Let’s leap into 2026 with a look at a new design centre – The Mix by Bert & May. It has just opened in East London, and is packed with dynamic design ideas, embracing tiles, paint and paper, hardware, stair runners and bathrooms.

The Mix by Bert & May

We have featured handcrafted and colourful tiles by Bert & May on a few occasions, so we were very interested to find out about their latest venture. The Mix by Bert & May can be visited at Vyner Street, London E2. This venue was Bert & May’s original showroom and The Mix by Bert & May is a vibrant, curated selection of brand displays from the likes of Armac Martin, Farrow & Ball and Ottoline, to name just a few.

Handles and hardware by Armac Martin at The Mix

Armac Martin is a leading name in the cabinet hardware world, and supplies and designs products from handles, switches, sockets to bathroom accessories and every type of cabinet hardware imaginable. It’s traditional craftsmanship, made in Birmingham. Richard McGrail, CEO at Armac Martin says ‘Joining the Mix by Bert & May marks Armac Martin’s first presence in London. It’s a unique opportunity to engage directly with consumers and designers. Collaborating alongside Bert & May and other British brands brings a new and exciting chapter to Armac Martin’.

Bert & May tiles at The Mix

Of course, Bert & May will showcase its own collections of tiles which feature traditional tile-making methods and natural pigments. The collection includes encaustic, reclaimed, porcelain, glazed, marble, terracotta, terrazzo and zellige (handmade clay tiles from Tangier) tiles. Clients can find their perfect tiles, there is also an interior design service, bespoke possibilities and reclaimed tile sourcing services available.

Curiosa lighting at The Mix

We adore the beautifully elegant porcelain and hand-blown glass lighting designs from Curiosa, and these too can be seen at The Mix by Bert & May. The new Pastello Bathroom Collection has been featured by us previously, and there’s also the sculptural Carnival series to appreciate. Curiousa lighting pieces are used to illuminate the collaborative spaces at The Mix, with the coloured glass creating a dynamic and ever-changing display of light and colour across the whole space.

Lots of inspiration at Farrow & Ball, at The Mix

The Farrow & Ball space at The Mix by Bert & May features a large-scale colour wall, wallpaper samples, and a creative table for clients to mix and match colours and samples. Joa Studholme, the Colour Curator at Farrow & Ball used a bespoke colour palette used throughout The Mix concept, balancing each brand’s identity. She comments ‘We’re excited to be part of this innovative concept, collaborating with fresh ideas and connecting with new audiences. Alongside our own pop-up space we have curated a palette that reflects our signature aesthetic and harmonises with the character of the surrounding spaces’.

 A splendid Ribbleton sink by Whitebirk Sink Company at The Mix

Whitebirk Sink Company, makers of traditional fireclay sinks, showcase the Ribbleton and Croston sinks within the Pluck kitchen installation. Made in Lancashire since the late 1800s, the company preserves the traditional methods of making fireclay sinks, whilst producing refined, classic designs that work with both traditional and contemporary kitchen looks. Seen above, the Ribbleton double sink by Whitebirk Sink Company at The Mix by Bert & May.

Stunning Ottoline fabrics at The Mix

Award-winning design house Ottoline, known for its diverse range of fabrics and wallpapers features throughout various areas of The Mix by Bert & May. Ottoline designs are hand-drawn by founder and designer Ottoline de Vries, and produced in collaboration with weavers and printers in England. Ottoline de Vries comments ‘From the first moment with joined The Mix we felt incredibly inspired. The selection of British brands under this very cool roof couldn’t be more complementary and joyful. We feel energised by the synergy and positivity in this space.’

Aubergine painted kitchen by Pluck at The Mix

Pluck are known for their striking and colourful kitchens, and the one designed for The Mix has a brilliant combination of colours, textures and different woods. The inspiration stems from interiors of traditional members clubs with oak panelling, leather chesterfields and rich colour tones. Pluck uses Aubergine from their Eco Colour Collection, alongside London Plane timber. The natural stone work surfaces are Lundhs Antique in brown with a tiny hint of iridescent lilac, used for the table top and upstands. Leila Touwen, Pluck, says ‘Bringing together these British design-led companies who all share a similar ethos and showing how their products work together seems so obvious now! We are thrilled to be part of this exciting and creative project which will inspire any interiors lover!’.

Running up the stairs with Sophie Cooney Runners at The Mix

The Mix by Bert & May also has flooring covered, in the shape of luxurious flatweave rugs by Sophie Cooney Runners. Specifically woven for stairs, they are made from wool, cotton or jute, each has their own advantages and characteristics. Bold colours and striking, crisp designs are an ideal pairing with the Bert & May tile collections and Farrow & Ball paint and paper colours. Sophie Cooney says ‘The space brings together some of the most inspiring names in British design, celebrating creative, craft and collaboration, which is at the heart of what we do’.

The entrance to The Mix by Bert & May

The Mix by Bert & May also hosts luxury bathroom manufacturer Thomas Crapper, The Water Monopoly, Krete by Whitebirk and popham design. Collaborations with nearby creative teams, supper clubs and cocktail evenings are planned.