We’ve seen so many bathrooms in our days, and we love them! We love how creative people can get with their private spaces. The bathrooms we have chosen are all located in Notting Hill and we have chosen them because they are creative, quirky and personal.
A mint blue dream! We love the effortless look of this space. Every piece is simple yet gorgeous on its own, it makes for an impeccable bathroom.
The brief was probably ‘Something like Cuba…but marble’
When classic meets modern at its best. This charming pearl is located in Holland Park and has a bathroom that’s luxurious and classy without feeling cold. Also, those tiles with that bathtub are a complete jackpot! The space is designed by Spencer & Wedekind. We are impressed!
Who says you can’t be in wonderland every day? If you want to feel like Alice – every bathroom visit can feel like falling down the rabbit hole!
There are a lot of elements in this bathroom that are impressive. The geometric tiles obviously stand out with their colours but there’s much more to it. The dark pink on the bathtub matching the tiles and the use of different materials such as wood and frosted glass. And that lamp? It’s a Moooi Heracleum Pendent Light. Very charmed by this space!
Stunning bathtub by Drummonds Bathrooms, 642 King’s Road, SW6 2DU London
That wall is beautiful!
There are so many different showers out there, it’s a jungle! There are digital showers, mixer showers, electric showers, you name it. Here is an inspirational guide to some fine showers we’ve come across…
AQUALISA
Aquatique Thermo is a mixer shower by Aqualisa that offers adjustable shower and drencher heads. It’s made of high quality brass with both exposed and concealed valves available. It comes in a chrome or gold finish and the drencher heads can be found in 5” and 8”. We really like Aquatique Thermo’s classic and sophisticated style, definitely a stunning addition to a rustic looking bathroom.
MIRA
Aside from its sleek design, Mira’s digital showers allow you to select exact temperature and the flow rate of your shower. It offers an Eco function if you wish to limit the flow and reduce your water usage. Mira’s 360 showerhead comes in three different designs and thanks to the Flipstream™ Technology the 360 showerhead rotates and offers four different sprays: rain, cloud, storm and burst. Well, let’s be honest, goodbye Eco function, hello burst!!!
Just going to have a shower…four times…
Mira platinum wireless remote controller
The Mira 360 range is complimented with Mira Shelves and can be used as parking sockets for the shower head to replace the conventional slide bar.
GROHE
The Rainshower F-series from Grohe is just stunning! And luxurious! As always when it comes to Grohe. There is too much to choose from to mention it all here but here are some sneak peaks:
Dream!
Attention rain shower lovers: If you want a proper rain shower you’ll need the right kit behind the scenes – ask for a cold water MainsBoost accumulator from TWS.
A little bit of English manufacturing history: SAMUEL HEATH
Samuel Heath factory in Birmingham, England
Samuel Heath was established in 1820 and is a British manufacturer that began as a traditional brass founder. Today Samuel Heath is manufacturing bathroom accessories, taps, showers and architectural hardware and has become internationally renowned for innovation and quality.
On the process: ‘Each piece is meticulously formed from the purest Northern European solid brass which is then polished by hand to create a flawless finish before undergoing a high quality electroplating process. Attention to detail dictates that each product is then assembled, checked and packed by skilled individuals. All of these processes take place at the company’s Birmingham factory ensuring total control over manufacturing, quality and environmental responsibility.’
Samuel Heath is located in the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour.
The Fairfield line – Wooden levers enhance the organic feeling of Fairfield’s curvilinear design.
Samuel Heath and Royal Crown Derby collaborated for a collection that exemplifies the very best of British Design and Manufacturing.
Local recommendation: BURGE & GUNSON
We recommend Burge & Gunson in SW19, they are London’s largest independent bathroom specialists. They know it all and they stock all the brands mentioned above!
Happy showering!
PEYOTITO in Notting Hill!
Peyotito moved into Notting Hill on the 4th of July and is run by Eduardo García, one of Mexico’s top chefs. It’s modern Mexican cuisine with a predominantly gluten and dairy free menu. There is nothing tacky about these tacos, we love it mucho!
‘Pulpo a la Mexicana’ – Peyotito’s Mexican style octupus with fresh lime and house made calamato!
Chilli & Passionfruit Margarita for a hot hot day!
Address: 31 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2EU
MK by Muriel’s Kitchen in Putney!
Muriel’s Kitchen in South Kensington, Soho and Richmond has now opened a takeaway spot in Putney. We want all those cute breakfast pots and yummy healthy quick lunches! Putney commuters say thank you Muriel!
Strawberries, blueberries, nuts, mango, coconut, shia seeds – breakfast bonanza!
Egg & Bacon Muffin, yum!
Address: 95 Putney High St, London SW15 1SS
ARLO’S in Balham
Anyone who’s motto is ‘serious about steak’ is confident about their signature dish. Arlo’s is opening its doors on the 20th of July in Balham and we’ve heard it’s going to be sizzlingly good! Get in line people!
