Muddy Stilettos


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="806" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/chalk-white-dulux-heriage-copy-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-105359" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/chalk-white-dulux-heriage-copy-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/chalk-white-dulux-heriage-copy-2-600x322.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/chalk-white-dulux-heriage-copy-2-1000x537.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If you read Muddy regularly you&#8217;ll know that we&#8217;re all about quality and curation &#8211; so rather than suggesting 40 pubs that look good on paper, we&#8217;ll suggest eight we&#8217;ve been to and absolutely loved. </p>



<p>I&#8217;m applying the same criteria to my house build and renovation and thought at this stage it might be helpful to share who I&#8217;m working with. Maybe if you have more time on your hands and enjoy researching ten different tile companies for one room, you won&#8217;t need this post, but if you&#8217;re like me &#8211; time poor and slightly harrassed by life, having a single provider, whether that&#8217;s for tiles, paint, whiteware or light switches will make a massive difference. Also, it creates a sense of cohesion that I welcome in the chaos of my life!</p>



<p>Some of the below companies are national, others are local, but what they all have is great customer service and quality above all else &#8211; not a bad starting point for a project.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dulux-heritage"><a href="https://www.duluxheritage.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dulux Heritage</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Cherry-Truffle-wall-Dulux-Heritage-copy-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-95895" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Cherry-Truffle-wall-Dulux-Heritage-copy-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Cherry-Truffle-wall-Dulux-Heritage-copy-2-600x450.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Cherry-Truffle-wall-Dulux-Heritage-copy-2-1000x750.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Ask a profesional decorator the brand they love to work with and more often than not you&#8217;ll hear Dulux Heritage&#8217;s name pop up. The brand offers 112 stunning colours in two finishes &#8211;  premium Velvet Matt and hard-wearing egg shell. Enough shades to create choice, not so many that you can never make a decision. I&#8217;ve already chosen <a href="https://www.duluxheritage.co.uk/en/colours/1780049/wishbone-white?cccid=1780010&amp;uriFriendlyName=pale-nutmeg&amp;globalId=d28a65b3-5ca5-46e1-bfda-ac5b00e55d87&amp;bvstate=pg:6/ct:r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wishbone White</a> for my shower room, <a href="https://www.duluxheritage.co.uk/en/colours/1780094/mid-umber" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mid Umber</a>, <a href="https://www.duluxheritage.co.uk/en/colours/1780016/ravens-flight" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ravens Flight</a> and <a href="https://www.duluxheritage.co.uk/en/colours/1780060/chiltern-white" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chiltern White</a> for my kitchen, and I&#8217;m waiting on their Colour of the Year, announced in September, to see where inspiration for accent walls takes me. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-last-interior-design-haddenham"><a href="https://www.lastinteriordesign.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Last Interior Design</a>, Haddenham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1200" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Last-Haddenham-outside-building-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-115034" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Last-Haddenham-outside-building-.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Last-Haddenham-outside-building--600x480.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Last-Haddenham-outside-building--1000x800.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Owner Rachele Bowley used to work as a shoe designer for Paul Smith, and the style shows. Her <a href="https://www.lastinteriordesign.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elegant studio</a> in Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, delivers all aspects of design and sourcing, from initial concept through to styling and there&#8217;s also a gorgeous interiors store, Last, winner of the 2023 Muddy Award  with pared back Scandi-influenced homewares. I used Rachele for initial mood boards and designs on my kitchen but she&#8217;s so brilliant I could have used her for so much more! If you have the budget she&#8217;d be a smart person to consult on your whole house, her taste is impeccable, but I&#8217;d also recommend her for individual rooms/projects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunt-bespoke-kitchens-amp-interiors-the-cotswolds"><a href="https://huntbespokekitchens.com/">Hunt Bespoke Kitchens &amp; Interiors</a>, the Cotswolds</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1224" height="1216" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/6492a96206ec7935e984d32f_Project-main-image.jpg" alt="Hunt Bespoke kitChen" class="wp-image-104754" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/6492a96206ec7935e984d32f_Project-main-image.jpg 1224w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/6492a96206ec7935e984d32f_Project-main-image-600x596.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/6492a96206ec7935e984d32f_Project-main-image-1000x993.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1224px) 100vw, 1224px" /></figure>



