Ally Interiors

2016-02-23T14:18:00.000+00:00

So the journeywoman picked her first card, the Five of Pentacles. Feeling like an outsider. Never loved or lived long enough with anyone or anywhere to feel like I belonged. It's because I've been running away.

The bad men came knocking on my door around 1998. I think i saw them a year before. Did my guardian angel leave me or give me challenge.

Couldn't get close to people know case they got hurt.

They were knocking on my door in dreams. Enough for me to know they were real and Carl to wake me up. Afraid to go to sleep. Who knew years later my dreams comfort and don't want to wake up.

Anyone these tunnelers spent years trying to get into my life and my last house in my nightmares . They were trying to get inside my life through bay window but I always awoke in time.

Think they won.

Drinking Fountains

2015-12-28T15:40:00.000+00:00

Public drinking fountains first made an appearance in London on the 21 April 1859. While London was becoming more populated, the standard of quality domestic water supply was failing to keep pace. So much so that beer was an alternative to water. Renowned philanthropist Sam Gurney MP gifted the public drinking fountain which is attached to the railings outside St Sepulchre-without-Newgate Church on Holborn Hill. With Edward Hill he set up the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association, later renamed as the Drinking Fountains Association. So popular was the fountain that it was believed nearly 7000 people a day would use it.

Closer to home is this public fountain erected on Hoylake Parade. It was designed by McFarlane and Co Glasgow to

commemorate the jubilee year of Queen Victoria and was erected in 1901. The dedication reads "For the children of Hoylake and Meols".

A simple fountain built on the top of Bidston Hill on Wirral may well be one of the highest fountains found in the UK. The pumping station is located at the foot of the hill though I would imagine a significant amount of engineering was still required to pump water. Interestingly the manufacturers, Glenfield Kennedy Kilmarnock, has as their founder Thomas Kennedy who invented the world's first water meter. While there appears to be no date on the fountain, it is assumed is was installed not long after 1899.

157 years later and our need for public drinking water is gaining renewed interest. The sales of bottled water have never been higher, and the environmental pollution regarding waste of plastic bottles and transportation is a concern. Many charities try to address the requirement for safe drinking water in poorer countries. Few have succeeded in implementing public outdoor fountains in the UK.

The Architects Journal developed a competition called Kiosk back in 2014 where 6 renowned architects practices were tasked to design an outdoor fountain which could be built in London. Kiosk is theTurkish term for a meeting space which includes water, and the competition was in conjunction withTurkish Ceramics as part of the Bologna Water Festival. While some of the entries were incredibly elaborate, the idea of recycling water bottles was captured perfectly in their headline Kicking the Bottle. Their vision for fresh free outdoor drinking water has been listed as one of the 13 most key projects visualised for London.

Fresh outdoor accessible drinking water available to all, including pets, sounds like a plan many people might enjoy. Imagine refilling a bottle instead of throwing one away.
And help is available.

Find a Fountain will help you locate a fountain, and their site has an indication as to which are working, and ask you to submit or correct information on their website.
The Drinking Fountains Association,the original charity set up in1859, will assist with grant applications to restore or develop free drinking water schemes in this country and abroad. Public drinking fountains come under the council public realm. While London has tried to lead a national initiative , it is failing to implement any schemes yet.

We love the designs AJKiosk generated. Who knows what trickle effect it will have in future projects around the country.

2016 Trends

2015-12-06T19:39:00.001+00:00

While the following thoughts are by no means set in stone as to what trends in interior design lie ahead, they are based on patterns we see emerging.

Certainly over the years architects and designers have approached design with "wellness" in mind. Much of this is to offer spaces which allow individuals to live and function in a positive environment. In fact you only have to search wellness to see how relevant it is in many

sectors from food to town planning.

From here we see the family bathroom receiving the greatest makeover. No longer just a space to bathe or shower, it has become the starter for creating that multi generation space. From wetrooms to steam rooms , showers are still evolving. Technology includes mirrors doubling as flat screen TV s, electronic sensor taps, thermostatically controlled showers, led shower heads, sound systems recessed into ceiling, and air injected taps to reduce water use.
Ordinary tiles and grout on walls have been making way for ceiling height water proof panels. White raised shower trays being replaced by wetroom floors.

One crucial area too has been in the importance of good branding. By that I don't mean having Downton Abbey initials on some type of unknown porcelain, but the clear branding of suppliers like Villeroy and Boch, Hansgrohe, Laufen... It does seem that people once fooled by cheap quality are now looking for the tried and trusted.

While there will always be a favourite accent colour in furnishings, the bulk of showhomes still play safe with a neutral pallette. Magnolia has long gone, with white being around some time. What we might see is layering of whites. By this I mean a few shades of white close to each other that work to highlight different surfaces. This is something that many people who use Farrow and Ball paint will be used to doing, but tricky to get right.
As an alternative to white, grey is becoming more popular.

Surprisingly feature wallpaper is still hanging in there. Big bold, brash, and often shiny - 3 rolls is generally all needed. Thankfully there are alternatives in the form of faux brick, and both engineered, and recycled woods which bring more texture and life to a room.

The industrial look is perfect for apartments and older properties. Shiny chrome taps have been replaced by antique brass or nickel to compliment a more relaxed kitchen space. It is surprising how many cookery shows have a background of exposed brick in the kitchen areas.

