As I backtrack a bit here, our first BlogTour morning in London definitely started off on the right foot (yes, pun intended). A walk across the Millennium Bridge on a glorious morning offered a perfect introduction to British design.
Sometimes a picture says it all. Christopher Wren’s magnificent 17th century St. Paul’s cathedral, framed by the 21st century bridge, eloquently sums up my design themes of the trip – juxtaposition of old and new and creative collaboration. Wren’s collaboration was one of styles – for the first time melding elegant continental forms with the previously Gothic predominance in English churches. Wobbly bridge, as it is affectionately known, is a successful creative collaboration between Arup Engineers, Foster and Partners Architects and the sculptor Sir Anthony Caro, resulting in a whole that is equal parts of each discipline, linking St. Paul’s with the Tate Modern across the Thames.
More old and new as we strolled along the South Bank.
We arrived at Poggenpohl’s beautiful showroom in Waterloo for a fabulous champagne brunch with several of our British counterparts. Set in an ancient structure built into an arch under a bridge, the rustic space is the perfect foil for the sleek modern designs. Since 1892, Poggenpohl has been creating the highest quality kitchens that combines innovative design with incredible functionality.
Their gorgeous, ergonomic designs, made me want to trade out my traditional kitchen for one of these beauties. I even loved the storage in the studio section.
For more detailed shots of the kitchens, please visit fellow BlogTour attendee, kitchen designer and Bornholm Kitchens owner Susan Serra’s blog.
Sharing the spectacular space is C.P. Hart, whose vision for innovative excellence is awe inspiring. The bathroom vignettes were incredible, varying in style from traditional to ultra modern. This Greenwich Boat Bath in their platinum finish was a showstopper.
I loved the nature-inspired vignettes they created.
See the Rain Sky fixture in the ceiling below? That is actually a shower head over the Seaside Waterfall bath – it would feel like you were in the rain outside staring at that incredible scenery – a great opportunity to collaborate with Wallunica.
The traditional Winchester free standing tub is available in a wide variety of finishes.
While fashion is having its 70s flashback moments, so is bathroom decor. Mixed with an exotic background, the Istanbul round tub walks the line between bohemian and pop.
Just like side by side massages at the spa, now you can have side by side soaks in Patricia Urquiola’s chic free standing tubs. The botanical element lends a true spa-like appeal.
And for something totally natural, you could incorporate the Virtu wooden bath
And the entrance to the showroom features this stunning combination of elements.
It was truly inspiring to see this creative collaboration in this stunning setting – I think fellow attendee, Boston designer Andie Day felt the same!
The Greenwich Boat Bath….sigh. I want it.
The weather looks just gorgeous! I must make plans to make a visit and see all the new sites.
Gorgeous shot of St Paul’s Stacey…..xv
Another fantastic post–thanks for getting my Monday morning off to a great start! :)
one can never tire of london bridges and modern thinkers!
show us the comfy shoes you wore to cover all this territory.
pve
Stacy I don’t know hw you kept everything straight in your head since you saw so many amazing things! Like you this post almost makes me want to trade out my traditional New England kitchen for something more streamlined and modern. Enjoy your Monday!
You know I’ve been to London so many times, was even just there in May and I’ve never seen that bridge! I don’t know how this is possible but I’ll be looking for it on my next trip for sure :)
That view from the Millennium Bridge has to be one of my favorite sites in London. Gorgeous. Of course, the view from that bath tub of that amazing chandelier is pretty stunning, too!
Your lovely London posts are making me want to go back!!
Those photos of London are amazing. Great shots, and such beautiful weather. Were you there the week of September 26? We were in London that week and had some great weather. So glad your trip was interesting and filled with so many great design experiences!
q-
Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful images. Love everything. Bath anyone?
Have a great day.
Teresa
xoxo
Greenwich Boat Bath….WOW!!! total showstopper! Thanks for the peak into their showrooms! (And can we ever express how much we love juxtaposition old + new?!)
Wow, I love that wooden tub. Poggenpohl is so slick and sophisticated. Really beautiful cabinetry. It’s so nice to see what you were up to over there!
You are seeing so much ~ what a fantastic trip. Love the dual tubs and the peacock fabric on the previous post!!
The innovations with baths and all things bath related blow me away….looks amazing!! Our first apt. in NY we put in a small but fabulous Poggenpohl kitchen and it was quite beautiful, so sleek and ‘grown up”… it was our first major purchase as newlyweds and we thoroughly enjoyed it until we sold it and moved on. Beautiful quality.
The bridge has always looked to me like the supports were oversized hands, the vee formed between one’s thumb and index finger. (Weird, I know.) The showrooms are simply mind warping, the rain shower from the ceiling looks delightful, not to mention good for the soul. The wooden pieces in the bath just had me transfixed, I’m hoping we can see similar treasures when next we’re at the Mart (Chicago), probably in January.
This is one of my favorite posts from your ‘excellent adventures,’ thank you for sharing the goodness!
tp
Wow. That is a quite a lot of moving about a great city! I’m in love with that chandelier over the Greenwich Boat Bath…gorgeous! So much fun.
What a beautiful image of the bridge, and I’m so in need of a long relaxing bath…any of these would fit the bill perfectly!!
It really is all about mixing the old and the new – what a great way to sum it up and what a perfect image. The excellent coverage continues! xxKelly
Eeeesh! I just love that wrap around wooden base on the last tub image. So perfect.