We worked closely with Batch LDN to help them fit out their new Covent Garden store with our tiles

We are renowned for our work with homeowners, helping them to design and transform their homes with our tiles, flooring and paint. However, did you know that we work closely with trade customers too?

So, when east London's made-to-order tailoring brand Batch LDN got in touch, we were happy to collaborate on a new, sleek and stylish shop refit to help them create their own destination store in Covent Garden.

L-R: Sam Matanle and Julian Osborne, the founders of Batch LDN

Here, we speak to Batch LDN founders Julian Osborne and Sam Matanle to get their take on sustainable fashion, details on their unique casual suit and the new store. Our tiles also played a key part in enhancing the interior design in three sections of the shop. So, keep reading to find out how our tiles helped transform this start-up store into an inviting destination, seamlessly blending interior design with fashion, and plenty more.

Setting up Batch LDN

Julian explains how Batch LDN began: "We created Batch because we couldn’t find a decent casual suit. The traditional suit is beautiful but arguably over-farmed, and it's dying out. So, we wanted to create something that you could pair with everything in your wardrobe; to dress up and dress down. Creating the perfect backbone outfit; solving the ‘What do I wear when I want to look good?’ question."

However, sustainability quickly became an issue they wanted to address, as Julian adds: "When you start any business, especially in the fashion industry, you quickly realise how important it is to be more sustainable. One of the biggest issues in this industry is fashion waste. Currently six in ten items, produced every year, end up in landfill within 12 months before they have even reached a customer.

"Businesses need to do better. So, we wanted to make sustainability more simple for us as a business and the consumer. Long story short, this is why we make everything to order. Producing our clothes in this way cuts out any unnecessary fashion waste, and allows us to deliver luxury garments at a lower price, saving customers money and the planet from waste."

Transforming a space with style and functionality

Julian and Sam were doing so well conducting online sales that they felt ready to branch out into a more permanent physical store, following the success of an initial pop-up shop in east London. This was when the pair of entrepreneurs found a prime location in London's Covent Garden. Sam explains: "As a small business, which creates something innovative and unique, having our physical space gives customers the opportunity to see, feel and understand the product and our brand, before purchasing."

So, who's wearing their suits? "Much like the traditional suit, there is no limit to who can wear our suits, and who is, he says and adds: "However, our pieces are being worn the most to answer that ‘what to wear when you want to look good’ conundrum. From dressing up at weddings, talks, the red carpet and smarter events, to dressing down for work, social events, date night and day-to-day wear."

When it comes to the option of a physical store, Sam explains: "Being able to be so close to our customers and having real-time conversations with those that want to wear our pieces and be a part of Batch, is very special."

So, when Batch LDN decided to make the move to Covent Garden and they found the perfect building, we stepped in to help them with the refit.

Choosing the right wall tiles & retailer

Alfred the dog loves keeping toasty by the new electric fire, which is  surrounded by a striking backdrop of our Montblanc White tiles

Wall tiles for the new 2,000 sq ft flagship store would cover three central areas throughout the store. So, Julian and Sam had to consider the rooms and their purposes, and the style they wanted to create. Regardless, the design would have to work with the look of their laid-back, affordable suits and clothing. However, there would be other tile decisions too, including considering all the practicalities, such as ease of installation and the level of maintenance required.

Visiting our Ascot showroom

So, Julian made an appointment to visit our Ascot showroom for a chat with our director Richard to discuss options to suit this commercial space. Firstly, they discussed tile sizes and materials, ranging from low-maintenance ceramic wall tiles to ultra-durable porcelain and natural stone alternatives.

Why did Batch LDN want to work with Hyperion Tiles? Sam says: "Simply, the timeless quality of the products available. We wanted our space to reflect the attention to detail, high quality and luxurious style that we put into every aspect of our brand. So collaborating with Hyperion Tiles was a no-brainer."

Considering wall tile options

At Hyperion Tiles, we offer more than 15,000 different tile styles. In our showroom, Julian got the chance to browse a variety of options from metro wall tiles and split face tiles to mosaic tiles. Each design would need to work with the larger space overall and create a stunning backdrop for shoppers. Finishes would also be key, such as gloss or matt. And last, but not least, the colour palette would need to complement the high-quality, super-stylish merchandise.

The wall tiles: design & decorate

Julian explains: "We have included the tiles in three central areas of our store. Firstly, we have a set of tiles wrapped all the way around our central pillar. This houses our electric fireplace and shop screen. The tiles help to make this staple piece look sleek and beautifully polished.

Our wall tiles instantly create a focal point on this column, which houses the TV and electric fire, when you enter the store

"The second area of tiling is in our intimate ‘cubbyhole’ section, which is for our customers and walk-ins to relax in the space, work from their laptops or read. We wanted this area to be bright and inspiring.

