Trend Setting Metallics

Celebrate summer in style with trend setting glamorous home accessories and furnishings, finished in shimmering materials such as copper, brass, steal and mirror sure to bring a room to life.

The use of metallics in the home can be as bold or as prudent as you choose, that’s the wonder of the shimmer it catches your eye at any size; from statement furniture pieces to striking accessories, the choice is endless.

Accessories are a great way in incorporating metallics into a room without being to dominant. This minimal look is easy and effortless but can add something special to a room. Shimu has a fantastic range of metallic accessories that are small and subtle.

If subtlety isn't your thing make a statement with a feature radiator; Carron have a beautiful selection of traditional cast iron radiators, why not choose a hand burnished finish to fit the metallic trend.

The Old Radiator Company offer original cast iron radiators that have been lovingly restored, many of their designs are given that popular metallic finish.

Dramatic feature pieces also include dominant mirrors, perfectly complemented with ornate metallic frames. The French Furniture Company offer a wonderful selection of majestic mirrors finished in silver and gold leaf, that are sure to make a statement in any room.

Metallics can be used in any room of the house, why not opt for a metallic dining table or bedroom furniture? Metallic finishes spruce up any room or furniture, they can be used to add a contemporary finish to a traditional piece; bringing a timeless design into the present.

The Original Bedstead Company offer a variety of timeless designs finished in an array of textures and colours; take their antique nickel finish, as pictured below, for a hint of the metallic trend applied to classic design.

Or, for something more theatrical you could go for a predominantly metallic room. The French FurnitureCompany offer a star quality range of bedroom furnishings all with a metallic twist. We love the Regence collection pictured below, the twinkly silver finish is beautifully complemented with the use of gold dupion silk; very luxurious.

Metallics are versatile, they make for an interesting finish in the garden as well as the home. The use of metallics in the garden allow for sunlight to be captured and reflected brightening up even the dullest of days.  Metallics can be used in garden features and sculptures as well as furniture, but why not combine the two with an artistic piece from Chris Bose Contemporary Furniture. Chris Bose Contemporary Furniture specialise in metallic finishes, their artistic creations are bold and unique just take a look at the impressive Surf Bench and iconic Tango statue.

Tribal Trend 2013

 Symbolism is huge this Spring/Summer and what better way to use this trend than through tribal pattern.

 Tribes for centuries have used symbols, patterns and colour as a form of communication and expression, which is similar within interior design. Symbolism can be expressed in a variety of ways be it design, fabrics, products… no product is too big or small.

 A prime example of a subtle use of tribal designs is the Tango lamp by Chris Bose Contemporary Furniture. The use of additional sculpted art to the lamp stand brings out the tribal essence of the design.

 Animals have always been a main factor in tribal life so what better way to show this than through the essence of design. A great way to incorporate such a pattern could be through carpet.

Blenheim Carpets have a great print range or a why not try a unique piece of furniture within a room like The Odd Chair Company’s Ottoman.

A great way to incorporate tribal is within art, imagery and now heating. The Glass Radiator Company do a alternative take on heating and do a fantastic tribal artwork on a glass radiator.

Tribal can be as obvious or as faint as you make it be it quirky patterns, prints or design but this is a trend that will help you make a symbolic statement within your home.

Also tribal is hitting the catwalk be it accessories or clothing. Shimu has taken this fashion statement and created their own tribal interpretation in accessories.

Interior Trends- Spring/Summer 2013: Folklore

Now that the bulbs are  bursting into bloom  and the sun is starting to peak though the clouds we are feeling all inspired! so, over the next few weeks we thought we would introduce you to some of the latest interior trends, we hope you enjoy looking at the lovely products and that you find inspiration for your own space! 

To start we have gathered some beautifully delicate, elegant and calming products that are in keeping with Folklore style. This pretty trend incorporates cool pastel colours with stunning motifs  with a subtle us of symbolism.

  

From wallpaper to cushions, products that fit within this trend can be used to style a complete room or of course just add an in-style finishing touch to any room. Here are some ideas ….. 

Shimu does their own interpretation of the trend with this individualistic cabinet, £225. 

This graceful chair by The French Furniture Company, £345,  will add a charm to any room.

Wallpaper is a great way to incorporate the trend to a room, Shimu has a fabulous range from £340 sq m.

Having a folklore feature chair will enhance a rooms character. This classy interpretation on the trend by The Odd Chair Company, £2,100.00, is a perfect example.

Or why not go for a larger feature in the form of a sofa by The Odd Chair Company, £3,200.00.

007: How to get the Bond Lifestyle

The recent release of the latest James Bond film, Skyfall, is sure to spark a new trend; gentleman’s club style. 007 may have become a style icon for the man of today creating the desire to want a Bond lifestyle.

The majority of males have watched the film, absorbing themselves into the world of Bond, and we are sure that many would like to be him; and why wouldn’t they want his toned physique, action adventures, amazing cars, beautiful women…need we go on.

Obviously, the normal man to Bond transaction is not easy; intensive gym sessions and mind blowing brain exercises are hard, even for a trained agent. But the average male can enjoy their own piece of the Bond luxury lifestyle, with little effort and from the comfort of their own home, by surrounding themselves with all things Bond. We think that these gentleman’s club style products are a great place to start. 

Bonds treasures will be safe in these storage boxes by Shimu…

007 would be very at home on the latest Chesterfield collection of sofas by Iconic Interiors; we can imagine him now, sat on these classy sofas in his swarve suit sipping a Martini (shaken not stirred of course)….

