The Art of Bathing - by Kate Challis Interiors

Kate Challis Interiors has transformed the windows of The English Tapware Company’s Sydney and Melbourne showrooms,  presenting a historic and ethereal landscape featuring pieces by Studio Minerva – a new range of wallpapers and cabinets designed by Kate Challis and artist Valerie Sparks.

Each quarter, The English Tapware Company refreshes its window displays with a new creative vision. Local designers and artists are invited to explore their creativity using The English Tapware Company products in combination with bespoke pieces  that reflect the interests and identity of the contributor.

As the designer behind some of Melbourne’s most prestigious homes and faithful specifier of The English Tapware Company’s products, Kate Challis Interiors were invited to explore a new vision for their autumn windows. Kate’s interest in art history and the aesthetics of immersive interiors drove a narrative around the delight of dwelling at home. Exploring the romance and rituals of bathing, Kate sought to elevate the display into a decorative sanctuary: “I wanted to create an immersive room, rather than just a styled window display,” she comments.

L-shaped walls define zones for bathing and dressing, each grounded by a Studio Minerva piece – the first public viewing of Kate and Valerie’s new furniture and wallpaper range. A brilliant custom wallpaper of white waratahs and eucalyptus on a black background sets off the striking brass Martha bath by The Water Monopoly; a double-ended tub inspired by  late 19th Century French bathing. A delicate vintage chandelier is suspended above, while a Float Glass side table by local designer,  Dean Norton, presents a contemporary counterbalance that completes the bathing tableau.

Opposite, a moss green paint hue, Felix by Axolotl, saturates the space, giving luminosity to brass Perrin & Rowe tapware and towel rails from Hawthorn Hill. A custom cabinet by Studio Minerva takes centre stage, enveloped with a photographic print of pink peonies, eucalyptus and gentle clouds. Finished with dark bronze edge pull handles by Joseph Giles,  from The English Tapware Company, the cabinet sits comfortably immersed in the window, forming a delicate and artisanal complement. The cabinet interior is lined with a custom Axolotl hue; a deep plum colour that recedes, highlighting objects displayed within. The space is complete with hand crafted luxurious waffle weave linen towels from Hale Mercantile Co.

Kate’s skillful composition reinforces The English Tapware Company’s focus on quality materials, design and craftsmanship, while promoting the creativity of Kate Challis Interiors in fusing history, aesthetics and immersive spatial design. Studio Minerva’s artistic florals create a natural synergy with the high quality, often hand-made products, crafting an evocative bathroom proposition - “I’ve taken cues from history, showing how one can luxuriate in the comfort of home,” Kate reveals.

Design - Kate Challis Interiors
Studio Minerva - Kate Challis & Valerie Sparks
Bath - Water Monopoly
Tapware - Perrin & Rowe
Shower - Perrin & Rowe
Hook - Perrin & Rowe
Cabinet Handles - Joseph Giles
Wallpaper - Studio Minerva
Cabinet - Studio Minerva
Table - Dean Norton
Paint - Axolotl
Towels - Hale Mercantile Co
Vase - Leonard Joel

Visit the immersive window installations at The English Tapware Company between now and the end of Winter 2021.

SYDNEY: 170 Queen Street, Woollahra, NSW 2025 

MELBOURNE: 751 High Street, Armadale, VIC 3143

Kate's window runs until July 2021.

751 High Street, Armadale

170 Queen Street, Woollahra