ECO HOME A Cardiff Met lecturer shows us style on a budget

WASTE OF SPACE

Want a home makeover but can’t justify the expense? Cardiff Met lecturer Sian Elin says it can be done on the tiniest of budgets

Photos by Keith Davies Photography

INTERIOR 1 • The bold wall takes its cue from Miami-inspired geometrics. • The painted chair and table were given a new lease of life. • The shelves were cut from waste MDF found at B&Q – creating a layered effect popularised by a renewed interest in expressive Modernist Art. • Painted ceramics found in the bin made for a lively display. • A cushion was made using waste fabric from Orangebox, Cardiff. W ith so much focus on eco interiors across the design industry, led by a concern for climate change, an increase in sustainability and also recycling, it is becoming easier to buy consciously for our homes. It can still be expensive though, so Sian Elin Thomas, a senior lecturer who specialises in surface pattern design, textiles, and interior styling at Cardiff Metropolitan University, decided to develop a new project to teach her students how to style a room using waste materials.

INTERIOR 2 • A key colour palette this season, warm tones of terracotta give this interior a comforting edge. • Vases, bottles, and jars from the scrap store Re-Create in Cardiff were upgraded to decorative pieces with a new coat of paint. • The hand of the maker is evident in the hand-knotted rug using waste fabrics from Orangebox. • A chair found outside has been painted to fit the scheme. • An old cake box has been transformed into a lightshade.

“I wanted to show how to build and create an interior set, but the extra special thing about the rooms was that everything was made using scraps that were found or donated to us by local companies,” explains Sian. “The aim was to spend zero money. It’s great proof that you can create beautiful schemes on a budget, with a real emphasis on sustainability.

“We are becoming more aware of the importance of environmentally responsible building and interior design,” she adds. “That’s why we focused on creating sustainable interiors that utilised waste materials donated by Cardiff-based companies. Students learned how to create products that were either upcycled or recycled and the importance of a ‘circular economy’: an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources.”

INTERIOR 3 • The solid-coloured geometric shapes and contrasting lines create a lively backdrop that is optimistic and engaging and reminiscent of

Miami Art Deco. • The ‘Memphis’ inspired geometric shapes on the wall have been lasercut using scraps of wood, adding a playful 3D element to the space. • Donated Orangebox fabric offcuts and oversized wooden spools from Re-Create have been used to design unique lighting and seating with on-trend colourful and oversized fringing.

“It’s proof that you can create beautiful schemes on a budget”

She adds that interior design can have a big impact on the environment because it involves the use of often mass-produced materials, therefore, it’s important to consider how to reduce the environmental impact on our society. In turn, students discovered that exciting outcomes can be achieved with repurposed materials and how to incorpora te eco principles in their interiors.

“Sigma 3 Kitchens donated waste wood which was transformed into striking flooring in all of the project’s interiors,” says Sian. “John Lewis and Orangebox donated old stock and fabrics which we used to make on-trend cushions, unique lighting, a hand-knotted rug and an upholstered stool; and we also used scraps being thrown out by B&Q and previously owned objects from Re-Create at Ely bridge. Colourful walls were created by using and mixing damaged paints from WJ Gardner, and students also discovered the joys of upcycling existing items such as chairs, tables, vases, mugs, bottles, jars and even a cake tin which became a light.”

She explains that due to our increased concerns about the environment, the decorative aspects of the products we are putting into our homes are changing, too, from colours and patterns to materials. “As an antidote to our over-reliance on digital technology, there is a growing urge for the outdoors, and interiors are responding with natural earthy tones, calming spaces, organic rounded shapes, and natural materials. Having said that, consumers also want to have a voice and express their individuality, and not purchase products that are in mass production; celebrating a dynamic approach to sustainability is being reflected in bold colours, expressive designs, and playful hand-crafted products. “What’s clear is, biophilic design – which brings outdoors elements indoors, restoring the connection between humans and nature – is at the fore.” n www.cardiffmet.ac.uk INTERIOR 4 • Old stock furnishing fabrics from John

Lewis were used to make cushions, and a cardboard drum covered in a duvet became an upholstered stool. • Round wooden offcuts found at Re-Create were cut in half and painted to create shelves. • An old pot and mug were painted to match the scheme. • A wine bottle was given an interesting tactile element by wrapping string around it and filling it with dried flowers.

“Everything was made using scraps that were donated to us by local companies”

Putting a face to the name…

Meet the team from award-winning THE TAP END BATHROOMS

In a nutshell, this team loves bathrooms. Here, the Cardiff Life Awards 2020 winner tells us what they think makes a great calming sanctuary, how to elevate its finish, and what the trends of the moment are. Is it better to keep it timeless and neutral? Or should we go bold and creative with colours and patterns? Here, the members of the team give us their thoughts...

“It is our unrivalled passion for creating beautiful spaces which sets us apart from other bathroom stores. For us a bathroom is not just another room; It is a space which requires careful planning and consideration so that you can relax after a hard day at work, wash away your worries or prepare yourself for the day ahead. It is about so much more than a necessary room. It is about how form and function meet to create personal and unique spaces that our clients will love for years to come. Our team has three designers, all extremely passionate about what they do, put simply… we love bathrooms!”

Lynda Rees, Co-creator

“ PUT SIMPLY...WE LOVE BATHROOMS. ”

“My favourite designs all have neutral palettes with warm white lighting. I love using simple elements in a timeless way. The more layers of lighting, use of mirror and tone on tone the better!”

Justine Bullock, co-creator and designer

“Natural stone and woods are a go to for me. Using natural products, or as close to, makes for a spa like finish. I love the calming and serene effect this look has on the atmosphere of a room. Even small touches of limestone, marble or wood can elevate the finish of a room.” “Projects where the client is open to something interesting are a personal favourite of mine. I like to play with introducing colour and pattern into a scheme, whether that is with tiling, paint or accessories. You can really personalise a room by doing this.”

Daniella Fantini, designer

You can read reviews, all from genuine clients, via our Houzz account, Facebook and Google. We pride ourselves on our service and products and are always thrilled to hear from clients about their experience. If you are embarking on a bathroom project, we would love to hear all about it, contact us in store to see if we may be the right fit for you. ■

The Tap End, 57 Llantrisant Road, Pontyclun, CF72 9DP 01443 449056; www.thetapend.design f thetapend  thetapend.design  The Tap End  TheTapEndDesign