Western Mail Article - February 6th 2010

Technology and comfort characterise 21st century kitchens

Kitchens are the hub of a family home and the trend continues for a large open-plan space where we can eat, relax, play and socialise.

The possibilities are endless in a modern kitchen - even to the extent of bringing the outdoors in by installing a barbecue alongside the normal cooking hob - as one client asked me to do.

To ensure that the kitchen wasn’t engulfed in suffocating smoke, a massive 2.4 metre extraction area had to be installed.

My preference when designing a kitchen is to use curves. Not only do they enhance the look of the space by making it more inviting and easy on the eye, they also enhance the ergonomics.



If you are going to town with a new kitchen, longevity is so important. Beware of trends as they can date quite dramatically, and you may find yourself wishing you’d gone for something with a bit more staying power.

Create interest by using a blend of contrasting elements in the form of different types of wood and stylish lacquer finishes.



A simple, contemporary colour palette works well - as the kitchen is a busy space there’s no necessity to bring in a riot of colour.

It’s very easy to get carried away with the aesthetics of planning a kitchen and overlook the practicalities.

The lighting, for example, needs to be flexible. A good light to work by is essential, but you need the option to create a more mellow mood when you are relaxing over a meal with friends.

Appliances are a big investment and the better quality ones do last longer.

The noise factor associated with washing machines and dishwashers doesn't aid chill out time, so consider this when purchasing white goods.

The whisper-quiet Neff integrated dishwasher is designed to keep the noise to a minimum and is a good investment.

A common complaint about stainless steel is that it shows every mark. Zanussi has now come up with a fingerprint proof stainless steel door for its latest dishwasher.

And if, like me, you never manage to put your washing on the right cycle, then the De Dietrich washing machine, that determines the best programme for each load, simplifies things a great deal.

Choosing the right floor in the kitchen area is crucial - beauty and practicality need to go hand in hand.

Artisan of Devizes (www.artisanofdevizes.com) has become known as the place to go for artfully aged stone flooring.

And Mandarin Stone (www.mandarinstone.com) has a vast array of slate, marble, granite and sandstone.

A top tip with tiled flooring is to use large sized tiles with a grout that is similar in colour as this will make the floor area look larger and less cluttered.

Before making your final decision on a kitchen have a good shop around. There’s plenty of choice out there from high street names such as B&Q and Ikea, to top of the range names like Smallbone.

One middle of the range option I like very much is Stoneham, their designs are effortlessly elegant, combining fine wood and other natural materials with the latest technology.

You can see their work at Avantgarde (www.avantgarde.co.uk).

Or if you fancy some expert advice, then give me a call.

Andrew Burch is a director and principal designer at Chameleon Interiors, and has been creating beautiful homes for two decades. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk

Western Mail Article - January 30th 2010

What’s on the cards for 2010?

Looking ahead at trends for the coming year I feel a sense of nostalgia sweeping over me.

The passion for folklore and 1970s retro is still powerful, but with emphasis placed on creating a cosy and comfortable interior.

Contemporary influences will be evident in high-tech gizmos. Appliances, from TVs to cookers, home cinema systems to washing machines, will be space age sleek.

However, the key to this year’s look is to make sure that this gadgetry takes a visual back seat, dressed down with sustainable wood furniture and folkloric pattern furnishings.

The hearth, rather than the giant television will provide the focal point in a room. The fireplace, be it a traditional one or a cool contemporary version, will provide a place for friends to gather around - truly creating a heart to the room.

For those who fancy a modern looking hearth with an earthy spin, a sculptor called Cathy Azria has some very creative designs. Her ‘loop’ fireplaces (www.bd-designs.co.uk) are truly novel. Unlike conventional fireplaces, which can look dull without the roaring flames, hers look good all year round.



I havediscovered a Belgian wallpaper company that has embraced this fondess for the natural and rustic with gusto, but there’s nothing whimsical or winsome about Design Daily’s powerful use of colour.

I am so taken with their designs that I plan to stock them at Chameleon, so please call me in 02920 371 277 if you would like a wild burst of colour in your home.

Although the trend in recent years has been for people to ‘graze’ rather than sit down as a family to eat a meal, this too seems to be changing. Celebrity chefs, with their attendant TV appearances and cookbooks, and programmes such as Come Dine With Me have convinced people of the pleasures of cooking and eating at home.

Maybe the recession has had an influence too, and as meals out become more of rationed treat, entertaining at home is the obvious replacement social activity.

