KITCHEN & BATHROOM NEWS
Names to know and launches to note
NEW IN TOWN
Gessi has always prided itself as much more than a luxury bathroom brand and nothing makes this more apparent than the launch of its first UK showroom. Part stylish workspace, part installation gallery and part private members’ club, this is definitely not your average store. Based in the Grade Ii-listed
Old Sessions House, a former courthouse in London’s Clerkenwell, the new Casa Gessi aims to take visitors on a wellness journey while showcasing individual collections in what used to be prison cells. Head to the Tailor Atelier Dressing Room where you can play around with combinations of products and finishes and afterwards treat yourself to a G&T at the bar. Yes, bar. Visits are by appointment only. →
PURE VANITY
Inject 1920s charm into your bathroom with this elegant unit. The best bit? You get so much choice with its look that it will feel bespoke. The lacquered wood doors come in pink, black, white, cream and grey. You can also pick your choice of marble for the top, and the legs and handles come in brass, chrome, nickel or light gold. Decisions, decisions… Scottie vanity unit, from £8,668.37, West One Bathrooms
ITALIAN FLAIR
Officine Gullo, renowned for its luxury, handcrafted kitchens with signature metalwork, has unveiled Restart Ranges, a collection of domestic range cookers that have all the artisanal qualities of its bespoke pieces. Made in the Tuscan countryside, the ranges are inspired by the decor of old Florentine villas and their standout features will make them a focal point in any space.
There are four sizes available, from 90-120cm wide, and three door styles – brass, glass and solid. The Restart Ranges collection starts at £6,948, Officine Gullo
LINE UP
The Bamboo collection by Otto Tiles & Design taps into the trend of 3D tiles and all things linear. Each tile, which is made on demand, is hand-drawn and painted before the surface is glazed, giving it its perfectly imperfect finish. The range is available in 10 colours and in the unlikely case of not finding one that sparks joy, you can order a custom colour, too. Bamboo ceramic tiles, from £2.21 each, Otto Tiles & Design
FINAL DROP
The Drop Three pendant is the last in Original BTC’S Drop
series. The collection follows the journey of a droplet of water through the air and this bone china light captures the
moment when it flattens as it hits the ground. Designed 20 years ago, it was initially pulled from the range because it proved too technically challenging to make but thanks to new developments, it has finally made a long-awaited
appearance. Drop Three pendant, £389, Original BTC
5 MINUTES WITH... OLI MOSS, DESIGNER AT ROUNDHOUSE DESIGN
What are the new kitchen trends for 2021?
We are continuing to see the mixing of different materials, styles, colours and textures. Classical touches are also very popular at the moment, for example framed furniture that has been given a contemporary twist by using clever choices of colours and worktops, such
as industrial ironmongery.
How has the pandemic affected what clients are requesting in their kitchens?
Designing casual work and living spaces is more common. This may be through creating clever storage to hide away laptops and notebooks at the end of the day or considering large islands where the
family can work, eat, relax and play.
What is the biggest kitchen must-have at the moment?
Walk-in pantries are a real essential. They allow for more creativity within the main kitchen design. Signature pieces of natural
stone are also in demand.
What are the most popular new finishes for worktops and cabinetry?
We are seeing a lot of different textured looks – anything from honed and leathered effects to natural-looking stones, such as marbles or quartzites. There is also a real mix of styles and finishes to cabinetry.
3 OF THE BEST… BRASS KITCHEN TAPS
Planning an easy kitchen refresh? Changing your tap can work a small miracle and brass has overtaken chrome in the desirability stakes. For vintage style, devol’s aged brass Mayan tap will add character to a modern sink or complement a more traditional one. The Atlas single lever tap gives a more contemporary twist, while Perrin & Rowe’s Armstrong combines an industrial finish with eye-catching form. From left: aged brass Mayan tap, £360, DEVOL; Armstrong mixer with textured lever handle in satin brass, £686.28, Perrin & Rowe; Atlas single lever in brushed brass, £309, Abode
SOAK UP
Drummonds has joined forces with designer Susie Atkinson – known for weaving her interiors magic on Beaverbrook hotel and Babington House – to create a fresh spin on the classic slipper bath. The Whitewater has curved sides and a gentle raised edge so you can soak in comfort. Made to order, it comes in four finish options – painted, polished, primed or raw metal. The Whitewater bath, from £4,110, Drummonds