Staff from Briant Curtaining were out in force yesterday to see the curtains and blinds leave the premises and head to

Marseilles. After manufacturing for more that 6 weeks the good were finally ready to

leav
e. out in the forecourt were 10 of the crates that were being picked up to head to the south of France.
Director Warren Offer will be heading there on Wednesday with Antony Draper to carry out the mamouth task of installing them on board. The fit out has to be completed within the next two weeks.
In total 23 crates left Briants, 180 pairs of curtains, 40 Pelmets and 120 blinds were within these crates. In addition a stage curtain measuring 20mts wide with a drop of 4.5mts was also manufactured.
Within the picture you can see that some of the staff were waving the union jack, this symbolising how proud we are to send these gods that were “Made in Britain”…
ALready work has started for the next vessel which is being installed in June
.

Goods sent over sea’s made in Coventry

Situated in land locked Coventry has not been a problem for Briant Curtaining who added a Marine arm to their domestic and contract business in 2002. Since their first contract with P & O for the cruise ship Aurora they have now completed contracts for P & O, Carnival, Princess, Celebrity and Saga on several of their ships. In addition to fitting in the UK, Briant’s fitters have travelled to Puerto Rico, Grand Bahamas, Sicily, Germany, Singapore, Sydney Australia and now this month they are off to the South of France to install curtains in the Casino, Theatre and Restaurant for the MV Horizon.

In 2010 they completed contracts on the Star Princess, Grand Princess, Saga Sapphire and the Queen Mary II. Now they have just been awarded for 2012 a large contract for Celebrity’s MV Horizon, and have sent out 22 large crates of curtains, blinds and curtain tracks including some large stage curtains all made by Briant’s experience staff in their Coventry workrooms.

Sales & Production Director Warren Offer will be travelling to France to oversee the fitting of the Horizon said that “2012 has started well and we are more confident with the outlook, with many new contracts for both the commercial side of the business as well as their Retail Store things are looking good”. As a result Briant’s have found themselves in an unfamiliar position of advertising for more staff, even though they have just taken two more on.

Warren added “The staff have worked extremely hard for the past few weeks, not only manufacturing 160 pairs of curtains which consisted of 2 miles worth of fabric, they have also been keeping our other clients happy by delivering on time to them”

Following this re-fit, Briant’s have already secured a contract on one of the Crystal Vessels and are looking at 3 others.

Briant’s was started in 1973 by current director’s Peter and Janis Offer and now as they head for their 40th year they are keeping the tradition of the family business with Son Warren and Daughter Debbie both appointed as Directors.

Harlequin has developed Delphine, a delightful collection of charming prints, weaves and wallpapers, which will be launched in late summer 2011.

Drawing on documents in the archive, principally from 1930s, the Harlequin Studio has captured the heady essence of summer days and the frosty beauty of autumn mornings, the tranquillity and elegance of the herbaceous border and the endless allure of the English cottage garden.

Delphine features a rich array of floral motifs on varying scales, including bold and uninhibited depictions of delphiniums, lilies, chrysanthemums, dahlias and laurels, as well as dainty spots and entwining trellises, cascading trails and a very evocative 30s block design.

The collection is strong, confident and highly useable, not just for curtains and accessories but for upholstery as well. It represents an eclectic fusion of prints with damasks and crewel work embroideries, and harmonises wonderfully with its companion range of stylish wool plaids.

The non-woven wallpapers encompass both bold statement papers and smaller designs to be used on all four walls, marking a return to more accessibly scaled motifs, which can be used more extensively without being overpowering.

To accentuate the grace and understated beauty of the designs, the colour palette has been deliberately pared back. There is a delicious array of unexpected colour combinations, which both subtly highlight and bring to life Delphine’s stunning motifs: dove grey and coral; sap green and soft teal; china blue and porcelain white; french navy and oatmeal; primrose yellow and rose pink; ochre, gold and stone; geranium red, linen and egg shell.

Briant’s are proud to introduce the Clarissa Hulse collection, one of the bright lights of British design, has teamed up with leading interiors company Harlequin to produce her first collection for the brand. Displaying all her trademark style and distinctive handwriting, Kallianthi, which means ‘wild flowers’ in Ancient Greek, is an enchanting botanical-inspired collection. It will be launched at Decorex in September 2011.

Drawing on a number of influences, including her love of plants, pressed flowers and all things botanical, long walks in the countryside and her half-Greek heritage, Clarissa has conjured up a beguiling range of prints, weaves and wallpapers, which manage to be simultaneously very ‘now’, yet somehow timeless in their appeal.

