DECEMBER ‘14 | ISSUE 12

The year that was 2014Deck the halls with holly, glitz and

homemade treats!

DECORATE TO IMPRESS

ALL THE TRIMMINGS

TREND WATCHPantone colours set to make impact throughout 2015.

Quick and easy Xmas foodie delights.

Encompassing 65 fabrics, including soft botanical jacquard weaves, sumptuous rich textures, classic stripes and elegant florals, injecting a new dimension to the Excel roman collection.

Available to order in romans, curtains and cushions with a selection of lining options.

Motorised romans are now available.

NEW TEXTURES, PATTERNS AND COLOURS

CONTENTS

Welcome

In The Press

Seasonal Colour

Decorate To Impress

The Year That Was 2014

Key Pantone Trends

All The Trimmings

Save The Date

Energy Saving

New Year, New You

05

06

10

12

16

18

22

24

28

30

The View Magazine | December 2014

W I S H I N G Y O U A L L A M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S A N D A H A P P Y N E W Y E A R

Welcome and Seasons Greetings from

the final View of 2014. As we draw close on another busy year at Decora,

we reflect on our recent win at

the UTV Business Eye awards were we scooped the coveted Company of the Year Award, a huge accolade for all at Decora, highlighting our consistent growth throughout all areas of the company!

Looking ahead to 2015 we have a very busy year planned, events in the Decora calendar include the R & T Stuttgart showcase from the 24th-28th February (visit us in Hall 8, Row B, Stand 41) and later in the year at the BBSA showcase from 4th-6th October, were we hope to see you there.

In this edition we ‘Rip up the Rule Book’ and take a look at how fashion colour trends are becoming seasonless. Annual catwalk runaways are blurring the lines between seasons, with colour taking on a new wardrobe… floral bright’s this winter anyone? Staying on the colour theme we also take our seasonal peep at the colours set to make impact throughout 2015.

Getting into the Christmassy swing of things, “Decorate to Impress” has three key decorating trends to really get your creative flare into full flow this festive season, be your preferred style traditional or contemporary, our guide will surely help add a touch of sparkle!

Not forgetting, a huge highlight for a lot of us throughout Christmas, the scrumptious food we eat… Have a gaze at our quick and easy appetizers to impress your party guests in our “All the Trimmings” foodie piece. Yum!

We hope you enjoy this edition for The View and revel in all the Christmas proceedings this cheery season has to offer, all we need now is some snow (just a touch) and a glass of mulled wine!

Merry Christmas!

5

Recently announced winners of the UTV Business Eye’s

Company of the Year Award, our entry acknowledged our business growth over the last few years.

This is a very positive story for us as we have demonstrated our support for the local economy and local employment, whilst maintaining continual growth throughout all aspects of the business. We were delighted to be recognised for the award, a great achievement for all at Decora.

UTV Business Eye’s Company of the Year Award- WINNER!

Let Santa Fe Shutters help you shut out the elementsthis winter with their energy efficient range oftimber shutters and wooden venetian blinds.

African inspired interiors represent a key look, Timberlux taps into this trend introducing a definite African vibe.

7

DURASHADE AD

C O L L E C T I O N U P D AT E S L A U N C H I N G 12.01.15

The foundation of Decora’s Durashade rigid PVC collection is built on functionality and practicality. The range of sleek and minimal vanes merged with contemporary colours has led Durashade to be one of the leading rigid PVC Collections in the market.

Building upon the concept of being forward thinking, the injection of 4 new designs, alongside the inclusion of a new pristine bright white enhances the Collection to a total of 9 ranges.

Modernism is exemplified with Patina, a plain PVC slat with a high gloss finish that perfectly complements the emergence of the white high gloss interior trend. Amari, Carrera and Perlato presents double sided designs; the detailed embossed finish on these designs adds a touch of softness to the rigid vane, whilst offering the practicality and blackout properties rigid PVC blinds offer.

An element of intensity has been added to the Collection with the addition of a bright white, Selene, to each of the Durashade ranges which meets the industry’s desire for crisp, clean, brilliant whites.

Whilst the new ranges further enhance this perfectly practical collection, the functionality of rigid PVC should remain highlighted; FR properties enables Durashade to be an optimum choice for commercial environments and when teamed with blackout properties, excellent closure and ease of maintenance, rigid PVC poses an extremely practical widow covering solution.

