A FAMILY business has been hailed among the best in the country after coming up with a new trend.
Quarrybank Boutique has introduced eye-catching art - in the bathroom.
This bijou showroom in Wilmslow only opened seven months ago yet it is already in the final four for New Bathroom Retailer of the Year at the biggest awards in the UK kitchen and bathroom industry.
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Director Kora Hume said: “This is mind-blowing for us.
“We are only a small shop on the high street and we’re in the running for the bathroom Oscars!
“There is no higher recognition, we are absolutely thrilled.”
The kbbreview Retail & Design Awards will announce the winner at a black tie event on April 20.
Art and interior design has always been a huge passion for Kora.
“We spend a lot of time in our bathrooms, so why not enhance it with sophistication,” she said.
“People forget to invest in that space but you can create something really special even in the smallest bathroom or cloakroom.
“A beautiful canvas can provide a focal point.”
Kora was inspired by Lily Greenwood’s naturalistic work at an art fair.
“I immediately fell in love with the koi carp, ducks and mushroom lampshades,” said Kora, who initially bought pieces for her own home.
"I approached Lily to display her art in our showroom. To my delight, she said yes.
“Lily’s work reflects a love of nature. Her original works are inspired by multitudes in nature, flocks, shoals.
“Butterflies and koi fish are meticulously hand-painted, then reproduced, cut and arranged in a composition on the canvas.
“Washes of inks are applied an additional painted or drawn details, before a clear gloss varnish secures the work and adds an opulent lustre.
“It’s a perfect solution for humidified spaces.”
Oriental canvases are now showcased alongside baths, hand basins and toilets.
“The judges were thrilled,” said Kora.
“They loved the art idea and said it made us stand out. They were amazed that we have created something so stylish in such a small space.”
Kora’s husband Steven is a heating and plumbing engineer, who served his apprenticeship in Knutsford 25 years ago.
The couple have expanded their business, Quarrybank Plumbers, transforming a former betting shop on Grove Street into a designer showroom.
“It was an absolute ruin when we got it,” said Kora. “It was horrendous inside, a shell. We put a lot of effort turning it around.
“It was six months of intensive hard work.
“Now it’s amazing, our customers absolutely love it.”
The couple employ a team of 12 fitters and pride themselves on offering first class service.
“Community is really important for us,” said Kora.
“We can’t stress enough that we will always go out of our way to help customers who have no heating or leaks.
“We always ensure everyone is fine.
“The shop side is our chance to create something visionary.
“This is a new journey for us.”
Steven said: “We would like to think that our showroom always offers unique ideas for bathrooms but we believe we may be starting a new trend here.”
For more details visit quarrybankboutiquebathrooms.com
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