Our bathroom designers pride themselves on incorporating the latest interior design trends in the range of options they present to our clients.  Some areas they are currently drawing inspiration from include 70’s inspired indoor plants, the latest Scandi trends and the elegance created by deep inky blues.  If you are looking to turn your bathroom into a relaxing summer retreat, here’s their pick of the latest furniture finishes, paints and wall coverings.

 

 

Club tropicana

Lush, tropical themed bathrooms continue to be popular, particularly in this hot summer weather.  Greens, blues, wood and metallic finishes all combine to complement this look along with the super retro hip clusters of succulents and cheese plants. Whether you are looking at a renovation or a simple design update, the addition of plants and tropical prints can bring your interior on point.

 

Lagom

Just getting used to pronouncing Hygge, the Danish design trend which took the UK by storm in 2016? Now it’s all about Lagom, where the design aesthetic seeks to achieve balance, moderation and wellbeing.  Draw your inspiration from natural materials, muted simple colours, minimal accessories and the addition of some indoor plants – try gentle pink tones paired with calm blues bring sophistication and relaxation.

 

Navy is the new black

Deep inky blues give a rich, elegance which can be paired with soft greys and pinks in furniture to maintain a welcoming and relaxing space. The perfect foil for wood and even metallic finishes adding drama to more neutral sanitary ware and furniture. Or consider bathroom furniture in dark blue which can look dramatic with ultra-white ceramic washbasins.

 

Inspired by our trends?  Investing in a well-designed, quality bathroom makes it easy to adopt new interior trends as they emerge.  Come in and have a chat, we can guide you through our impressive range of products and help you put together a scheme which works for you now and in the future.

 

It’s a sure sign of Summer when Wimbledon starts.

Quintessentially British, it’s a great time to try something different alongside the strawberries and cream. This recipe from Great British Chefs provides a refreshing cocktail to enjoy in the garden, or maybe even in the hot tub.

 

 

Watermelon and Prosecco sorbet

1 watermelon, medium, chopped, total weight 450g once prepped

1 lemon, large, juiced

75ml of Prosecco or Elderflower Presse for non-alcoholic version

 

Rosemary syrup

2 sprigs of rosemary, large

100ml of water

100g of caster sugar

 

To serve as a cocktail

Prosecco

 

  1. To begin, make the simple rosemary syrup. Add the sugar, water and rosemary to a medium saucepan and place over a low heat. Allow the sugar to slowly dissolve in the water and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Switch off the heat and allow to cool completely. Drain and reserve.
  2. Add the watermelon flesh to a blender and blitz until smooth. Pass through a sieve, then add the lemon juice and rosemary syrup. Blend again until smooth.
  3. Once smooth, stir through the Prosecco or Elderflower Presse. Pour the mixture into a large, shallow, freezer-proof dish and set aside to chill in the fridge.
  4. At this point, you can either use the ice cream machine to make a very smooth sorbet, according to manufacturer instructions, or make it manually for a more rustic look. The second option will take a bit longer; place the dish in the freezer. Stir and scrape the mixture with a fork every 30 minutes, moving the frozen edges in toward the slushy centre and crushing any lumps until the sorbet is firm – this should take 3-4 hours. Place in the freezer overnight.
  5. Remove the sorbet from the freezer about 10-15 minutes before serving. To serve as a cocktail, simply add a scoop to a glass and top up with Prosecco or Elderflower Presse.

 

 

 

Recipe from Great British Chefs.  For more details: http://www.greatbritishchefs.com/recipes/watermelon-prosecco-sorbet-cocktail-recipe

We are exhibiting at the Cheltenham Food and Drink Show – 9-11th June 2017, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham.  

We can’t wait to share all our interior and outdoor design advice and will have fabulous offers which will be available exclusively at the show.

We are sponsoring the Chef’s Kitchen Theatre where local chefs from leading restaurants and hotels will show-case local and regional food with inspiring demonstrations of creative cooking, sharing some of their cooking tips. After the demonstration browse around our space where we’ll be available to discuss projects for both your inside and outside spaces with demonstration products for you to explore.

We look forward to seeing you!

http://garden-events.com.gridhosted.co.uk/

 

 

With the warmth of the summer sun on our skin you might be ready for the long summer days but is your outside space? Putting great efforts into our homes is second nature for most of us and whilst we often maintain our gardens and add furniture and plants to create an attractive space it’s time to  start thinking creatively about connecting your interior and exterior spaces.