The exquisite fabrics are mainly printed or woven onto natural cloths such as silk dupion or linen/linen mix, often judiciously embellished with metallics. They display Clarissa’s flair and unique way of interpreting the natural influences that inspire and enthuse her. Motifs include nettles, cow parsley, grasses, ferns, olive branches, wild flowers and herbs, depicted in Clarissa’s unique style, often silhouetted against a subtle ombré background. There is also a distinctive ombré stripe design, which has been digitally printed to accommodate its 60 different colours, and two natural-coloured voiles, one of which is embellished with tiny beads, buttons and sequins.

Charming wallpapers continue the theme, and are powerful both individually or when used in conjunction with the fabrics. Ranging from a Rothko-esque ombré stripe to delicate grasses swaying gently in the breeze and tiny dappled leaves reflected on a wall, some of the papers are enhanced by metallic inks. They are all printed on non-woven paper, which is not only stable, so it does not expand when soaked, but also can be applied directly to a ready-pasted wall.

Over the years Clarissa has developed her own, highly individual colour palette, and nowhere is this more apparent than in Kallianthi, which highlights her flair and unique way of combining shades to breathtaking effect. The collection rejoices in glorious fusions of bright and bold, offset by pared back neutrals: tumeric, magenta, paprika and chartreuse; hot pinks, coral and stone; indigo, aqua, lime and ashes of roses; pebble and shocking pink; absinthe, citrine and putty; charcoal, ash and cloud.

Clarissa Hulse Biography

Clarissa Hulse was born in Prague and has lived in a number of countries around the world, including Thailand, Spain, Italy and Greece. Undoubtedly her peripatetic childhood has had a huge influence on her uninhibited approach to both colour and design.

After graduating in textiles from Brighton Art College in 1992, she moved to London to work as a freelance textile designer before starting up her own studio and establishing a successful scarf business.

This evolved into designs for home accessories, and over the last ten years she has built up one of the most innovative and exciting textile brands in the UK.

Clarissa Hulse is bright star in the British textile world, uncompromising in her passion to deliver the ultimate combination of colour, print and texture. Her name has become synonymous with beautiful and luxurious home accessories, wallpapers and fabrics, which are sold both in upmarket UK department stores such as Liberty, Heals, Selfridges, John Lewis and House of Fraser, as well as internationally in exclusive boutiques.

Clarissa confesses to having an obsession with colour, which can probably be traced right back to her childhood: ‘Colour is definitely the hallmark of my work. Also the beauty of nature completely fascinates me – I draw most of my inspiration from the countryside, where I walk, take photographs and collect interesting items.’

Clarissa lives in north London with her husband and two children.

Just received this from a client that we sent curtains to in Belfast… a good start to the day me thinks…
All too often people are quick to criticise poor service, it is certainly not the case in my dealings with Briant Curtaining. This is one of those (all too) rare occasions where a letter of praise is warranted.

The final part of our order (our curtains) arrived at the weekend. I’m just writing to express how impressed I have been with your company throughout its whole handling of our order. Not only did you provide excellent value for money but the service was second to none.

My wife was particularly impressed by the packaging of the curtain as as they could simply be removed from the box and hung straight onto the pole.

Can you please pass on our sincere appreciation and thanks to all your workers for both the excellent job and also the first rate customer service.

Kathleens & Gavin Campbell

Made to measure Curtains for Mr Cambell, Harlequin Alina

One of the most common questions that we are asked is “can you fit a curtain pole in a bay window?” The simple answer is yes, there are a number of options, I have listed them below. Poles with knuckles- some of these can be ok, but be careful. Poles with knuckles mean that you will have individual pieces of pole for each section of window. The danger is that if it is not installed correctly then the rings will catch on the joins. You will still have to help the curtains to open and close as there will be a bracket on each corner. Flexible joined poles, these poles are a solid pole, usually 15mm diameter, at two points in the pole these a segments cut out of the pole, this makes the pole look ugly and weak. Iron custom bent poles, these are a good solution but look quite traditional, you still have to help the curtains as they have brackets on the corners, eve still a good and sturdy product. Finally the Silent Gliss metropole is a fantastic product, this gives you the effect of a pole, it has a curved profile with gliders running in the bottom of the rail. This makes it smooth running and even let’s you have it cord operated and is available in 15 colours. If you want anymore information on any of the above then call the showroom who would be happy to help, we can also come out and advise at your home,One of the most common questions that we are asked is “can you fit a curtain pole in a bay window?” The simple answer is yes, there are a number of options, I have listed them below. Poles with knuckles- some of these can be ok, but be careful. Poles with knuckles mean that you will have individual pieces of pole for each section of window. The danger is that if it is not installed correctly then the rings will catch on the joins. You will still have to help the curtains to open and close as there will be a bracket on each corner. Flexible joined poles, these poles are a solid pole, usually 15mm diameter, at two points in the pole these a segments cut out of the pole, this makes the pole look ugly and weak. Iron custom bent poles, these are a good solution but look quite traditional, you still have to help the curtains as they have brackets on the corners, eve still a good and sturdy product. Finally the Silent Gliss metropole is a fantastic product, this gives you the effect of a pole, it has a curved profile with gliders running in the bottom of the rail. This makes it smooth running and even let’s you have it cord operated and is available in 15 colours. If you want anymore information on any of the above then call the showroom who would be happy to help, we can also come out and advise at yur home,

