Yorkshire Grand Depart sends Jamie Hempsall Ltd Cycle Crazy

Yorkshire Post Mid Week Life & Styles Section - 2nd July 2014

HOMES & INTERIORS

As Tour de France fever hits the region, Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall looks at some bicycle inspired pieces to include in your home

Excitement is certainly mounting as the LeGrand Depart of the Tour de France approaches. High Streets are awash with bicycle theming and the event itself looks set to inspire the Region to embrace further sporting challenges in a similar fashion to the 2012 Olympics.

A number of cycling oriented cafes are appearing throughout Yorkshire and the likes of “Amici & Bici” on Abbeydale Road in Sheffield have already experience the positive uplift the Tour is bringing.  Whilst customers are embracing the themed interiors, they also want to take a bit of them home– so the ownership team decided to stock the range of limited edition prints they were using to decorate the walls.  At £35 for a framed A3 print they have been flying off the shelves – the manager reported the last batch sold in a day!

If you fancy incorporating a little bicycle inspired sportiness there is definitely no shortage of interesting products on the market.

 

Why not set the tone from the outset by welcoming visitors across your bike emblazoned entrance?  The “Bike & Tree” Doormat is a really cute design in classic grey and red colours.  Perfect for coping with muddy shoes after a cycle trip in the woods (£26.00 – www.desresdesign.co.uk; 01386 793240).

Of course, you may not immediately think of a bicycle when choosing wallpaper, but the Ephemera Collection from Linwood could change all that.   The enticing range of simple prints includes “On Yer Bike” featuring busy vintage cyclists in a harlequinade of colours; an ideal backdrop for a teenage bedroom or quirky kitchen.  

The aptly named “The Tour” has a similar design, but in a classic muted grey-green monochrome making it suitable for a wide variety of locations (£79.90 per roll – www.linwoodfabric.com; 01425 461176).

If you are likely to enjoy the event sat in a favourite armchair, sipping a cooling libation, then a duo of products might just help strike the right tone.  The Bicycle Wheel cushion is a neat 45cm round pad with a hand printed design – perfect for adding a bit of comfort where needed (£38.00 – www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk; 0191 645 4004).  

Team this up with a classic set of laser etched cherry wood veneer coasters for the perfect resting place for your glass of good cheer (£28.00 for 4 - www.mariaallenboutique.com; 01273 748868).

Add a little snack to your viewing occasion and you have to be on to a winner.  The Fixie Bike Pizza Cutter is the perfect accompaniment for those seeking to carb load before a big race.  It can be purchased after a brisk walk or leisurely cycle to Exit Interiors on Parliament Street in Harrogate – surely cause for celebration (£15.50 – www.exitinteriors.co.uk; 01423 858 111).

Finally, if you have found true inspiration and are now the owner of a beloved cycle, then why not store it stylishly on the Bull Head Bike Holder (£79 – www.clareloves.co.uk; 01494 874101).  The UK manufactured Bull Head silhouette allows you to hang your bike up and out of the way (especially useful in narrow hallways) and is available in Jersey Yellow, Blood Red and Pure Black.

Jamie Hempsall, BIID, SBID is a multi-award winning interior designer.

www.jamiehempsall.com