A few years ago it might not have been out of place to install a bright red signature kitchen. Now the look is more refined, greys and creams as popular as white.
Much more attention is given to the work surface. In fact many granite suppliers will say how much in demand that product is now. Overall the use of natural materials like granite and porcelain have been on the increase in the last few years, and this doesn't appear to be slowing down.
Porcelain on the floor is perfect for heavy traffic areas.

What I have written about elsewhere in this blog has been bio flame fires. While I see no emerging trend as such, they have been spotted in prestigious London apartments recently. They really do look stunning, so that will be my one off the wall prediction for 2016..

For advice on delivery of any of the products mentioned, contact me

White Interiors

2015-12-05T18:35:00.000+00:00

The Guest Bedroom

2015-10-29T11:15:00.001+00:00

As I write this I am reminded it is only 56 days until Christmas. Certainly many people may have started their planning for the event. The Christmas cake may be soaking in sherry, the pudding made, you may even have ordered your turkey- or bought present. Certainly I have read in the press in the last few days of people who have already decorated the outsides of their homes!

So before major panic sets in, have you looked at your guest bedroom? Perhaps you are lucky, or unlucky, to have guests staying for a few days over the Christmas period. Is the room looking its best?

Quite often the guest bedroom door is only opened when there are visitors.

A fresh duvet cover and sheets are always pleasant. The smell of newly laundered bedding really does help people to sleep more comfortably in what is not their own bed.
An inexpensive throw and a few cushions add that little bit of luxury.

Have a look at the bedside lamps. They often carry a lot of dust, and it is easy enough usually to replace shades if they are showing signs of fading.

If there are young children staying in the room is it worth considering adding some loose blackout linings to the existing curtains?

Maybe the ensuite tiling, or your own main bathroom tiling, is looking a little grubby.
There is no reason to painstainkingly regrout when you can cover the tiles with inexpensive sheets which mimic the effect of tiles and grout. These sheets can be fixed directly over existing tiles and are completely watertight.

Some of the homes around here have little sinks still fitted in bedrooms. Why not try changing the dull chrome taps for something like these from Samuel Heath. They really do add that little touch of luxury and look so much nicer.

If there is no denying that the room does need redecorating, then think about using a great eco alternative paint from Reborn. They have a great selection of colours, and you will be preventing paint ending up in landfill. The coverage is excellent. Do check out their website and support this great initiative.

It is always thoughtful to have a small bottle of water and a glass by the bedside. Many visitors feel uncomfortable about moving around someone else's home in the middle of the night searching for a glass of water. A clean towel in the room and you are done.

Once your visitors are relaxed, you can relax too.

Dornbracht En Suite Package - 80 Market St Deal

2015-10-12T17:42:00.000+01:00

80 Market Street are pleased to be able to offer the following Dornbracht En Suite Package with delivery within the UK.

Dornbracht are a German manufacturer of high quality bathroom fixtures.

1 X SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER, without pop up waste, 33.521.670

1 X COMPLETE SHOWER SET, SLIDE RAIL WITH HAND HELD SHOWER 26.402.980

1 X SINGLE LEVER SHOWER MIXER 36.015.780.00

1 X DIVERTER 35.115.970.90

1 X 1/2" WALL ELBOW 28.450.980

1 X ROUND CEILING MOUNTED SHOWER HEAD AND ARM 28.568.780

POLISHED CHROME

RRP £2713.00

80 MARKET ST PRICE £1700.00

Price includes delivery within UK mainland

All prices include VAT @20%

To order or if you would like us to call you back email 80 Market St

Wetrooms

2015-10-12T12:49:00.000+01:00

There is no doubt that wetrooms are becoming more popular. While traditional bathrooms with a shower cubicle are still the norm, the trend is moving towards multi generational use areas which are practical and safe.

There are some fantastic materials on the market which will ensure that your room remains watertight - regardless of whether you have a concrete or a timber floor.

Why are wetrooms practical? In smaller spaces a wetroom is the ideal solution, maximising showering space without the need to close off an area with doors.

Where there are elderly family members, a wetroom allows a larger showering area that can allow seating, or wheelchair access. There is no tray to trip over, and in some circumstances it can promote greater independence for the user.

Often an elderly person will require some assistance in showering, and a carer can assist more effectively. While it can be difficult for some people to get in and out of a bath, a shower remains a more preferable experience.

Aesthetically a wetroom can look very stylish, the flooring inside the shower area can remain the same as the rest of the room, or have contrast tiles

While some people may feel nervous about how effective the floors and walls can be - be assured that reputable products, and a good installer, can ensure that the room is "tanked" therefore making it watertight.

The key is also good drainage. A professional installer will make sure the form (or tray) is level with the right amount of fall - and that the drain can accomodate the output of flow of water from the shower.

Watertight wall panels are a fantastic alternative to tile and grout, and can be adhered to many existing surfaces. They are stylish, easy to install, and do create a very neat finish.
In fact the wetroom panels can be used throughout the rest of the room, as splashbacks, or surrounding a bath.

Porcelain or ceramic floor tiles are a very practical element - and of course electric underfloor heating can be installed under these type of tiles in the area not covered by the shower "tray". This is a great idea where space is at a premium, and there is no wall to attach a radiator.