We can also be found on Linked…
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/warren-offer/39/63b/398

Briant’s are on Facebook and Twitter, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Briant-Curtaining/138855749476925
or @curtainsblinds

Made to measure Curtains for Mr Cambell, Harlequin Alina

The girls have just completed the curtains for one of the online orders from our web shop they look amazing.

Using the Harlequin Alina from the Anoushka collection complimented with a contrast from the  Anoushka plains collection and the eyelet heading, gives a contemporary look.

To find our more visit our online shop.

The new Harlequin Delphine and Floris collections are now available to buy on line. Be the first to get the latest designs from Harlequin.

Also now available is our on line make up services offering 20% off exclusively for our clients on line.

Briant’s 60mm for ITV

Briant have supplied their curtains and blinds for the latest 60mm makeover in Balsall Common near Coventry.

Working to the specification set by the designer Sophie Robinson, local company Briants delivered new curtains and accesories to the house on the day of the installation. The fabric was from the Harlequin Tempo Collection, this is available for purchase through our website, click here to be taken to where you can purchase it.

Helen Lucas from the shows production team said “I just wanted to drop you an e-mail to say a massive thank you for the curtains/cushions you made up for the makeover; they look absolutely fantastic and the lady we suprised was over the moon and couldnt quite believe it all”

Check out todays show on ITV player

Briant’s are proud to welcome the latest collection from Harlequin, stunning feature wallpapers, Boutique, is no exception! Boutique encompasses nine diverse designs – all equally mouth-watering and delicious – over a gloriously uninhibited palette of colours. The collection will be launched at Decorex and Focus in September 2010.

Briant’s are proud to welcome the new collection for Spring 2011 from the Design Studio’s at Harlequin. Momentum is a smart, ‘boutique chic’ range of opulent, textural fabrics and wallcoverings in a rich, moody colour palette. This striking collection represents a delicious marriage of classic with contemporary, matt with shine, texture with technology. Its architectural-inspired weaves have been designed to encourage confident mixing of contrasting textural effects, such as sumptuous velvets with shimmering plains, animal-skin effects with damasks, stripes and mosaic motifs.

The fabrics, which are all woven, meet the requirements of both contract and domestic usage. They have been separated into two individual books – Momentum 1 and 2. Momentum 1 is suitable for drapes and upholstery, whilst Momentum 2 is designed for drapes and accessories. A captivating combination of abstract motifs and effects, they are enhanced by the use of luscious yarns, including hi-gloss and metallics, as well as cut velvets with a superbly thick pile.

The Momentum wallcovering collection completes the dramatic design story with a stunning selection of wallpapers, which beautifully complement the fabrics. An interesting combination of vinyls and non-wovens, the papers include embossed effects, metallics and micas, which enhance the architectural appeal and elegance of the designs. In addition, the Studio is delighted to unveil a new ‘scatter’ technique, which allows fine beads to be applied to the design, to give a spectacular sparkling effect to the motifs.

The lavish, sultry colour palette is glamorous, stylish and evocative. Its mixture of confident, bright jewel tones and subtle, understated neutrals, enhanced by metallics, shimmer and sparkle, highlights the graphic, metropolitan appeal of both the fabrics and the wallcoverings. Note to editors: All Harlequin wallpapers are responsibly manufactured in the UK with respect for the environment: they are printed using ethically sourced raw materials on paper from sustainable European forests.

Princess Cruises, Grand Princess

Briant’s are once again travelling to the distant shores of the Grand Bahamas.

This is the first time that we have returned for 7 years following the refit of the Sea Princess. This time they return for the refurbishment of the Grand Princess.

Working in four main function rooms Briant’s will be installing curtains and blinds that they manufactured at their premises in Coventry and then shipped the goods out in advance. At the end of April Warren Offer, the companies Sales and Productions Director, will travel solo to install curtains and blinds in the Spa, Steak House, Shore Ex and the Casino.

Regular posts will be made to twitter & facebook during the refit, to follow on twitter @curtainsblinds, on facebook it is Briant Curtaining.

On Monday 28th March the BBC will be announcing that they are following companies in Coventry over the next 12 months, Briant’s have signed up to be apart of this to show how the Soft Furnishing industry in Coventry is coping in these troubled times.

