Walls: subtle transformation

Opposite Page This new panoramic collection from Nobilis comprises 12 drawings inspired by nature. The Panorama collection offers a walk through the fields and undergrowth, along the rivers to the coast, passing through the desert. This eclectic collection features brutalism, art deco, Japanese, impressionism and abstract styles (www.nobilis.fr).

WALLS TO INSPIRE YOU

There is no denying that wallpapers add ambience and warmth to a room. Whether you go for a statement wall, a simple plain or a textural wallcovering, wallpaper can transform the feel of a living space. If a room feels cold, stark and uninviting, wallpaper – even when hung on just one wall – can instantly elevate the overall aesthetic. Textural wallcoverings have become hugely popular in recent years, and rightly so, as they are usually not only subtle in design but also provide a “touchy-feely” element. Statement wallpapers bring an artistic focus to a space, and there are some stunningly bold collections that are new on the market and will give any room the wow-factor. Take a look at some of these ideas to inspire you to take the leap into the exciting world of wallcoverings…

The Redouté Dark collection by Murals Wallpaper features tropical plants in a dark blue and green colour palette. Bringing nature indoors, the design is contemporary and mood evoking (www.muralswallpaper.com).

Left The luxurious Seraya collection from Omexco pays tribute to the beauty of nature and all its splendour. It celebrates Earth’s natural colour tones with hints of metallic to create a rich and opulent feel. Omexco is available through Casasola Décor near Torre Real (www.casasoladecor.com), Diana Dominique in Pol. Ind. Nueva Campana 54 in Nueva Andalucía (www.dianadominque.com) and Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu).

Below Left The Chintz from Arte International’s Essentials Les Tricots collection in Ultramarine comes in four other colour versions. The design has a colourful fil-à-fil wallcovering with exuberant chalk lines that give the wow-factor. Arte is available from Diana Dominique in Polígono Industrial Nueva Campana 54 in Nueva Andalucía (www.dianadominque.com), Casasola Décor near Torre Real (www.casasoladecor.com), Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avenida del Mediterráneo, San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com), Darch & Co Design Studio in C.C. Sotomarket in Sotogrande (www.darchandco.com) and Arte del Lusso in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.artedellusso.es).

Below The new Picota textural wallcovering collection from Romo is understated, with a luxurious finishing touch that elevates the look and feel of any room. The striking chevrons of the Mianzi tapestry version (shown here) feature a bold stripe with a diffused ikat-effect edge, ornamented with a soft metallic halo and textural emboss. Romo is available from Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avenida del Mediterráneo in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com) and Cortidea on the Mijas Road and in Urbanización Marbella Real (www.cortidea.es).

The Ndebele panorama wallpaper from the 360º collection by Élitis is a joyfully expressive mural that is a real eye-catcher, and ideal for a large room. Élitis is available from Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avda. del Mediterráneo, San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com), Siesta Interior Design in C. Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com), GC Studio in CC Camoján Corner in Marbella (www.gc-studio.es), Nomad Studio One in Edif. Don Amaro II in Sabinillas (www.nomadstudioone.com), Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu) and Heidi Gubbins in Urb. Marbella Real on the Golden Mile (www.heidigubbins.com).

Orac Décor provides unique wall effects that bring an interior to life, including a wide range of mouldings, cornices, 3D wall coverings, skirtings and decorative elements that use innovative materials such as Duropolymer, Purotouch and Flex. Orac also offers indirect lighting options to create added ambience (www.oracdecor.com).

The contemporary Onde mosaic tile collection from Bisazza was designed by the “Prince of Prints”, Emilio Pucci, who took inspiration from natural landscapes, architecture and exotic cultures. The collection can be used as floor tiles or, as shown here, on a wall to create a stunning artistic statement. Bisazza is available from Guadalmansa in Cancelada (Km. 164) and Elite in Pol. Ind. Estepona (www.guadalmansa.es).

EXPERTS IN NATURAL STONE

AND WHY ANY LUXURY HOME SHOULD INVEST IN IT…

INTERVIEW WITH MERCADO DA PEDRA MANAGING PARTNER RAMI EL JAMIL

Tell us more about the concept of Mercado da Pedra and how you approach your work. Our general concept is to offer a wide range of stone with a superlative service while ensuring the utmost respect to the planet’s natural resources. We use technology and honest craftsmanship to offer beautiful stoneware for the home as we love working with this raw material, and we are experts in the field so we always stay true to the precious natural stone itself – working with its natural beauty to create exquisite and unique products to enhance the aesthetic of ambiences. As a result, interior designers, architects and homeowners alike realise their dreams with us through the beauty of stone in a magical and harmonious process.

What services do you offer? With more than 17 years of experience and expertise under our belt, we are fully committed to offering superlative guidance and the product to clients who are interested in installing stone into their project. We know that every home is unique and special to the homeowner, and each project deserves attention to detail and excellence of production. We are meticulous when it comes to the finishing of our stone and always try to enhance the natural stone’s beauty so that the installation elevates the decorative aesthetic and the homeowner will be able to enjoy it for many years to come. From the creative approach to the final application, we extend our commitment to the after-sales service, making sure the result truly achieves the dream. Not only have we made installations in residential homes, but we have also installed our stone in glamorous hotels, museums, offices and much more. No matter who our customer is, we will communicate with them throughout the whole process so that they feel assured that the installation is done perfectly and to the highest standards.

What is so special about natural stone? Stone is a green building material, so it is environmentally-friendly. It is recyclable, durable and requires only low maintenance. While engineered mate-

Photos by Johnny Gates

rials might need lower maintenance than marble, they could never have the same depth, versatility and uniqueness in colour and character as natural stone. No slab of stone is the same, which is why it is so special and also is timeless.

What can you offer in terms of finishings and design ideas? Many. There are anti-slip finishes that can make the limestone suitable for outdoor use, honed finishes that are made safe for indoor use, and other unique tumbled, waterjet or sandblasted finishes that can add more texture and character to the stone. Our craftsmen are mind-blowing with their innovative creativity and can design anything you want out of stone – from decorative wall art, tabletop finishes and artistic tiles even to sculptures.

Why choose Mercado da Pedra? In the case of Mercado da Pedra, we offer tradition, credibility and a great deal of experience. What makes us different is the diversity, quality, knowhow and specialised application. The combination of these four aspects provides a firm decision point for the client to go ahead, and that is why they have chosen us because we have a longstanding reputation in this field. My job, from the very first moment, is to advise on the purchase decision and the search for alternatives, and to analyse possible technical or budgetary constraints, helping each client – professional or private – in the execution of their vision and project so that the experience for all of us is harmoniously beneficial and rewarding.

Mercado da Pedra Avda. de Salamanca 17-18, San Pedro de Alcántara (Marbella) Tel. (+34) 610 004 356 rami.jamil@mercadodapedra.com www.mercadodapedra.com