The idea of a wetroom design opens up a great many design ideas.

If you have any queries contact us @80MarketSt

Griferias Maier

2015-10-07T16:36:00.002+01:00

I have held Griferias Maier brassware in my hand. If that sounds sexy, well it is. Their tag of Flowing Water is lovely - free flowing water, and elegant flowing designs. The Spanish and Italians always seem to make their products sound desirable.

Their products are solid brassware, beautifully made, and stylish too.

Maier have a range of 34 collections. Without a doubt there will be a collection that will apeal to everyone.

There is Ikon and their Thousand Facets of Water.The rose gold is stunning and certainly a finish that is appearing more and more in interior design.

Muse Diamond brings together a fantastic tap with genuine Swarovski crystal. Each piece comes with its own unique certificate serial number as they have an official partnership with Swarovski.

It is hard to describe how beautiful are these items of brassware.

There is Flow and Surf Art. I have only hinted at a few of the collections. If this inspires you to look twice at the taps available in the diy sheds and consider the design - then that is good.

There are so many great designs out there. Maier Grifferias definitely one to consider.

Available through our shop here in Hoylake.
E-mail me request

Fiora

2015-10-07T13:08:00.000+01:00

"Touch Your Bathroom". While it can be difficult to write about bathroom fittings, to find yourself looking for an inspirational starting point can be as hard.

But we are talking about Fiora , a company based in Spain with a formidable reputation on the continent for quality designed bathroom furniture and more.

The hook "Touch Your Bathroom" might have puzzled me a few years ago, not now. I have never felt the desire to run my fingers over a basin in one of the UK diy sheds that sell bathrooms. However when you see mineral cast basins, glass, and textures such as manufactured by Fiora the urge is there.

The feeling of good material is obvious. The warmth is almost like a kiss on the skin.

Fiora now design the full wetroom experience. Beautiful wall panels unveiled at Cersaie 2015. Shower trays of different sizes and styles, all available in every RAL colour, even white.

There is furniture in different styles, wall mounted, free standing, different shapes and sizes - and colours from green to purple to orange and blue. Dimpled, floral, linen look...

Fiora also do radiators - plumbed, and electric. There is the option to attach a towel rail or two.

We love their basins. Again these are tailored to suit the furniture and flat white is not your only option.

There are gorgeous mirrors, cabinets.

The range of styles is enough to satisfy any discerning client.

The choice of materials is key to how Fiora are so confident within the bathroom/ wetroom market.

Don't worry that they don't do taps - complimentary brassware from Maier Griferias and Samuel Heath looks fantastic, again more accounts we have.

Up there with Burgbad, Fiora have nailed quality bathroom furniture. They have the edge with their wall panels and shower trays.

We love them a lot.

Touch Your Bathroom - if it's not as comforting as you now think, then have a look at Fiora.

On show 80 market St Hoylake

Cersaie 2015

2015-10-02T17:45:00.003+01:00

Cersaie 2015 was as busy as ever. While it is predominately about the best in ceramics and tiles, there is still a lot more to see.
With 1000 exhibitors and over 100,000 visitors over 5 days it is one of the must see design shows on the calendar.

The Cer-Stile exhibition was a must. A journey in design made easier by the mock up of the imaginative idea of a luxury interior of a train, complete with changing landscape through curtained windows. There was a modest bunk, comfy private seating, open benches, and even an antique boxed sink that folds up. Only in Italy!

While the Bologna Cersaie was certainly not an Express Train, there were undoubtedly some significant products expressing themselves in the best way - as part of a design scheme. Glass 1989, Duravit, Cordivari, Vitra, Cristina Rubinetterie all had great products on show as part of this taster exhibition.

It was outside in the main halls where design became even more interesting.

There was much to see in 3 dimensional large scale ceramic wall surfaces. Some of the suppliers creating ranges which allowed greater choice and more flexibility for designers to create a more unique look. While there was some colour, mostly for commercial, there was definitely the core shades of safe neutrals across all ranges.

While designs may have taken a large leap, manufacturers were playing safe with colour palette.

Fiora

There are always a lot of brick style ceramics in the show. The puritan brickie will appreciate the difference between imperial, metric, and American bricks.They will even explain to you the methods of how bricks are stacked - stretcher and Fleming bonds to name but two brick laying techniques. Personally I thought some of the random colours fun. Why we don't use more tiles on walls in homes is just my opinion.
I was taken with a lot of the grunge, graffiti styles.Equally some really excellent pastels too.

Brem

Again some great ranges consisting safe plain tiles, coordinated texture, and feature tiles. This makes a designer's life easy in a bathroom or wetroom.
Last year seemed to be about hexagonal and introducing lava. This year there were concrete looks, larger tiles, pared back colours, and raised texture designs.

Away from the tiles, I was impressed with Rubinetterie 3M brassware taps and showers.
From a design perspective their products are stunning.

The taps and shower heads are completely different to anything else I saw at the show. The quality of the materials exceptional. The flow and economic delivery of water ticks boxes. I must say really taken with their designs.

Fiora had an amazing stand and some new products. While we love Fiora bathroom furniture and shower trays, they now do wet walls. A new range of furniture and excellent display electric radiators and we are hooked.

