On the 24th September Julian, Sarah and Sheila from the Tangram team visited 100% Design which is the UK's premier contemporary interiors event for the contract market. This show connects the worlds of architecture and design with innovative, contemporary interior products and an exciting mix of new and established talent.
At the show
We feel that the show is becoming increasingly targeted towards ‘designer makers’ with numerous exhibitors from the sectors of wallpaper and textile design and cabinet makers. There was also a big focus on bathrooms and kitchens, several manufacturers having large impressive stands.
The obvious recognisable trends this year were birds, florals and illustrations. We appreciated a lot of the quirky imaginative ideas and while interesting do not feel that many are practical for contract use. A couple of companies that caught our eye were:
· Raw Studio - A coffee table made from recycled coffee grounds and resin which can be embossed - a very interesting and different concept.
· Bloq - A company set up by Paul Johnson, using clean lines and solid shapes to produce precisely detailed, minimal and elegant forms - a beautiful range of storage units and cabinets.
As well as all of the activity that was going on at the show there were special design related events and exhibitions going on all over London, many in manufacturers’ showrooms.
We visited several of the showrooms, including B&B Italia, where we had the opportunity to remind ourselves of the products that had been launched at the Milan Furniture show earlier in the year.
The Fat Sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola was of particular interest - designed with the same soft sinuous shapes as the other elements in the Fat range. This seating system is available in different typologies: from a linear sofa to terminal elements and an armchair with two back heights, chaise longue and two new ottomans. Look out for it in the Tangram showroom in early 2008.
Fat Sofa
B&B Italia also launched their new range of outdoor furniture (once again designed by Patricia Urquiola) based on the inspiration of woven patterns. This Canasta Collection is available in white and bronze and seats have removable cushions available in many different fabric combinations.
These comfortable, anatomically shaped chairs are ideal for a swimming pool area, conservatory or on the garden lawn.
We also went to an exhibition at Viaduct where we saw new products from leading European companies including Driade, e15, MDF Italia, Montis, and xO. Of particular interest were e15’s new Shiraz sofa, the Axel sofa (Montis) with the new 45° angle and the Miss Lacy chair by Philip Starck for Driade.
Poltrona Frau is one of Italy's most famous high quality leather upholstery companies.
The collection includes modern and classic upholstery, chairs, beds, office chairs, boardroom furniture, auditorium seating and accessories.
New this year is a fantastic leather screen which depicts at an enlarged scale the contours and grain of a leather hide. It is laser cut out of hide, creating a stunning trellis effect.
Moucharabieh Screen by Poltrona Frau
Overall, we had a inspirational, educational and thoroughly enjoyable visit to London. It is always a great opportunity to view furniture and lighting that we are not currently exhibiting, catch up with colleagues and friends and try out new dining experiences (Moro in Exmouth Market – fantastic lunch!).
