Bert and May

Brand Background

Bert & May, first established officially in September 2013 as the brand we now know (and love). The synonymous style of the brand is one of natural materials and a raw quality. The designs bring the often muted colour palette in to a more sleek and contemporary sphere.

However, the original incarnation by founder Lee Thornley came about in day back in 2004 when he moved from London to Andalusia (now why would anyone do that….hmmm I wonder! Joking), to start up a reclaimed tile company.
It wasn’t actually until 2010 when Thornley met Juanma, the owner of a small artisan tile business that what was to become Bert & May was formed. Juanma’s small family business had created encaustic tiles using the traditional techniques and this collaboration was the ideal meeting of minds and skills. Together they worked to take the business business further. So what had started as an online venture for Thornley soon became a multifaceted brand.

Going back a step or two, while in Andalusia Thornley had designed and opened the stylish boutique hotel Casa la Siesta in Cadiz. It was during the development of this careful restoration that he uncovered his true love of sourcing not only tiles but other fixtures and fittings. He clearly had a an eye for finding rare antiques and fabulous reclaimed items. This is a skill that was to be drawn upon in the development of Bert & May from a tile company, to creating and sourcing an array of fantastic designs from stone sinks, to bathroom fittings, to engineered wood flooring and so much more.

In fact, as of late they have just launched a natural pigment paint range, consisting of sumptuously rich natural tones, we just love it and look forward to trying out many of the fab colours available.
The paint range has developed from a desire to create a range of paints that continue the raw palette of the tiles that they have become so known for.

Prior to this they also launched a bespoke capsule kitchen range, and there’s probably plenty more to come, watch this space I guess.

As for the kitchens, the high end range, much like the rest of Bert & May’s designs, feature a combination of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary practice. Consisting of 4 iconic styles; Library (our fave), Forge, Warehouse and Yard. Each one seems to represent the different edges to what the brand presents, from reclaimed and raw to clean and contemporary, all styles can be found.

The raw meets refined aesthetic can be seen no more than through the range of sinks and fittings that they design. With a range of contemporary and traditional styles, our favourite is the Elm basin (seen blow in crimson, swoon!). A contemporary take on the utilitarian bucket sink with its use of concrete material and the tactile addition of pin stripe textured pattern highlighting the vertical curved design.

The look can be further completed with the addition of the industrial inspired brassware fittings all manufactured in the UK and available in a range of super cool finished such as satin brass and black. If a sink and it’s fittings could be something covetable…this is it!

They’ve had their fair share of chic collaborations too, perhaps our fave is that with super cool brand Darkroom with whom they created a range of tiles and fabrics. The designs celebrate the graphic aesthetic using bold lines and colours.

Other collaborations include; Soho House and Anthropologie. Whether you know it or not, if you are a fan of fantastic design you’ll have seen some of Bert & May’s tiles, as they adorned many a cool bar, cafe and restaurant.

With a real drive towards the importance of wellbeing as a pivotal factor in design and interior practice, this brand sits very well with us and is definitely one to continue to watch. We for one can’t wait to see what they create next!

Images courtesy of Bertandmay.com

48hrs in Seville - sun drenched streets with style

What do you do with only 48hrs in an amazing city with so much to see?
Here’s our 48hr low down on Seville for design and culture seekers.

When we visited Seville it was the beginning of September and baking hot at about 35 degrees on average, which isn’t bad for a city that regularly peaks at 40 in the summer months. Despite the temperature being better suited to lounging about we didn’t stop!…Standard.
We also drove into the city, which was an experience in itself with the sat nav directing us around every little back street, lane and alleyway. A great way to see the city though.

Get yourself a base in one of the cool places in and around the little streets that surround the main Cathedral, this position in the heart of the old town works for seeing everything this beaut city has to offer without travelling too far. We stayed at the awesome boutique Hotel Casa del Poeta and totally recommend it with bells on!
Set in a large 17th century house with central open courtyard and topped with a rooftop terrace. The view over Seville does little for this city because you’ll find all the detail and design on street level but it’s great for an end of day drink!

