Step into the vibrant world of bespoke bathroom basins with Gabbi Murrell, the creative visionary behind Bramstone. As the Creative Director of Bramstone Basins, Gabbi brings a kaleidoscope of colors, innovation, and sustainable artistry to the forefront of the design industry.
In an exclusive interview with House of Coco Magazine, Gabbi shares the inspiring journey of Bramstone’s evolution, from the inception of the groundbreaking Ecrylimer Eco Resin to the commitment to transforming bathrooms into personalized art spaces.
Join us as we delve into the artistic passion, resilience, and unique philosophy that define Gabbi’s creative direction and the future trajectory of Bramstone Basins.
This is more than a conversation; it’s an exploration of how Gabbi Murrell is redefining the norms of the bathroom basin industry, one swirling masterpiece at a time…
Can you share the story of how Bramstone came into existence and what inspired you to enter the world of bathroom basins and accessories?
I’m a self-proclaimed multipotentialite, forever dabbling in diverse artistic arenas and always experimenting! When my earlier innovation, ‘Ecrylimer’ casting compound, gained momentum, a thought struck: Why limit its magic to smaller creations? Let’s make something big! Why not make a bigger splash, and in the literal sense?
The rise in popularity of colored concrete basins intrigued me. While they have their urban charm, they present certain drawbacks. They are usually single colors, sport pitted surfaces, and oddly enough, aren’t big fans of water puddling in them—quite the paradox for a basin, don’t you think?
I had this wild vision: What if we go one step further? What if we craft basins from a typically super-porous material to be perfectly watertight? Then, further this with Ecrylimer’s versatile properties by creating in a kaleidoscope of patterns and hues.
Bramstone isn’t just a brand; it’s an artistic journey. Using Ecrylimer as our star medium, we’re not just making colorful basins. We’re crafting dreams, curating experiences, and bringing a unique touch to the space they are in.
It’s about offering more than just a basin – it’s an invitation for clients to infuse their personal stories and styles into their homes. Every Bramstone basin is a fusion of our artistic vision and the client’s unique essence, transforming an ordinary space into something truly extraordinary.
Your company’s proprietary formula, “Ecrylimer” Eco Resin, is quite unique. Could you tell us more about the development process behind it and how it has contributed to Bramstone’s success?
My adventure began in the world of wedding and event styling, where it is essential to develop cohesive worlds of color palettes. To be unique and creative for our clients, I explored a way to create color-matched decor, candle holders, and all things pretty and personalised.
To this end, I was importing a casting compound that produces a matte ceramic finish from the UK, but, oh my, it was a heavy affair for the pocket and the supply was intermittent.
At a certain juncture, I found myself asking Joe, “Why can’t we just make one here in Australia?” It wasn’t just a whimsical thought; it was a call to action spurred by sheer determination. Pivoting was more than a business strategy; it was an imperative.
As a mother, a wife, and a business owner, I faced the harrowing storm that Covid brought upon our primary income, wiping out our very livelihood. Yet, amidst this chaos, I summoned every fiber of my being, every drop of tenacity and grit that resided within, and channeled it towards reinventing our path.
This pursuit wasn’t just about crafting an improved formula; it was about survival. It was about leveraging every aspect of my multipotentialite essence to ensure that we didn’t just endure but emerged even more resilient and innovative than before.
Every step of this journey was an embodiment of unwavering determination, a testament to what women everywhere are capable of when confronted with adversity.
It just became a fait accompli I would develop an Australian version with an improved formulation and support it with a solid logistics train. By improved, I mean designing in important traits like fewer bubbles (smoother finishes for casting) and no Volatile Organic Compounds, formaldehyde, or Silicas; it had to be safe.
Absolute functionality and safety form two of our business cornerstones. I’m not a chemist, but I wouldn’t mind a dollar for every time someone has asked me that!
Covid’s tumultuous impact on the wedding events industry offered somewhat of a silver lining, allowing for dedicated time to perfect a formula, which, with many frustrations and Eureka moments along the way, had evolved into a successful product.
By October 2021, Ecrylimer PRO was born, weaving its magic in studios around Australia as other artists cast and reimagined their creations with it.
But, here’s the twist! While Ecrylimer boasted unparalleled qualities, it behaved akin to a sponge, drawing water in. This is the same for any type of compound similar to this, including concrete – I dreamt of making it dance with water, but never absorb it.
So, the quest to make it 100% waterproof became my next artistic obsession. This turned out to be extremely hard, seemingly verging on the impossible, I spoke with experts, experimented with hundreds of sealers, nearly giving up.
Every experiment with Ecrylimer at this point was a journey into the unknown, filled with continuous trials and frustration. Imagine running hundreds of tests over months and months, each time brimming with hope, only to watch the water soak in an hour or less later. The emotional toll was palpable – it felt like being on a relentless rollercoaster and much like the original time had been in creating the Ecylimer formula.
