tiling, from oak planks to fi tted carpets (yes, they’re back) THE PERFECT RUG We’re loving these Georgianinspired rugs from Etons of Bath

Etons’ Creative Director, Sarah Latham

WHAT LIES BENEATH Etons of Bath, that well-known team of period house renovation specialists, is bringing all its expertise to bear on a new range of rugs designed with Georgian homes and hotels specifically in mind – although, wouldn’t you know it, most of them work equally well in a contemporary setting too A name to know

Sarah Latham is Creative Director at Etons of Bath, an interior design outfit with a classical bent well suited to the Georgian and Victorian homes of the area, and where their fabric, lighting and furniture shop has just been boosted by the arrival of a new range of their own rugs, specifically designed for the area’s period homes.

“This is the first in a series of collaborations with interiors manufacturers we’ll be doing, the idea being to launch our own small range of products,” Sarah says. “To qualify, these rugs needed to be like no others on the market, the design of each one inspired by a specific component of an original Georgian interior.” As with everything they do, Sarah’s taken inspiration here from the buildings she knows best. “We specifically looked at symbols and elements we thought would translate well,” she says. “Most of them are well-known, and can be seen in many of the beautiful properties we have here in Bath, but some were specifically inspired by the interiors at the Brighton Pavilion – a particularly avant-garde building at the time. Indeed, many of these influences still feel surprisingly contemporary today.”

Right now samples can be seen (and touched!) at Etons’ Walcot Street studio, but each rug itself is actually made in India to order. “That way, the designs can be adapted to any size and colour, so they perfectly fit and suit your own interior. They can be hand knotted or hand tufted, or whatever you want.”

Rugs hugely predate fitted carpets, of course, and were big news in the potentially chilly great houses of the Georgian era. “The advent of machine-loomed carpets came shortly after

“These rugs needed to be like no others on the market”

opposite page, bottom right: Pineapples star in the Warm Classics range this page: On Trend and Classic Contemporary rugs, at home in many styles of house the end of the Regency Period,” Sarah says, “so it was very rare to see a wall-to-wall rug or carpet back then. For one thing, the Georgians needed to be able to take their carpets outside to beat them – as vacuum cleaners had yet to be invented! Exposed, polished floorboards with large rugs on top became the norm, with many of the most beautiful imported from India and China through the giant trading companies of the time, such as the East India Company.”

ETONS’ INITIAL SELECTION of four rugs are each designed to appeal to a particular type of client. There’s the Warm Classic – rich colours and patterns, designed to go with classical furniture – and Calm Classic, with a higher and airier colour palate. “And then,” Sarah says, “there’s the Classic Contemporary, suiting those who like to mix classical forms with more contemporary elements, and the Trend Contemporary, which would suit a more cuttingedge interior.”

With the Warm Classic designs, in particular, it’s easy to see how inspiration was taken from the Georgian love of the pineapple. “Only the wealthiest of houses could afford to import them, or build the hot house needed to grow these tropical fruits in Britain, and so they became real statement pieces,” Sarah says. “Always on display, and never eaten – they were far too precious for that – they became such an icon of the age that pineapples quickly made their way into the Georgian architectural vernacular. Stone versions can be seen on and in some of Bath’s finest houses and crescents, for instance.”

The Calm Classic designs – on the other hand – were inspired by traditional Georgian friezes and ornate panelling, while the Classic Contemporary versions take their inspiration from The Royal Pavilion in Brighton, designed by John Nash for the Prince Regent, George IV. The fanciful interior design there was primarily by Frederick Crace and decorative painter Robert Jones, and the rooms were richly decorated and full of pattern and colour. “We’ve come up with a pared down version of these designs to suit contemporary tastes,” Sarah says, “while with the on-trend Contemporary pieces we’ve looked at the the Greek Key motif, so popular in this period. They’re so fuss-free they suit the minimalist, clutter-free look so sought after in cutting edge interiors.” Prices start at £350+VAT per square metre; for more, www.eatonsofbath.com/rug-collection

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Our local businesses are poised and ready to help with all your home needs for spring FOR THE HOME

HAPTICITY ARCHITECTS & INTERIORS LTD Hapticity Architects Ltd provide a bespoke service tailored to each client’s individual needs for all stages of residential construction projects, from feasibility studies to interior packages. Their designs counterbalance contemporary interventions with historic properties, creating exciting spaces for modern living. Tel: 01225 443679/07494 901999; www.hapticity.co.uk

SHUTTERCRAFT SOMERSET Shuttercraft Somerset provide premium madeto-measure shutters and blinds for your home. Shuttercraft give you the best privacy whilst retaining style with a huge variety of colours and materials to choose from. Price matching available on like for like products from your local expert. Contact your local expert, Simon today. Tel: 01225 459 389; www.shutttercraft.co.uk

WESTSIDE DESIGN Westside Design is a family-run Bath based company offering a tailored design, manufacturing and installation service for all aspects of cabinet making and joinery. Specialising in contemporary bespoke kitchens and interiors. Contact Michael on 01225 330843 or 07976 268458 or email info@westsidedesign.co.uk www.westsidedesign.co.uk

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN Clair Strong Interior Design is a small, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. Her portfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as well as sports clubs, offices and other commercial venues. Contact Clair on 01225 426906 or 07855 79731 www.clairstrong.co.uk

MENDIP FIREPLACES Bath’s leading fireplace, wood burner, gas fire, chimney and flue specialist. From classic to contemporary, concept to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesney’s, Barbas Belfires, Hwam, Stuv and Jetmaster. Get in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HD. info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk, Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY Based in the heart of Bath and specialising in bespoke, handmade kitchens, Bath Kitchen Company become personally invested in every kitchen they design and build. It’s about attention to detail at every stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. 7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS; Tel: 01225 312003 www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

CHEVERELL Cheverell is set in the heart of Wiltshire with a stunning showroom and workshop, offering a full bespoke design, manufacturing and installation service in kitchens, bedrooms, and interiors. Established in 1989 it has over 30 years of experience to guide you through the whole process. Cheverell, Waller Road, Hopton Park, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 2GH; Tel: 01380 722722; www.cheverell.co.uk

ETONS OF BATH Founded in 2006, Etons of Bath is the UK’s only specialist interior design practice focussed on refurbishing, renovating and reinvigorating Georgian and Regency homes and hotels. Their team of 12 interior designers, planners and project managers can help you design and deliver classically inspired interiors that add value, turn heads and improve the use of space. Tel: 01225 639002; www.etonsofbath.com

BONITI Boniti is based on the outskirts of Bath and offers a wide range of quality interior and exterior products: natural stone and timber flooring, Everhot range cookers, garden furniture and Kadai firebowls. As well as the vast selection of products on offer, a friendly and personal service is at the heart of all that they do. Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton,Wiltshire SN14 8JA; Tel: 01225 892 200; www.boniti.com