Start your day with a quick coffee and bite on the go, pick this up from one of the cafes that line the central streets of Seville. As you walk you’ll see the orange trees that line loads of the streets and all the detail in every paved area. They love their detail here and many of the (equivalent) cobbled streets are paved in a chevron style brick tile that just looks pretty cool. The fact is, this detail was more likely a practicality but I like to believe it was for the love of design…

There are a handful of well known tourist spots to hit up. Unlike in some cities where I would say skip most of these for the more unusual spots, in this case, I would say see as many as possible. The buildings here are so beautiful and the significant sights are worth it. However, do try to stop at Casa de Pilatos, a less known ‘great’ house, in comparison to the uber touristy Royal Alcazar of Seville.

The tiles at this place are unreal, (see above image of me, just hanging out in a window…as you do). It’s much quieter here and no queues making it a total winner for us.

Once you’ve enjoyed all that is on offer here now head out to get walking, (buses/trams and metros available) to head to Plaza de Espana. Probably the most photographed place in Seville, when you get there it’s easy to see why with all it’s blue, white and bright yellow tiles.

Walking through the streets, start slightly towards the main river that runs through the city, there are tons of local churches big and small, pop your head in to one or two they are beautiful. I’m not a church person but I appreciate the look and feel of these historic and meaningful structures. We looked in to Parroquia de Santa Cruz, one of the Catholic churches with it’s ornate interior and gilded…everything.
Try to walk by Plaza del Cabildo on your way towards the banks of the Canal de Alfonso XIII, just a great looking crescent like plaza where you can get more pictures of the typical Seville style.

When you hit the canal spy the Torre del Oro, there are quite a few fortress style buildings along the banks but this is the best known. It has a museum, if you like military history I’d suggest going but but for us it was just good to look at and move on.

If you can walk more, head over the Puenta San Telmo (bridge next to the Torre del Oro). Crossing the canal you’ll head in to Triana. This area used to be very poor and ghetto like back in the day, now it is a bustling wealthy area full of cool tapas bars, shops and a big marketplace. Before checking out the market grab some lunch at the likes of DeO, a small but fab tapas cafe. You’ll need the food after the amount of walking! 
Now head to the market and while there why not watch one of the live Flamenco shows that go on in the little theatre there and grab a drink. 

Now head back over to a tourist spot worth a trip and end the day by viewing the picture perfect sights of the Plaza de Espana. Along with the photogenic building and all it’s tiled surfaces there’s a moat-like river that runs around the curves of the building. You can take a boat out and row your way around. We didn't have time, or to be honest the desire, to do that….but whatever floats your boat! (cheap pun there).

After getting all the sun drenched pictures in and walking along the bridges that line the plaza start making your way back to your hotel. 
We slowly walked back and then went straight on to the rooftop terrace for a strong drink before a quick freshen up and change for dinner. 

We booked a local restaurant, Mechela Arenal, off a recommendation. This was about a 10 minute walk, past the Cathedral and through a busy restaurant/bar area. It was well worth the walk and pre-booking, amazing tapas style dining in a cool setting. 
(It’s worth noting there are two restaurants under the Mechela name, the original smaller Mechela Bailen and the Arenal venue). 
After dinner if you’ve got the energy hit some bars, alternatively hit the sack and get well rested for the next day!

Kick off day two with a good breakfast, we ate in our hotel, which was pretty awesome. We dedicated this whole day to checking out Royal Alcazar of Seville, with the main palace and all the gardens it’s worth giving it plenty of time. It’s smack bang in the centre so not as much walking, but expect queues and crowds, pre-book!

Take your time walking around and get an audio tour to get the most out of it, the Spanish aristocracy and royal history is complex and very interesting. The gardens are vast, with plenty of spots to chill and enjoy the surroundings. 

This is where our trip ended (so not a true 48hrs) and we followed this with a quick last minute tapas treat and then off in the car back towards the coast near Malaga. But, if you have the full day and the energy just keep wandering and visit some more of the fab (and free) spots, or take in some of the galleries that occupy some of the old manor houses around the cit centre. 

Most of all, eat, drink and enjoy!

Trip Tips

• Lots of suncream and a hat…seriously!

• Pre-book any major sights that you want to go in to avoid queues as much as possible. 

• Do research on places for food, it’s worth it to know where you’re heading, lots of places need booking to guarantee a seat. 

• Stay central!

24hrs in Amsterdam - a design trail

We recently took a quick trip to Amsterdam to attempt to get a bit of a break!
This did however, much to the husband’s dismay, turn in to the usual mission to discover some of the best design spots in the city. Luckily he does enjoy it (just perhaps not as much as me), let’s say he’s an enthusiast whereas I’m borderline obsessive.
We were also there for more like 48hrs than 24hr but we thought it might be great to piece together an ideal day for those of you who love design, don’t mind a good wander and want to know where to hit.

