Indholdsfortegnelse for March 2018 i Homes & Gardens

I love using wallpaper in my home, but I’ve never been brave enough to use a mural. This may be about to change, however, as I’ve been so inspired by our beautiful decorating feature (page 67), I feel ready to take the plunge. I think I’ll start small, perhaps with a painterly pattern or striking tree motif to enliven a simple alcove, then work up to a dramatic statement wall. As I’m not a big fan of bathroom walls covered in tiles, I’m particularly interested in the waterproof wallcovering shown on page 77, as it opens up so many opportunities for that space. As many of you will be planning a new kitchen this spring, we’ve put together a kitchen special (page 129), showcasing all the latest products and trends.…

BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS For its 2018 fabric and wallpaper collection, Pierre Frey, 020 7376 5599, pierrefrey.com, has collaborated with students at the National School of Decorative Arts in Paris. Five winning designs were chosen for production and include (from top) La Smala F3231, which features embroidered Native Americans, £264m; Solstice wallpaper FP507, with hand-drawn silhouettes, £150.80 a roll; and Native FP501, which is roller printed in lacquer, £206.40 a roll. THE RIGHT ANGLE Featuring clean contemporary lines, the Soho corner sofa is a new addition to Delcor’s portfolio. Each piece is made by hand in its Northumberland workshop, and bespoke arm widths and seat heights can be requested. The version shown, which measures H99xW318xD95cm and is covered in Osborne & Little’s Crowlin fabric, costs £4,390. For details, contact Delcor, 0191…

1| Discover how the Nordic palette is slowly moving from cool whites and pale greys into stronger, bolder hues, as shown in Swedish designer Daniel Heckscher’s bedroom (above). You can also collect ideas on choosing and combining colours to use in your own room schemes. New Nordic Colour: Decorating with a Vibrant Modern Palette by Antonia AF Petersens, £19.99 , Ryland Peters & Small. 2| This interesting monograph celebrates the pure, raw aesthetic of French architects Karl Fournier and Olivier Marty of Studio KO. Studio KO by Dan Glasser with photographs by Studio KO, £55 , Rizzoli New York. 3| Immerse yourself in 14 quintessentially English townhouses, including the homes of fashion designer Gavin Waddell (above) and antiques dealer Jack Laver Brister. Perfect English Townhouse by Ros Byam Shaw with…

Extraordinarily, the interior decorator Livia Rebecchini has inhabited this apartment near Villa Borghese, in the elegant embassy district of Rome, on three separate occasions. She was born here but soon after, her family moved to the historic district in the heart of Rome. Later, following her marriage, Livia returned to the highly sought-after leafy and tranquil locale with her husband but she found that she hankered after the buzz of Rome’s ancient centre and she moved her family to a palazzo there. Now, at a different stage of her life, she has taken up residence again in the Fifties block and put her inimitable stamp on the apartment. Did you make any structural changes? I decided we needed a spacious living area, based around the classic layout of an entrance…

THIS MONTH, an array of antiques and artwork takes centre stage in a Victorian townhouse (page 80), while traditional architecture combines with modern design in a chic Melbourne house (page 90). In London, a mansion block apartment (page 98) is given a new lease of life and an elegant update brings a sense of calm to a sophisticated family home (page 106). Outside, sculptural curves define a Belgian garden (page 114) and meadow planting flourishes in a Chilterns scheme (page 120).…

Can you describe the property? It is located in Parsons Green in south-west London in a row of Victorian ‘Lion’ houses, named after the terracotta lions on their gables. Our company’s architectural division completely reconfigured the house, adding a new basement and taking the interior in a much more modern, open-plan direction. This bathroom is part of the main suite, which now takes up the entire first floor. Why did you opt to put the bath in the bedroom? We had put a lot of energy into opening up the house, swapping solid walls for glazed partitions and widening doorways. The idea of shutting the bath away again went completely against the grain. We did make a concession by adding pocket doors to separate the rest of the bathroom though.…

