Features

Smart home technology continues to drive developments in the motorisation + solar control space, while a suite of innovations dedicated to the effective operation of solutions throughout the home are also unfolding. Belinda Smart reports.

The evolution of the curtain fabrics market continues to unfold, with greater diversity of choice emerging, although demand remains broadly divided into an understated "natural" aesthetic and a leaning towards opulence. Belinda Smart reports.

External blind suppliers have a raft of innovations coming on stream, many of them set for launch at the upcoming Super Expo in June. WFA reports.

Competition remains fierce in the shutters category with many commentators observing the product is dangerously headed to commodity level. WFA spoke to companies differentiating their shutter offerings and assisting retailers in marketing these points of difference.

After a two-year absence, Anne Marie Commandeur from the Stijlinstituut Amsterdam was back at the Heimtextil trends forum, speaking to a packed house. Rather than doom and gloom, Commandeur said the trend table had taken thoughts and inspiration from positive impulses that can inspire people towards good, harmless and meaningful design.

Anja Bisgaard Gaede said that despite the disconnect between a consumer's sustainably purchasing patterns, the influence of climate and climate change is being felt in the trend directions.

The format of the trend presentations was given an overhaul this year, with the trend table reduced to three agencies (down from seven) and alongside the keynote presentation, only two other trend presentations were given by the other two trend table members. The other presentations times were given over to a number of leading designers, who shared some of their interesting work that had been featured as part of the main trend presentation.

It has been 6 months nowsince Ozroll completed theacquisition of SlidetrackBlinds and transitionedmanufacturing of the productrange to Ozroll headquartersin Dry Creek, SA.

A number of mishaps at the historically indomitable Wilson Fabrics have led to investments in IT systems as well as weaving, printing and dyeing machinery, resulting in a company that is now well placed for the next chapter of its legacy.

Since launching in 2010, Instagram has morphed from a fun photo and videosharing social networking platform to a formidable business tool, for those who know how to use it. Belinda Smart spoke to business instagrammers upping customer engagement through the platform.