To kick it off on BBC News from 6pm Emma Simpson from the BBC will be explaining what is going on and why they have chosen Coventry. Details will be available on their website, I will post a link to this later on.

I will be posting regular updates both on our website and on our Facebook Page.

Briant’s have recently installed new curtains to the board room and Lecture Theatre for the British Horse Society new offices near Stoneleigh.

Working with a breif given by Alison at Monteith Scott Briant’s transformed the room offering elegant style with a contemporary twist. Curtains with a width of 11meters and a drop of 4 meters were provided with blackout linings so that the room could be darkened for their presentations.

Staff at the end of the installation remarked on how they lifted the room.

The Department of Health have issued an alert to all medical facilities advising of the rick to children within their buildings. They have instructed all facility managers to carry out risk assesments for their blinds to reduce the chance of harm to the public when visiting the facilities.

Briant Curtaining Ltd along with Blind Manufactures all over the world have been very concerned about the risks for some time, particularly in light of recent tragic events. Manufactures have now come up with some solutions to hopefully prevent this happening in the future.

With the “MAKE IT SAFE “campaign and the relevant European Standard (EN 13120:2009) the British Blind and Shutter Association has given guide lines to both its members and blind manufactures, and has enrolled company’s as an accredited “MAKE IT SAFE” company., these will soon appear on a brand new web site www.makeitsafe.org.uk .

Briant Curtaining have signed up to this scheme and taken steps to adopt these systems and training their staff accordingly.

To ensure the safety of schools, colleges, Surgery’s ect… are protected Briant’s can offer a free survey of your existing blinds and provide you with a quotation should there be need to bring in these new systems. 

Please call 024 7671 3334 to arrange an appointment for your free survey, or e-mail us on bc@briantcurtaining.co.uk.

To see directive from The Department of Health please visit, http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_117311.pdf

Briant Curtaining have pledged their support to the NSPCC bring a pound to work campaign.

Briant’s Staff and Directors have showed their support for supporting this terrific campaign that Touch Radio has initiated and have started it by putting £50 straight into the pot.

Warren Offer, Director said, Briant’s offered their support to Brody Swain last week and since then have upped their support to £50, the staff will also make a contribution on the day to the station.

The station aim to raise as much money for the charity’s Boole House project. The project aims to help children and families affected by sexual abuse.  It also offers therapy for children who display signs of sexually harmful behaviour. Since its launch 15 years ago the project has helped hundreds of local children and families.

Pledge your support on the stations website by visiting http://www.962touchfm.co.uk/bring-a-pound-to-work-day-2010-471873

Briant’s have helped the campaign further by inviting other traders from Earlsdon to joing the campaign, these are the ones who have pledged their support so far…

John Taylor Butchers

Earlsdon Butchers

Briant Curtaining

Kendalls Earlsdon

Tinderbox

Victoria Jane Photography

Phoenix Office Supplies

Earlsdon Cobblers

Plan B

Warwickshire Will Writers

JBC Computer Systems

Hennessys Hairdressers

Millsy’s Cafe Bar

The Phone Shop

Antiques of Earlsdon

The Rotary CLub of Coventry Jubilee

In response to the recent guidelines for blind cords in public areas where children may be at risk to entanglement with blind cords, Briant’s are offering surgeries, schools, nursery’s, restaurants and any other areas where this may be a risk a free risk assessment.

We will attend your workplace and inspect the potential risk that visitors to your establishment may encounter.

There is a leaflet which shows you several ways that you can protect your blinds today…http://www.bbsa.org.uk/docs/BBSA-Cord-safety-leaflet-140809.pdf

If you would like a visit from Briant’s to evaluate the safety of your blinds then please feel free to contact us.

We also carry our audits on commercial properties such as schools, colleges and nurseries. Again please feel free to call us.

 Amilie’s inspiration comes from a harmonious mixture of English country garden meets French classic style. Its delightful designs and vivacious colours capture these timeless themes to perfection.

Amilie’s luxurious silks, linens and cottons give the collection a soft, laid-back feel. Claire Vallis explains: ‘The look we were aiming for was stylish yet casual at the same time.Taking archive designs, giving them a whimsical twist and colouring them in a contemporary way has resulted in a truly elegant collection.’

Amilie comprises five prints, two embroidered and two woven fabrics, complemented by seven wallpaper designs and a separate book of woven stripes and plains.The motifs encompass sumptuous floral bouquets, delightful roses, lavish tulips, enchanting ranunculus, magnolias and wisteria, pretty leaf trails and a captivating Toile.

The spirited colour palette comprises: vibrant shades of lime, fuchsia, pomegranate and coral red; more subdued tones of French grey, charcoal, warm metallics and neutrals; and softer hues of lilac, powder blue and baby pink.