Cersaie 2015

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

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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

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.

A Pop of Colour

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.

Posh Bathing

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.

Brem Radiators

 Brem are an Italian company who design and manufacture high quality steel radiators and towel rails.

Their literature states "Radiators for Architecture" and their products are quite literally an architect's dream.

Visually they look like fabulous pieces of art, available in a multitude of sizes, finishes, and colours.

Technically they operate at low temperature of 50 degrees C, ensuring uniform heat. The larger surface areas conducts heat in a very efficient manner through both convection and irradiation. Although most of the radiators are plumbed to the central heating system, electrical versions are also available. Remote valves and digital thermostats are also options on certain models.

Why we like them is because of their fantastic range of designs and extensive colour choice available in high gloss and sable finishes.There are also textured pieces available.

Lame Up

I recently had the opportunity to visit their Italian factory, where I could see the manufacturing and design processes at work.
Invisible welds and expert painting ensure the radiators look superb as a finished product.

The Paco is an interesting design. A combination of heating and storage.

Cross

Paco

The "So-Flex" takes the notion of a radiator and towel rail further than many will have encountered. Designed by Gabriella Almagioni, it is a stylish radiator with an upturned corner of steel that. Available in sizes ranging from 77cm high to 2-20, it looks particularly stunning in the 19 Sable colours that include dark copper, ivory, mouse grey and oxide orange.

"Lame-Up" looks very much like a modern totem pole. Designed by Davide Brembilla, Rectangular tubes of differing heights are grouped together as 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 pieces and erected on a colour co-ordinated stand.

S Barra

Vision

Where space is at a premium then the "Sbarra" is perfect. At only 8cm per unit, it can be manufactured as a 1,2 or 3 bar radiator. Remote valves, electrical model and fantastic choice of colours add to the versatility of this high output and energy efficient system.



"Vision", designed by Luigi Brembilla is a 3 dimensional towel heater which as well as being available in differing sizes and colours, can be square or horizontal.

This unit can be plumbed or available as an electrical version. The valves are located at the back so as not to affect the aesthetic visual design.

There are designs which incorporate lighting and mirrors.

If you want more information, and to see some of the range on show, go visit their UK stockist.

Saturday afternoon Interior Design finds

 We are big fans of the feature stone/ brick wall panels by Designer Walls  While paint and wallpaper will always have its place in interior design, there is something aesthetically pleasing about an , albeit faux, natural material. Due to its texture these panels look amazing as shown here with light bouncing off the surface, creating contrast through shadows. Teamed with a high polish ceramic floor and clean lines of contrast paint, they help create an interior scheme that is both subtle but very contemporary.

 It may be hard to believe, but this basin started life as a lowly lump of rock. Polished smooth on the inside it looks amazing sitting atop a smooth granite surface. This type of sit on bowl is becoming more popular in bathroom design, lending itself to wall mounted taps. We think black would be a great contrast to the usual chrome.

 These Keuco taps look spot on with another sit on top basin, this time by Burgbad. Keuco have an incredible range of quality products.  Burgbad, a German company, reflects the high level of engineering in its products that the Germans are so infamous for. The high quality of the ceramic used by Burgbad creates a beautiful basin that is hardwearing and can be moulded into a variety of shapes and sizes.


Posh Bathing are now offering a selection of inhouse made furniture for bathrooms using steel and  granite that can be custom made. A range of complimentary wood furniture is due to unveiled shortly, so keep watching this blog for the latest information.

Brem radiators don't just create highly efficient and effective radiators, but their designs could easily be seen as works of art. The Lame redefines heating systems as we know it with round heating elements encased in rectangular bars. Again, this product is available in a range of sizes and colours and can be supplied as a plumbed or electrical unit. Available through Radiating Interiors

 Chandeliers are definitely in vogue. This square french gold finish with amber crystals is perfect for rooms with a lower ceiling height, still giving a luxurious feel. This model by Dar is also available as a dimmable unit.

And there is plenty of class shown here with Maier taps. They are available in polished and matt  gold and silver finishes with interchangeable swarovski decorated heads.

Reassuringly Expensive

Sometimes you just have to splash out to get what you really want. While the jury may be undecided on what counts as "luxury" in terms of interior design, one thing is pretty clear - you get what you pay.

Not only do Farrow and Ball have some of the hottest colours, but their paint is gorgeous. As you dip your brush in the tin, you can feel the quality of a thickly pigmented paint which just makes you feel like an artist. The quality and coverage are incomparable to the cheap own branded paints, and even some popular names. Three coats of paint will normally give you that luxurious colour - I usually just finish off the tin. From the elegant Bone, to the unusual Smoked Trout and ever popular Pointing there will be a shade that will work in every room.

 It's no secret we love our bathroom furniture, and it doesen't get much classier than Burgbad, well there is Fiora- but that's saved for another blog!

In fact bathroom furniture is having a great time right now. The old boutique hotel bland style of white and limestone with the obligatory chrome  is being replaced by some pretty decadent pieces. Quirky tiles, funky fronts, gold, copper, chandeliers, silk finish fronts, swarovski - it's all there.

And don't get me started on the radiators! Brem, K8, Tubes Radiatori - just wow! You can clearly see the passion our European neighbours have when it comes to design.
We love Brem Lame, utterly stylish and very architectural as well as being efficient.

 No one quite does sectional furniture quite like Roche Bobois. A great range of patterns and designs, let your imagination run riot here. We love the simplicity of style, with a great 70's hippy vibe which we are sure to see more in future.

Griferias Maier have an absolutely stunning range of taps being released, including these swarovski embellished. Now the difference between cheap and luxury =quality.

Yep, you get what you pay.