Smallbone for Sale

Smallbone Plc announces it is up for sale after a “challenging” February.

The company, which designs and makes furniture for kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms for celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Elizabeth Hurley, saw a decline in February sales and a significant reduction in customer deposits, it said in a statement.

This news comes just weeks after putting a financial package in place that was intended to generate positive cash flow in 2009. However, after a recent strategic review, it was deemed insufficient.

Some speculation is being made about whether the company will split off the Mark Wilkinson Furniture Line. Perhaps sell it back to the founder.

Mark Wilkinson co-founded Smallbone in the late 70s. He left Smallbone in 1981, and together with his wife Cynthia formed Mark Wilkinson Furniture (MWF).Mark and Cynthia sold MWF to Smallbone Plc in 2005, reuniting Smallbone and Wilkinson.

March 9, 2009

Bye Bye Carpet

Things are starting to move forward in the Studio.
I am happy the ugly carpeting is gone.
See more photos on the Sneak Peak Page.

The drop ceiling will be coming out next.

March 7, 2009

Bright Things Happening at Trendir

About this time last year LED shower heads were all the talk. This year the new buzz is about converting a larger portion of your bathroom to chromotherapy. I discovered this new application while visiting Trendir.

Antonio Lupi’s Cromobox shower kit incorporates LED lights with fixed decorative shower panels. The Cromobox offers a full range of color to so you can add the color you are missing into your chromotherapy.

Chromotherapy is an ancient form of healing which relies on the use of light waves; light waves have the ability to safely penetrate the body without harm or injury. Different colored light waves are believed to rebalance a body’s energy centers, otherwise understood as chi. Through exposure to specific colored lights, such energy centers, also called chakras are rebalanced, replenished, and the natural and optimum functioning of the body is restored.

An Orange shower in the morning is stimulating. Orange is warm, cheering, non-constricting. Orange has a freeing action upon the body and mind, relieving repressions. Orange shows new possibilities and other options in life. Stimulates creative thinking and enthusiasm, and helps assimilate new ideas.

A Violet shower in the evening is soothing. Violet and purple heal melancholy, hysteria, delusions and bring spiritual insights and renewal. These colors slow down an over-active heart; bring sleep and boost immunity. Soothe mental and emotional stress, decrease sensitivity to pain.

Look for the new Chicago Antonio Lupi Showroom to open in April.

March 3, 2009

Round Ceramic Tile

First glance of the concept board may make you think this is another penny round tile. However, the Capri Tile from Ann Sacks is 3″ round. It’s an ideal choice if you are not a fan of mosaic tile but want an alternative to traditional tile shapes.

The collection is available in soft pastel hues making it a great choice for creating a relaxing bathroom.

Other shapes include 3×6 rectangular and 4 1/4″ square tiles for coordinating walls and floors.

If the 3″ round is too large for you, Ann Sacks offers the 3/4″ penny round tile in their Savoy Collection.