I had to go check out Zucchetti Kos. I first saw them at Bologna water festival last year.
As expected they had their own fantastic stand, and also popped up in the Day Off exhibition. Some great basins, but love their showerheads.

Villeroy and Boch seemed to be having a good show too. We loved the rose gold floor mounted bath mixer. I know this is a finish that is not as popular as the chrome and brushed steel finishes - but it looks gorgeous on display.

Flaminia

Washbasins came in all shapes and sizes. They were moulded in mineral cast, porcelain, glass, concrete. They were recessed, sat on top, or moulded as one with surface. They had an overflow, no overflow, exposed traps, were freeflowing or not.

Really one could narrow down a favourite once you had seen over 1000. Oh, and there were some great colours too.

Wetrooms have become much more the norm over the last few years. It was great to see so many manufacturers really looking at wetroom walls and floors as part of their portfolio.

I'm not sure emerging trends. What I can say is I love good materials - and no manufacturer or designer will waste a good material on a bad design.

"Style is a simple way of saying a complicated thing"
Jean Cocteau

Related post Wetrooms

Ora italiano

Zucchetti

The Perfect Bathroom

2015-09-08T14:50:00.000+01:00

There is nowhere else in the home that needs to have so much technically going on that also needs to be a relaxing space.
While it is important to engage the services of a qualified, and competetent bathroom fitter, there are a few pointers worth knowing.

Understanding how the room is to be used is key. How watertight do the surfaces have to be? Many homes are including wetroom style areas. These are a great idea for smaller bathrooms and can replace the standard shower enclosure making a room feel larger.

The preformed shower wall panels are ideal in place of normal tile and grout. These boards are tongue and grooved with finished edges and can easily be cut to fit.

There are also a range of worksurfaces, and in some cases shower trays, to match. At this point it is also worth considering an extractor fan to promote ventilation of the room.

There is nothing worse than a cold bathroom. While many rooms may have existing radiators it is worth considering other options. Underfloor heating is a great addition and works particularly well under tile flooring. There are also some fabulous designer radiators available in a variety of sizes and colours. Stainless steel radiators are more efficient as they conduct heat, rather than the chrome ones which feel hot but do not radiate the same amount of heat. Many of the designer radiators include towel rails or even shelving - ideal for where storage required too. Of course it is easy to replace a cumbersome, old, white radiator for a new one which may be more efficient.

There are online calculators which will take your room sizes and advise how many BTU's you will require (British Thermal Unit). Check with the manufacturer of your radiator, as 1 kw = 3.41 BTU.

Lighting is another area where some thought and imagination can create a comfortable environment. It is worth checking out the zones which require lighting and ensure that what is sourced is safe and practical. While downlighters are popular, it is worth considering where practical other sources. There are some great zone 2 chandeliers and uplighters which might suit a more traditional bathroom. LED backlit mirrors are also an excellent source of functional lighting.

Practically it is worth understanding the impact of low water pressure before choosing showers and taps. Additionally some sinks will have no overflow hole and will require a different waste system.

Then the fun starts!
There are some really excellent ranges of vanity furniture available with very generous storage. And don't think the unit has to be white, light oak, or wenge only! Colours are definitely in, with oranges, purples, floral effects, and linen looks. Radiators too can come in a multitude of colours and finishes.
And did you want swarovski crystals on your taps?

Children's bathrooms can be fun! Funky colour basins and taps, co-ordinated with a coloured radiator can be fabulous. Styled with an unusual flooring, this room can really make a statement.

There are no limits to how stylish a bathroom can become. In fact if you want any help then email me or come visit us at 80 Market Street Hoylake Wirral.

Le Mur Finium

2015-08-11T14:05:00.000+01:00

It is exciting to see natural materials being used creatively in interior design. Le Mur Finium are a Canadian company that have brought eco friendly , decorative, prefinished hardwood panels now to the UK market.

There has been a great surge in demand for natural finished looking materials for wall surfaces. The rise of decorative stone and faux brick has become increasingly popular as consumers move away from more traditional wallcoverings

Le Mur Finium are not a particularly young company, they have been going strong in the North American market since 1999. However this is their first foray into the UK through the helm of established wall supplier Designer Walls.

While the eco stats mount up nicely- low value reclaimed wood, water base glues, ultraviolet light cured - it is really the design possibilities that are endless.

With so many different woods and shades, their Friendly Wall is a really is a versatile product.

It is lightweight and easy to install so requires no particular skill other than competent joiner. Check their Youtube

It is hard not to feel inspired. In the home it can used to create a fabulous effect behind a bed, look smart in alcoves, be used on one wall for feature effect, or even on the ceiling in a loft conversion.

The commercial applications are many. Communal entrances, feature walls in reception areas. Used to surround an elevator shaft it makes a functional requirement into a design feature.

Instead of whitewashed walls or lacklustre wallpaper, a hardwood wall has something very appealing and tactile in a restaurant area adding warmth to an interior scheme. The panels are quite resistant to scratches so very good also to use as a decorative base in a bar area perhaps.

As shown in the example images here, the wood looks fabulous with clever lighting highlighting the textures and colour of the oiled wood panels.