TAMARIND-GLAZED BEETROOTS WITH BABY SPINACH, SALTED PISTACHIOS & SOYA LABNEH Serves 6, gluten free (previous page) This recipe uses baked beetroots, which have a stronger flavour, deeper colour and crunchier texture than boiled, although boiled will still taste good. Choose regular purple beetroots, as here, or try multicoloured ones and serve with oat crème fraîche as an alternative to labneh. 6 medium beetroots, trimmed 1 orange, cut into 6 pieces 4 sprigs rosemary 3 whole garlic cloves, plus 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced Olive oil, for drizzling and frying ¼ red chilli, thinly sliced 200g baby spinach, washed 200g soya labneh (about 1 tbsp per person), see recipe below right For the salted pistachios 50g salt 200g raw pistachio nuts, shelled For the tamarind glaze 4 tbsp agave syrup 3…

Creating a dream bathing space requires three essential components – carefully considered design, beautiful ceramics and brassware and plenty of stylish finishing touches. CP Hart has all these areas covered, which is why we’ve partnered with the luxury bathroom specialist to help you navigate the minefield of product, style and design options available right now. Our six case studies offer insights into everything from practical yet indulgent family bathrooms to technologically innovative spa areas and space-saving cloakrooms. Alongside these expertly devised and decorated schemes, we also showcase the latest furniture and fittings which are thoughtfully designed, work well and look great. All of them can be viewed at CP Hart’s flagship Waterloo showroom in London, where a wealth of further inspiration for innovative bathrooms awaits.…

FEET FIRST Neve slippers in soft white cotton with embroidered detail, £49, Yves Delorme, uk.yvesdelorme.com. DECO DECADENCE Exuding the elegance of a bygone era, this bespoke black metal Drench Victoria shower enclosure, CP Hart, cphart.co.uk, also features textured glass and a handle that doubles as a towel rail. COVER STORY Palladio tiles blend the look of natural marble with the durability and scratch and stain resistance of porcelain, making them a practical and good-looking choice. Available in matt and polished finishes, from £82.51sq m, CP Hart, cphart.co.uk. SATURATION POINT The Gessi Private Wellness Program, gessi.com, includes a range of modular steel showers with customisable features. This Afilo ceiling-mounted design has rainfall and chromotherapy functions, from £3,099.60. DARK STAR The Waterloo triple control shower valve and diverter, from £768, CP Hart,…

We love these whimsical hand-painted candle shades by illustrator Susannah Garrod. Pair with brightly coloured candles for a playful look or team with dark navy or black for a smart, elegant feel.…

How would you describe your Instagram account? We love to celebrate making and to provide inspiration. Our exhibitions and Mayfair showroom are dedicated to sharing contemporary craft. It’s hard not to be seduced by the narrative of creating these pieces and we try to capture this in our feed. Who do you recommend we follow and why? @pierre.yovanovitch – one of the most admired and respected interior designers in the business. His Instagram account is chic, but with quirky touches that make his style utterly unique and wholly desirable.…

Now is the time to banish winter blues and transform your home for spring, so H&G has teamed up with Graham & Green to offer readers 15 per cent off a host of beautiful furniture, lighting and accessories. From sparkling mirrors to stylish rattan pieces, there’s plenty to help your room schemes stand out from the crowd. To find out more, explore Graham & Green’s latest collection online at graham andgreen.co.uk or visit its emporiums in London’s Notting Hill and Primrose Hill or the flagship store in Bayswater. Alternatively, head to its fabulous new store in Bath’s Artisan Quarter. HOW TO CLAIM YOUR 15% DISCOUNT Online Visit grahamandgreen.co.uk and enter code SPRINGHOME at checkout. By phone Call 01225 418200 and quote code SPRINGHOME before you buy. In store Quote code…

