Meet the Showroom: THG Paris
“Our key brief was to create ‘the Cartier of taps'”: the French flair of THG Paris’ new jewelbox of a showroom
THG Paris is the last word in luxury when it comes to brassware for the kitchen and bathroom. Since its founding in 1956 it has taken taps to new heights thanks to its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, boosted by the creativity of collaborations with top architects and designers, as well as fellow luxury brands such as Baccarat and Lalique. Now, it has a 2,500 square foot showroom at the Design Centre, whose interior is the perfect reflection of its brand values, with over 200 ranges on display in a jewelbox-like space inspired by the design sensibilities of an haute-couture boutique. Its UK sales manager Luke Calderon explains more below about what to expect from the showroom, and what’s in store for the brand over the coming months.
What brought THG Paris to Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour?
Our showroom was originally located in Belgravia and had been an ideal setting for the brand for many years. However, as the business evolved and our interaction with the interior design community grew, it became clear that the company needed a larger space to accommodate our expanding team and product range. As a result, we made the strategic decision to move to Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, a location better suited for our clients and continued growth.
What should we expect from the showroom?
When designing the new space, one of our key briefs was to create the “Cartier of taps” and our creative director, Alexandra Singer, successfully brought this vision to life. The showroom features over 200 ranges on display, embracing a fresh concept for a bathroom showroom. Styled much like a luxury jewellery store, our showroom is designed to offer an elevated experience where our team can guide both clients and interior designers in selecting the perfect products for their projects with personalised attention and expertise. Additionally, we have 10 full bathroom displays that highlight our favourite collections, including the Hirondelles collaboration with Lalique and our new premium range,Yoko.
We also wanted to create a specification space where interior designers could bring their clients, so there’s a large boardroom, complemented by an adjoining sample room, providing the perfect environment for collaborative design and detailed project planning.
Why should people visit in person as opposed to looking/buying online?
While our website is an excellent resource for technical support and product specifications, I believe it’s just one part of the equation. Seeing the products in person is crucial to the design process, especially with over 30 finish options. The physical experience allows customers to fully appreciate the materials, finishes and how the colours truly come to life, something that can’t always be captured online.
What’s THG Paris’ design philosophy?
THG Paris’ design philosophy revolves around creating truly luxurious products by harnessing the exceptional craftsmanship and expertise of our factory in Normandy. We specialise in innovative solutions and custom-made designs that seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality. Renowned for our distinctive approach, we skilfully combine materials like crystal, marble and porcelain to craft products that are as visually stunning as they are practical.
Is there a ‘hero’ product that encapsulates your brand, or that’s been a long-standing bestseller?
There’s no single ‘hero’ product but what sets THG Paris apart is our exclusive collaborations with other prestigious French luxury brands and designers, most notably Lalique, Baccarat and Daum.
While our collections are diverse, each one is carefully curated with its own distinct basin, bath and showering solutions, ensuring that every range offers something unique and special.
Are there broad trends in your sector of the design industry that you’re embracing?
I can see two key trends currently shaping our industry.
The first is the growing demand for finishes. With over 30 finish options, including silvers, golds and bronzes, we’ve noticed an increasing preference for our PVD finishes. PVD (physical vapor deposition) is a newer, more durable method of colouring brassware, offering a superior alternative to traditional electro-plating. This process allows us to offer polished nickel and gold finishes without the risk of tarnishing or ageing over time. Our factory has invested in two PVD machines, enabling us to plate our entire range – including heated towel rails and recessed ceiling showers – with this long-lasting finish.
The second trend is the rise of fluting in product design. One of our most successful recent launches, the Estrela range [pictured above], designed by Alexandra Champalimaud, embraces this trend. Inspired by art deco teapots, the collection uses fluting in a sophisticated and subtle way, maintaining a clean and elegant aesthetic while adding texture and depth to the design.
What can we expect from the latest collections?
We typically launch two new ranges each year. Our most recent addition is Zoom [pictured below], designed by renowned French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. As the name suggests, Zoom draws its inspiration from the world of photography, with a design that captures the essence of precision and focus.
Looking ahead to 2025, we will be launching a new collection with Baccarat, which will first be shown in the Milan showroom during Salone del Mobile.
What craftsmanship or innovation goes into your products?
Since 1956, we have proudly manufactured all our products in Bethencourt-sur-Mer. Having visited the factory numerous times, I’m always amazed by the craftsmanship and the exceptional attention to detail at every stage of production. With over 20,000 products in our catalogue, each item is handmade to order. The journey of every product begins as a brass ingot in the foundry and follows a precise and meticulous process through casting, machining, polishing, plating, and ultimately assembly. This careful craftsmanship ensures that each piece meets our exacting standards of quality and luxury.
Is there anything else you’d like the Design Centre’s community know about your brand?
In recent years, THG Paris has been focusing on building a portfolio that caters to a wider range of budgets. As such, we are expanding our offering to include more accessible collections without compromising on the quality, craftsmanship and luxury that define our brand. It brings the elegance and sophistication of THG Paris to a broader audience, while still maintaining the high standards and attention to detail our customers expect.
