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.

Designer Walls

If you are looking for a stylish alternative to wallpaper or want to create a feature in a room or commercial environment then Designer Walls may be just what you want.

Inspired by textures, the range includes brick, stone, slate and rioja wine barrels!

These innovative wall panels are lightweight yet high strength. Tough and durable they are suitable in most areas.

 One of the most captivating elements is the incredibly natural look, but then some of the panels are actually made from stone veneers. The Rioja range is made from layers of oak taken, unsurprisingly, from actual rioja wine barrels.

As demonstrated by the images shown here is the completely natural appearance and how well they blend into so many different schemes.
The Manchester brick in red is a firm favourite!

 Whether used as a feature wall in a restaurant or to give a plain wall a dynamic feature, I am sure with imagination almost any area can benefit from some natural texture.

Many people already use faux brick panels to line an old chimney recess when replacing a fireplace, so why not clad a whole wall, or use as a feature in a modern bathroom.

Use the panels to create a vintage look in a bedroom where it perfectly complements french style furniture, creating a beautiful wall full of light and shadow.

And of course the brick works so well when recreating the New York loft style feel in an apartment.

 With the emerging trends for using more natural materials like granite and stone, the subtle stone texture works incredibly well.

Because of the lightweight material used, these panels are easy to fix and will not damage the original walls.

 The Rioja range has excellent eco credentials, as they are made from recycled original wine barrels.

We love the subtle but striking effect shown here.

So whether you are considering shopfitting a commercial unit, or are looking for a feature wall in a showhome or your own home, it is definitely worth visiting Designer Walls website and having a chat.

Related article 

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