Combining function, practicality and contemporary design could not be easier with the updated Durashade Collection.

Just a few months ago

designers in New York,

London, Milan and Paris

paraded their latest collections

for autumn/winter 2014 down

the catwalk. That might, in

most people’s minds, denote

the colours of falling leaves,

tights, hats, coats and gloves…

the items of clothing we

instantly gravitate towards

when the cold weather kicks

in, right? Wrong.

In recent years, winter

collections have included

exotic florals, brights and

even miniskirts with bare legs,

while the most recent round

of summer shows featured

layering, coats and a whole lot

of very winter-worthy black.

Seasonal Colour

10

© N

an

ett

e L

ep

ore

This isn't designers getting confused - instead, it's part of a bigger trend towards “seasonless” style. In a world where we spend time in artificially cold or warm environments thanks to air-conditioning and central heating, the separation between the seasons are not as clear as they once were. Add the washout summers and warmer winters created by climate change, plus the growing global market for high fashion and the blurring makes even more sense.

So what does this mean? Wear tights in summer and shorts in winter to uphold an on trend Fashionista look? Not quite, the secret to it all is colour!

Colour is an emotive tool, the rules of fashion have always depicted that we wear darks in winter and bright’s in summer, reflecting change in season. Bright hues reminiscent of sunshine and happiness whilst darker hues… the elements and heavy winter days.

What we see coming through now is a certain “lack of seasonality” with many a designer touting

this as the season to be seasonless. The term “winter white” not only relating to the weather but the colour choices in clothes we wear. Heavy winter coats have been given the light and dusky colour treatment, summer shorts and camisole tops a darker mood overhaul. Pondering this, you might just think you’ll stick to what you know, keep your seasons and colours in check according to the “golden rules of fashion” but let’s look back in a few year’s time and reflect upon the grip the seasonless trend, much like any trend will take. Who knew years back that MC Hammer harem pants would be socially acceptable after we all raised an eyebrow at first.

Take this trend not as unknown territory but a trend to be embraced, one that allows you to get one up on fashion big whigs, who prescribe what you should be wearing and when, “seasonless” lets you live by your own colour fashion rules, layer up on summer clothes in winter and strip back winter clothes in summer. Do what you want to do and you can’t go far wrong.

How has the growing acceptance of seasonless colour impacted or inspired your design and colour choices?

"The trend of seasonless colour is an extension of a larger philopshy growing worldwide, which is the breaking of limitations as well as the practicality of wearing all your colours year round. I believe traditional dogmas are melting away and the consumer not only craves being “out of box”, but more importantly, prefers permission to be themselves, without fashion judgement."

11

Jauretsi Saizarbitoria(Chief Curator for The Inside Source, Ebay)

© P

am

ella R

ola

nd

12

This year try our gorgeous winter berry-inspired scheme to make your home feel cosy. A nod to nature this look is perfect for the traditionalists amongst us… team rich berry reds with merry greens and frosted accessories to compliment a look of total cheery glee.

Fancy up a traditional Christmas wreath with a quick spritz of frosting and add fresh holly and berries- give your guests a feeling of homely cosiness before they even step over your doorway.

A Very BerryCHRISTMAS

How quickly 2014 has flown! With Christmas upon us once again the task of putting up our decorations and making our homes look and feel as festive as possible is on everyone’s agenda. Here at The View we love this job, spending hours right up to the big day tinkering to get the look just right. Here are some of our festive decorating ideas to help you sail through the merriments without a hitch.

13

More is definitely more when it comes to this glitzy trend. Glitz, glam and sparkle with show stopping table displays which will see you right through from Christmas Day feasts to ringing in the New Year in complete style! Go all out with silver or gold accessories, tea-light holders, strung pearl detailing, or hang glittered stars over your dining table. The key to this trend is, anything sparkly that adds luxe will work with this look perfectly. Just as the ladies amongst us glam up our makeup and clothes throughout the festive season- its applying the very same mindset to our humble abodes!

For those amongst us who have a little extra time to create, here are a few homemade delights to give your home the look of arty inspiration. Bake up some yummy treats for your tree and string up with ribbon or lace. Invite your guests to tuck in! Mix home bakes with homemade paper crafted decorations to really can give your tree the look of individuality.

Turn old bottles or jars into your very own snow globes, add miniature trinkets and glitter for the full effect, cluster larger bottles with smaller jars to create a snowy scene fit for any crafty table centre piece.

