C.P Hart has asked leading designers to create bathroom displays at its flagship Waterloo showroom. Based on the theme ‘wellness reimagined’ the challenge has resulted in four very different themes.
I’m sure you are familiar with the wonderful C.P Hart showroom under the railway arches at Waterloo. There is everything you could possibly want for the perfect bathroom from brands such as Gessi, Duravit and Matki plus a new Dornbracht design studio.
To explore how our bathrooms can be used to enhance a sense of wellbeing, the company challenged four interior design practices to create a bathroom display based on the theme ‘wellness reimagined’ here Bradley Van Der Straeten, Eva Sonaike, Charu Gandhi and Karen Howes present the results.
Eva Sonaike – Eva’s room set collaboration (above) is influenced by beach houses on West Africa’s luxuriant Atlantic seashore. Inspired by mid-century architecture and, in particular, Tropical Modernism.
C.P. Hart’s Norway Farge Matt tiles echo terrazzo stone floors. The Luminous Lume tiles, in warm green, represent lush foliage and tropical palm shores, a striking contrast to C.P. Hart’s Spillo Tech G taps in brushed gold.
The Delfo vanity units are Eva’s favourite pieces in the room. Their textured drawer front and light wood impart an African character, as does the Tura heated towel rail with its knurled detailing. These beautifully partner dark green Alga gloss washbowls.
To complement the green colour palette, Eva chose Odi purple wallpaper from her Eko Eclipse collection, with its geometric pattern and vivid lilac and purple hues. The lampshades and wall lights are designed by The Bespoke Boutique.
Bradley Van Der Straeten – George Bradley and Ewald Van Der Straeten’s room set takes into consideration the seven guiding principles the studio uses for all their interiors: light, space, air, heat, sound, view, and materials. The layout is conceived as a sequential journey, a spiral that leads around the room and culminates in a secluded Bettelux Oval bathtub, a restorative sanctuary.
Wall surfaces are deliberately curved to minimise echo and evoke calm, the whole devised to absorb sound and bring the tranquillity of a spa into an everyday bathroom.
Two primary sources of natural light, a window behind a planter and a circular skylight above the shower, guide the user around the space and result in contrasts of light and shade, openness and enclosure. The spiral layout creates a sequence of spaces with Kast Aura basins in peach nearest to the entrance. The taps are Ingranaggio brushed brass and the towel rails are Goccia brushed black metal.
Natural materials are used throughout, including clay plaster walls, bamboo and timber, plus an abundance of plants to absorb harmful toxins and improve air quality. Materials and products have been selected, where possible, for their low carbon footprint and recyclability.
Karen Howes – Karen is founder of interior design studio Taylor Howes Designs. Her room set draws on Japanese influences featuring C.P Hart’s Switch taps and shower in brushed black chrome, the striking freestanding Tosca basin in a rich Brunito Terracotta, plus the Youku S Shelf 45 Sauna in heat-treated Aspen.
The room’s curved, polished plaster wall echoes the Japanese art of rock stacking and flashes of brass trim mirror the ancient art of Kintsukuroi and lend a dynamic contrast to the organic curves of the architecture.
A central bonsai tree is complemented by a smaller tree to symbolises harmony, balance and order, and a reflective mirror within the ceiling coffer parallels the appearance of a shimmering lake. Soft, recessed lighting lends warmth and comfort and inspires the act of Onsen, a Japanese bathing experience that encourages a meditative appreciation of the body.
Elicyon – Charu Gandhi and her team at Elicyon created a canvas tented, biophilic bathroom focused on wellness and escapism. The design incorporates the C.P. Hart copper Bateau bathtub and Corana Basin; the caramel and jade green Onyx hammam features the Epoch shower fittings in polished nickel and the wallpaper is Burnt Sienna, sustainably produced by Rapture & Wright.
Charu has included a vintage Turkish Hers Kilim rug in the centre of the room to add depth and interest, complete with the cream tented fabric ceiling by Pierre Frey. The theatrical bathroom set has been dressed to appear ‘lived in’ including an antique bookcase in the corner stacked with books and in the opposite corner an armchair upholstered in a beautiful burnt orange mohair to echo the colour of the wallpaper. Meanwhile, slippers are left waiting, almost as a theatre set where the actors have just exited.
For details of my Five Favourite Bathroom showrooms click here
