ShowerTrays #BusinessGrowth #ProductInnovation #RetailStrategy #SustainabilityInitiatives

The article highlights a growing trend in home decor where rugs and carpets are being used beyond their traditional function as floor coverings. This shift is driven by a desire for creativity and a departure from conventional design norms. Historically, nomadic tribes utilized carpets for various purposes, including as floor coverings, bags, blankets, curtains, sofas, and even dining table cloths. While modern society largely confined carpets to floors, a resurgence of interest in their versatile application has led to their integration into different aspects of home aesthetics. Experts in tribal carpets, such as Danny Mehra, note that homeowners are increasingly adopting a 'vertical' approach to rug placement. This involves mounting rugs on walls to add depth and drama to spaces like foyers, or using them as central artistic pieces in studios. The trend emphasizes experimentation and exploration, with businesses like Jaipur Rugs showcasing innovative uses in their showrooms. Examples include rugs ingeniously covering ceilings, functioning as chandeliers, and serving as border embellishments on curtains. Furthermore, the application of rugs extends to furniture and accessories. Jaipur Rugs, for instance, has introduced artistic mirror frames made from carpets and is utilizing rugs as sofa covers, providing a luxurious and unique seating experience due to their smooth, hand-knotted textures. Kaati Carpets, founded by Nikita Khanna, advocates for using rugs as wall art to create striking focal points, especially abstract designs on staircases against neutral backgrounds. Neha Baranwal, MD of Luxurify, points out the growing popularity of hand-knotted carpet cushion covers, which add a sophisticated and opulent touch to living spaces. The integration of carpets into furniture design is also gaining traction. The Yasmine furniture range, inspired by tales of Aladdin, combines artisanal hand-woven Cocoon Fine Rugs with functional designs by AKFD. Each piece is crafted to blend the intricate beauty of the rugs with the practical needs of contemporary living. This reinterpretation of rugs as versatile design elements signifies a move towards personalized and unique interior decoration, reflecting the idea that to be irreplaceable, one must always be different. The article, originally published in the INDIA TODAY SPICE edition, demonstrates how this creative approach to rugs is transforming home interiors and offering new avenues for aesthetic expression. #RugDecor #CarpetDesign #HomeDecorTrends #InteriorInnovation #TextileArt #CreativeRugs #JaipurRugs #LuxuryHomeDecor