Muirhead get big TV break

One of the UK's top upholstery suppliers, Muirhead got its 'big break' with a grand appearance on Channel 4's hugely popular 'building the dream home' TV series Grand Designs. In partnership with Ditto Textiles - designer and manufacturer of rugs both 'off the shelf' and custom made - Muirhead supply leather which is laced together to edge the British-made, New Zealand wool floor coverings, chosen by the owners of the new build for the TV show. 'It all happened as a result of us exhibiting at the 100% Design exhibition', said Paul Bartholomew, director of Ditto Textiles. 'One of the owners spotted our alternative floor coverings and approached me to provide them for a number of rooms within the property.' In total, five rugs were commissioned from two fabric designs - Square and Amble, both in the Elephant colour-way, the former from Ditto's current range and the latter a bespoke design - and all were made to measure to fit effectively with the interior space. Muirhead's luxurious Shetland leather in charcoal was used to edge the rugs. The dream home nicknamed 'The Big White House' has a very classic but modern theme. The walls are painted a smooth, pure white and the floors throughout the house are laid with large white tiles, flecked with tiny chips of coloured glass. To liven up the stark crispness, the rugs were used in the living room, dressing room, meeting room and two bedrooms to add a touch of warmth and texture. 'Muirhead have been supplying us with leather for our rugs for over 18 months', said Paul. 'Their leather is such high quality and the range of colour and finish options is fantastic; meaning that our customers can have their bespoke requirements met. Not only that but Muirhead provide a great service - always reliable and very quick!' 'This was definitely one of our most unusual commissions', said John McMorris, sales manager of Muirhead. 'However, we are used to handling specific and bespoke requests from our customers and it was particularly rewarding to have the finished item featured on Grand Designs.'