PATTERNED PLAIN…

The art of elegance owes much to the power of simplicity, a theory demonstrated by Jacques and Arianna Fontaine in their exquisite home in south-west London. Zen-like tranquillity infuses every inch of the skilfully decorated space, which the couple shares with the younger two of their four children, Laurent and Colette, providing the family with a welcome respite from their peripatetic lives. “We’ve lived in several countries over the past ten years,” says Arianna, “but our design principles never waver.” The beautiful home they have created is testament to this: a masterclass in strong creative vision combined with impeccable good taste. FINE TUNING Jacques and Arianna bought this house three years ago, having been drawn immediately to its clean, contemporary aesthetic, reminiscent of their own. “You could say that this…

A former bus depot seems an unlikely setting for a dream home and garden, but the one Diane and Michael Cusden bought over 40 years ago was an exception. Lying within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Chilterns, the depot had lots of potential, and when the corrugated iron shed and its narrow strip of land became the Cusdens in 1977, they sold the shed to a farmer and set about building a house in the local vernacular, using red bricks and reclaimed clay roof tiles. Such was the time, energy and money that needed to be spent on the house, it was some years before the couple could start on the outside space, but it was worth the wait. Now, the fence-less, meadow-style garden sweeps unimpeded into…

This spring we embrace the latest looks and products for the hub of your home. MODERN HERITAGE hinges on clever design that blends past and present; INDUSTRIAL CHIC incorporates touches of brass to bring a sophisticated twist to cabinetry; NEW NORDIC is chic and refined, taking this trend to the next stage; STATEMENT ISLAND puts this striking standalone piece at the heart of the scheme; DUAL DESIGN is a practical kitchen with the look of a contemporary living space; and BOLD HUE is defined by deep indigo flowing across cabinetry, surfaces and accessories.…

What inspired Butler’s design? It was driven by demand for a modern update on the classic kitchen. While there is still a lot of interest in traditional Georgian styling, we’ve noticed a shift towards open shelving and the ‘pantry look’, which fits well with industrial-inspired architecture. With its cleaner line and in-frame detail, Butler is perfect for this style of kitchen. How do you achieve timeless design that’s also fresh and fashionable? The main thing I consider is how to incorporate new trends into our Tom Howley style, rather than looking at designing a new collection around the latest trend. Focusing on scale, good proportion and symmetry is important – and don’t overcomplicate things. What new materials and finishes are on your radar for 2018? Our most recent Dusted Oak…

INSIDE STORY PROPERTY A detached six-bedroom Victorian house in Chelsea, London. PROJECT A refurbished kitchen with an improved layout and impressive centrepiece island. KITCHEN SIZE 7x5m. DESIGNER Matt Podesta, Podesta, 020 7183 5769, podesta.uk.com. A narrow island across the width of the kitchen did little more than act as an obstacle for the owners of this London family home. ‘They love to cook and entertain, and had become increasingly fed up with the impractical layout and uncomfortable pinch points,’ says designer Matt Podesta. ‘The brief was to create a unique, stylish design with an improved sense of flow.’ LAYOUT A square island with breakfast bar is the centre of the new design, with easy walkways on all four sides. An L-shaped cooking and washing-up zone runs behind, achieved by moving…

A  Alma Leather, 020 7377 0762, alma1938.com. Altfield, 020 7351 5893, altfield.com. Amtico, 0121 745 0800, amtico.com. Andrew Martin, 020 7225 5100, andrewmartin.co.uk. Another Country, 020 7486 3251, anothercountry.com. Anthropologie, 08000 026 8476, anthropologie.com. Armstrong Vinton Furniture, 020 7736 6444, armstrongvintonfurniture.co.uk. Arteriors, arteriorshome.com. Ashley Wilde, 01707 635201, ashleywildegroup.co.uk. Atkin and Thyme, 020 3768 7775, atkinandthyme.co.uk. B  B&B Italia, 020 7591 8111, london.bebitalia.com. Barbican Centre,020 7638 8891, barbican.org.uk. Beam Projects, beamprojects.co.uk. Bedeck,0845 603 0861, bedeckhome.com Bespoke Sofa London, 020 7736 9900, bespokesofalondon.co.uk. Buster+Punch,020 3176 5871, busterandpunch.com. C  Catchpole & Rye, 020 7351 0940, catchpoleandrye.com. Chelsea Textiles, 020 7584 5544, chelseatextiles.com. Christopher Farr, 020 7349 0888, christopherfarr.com. Christopher Farr Cloth, 020 7349 0888, christopherfarrcloth.com. Christy, 0845 758 5252, christy.co.uk. Clarke & Clarke, 01706 242010, clarke-clarke.com. Colefax and Fowler, 020 7244 7427, colefax.com.…

