A NEW design hub bringing together smart technology with the best interior furnishing is to be launched in the Lake District.

The new centre at Special Spaces in Windermere will be a showcase for top craftsmen and designers, with state-of-the-art home cinema, audio and lighting set into custom built furniture in an ideal-home setting.

The project marks the start of a partnership between two dynamic young companies; smart technology specialists Epixx and craft furniture creators Lakeland Fells Furniture.

Andrew Smith, who runs the Special Spaces showroom and is also hands-on managing director of Lakeland Fells Furniture, said: “It’s an ideal partnership. Their equipment fits into our specially-designed furniture. They are bringing smart technology to the smart homes that we are furnishing.”

Matt Holmes, from Epixx, who are independent consultants and designers specialising in home cinema, HDTV, lighting, music, and smart security, said: “We have designed one bespoke interface that’s powerful enough to control everything in a home or commercial environment, and all our systems are designed to be easy to use. Now we will have an ideal location where we can demonstrate just how smart and user-friendly it can be.”

They will be joined by award-winning interior designer Alison Tordoff whose Fidget Design furnishings and décor will set off the installations, and glass artist Jo Vincent who is creating a stunning glass kitchen splashback.

On one wall, an eight-feet wide home cinema is being installed in a lounge filled with craftsman-built furniture.

There is also a built-in cocktail cabinet and a hidden door in a bookcase that takes visitors through to a mini conference centre.

A fold-down bed set into a wall will demonstrate how space can be used, while the sofas will be filled with cushions from Alison’s Love District range – a tribute to the local Lake District landscape.

The centre is due to open at the end of September.