Andrew Smith
A team of young high-tech designers and craftsmen are transforming the guest experience at hotels and restaurants in the North.
The smart technology experts at Epixx have joined forces with furniture makers Lakeland Fells Furniture to revolutionise music, lighting and viewing in classy room settings.
Their latest project is at the Windermere Cranleigh Boutique Hotel where newly refurbished suites have 42inch TV in the bathrooms. And the music, TV and lighting is all controlled by the guests on an I-pad docked to the wall. 
“It’s a new way to bring smart technology to homes, businesses and hotels,” said Matt Holmes of Epixx (pictured below with Ben Tomlinson and Alison Tordoff). “Design has to be about how it works, as well as how it looks and feels.”
This is echoed by Andrew Smith of Lakeland Fells Furniture: “We create and install the surrounding furniture which is a big step ahead of what’s been available until now. The furnishings in a room have to match the excellence of the sound and viewing experience that new technology can bring.”
The two companies have brought their expertise under one roof at a new showroom in Windermere, Special Spaces, which is now open. It’s been designed by another collaborator in the project, Alison Tordoff of Fidget Design, with decorative glass pieces by Jo Vincent.
Epixx have also installed an automated lighting control system at the Quite Simply French restaurant on Lancaster’s St George’s Quay. Also in Lancaster, Lakeland Fells have created some futuristic study pods (below) and playstation pods at the Damside student residence, a luxurious new development near the city centre.
LFF have also been working at the Crathorne Hall Hotel in Yarm in North Yorkshire, building two bars and a number of bedroom vanity cabinets in solid and veneered American Black Walnut.
Stephen Hargreaves, CEO of The Cranleigh Boutique Brand: “We have used used Epixx and Lakeland Fells for a variety of projects within our brand. Their attention to detail, creative approach and excitement for creating new and cutting-edge concepts makes me proud to know them. Working with people like this makes my life easier and my customers have an experience they cannot get anywhere else, it’s that simple.”
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