But then came the day when we filled a basin with water, and even after two days, it remained impervious. For many, a waterproof basin might seem elementary, almost a given.
However, for us, attempting to emulate the properties of ceramics without the use of a kiln made this feat feel nothing short of a miracle.
Seeing it take form as a swirling colorful basin was more than an achievement; it was a vindication of all the sleepless nights, the relentless testing, and unwavering belief in our vision. It wasn’t merely about forging a product; it was about metamorphosing an experience.
Along this journey, I developed another 2 versions of Ecrylimer: Ecrylimer BOLD (the world’s first commercial just add water Acrylic Polymer), BOLD+ (a hybrid version), and of course the final Ecrylimer triumph: Bramstone Basins.
Bramstone seems to prioritise artistic versatility and customisation. How do you approach the challenge of providing such a wide range of styles and colours to your customers while maintaining quality?
Absolutely, at the very core of Bramstone lies a passionate commitment to artistic versatility and bespoke design. For us, each creation isn’t just a product; it’s a piece of art that tells its own unique story.
Our approach is a holistic one. By diving deep into the aesthetic aspirations of each task, we blend styles, patterns, and hues to craft an artistic masterpiece. Our intimate understanding of Ecrylimer and its capabilities acts as our compass, ensuring consistent quality regardless of the vast array of customizations.
That being said, art is often an exploration, a journey into the unknown. While we approach each project with an informed perspective, surprises are not uncommon, often leading to fresh ideas and insights.
What sets Bramstone apart from other companies in the bathroom basin industry, in terms of both product and philosophy?
Our existing philosophy to improve on every aspect of our business is what drove us initially to develop our products beginning back in 2021. In a way, we have worked ourselves into a position where product and philosophy are co-dependent, driving and maintaining each other.
To elaborate on our philosophy, Bramstone stands as a testament to sustainability and environmental consciousness. In a world teetering on the edge of ecological imbalance, our commitment to sustainability is non-negotiable.
This not only aligns with our vision for a greener future but also adds a distinctive touch to each basin – a history etched in every creation.
Moreover, our dedication to customisation is a hallmark. We’re not just providing basins; we’re crafting experiences. Our clients aren’t merely buying a product; they are investing in a narrative, a story that seamlessly integrates into their personal space.
In terms of product, our crowning glory is undoubtedly the proprietary Ecrylimer Eco Resin. Its evolution from an idea to a waterproof, customisable, and environmentally responsible material was a journey fraught with challenges, but the result is a product that transcends traditional boundaries.
Our commitment to innovation is also evident in the variety of Ecrylimer versions we’ve developed – each an improvement, a refinement, an expansion of possibilities. Ecrylimer BOLD and BOLD+ stand as testament to our relentless pursuit of perfection, catering to different artistic needs.
How do you see the future of Bramstone unfolding, both in terms of product development and market presence?
The journey ahead for Bramstone is an exciting one, marked by continuous evolution and expansion. Our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation will persist, and we envision further refining and expanding the Ecrylimer product line. There’s always room for improvement and innovation, and we are dedicated to exploring new possibilities that align with our vision for sustainable, customisable, and artistic basins.
In terms of market presence, we aim to not just be a player but a trendsetter in the industry. Our focus on sustainability, artistic versatility, and client-centric customization positions us uniquely in the market. We envision expanding our reach, forging collaborations, and establishing Bramstone as a go-to name for those who seek more than just a basin – an artistic experience.
The world is evolving, and so are the tastes and preferences of consumers. We see Bramstone adapting to these changes, embracing new trends, and staying at the forefront of innovation. Our journey is one of artistic passion, resilience, and a commitment to redefining the norms of the bathroom basin industry.
As we step into the future, our story will continue to be written in every customized basin, in every swirl of Ecrylimer, and in every space transformed into a work of art. The canvas is vast, and the possibilities are endless, and we’re excited to paint the next chapters of Bramstone’s evolution.
In concluding our conversation with Gabbi Murrell, it becomes abundantly clear that Bramstone is not just a brand; it’s a testament to the fusion of artistic ingenuity, sustainability, and a commitment to creating spaces that transcend the ordinary.
Gabbi’s unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of design, coupled with the innovative Ecrylimer Eco Resin, paints a vivid picture of a future where bathrooms are not just functional spaces but personalised sanctuaries of creativity.
As we anticipate the next chapters in Bramstone’s journey, one thing is certain: Gabbi Murrell’s passion for artistry, customization, and environmental consciousness will continue to shape the narrative of a brand that invites individuals to infuse their unique essence into the heart of their homes.
We extend our gratitude to Gabbi for sharing her insights, inspirations, and the captivating story behind Bramstone Basins. Stay tuned for more as House of Coco Magazine continues to explore the frontiers of design and creativity with visionary leaders like Gabbi Murrell.
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