Kingdom of Beauty: Aldo Coppola's Beauty ... Trend Group

Milan has a new luxury beauty salon: Aldo Coppola’s spectacular new space, made even more precious by designer mosaics created by Trend Group, the highly acclaimed company from Vicenza who are known for the production of mosaic tiles, agglomerates and decorative glass.

Trend Mosaics feature in Aldo Coppola Milan

In approximately 1000 square meters of white Carrara marble, Trend Group’s extraordinary tiles stand out, recreating historical Aldo Coppola- L’Oréal calendar images; professional photographs taken by artists including Fabrizio Ferri and Oliviero Toscani.

Red and White Trend Mosaics in the Aldo Copplia Milan salon

The Aldo Coppola white and red tones merge perfectly into the artistic mosaics that decorate the walls of the salon: the faces of the models who posed for Aldo Coppola-L’Oréal calendars - the beautiful Madalina Ghenea especially - have been perfectly recreated by Trend’s mosaic artists. The overall effect is visually stunning.

Images from the Aldo Coppola L'Oreal calendar reproduced by Trend Mosaics

Red and White Trend Mosaics plus image from Aldo Coppola L'Oreal calender

Trend glass mosaic in the small 1 x 1 cm · 3/8” x 3/8” format is perfect for inserts and decorative features, where fine detail makes a difference to the finished result.
As with every Trend mosaic, these micro mosaic tiles can be installed onto floors and walls, inside or out, including in wet areas such as showers and pools.

Trend's vivid red mosaics in the Aldo Coppola Milan salon

Trend has surpassed themselves in this enterprise. The mosaics match the concept of the salon which was designed by Anton Kobrinetz, who brought to life Aldo Coppola Jr.’s creative idea. The salon is an elegant and luxurious space where clients are pampered by a team of experienced professionals.

Haunting images reproduced by Trend Mosaics in the Aldo Coppola Salon, Milan

Trend mosaics in Milan’s Aldo Coppola salon bring a touch of haunting elegance to the salon and are reminiscent of the best traditions of Italian mosaic art, which Trend has been renowned for since it was founded. Aldo Coppola salons represent the best in terms of quality and attention to customer service in the field of beauty and aesthetics.

Pantone Colour of the Year 2013 - Emerald Green

Pantone have announced their Colour of the Year for 2013 is Emerald Green and the colour is very evident on the runways and in the shops as a "now" colour for the Spring / Summer 2013.

Pantone colour of the year 2013 - Emerald Green

Pantone Colour for 2013 in fashion

Emerald Green dresses from the runways for 2013

Does it translate to the home and is their really any link between fashion and interiors?  Check out this article from Freshome on how the world of fashion influences interiors.  You will see that they are quoting Gretchen Aubochon, Editor in Chief of Fashion + Decor who firmly believes that Fashion does strongly influence Interiors, and in a much shorter time scale than previously.  In this piece from Fashion + Decor you can see the correlation between the two very clearly.  Beautiful designs and colours in fashions reflected in choices in the interiors.

Caroline Hererra Pre-Fall 2013 and Belle Magazine Source fashion-decor

Source Life in Sketch

You can see here a couple of shades of emerald green from Designers Guild fabric collection.

The Chinon range is silk, and the Verity Emerald is a bordered bouquet of flowers on a silk satin background inspired by an early 19th century Royal Wilton carpet in Buckingham Palace.

The world of fashion moves at a very fast pace with some colours and looks being perennial favourites - the nautical look and / or a safari theme in spring, tartan, military style in the winter, and animal print in one form or another almost throughout the year.

In interiors, colours can be in your home for a very long time, particularly if they are a large purchases such as carpets, furniture, kitchens and bathrooms.  You can transform any room in a home with paint, wallpaper or accessories.

Duravit Starck 2 basin, Axor Starck Organic Basin Mixer against a wallpaper background

Axor Starck Organic and Duravit Starck 2 against a feature wallpaper background.

Mosaics used to add colour in an otherwise white bathroom.

Trend Mosaics "Feel"

Often people decorate their living rooms with different themes throughout the year; particularly for Easter, Summer, Autumn, Halloween and Christmas. With almost as many Home magazines as there are television programmes we are far more likely to update our homes on a regular basis than people used to.  Nevertheless changing your kitchen or bathroom is still often a major investment.

