Assemblage 2 by Studio Toogood

Element Table in resin, from Assemblage 2 by Studio Toogood

Studio Toogood have sent us photos of their latest collection, Assemblage 2. The pieces were first unveiled at a series of experimental dinners during Milan Design Week (read WGSN-homebuildlife's account here).

Drawing Water by David Wicks

Midwest, Winter 2011, from Drawing Water by David Wicks

These images by California-based artist David Wicks have been digitally created using mapping software, generated from US water consumption and rainfall data.

Bianco Latte, Milan

Bianco Latte, Milan

Milanese latteria and gelateria Bianco Latte is a charming combination of cafe, restaurant and shop. Featuring an all-white interior and a menu centred around milk, the aim is to be "pure and genuine; milk as we remember it from our childhood".

HBL Retail News: Walmart Wireless concepts

Walmart is planning to expand its instore mobile phone shops to a total of 350 Supercenters this year, reports Twice. Last autumn a trial was launched in 200 stores and will currently be expanded to 150 outlets throughout the year.

Click here to read the full article.

HBL Retail News: Starbucks aims to use 100% recycled cups

Planet Retail reports that Starbucks is aiming for 100% of its cups to be either reusable or recyclable by the end of 2015. Currently, the US-based coffee chain uses paper cups are made from 10% post-consumer recycled paper and the cup sleeves are produced from recycled cardboard.

Click here to read the full article.

HBL Retail News: Ikea Ireland posts €11.4m profit after first full year

Swedish Furniture giant Ikea boasts €11.4 million profit as consumers spend €2 million a week; making Irish Ikea amongst the most profitable in Europe, reports The Irish Times and Planet Retail.

“We continue to invest in our prices in the long term and to improve the shopping standards for our customers, and believe we can further strengthen our position in the market as a value for money retailer during these difficult times." (The Directors' report filed with Companies Office, Ikea)

Click below to read the full articles.
Planet Retail: IKEA generates profit after first full year in Ireland
The Irish Times: Ikea Ireland posts €11.4m profit as shoppers spend €2m a week

HBL Profile: Élitis

Mise en scene by Élitis

French textile company Élitis specialise in high-end, beautifully made fabrics, wallpapers and wall coverings - and are widely considered to be leaders in their field. Here, WGSN-homebuildlife takes a look at the highlights from their current collections.

HBL Book of the Week: Decorate

'Decorate: 1000 professional design ideas for every room in your home' (Chronicle Books (US)/Jacqui Small (UK), 2011) is written by Joanna Copestick and Holly Becker - with Becker being the driving force behind popular interior design blog decor8.

HBL loves: the practical guidance provided by the authors to spur on readers with home renovations - including floor plans, checklists and step-by-step walk-throughs.

HBL Analysis: Brimfield Antique & Collectables Show

Brimfield Antique & Collectables Show in Brimfield, Massachusetts, is one of the largest and best-known vintage markets in the US. WGSN-homebuildlife padded to every corner of the field, finishing the day with aching feet and a full memory stick. Here are some highlights from this season's market - including key colours and themes.

HBL Retail News: Ikea tailors range for UK market

Planet Retail and The Guardian reports that Ikea plans to tailor its range for UK customers. The range looks to introduce darker woods, higher beds and 35cm deep wardrobes designed for the compact living conditions in the UK. The new measures were prompted by customer research; Ikea's Country Manager for the UK & Ireland, Martin Hansson explains: "People are furnishing some of the smallest living spaces in Europe. The average house has 85 square metres of floor space and in new builds, it's just 76 square metres".

Click below to read the full articles.
Planet Retail: IKEA to tailor range to UK consumers
The Guardian: Ikea's new British furniture range: darker woods, shallower wardrobes, higher beds

HBL Blog of the Week: Arts Thread

London-based website Arts Thread aims to "bridge the gap between education and the creative industry", offering online portfolio presentation, networking and access opportunities for students, graduates and employers. The Arts Thread blog acts as an extension to the main website, keeping readers up-to-date on interesting events happening across the fashion and design industries.

HBL loves: the blog's coverage of the work of students and up-and-coming designers.

HBL Analysis: Room dividers

Clouds by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Kvadrat

As children stay at home longer and more people work from home, peace and privacy can be in short supply. So it is little wonder that room dividers are enjoying a sharp rise in popularity. Sales increased by 36% over the last year, according to a survey by Spaceslide, and it looks like they might grow further.