Graduate interior designer Martin Nealon has won a UK-wide competition created by luxury bathroom brand Axor to showcase emerging talent.

The competition invited next generation interior designers to shape the future to create a concept luxury bathroom, using signature products from existing Axor collections.

Commenting on the thinking behind his award-winning concept, Martin Nealon said: “My inspiration for the bathroom design came from the idea of creating a space that enclosed and protected the client from the outside world.

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“I wanted to develop an inner space that wrapped around them in a warm embrace and where they could relax and be themselves.”

 When it came to material choice, he was inspired by the marine world.

Nealon continued: “My materials concept was built around the idea of using warm tones to create a relaxing atmosphere.

“The Axor MyEdition polished red gold colourway added a warm metallic element together with combinations of taupe scuba textiles, bronze and IsoTeck inspired by the luxury marine sector.

“Together they create a harmonious palette of earth tones for the bathroom space.”

He incorporated the Axor Suite wash bowl 400, Axor MyEdition single lever basin mixer and single lever floor-standing bath tap, the Axor Suite bathtub, drain and ShowerComposition designed by Philippe Starck.

Nealon won a one-night stay at the Broadwick Soho Hotel – an independent luxury hotel situated in London’s West End.

The hotel’s interiors, which include Axor Signature products, were designed by the team at Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.

He commented on his award win: “I am so pleased that the judges unanimously voted for my design.

“This has given me the boost I need to develop my skillset further and I hope my students can take inspiration from this.

“After recently graduating, I now teach interior design and the Axor competition was a wonderful opportunity to show my students how the application of good design techniques can be effective even in a small space.”

Furniture and FFE designer at the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio George McPherson, who worked on the Broadwick Soho project, was a member of the judging panel alongside head of global brand marketing for Axor Anke Sohn and editorial director at Design Insider Alys Brya.

Anke Sohn extended her congratulations, as she said: “As a set of judges we were all impressed with Martin’s vision and his ability to develop an outstanding response to the brief we set.

“The combination of fabric, colourways, and Axor range choices perfectly complemented the marine led concept to deliver the perfect luxury bathroom space.

“It’s so important that we continue to support and celebrate the next generation of interior designers.

“There are many talented and creative designers among us, and we look forward to seeing how they shape the future of luxury interior design in the years to come.”

The judging panel presented Alice Molinari, who has a diploma Level 3 in professional interior design, second place and Hayley Allsop, an alumnus from KLC School of Design was third. They both received Axor goodies.