In conversation with… Carden Cunietti
In conversation with… Carden Cunietti
The London-based studio shares their approach to bringing colour and character to bathrooms.
For more than 30 years, Carden Cunietti has created interiors rich in colour, pattern and layering. We sat down with the London-based studio to discuss how their approach translates into bathroom design and the role that brassware can play.
How do you usually begin a bathroom design?
We approach bathrooms with the same level of consideration as any other room in the house, beginning with an in-depth conversation about how our clients live.
Functionality is fundamental, but no two bathrooms are used in quite the same way. Some people gravitate towards long baths, others prioritise generous showers, and where spaces are shared, thoughtful storage becomes integral to the design.
Every scheme begins with the architecture of the room and the quality of its natural light. From there, we consider how materials, colour and texture can be layered to bring depth, warmth and character. Practical constraints, particularly in older buildings, are treated as part of the architectural framework rather than limitations.
Even the smallest powder room is approached with the same care as a principal living space. Bathrooms are among the most personal rooms in a home, and should therefore balance practicality with beauty while bringing a sense of calm to the rituals of everyday life.
Do you see brassware as part of the decorative language of a scheme, or more as quiet background details?
Brassware plays a significant role in the character of a bathroom. We often think of it as the jewellery of the room: the finishing detail that brings refinement and definition to the overall composition.
Its selection is, of course, about more than aesthetics. We begin by understanding how our clients like to use the room and what feels most intuitive to them, whether that is the simplicity of a lever handle, the familiarity of a traditional crosshead tap or a more contemporary form.
Practical considerations are equally important. We often favour wall-mounted basin mixers, not only for their clean, architectural appearance, but because they make the vanity surface easier to maintain.
The finish is perhaps the most transformative decision of all. It has the ability to shift the mood of a bathroom entirely. At the moment, we find ourselves drawn to the richness of dark bronze for its depth and warmth, while polished nickel and antique brass remain enduring choices for more classical interiors.
Like all of the materials within a room, brassware should feel considered, complementing the wider palette rather than competing with it.
You have used Samuel Heath products across a number of projects. What first drew you to the brand?
When we started the studio over 30 years ago, Samuel Heath was our go-to for beautifully made, traditional brassware. Since then, the range has evolved enormously, and we now use it just as often in contemporary bathrooms as we do in more classic schemes.
Are there particular Samuel Heath collections or finishes you find yourself returning to?
We do find ourselves returning to certain collections. Style Moderne is a favourite for its subtle Art Deco influence. It has a timeless elegance that works particularly well in sophisticated London interiors. We also appreciate the flexibility of the range, with a variety of handle options that allow us to tailor the look to suit each project.
For something with a little more presence, we often specify Landmark Pure, particularly in the darker bronze finishes. It brings warmth, depth and a slightly more masculine character to a bathroom, while still feeling refined and understated.
Can you talk us through one project where Samuel Heath products made an important contribution to the finished scheme?
In a recent project, our client was particularly keen to use Calacatta Viola marble. It was a relatively compact bathroom, and we knew the stone would become the defining feature of the space, so the brassware needed enough presence to complement it without competing.
We chose Style Moderne in the City Bronze finish with glass handles, which felt like the perfect balance; the warmth of the bronze provided a beautiful counterpoint to the dramatic veining of the marble.
- Products:
- Landmark Pure | Style Modern | Xenon
- Finishes:
- Polished Nickel | Matt Black Chrome | City Bronze | Brushed Gold Matt | Chrome Plate
- Designer:
- Carden Cunietti
- Photography:
- GG Archard | Matt Clayton