 

In much the same way as our kitchens have become living spaces which blur the boundaries between dining, cooking and relaxing, the upcoming trend is the blurring of boundaries between the internal and external living spaces to create an even larger space to entertain, have fun with the children, relax and even exercise. We’ve got 5 hot style tips to inspire your outdoor renovation.

 

 

Give your interior design skills some fresh air

Garden trends for 2017 are definitely warming to home furnishings with rugs, comfortable sofas, lighting and music to give us an outside space where you can truly relax but it also gives us an opportunity to have some fun with brightly coloured accessories.

 

 

 

 

Cover up and snuggle up   

We often hear clients comment that their outside space is only really used for a few months of the year. Make your space work for longer than just the summer season by adding a gazebo, like this one with optional roll-up side walls.

 

 

 

 

 

Make time for you

Whether for fun, relaxation or exercise, an outdoor hot tub or swim spa can be a great addition to give a focus to your outside space all year round. For those who prefer a little shelter and privacy, create a cosy corner with a gazebo designed specifically to house hot tubs.  As stockists for Hydropool, Pittville have a wide choice available to view and even try out in our new showroom in Battledown. https://pittville.co.uk/something-new-happening-spa-town/ . We can give you realistic advice on how much they cost to run, how to maintain it (take a look at our self cleaning options) and even arrange a site visit prior to installation.

 

 

 

 

 

Create ambiance with lighting  

Don’t forget the lighting. In the same way you would carefully consider lighting for your living room or bathroom think about how you want to use the space. Task lighting near cooking areas, floor-standing architectural lighting for drama or functional wall lighting for a hidden walkway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get creative with your flooring

Consider opting for tiles which can be used both inside and outside for a seamless flow between your spaces. These smart limestone effect tiles are available in internal and external versions from Mandarin Stone with a textured finish for greater slip resistance.

 

 

 

 

Combine them with a dramatic rug, designed to withstand the rigors of the British weather, for a design punch to satisfy the most discerning style aficionados.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’re also seeing a significant increase of interest in artificial grass. Once the exclusive partner of sports training fields their improvement in quality has revolutionised the garden, with consumers attracted by the realistic low maintenance options available. We have samples in our Battledown showroom, leave your shoes at the door and give them a try to see how they feel underfoot.

 

 

 

 

Our new showroom in Battledown is now fully open, presenting fully working spas and swimspas from Hydropool, furniture from Vondom, lighting and flooring. Open Monday to Saturday every week. Either pop in or call to book a session in the swimspa.

Radiators

As spring is finally upon us there will be many households having the debate about whether or not to turn the central heating off. However, what we can all agree on is that we love our towels warm and dry when we step out of the shower, even in the summer!

Sadly a standard towel radiator will not dry our towels once the central heating is switched off, cue the dual fuel electric element.  A dual fuel electric element is installed into your radiator, so that it can be run off the central heating in the winter and the electricity in the summer.  The element will provide enough heat to dry your towels without heating the room, perfect for those warmer days!

If you would like any further information on dual fuel, please give us a call or pop into our Cheltenham showroom, where we can talk you through all of the beautiful ranges available from companies such as JIS and Bisque.

Lindsay Merchant

Already this year we have started seeing an increase in popularity of concrete. It can be found in the door finish, worktops or flooring, often with a splash of copper to really keep a very up to date look. With the confidence people have gained from the introduction of blue colour last year, I think we will start to see more and varied colours appearing (pinks and greens are a hot tip) in designs for 2017 and beyond.  The ongoing trend for combined cooking / living spaces is driving a need for clever storage solutions to ensure beautiful items are on display and more ‘functional’ items are sensibly stored within easy reach but out of sight.  Large, flexible larder and hidden pantry units are coming back into fashion as are ‘breakfast’ cabinets that house all the appliances you need to prepare an amazing breakfast but don’t want to look at (e.g. toasters, blenders etc).


 
Cleverly designed utility cupboards are also increasing in popularity and with the ongoing improvement in laundry and dishwashing appliances, it is easier than ever to house them close to a living space without any noise disruption.

My ideas for a “quick and easy” kitchen transformation (i.e. giving your kitchen a new look without starting from scratch!)


