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.

Wellness through Interior Design

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.

Shades of Yellow

Wassail

Linwood

Stylised Daisies Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Cole and Son

Tindle

Cole and Son

Looking for inspiration to add shade of yellow into an interior scheme I was reminded of the gesso wall panels made by Margaret Mcdonald in collaboration with her husband Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

They were part of the Glasgow set responsible for Arts and Crafts in Scotland




We love Linwood fabrics and wallpapers, as much as we love the stylist responsible for the room designs in their photography. The lemon wallpaper is from their Metropolis range and is reflective of the 1920's jazz scene in New York. Dulled shades reflect the moody undertones of the music, while adding that discordant contrast of lemon and purple adds a burst of freshness.



 Stylised floral features were part of the Arts and Crafts movement. This textile again by Macdonald/ Mackintosh is of stylised daisies. We like the purple on yellow background which still seems as fresh as a daisy now as it was then. They also used roses, lilies and the recognisable chrysanthemum.


Cole and Son have an impressive portfolio of wallpaper suppliers.  We particularly love this wallpaper featuring flying machines, for its eclectic design and because it has that pop of yellow. This is from the Fornasetti range. Cole and Son also have a great archive of traditional designs well worth a look.

This Murano glass chandelier of glass fruits is by Tindle. They also produce some fantastic traditional chandeliers, but this one is so much fun.

We couldn't leave out this delightful Owl border - Notambule from Cole and Son. There are other colour backgrounds but we think the yellow is very cool!

Zierath Mirrors

Zierath is  probably best described as the Rolls Royce of the bathroom  illuminated mirror market albeit Mercedes Benz might  be a better description for this German company.  If Zierath is a name you haven't heard of then read on.

Sometimes functionality overtakes the need for innovative aesthetic design. A mirror can be the focal point of any bathroom, a beautiful object fixed to the wall that can be appreciated for its good looks , or on reflection, your good looks.

A cursory glance in the hall mirror when going out might be sufficient to check your hair looks fine, but there is no substitute for a great mirror when applying make up or shaving.

Crystal glass mirrors which can be backlit with a choice of halogen, led and neon tubes as well as overhead lighting form this range. Cut and polished, bevelled and framed, a multitude of sizing options are some of the ways these mirrors can be manufactured to your own requirements as well as included in their main range.

Halogen bulbs behind the glass mirror emit a warm light which reflects the contours on the face accurately. The clip on lights above the mirror also help to spread light through the glass.

 The dispersal of light through and onto the surface of the glass is what make these great mirrors.
There are a range of magnifying mirrors, discreet shaving socket options and the flexibility to choose where to fix the switch.

The list of special options is lengthy!
Choose your mirror design, select a size or specify your own, decide on the type and level of illumination you would like and that is just the start.

There are different edging finishes from facet to bevelled. A back heating foil can be added, as well as concealed switches, shelving options, a cosmetics magnifying mirror, clip on lights, dimmer option.

Whether specified for the domestic household or the contract market, there are abundant designs, styles and ideas that will truly satisfy everyone.


For more information contact:

Zierath's UK supplier 

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