There is no reason why a combination of materials can not be used. Woods, brick, steel, ceramics all work comfortably together.

To find out more about this highly versatile product contact the UK agent here

Related article Designer Walls

Versital

2015-07-16T13:47:00.002+01:00

Creating your dream bathroom could not be made easier thanks to Versital. If you are tired of tiles and white shower trays, then a fully finished wetroom style could be the solution.

Versital's range of stone resin shower trays, and complementary shower panels, are available in 90 colour options that include granite and marble styles.

The anti slip shower trays are available in sizes up to 1700 x 760, as well as bespoke options. They are manufactured to suit most waste sets and shower screens.

The shower, and wall panels are 100% waterproof, butt jointed and siliconed to the wall surface, meaning no requirement for grouting which requires maintenance to keep its appearance.
These panels can be used within the shower enclosure space as well as around sinks and baths to give a more finished look. Panels are ordered to your size spec so easy to install.

Vanity tops are manufactured up to 3000mm long and easily cut with ordinary woodworking tools. While basin options are also available, the tops can be manufactured to fit your own preferred basin.

To finish the look there are a range of other items. Skirting, plinths, dados, corner trims, and soap/ shampoo holders are available.

Versital surfaces are easy to keep clean, waterproof and resistant to scuffmarks. This makes them ideal also for commercial/ high traffic areas. Versital has other commercial applications other than bathrooms. See their website for more detail. I have seen an excellent sample for a kitchen worksurface that is very close to a more expensive granite.

And if 90 colour finishes is not enough, the surfaces can be made up in solid colours according to RAL colour palette.

For more information contact Gemma , and don't forget to tell her you where you heard about them!

Bathroom Furniture

2015-06-24T09:44:00.000+01:00

Who says bathroom furniture has to be white?

Burgbad 1

Burgbad 2

Burgbad3

Burgbad 4

Fiora1

Fiora2

Fiora 3

Fiora4

Fiora5

Fiora6

All that Glitters

2015-06-01T13:49:00.002+01:00

All that glitters is not gold, but who doesn't like a bit of shiny in their home.

These taps by Griferias Maier are stunning.

The Muse Diamond range is available in chrome, or 24 karat gold finishes and there is a choice of four interchangeable heads which feature Swarovski crystal elements.

While the taps are simplicity in themselves, the luxurious heads epitomise glamour and elegance.

They can be purchased either as a deck or wall mounted unit making them incredibly versatile in bathroom interior design.

It is worth looking at the rest of their collection if you follow the link above. While these products may touch a niche market, there is certainly a steady demand by the discerning interior client wishing for a more sumptuous look in a bathroom.

Burgbad are a German company with a high spec range of bathroom furniture.

It is impossible here, to expand on how huge are the selection of products. Instead let's look at the this one piece which is shown with a glass floral front. High gloss and gold leaf are also available.
Crystal handles are available on many ranges.

This dressing table also incorporates a folding illuminated mirror - perfect when applying make up.

The Drizzle chandelier by Ochre is gorgeous. The round version is in 30cm, 60cm, and 100cm sizes. Available also in spiral, rectangular, and wall lighting.

Made from polished nickel, with clear glass drops, it looks fabulous in both traditional, and contemporary living areas.

With a slight industrial feel, it perfectly reflects the current trend for minimalist statement pieces.

This chest of drawers by Selva also has Swarovski elements and forms part of their Solitaire collection.
While quite a classical piece, we feel it would sit at home in many a contemporary interior.

There are eight available wood finishes including walnut, and dove grey making it easy to co-ordinate with many styles.

Contact me for information re products shown here for stockists and prices.

A Pop of Colour

2015-05-28T14:56:00.000+01:00

Who doesn't like a bit of colour in their life? We thought as summer is approaching we would search some simple ways to add some feature colour into the home.

The lamps by Fraumaier were a good find at the Milan show. They do a range of table, ceiling, and floor lamps in some fabulous colours. The bases are painted to match the shades too.

No pun intended, but this wallpaper by Graham and Brown is Marvel-ous! While we could see this in a little boy's bedroom, we also think it would look great anywhere, if you are bold enough.

At £13 a roll, it would appear to be great value if your budget is slim.

This Mondrian style bathroom uses colour block tiles for contrast and certainly adds interest to a normally plain white scheme.

When trying to replicate this idea, it is probably best to sketch the design out on some graph paper to ensure the colour goes precisely where you want it to.

If you are feeling a little more creative, then why not paint some old chairs and sketch a design onto it, then colour to suit.

Rub off the existing varnish with sandpaper, then apply an acrylic primer. Paint your design, then finish with an acrylic varnish to seal in your colour.

Funky rugs are fab.

This one by Rugzone is based on a Rolling Stones image. They also have a selection of Union Jack styles.

Rule Brittania!

Brem are an Italian radiator company that we love here.

They have a great range of styles and sizes, available in around 64 colours. The heat output is excellent and very efficient. These are available through Radiating Interiors.

Pop by Zazzeri are a fun range of flexible taps and shower systems.

It is hard to describe how clever they are in words, so here is a great little Youtube video.

Head over to Posh Bathing for prices.

Independent Businesses

2015-05-22T11:44:00.000+01:00

A survey by Which? has identified independent shops experiencing a revival on our high streets due to the high level of customer service offered by retailers. DIY and decorating shops having the greater success. This was considered a "surprise result" by Which?.