Does this mean that the choices available in interiors are not influenced by fashion?  Not at all.  However it may not be the choice of the majority who stick to neutral shades because that is what they prefer.

The neutral colours of grey, black, white, brown, cream and beige and all shades of them are colours that will go with any other colour.  They also create light and space which in a bathroom where space can be tight, this can be important.  You can easily add a feature, as in these images from a recently installed bathroom, where a stronger colour was used in the furniture, and then picked out in a feature panel of mosaics which added colour to an otherwise neutral bathroom.

Luxury bathrooms are strongly influenced by the hotel look, as many of us stay in a nice hotel on holiday or on business, enjoy the facilities, particularly in the bathroom, and plan to replicate them when replacing our existing ones.

Double Basin and WH WC and large shower area

Large bath with walk-in steps

This bathroom has a large shower area with wall hung WC and double wall hung basin with black and white slate tiles and a large bath.  The bathroom was recently installed in Holyport, Berkshire.

Mosaics transform a neutral bathroom by adding texture, light, balance harmony or colour.  A pattern - whether it is geometric, tartan / check, striped or floral can create a wallpaper style effect and can be used to create a theme between an en suite bathroom and the master bedroom.  Even using a small amount of mosaics can add colour and glamour which transforms the bathroom into something truly special.

Shift 'Elba' from Bisazza

The new Shift range of mosaics from Bisazza is shown here in Elba - reinforcing that green is leading the way for interiors during 2013.

Katherine by Bisazza

Katherine from Bizazza - an ideal way to incorporate a feature area in your bathroom.

Elena by Bisazza

For a sumptuous bathroom choose Elena from Bizazza with gold glimmers that adds not only a splash of colour but a truly luxurious feel to your bathroom.

If you want a bespoke bathroom that you love walking into - come and see our showroom in Maidenhead, contact us by email sales@soakinstyle.com or call us on 01628 783686.  

Soak in Style offer a bespoke design and installation service.  

Catriona Lock, Creative Director at Soak in Style is nominated for the 3rd year running for a Bathroom Design Award by KBBReview 2013.

Gold Rush

After all the excitement of the London 2012 Olympics which has left us all basking in the golden glow of not only our wonderful athletes who performed way above expectations to leave Team GB in 3rd position of the medals, but the fabulous atmosphere that has overtaken the whole country.  We are now in the countdown to the Paralympics but we couldn't resist taking advantage of the go for gold theme!

Trend Gold Notes

The soft golden tones from Trend Mosaics add a warm colour to any room. 

Trend mosaics; Smalti Veneziani, Aureo 24ct

Add a touch of golden opulence to bring luxury and warmth to your interior with wallpapers, textiles, paints, furniture and as shown above 24ct gold mosaics for walls.

Victoria and Albert baths; Cheshire Double Ended Roll Top with ball + claw feet, Marlborough Double Ended Slipper and Shropshire Slipper with ball + claw feet

The Cheshire, Marlborough and Shropshire from Victoria and Albert's range of free-standing baths with subtle golden additions in the way of bedding, carpet, mirror or table and chair giving these bathrooms an air of golden elegance. 

Valentino Tresor Avorio Fiore, Avorio Damsaco, Oro; Valentino Boiserie Listello; Valentino Romantica and Boiserie,

  Add as much glitz and glamour as you choose with Valentino Piemme tiles.

Gessi Mimi in Gold

The soft, feminine lines of Gessi Mimi and opulent hues of the brassware complement the Mimi basin giving you a golden bathroom. 

Alternatively you can have neutral tones on the walls and floor and make a golden statement with your furniture.

Burgbad Gloria

The Gloria range from Burgbad is stylish and full of charm and nostalgia with a restrained elegance and a precious sparkle that only radiates from that something special.  Each piece not only represents handicraft, but the true art of craftsmanship as every individual piece of furniture is unique.   The washstand consists of a chest of drawers with two oval basins, set in a solid, handmade travertine plate. The glass cabinet has real gold ornamental inlays decorative chamfers.

Burgbad Diva in Black with Gold feet and Gold Schwarovski handle

 Diva. Release the inner diva in you and allow yourself a gorgeous bathroom that makes a statement.  Brilliantly sensual and sumptuous, excitingly rich in contrasts and artfully designed, Diva is a masterful interaction of function in perfect form and pure artistry. 

