Big Ideas: An Industrial Bathroom

At this year’s Ideal Home Show there were some extra kitchen and bathroom room sets right at back of the hall, and while you know how much I love a room set or several, I’m surprised that I’ve not shared any of these yet.

As well as this one, there’s another four to come in this series of posts which cover the room sets with “Big Ideas.” The first is this industrial bathroom, which has a classic and almost oriental feel to it, its Big Ideas are:

1. Wood-effect walls: tiles that are waterproof, but have an authentic look

2. Tin bath: it keeps the heat, is symmetrically shaped

3. Walk-in shower: frameless glass and easy to clean

4. His & Hers double basins: wall mounted taps

5. Patterned floor: a classic twist and budget friendly

That tub.

Not many rooms could take a tub like that and do it justice, it’s not one to squeeze into a space is it? For me it’s the simplicity and symmetry of the central tub, set against a relatively plain background and on that modern patterned floor, which isn’t too dissimilar to the pattern on my blog header.

Go on, scroll up and check, I know you want to. I just did too!

But it’s not just the big impact stuff, the wire baskets under the sinks are a favourite of mine too. And wood tiles, remember when I saw those in Portugal earlier this year? I was an admirer then when I realised the tiles in the Totally tropical loos were actual tiles, and not floor tiles on the wall!

The simple lines, and lack of frame, on the shower is also a win for me. I’m not a fan of super enclosed showers, and I know that MOH would be very much up for a shower tray that’s that low off the ground. It was something we wanted when we put our shower in, but our budget didn’t stretch to that.

So Big Ideas that I think work well, what do you think?

A dramatic kitchen room set

It’s been a while since I shared a room set, and today is the last of the main room sets at this year’s Ideal Home Show. But it’s not the last of the room sets from that show as there were some more, bonus, room sets towards the back of the show. They were smaller but all bathrooms and kitchens so there’ll be some more to ogle at at some point.

Looking through my pictures though I was surprised I’d not already shared this one, as it’s a beauty. And totally my colours. Sadly it’s too dark for our kitchen space, and we don’t actually need a new kitchen having replaced ours only in 2013. But a girl can lust, can’t she?

And when it’s as gorgeous as that, the answer to my question is obviously yes!

Earlier in the year “mixed metallics” was a thing, and maybe still is, but this kitchen is the best example I’ve found of that trend. Copper and brass mix together with ease, and while my natural inclination would be to scrinch my nose up at the thought of those together, they go a lot better than I ever imagined.

The stools though, aren’t they great? And the integrated breakfast bar is done well and I can see this being a really flexible and social space.

In fact, when can I move in?

The metallics also lift the dark coloured units, and I think more of us should have some decorative areas in our functional spaces, because if we don’t like the look of somewhere we’re fickle things aren’t we and avoid spending time there. And in a space like this, that’d be a real shame.

So, what do you think - hit or miss for this dark and earthy with mixed metallics kitchen?

A luxe dining room

When I saw this dining room at the Ideal Home Show, I was struck by how one thing - or six of one thing - can make such an impact on a room. You’ve heard about having a statement piece, but these pastel pink chairs really are the eye-catching feature of the room, aren’t they?

The rest of the room is very “together” with its black, gilt and glass, even the table top looks to have a smoke feel to it. And with more normal, or traditional chairs I’m not sure you’d give the room much of a second look.  I mean, it’s still beautiful, but those chairs... 

When you looked more closely there was much to see.  This side table, which is beautifully presented and is how, in my head I arrange things (though in reality it’s not quite the same!) is stunning. I’m a fan of the table itself too, its simple and classic design is understated and is a good reminder that not everything needs to be fancy and ornate. 

The lights too work well as accent lighting, but it’s the paint effect that too is subtle but effective. It shows how how quite simply you can add “depth” to your space, and give the illusion of alcoves, or just add some interest to a plain space.   

It’s a simple idea and with patience should be achievable with a few toning pots of paint and some masking tape. 

Looking back over these photos, I realised this roomset may have influenced me more than I first realised, and the cake is a bit of a clue for you - and for once it’s not the actual cake! 

The drinks trolley, or as it’s styled here afternoon tea trolley is quite similar to the drinks trolley we bought back in the summer, and which I’ve yet to share here.  MOH is sneaking more and more drinks paraphernalia onto our trolley, and I’m making it look a little less”plonked” there, I hope.

But its first proper use for me was for a relaxing proper tea one afternoon, strange hey -and what’s worse I didn’t even have any cake, even though I’m not sure you’ll believe that.

So, what do you think - is it for you, or not?