<p>It can be tempting to go with a big nationwide company on kitchens because the familiarity of the brands breed confidence, but I went the opposite way. I wanted a company in my region, with a strong local rep, as I wanted whoever I chose to be within easy reach and accountable. Hunt Bespoke are based in the lovely Cotswolds village of Bloxham, primarily covering Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Northants, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and Worcestershire, and they have been phenomenal &#8211; no hesitation to recommend them. Owner Alex and head designer Ruta are personable, professional, thoughtful and produce everything bespoke (unless you want to save money with their diffusion range &#8211; also amazing!).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-london-road-bathroom-co-twyford"><a href="https://shop.londonroadbathrooms.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London Road Bathroom Co</a>, Twyford </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1482" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/London-Rd-Bathrooms.png" alt="" class="wp-image-115037" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/London-Rd-Bathrooms.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/London-Rd-Bathrooms-600x593.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/London-Rd-Bathrooms-1000x988.png 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p> Adam, who owns this booming bathroom business on the high street in chichi Twyford, is literally the font of all knowledge on bathrooms, and is the go-to local supplier for everyone from local celebrities and developers to customers direct (like me). His knowledge saved me and my builders quite a few times in the early stages, when he spotted some issues on the drawings. Laid back and funny which I like. Smart and in-the-know, which I like even more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-granite-house-bicester"><a href="https://www.granitehouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Granite House</a>, Bicester</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/outside-kitchen-image.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-115038" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/outside-kitchen-image.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/outside-kitchen-image-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I have loved working with these guys, and would totally recommend them. Based in Bicester, Oxfordshire, they work predominantly within an hour of the site &#8211; perfect for those of us close by.  Lynne Ottway, Operations Manager at The Granite House, really knows her stuff and has been incredibly patient with my <em>many</em> trips up to the stone yard to check out (and re check out) my potential granite and marble options &#8211; I&#8217;m using four different types across bathrooms and kitchen! Don&#8217;t expect a prettified studio here, but do expect excellent levels of service and good value for money.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-claybrook-studio-banbury-amp-london"><a href="https://www.claybrookstudio.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Claybrook Studio</a>, Banbury &amp; London</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Claybrook-Studio-pink-bowl-and-green-patterned-tiles-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-115039" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Claybrook-Studio-pink-bowl-and-green-patterned-tiles-.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Claybrook-Studio-pink-bowl-and-green-patterned-tiles--400x600.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Claybrook-Studio-pink-bowl-and-green-patterned-tiles--667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Claybrook-Studio-pink-bowl-and-green-patterned-tiles--1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Claybrook-Studio-pink-bowl-and-green-patterned-tiles--1365x2048.jpg 1365w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>I think tiles are one of the toughest things to choose in a build because the choice is just <em>vast</em> &#8211; not just the colours, but shapes, finish and the way they can also complement each other in a space. If you can find a tile company you love do yourself a favour and stick with them all the way through! Claybrook Studio was the obvious choice for me &#8211; I love its artisanal aesthetic as well as the branding (shallow I know, but there you go!). There&#8217;s an absolutely stunning head showroom in my neck of the woods in Banbury, Oxfordshire but a second store on the Kings Road, London if you&#8217;re more southerly based. The team that set up Claybrook were formerly of Fired Earth so they have decades of expertise, and it shows &#8211; the tiles are to die for.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hamilton-litestat-bristol-amp-london"><a href="https://www.hamilton-litestat.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hamilton Litestat</a>, Bristol &amp; London</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="810" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Hamilton-Litstat-plug-sockets--1000x810.png" alt="" class="wp-image-115040" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Hamilton-Litstat-plug-sockets--1000x810.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Hamilton-Litstat-plug-sockets--600x486.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Hamilton-Litstat-plug-sockets-.