LIGHT TOUCH The tapered arm of the Leila wall light comes in a choice of 15 finishes, ideal if you want to match your brassware. It is shown here in Aged Brass, £675, with Pebble empire shade, £70.80, Balineum, balineum.co.uk. FINE LOOK The Alice round mirror, £85, Cox & Cox, coxandcox.co.uk, has an elegantly carved floral frame for a feminine touch. FACTORY FINISH The Black Hammercoat finish accentuates the industrial styling of this Soho wall-mounted soap dispenser, £185.45, Jee-O, jee-o.com. HARD LINE Designed by Danish architects Norm for Italian company Ex.t, ex-t.com, Frame is a modular system of bathroom consoles and furniture featuring minimalist black steel frames, including this basin console with drawer and shelf, from £4,227.26. PURE INDULGENCE Enjoy a deep, luxurious soak in the Fyne freestanding bath in…

A STEP UP The Stone towel ladder with three handy shelves, £762.55, Decor Walther, decor-walther.com, has a clean, modern look that’s stylish and practical. GREAT SHAPE This elegant Amsterdam bath, £5,394, with gentle curves for a comfortable soak, is shown with the Soho bath shower mixer, £2,059.63, both Jee-O, jee-o.com. SOFT TOUCH Featuring a luxuriously silky PowderRain spray, the Axor 350 1 jet plate overhead shower, £2,581, Hansgrohe, hansgrohe.co.uk, is shown here with the Axor thermostatic module Select, from £1,548, to switch between jet types and showerheads. SILK CUT Feel instantly glamorous in this floral Queenie Geene kimono robe, £740, Olivia von Halle, oliviavonhalle.com. EXOTIC MIX A heady blend of jasmine, ylang ylang and sandalwood gives the Cire Trudon Madurai candle, £78, Selfridges, selfridges.com, a rich, evocative scent. SLIM FIT…

Marco Borghetti, CEO of Effegibi, advises on the practicalities and benefits of a sauna or steam room What is the difference between a sauna and steam room? Finnish in origin, a sauna, clad in natural timber, can reach temperatures up to 100°C, but with very low humidity. The warm, dry air and fragrance of the wood combine for a calming effect. The heat is said to improve cardiovascular health, as well as deep cleansing the skin. In a steam room (also Turkish bath or hammam), humidity reaches 100 per cent with temperatures up to 48°C. Your body is enveloped by steam as you relax on a marble or stone bench. This helps with decongestion and eliminates impurities in the skin. How can they be installed in the home? Many people…

“RATHER THAN PLAYING IT SAFE, IT’S MORE EXCITING AND INTERESTING TO HAVE A MIX OF COLOUR AND PATTERN IN A SMALL ROOM.” INSIDE STORY PROPERTY A detached five-bedroom house in Surrey, built in the 1920s. PROJECT A dreary cloakroom has been transformed into one full of personality. BATHROOM SIZE 0.76x1.2m. DESIGNER Homeowner Emma Merry. A gradual refurbishment of their entire house, spread over a number of years, left Emma and Charles Merry with just one room left to tackle: the under-stairs cloakroom on the ground floor. “It was filled with bulky fittings and felt dated and tired,” says Emma, events manager at CP Hart. “Charles didn’t think it was worth spending much money on a room that is used so briefly. But that was like a red rag to a…