Hardly surprising to the many independent traders who work within this sector. After all they are constantly battling on the one hand to offer their knowledge and experience to customers, all the while running the risk that the customer will use that information to search the internet for a better price.

Independent business owners have an extraordinary wealth of experience. They are obviously passionate about their products and continuously researching new and exciting trends. Customers love the fact they are able to talk to someone who is genuinely interested in their home project, and who can think out of the box regarding any potential problems that may result. They are also able to offer alternatives to the mainstream decorating tools that are found in many of the big chains.

Decorating or designing for a customer is a very personal service. There are often home visits, or the retailer will spend a considerable amount of time with the customer discussing the ins and outs of their project.

The level of stock in a showroom does not come cheap. Wallpaper and fabric books all need to be paid for by the retailer, quite often they are committed to enter into "book clubs" to maintain an area of exclusivity. Showroom displays are not free. If you want to feel a product, see how smooth it operates, or just want to find something different - then that is where an actual shop supports the customer.

Many products come with a RRP . Still in this sector it is more common for a customer to want a discount. And again, even once gleaned all the information they want from an actual business owner, they say thanks very much- and go online to find a better price.

Of course the report does state that independents in this field are seeing a resurgence in trade. This is very hopeful for the vast majority of local shops. Many people may be aware of Shop Local schemes , the mantra of "Use it, or Lose it".

Recently there was some debate between independent owners as to how far they worked in terms of offering free advice and planning. The response was to offer as much as they could upfront in the hope that the customer would have some loyalty to the shop, grateful to have the infinite knowledge available to them.

Hopefully the confidence in the Which? report is infectious to the general public. The knowledge that independent businesses are beating the big boys in their own game and succeeding . A little shop offering a bigger service than the sheds or the internet.

Related article

Posh Bathing

2015-05-12T11:40:00.000+01:00

Posh Bathing is a bathroom specialist showroom unlike any other I have visited. Owner Gary Walmsley has created a fabulous resource boutique, with an impressive display of quality products by some of the leading European designers.

While some of the suppliers may sound familiar, there are are also some little known brands that are sure to be popular with private clients, interior designers, and architects.

If you think that Gary has the usual array of sinks, taps and showers - think again!

There are steam showers, quality mineral cast basins, bespoke furniture, wall panels, designer radiators and funky taps.

On display are taps by Maier Griferias which have swarovski crystals, stylish radiators by K8 and Brem, furniture by Burgbad, steam showers, mirrors from Zierath. The list of suppliers is quite staggering.

Gary is no stranger to the key European design shows and his interest in locating and forging relationships with innovative suppliers is key to the success of this showroom.

There are faux brick and stone wall panels, marble tiles with led lighting, mosaics, and much, much more - all beautifully arranged and complimented by a huge selection of basins and taps.

One of the more exciting developments has been in his enthusiasm for designer radiators.

I was fortunate to be able to meet up with him in Italy this year where we visited Italian designer Brem. Quite simply their selection of both electric, and plumbed radiators are breathtaking.

Another supplier of note is Tubes Radiatori . The Scaletta shown here is available in a wide range of sizes and colours.

Zazzeri have a unique range of taps with interchangeable coloured heads and impressive eco credentials when it comes to saving water.

Furniture is supplied by Burgbad and Fiora to name but two. However there are bespoke pieces in multiple finishes with glass, wood or marble inserts.

This haven of inspiration is well worth a visit. Gary's eye for developing his product range is matched equally by his expertise in installation. A perfect blend of style and experience.

For opening hours or to book an appointment contact him here.

Zazzeri S.p.A. "Pop"

2015-04-30T14:03:00.000+01:00

Bathroom ware doesen't get much more exciting than POP by Italian company Zazzeri. Already they are the winners of two awards for stunningly creative design through Red Dot and A Design Awards.

The range comes in four metal finishes, along with a range of interchangeable heads in 6 silicone shades allowing up to 40 permutations.

Consisting of taps in varying heights, shower heads, concealed and wall mounted mixers and more - this unique collection satisfies all the demands of both creative and function.

Their eco credentials are impressive with the ability to control the flow of water by offering a one touch facility on the flexible head.

Playful and fun, POP heads also glow in the dark. This innovative and sturdy marriage of metal and silicone is unique. The products themselves are what you would expect from a company of impressive credentials in manufacture.

POP delivers that splash of colour that makes bathroom design much more fun! Why do fittings have to be chrome when you can mix black and orange , or chrome and violet. The overheard shower heads really can bring a showering experience to life.

Or stay with a complete metal finish that oozes great design. Black fittings are certainly making a big impact in bathrooms at the moment, a trend we envisage to last for quite some time. Stylish white subway tiles with a black shower system looks fabulous.

Whether you are looking for an alternative to the same old fittings available on most high streets, or have a contemporary scheme that would love that injection of colour, or designing for a child's ensuite - POP is definitely worth considering.

The complete range of concealed fittings and valves means there is no worry about creating a complete system, although POP is compatible with all current fittings.

For more information on these products do contact us here. And check out their cute Youtube

We will be happy to advise and can offer best prices.