All that

HEAVEN

JAZZ

Homemade

PORTAL SPREAD

TAKE YOUR BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH DECORA TO A NEW LEVEL WITH THE INTELLIGENTLY DESIGNED WHOLESALE ONLINE ORDERING SYSTEM.

O N L I N E O R D E R I N G M A D E E A S Y

The customised site enables customers to access live stock inventories, place wholesale orders online and view detailed account information at the touch of a button. Ease of

use and multiple user accessibility ensures a multitude of daily tasks can be completed online, enhancing business productivity, efficiency and cost saving.

New updates from February 2015 will enable proforma wholesale customers to avail of the online ordering service.

To start online ordering simply email onlineordering@decora.co.uk

for your account to be set up.

W W W. D E C O R A . C O . U K / C U S T O M E R P O R TA L

MARCH MAY

JUNEAPRIL

FEBRUARY

JANUARY

Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave was named best

picture at the Oscars.

Luis Suárez is expelled from the 2014 FIFA

World Cup following his biting incident

Volunteers light some of the 56,000 candles

that burned during the Light of Peace in the

Philippines.

Host nation Russia finished on top of the medal table as the 22nd Winter Olympics

came to a close. The lighting of the 5th Olympic ring

wasn’t as successful.

Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka won his first tennis Grand Slam title with victory

over an injury-hit Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final.

Psy's "Gangnam Style" becomes the first video to reach 2 billion views

on YouTube

16

SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

OCTOBER

AUGUST

JULYTeam Europe golfers

with the Ryder Cup after the closing ceremony of the 40th Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, Scotland.

Regional Christmas markets have hit the U.K with a bang.

Ostrich Burger anyone?South African athlete Oscar

Pistorius was given five years in prison for killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Legendary American comedic actor Robin

Williams is found dead at his home on August 11th.

Germany won the World Cup, beating

Argentina in the final.

'Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red' poppy installation was finally

completed at the Tower of London on November 11th.

17

18

Lucite Green is a soothing green shade whose time has really come again.

Fresh and clarifying, cool and refreshing, Lucite

Green has a minty glow.

L u c i t e G r e e n Pantone 14-5714

Cool and calming, ethereal Aquamarine is a shade with

a wet and watery feel. Open and expansive, this restful blue also acts as a

stress reducer.

A q u a m a r i n e Pantone 14-4313

Alumitex Powder Green Timberlux Alpine with Electric finish

Splash TangoSplash Blush

19

Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this robust shade

incorporates warmth and richness while it’s

grounding red-brown roots point to a sophisticated,

natural earthiness.

M a r s a l a Pantone 18-1438

Both tasty and tasteful, Strawberry Ice is a

confection colour that evokes a feeling of being “in the pink,” emitting a

flattering and healthy glow.

Strawberry Ice Pantone 16-1720

Glacier Grey is an unobtrusive grey that

contrasts and enhances; bouncing off other shades without taking away from

them as it slips into the background to allow other colours to take

centre stage.

G l a c i e r G r e y Pantone 14-4102

An invigorating turquoise that conveys a sense of carefree

playfulness. Scuba Blue offers a feeling of escape as it is reminiscent of a tropical

ocean. This stirring and energizing shade takes us off to an exotic paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if

only a fantasy.

S c u b a B l u e Pantone 16-4725

Classic Blue is a shade that is strong and reliable. Just as with the sea,

because of its waterborne qualities, this Classic Blue is

perceived as thoughtful and introspective.

C l a s s i c B l u e Pantone 19-4052

A juicy orange shade that is energizing, yet not jarring

to the eye. It is striking enough to stand on its

own and adds vitality to a printed pattern. Good

natured and friendly, but with a tangy edge, this

fun-loving colour invites a smile.