Address: 1 Ramsden road, Balham SW12 8QX
CHICAMA in Chelsea
King’s Road is getting a new restaurant and it’s looking very impressive! The name is Chicama and the food is Peruvian seafood. Chicama’s beautiful Instagram account has made us all get very excited, so if it tastes half as good as it looks we know we’ll love it!
Yes. That is officially how heaven looks like…
Address: 383 King’s Road, London SW10 0LP
50% off food during their soft opening 18 – 31 July.
July has sprung and the fresh smell of washed linen shirts inspired us to share some beautiful laundry rooms with you.
Inspiration: Do you know your laundry rules? 
Your home is likely to be your biggest investment thus helping it reach its full value potential is paramount. We’re not talking about giving it a quick lick of paint before you sell, as that is not going to add substantial worth to the property, this is about updating your home to make it a better place to live for you, as well as the next owner when it’s time to move on.
1. Fix structural problems
First and foremost, address any structural issues, such as subsidence, wall cracks, a sagging roof and rising damp. Whilst you may be able to hide these ailments from potential buyers during viewings, they will get flagged up during a valuation and could seriously affect how much your house sells for.
Watch out for the early signs of structural damage as repairs become more disruptive and expensive the later you leave them. If you suspect a problem but are unsure if it is just cosmetic, consult a builder, surveyor or structural engineer to formally identify the issue.
2. Install or upgrade central heating
Central heating can increase your home’s value by up to an incredible 13%1. Considered to be an essential part of the modern home, central heating systems are economical to run and save space, particularly if you choose a combination boiler.
3. Update plumbing
Old pipework can be furred up and lead to poor water flow, unwanted noise and burst pipes.
Consider a pressurised system rather than a gravity-fed one, as it will supply a better flow of cold and hot water. If you have room, you can still keep a cylinder for quick-running baths, but there are plenty of combination boilers with flow rates over 10 litres per minute, which is plenty for a decent power shower.
4. Update electrics
If your electrics are running via an old fuse box, you may need to rewire the house and install a RCD (residual circuit device) for safety. At the same time, you can add extra sockets, update your lighting and add an extractor fan in the bathroom, which can all increase your home’s worth.
5. Add an extra bath/shower room
Ideally, a home should have at least one bathroom for every three bedrooms, and if you can add an en-suite to the master bedroom, you will create real value.
Remodel or extend the existing space you have to create additional bathrooms and shower rooms. Even if that’s just a small 1 metre by 2.5 metres going spare, a professional plumber can fit everything a good wet room needs and still make it look fantastic.
6. Modernise your kitchen
For many, the kitchen is the heart of a home so you want it to look good and be completely functional. If you have the space, it can be a great idea to install fitted cooking appliances, dishwashers, washing machines and waste disposal units, which de-clutter and save potential buyers from undercutting your asking price through fear of not being able to afford the household essentials once they are in the property.
7. Renew your lease
A short lease (70 years or less) can prevent potential buyers and mortgage lenders investing in your property altogether. You can apply to extend your lease once you’ve been in a property for two years, just don’t wait too long, as the application gets more expensive the longer you put it off.
8. Create more storage space
Converting any unused space into extra storage facilities is really appealing, particularly in smaller flats. This isn’t just about the loft or basement; look for hidden room behind plasterboard walls, under the stairs, under the bath and either side of the chimneybreast. You could add shelves, doors, cupboards to the walls, and you could even move a downstairs bathroom to a higher floor to make room for an extra closet.
1 WhatPrice?, 2014. Improvements add value. [Online] Available at: http://www.whatprice.co.uk/housing-market/home-improvements-add-value.html. [Accessed 22nd September 2014].
We’ve been feeling in the mood for a change so we decided to pick out two interior brands that we think are doing an inspiring job.
Remains Lighting
Remains Lighting first opened in a Chelsea loft in April of 1996. The founder David Calligeros personally restored each item he sold to the highest standard. His keen interest in fine metalwork, as well as his desire to have a state-of-the-art restoration workshop devoted to one class of material, pushed him to focus the business on antique lighting. Today Remains Lighting is creating these beautiful pieces: feel free to indulge in this impeccable design.
Dome Pendant from the Commune collection.
California Sunburst from the Duquette Collection.
Philmont Table Lamp from the Wanzenberg collection.
Cole & Son
Cole and Son have been around since 1875 but don’t think they’re stuck in the old. They are creating some seriously exciting wallpapers and their designs are innovative and beautiful. Just see for yourself, if the below isn’t enough, there are literally over thousands of choices on their website. Click if you dare.
Archipelago Border from the Whimsical collection.
Pompeian from the New Contemporary collection.
Mediterranea from the Fornasetti collection.
Both Remains Lighting and Cole & Son can be found in the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, London SW10 0XF.