Dornbracht deal

2015-04-24T15:59:00.000+01:00

I have these 3 items, exceptional German Dornbracht shower products. Do the search, but price good

1 x 3552797090, 1 x 36416780 and 2 x 36310780 as a package. Retail £2061.00

Brand new boxed, in stock ready to go. £900.00

Have multiples, so if have project in mind.

I Saloni 2015

2015-04-22T14:27:00.001+01:00

Decastelli

Buster and Punch

It is Design Week in Milan. It is I-Saloni, one of the biggest design calendar events. Before I have even got on the plane I am excited as to what there will be to see. There are also 2 factory visits planned.

With over 2000 exhibitors and 201,000 sq metres of exhibition space, I Saloni is huge. While the exhibition is divided into different areas there were some interesting recurring themes.

Some very interesting use of mixed metals, copper, brass, rose gold in both furniture and lighting. Also seen quite a bit of block colour .

Euroluce is the lighting arm of the show with 475 exhibitors showcasing the best in indoor, outdoor, and commercial lighting systems. There were some spectacular chandeliers with the focus on LED.

I was impressed with the lightbulbs and accessories from Buster and Punch They have a fantastic range and their website definitely worth a glance.

Decastelli were another company with some innovative designs. Primarily working with metals, there are funky chairs, wall art and storage in different metal finishes. They describe their American vine leaves as "theatrical vertical garden".

Fraumaier

Fraumaier have some excellent block colour lamps in a vast array of colours. The frames are colour co-ordinated to match shades.

Decastelli

Also noted birch plywood lampshades, the use of pink and lavender and more black fittings than chrome.

Opinion Ciatti designed the statement chair and stool shown here. I can't find it on their website, but they do have more products of interest. I had to ask a young man to remove himself from chair so I could take photograph - he was way too comfortable!

Other companies seriously impressed with include Brand Van Egmond , Bodema, and Ameli Sedie. Fabulous chain and floral design chandeliers by Brand Van Egmond

Caught up with Ercol too! Classic furniture that seriously stands test of time. We had a chat about Mid Century influences, something that sits comfortably in 21st century interiors.

Zero

Kartell

Kartell had a great show with their theme of going Sottsass in tribute to the 80's Memphis Milan design movement . Some great fabric choices as you would expect, and a lot of Philip Starck chairs and mirrors.

Preview I-Saloni Milan

2015-04-13T11:53:00.000+01:00

This time tomorrow I will be en route to I-Saloni in Milan , courtesy of Posh Bathing.

In terms of European design experiences it is huge. Now in its 54th year, there are over 2000 exhibitors and 200,000 sq metres of exhibition space. While on show will be areas dedicated to Classic, Modern, and Design - there are some fantastic exhibitions.

Euroluce will be interesting this year as UNESCO has announced that 2015 is International Year of Light . I urge you to follow that link. If you have read any of my blogs you will be aware how important lighting is whether you are in a care home, living with dementia or just a teenager who finds it hard to wake up in the morning. A little link here

In Italy is another exhibition of great interest to me. This video presentation is about presenting Italian design from craftsmanship through to modern day. My love of Arts and Crafts, materials, industrial design revolution, design, technology, products - not to mention Italian design, inauguration via Memphis Collective back in 80's. Can you tell I am excited!

Navigating your way around an exhibition is hard work on the feet and brain. However this experience only lasts for a few days. What if your work environment was challenging in space?

The Walk is an exhibit within I-Saloni .
I -Saloni press "“We should think of the workspace as a gymnasium for the mind, conceiving it as a place where relationships generate new ideas and possibilities. The office of the future should be visualised with the focus on lifestyles unfettered by convention, evolving spaces that perpetuate an endless stream of new ideas”, says architect architect architect Michele De Michele De Lucchi."
This is a thought founders of new schools should also carry in their head.

This line of thinking entirely up my street.

Ok, there's much more to see.
Furniture, marble, block colours, some new design statement furniture I love! Great lighting,

Not giving it all way, this is after all a preview :)

Schools

2015-04-09T16:04:00.001+01:00

An ad hoc post based on some discussions about creating great schools architecturally.

While I am keen on getting the environment right for people to live and thrive, I have witnessed the upheaval of a student while school was transformed. Not happy.

Build new schools with great infrastructure? Well do you know this is where I believe the student's environment is more concerned with people than it is with fancy facades and generous hallways.

Let's face it, 11-17 year olds live in a bubble of social interactions. If you changed the entire colour scheme in your home over a 6 month period, they wouldn't notice. What they will comment on is the change to a routine. Say you didn't have tea ready for them to eat at 6, and they came purposefully downstairs to retrieve said dish - all hell.

School is a place to learn. It's a place to explore new relationships, bond with mates. It is about finding yourself away from home.

Fundamentally schools should have great teachers, the kind you remember years later, the ones that inspired you against the odds to live that dream.

Schools are about education - that comes from the Latin ex-ducere , which means to lead out. Start with sorting out why we discourage creatives, undermine people with academic nuance, and downright decide an apprenticeship is working in a coffee shop or stacking shelves.

A beautifully designed school may create the structure that inspires, but unless teachers can fulfill that promise it's a waste of space.