I am no great cook - it’s usually my husband who takes care of the culinary side of things. But there are times when I have to take my turn. For that reason I have dug out my old fondue set.

It’s a great way of entertaining as guests cook their own foo. - but in a very hospitable way. And, as the preparation has been carried out in advance, once your guests arrive you can relax with them rather than fret about the food.

Kitchen trends have softened too. Stark stainless steel is out of favour and people are turning to a warmer look - wood fronted cabinets and doors, rich colours and plenty of life and vitality.

The days of minimalist kitchens that looked as if nobody set foot in them are behind us.

In the same vein, people are looking towards natural food - meat and bread purchased from a farmers’ market rather than packaged from a supermarket, and greater emphasis is being placed on what’s local and seasonal.

While a vegetable garden isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, nothing could be easier than growing herbs on a window ledge - it’s low maintenance and they’ll thrive just as happily on the top floor of an apartment block as they will in a country cottage.

Despite these days of greater economy, the desire to make the home a place of pleasure and comfort remains strong.

With less cash to play with, however, it’s a case of choosing where it goes with great care.

Designs manufacture solid stone basins, bowls ap
Yvonne Jones is a Royal College of Art trained designer, and is the owner of Chameleon Interiors. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk

Western Mail Article - Saturday 23rd January

Experiment with new styles

You probably had to move pieces of furniture in order to accommodate the Christmas tree. So how about repositioning the furniture in the room on a permanent basis?

We tend to put things in one place and leave them there for years. Yet, simply putting key pieces in a new location can be a revelation.

Maybe you’ll find there’s more room when pieces are reshuffled, or that moving the sofa gives you a better aspect over the room.

And, as ever, getting rid of stuff can transform the place.

Before you get settled into the rhythm of 2010, think about what can go.

In many cases, improving the appearance of the house is more about paring down the stuff that’s in there, not about buying more!

However, if you are in the mood for experimenting, colour and overscaled design is still very much in.

Think exuberance in a riotous combination of designs – it’s all about being bold and confident.

Complement the look with accessories that also shout look at me - go for vibrant shades such as mulberry, purple, orange and cranberry.

Velvet in a luscious range of colours is hot stuff this year too. I love this fabric as it creates such a luxurious feel, yet it’s warm and comforting to the touch.

Velvet was made for rich colours such fuschia pink, plum, sage and bronze - tones that are perfect for adding depth and warmth to a scheme.



Osborne and Little (www.osborneandlittle.com/020 8812 3000) has a spectacular range of fabrics, and also houses such famous names as Liberty, Lorca and Nina Campbell under its roof.

Have a look at the cushions on the web site, the images depict perfectly how vibrant accessories bring a sparkle to a room.
If you have a plain sofa, cushions in wild colours will add a touch of style and panache. You can even alter the mood in the room depending on the colour scheme you choose.

For the sake of a good night’s sleep, maybe too much hectic colour and pattern should be avoided in the bedroom. But this doesn’t meant that the place need be muted or bland.



Try introducing some glamour with a shimmery chandelier and a velvet headboard, bring in some texture with a fake fur throw and a deep pile rug that welcomes your feet when you step out of bed.

Mix and match is perennially popular in this eclectic age, so try slotting Louis XV inspired gilt furniture alongside some modern lacquered tables.

It’s easy to overlook the design potential of the smallest room, but even in the bathroom you can create interest by mixing different textures and styles.

Use a variety of materials. For instance install a stone basin with mirrored walls or Venetian mirrors. Add a dramatic touch with a chandelier from Gustavian (www.gustavian.com) - the only company producing a chandelier that can withstand the rainforest atmosphere if the bathroom.

Create texture by half tiling and half painting the walls. A warm colour such as terracotta will act as a contrast to the tiles, which can sometimes appear clinical, particularly if the bathroom is tiled from floor to ceiling.

Finally, use the start of a new year not only to throw out clutter, but to evict tired looking towels, bathmats, tea towels, oven gloves and so on.

It’s surprising how little touches like this can spruce things up.

Yvonne Jones is a Royal College of Art trained designer, and is the owner of Chameleon Interiors. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk

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Western Mail Article - Saturday 16th January 2009

The wallpaper revolution

With the Christmas season over, and the decorations put away for another year, the house can look a tad forlorn.

On the bright side, however, that pared down look provides us with an opportunity to pinpoint which areas of the home need looking at.

Don’t be too ambitious - total redecoration is costly, so prioritise.

