Journalists from top interior design magazines and websites heard from celebrity interior designer Niki Schafer last week about the importance of colours and textures when designing a room. She was talking at a Caesarstone reception in the latest Martin Moore & Co showroom just opened in Notting Hill, London.

Niki is founder of the interior design business in Henley-on-Thames that takes her name as well as being the author of the best-selling book, Creating Space, a TV presenter and a Director of the House & Garden Fair that took place last weekend (28 February and 1 March) in the Henley-on-Thames Town Hall and a large marquee nearby. Yet last Thursday, just two days before the exhibition opened, she still found time to come and talk at the Caesarstone reception in Nottingham Hill.

As well as the natural stone surfaces in the showroom, a major section incorporates Caesarstone quartz surfaces, manufactured and installed by TNC Granite, in Macclesfield, Cheshire, which has now put Caesarstone into seven Martin Moore outlets. TNC Director Charlie Fenton was at the Caesarstone event. He said more than half of his business now involves engineered quartz rather than natural stone.

There were new designs of Caesarstone introduced to the guests, who were asked for their feedback on which they liked best. Caesarstone has always restricted the number of designs it offers because it believes too great a choice can leave customers confused and unable to reach a decision.

The Caesarstone surfaces at Martin Moore's are all light colours, some with figuring reminiscent of marble. There is not a black surface, with or without sparkly bits, in sight. Dave Beckett, a Director of CR Laurence, the UK distributor of the Israeli-made Caesarstone, said 'Misty Carrara' is currently the best seller in the range. The most popular among the journalists shown the new designs were grey, concrete colours, which you can expect to see in the Caesarstone range shortly.

Niki said the kitchen / dining area is the most important in the house and went on to outline some of the considerations involved when creating a design for a client. She pointed out that, beyond the basics, almost every purchase decision is discretionary and a matter of taste, which means it is important to listen to clients and understand what they are saying.

There will be more about interior design in the May edition of Natural Stone Specialist magazine.