IN THE ROUND This Kiko mirror has a hand-forged antique zinc frame; small, £29.95; large, £46.95, Nkuku, nkuku.com. SMART STORAGE Just 46cm wide, the Mutevole Contemporaneo vanity unit, £1,948.36, Karol, karol.it, comes in a range of chic finishes and tones. SET IN STONE Carved from natural marble, this Duo washbasin, £2,329.20, Neutra Design, neutradesign.it, makes an eye-catching feature in any size of room. MAKE A STAND The matt black metal frame brings a modern edge to this simple DuraSquare console, £524, with basin, £367, and Cubic Line glass shelf, £179, Duravit, duravit.co.uk. GOOD SCENTS No. 94 Sage, Rosemary and Lavender hand and body wash, £21.50, L:A Bruket, labruket. se, combines organic essential oils for a calming fragrance and gentle cleanse. BRONZE BEAUTY Made from crystal, the Tekno basin in Lux…

1| Switch on to cast interesting shadows. Lyssa Pale tiered rattan ceiling light, H26xW45cm, £95, John Lewis, 0345 604 9049, johnlewis.com. 2| A colourful design to get the party started. Reed tea glasses, H9.5xDia8cm, £46 set of six, Pols Potten at Amara, 0800 587 7645, amara.com. 3| An eye-catching curvaceous form. Beth lamp base, H50xDia24cm, £95; Fine linen lampshade, Dia45cm, £65, both Birdie Fortescue, 01328 738634, birdiefortescue.co.uk. 4| Intricately woven and practical, too. Kenis round tray, £520, H13.5xDia62cm, Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam, 020 7730 8623, nicholashaslam.com. 5| Style that will stand the test of time. Wicked lounge chair, H69xW88xD73cm, £879 with cushions, Alain Gilles at Vincent Sheppard, vincentsheppard.com. 6| Sculptural simplicity for any scheme. Rattan side table, H72xDia80cm, £415, Out There Interiors, 020 8099 7443, outthereinteriors.com. 7| A large…

The quiet yet far-reaching inspiration of Sir Peter Osborne will be the focus of this exclusive reader event, hosted by Homes & Gardens editor-in-chief, Deborah Barker. The conversation will delve into the story of Osborne & Little and how Sir Peter Osborne moved from a brief spell in banking to launching a wallpaper collection with his brother-in-law to growing the renowned global company he leads now. You will learn how his love of art and design has been translated into Osborne & Little fabrics and wallpapers, as well as being the starting point for the many exquisite collaborations that are so inherent to the brand. This special event is part of Conversations in Design at London Design Week 2018 at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, which runs for six days from…

Can you tell us about Patternity’s background? Patternity started with a simple concept – we wanted to share the beauty and positivity of pattern with the world. We met in 2009 through friends at university (Anna was at Central Saint Martins and Grace at Edinburgh). Pattern was our common language and we soon realised our combined vision to work with it in a purposeful way (Anna as an art director; Grace as a designer). We also wanted to give pattern a new voice – to encourage a new way of seeing. In eight years, we’ve gone from an image archive to a creative brand that goes beneath the surface through design, events and projects. Our core mission is to use pattern to inspire mindful living. How did the collaboration with…

Geoffrey Fisher’s artistic journey began at Hornsey College of Art. After graduating in 1976, he set up a studio in a disused factory close to London’s Brick Lane and began working with gathered wood. He moved to Greece for a number of years, where he continued to experiment with wood before returning to the English countryside to forage and make. His pieces have a pleasingly utilitarian feel and are available at The Conran Shop, Another Country and Twentytwentyone, among others, and from his online shop. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been designing and making with wood. Whether in the form of a piece of furniture or an abstract construction, it has always been a way of expressing myself visually. I grew up in Buckinghamshire and spent a…

STUDY A large-scale mural works beautifully in this small room, wrapping the walls in a watery landscape to create a calm, Zen-like space for quiet contemplation. LIVING ROOM Fitting neatly into the alcove of this pared-back monochrome space, this striking tree silhouette is balanced by perfectly positioned furniture. DINING ROOM An enchanting secret garden scene flourishes around all four walls, creating an intimate space for entertaining. Simple curtains and furniture in contemporary shapes act as a foil to the whimsical feel, while the framed prints continue the theme as companions to the birds fluttering across the mural. DRESSING ROOM The painterly mural covering the doors of the built-in wardrobe creates a focal point in this glamorous area, offset by smart brass detailing and soft pink walls. BEDROOM With its palette…

