All that Glitters

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.

Inspired by Nature

It is always comforting to bring a bit of Mother Nature into the home and we have found some great ideas.

Floral fabrics are always a popular line in any supplier's catalogue. We particularly like this Romo fabric of budding magnolia with its warm undertone and almost watercoloured pastel effect. With a martindale rub test of 20,000, this fabric is suitable for cushions, curtains and upholstery.

The Murano velvet is again a subtle brushstroke

 in earthy tones reminiscent of a mosaic tile effect. While this fabric is suitable for curtains, we think that used flat as cushions or in upholstery would give it greater appeal.

Swaffer have brought out a romantic collection called Austen, evocative of the country house and inspired by Jane Austen.

More chintzy in its design, the range is a glorious mix of florals, plains and small patterns - making it easy to co-ordinate.

 DesignerWalls have some fantastic wall panel systems which are suitable for both domestic and contract use.

While they offer a range of brick and wood effects, shown here is one made from slices of wine barrels.


The wine barrels themselves are made of oak, and the whole production of the panels

 gives it very eco-friendly credentials.

As feature walls go, we think that this effect is a fantastic alternative to the "feature wallpaper" that seems to be prevalent.

We have always loved the lighting, particularly the chandeliers supplied by Ochre.

Seed Cloud is a great range available in either polished bronze or satin nickel finish.

Shown here is the 112 LED light in polished bronze and is 150cm diameter.

Ochre also offer a variety of floor lamps, furniture and accessories.

This Bamboo Evolution radiator by K8 Radiatori is an outstanding example of Italian design.

Elegant with curved tubes, it is indeed a natural and appealing design which is floor to ceiling fitted and perfect as a room divider as well as a great source of heat. The sister range, Bamboo, is similar in design but wall mounted.

It is easy to see how the designers featured here were inspired by nature to create such beautiful and contemporary products.

Are you inspired?

For more information contact 

The Whimsical Room


“..the meeting took place in what I called the
‘processed room’ - it was one of six done for us                
by a decorator from Sloane’s years ago, and the                
term struck in my head.                                                        
                                                   
“It was THE most decorator’s room: the angora
wool carpet the colour of dawn, the most
delicate grey imaginable- you could hardly walk
on it; and the silver panelling and leather tables
and creamy pictures and slim fragilites looked
so easy to stain that we could not breathe hard
in there, though it was wonderful to look into
from the door when the windows were open
and the curtains whispered querulously against
the breeze...”
Francis Scott Fitzgerald- The Last Tycoon

Beautiful, pale, untouched by anything other
than a light breeze. A vision to hold only in
your mind, and release as quickly in case you
held too hard and crushed it. As Fitzgerald
wrote “ the most decorator’s room”.

Oh to interior design a room that no one
would walk into, no children would play, no
guests would touch those leather tables, let alone put a wine glass on them.
A room where silver panelling gained no dust, and no clumsy visitors to render fragilites crashing to
the ground.
But those children are mine, those guests are my friends. Please don’t stand outside Mr Scrooge looking
in at what you only dream of, please come in.

As much as an “interior decorator” will want this whimsical illusion of perfection left untouched by
even the most bated breath, the “interior designer”will be inviting people to enjoy this space.
After all, you wanted the dream room, so enjoy it.

Ochre Chandelier, Florence Broadhurst Wallpaper and Victoria Carpets

Article reprinted from one originally written by Ally MacDermot 2010 for West Coast Magazine