One of the easiest but most effective ways of achieving a new look is with wallpaper.

Wallpaper’s conservative image has now been well and truly shaken up. Designers have been pushing the design boundaries combining computer aided imagery, artistry and craftsmanship – yet to my delight still drawing on influential historical wallpaper designers such as William Morris, Annesley Voysey and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

As there are so many designs on the market now you are sure to be able to find a pattern that works well with the elements of the room you don’t wish to change.

If you fall in love with a wallpaper that’s a different colour to your upholstery and curtain fabric then tie everything together by using cushions or a picture or rug of the same colour as the wallpaper.

Large scale pattern is still packing a punch this year, but in softer shades that are easier to live with. Zoffany (www.zoffany.com/0844 543 4600) has an exquisite collection called ‘Trade Routes’ that elegantly draws upon the discoveries of the explorers of old.



Try and work with the dimensions of your room. Large-scale patterns will make a room look smaller, whereas vertical stripes will make it appear taller and horizontal stripes wider. Bear in mind also that if you are on a budget a larger pattern will have a repeat that will involve a lot of wastage.

Geometric patterns are hot property this year too. The stunning Brian Yates range (www.brian-yates.com/0207 352 0123) combines depth, texture and colour.

The subtle geometric designs appear to shimmer in the light as they stand on a soft, velvety background. The muted charcoals and burnished copper tones key to the range will add depth and warmth to most schemes.

For traditional, timeless, classic elegance have a look at the Colefax and Fowler range (www.colefax.com/020 7244 7427).



These gentle floral designs create a relaxed ambience, which is best suited to a room with period features.

Farrow and Ball is another favourite of mine.

The company’s use of traditional techniques is unrivalled by any other firm, and as a result the wallpaper collection has a very natural finish.

What’s more your order is individually produced guaranteeing that you won’t be getting a homogenous look.

For further information look up www.farrowandball.com or call 01202 876 141.

Finally we cannot ignore the future and the importance of digital imagery in interior design. A Cardiff company called Space Buro (www.spaceburo.com. 02920 229 708) has certainly been making an impact creating bespoke wallpaper through digital printing.



The company designs for both private and commercial properties, and was responsible for the revamping of the popular Cameo Club in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff.

Space Buro work closely with their clients to create a special effect. The results are truly spectacular and their portfolio is impressive and rapidly expanding.


Natalie Chamberlain is a senior designer at Chameleon Interiors. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk

Western Mail Article - Saturday 9th 2010

Bring some bathtime bliss into the New Year

The bathroom has come a long way in recent years and is no longer seen as a functional space, but as a relaxing haven where we can pamper ourselves.

Make storage a priority, as untidy rooms are rarely relaxing. Store unwanted clutter out of sight, so that surfaces can be kept clear of mess.

Invest in an attractive bathroom cabinet so that products can be kept in order.

Mirrored cupboards work well in small spaces as they provide a dual function as well as bouncing light around.

If you are lucky enough to have a spacious bathroom then built-in, concealed wall cabinets are a great design feature as they allow for masses of storage for towels and toiletries, but their sleek lines prevent them from intruding on the room.

A novel method of creating storage is to look for an old school locker or a metal office filing cabinet and give it a new lease of life with some spray paint.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to bathroom fixtures and fittings. If you can afford to splurge on high quality items, then take a look at the fabulous reproduction French ‘bateau’ baths from The Bath Works (www.thebathworks.com).



The bateau style tubs are very luxurious and range from £950 to around £2950 for the design in lustrous polished copper.

For the ultimate in style take a look at the striking range at Water Monopoly (02027 624 2636/www.watermonopoly.com). Their teak bath tub clocks in at an eye watering £6.700 - but it is beautiful.

It’s interesting how things come full circle. Having pulled out our baths in favour of walk-in showers, we are now reinstalling them at a rate of knots.

Attention to detail is important, so try and ensure that any intrusive plumbing is hidden away in walls to give a more streamlined look. It would be a shame to spend a lot of money on a fancy new bath just to have the effect ruined with lots of piping.

If you want to make a difference, but without spending a fortune, you could create a laid-back look with some rustic tongue and groove woodwork. This will turn the plainest bathroom into a cosy sanctuary.

Half tiled, half plastered walls always look pristine and are easy to maintain.

When it comes to painting the bathroom walls, make sure you use the correct paint as it will last longer in a steamy environment.

One of my favourite colours for a bathroom is terracotta - by using this shade on the walls, or in your tiling, you can create a Moroccan style oasis.