Decorative bare bulbs are currently in great demand – and these three new launches put traditional pendants in the shade. The smart new Buster bulb/tube, £65, Buster + Punch, 020 7407 0888, busterandpunch.com, uses patented LED technology to mimic the warmth of candlelight. Five years after its launch, the Crystal Bulb pendant, £230, Lee Broom, 020 7820 0742, leebroom.com, has been treated to a new polished chrome fitting with an engraved logo. Claimed to be the largest sculptural bulb ever made, the 44cm-long hand-blown Voronoi III, £300, Tala at Heal’s, 0333 212 1915, heals.com, is a feat of engineering.…

1| Wood works Chic style, natural warmth and hi-tech features combine with a Revolution filter, which guarantees 82 per cent filtration. Bio cooker hood, from £1,325, Elica, 01252 351111, elica.com. 2| Match fit With reduced noise levels and energy consumption, this showstopper comes in any RAL colour. l-3000 island hood, from £5,514, Pando, 0330 332 0803, pandouk.com. 3| Smart control This sleek glass hood synchronises with the hob temperature and can be operated via a smartphone. DA7198W Triple hood, £1,749, Miele,0330 160 6600,miele.co.uk.…

Can you describe the project? This is a room we created for the American interior design show Holiday House when it came to London last year. The premise is that 25 interior designers are each allocated a room – in this case, in a pair of recently developed houses in north-west London – and the money raised from ticket sales is donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. We opted to design a guest bedroom as this space is often overlooked; we wanted to create a jewel-like scheme that is fun and inviting, and would make guests feel really looked after. Why did you choose this wallpaper? The design, Carnival by Michael Szell for Christopher Farr Cloth, is an enduring favourite of ours. When we learned that the company was…

ARE SOFT MATTRESSES MADE NOW? After years of sleeping on a hard mattress, I’m hoping you can tell me if any companies make soft mattresses and, if so, whether they last? CH, Taunton, Somerset. Bed makers and retailers are reluctant to describe a mattress as soft because it carries the implication that it won’t last. Manufacturers do produce soft, medium and firm mattresses in their pocket-sprung ranges, and all have similar longevity. Lightweight people and those who sleep on their side should choose a soft mattress to relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips. Three factors determine mattress firmness: how tightly tufts are pulled through and secured, thickness of the wire in the pocket springs, and depth of the layers of filling. Good for quality and price is the Natural…

Housed in an historic flat-iron building, the Proper Hotel San Francisco offers a luxurious stay in an area of the city revitalised as an innovation hub. The beaux-arts landmark has been meticulously restored and its heritage showcased with modern design elements. Renowned interior designer Kelly Wearstler has envisioned the rooms and suites as elegant pied-â-terres and decorated with a mix of rich textures, vintage furnishings and expertly clashing prints. Not to be missed is Charmaine’s rooftop bar where you can take in unparalleled views of the city by the Bay. NEED TO KNOW • Proper’s 131 rooms start at around $400 a night. • Dine at the sophisticated Villon restaurant, eat informally at La Bande café, or enjoy a drink and the view from Charmaine’s rooftop bar. • If you’re…

What are the golden rules for buying a bathroom tap? Check that it is compatible with the water pressure in your home to ensure a reasonable flow rate, and that the design fits your basin or bath. Basins generally come with pre-drilled holes to suit monobloc mixers (one hole), traditional pillar hot and cold taps (two holes), or a spout and two controls (three holes). Many freestanding baths do not include holes, so they require floor-standing or wall-mounted tap designs. How can you ensure the quality is good? Buy from a supplier with a well-established reputation. Cheaper taps are usually made from lower quality materials with less durable internal components. Solid brass taps are very resistant to corrosion, which is why brass has long been the material of choice (hence…