Burgbad Diva in White with Gold feet and handle

This is a beautiful oval basin unit on gold legs seen here in high gloss white, accompanied by a storage cupboard.  You can also choose a Diva dressing table with fold away mirror and compartments to store your make up; a stylish classic that is a perfect combination of technical skill and timeless elegance. 

Bring a golden aura to your bathroom and dip into the Luxury Collection from Oasis.

Oasis Hermitage Folgia Oro / Damascato Nero, Lutetia Nero Lucido Finiture Oro with Marmo Emperador Dark top, Daphne Black Walnut and Hermitage Oro

 The Luxury Collection consists of Daphne, Hermitage and Lutetia, and the Daphne is on display in the Soak in Style showroom.  Choose a stunning decorative finish in high gloss lacquer or wood with gold handles to make your bathroom totally unique with a golden glow.

Going for Gold

If you are looking to add a touch of golden glamour to your bathroom . . .

Diva Collection by Burgbad

Basin Taps by Sbordoni

CeramicAntica Oro from The Grand Tour

Close up of decorative finish on CeramicAntica Oro by The Grand Tour

Foglia D'Oro Damask by The Grand Tour

Close up of Foglia d'Oro Damask by The Grand Tour

Mimi in Gold by Gessi

Gessi Mimi Gold

From the lavishly sublime to subtle golden glows from mosaics . . .

Gold mosaics from Trend

Adding gold mosaics as a feature can give a glow rather than a glittery wow . . .
or gold taps, shower and accessories for a gleaming effect.

On Trend with Liberty

On Trend with 10 new colours to Liberty Collection

Leading Italian mosaic tile maker Trend has extended its spectacular Liberty mosaic collection with 10 sumptuous new colours, all handcrafted from stained glass and featuring the signature chromatic and iridescent textures of this exclusive design.  Composed of hand-cut tesserae in a variety of compatible shapes, Liberty reinterprets glass mosaic design by presenting a selection of different tile shades and sizes, with both straight and sinuous lines, so that the reflective light of the material is the predominant decorative element. The new Liberty creations extend from the shimmering brilliance of Diamond and Pearl,  Liberty Diamond  through the contemporary look of Denim and Dove,  Liberty Denim to the dramatic, deep tones of Bronzite, Onyx and Tobacco.  They join six existing colours that include tonal Black and White statements, as well as luminescent Blue and Red stained glass effects.  Ideal for accent mosaic panels or flamboyant showcase walls and ceilings, Liberty is offered in film-faced modules measuring approximately 26cm x 31cm. Liberty Black, Pearl, Grey, Dove, Amber + Tobacco, Topaz. In keeping with Trend’s green ethos that focuses on the use of eco-sustainable materials, Liberty mosaics consist of up to 75% post-consumer recycled glass.  Architects, interior designers and builders can obtain LEED credits for sustainable buildings certification and enables homeowners to select Liberty glass mosaics with a clear environmental conscience. Unique to Trend in concept and execution, the Liberty collection results from a design collaboration with celebrated Italian artist Giulio Candussio, creator of the dramatic ‘Iridescent Lightning’ mosaic mural at New York’s World Trade Centre.  Candussio says “The transparent quality of the glass creates a balance of essential shapes, modular rhythms and colour and the result is a continuously changing bright and chromatic vibration that comes from the mosaic surface itself.” This dynamic creative vision is demonstrated in the new Liberty designs, so that each tile is tinted throughout and completely resistant to wear, sunlight and chemical agents. The metallic notes of Amber, Bronzite, Diamond and Topaz are highlighted with occasional mirror-finish tesserae, while opalescent Pearl plays gently and subtly with reflected light. Deceptively simple Denim offers changing textures in faded blue, whereas the gorgeous earthy tones of Dove, Onyx and Tobacco project real depth of colour in contrasting tones. A palette of plums and purples in characteristically different shapes and sizes completes the Liberty collection in Purple. Liberty Purple from Trend So that Candussio’s distinctive mosaic designs to be installed with ease, each irregularly-shaped module is faced with clear film, so that it can be positioned, cut and adjusted without disrupting the essential pattern. To enhance the finished decorative effect a complete range of grout colours are available. Fully frost and water resistant, Liberty tiles are 4mm thick with 1mm joints and are perfect for many interior and exterior settings, including bathrooms, wetrooms and outside living areas. Liberty White on display in the Soak in Style showroom V+A Toulouse with Trend Liberty White mosaics  Liberty White is on display in the Soak in Style showroom as seen above.