 

1) Add a new splash-back – a coloured glass splash back behind your hob or sink is a quick and easy way to add excitement without too much expense or upheaval… they are really practical too.  Choosing tones that compliment your kitchen units will help to ensure a small change fits in well with the existing scheme.
 

 
2) Update the lighting – adding new pendant lights over your kitchen table or some new under cabinet LEDs can really bring a room to life.  New LED lighting comes in a range of colours (including warm and cold white) and is also dimmable to enhance the effect it has on the space.


 
3) Install an island – if you don’t use your formal dining table anymore, if space allows, consider replacing it with an island to provide extra worktop space and the potential to add a breakfast bar for casual seating. Given the current trend for contrasting islands, this can be an easy way to add something different without needing to completely replace your existing scheme.

Finally my favourite client project that I am particularly proud of is a recent job that really tested my design skills!


 

I was asked to create a beautiful, family kitchen, enabling the father to have full access when using his wheelchair.  Working closely with the whole family, I designed a contemporary space with a low breakfast table which acted as both a preparation area and a place for the family to get together.  The use of separate, low level fridge and freezer compartments ensured they were easily accessible and provided a safe surface to hold food removed from the nearby oven.  I added floating shelves rather than wall units to display my client’s beautiful cookware and used a stylish backdrop of subway tiles to achieve the contemporary look and ensure low maintenance. My clients were thrilled with the outcome and I was so happy to create a space they could all enjoy together.

We understand that homeowners are increasingly keen to carve out dedicated spaces, designed specifically to help improve their fitness and overall wellbeing.  New for 2017 we have opened a dedicated spa showroom in the heart of Cheltenham and for this months blog we’ve taken a look at a selection of options for harnessing the revitalising properties of water.

The sauna and the steam bath – the secret of perfect skin.

Winter weather takes its toll on our bodies in many ways and is often most visible through our skin which can turn dry and lifeless.  The warmth produced by a sauna or steam ‘bath’ helps to relax and rehydrate winter skin, making it easier to remove the dull outer layers and find the softer and more supple skin below.

Pittville Sauna

 

To really reap the benefits of these treatments, it is advisable to repeat the session a couple of times a week which can be difficult if you have to leave home to do it.  Never fear!  There are now a variety of solutions available to help you enjoy the benefits of steam and sauna from the comfort of your own home.  From beautifully designed steam and sauna cabins, to steam pods that can be installed in the space of an existing shower enclosure, there is now no need to miss out.  Contact us now to find out more.

The hot tub – targeted, tension relief

Immersion in hot springs water has long been recognised for its therapeutic benefits and is one reason why home hot tubs have been increasing in popularity.  Relief from back and leg pain, sports recovery, stress relief, and headaches are some of the most common reasons people purchase hot tubs today and some of the recent models provide customisable therapy programmes, that can be easily tailored to your specific needs.

Pittville Hot Tub

 

With the addition of aromatherapy oils into the water, a chromatherapy lighting programme and an integrated sound system to provide an experience that targets four senses – touch, sight, sound and smell – the overall wellness benefits can be significantly enhanced…you can just sit back and truly relax! There are an array of options to evaluate when choosing to buy a hot tub, click here to download a free guide to help you find out the right option for you.

The Swim Spa – fitness on tap

The evolution of ‘swim spas’ over the past decade has made it more possible that ever to have a fantastic swim experience in the comfort of your own home without the cost and maintenance of a swimming pool.

Pittville Hot Tub

 

Modern swim spas generate a steady water current that creates a set level of directional resistance and the more advanced models also enable you to adjust this to continue to provide a challenging exercise, as your fitness increases.  As well as swimming, they can be used for a variety of activities including cross training, rehabilitation and of course relaxation (especially if there is a hot tub area as well!).  Take a look at this video to see just how much fun you can have.

If this has inspired you to create a wellbeing escape in your own home, come and visit us at our new Spas showroom in Cheltenham.

With a new year comes a new wave of interior design trends to incorporate into your home. To help you cut through the noise we’ve picked some of our favourite trends for this year and easy ways to use them in your home.

Personalised Storage

Storage is key to getting an interior scheme right and is vital in any busy family home. This year storage will go beyond the standardised linear pieces we’re so used to and will take a more personalised, custom-made role in the home.

Trends Blog

Good storage should blend seamlessly into your living spaces without looking like it’s bursting at the seams! We love the Graphos modular range from innovative Italian designer Silenia, which allows you to create a beautiful storage solution from over 10,000 possible combinations giving you something truly unique that works for you.