“WE CHOSE THE PATTERNED CEMENT FLOOR TILES AS A HOMAGE TO THE ENCAUSTIC TILES THAT MIGHT ONCE HAVE BEEN IN THE HOUSE.” INSIDE STORY PROPERTY Georgian listed three-bedroom terraced house in Kennington, south London. PROJECT To transform a bedroom into a spacious family bathroom. BATHROOM SIZE 3.3x2.9m. DESIGNER Robert Maxwell, Maxwell & Company, 020 3457 5864, maxwellandcompany.co.uk. The owners of this Georgian property chose to convert a bedroom into a family bathroom as part of a top-to-bottom house renovation. “My brief was to create a design that would sit comfortably in a period setting, but with a contemporary feel and a flavour of their favourite Soho House hotels,” says Robert Maxwell. LAYOUT The property’s listed status meant no structural alterations were permitted, and the local planning authority required the reinstatement…

CP Hart senior designer Rebecca Hitchman shares her tips on the latest surfaces and finishes Do you have a preferred bathroom surface? Marble is beautiful and I love Carrara for its striking grey veins. But marble is porous and needs care, which is why marble-effect porcelain tiles have become popular. They’re robust and easy to clean and look very realistic. Are there any brassware trends? The industrial vintage look is big; it is all about contrasting materials. We’re seeing the black metal lines of Crittall-style shower screens with taps in brushed steel, weathered bronze, matt black or brushed gold finishes. It’s quite a departure from polished chrome. What about wallpaper and fabric? Mixed materials have been a trend for some time, but the latest bathroom wallpapers, in vinyl or with…

“THE COMBINATION OF ELEGANT MARBLE AND BLACK AND WHITE MOSAICS IS TIMELESS.” INSIDE STORY PROPERTY New build nine-storey hotel in Shoreditch, east London. PROJECT A steam shower room. BATHROOM SIZE 3.5x2m. DESIGNER Chris Michero, Duncan Miller Ullmann, designdmu.com. Located in the heart of Shoreditch, The Curtain hotel features a rooftop pool, soul food restaurant, live music venue and late-night den. But that’s not all that makes this “urban resort” stand out – each one of its 120 guest rooms features a wellness steam shower, a first for a London hotel. Chris Michero, lead designer for the project, says, “We wanted to give guests something unexpected and to provide a level of luxury that would be memorable.” LAYOUT The sit-in steam shower enclosure is the primary focus of the space, with…

“THIS LAYOUT GAVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A FOCAL POINT OF THE BASIN VANITY AREA AS THE KEY FEATURE IN THE SCHEME.” INSIDE STORY PROPERTY Detached seven-bedroom house in Hertfordshire, built in 2007. PROJECT A dull, small guest en-suite shower room has been completely refreshed. BATHROOM SIZE 2.3x2.8m. DESIGNER Rebecca Hitchman, CP Hart, 020 7902 5250, cphart.co.uk. When Toni and Luke Newman bought their home in Hertfordshire, they set about refurbishing it in keeping with their taste. This small shower room, part of a guest suite, was bland and uninviting with a boxed-in feel. Toni had prepared a Pinterest board and collected images from magazines as reference for the classically elegant and luxurious feel she wanted to achieve, so Rebecca Hitchman had plenty of ideas to work with when…

Italian industrial designer Brian Sironi tells us about his strikingly original new brassware range Brian Sironi heads his own studio in Milan and has won many awards for his innovative designs. Recently, he has worked with Dutch brand Jee-O, to produce a brassware series called Flow, distinguished by its smooth curves, from which water flows in a surprising way (see more on page 27). How did your collaboration with Jee-O came about? I sent an email to Jee-O and, the next day, received a call from Lammert Moerman, head of the company. He was so enthusiastic about my design. A week later, he flew to Milan, just for a five-hour talk. It was an amazing start to our relationship. What was your inspiration for Flow? Water takes on the shape…