Arabella Youens finds some quirky and beautiful things for your house, from a shower in a telephone box to some exquisite silk and linen fabrics
Decorating ideas: Interior design inside stories
1. Jamb-tastic
Followers of the American interior decorator Michael Smith (dubbed the First Decorator after his work on the White House) should head to the Jamb emporium on London’s Pimlico Road to view the latest additions to his collections of countryhouse-friendly fabrics, including his timeless designs in silk and linen.
There are also some jaunty creations by the Greek illustrator Konstantin Kakanias (pictured, from £162 per square metre plus VAT).
Visit the emporium at 95–97, Pimlico Road, London SW1 (020–7730 2122; www.jamb.co.uk)
2. Crafted
Wheathills, the historic Derbyshire furniture-maker, restorer and marquetry specialist, makes exquisite memory boxes that aren’t only beautifully crafted, but also have strong heirloom potential.
For more information, telephone (01332824819 or visit www.wheathills.com)
3. Spirit of the past
Distinctive Country Furniture makes joinery and furniture, including kitchen dressers that look as though they’ve been in situ for decades. Ideal for restoration projects or adding a period feel to modern buildings, all items are painstakingly made at the company’s premises in Somerset, at Parrett Works, Martock TA12 6AE
(01935 825800; www.distinctivecountryfurniture.co.uk)
4. Boxing clever
West One Bathrooms has restored a period telephone box and fitted it with all manner of creature comforts, including a Waterworks shower, chromatherapy lighting and an extraction system to create a truly original and luxurious bathing experience. It costs £29,100.
(0333–0113333; www.westonebathrooms.com)
5. Heavy metal
The beautiful lustre of bronze might be more readily associated with sculpture, but it also has impressive architectural uses, notably as casement windows and doors. Vale, which makes conservatories and orangeries, has a department making bronze casements that will enhance any building, old or new, traditional or contemporary.
(08456000660; www.bronzecasements.com)