Styling Trends with a Union Jack

Taking time out from training and competing in the build-up to the Olympics, Beth Tweddle, Britain's most successful gymnast of all time, recently performed her gymnastic routines on a rather unusual platform.

Trend's sister company, Granite Transformations, used Trend agglomerates to construct a six foot long island unit, adorned with a fabulous stylised Union Jack.

Inspired by the forthcoming Olympics (London 2012), they built this patriotic piece to demonstrate the creative potential of Trend's quarter-inch deep surfacing material.  They used high tech water jet cutting to produce the component triangles and quadrilaterals that make up the union flag, then seamlessly joined them together and bonded the assembled design onto construction board, creating a stunning and robust countertop.

Interestingly, Beth's energetic routines and flying leaps demonstrate that, whilst Trend's agglomerate materials are undoubtedly slim and stylish, their unique construction and patented reinforcing membrane enables them to withstand substantial physical loads. In fact, a solid natural granite slab of the same dimensions would not have the inherent flexural strength to stand up to such treatment, let alone be light enough to be moved around.  Proof once again that it's not always good to be thick!
The slimline dimensions of Trend agglomerates also make them ideal for vertical cladding, for shower rooms, elevator interiors and building facades for example, as well as applications where weight is critical, like super yachts, cruise liners, canal boats, horse boxes and motorhomes.

Like Beth Tweddle, Trend agglomerates are not only lightweight and elegant, they're also highly flexible. Available in a wide range of colours, finishes and formats they're a winning choice for everything from flooring and cladding to purpose-built furniture.

Trend agglomerates are available from Soak in Style.

Styling Trend - offering eco solutions

During our visit last year to the annual trade show Cersaie, which is held in Bologna during September, we stepped on to the Trend stand and were amazed by the wonderful designs on display.  We saw close up the shimmering accents that produced such a stunning visual impact.  We were also impressed to discover that this was a strong and creative design led company producing eco sustainable products which is so important for the future of the planet, which is becoming such an integral part of the buying decision process.

Some of Trend's specialist designs are made by the oldest Venetian companies who specialise in traditional glassblowing - a combination of craftsmanship and new technologies.  

Unique to Trend in concept and execution, the Liberty collection is a design collaboration with celebrated Italian artist Giulio Candussio, creator of the dramatic ‘Iridescent Lightning’ mosaic mural at New York’s World Trade Center, enabling his artistic vision to become part of today’s interior design language.

New Liberty creations

Trend showed 10 sumptuous new colours for the Liberty Collection, all handcrafted from stained glass featuring the signature chromatic and iridescent textures in the design. 

Liberty reinterprets glass mosaic design featuring different reflective tile shades and sizes in the hand-cut tessarae.

Liberty Pearl By Trend

• Extend from the shimmering brilliance of Diamond and Pearl, through the contemporary look of Denim and Dove, to the dramatic, deep tones of Bronzite, Onyx and Tobacco.

Liberty Topaz by Trend

Liberty Red by Trend

• They join six existing colours that include tonal Black and White statements, as well as luminescent Blue and Red stained glass effects.

• Ideal for accent mosaic panels or flamboyant showcase walls and ceilings, Liberty is offered in film-faced modules measuring approximately 26cm x 31cm

Liberty from Trend available from Soak in Style

In line with Trend’s ‘green’ ethos, focusing on the use of eco-sustainable materials, Liberty mosaics are made from up to 75% post-consumer recycled glass.  Architects, interior designers and builders can obtain LEED credits for sustainable buildings certification and homeowners can select Liberty glass mosaics with a clear environmental conscience.

We have recently added some new displays featuring Trend mosaics including Liberty to the Soak in Style showroom:

Trend Liberty White and Trend Futurist 1

 Nicknamed Space Invader as the tiler was working - how appropriate to the name!

Futurist 1

A bespoke mix of Aureo Sunshine designed by Soak in Style.

Trend Luxe Aureo Sunshine

A bespoke mix from the Karma range of handcut mosaics in grey, gold and brown.

Trend Karma

Trend Karma handcut mosaics

And just to show you how fantastic some rooms featuring Trend mosaics can look :

Trend Damask Wallpaper

Trend Wallpaper Grand 1 Design

Trend Liberty Onyx

Trend Mosaics are now on display in the Soak in Style showroom so come in and get some inspiration for your new bathroom.