You could also create a coastal ambience with subtle blues and greens, and faded pastels.

Bathroom floors get lots of spashing so the first consideration should be practicality -- especially if you have a family.

If you want to create a wet room effect then you could consider tiling the entire space. Make sure you choose a warm colour and texture as wall-to-ceiling tiling can look quite cold.

As always, my key piece of advice is to make sure your new bathroom fits your lifestyle, the needs of a single person will be very different to those of a large family where the fittings need to be able to withstand wear and tear.

But wherever you can, please indulge your fantasies.

Andrew Burch is a director at Chameleon Interiors, and has been designing beautiful homes for two decades. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk
Bring some bathtime bliss into the New Year

The bathroom has come a long way in recent years and is no longer seen as a functional space, but as a relaxing haven where we can pamper ourselves.

Make storage a priority, as untidy rooms are rarely relaxing. Store unwanted clutter out of sight, so that surfaces can be kept clear of mess.

Invest in an attractive bathroom cabinet so that products can be kept in order.

Mirrored cupboards work well in small spaces as they provide a dual function as well as bouncing light around.

If you are lucky enough to have a spacious bathroom then built-in, concealed wall cabinets are a great design feature as they allow for masses of storage for towels and toiletries, but their sleek lines prevent them from intruding on the room.

A novel method of creating storage is to look for an old school locker or a metal office filing cabinet and give it a new lease of life with some spray paint.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to bathroom fixtures and fittings. If you can afford to splurge on high quality items, then take a look at the fabulous reproduction French ‘bateau’ baths from The Bath Works (www.thebathworks.com).

The bateau style tubs are very luxurious and range from £950 to around £2950 for the design in lustrous polished copper.

For the ultimate in style take a look at the striking range at Water Monopoly (02027 624 2636/www.watermonopoly.com). Their teak bath tub clocks in at an eye watering £6.700 - but it is beautiful.

It’s interesting how things come full circle. Having pulled out our baths in favour of walk-in showers, we are now reinstalling them at a rate of knots.

Attention to detail is important, so try and ensure that any intrusive plumbing is hidden away in walls to give a more streamlined look. It would be a shame to spend a lot of money on a fancy new bath just to have the effect ruined with lots of piping.

If you want to make a difference, but without spending a fortune, you could create a laid-back look with some rustic tongue and groove woodwork. This will turn the plainest bathroom into a cosy sanctuary.

Half tiled, half plastered walls always look pristine and are easy to maintain.

When it comes to painting the bathroom walls, make sure you use the correct paint as it will last longer in a steamy environment.

One of my favourite colours for a bathroom is terracotta - by using this shade on the walls, or in your tiling, you can create a Moroccan style oasis.

You could also create a coastal ambience with subtle blues and greens, and faded pastels.

Bathroom floors get lots of spashing so the first consideration should be practicality -- especially if you have a family.

If you want to create a wet room effect then you could consider tiling the entire space. Make sure you choose a warm colour and texture as wall-to-ceiling tiling can look quite cold.

As always, my key piece of advice is to make sure your new bathroom fits your lifestyle, the needs of a single person will be very different to those of a large family where the fittings need to be able to withstand wear and tear.

But wherever you can, please indulge your fantasies.

Andrew Burch is a director at Chameleon Interiors, and has been designing beautiful homes for two decades. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk
Bring some bathtime bliss into the New Year

The bathroom has come a long way in recent years and is no longer seen as a functional space, but as a relaxing haven where we can pamper ourselves.

Make storage a priority, as untidy rooms are rarely relaxing. Store unwanted clutter out of sight, so that surfaces can be kept clear of mess.

Invest in an attractive bathroom cabinet so that products can be kept in order.

Mirrored cupboards work well in small spaces as they provide a dual function as well as bouncing light around.

If you are lucky enough to have a spacious bathroom then built-in, concealed wall cabinets are a great design feature as they allow for masses of storage for towels and toiletries, but their sleek lines prevent them from intruding on the room.

A novel method of creating storage is to look for an old school locker or a metal office filing cabinet and give it a new lease of life with some spray paint.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to bathroom fixtures and fittings. If you can afford to splurge on high quality items, then take a look at the fabulous reproduction French ‘bateau’ baths from The Bath Works (www.thebathworks.com).

The bateau style tubs are very luxurious and range from £950 to around £2950 for the design in lustrous polished copper.