But he’s going to need somewhere to store those Martini bottles and glasses, The French Furniture Company have just the thing in a manly dark wood…

Now any man can follow Bond lifestyle trend without putting their life on the line and who knows this image may just draw the ladies in.

Happy 2013 !!!

         

 After a holiday of excessive eating and never enough partying, we are back and ready to go!

Our clients can look forward to our innovative and driven PR strategies for 2013. For any possible new clients out there, you know what they say ‘new year, new beginning’ so check us out.

Christmas and the first few weeks of the New Year have seen some excellent editorial coverage for our clients with demand continuing for the year ahead. MASCo Architectural Salvage, The Bamboo Flooring Company and Lymaw Radiators are just a few clients that have had exceptional interest.

                                                  

Atom would also like to give GlasSpace a warm welcome as the latest addition to our client portfolio and look forward to bringing them joy for the New Year too!

Although Winter is meant to be over soon, news is spreading of a white January with the streets turning into a Winter Wonderland.

So with  the prospect of a cold few weeks ahead of us, we would like  to leave you with this poem to keep your thoughts on the fact the colour and warmth of Spring is just round the corner,

THE SEASON OF SPRING

the season of spring
weather seems to sing
lovely lovely days
are coming our ways

the season of spring
blooming blossoming
of nature of all kind
let roots unbind

the season of spring
birds unfold their wings
diving high into sky
wish one could fly

the season of spring
careful hearts love sting
reaching out towards others
some persons might bother

the season of spring
nice sound bells ring
new wave new style
faces have on a smile

the season of spring
an new awakening
busy humanity on earth
as if it’s a new birth

listen listen to my words
the season of spring is near
now a look into your lovely eyes
and one can see spring is already here

By Morhardt Carmen Mencita Monoi Angel

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

The nights are dark, the weather is cold but here at Atom we are warmer than ever. Our festive spirits have been high and why shouldn't they be, we have had a thrilling year with positive developments and exciting new clients. Therefore a well deserved pat on the back was needed in the form of a festive celebration at Bill’s restaurant in Cambridge. After a delightful afternoon of scrummy food, multiple tipples of wine and excessive laughter we decided more wine was needed. This then wonderfully resulted in our MD swigging Champagne and folk dancing in the street with, we must say, an outstanding violinist. Christmas truly is a time for ‘Everyone dancing merrily, in the new old-fashioned way’.

Before we sign off  with our Christmas wishes we must let you know of the Christmas sales from our wonderful clients; The PoshShed Company- who create finely designed bespoke sheds, The French Furniture Company- whose elegant and distinctive pieces truly are a find, and last but not least Shimu- specialists in reproduction and antique oriental furniture and accessories. Further details of the sales can be found on the clients' websites.

To round up our festive blog we would like to say, whatever your festive plans entail, whether it's being at home with loved ones or having a special get away …

So from everyone here at Atom…

Shimu lighting the way for Bond, James Bond

As one of the UK's leading specialists in Chinese antique and oriental furniture, Shimu are often the natural choice for theatre groups and production teams to supply furniture or accessories for use as props in plays or films. Their biggest and most high profile project to date is working with the production team for the eagerly anticipated Skyfall movie; the latest and some are saying greatest Bond film starring Daniel Craig. Much of the film is set in Shanghai and on an island off Macao so Shimu was a ideal choice to supply some of the oriental furniture and accessories required to turn the set at Pinewood studios into modern day China.

The buying team first contacted Shimu around this time last year looking to source several items to be used in various scenes of the film. Over the following months they supplied a whole range of pieces, many of which were produced to order through their workshop in Shanghai or via suppliers in Beijing. Amongst these bespoke items was a wooden towel rail; based on the robe hangers of ancient China and was used in a scene set in a Macao hotel, as well as brass hardware to accessorise window panels and a number of antique stools and reproduction tables.

The biggest challenge was to provide dozens of lanterns in various shapes and sizes, based on the large wire and canvas lanterns that they offer as part of their range of oriental home accessories. The production team needed several of these lanterns to be made in a larger size than standard, as well as smaller table lanterns and light shades. These had to be supplied to meet a very tight filming schedule, the team at Shimu managed to get the pieces made and shipped, arriving on set the day before they were required. See above, Shimu's standard lanterns and the bespoke versions, created especially for the film.

The production team were delighted with the finished lanterns, which were to be beautifully lit for a scene set in Macao, overseen by the cinematographer and nine times Oscar nominee Roger Deakins. If you've watched the Skyfall trailer or have already been able to see the film then you will have spotted the lanterns and the stunning effect they have.

Following their timely supply of the products used in filming, Shimu were recently contacted by the event team organising the UK premiere, which takes place this evening at the Royal Albert Hall attended by Prince Charles. At short notice they once again met the event teams requirements and supplied another 30 lanterns for the event, including 5 for the VIP room; to be seen by both British and Hollywood Royalty. Skyfall is on general release from Friday the 26th October, look out for the lanterns!

To 'get the Skyfall look' please visit the Atom Online Image Library where you can download any of Shimu's high resolution images directly to your desktop.

Other recent product loans include a request from the Royal Shakespeare Company asking if they could order some of the Wooden Pails and Calligraphy Brushes, seen below, to be used in a forthcoming production of The Orphan of Zhao the classic tale of revenge, occasionally referred to as the 'Chinese Hamlet'.

Shimu have also supplied big production movies such as The 47 Ronin due out next year, starring Keanu Reeves as one of band of Samurai out to avenge the death of their master, where they supplied 25 red lacquer folding stools to be used in one of the crucial scenes of the film; you can find out more on Shimu's blog.