Ta n g e r i n e Pantone 16-2147

Pant

one of

2015

NEVADA FAUX WOOD SHUTTERS

I N T R O D U C I N G

www.santafeshutters.co.uk

21

Nevada Bright White 63mm

Santa Fe Shutters offers one of the most luxurious shutter Collections available, the design led, trend inspired range has expanded to include three distinct ranges of shutters. Two Basswood shutter options, Madison and Vermont and

a new addition to the collection, Nevada; a high quality faux wood offering made from PVC. Nevada shutters offer a perfect shutter solution for areas of high moisture content as PVC is water resistant. Taken from the Spanish meaning “Snow covered” the Nevada collection presents 3 pristine whites and off whites in 63mm, 89mm and 114mm blade widths. With a 10 year warranty, Nevada shutters gives consumers the assurance that blades and frames will not warp, discolour or crack and with the addition of a strengthened aluminium core, a robust and durable finish is guaranteed. Not only do Santa Fe Shutters offer a high end aes-thetic they also provide the ultimate in window covering heat retention, the elegant framed panels offer a draft tight solution by locking a layer of air between the glazing and closed shutter

blades. Closed panels also create a barrier for heat loss to the outside, offering up to a 40% reduction in heat loss. Additional benefits include the eco credentials of a shutter, Madison and Vermont are an extremely effective energy efficient window solution with an FSC accreditation whilst Nevada is highly du-rable, its PVC composition ensures it’s an eco-friendly, recycla-ble product. Available to order through the Santa Fe online ordering site which has been built for use on all tablets and computers, and presents an easy step by step order process. Individual customer finishes, frames and measurements can be processed according to the client’s bespoke requirements, on location, encompassing a customised and real time order process. Details are precisely referenced on all packaging and labelling aiding and simplifying fitting and installation. With Santa Fe Shutters, consumers can be presented with the ultimate shutter collection, now available to order.

T he foodie delights the festive season brings

are all about luxury and over indulgence. Not only do we cook more but we really cook to impress, be it for small family gatherings or an all-out Christmas dinner party with nibble bowls and sharing platters filled with all sorts of delicacies, never too far away.

This Christmas why not set the ultimate impression with delights sure to leave a lasting taste. Here is The View’s favourite easy peasy recipes to kick start this party season!

22

Marmalade & Cranberry Sausages The humble cocktail sausage should never be too far from anyone’s party fare, but giving it a moreish marmalade and cranberry coat to add a little bit of razzle.

1. Place the sausages in a single layer on a large roasting tin, cook for 10 minutes at 200oC.

2. Mix the marmalade, cranberry sauce, honey and fresh cranberries together in a bowl and pour over the sausages stirring well to coat.

3. Cook for a further 15 minutes turning occasionally, until sticky and golden.

4. Pop in your cocktail sticks and watch them vanish!

Chorizo and Prawn Skewers Team succulent prawns with chorizo and spice for the ultimate burst of flavour

1. Heat oven to 200oC and cook the chorizo on a tray for 12 minutes. Meanwhile, mix together prawns and harissa (chilli paste).

2. In a bowl, combine garlic, mayo and yogurt to make a dip.3. Turn the chorizo, add the prawns to the tray and cook for

5 minutes more. Sprinkle parsley over the prawns, then thread each onto a skewer.

4. Get dipping and enjoy the mix of flavours!

Cranberry and Brie Bites A quick and easy no fuss delight.

1. Heat oven to 190oC.2. Cut thawed puff pastry sheets into 3x3 inch squares.

Press each square into a muffin cavity.3. Cube the brie into 3 inch cubes and place in the centre of

the puff pastry squares. Top the brie with a small dollop of cranberry sauce.

4. Bake for approx. 10 minutes or until puff pastry corners are toasted lightly brown.

5. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Bacon Stuffing Balls Stuffing for a lot of us is the ultimate taste of Christmas and with this gem of a recipe you can turn it into a moreish party nibble.

1. Simply prepare the stuffing then roll into balls (make them large or small whatever you fancy) and wrap with bacon or pancetta.

2. Bake until crisp!3. Prepare a homemade dip of your choosing for a true

dunking delight!

23

MARCH 20TH

- APRIL 6TH

JANU

ARY

14TH

- 17TH

FEBRUA

RY

24TH

- 28T

H

MAY 2ND - 10TH

JULY 19 TH - 21 ST

SEPTEMBER 13 TH - 15 TH

OCTOBER

4 TH - 6 TH

IDEAL HOME SHOWFrom kitchens and bathrooms, to bedrooms and basements, you’ll find it all under one roof at this award-winning show. (Olympia London)

HOME EVENTHome is the definitive retail and contract event of homewares, housewares and interior accessories. (Olympia, London)

Around the world of furniture in 4 days. (Manchester Central)

