C4 host and ex-Silentnight chief launch furniture

Kevin McCloud, the presenter of Channel 4 show Grand Designs, is collaborating with former Silentnight Furniture managing director Mary Czulowski to launch a homeware range, called Place, which will be launched in September.

The range has been created by a variety of new and established designers. McCloud, who has also designed three of the pieces, has overseen the range. It aims to offer consumers affordable designer furniture and will only be available over the internet and by mail order.

The Place range comprises a full range of furniture and soft furnishing, including sofas and sideboards as well as glassware, mohair cushions and throws. It has also been ethically produced using sustainable materials. It is understood that the range is hoping to become the first fair-trade furniture brand.

The launch of Place is being handle by PR company Parker Hobart Associates and marketing consultancy Quick Thinking. It is not known if the range will be supported by a marketing campaign.

McCloud runs a product design practice, which specialises in lighting and furniture, as well as writing and presenting Grand Designs. He has worked on ranges for retailer Debenhams and has written several books.

Czulowski left Silentnight in September last year with plans to set up her own homeware business. Silentnight announced that it was selling the furniture brands division two months later (MW November 4, 2004).