by James Balston | Mar 20, 2018 | Bathrooms, Colour, Design, Heritage, Kitchens, Toilets, Travel
Returning from a recent city break in Seville, one of the things that impressed me the most, was the city’s famous tiles. They’re everywhere: in churches, in restaurants, on monuments and bridges. All are highly decorated, and have been made locally for...
by James Balston | Dec 12, 2013 | Blog, Toilets
Not since I had the pleasure of photographing Sketch, over a decade ago, have I encountered such an impressive loo, sorry, powder room. Floor to ceiling black granite punctuated with a grid of gold spots, hollowed into the marble, and all repeated in the full height...
by James Balston | Aug 7, 2012 | Apartments, Crystal Palace, Designers & Architects, The Triangle SE19, Toilets
When, about a year ago, my neighbour said something about seeing a planning application to convert the disused public loos on Crystal Palace Parade into an apartment, I thought he’d been drinking. But then, some months later, Laura Clark posted a link to her...
by James Balston | Oct 27, 2011 | Bathrooms, Bedrooms, Hotels, Pubs, Toilets, Travel
This is the way most tall stories begin, with the teller, glass in hand, propping up the bar of the village pub. Or in this case, seated by the fire, regaling a squirrel with Wealden tales. A squirrel? We are in the bar of the Bell, a soon to re-open pub with rooms in...
by James Balston | Sep 6, 2010 | Toilets
Award for novelty loo of the year! On opening the door, I laughed out loud. The wallpaper has a slight 3D relief to it, which makes it very realistic.