Author: Cat Tomalin

Porcelain tiles are increasingly spilling out of bathrooms and kitchens thanks to award-winning designers like ROCCIA’s who are rewriting the rules on where tiles belong. Porcelain tiles aren’t just for splashbacks and shower cubicles anymore – they’re staging a bold takeover in Britain’s living rooms, bedrooms and entranceways. Inspired by the grandeur of palaces and five-star hotels, interior designers are using porcelain tiles to add architectural interest and instant luxury underfoot and overhead. Showing how you can use tiles to break up large expanses in an interesting way – here are three recent projects ROCCIA’s luxury tiles have been used…

“Heritage can be a superpower — but only if you evolve,” says Sara Hassan, Head of Marketing at Arighi Bianchi. “We’re using experiential retail, digital storytelling and lifestyle branding to break out of the category norms – and it’s already turned social buzz into 1,000% organic growth, increased footfall and doubled online traffic.” For all brands with a long history, there comes a time where you must regenerate or risk irrelevance. But attracting new and often younger audiences – while holding on to the values, visuals, and voice that made the brand successful in the first place – is one…

Brits are still spending on luxury fragrance despite the cost-of-living squeeze – and loyalty programmes like Perfume Direct’s Rewards Club are fuelling a new era of “savvy splurging”. Because consumers aren’t cutting back on perfume – they’re shopping tactically. Perfume sales in the UK are booming – proof that even with rising prices, we’re not giving up the feel-good factor associated with luxury scents. But it’s not reckless spending driving the trend; consumers are shopping smarter. Social media is playing a huge part in fragrance’s staying power. #PerfumeTok has now amassed billions of views and, thanks to Gen Z’s obsession…

Queues out the door, happy families, and an unforgettable day of animal-themed adventures – Arighi Bianchi’s Safari Fun Day with Chester Zoo was one of its most successful events yet! On Sunday 6th July, the iconic Macclesfield showroom was transformed into a wild wonderland as excited kids (and their keepers!) from across the region joined the Arighi team for a day packed with family-friendly fun, in partnership with the incredible Chester Zoo Rangers. A Wild Day Out for All Ages From 10am to 4pm, guests of all ages enjoyed a wide variety of interactive, safari-themed children’s crafts and activities, including pebble…

As UK homeowners increasingly prioritise quality of life at home, investment in outdoor living spaces is thriving. Recent figures suggest that households across the country are projected to spend more than £6.5 billion on their outdoor spaces this year, reflecting a wider consumer focus on creating environments designed for wellness and relaxation. “There’s a growing appetite for alfresco living spaces that extend the comforts of the indoors out, enhance property value, support mental wellbeing, and create a space to enjoy with friends, family, and even pets,” says Ashif Kazee at ROCCIA. Despite ongoing cost-of-living concerns, many homeowners are placing increasing value on…

New research highlights consumer trust issues as UK landline switch-off looms As the UK races toward a fully digital telecoms future, research from Zen Internet reveals a hidden risk for businesses – especially SMEs. Over a third (35%) of British consumers say they wouldn’t trust a small or medium-sized business that only uses a mobile number. The findings highlight a surprising reliance on ‘fixed’ contact details – particularly when it comes to credibility and professionalism – as the country prepares to switch off its analogue networks. The nationwide shutdown of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN),…

Date: Sunday 6th July 2025Time: 10am – 4pmLocation: Arighi Bianchi, The Silk Road, Macclesfield Families across Macclesfield are in for a wild adventure this Sunday, 6th July, as Arighi Bianchi joins forces with the Chester Zoo Rangers for a one-day-only Safari Family Fun Day. There’s FREE and ticketed activities to keep young explorers busy from morning ‘til late afternoon. From pebble painting and hand art to face painting, animal puppets and ranger-led fun, there’s plenty to ignite imaginations. Little ones can follow a free animal trail hidden throughout the store, then refuel with children’s safari lunch boxes in Caffè AB before heading out…

With an unmissable extra £100 off and a free Grind Coffee If you’re upgrading your interiors or finally planning to treat yourself to that new sofa, now’s the moment. The clock is ticking on Arighi Bianchi’s Spring Sale Event – and with offers ending on Sunday 1st June, this is your final chance to bag serious bargains on big-name furniture, stylish accessories, and luxury home essentials. Even better? It’s a Bank Holiday Weekend – so you’ve got the perfect excuse to make a day of it at the North’s most famous furnishings retail destination and enjoy expert guidance from the…

Because your scent should be just as yee-haw as your boots Cowboycore is riding high this season, and it’s not just about fringe jackets and dusty denim. Fragrance is getting in on the rodeo because naturally, your fragrance wardrobe deserves to follow suit. And with Beyoncé’s UK Cowgirl Carter tour galloping into town this summer, Cowboycore is about to move beyond the festivals and fashionista set to hit UK streets with full force. And our scent trails will be as western inspired as our look. PerfumeDirect.com has rounded up the ultimate edit of perfumes that embody the rugged, radiant, and…

Independent brand communications agency 438 Marketing is celebrating 20 years of creativity, growth and brilliant relationships. As the agency enters its third decade, it has reported a 24% YOY revenue increase, new clients and expansion of its in-house capabilities to support ongoing success. Founded in 2005, 438 Marketing has built a reputation for delivering impactful brand experiences, employee engagement solutions and strategic marketing programmes for some of the world’s most recognised companies. Its current client roster includes PepsiCo, Isuzu UK, Subaru and Element Materials Technology, as well as several regional charities and B2B organisations. Recently joining 438’s line up, following competitive pitches,…

Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile Milano 2025 have spoken, and here’s what’s trending loud and clear! Milan Design Week is arguably the event of the year in the global design calendar, taking place every April and attracting hundreds of thousands of designers, curators, buyers, editors and visitors. It’s a week packed with creative ideas, industry conversation and, importantly, provides a clear view of what’s setting the pace for the future of interiors, product design, and architecture. Four interior design experts from luxury furnishing store Arighi Bianchi, ROCCIA (tiles), Apollo Blinds and My Fitted Bedroom review the potential impact…

Once a staple of every British household, the humble landline phone is fast becoming an antique relic according to new research by Censuswide for broadband supplier Zen Internet. Image credit: https://imgflip.com/i/36yj3g The UK is preparing for the switch-off of the traditional landline system and it could see fewer homes owning and using a landline home phone. Zen’s survey ahead of the switch to digital phone technology found that while more than half (52%) of Brits still have a landline, only 15 per cent use it regularly. In the survey older generations felt landlines gave “better call quality” and “a more…