Top tip: try mixing colours, textures and sizes and let your beautiful storage take centre stage. Whether you opt for wall hung or freestanding, don’t hide your storage systems out of sight. Our expert design team can help you source the perfect storage solution to suit your style – pop in and see our brand new living spaces showroom on Prestbury Road, Cheltenham for some inspiration!

Marble, brass & raw materials

Raw materials continue to feature heavily in interiors throughout 2017, with a spotlight on marble and brass accessories giving living spaces a natural, opulent edge. Innovations in digital printing and technology means faux-raw materials will become more widely available and often look so good you can barely notice the difference.

Top tip: incorporate this trend in your bedroom with a beautiful suede bed accessorised with a cosy faux fur rug for chilly nights.  For an extra level of opulence, you could add  white marble side tables with oversized brass lamps or for complete luxury, how about a freestanding copper bath?  Our designers can help you achieve any of these so feel free to give us a call.

Make Room For Navy

Don’t be afraid of using this surprisingly versatile colour throughout your home. From a deep, dark and dramatic navy to a richer, brighter shade of navy-blue, there are almost as many shades of navy as there are grey! It looks stunning when paired with striking, bright accessories (think pops of bright pink, orange and green for a contemporary edge) and also timelessly elegant when paired with gold accents and wooden floor boards. Navy is ideal for an accent wall and makes whites look crisp and clean.

Top tip: for a fresh look, try pairing a deep navy with raw materials and fresh shades of white. For wow factor choose a rich shade of navy and contrast it with bright accents of pink and orange.  If you would like some help with transforming the décor in any room, come in and talk to us about our decorating services.

For more design inspiration for your home, visit our new living spaces showroom on Prestbury Road, Cheltenham.

Business opportunity is a cut above

Fancy setting up your own hairdressing salon in a buzzing business community?

Our very own Simon Butland, founder of Pittville Bathrooms & Kitchens, is offering a talented hairdresser the chance to move into a ready-made salon here in Pittville, Cheltenham.

Not only is this a great opportunity to move into a ready-made salon, it’s an offer that – appropriately enough – comes with fringe benefits, as Simon is offering the services of his expert interior design team to adapt the salon to the new owner’s personal brand!

The Pittville traders are a small group of local independent businesses located on the edge of Cheltenham’s main shopping district and offer a range of stores, from bespoke kitchens and interior design to top-notch coffee and artisan eclectic flooring. The vibrant mix of stores is something Simon is passionate about, and when the opportunity arose to purchase the recently vacated Luke Reynolds Hairdressing salon, next door but one to our bathroom store, he jumped at it and is now looking for the right hairdresser to become the next member of Pittville traders.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for a new or established hairdresser who is keen to make the move to a salon environment,” said Simon. “There is a real sense of community within Pittville traders and I’m really keen to help more new businesses flourish here.”

To find out more about becoming the newest member of the Pittville traders and to apply for this ready-made business opportunity, simply call Simon Butland on (01242) 251113 or email [email protected]

Celebrate Christmas in Style

A beautifully designed home deserves beautifully designed accessories – and Christmas decorations are no exception!

 

Designer Christmas Tree Decorations

Chrismy Collection‘ by Teresa Sapey from designer Vondom – a modern twist on the classic Christmas Tree

Designed by Madrid-based architecture & design studio, Teresa Sapey, these stylish, avant-garde trees are produced by Spanish design company, Vondom.

 

Inspired by natural and elegant shapes that climb towards a peak. The ‘Chrismy Collection’ features interior lighting that creates an atmospheric effect. A renewed, refined take on a classic Christmas tree shape.

 

The trees come in a range of sizes and with a variety of different lighting options. With prices ranging from just £49 to £1,395*, these stunning, design-led accessories will add a unique, modern twist to your home or garden this Christmas, or all year round!

 

The ‘Chrismy Collection’ trees are available in four sizes ranging from 25cm to 2m tall. Choose from white or multi-coloured LED lighting and mains or battery powered models.

 

Contact us now to place your order and guarantee delivery in time for Christmas.

 

We will be stocking more Vondom products as part of our exciting expansion into outdoor living spaces and spas in 2017. So watch this space…

 

*Price quoted for collection from Cheltenham. Please let us know if you would like us to arrange delivery to you and we will provide a quote.