See how Batch LDN has used the same wall tiles in a horizontal position, which instantly adds depth to the overall design

"The last section is downstairs in our beautiful fitting space. We have again wrapped the main pillar here, with a pop of colour to bring a considered aesthetic to our fitting space." 

Carpet in a sandy colour in the fitting area adds warmth to the fitting area

Our green wall tiles help to add another earthy element to this room design in line with the latest trend in interiors

How wall tiles add to the aesthetics

You can instantly create a focal point or feature wall with decorative wall tiles. At Batch LDN, the team have used our wall tiles to define the walls from the floors and create interesting backdrops in different sections of the store. Grout lines were also considered in terms of the colour chosen for a seamless finish.

Installation & maintenance

Julian and Sam used an expert tiler to ensure the installation process went smoothly and they choose durable wall tiles in ceramic and porcelain, which will last and are super easy to clean to keep them looking their best.

Julian adds: "The wall tiles have absolutely been the key interior element that pulled together our finished look. The beautiful gloss and shine of the tiles we've chosen create the automatic high-quality and luxurious look and feel we wanted for the space. Also, our team has admitted that they are a dream to clean."

Who buys from Batch LDN?

Sam says they have redefined the modern suit with a product that is very attractive to celebrities, and influential people who need outfits that demonstrate that they have made an effort, but are not too formal. He explains: "Our suits are perfect to wear on stage, red carpets, television etc. We have had the pleasure of dressing a wide range of people in different industries, from Ant & Dec on TV series I’m A Celebrity, to featuring on the front cover of Balance Magazine.

He modestly admits: "Our suits are the perfect hybrid smart-casual outfit that is attracting very high-profile celebrities but, to be honest, we have been lucky to produce the right product at the right time."

Ceramic tiles for walls

Plain tiles work particularly well on walls for commercial use and a high gloss finish is a popular choice for trade, when you're looking for durability with the wow factor. Subway/metro wall tiles are ideal for a classic finish, however if you position them vertically on a wall, this instantly transforms your design into a contemporary aesthetic.

High-gloss white tiles help to reflect the light in Batch LDN's Covent Garden store and add depth to the design whether the TV and fire are switched on or off

Our Montblanc White tiles were handpicked by Julian to create a subtle backdrop in two areas of the store. This way, shoppers can check out the suit samples without distraction. Our ceramic wall tiles measure 30 x 7.5cm and they are low maintenance with a deep gloss finish. This style of rectangular gloss tiles features unique variegated details, which helps to create an illusion of texture.

White tiles & feature walls

The column and chimney breast housing Batch LDN's recessed TV screen and electric fire make a striking style statement. This is a central part of the store design where the white gloss tiles create a stunning column feature wall.

Julian and Sam have tied in the look across the entire store, using the same white tiles with a horizontal aesthetic on a low-level wall near their hi-fi cafe area in a space they've aptly named 'the cubbyhole'. This is where visitors can take relax and enjoy a coffee to elevate their shopping experience, against a backdrop of our Montblanc White tiles.

Going green with tiles for the wow factor

Our Luminous Lume Verde Forest wall tiles are made in porcelain for an ultra-durable finish to any walls or floors. This colour-way is on-trend in interiors and looks super-smart on this column in vertical position for a contemporary aesthetic

In the fitting area located in Batch LDN's basement, you'll see our Luminous Lume Verde Forest wall tiles. Made from porcelain, these work just as well for floor tiles however, in this instance, they create a strong style statement against one column wall in the fitting area.

In high gloss, green makes a perfect choice in line with distinctive earthy tones featured throughout the store. However it's the tonal variations and oxidised patterns in these metro wall tiles, which really sets them apart.

Porcelain tiles are also ultra durable, so you can use the same tile for floors and walls. However, for commercial interior design, it's important to consider the overall aesthetic, and contrasting floor and wall tiles may make a better choice. This way, you can clearly define areas within a store.

Working with you

Our team work with a variety of trades from interior designers and architects to property developers and shop fitters. So, we can offer you expert advice on how to use use floor and wall tiles to enhance your venture with functionality and style. We'll talk through all the options with you, from trends with longevity in mind to helping you gather inspiration. We also offer our expertise on how to make installation easy and show you where to source low maintenance wall and floor tiles without extending your budget.

Batch LDN sells the original range Casual Suit for men & women and newly released Overcoats. They have just created two overcoats in a Wool Herringbone and a Waxed Canvas for men & women. Other available items that pair perfectly with their suits come from brands including gilets from Lavenham Jackets, Weejuns Loafers from G.H.Bass, Lalo Bags, premium socks from London Sock Co. and ties from Oliver Brown.