Wellness through Interior Design

2015-04-01T11:33:00.000+01:00

There's a massive forum campaigning for wellness in the built environment concentrating on developing sustainable buildings to promote the health and wellbeing of the occupants. While it would appear that this is not rocket science, the effect of the environment on individuals, it certainly is something that appears to have been something certainly not fundamentally considered hence the need for promotion.

Creating spaces that are beautiful, practical and uplifting to the soul is by no means an easy exercise.
One could reflect and suggest that at their happiest their day has been spent in a large country park, or walking by the ocean. To others these wide open spaces make them feel uncomfortable with no sense of control, and they long to be back walking the crowded streets of London.

However if we look at what the mainstream thought is regarding a person's physical, emotional, spiritual and social demands - then a few key topics can be introduced and adapted.

Whether you are hunched over a computer, cooking dinner, playing a puzzle in a care home - appropriate lighting is required. Good strong daylight without glare is obviously ideal. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD, or commonly known as winter blues) is recognised by MIND and other health professionals as causing temporary poor frames of mind. A number of lighting products now exist that mimic the effects of sunlight to help cure this form of depression. We have all either said, or heard someone exclaim "Can't believe I've gone to work in the dark, and come home and it's still dark". Possibly the extent to which more of the population remain undiagnosed is a result of mental health problems being stigmatised.
Considering the home, no one light will assist all tasks. Properly backlit mirrors in a bathroom make it easier to apply make-up. A task lamp will allow a reader to enjoy their favourite book in comfort. Mood lighting creates a softer ambiance. The "big" central light might be employed to assist finding that contact lense that has made its way to the floor. In larger spaces the lux to lumens comes into play - determining how much illumination is granted from the position of the ceiling spots.

The type of air that is in a building is crucial. Opening a window for ventilation is sometimes not the answer, particularly if you live in an area where there are many vehicles passing or if the air outside is so humid that it becomes near stifling to breathe. Air conditioning units, humidifiers, ionisers, air purifiers have all been around for sometime. I remember years ago the fad for introducing negative ions into the air to create positive effects. Where cooker extractor hoods are great for removing unwanted cooking odours or the heavy air surrounding, steam in a shower room has positive mental and physical attributes. Bathroom extractor fans ultimately remove the steam from a room to avoid damage to tiles and walls more than anything else. Still in many old homes the choice is window open- or window closed.

No one likes to hear every step the tenant upstairs makes when they walk across laminate flooring which has not been properly insulated. Likewise people in modern homes with ceramic tiles and leather sofas forget that every sound will become an echo unless there are furnishings that will absorb the sound. In a commercial environment few people would want their private conversation echoed through a public space and often resort to a whispering tone. While this problem is best addressed at construction phase, there are solutions post construction that can assist in the form of surface panels.

So perhaps it is getting the built environment correct before adding those touches that inspire us - colour, plants, art. How often when we are looking for inspiration do we turn our head to a lovely outside view, a vase of flowers or a piece of personal art.

And no, I haven't mentioned feng shui - at least not till now.

A Guide to Wallpapering

2015-03-31T12:27:00.001+01:00

Whether you are wallpapering an entire room or just a feature wall, here are a few pointers.

It is quite straightforward to calculate how much wallpaper is required.

Measure the height of room, either from ceiling to skirting, or picture rail to skirting.
Add on the pattern repeat.
Now measure right round the room. Check the width of the paper, most are generally 52 cm but some specialist papers will be wider width. Divide the width of the room by the width of the paper. Now you know how many drops are required, ie pieces of wallpaper.
Look at the wallpaper roll length. If you have measured 2.9 metres from ceiling to floor and need 31 drops, and your paper is 10 metre roll length- how many 2.90 pieces can you get from roll? In this case it is only 3 full pieces. 31 divided by 3 = 10.33333. So here you need 11 rolls. Don't forget to add the pattern repeat on if there is one! Allow at least the full repeat to drop.

If your walls are uneven, wallpaper alone won’t generally disguise that. There are various grades of lining paper which should be hung width-way around room as opposed to vertically. These will even out minor imperfections.

Again, if you find your walls- especially a fireplace wall- run out, avoid stripes or very regular patterns as these will emphasise irregular walls.

Although some wallpaper can come pre-pasted, I would always recommend using an extra adhesive if your walls are prone to damp- or you live close to the seaside. You really do not want all your hard work to come peeling off so easily!

If it is a specialist paper, do follow manufacturer’s instructions and purchase the recommended adhesive. Every good decorator will tell you it is worth it in the long run.

Allowing enough wallpaper to compensate for pattern repeat will allow your decorator to pattern match around your room. But, as usual, there are always exceptions to the rule. Very expensive handblock printed papers, like Farrow and Ball, may not pattern match – nor will natural Seagrass materials.

Also advise your decorator if the wallpaper is wider width as many decorators use a standard pasting machine which may often not accommodate wider paper.

Common mistakes made by either not chalking or overlapping the paper can result in a slight spread when paper dries on wall, and a light line showing the seam of paper becomes visible! There is nothing worse than buying a really expensive paper with a dark background and seeing every join.

Lastly, check if the wallpaper is reverse rolled, if not pointed out to your decorator this could result in the paper being hung upside down! I lost count of the times a decorator would bring a roll of paper in to ask me which way up the pattern is supposed to run.