Design partnership, Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead, founders of 2LG Studio are ambassadors for the recent Sealskin duka launch. They have been working in the design world for ten-years and designing interiors for private clients since they launched their business in 2014. Jordan and Russell will be focusing on igniting the Sealskin duka reputation across the consumer landscape and retail arena; working on a variety of social media campaigns, video diaries and bathrooms-related content, plus some showroom visits.
Can you tell us about your design background & how it fits in with the work you’re currently doing with the Sealskin duka shower enclosure range?
Bathrooms have become a calling card in our interiors, and we do love to create spaces with impact.
We believe that when it comes to bathroom design, quality fittings are key. A bathroom space needs to be functional above all and so it’s important to spend as much as you can on the hardware and fittings. They will last longer and be a pleasure to handle each day.
When we saw the Sealskin duka range, the quality speaks for itself and there was an instant brand connection on a personal level; that was the real draw for us to work with the team as ambassadors for the launch.
Beyond that, we are interested in working with established manufacturers and craftspeople. We are curious about new materials and always challenge ourselves to find new combinations that make us excited; this seems to be synonymous with the ethics and principles of the Sealskin duka team.
You have a very bold and unique design aesthetic. How would you describe your style and how did you develop it for the room-set you created for the Sealskin duka range?
In the space we designed, we’ve incorporated bold curves, sexy smoked glass, lots of texture and our signature use of colour. It’s a space that we dream of having in our home one day. We wanted to create an eye – catching and inspiring room that allowed the beauty of the Sealskin duka products to shine.
Bathrooms have undergone a renaissance over the past few years. What are your thoughts on how to create a bathroom with the ‘wow factor’?
Contrast of colour and texture is a great tool to add impact to a bathroom. We also love strong curved lines to break with the convention of straight-lined bathrooms; which is exactly what we wanted to focus on in the design we created for Sealskin duka.
Beyond that, it must be right for you and fulfil your needs. ‘Wow factor’ is individual and that’s what keeps us interested in working with our clients. Having products that can help us to create that individuality is important, and we found that the personalisation options available as part of the Sealskin duka range meant that we were able to be very creative with the design of the shower enclosure.
What were your first impressions of the Sealskin duka range?
The way the product operates, and the clean lines of the range are very pleasing. The soft closes on the doors, and the smooth gliding is all very nice. It is clear that thought and effort has gone into each aspect to bring minimal detail with maximum function and that is always a pleasure to see.
How important are high-quality fittings and fixtures in a bathroom design?
So important. Get those elements right and then you can have fun with other finishes like tile and paint. A bathroom that breaks all the time or is impossible to keep clean will never be a joy, so put time into choosing fittings that will be robust and a pleasure to live with.
What would you choose as a stand-out product from the new Sealskin duka range & why?
The smoked glass acqua 5000 sliding shower screen is very sexy. It has a futuristic quality with a retro edge that we love.
What do you feel sets the products apart?
The detailing on all the products is what sets them apart for us. The attention to detail is clear and makes it even more desirable. It also feels sturdy as the finish is so strong.
What did you enjoy most about working on the Sealskin duka launch?
We love to design a bathroom, especially a fantasy one like this, so it has been fun to share.
Also, we loved the launch event at the Tate Modern; it was great to meet up with other bathroom lovers like us. Face-to-face meetings still seem like such a privilege at the moment; especially those with friends in the design world, which are something to be cherished.
As designers, what are your thoughts on sustainable manufacture and future-proofing of the design process?
These values are so important. Bathrooms are spaces that can enhance wellbeing and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are choosing products that are built to last and have minimal waste is invaluable. We feel strongly that it is better to make progress imperfectly, rather than be obsessive about perfection to the point of not making any progress.
We have learnt that every Sealskin duka product is a tailor-made piece which leads to less wastage. Coupled with the environmentally friendly production framework that is in place for the manufacture of the whole product range. It’s great to see big steps being made in sustainable manufacturing.
To find out more about the Sealskin duka brand visit: www.sealskin.uk/ or contact: info@sealskin.uk / 01460 258686.
