RB12 will be open throughout this years London Design Festival (LDF), as part of the Shoreditch Design Triangle from the 15th-22nd September. LDF is a celebration of London as the design capital of the world and we are so proud to be part of it!
As well as the opportunity to look round our concept store and see all our year-round collections, we will be presenting a pop-up installation exploring our family of surface suppliers, taking you on a journey of sensory discovery through interior and exterior surfaces.
We sat down with one of RB12's founding partners, Dean Louw, to find out more about what they'll be up to during the festival...
What was the idea behind Surfaces for the Senses at RB12?
We chose this theme because we have some great surface products such as tiling, wall coverings and finishes, that are sometimes overlooked in comparison to the louder family members e.g. sofas, wardrobes, kitchens, etc.
We wanted to showcase these surface options, which is an area of design that we are really excited and passionate about. These products and brands deserve to be celebrated and shouted about too!
What do you hope to achieve from the event?
As well as inspire LDF visitors with our sensory pop-up installation, we want to introduce some of the surface suppliers that are part of the RB12 family, including; Botteganove, Corà, Gypsum, Fornace Brioni, London Art, Matteo Brioni, AMWA and Petite Friture.
What do you think surfaces can bring to an interior scheme?
Surfaces are the ingredient that usually complete and elevate a design – a bit like baking powder in a cake recipe. It brings the whole design together and can make a room pop.
Some surfaces can also have an impact on mood and even health e.g. some of our raw earth products are known to have a positive effect on mood and health. It has the ability to absorb toxins and bind odors and also releases negative ions into the air, which is linked with an assortment of benefits to mood, clarity of mind and creativity.
Do you have a memory of a surface that has excited your senses in the past?
Polished concrete floors – we have this at home and it is great underfoot in winter and summer. It retains the heat beautifully from the underfloor heating, so is great for stepping onto on a cold winter's morning. Then in summer, it is refreshingly cool when the heat from outside can be uncomfortable.
Rafa and I both also had a "bit of a moment" when we met Gypsum and Matteo Brioni in Milan earlier this year – they actually made the hair on my arms rise when we were first introduced to them – perhaps a little sad to admit. The products are not only beautiful, but one of those products that you just want to run your hand over; on top of that, they smell great.
"The products are not only beautiful, but one of those products that you just want to run your hand over; on top of that, they smell great."
Clay, water, minerals...By combining age-old techniques and modern design, these natural materials can be turned into the most beautiful wall and floor coverings. Visit our pop-up installation, just next to the RB12 Design Shop for a sensory journey where you will be able to see, touch and smell the components of our surface ranges.
From cotto tiles, innovative plaster solutions, raw earth finishes, timber and more, you can explore and meet the RB12 family of designer surface brands.
In addition to the 'Surfaces for the Senses' installation, we'll also be busy inside the Design Shop. As well as Saba Italia, Brokis Lighting and Armadillo & Co, many other products will be on display in our showroom that covers two floors. RB12 will also be hosting an evening event for LDF18...
Join us from 6PM-8:30PM for an evening of exploring the best of bathroom design together with specialists, Rexa, our favourite bathroom brand.
Italian-born Rexa work with a range of materials, bringing their artisanal approach and meticulous craftsmanship to everything from baths and basins to accessories and storage. During this event, open to all design professionals and enthusiasts, we will learn about Rexa's design and development process and explore some key tips for creating stunning customised bathrooms.
If you would like to attend, please RSVP by emailing contact@rbtwelve.com
All year round, our in-house chef serves a delicious range of hand-made sandwiches, salads, cakes and coffee to be enjoyed in amongst the furniture. Throughout LDF18 you can join us and use our design space to rest those tired feet.
Sit down and surround yourself with our family of beautiful collections including; Botteganove, Fornace Brioni, Gypsum, London Art, Matteo Brioni, Corà, Petite Friture and AMWA.
Our London design shop is our home. Based in Shoreditch and open to all, Monday to Saturday 9-6, it's where all the contemporary furniture we love, comes to life. The space offers the chance to meet and experience the collections in person, (the best way!) and our team are always on hand to welcome you.
Whether you would like a tour of the space, an introduction to the brands, to brainstorm ideas for an upcoming project or simply want to talk about design and grab a coffee and a cake, we'd love to meet you!
