The winner of the Dining Category in The Furniture Awards 2018 was Gallery Direct, for Milano.
Having won the Mid-level Category in the inaugural awards in 2015, and named Highly Commended in 2016, Gallery Direct certainly has form in this competition – yet its entry this year was probably its clearest winner to date.
Made from European oak and rustic oak structured veneers, the Milano dining and living collection is modern in style, yet features chevron inlays, in a nod to mid-century design.
The collection consists of two tables, a range of cabinets and occasional tables, and features push-and-click and soft-close drawer mechanisms, plus a specialist matt lacquer finish that keeps the timber looking natural and dry.
Achieving an effortlessly natural look, with a cleanliness and warmness that would appeal to a broad consumer segment, and a soft grain that’s eminently practical for diners, Milano is a great example of Gallery’s ability to create modern, affordable designs. To encourage investment in floor displays, stockists are offered generous support, plus access to one of the industry’s widest selections of quality interior products, from mirrors and character chairs to the famous Frank Hudson bedroom ranges.
The judges called it: “A great interpretation of Mid-Century Modern, with really casual elements despite its clean lines. It’s a very well-balanced range, and backed up by ready stocks and impressive POS.”
From left: January Furniture Show director Laraine Janes; Gallery’s business development director and sales director, James Hudson; Gallery MD Peter Delaney; and Paul Farley
Developed by Furniture News magazine in partnership with the January Furniture Show– and supported by the BFM this year – The Furniture Awards seek to recognise the industry’s champions, by identifying the most commercial and creative products launched at the exhibition, across four categories –bedroom, dining, living and decor. Working alongside awards co-ordinator (and editor-in-chief of Furniture News magazine) Paul Farley, this year’s judges were Malcolm Walker (Furniture Village), Jacquie Benedukt (Fenwick) and Debbie Watmore (AHF).
