When it comes to updating our bathrooms and/or smaller cloakrooms, the humble functional wash basin doesn’t ordinarily get the creative juices flowing. The most you’ll likely give due consideration to will be the size and shape. In fact, you’ll probably spend more time choosing taps because let’s face it that’s about as exciting as it ordinarily gets. That could all be about to change! I thought I’d share with you my exciting new discovery of The Way We Live London. They’re a new company established last year. And they’re all about elevating the basin to be the star of your bathroom or cloakrooms. I’m certainly inspired and I hope you are too!
About – Unique Statement Wash Basins – The Way We Live London
A new small family run business, The Way We Live London was formed out of a light bulb idea during the pandemic. The need for us to wash our hands for what has felt like a zillion times a day could most certainly do with a bit of excitement and pazzazz don’t you think?!
This fab new business has made it their mission to turn this basic functional element, (the wash basin) and turn it into a truly unique statement piece. Which makes for a more enjoyable experience allround. These basins will literally have you reconsidering your design choices for what are often seen as uninspiring spaces.
Their diverse collection of designs have certainly provided us with food for thought for our thatched cottage by the sea. If you’ve been following these past two years, you’ll know we’ve been slowly renovating our home. We inherited some awful modern monstrosities in our bedrooms which are in need of replacing. I’ve already gotten my eye on one or two designs that would add some much needed character, colour and pattern.
Thinking that the amount of time that we have (especially during the pandemic) stood in front of our basins washing our hands for what feels like the 1000th time, basins could most definitely be a more enjoyable experience. It was during this time, spending hours upon hours standing in front of my basin singing Happy Birthday (twice through, 20 times a day) that the lightbulb moment came……. the rest, as they say, is history!
The Way We Live London has surpassed themselves with their unique statement collection of exquisite basin designs. Big on style, character, and, of course, design, they have a basin for every taste and home.
Handmade & Durable
For me, design doesn’t get much better than when it’s been lovingly handmade. Each of The Way We Live London’s basins are handcrafted using the finest quality porcelain together with fine particles of quartz for maximum strength. They’re also hand glazed and fired three times for enhanced durability which is good to know especially if you have heavy-handed members of your family.
All of our basins and vanity units are named after people or places that I love and which suit their own unique style and personality including Wren and Autumn, our children.
The Way We Live London
Hand Painted
There’s also something quite special when it comes to hand-painted designs isn’t there? The Way We Live offer several statement basins using this technique.
It’s like having a form of artwork to admire in the most unexpected of places.
Other designs in their beautiful collection are made using traditional artisan texturing techniques. I love that they are keeping skilled craftmanship alive through the process of creating these stunning basins. They add a more meaningful element to your home rather than the mass-produced designs available. Let’s face it, you’ll be more likely to cherish and covet a handmade piece than a mass produced one.
Add Colour & Texture – The Way We Live London
The Way We Live London’s belief is that even the most functional of elements can be expressive of style and personality. I would say that they have definitely achieved their mission.
Textural Detail – Unique Statement Wash Basins – The Way We Live London
Texture, colour and lighting are inextricably linked when it comes to making the most of any space in our homes. When you consider bathrooms tend to predominately feature shiny surfaces they don’t hold much by way of textural detail. Texture is a necessity when creating visual interest to any space. It’s all about balance, especially with bathrooms. Too much of one texture will leave it looking unbalanced and will come across as rather nondescript.
The key to creating any space is to layer different textures, without overstimulating the senses!
Add in a neutral colour palette and you’ll require MORE contrasting textures to stop it from looking bland/boring. Of course, you can do this with fluffy towels, plants real or faux, or opt for a textured basin and create a focal point to your bathroom. The Claudia basin provides both tactile and visual texture which will ensure your bathrooms will go from blah to wow!
DESIGN TIP: Bathrooms predominately utilise shiny surfaces (think tiles, sanitaryware etc.) These textures are great for reflecting light and make a room feel lighter/bigger but they can also make them feel sterile and bland. Think about adding contrasting textures that will soften the overall look. Layering contrasting textures is what predominately keeps a space looking visually interesting and balanced.
Decorative & Bold Wash Basins- The Way We Live London
If you’ve already embraced your love of colour and pattern in the home, then why not compliment your bold decor choices and create a focal point with a basin.
Having embraced our love of colour and pattern in our cottage, I cannot think of anything more delightful than to be able to add a decorative functional feature in what is often a non-inspiring space.
Design Tip: Bathrooms unlike other areas in our homes tend to lack a focal point. Create your own by zoning your basin area with a complimentary wallpaper backdrop and/ or combine with panelling or tiles.
Vanity Units
Complimentary Vanity Units – The Way We Live London
Once you’ve decided on a basin, you’ll be looking at the practical side of housing it. Vanity units are our saviours when it comes to practical storage solutions. They help keep your space clutterfree which in turn makes life easier and a happier home to live in.
Small Bathroom…
If your bathroom space is on the small side, then choosing an open shelved vanity unit will help create the illusion of space as your eye is drawn further.
Open style shelving vanities provide you with the ability to store your day-to-day essential to in handy decorative storage baskets. Or if you prefer the out-of-sight behind doors cupboard style, The Way We Live London also offers this style vanity too.
Up-cycled Delights!
If there has been one trend that has flourished during the pandemic and lockdowns, it has to be up-cycling. We’ve become much more resourceful and creative in our quest for seeking something individual and unique for our homes.
What better way to add character and personality than combining a truly unique basin with a one-off furniture piece that compliments your style perfectly. Up-cycling also provides you with the opportunity to put your own individual stamp on your homes. You can really let your personality and creativity shine when up-cycling. It’s something, I’m finding we’re doing more in our home too! And you get to have some fun and experiment.
And if you’re not feeling brave enough to hunt down and paint your own, you’ll be pleased to know that The Way We Live also offer a range of handcrafted sustainably made vanity units as well as a shelf for smaller cloakrooms. They’re made by skilled craftsmen of which some have more than 30 years’ experience!
Unique Statement Wash Basins – The Way We Live London
I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s post. You can check out the rest of The Way We Live London’s exquisite collection here.
Until next time, thanks for stopping by!
Maria xx
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