For the ultimate in style take a look at the striking range at Water Monopoly (02027 624 2636/www.watermonopoly.com). Their teak bath tub clocks in at an eye watering £6.700 - but it is beautiful.

It’s interesting how things come full circle. Having pulled out our baths in favour of walk-in showers, we are now reinstalling them at a rate of knots.

Attention to detail is important, so try and ensure that any intrusive plumbing is hidden away in walls to give a more streamlined look. It would be a shame to spend a lot of money on a fancy new bath just to have the effect ruined with lots of piping.

If you want to make a difference, but without spending a fortune, you could create a laid-back look with some rustic tongue and groove woodwork. This will turn the plainest bathroom into a cosy sanctuary.

Half tiled, half plastered walls always look pristine and are easy to maintain.

When it comes to painting the bathroom walls, make sure you use the correct paint as it will last longer in a steamy environment.

One of my favourite colours for a bathroom is terracotta - by using this shade on the walls, or in your tiling, you can create a Moroccan style oasis.

You could also create a coastal ambience with subtle blues and greens, and faded pastels.

Bathroom floors get lots of spashing so the first consideration should be practicality -- especially if you have a family.

If you want to create a wet room effect then you could consider tiling the entire space. Make sure you choose a warm colour and texture as wall-to-ceiling tiling can look quite cold.

As always, my key piece of advice is to make sure your new bathroom fits your lifestyle, the needs of a single person will be very different to those of a large family where the fittings need to be able to withstand wear and tear.

But wherever you can, please indulge your fantasies.

Andrew Burch is a director at Chameleon Interiors, and has been designing beautiful homes for two decades. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk

Chameleon Interiors

This years newspaper articles will soon appear on Blogger,I hope you all have a Happy New year and we look forward to your blogs shortly.

PRESS RELEASE - CHAMELEON INTERIORS

Top Welsh Designers Join International Interiors Galaxy

Renowned designers, Yvonne Jones and Andrew Burch of Chameleon Interiors in Cardiff, have been honoured with one of the interior design world’s ultimate accolades - inclusion in the Andrew Martin Interior Design Review.

They will be featured in the glossy tome alongside internationally-renowned designers such as Kelly Hoppen and Jane Churchill.

The pair will also be entrants in the prestigious Andrew Martin Interior Designer of the Year Awards, which are widely recognised as the ‘Oscars’ of the interior design industry.

Previous members of the judging panel for these awards include Vogue editor, Alexandra Shulman, Sir Tim Rice, Bruce Oldfield, Olga Polizzi, Yasmin Le Bon, Candace Bushnell and Richard.E.Grant.

The 2008 final will be held at the V&A in London in the autumn.

Yvonne and Andrew design for a wide range of clients both in the UK and Europe, creating sumptuous interiors for country houses and cottages, London townhouses, loft apartments and eclectic second homes.

“Andrew Martin’s Interior Design Review is the interior design bible, and we are proud to be featured in it,” says Yvonne. “It is a great showcase for Chameleon Interiors’ work, and the high quality craftsmanship that we carry out in our own workshops.”

Yvonne set up Chameleon Interiors 25 years ago, joining forces with Andrew Burch to create a powerful design partnership.

The company has built up an excellent reputation for individuality and innovation, and its ability to produce outstanding bespoke products for clients who are looking for one-off designs.

“Our clients want us to create homes that are distinctive, and we are happy to push the design boundaries whenever that is required,” explains Andrew. “Yvonne and I frequently go on buying trips to Europe, hunting down exciting furniture and fabrics that can’t be found in the UK.”

“When we go on holiday with our families, whether it’s to France, the Caribbean, Ireland or New York, we gain inspiration from the architecture, the colours, and the cultural influences of all these places,” he adds.

Note to editors:

Chameleon Interiors is based in Cathays Terrace, Cardiff. The showroom features a broad range of distinctive products, fabrics and furnishings.

The company was set up 25 years ago by Yvonne Jones, a Royal College of Art trained designer who is widely respected within the design community.

Yvonne runs Chameleon Interiors with talented designer and co-director, Andrew Burch, along with a team of highly skilled project managers, and a vast network of high calibre craftspeople.

Yvonne, Andrew and their team take on a diverse range of commissions, both large and small, and work on projects in the UK and overseas.

Contact details:

62 Cathays Terrace,
Cathays,
Cardiff, CF24 4HY,
029 20371 277
www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk

Press information: Nerys Lloyd-Pierce 02920 343 121/07701 007 128. email: nerys@lloyd-pierce.co.uk