Review...

100% DESIGN, 2011

 

The annual 100% Design exhibition opened its doors on September 22nd at Earls Court, the show focuses on innovative products in architectural design and interiors.

 

Although the show has international stands from countries like France, Norway, Spain, Italy, Chile and Argentina, this review will look at those products that caught our eye from UK companies.

Big statement door handles
Philip Watts Design produces over-size door handles ideal for creating an initial wow factor on entrance doors to your home or office. Caste in bronze, aluminium and stainless steel, they combine sculptural art with functionality. The pictures below show a segment of the door handle, the handles themselves are giant-size taking up much of the centre of the door. Philip Watts Design.

Handblown glass lighting
Rothschild & Bickers are one of the few remaining glassblowing studios in London and they continue the skill and art of handblown glass with flair and originality. Many of their bespoke lighting products can be seen in commercial premises like the Hilton Hotels group and Harrods, but they also produce a range of signature products for purchase. The glass lamps are available in more than a hundred colours including bronze, amber, peach and grey. Rothschild & Bickers.

Look at things differently
Objects in Glass can put virtually anything inside a pane of glass from screws to forks, sunflowers to bottles and even smashed glass. The glass can be used in doors and shower screens and as panelled art. Given the revolutionary nature of the product, prices are reasonable, a shower screen will set you back about £1,000, although that does depend on what you want to put in it! Objects in Glass.

Curvaceous kitchens
Tired of the same old linear kitchen design? Marazzi Design specialises in curved kitchens with high gloss lacquer cabinet doors that can be in any of a range of stunning colours. No expense is spared with curved glass breakfast bars speckled with gold leaf, crocodile leather panelling and state of the art appliances from top makers like Sub Zero and Wolf. The kitchens are super luxurious and come at a price to reflect that - upwards of £80,000 - but they will appeal to those looking to invest their kitchen, the hub of the home, with as much grandeur as the rest of their house. Marazzi Design.

Kitchen worktops from lava stone
A new option for those who want a worksurface that's different from the granite, timber or glass worktops in their neighbour's houses. Ancient volcanic stone is extracted from a French crater and glazed by Pyrolave to create countertops in a wide range of colours. The worktops have a deep colour with a slight crazing and surface texture, they can be used at will to prepare vegetables, slice bread and cook. The applications extend from worktops to tables, bar counters and glazed bricks. Pyrolave Architecture.

A Japanese take on the quintessentially English
Yukari Sweeney has spent much of her adult life in England and after receiving mentoring from Paul Smith and Eley Kishimoto she brings her design skills to a range of wallpapers, lampshades and cushions featuring London and country scenes. She has just been snapped up by Debenhams to display her products in their stores next year, but for now early birds might like to visit her website and purchase her designs to add accents to their homes. Yukari Sweeney Design.

Lift the lid on a revolutionary WC
The new Twyford Moda Rimfree WC has, as the name applies, no rim around the pan to harbour germs. The water cascades into the pan with speed and force and is propelled around a sloping groove to rinse the pan. Hygienic and easy to clean, the rimfree WC is set to replace conventional designs. Rimfree.

For more information about the show, go to 100percentdesign.co.uk.

Reviews of previous shows: 100% Design 2010 100% Design 2009 100% Design 2008.