Spotlight On: A Year in Review – top products launched in 2018 (Part 2)

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Continuing this month’s Spotlight On feature on ‘A Year In Review’ (Products of the year 2018), we have highlighted what we believed to have been the game-changing product launches of 2018. Here is part two of our ultimate throwback…

Following popular demand of our first article that we published on the top products that have launched in 2018, we have decided to revisit the archive to dig out the many other game-changing product launches of the year.

1) Grohe: Is this the future of hotel toilets? (Recommended Supplier)

Image credit: Grohe

Since launching, GROHE Sensia Arena with its app-control features and three different spray patterns is becoming a popular choice among designers and hoteliers. Defined by GROHE as ‘new standard of personal hygiene’, The Sensia Arena (showcased at SLEEP + EAT) is a shower toilet, fast-becoming increasingly popular in international hotels thanks to its many unique features.

2) Skopos: Mau Loa 

Image credit: Skopos

Mau Loa adds to the Skopos print portfolio and was seen on exhibition stands throughout Autumn and Winter.

Inspired by the relaxing pace of Hawaiian life, Mau Loa (meaning ‘forever’) conveys a tranquil, exotic paradise through exquisite illustration, hand painting and mixed media.

3) Meystyle LED wallpaper (WINNER: The Brit List 2018)

Image credit: Meystyle

Wallpaper specialist Meystyle launched the Conductivity collection with the mission to rescue walls from the background. The company has done this by integrating bold patterns with LED lights and crystals to create deep visual experiences that totally transform walls and wallpaper into works of art. The sister duo went on to win Inspiration in Design – Innovative use of Technology at The Brit List 2018.

4) Interface go carbon neutral on all products

Image credit: Interface

We love a juicy eco story here at Hotel Designs, so when we heard that contract carpet manufacturer Interface was going 100 per cent carbon neutral we hit the keyboard fast to amplify to our readers. Considering there is a major focus at the moment on manufacturing eco-friendly materials, this story has to land on our list of the top product launches and announcements in 2018.

5) Morgan: Rio 2 collection (Recommended Supplier)

Image credit: Morgan

Contract furniture designer and manufacturer Morgan Furniture launched its new Rio 2 collection, created in collaboration with studio Integrate, at Sleep + Eat this year. Ahead of its launch, we had exclusive access to interview the architect behind the futuristic product, Mehran Gharleghi.

6) Wilton Carpets: Kinetic Collection (Recommended Supplier)

Image credit: Wilton Carpet

Full of energy and design, Kinetic from Wilton Carpets features striking modern patterns made for forward-thinking leisure and hospitality spaces. Using colourways drawn from the manufacturer’s new Creations colour palette, Kinetic is bursting with dynamic shades of grey, blue and green.

7) Kaldewei: Steel Enamal (Recommended Supplier)

Image credit: Kaldewei

Bathroom specialist Kaldewei fuses robust steel and exquisite glass together to create superior Kaldewei steel enamel. Bringing 100 years of experience to bear, the company today produces premium bathroom solutions made of a single material to a consistently high standard of quality that are appreciated all over the world.

To read part one of our ultimate throwback, click here

Main image credit: Meystyle

Hamish Kilburn / 10.12.2018

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.