GRAND DESIGNS LIVERunning for 9 days, the show offers visitors a unique opportunity to see all the latest trends for the home as well as many products never seen before. (London Excel Arena)

the

24

25

R+T STUTTGARTAn international trade fair for building technology and machinery, interior construction, windows, doors, roller blinds, gates and construction. (ICS International Congress Centre - Visit Decora at Stand 41, Hall 8) www.messe-stuttgart.de/en/r-t/

HEIMTEXTILThe biggest international trade fair for home and contract textiles (Messe Frankfurt) www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com

BBSA SHOWCASEOver 60 exhibitors will be displaying and demonstrating the best and most innovative products on the market. (Ricoh Arena, Coventry) www.bbsashow.co.uk

YOUR STYLE

ONE COLLECTION

www.thefabricbox.co.uk

28

S AV EENERGY

How we utilise our window coverings can offer a significant reduction of heat loss; • Keeping blinds open in the day time

harvests free solar energy of natural light which increases heat gain in a room

• Closing the blinds when it gets dark enables heat to be retained in the room.

HEAT LOSS - THE FACTS

• Up to 18% of heat loss in a home is lost through windows.

• Installing an interior blind or shutter to act as an insulating layer and can offer up to a 40% improvement in heat loss.

• Reducing heat loss through windows can save on heating bills.

• Optimum heat loss can be achieved through installing an interior shutter.

Keeping our carbon foot print to a minimum is becoming more of a

focus for homeowners as their understanding of eco products increases. At this time of year, keeping warm and minimising heating and energy bills is a high priority for many consumers.

18%

with

®

Santa Fe Urban Storm

29

Wood is known as a natural insulator due to the pockets in the

cellular construction which traps air within its cell walls, creating a barrier for heat loss. The ultimate in window covering heat retention is internal shutters, the elegant framed wood panels offer a draft tight solution by locking a layer of air between the glazing and closed shutter blades. Closed panels also create a barrier for heat loss to the outside.

Handcrafted from the finest Basswood, Santa Fe Shutters can offer up to a 40% reduction in heat loss while at the same time present a beautiful and elegant window dressing.

In addition to wood shutters, wooden venetians also aid heat retention in cooler months, the excellent insulation properties and the high degree of light control obtained through adjusting the slats makes wood venetians an extremely effective energy efficient window solution. Furthermore, rich wood tones can further add a feeling of warmth. At this time when consumers are becoming more conscious of eco products, this information will be taken into account more and more when buying window coverings. Granted not always the cheapest choice at the outset, it’s always worth researching the benefits, especially if the choices you make see a reduction in energy bills and lessen energy consumption.

When thinking of minimising heating bills, think window coverings, think wood, think Decora.

Decora’s portfolio of quality wood venetians; Timberlux, Sunwood and Excel Wood offers and wide selection of wood tones, painted finishes and textures to a wide spectrum of home owners and in turn provide energy efficiency with excellent insulation properties.

Timberlux Stark

Excel Wood EW06

Sunwood Tawny

New Year

Fast approaching, 2015 will be here in no time, once we get past the pop and fizz of the festive season thoughts will quickly turn to rejuvenation, detox and all important exercise to help shift our Christmas indulgences. Here at The View we belief that it’s the small steps that can make a huge difference, overload too fast on exercise and you are guaranteed body burnout by January 15th.

1. New Gear, New you!Initial thoughts on January 1st always involve getting fit for the New Year. A top tip is to invest in some new workout kit that you love and feel good

in. If you’ve got the right gear, you’ll feel much more inspired

to put it on!

3. Be Carb SavvyAvoid refined and processed foods, including "white carbs" like white bread and pasta - and opt for complex carbohydrates instead, like sweet potatoes and whole-grains, which help maintain steady blood sugar levels.

2. Rope in FriendsIt’s always easier to stick to a plan when someone else is counting on you. Arrange to meet friends for a dance class or ask them to join you on a run.

4. Set a goal Set yourself a goal that spurs you on to keep exercising and remain on the healthy track. Having something tangible to work towards, like running a marathon or a large family gathering (encouraging you to look your best), is always a great motivator.

5. and reward yourselfIt’s been proven that a reward system is an excellent way to keep your motivation going, particularly when you’re getting started again. Think of something that you want to do, buy or eat, then reward yourself when you reach your milestone.

30

F I R E R E T A R D A N T F A B R I C

W W W. U N I C O LO U R B L I N D S . C O . U K

W W W. D E C O R A . C O . U K