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>One of my best friends is an interiors journalist/designer, and when I asked for her advice on what to scrimp on/ splurge on during my build she told me that taps and light fittings are the two things that need investing in &#8211; a cheap light switch or plug socket can ruin all your good work in a flash. I took that to heart and chose Hamilton Litestat to supply all my switches, plug sockets and USP ports. Hamilton is an independent family company, which I like, and is taking on the likes of Corston with its elegant products that span both modern (I&#8217;ve opted for matt black throughout) and more traditional. They now have a showroom at at the Design Centre in Chelsea Harbour if you want to see them in situ.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-miele"><a href="https://www.miele.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miele </a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Miele-integrated-extractor-hob-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-115035" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Miele-integrated-extractor-hob-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Miele-integrated-extractor-hob-600x450.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Miele-integrated-extractor-hob.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>OK we all know Miele! It&#8217;s one of the world&#8217;s most trusted kitchen appliance brands, but also to my mind one the most elegant. I needed an integrated extractor fan on my hob that would be elegant, slim and recessive on my worktop, and that was my starting point because the Miele version was the neatest. From there I just kept going, selecting a tall fridge/freezer, single oven, dishwasher and &#8211; for the first time ever &#8211; a wine fridge. Cheers to that!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-direct-stone-midlands"><a href="https://www.directstone.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Direct Stone</a>, Midlands</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1070" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Direct-Stone-concrete-eg.png" alt="" class="wp-image-115041" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Direct-Stone-concrete-eg.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Direct-Stone-concrete-eg-600x428.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Direct-Stone-concrete-eg-1000x713.png 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>These guys have done a fantastic job on my polished concrete floor. Getting the colour right was my big worry because once the concrete is down and the colour &#8216;thrown&#8217;, that&#8217;s it &#8211; no going back. I&#8217;d made quite a fuss of explaining the shade I wanted &#8211; basically a warm grey rather than flat gunmetal &#8211; and they&#8217;ve nailed it. Direct Stone are based in the Midlands but travel all over the UK, and they are also expanding into concrete basins and tables &#8211; so watch this space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hans-grohe"><a href="https://www.hansgrohe-group.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hans Grohe</a> </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Hans-Grohe-presse-hansgrohe-neuheiten-2023-traumbaeder-16x9-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-115044" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Hans-Grohe-presse-hansgrohe-neuheiten-2023-traumbaeder-16x9-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Hans-Grohe-presse-hansgrohe-neuheiten-2023-traumbaeder-16x9-1-600x338.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Hans-Grohe-presse-hansgrohe-neuheiten-2023-traumbaeder-16x9-1-1000x563.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: <a href="https://www.hansgrohe-group.com/en/pressrelease/hansgrohe-dream-bathrooms-2023-03-13" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hans Grohe</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Can you really get excited about toilets and basins? Turns out you can. Hans Grohe is a premium German brand (all the usual German clichés of quality, precision design and obsession to detail applies), with a mind-boggling selection of showers, taps and the like. With three bathrooms to decorate, it&#8217;s important to keep some cohesion, and honestly, it&#8217;s a relief just to choose one set of bowl taps on repeat! </p>



<p><em>Follow the progress of my build on <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/the-house-muddy-built/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The House that Muddy Built</a>  on my personal Instagram feed <a href="https://www.instagram.com/herobrown_muddy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herobrown_muddy</a>.</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.selinafinance.co.uk/products/heloc-home-equity-line-of-credit"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="119" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Selina-AD-2.png" alt="Selina Finance AD" class="wp-image-120694" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Selina-AD-2.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Selina-AD-2-600x71.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure>



<p><strong>MORE FEATURES YOU MIGHT LIKE: </strong></p>



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<p><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/renovate-build/kitchen/stoned-worktop-myth-busting-with-the-granite-house-near-you/">Hunting for kitchen and bathroom worktops? Read our guide first</a></p>


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