Sunday Express Magazine
Express Papers - www.express.co.uk
Sunday, 14th January 2007

Linda Barker - The nation's favourite interior designer selects striking designs for the boldest, hippest homes.

Are you sitting comfortably? - The Bibendum chair, £425, is almost 100 years old but looks as fresh as ever. Call 0845 1200 097 or see www.iconicinteriors.co.uk

Western Mail
National Newspaper of Wales - www.icwales.co.uk
Saturday, 3rd January 2007

WHERE fashion takes the lead, dictating style, mood, textiles and colours, interiors follows cloasely on its shirt-tails, adapting fashion trends to home decor and design.

The 1980's gave us shoulder pads and glitz which led to Hollywood-style homes while the 1990's fought back with sharp tailoring and with it clean lines and stark minimalist living.

The "noughties" however, seem to have declared a no-rules state with design gurus championing a mix-up society.

The bigger the clash on the shoes, dresses and handbags front, the more fabulous the look and woe betide the appearance of matching jacket and trouser combo at one of the season's social calendar events.

It seems we can now all kick back, stop worrying whether shabby chic has had its day, or if muted paint tones should be replaced by the latest geometrically designed wallpaper and take on a laissez-faire attitude when it comes to all avenues of interiors.

Or, are there some exceptions?

Next week Swansea sees the launch of Meridian Quay (call Dawsons on 01792 301020), a multi-million pound development to be nestled between the marina and seafront.

This is no ordinary development, indeed part of the project includes The Tower, which will become Wales' tallest building at 350ft and which looks set to attain iconic status.

Of course, the apartments are spec'd up to the rafters with everything from granite work surfaces to fabulous floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiles, state-of-the-art fixtures and fittings and a 24hr concierge service to boot.

With the boundaries of design being pushed to the limits, the ultimate in luxury, breathtaking views and the most enviable location, the new tenants of Swansea's soon-to-be number one address can sit back and relax.

Or can they?

With iconic status comes a sense of pride and with that, perhaps, a desire to pay homage to outstanding architecture and design and, therefore, ditch the run-of-the-mill sofa and footrest.

For cutting-edge products and valuable guidance on design icons visit Iconic Interiors Ltd (www.iconicinteriors.co.uk or call 0845 1200 097) who officially launched their trading arm August of last year.

As a true expert of icons, Mark Holdsworth, founder of Iconic Interiors says, "The challenge for the residents of Wales' newest architectural sensation is how to make their home as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.

"Every home benefits from the understated luxury of truly iconic furniture, but none more so than a home in a new icon in the making such as The Tower at Swansea's Meridian Quay."

Article written by Annabel Bevan.