Your interiors shopping guide - September 2018
Just back from the most amazing summer holidays - the longest ones in 4 years - and I am catching up with everything that is shiny and new for this month, press releases, lifestyles shots and one fantastic catalogue that is perfect for my #bathroomswoon campaign this month, courtesy of Mandarin Stone.
First of all, what is this hashtag business, I hear you ask. Well, yours truly, is embarking on a proper room makeover - you know, one that includes trades people coming to rip it apart and put it back together, and not simply styling or painting the odd wall. We are renovating our bathrooms and it is truly exciting and scary in equal measures.
We have not undertaken anything like this before so I am planning on recording the process step by step and explain everything that will go on (including what the true cost of renovating the bathroom is) in a series of posts here on the blog and on social media, and I will be using the hashtag #bathroomswoon to make sure you can follow on my progress.
Click on the photo to follow the action on Twitter.
Bathroom
Bathroom products up first and here's what caught my eye this month. Multi award winning showering innovators Methven (New Zealand), have recently launched the Aio Black Rail Shower, a very attractive matt black halo shaped handset paired with the Krome 120mm rail shower.
The handset incorporates their Aurajet ® technology which is designed to deliver up to 20 per cent more spray force and an invigorating, absolute immersion shower experience.
We love Methven because: they offer a LIFETIME warrantee, their resistance to limescale thanks to an engineered polymer with hydrophobic properties and its water flow efficiency without compromising the luxurious spray performance.
And if you are not immediately convinced, you can try their AURAJET ® Aio handset for just £1. Here's how:
1. Select a trial shower handset. Choose between the Aurajet® Aio handset or the Satinjet® Maku handset - or try them both. You choose. As a special bonus for trialling the Aurajet® Aio handset they will also send you a smooth easy-clean hose to trial too. Click on the links below to choose the handset you like the most.
Aurajet Aio Shower Handset - RRP (Incl VAT): £99.99 Satinjet Maku Handset - RRP (Incl VAT): £27.99
2. Simply unscrew your existing handset from the hose, and screw on your Aio or Maku handset.
3. Keep it or return it. Their trial period lasts for 30 days from the date you receive your new shower handset and they will even keep you up to date on how long you have left on your trial by sending you a few emails.
Shower panels
I love Twitter. I got a tweet from Showerwall who have recently rebranded and have a completely new aesthetic - beautiful products, beautiful website, a visualiser, fantastic lifestyle photography of their product range and a very switched on social media team.
Tiling your bathroom may be the option of choice for many, but if the cost makes tiling prohibitive, then shower panels could be the answer for your. They come in a variety of patterns and designs and you can even custom design your own. Their premium bathroom wall panels are watertight, hard-wearing, stain resistant and 100% hygienic. Here are some designs that I really liked.
Black Glacial from the Quarry Collection, Showerwall. Masculine look, perfect for a walk in shower when combined with a black shower panel. Features: Waterproof System; Easy Installation;15 Year Guarantee; Cost Effective;Seamless Feature Walls
Black Glacial shower panel, Showerwall | Pure Built-In Shower Mixer, V-Box-Exposed Part, Chrome, and Frame Washbasin Unit, 60 cm, with 1 drawer, with White washbasin, Matte Black, both VitrA | Aesop body cleanser, £31 | Christy Supreme Hygro Island Night Sky Towels from £4 | theshowerlabTM Curium 19.1F Walk-in Shower Enclosure, Just Frameless Showers
Slate Grey from the Slate Quarry Collection, Showerwall
Herringbone from the Customs Collection, Showerwall.
September Blues
For many, September signals the start of winter almost - the kids go back to school, we start wearing coats and there's no more talking of swan li-los... I get it. But still, don't get the blues! Instead, get blue in your home, with help from the brands below! Whether it's Electric, Cornflower, Indigo, Baby, Cobalt or Navy..... Blue is absolutely red hot right now!
We spotted:
The Cuttlefish Blue By Seba Framed Wall Art - MINDTHEGAP. This limited edition print is part of a brand new collection of premium artwork, designed to make a statement on your walls. The quirky collection is split into four different moods; Abstract, Contemporary, Tropical and Vintage, each was selected to create an eclectic mix of different styles (via LIMELACE).
The stunning Peonies Wallpaper Mural by Behangfabriek, in an indigo blue with black hue, especially designed to add a touch of luxury to your home (via LIMELACE).
The Baltimore Low Stool in royal blue velvet from Cult Furniture. Combining the best of Scandinavian simplicity with the timeless look of luxury, the Baltimore footstool is as stylish as it is versatile. Wrapped in royal blue velvet, the round stool can be used as a sofa foot rest or as extra seating around a small table. It’s four supportive brass legs ensure durability, giving you a place to rest your feet for years to come. At £79, it's an absolute steal!
Delicate ceramics from Sthal like the Midnight blue stoneware cup with handle from the Arabesque collection.
The Curious Department has launched a new range of velvet cushions in luxurious and shimmering fabric, handmade in the UK, featuring a dazzling pattern on both sides, accentuated with black velvet piping detail, and finished off with a hidden zipper. The Electric Lagoon will electrify your interiors, bringing them to life!
Finally, for Gubi fans everywhere, this Brass Base Multi Lite Pendant (£507 on Rume).
Photo: Superfront x Original BTC
Collaborations
On the money: Superfront are collaborating with British Lighting company Original BTC. This September, Chelsea Harbour heads to Shoreditch via Stockholm for a pop up collaboration between British lighting manufacturer Original BTC and Swedish design brand Superfront. Celebrating the best of British and Swedish craftsmanship, Original BTC x Superfront will explore how interior designers and homeowners can create highly individual interiors using Original BTC and Davey Lighting, alongside Superfront’s mix-and-match fronts, handles and legs, designed to fit Ikea’s most common cabinet series.
With a shared passion for quality, longevity, mix of materials, detail and local manufacturing, Original BTC x Superfront will explore the endless creative possibilities afforded by their comprehensive catalogue of designs. Original BTC x Superfront, 15-23 September, 28 Redchurch Street, E2 7DP. Not to be missed!
Tiles, tiles, tiles
If walls could speak they would cry out for Mandarin Stone. Launching a heavenly new collection of marble tiles, the brand is going to be featured on the Seasons bathroom makeover as well. We picked:
The Bluestone Tumbled Marble (£41.92 / M2), an extremely dense and robust material that has a blue/grey base colour and attractive white highlights. The combination of tones coupled with softly rounded edges allows it to work in both contemporary and traditional settings.
The classic grey/white Alsace Honed Marble tiles offer a timeless beauty. Finish the look of your walls or marble flooring with complementary mouldings and stylish marble mosaics which form part of the comprehensive Alsace collection.
The Blue Lotus Polished Marble: This eye-catching marble includes beautiful shades of deep blue and grey and is characterised by mottling, veining and pretty gold inclusions. Some open surface veining is normal due to the high density of minerals within the stone. Available in a reflective, polished finish.
How best to work with marble surfaces? Use other cold materials (brass, metal) or warm them up with wood.