We started our day getting some all important breakfast to keep us going, for this we hit Lottie’s at The Hoxton in the fab Nine Streets district, where you will not only get some great grub but you can soak in the chilled out (typical Hoxton style) decor and atmosphere before hitting the streets. We actually stayed at The Hoxton (we can highly recommend it, great staff, location and rooms), and so this obviously worked well for us, but I would hit it up at some point whether you’re based there or not.

From here head straight up through the pretty independent shop laden streets into the Joordan, considered the ‘hip’ neighbourhood. Here you’ll find the fabulous Moooi showroom where the brands furniture, lighting and rugs can be perused to your hearts content, just soak it in.

When you’re ready to head off, wander back down into the Nine Streets area taking in as many little design shops as you want along the way.

It’s obvious from the outset that Amsterdam is a very design driven city, you don’t have to be on the hunt for it, you’ll be absorbing in design and the relaxed style that simply engulfs the whole place.

As you wander try to include spots such as Property of (bespoke products and cool unisex bags/accessories), Concrete Matter (cool menswear), and Hutspot (relaxed concept store).
On your way around this great area you’ll need a coffee break, head to Pluk, a cool little cafe with an array of fresh cakes and breads, along with an impressive and colourful display of fruit and veg for juices and smoothies alike. You can grab something to go or take the time to sit in on the small mezzanine level, although be prepared to wait at busy times as this place gets very busy.

Once you’re refuelled head along to X bank, housed in the sprawling, deco inspired W Hotel. A glitzy concept store focusing on everything from prints to accessories and clothing. You’ll also find the likes of Soho House and Cerconni’s in this area…if that floats your boat!

Now you’ll really needed some lunch so get yourself along to Nooch a fantastic asian fusion restaurant smack bang in the centre of the nine streets. We fuelled up on a light selection of dim sum, sushi and a cheeky G&T…well we were on holiday.

Once full and reenergised, head down to perhaps our favourite (design mecca of sorts) store, The Frozen Fountain. Well worth a visit if you love bright, unique, and colourful furnishings. A two floor showroom of weird and wonderful decor, the second floor housing a fantastic fabric and wallpaper library with some of the best sample books I’ve seen.

After this eye-catching array of goodies has been explored hit the streets again and go on a mission for, a much deserved, cocktail (or two). We headed to the Pulitzer’s bijou bar with its dark and moody decor, and Hemingway inspired drinks menu. The staff here are so helpful and friendly it makes the atmosphere more relaxed and informal than you might expect from the outset. We had the best version of a Cuba Libra that we’ve ever come across in this bar (a barman recommendation).

Following a few drinks and a few card games, head back to your hotel (if you can) for a quick freshen up before another wander out to get some dinner. For this get yourself to Pesca…they’re not joking when they say it’s the ‘theatre of fish’, what an experience and amazing food to boot. The whole experience from start to finish was fun and enjoyable, a laid back atmosphere where you pick your own fish and wine before heading through to the communal dining area to be seated with your handy numbered buzzer. When the buzzer goes off take yourself up to the pass and collect the most delicious fresh seafood dishes that you chose, ready as and when. It’s pure perfection.

If you don’t like fish this isn’t the place for you, we suggest trying Cafe Sous for some sharing plates or Bussia for a great Italian, all in the same sort of area.

Finish the day with a walk back to your hotel, maybe stop for a night cap either along the way or in your hotel bar before hitting the sack! With the amount of walking and exploring you’ll have done you will definitely be ready for it.

A few extra tips:

• Rent a bike if you want to get more done and cover more ground.

• The dutch bikes don't use gears and don’t often have bells, always be aware of your surroundings, they won’t slow down so if you’re not looking you might get taken out!! (I speak from, near, experience).

• Take an umbrella, just incase, it rains on average 217 days a year in Amsterdam so be prepared.

• If you can fit it in or have longer definitely visit: MOCO Museum (Modern, Contemporary Art), the current exhibition is fantastic, also the Haus Marseille and Foam, both photographic galleries are worth visiting.

• Finally, if you can do a boat trip do it, it’s a great way to see the different districts, there are architectural ones and for a bit of fun try Those Dam Boat Guys (a smaller BYOB style boat trip).

Get yourself to Amsterdam, in a nutshell, it’s a design paradise and a total blast!