Intertwining storytelling with design to evoke a clear picture of each member of the household, the Andrew Henry Interiors design team created an unforgettable show home at Locking Parklands in Weston-super-Mare. Showcasing the quality and appeal of the 124 new sustainable homes by housing association and housebuilder Curo, the four-bedroom property has been transformed into a vibrant retreat for an eco-conscious family who encourage and celebrate each other’s unique qualities.
Curo’s brief requested that the design steered away from a typical show home and painted a clear picture of the different individual personalities living in the house. An industrial look to indicate the inhabitant’s stylish taste and an element of surprise were also key elements of the brief. Dianna Colwell, lead designer at Andrew Henry Interiors, comments: “All families are unique, with different qualities and quirks. Viewers at Locking Parklands will be able to envisage what each family member living in this show home is all about; the children’s hobbies, the parent’s interests and the outdoor activities they enjoy together as a family.”
Starting with the kitchen, the specially selected worktops made from Dekton ‘Trillium’ quartz, which is 80% recyclable, influenced the colour and material palette used throughout the house. Inspired by volcanic stones with intense grey and black tones and subtle hints of copper, the beautiful matt surface creates a stand-out feature which is complemented by light cashmere coloured kitchen cabinets with copper handles. Practical for family living, the kitchen and living room feature furniture to match the industrial theme. Complementing the dark wood herringbone flooring, a large black dining table with a mixture of brown leather chairs and upholstered bench seating, creates a functional and stylish kitchen/dining space. A feature light adds interest over the table and a note on the notice board about surfers campaigning to combat sewage in the sea informs visitors of the family’s commitment to saving the planet. Dianna adds: “The overall aesthetic is industrial, yet cosy. We introduced forest green and blush to the bedrooms to add warmth and nod to the home’s location, surrounded by woodland. We also used a lot of natural materials and textures to enhance the eco conscious ethos of the development and to tie in with the professions of the parents and the interests of the family.”
In the living room, a bespoke media unit and radiator cover maximise the space. Neutral sofas accessorised with black, white and beige textured cushions, a large Crittall style mirror and a statement rug blend industrial
minimalism with sophisticated comfort. The downstairs cloakroom re-introduces the copper from the kitchen worksurfaces with wallpaper by Galerie on a feature wall which continues up and over the entire ceiling. Completing the ground-floor, a spacious entrance hall accessorised with captivating artwork, which celebrates Weston-super-Mare’s lesser-known historical moments, provides several surprises.
The parents’ professions as a marine biologist who studied at Bristol University and a Conservation and Ecology professor at Exeter University are also referenced throughout the home. Books on the shelves in the study give viewers clues and books in the guest bedroom give a nod toward interests such as local history, local nature and British Sealife. There is ornamental coral in the ensuite linking to the sea theme.
The four upstairs bedrooms reveal further insight into the home’s inhabitants. In response to Curo’s brief, one of the children’s bedrooms suggests an interest in marine conservation. Although beach themed at first glance, this is not your typical teenage girl’s bedroom. Striking mural wallpaper featuring an image of a huge wave, life size wall paintings of a surf board from several angles and snorkelling and surfing equipment provide this insight. Black bedroom furniture including a desk and subtle accessories like a bronze tortoise ornament placed on the window sill, a sea green velvet armchair and peach accents complete the space.
A second children’s bedroom displays a love of football and support for the local team with a framed Weston-super-Mare kit, an eye-catching green mural over one wall and striking black and white striped wallpaper on another which continues up and over the ceiling. The elegant primary bedroom fuses industrial features including bespoke black wall panelling surrounding a neutral fabric headboard, which covers the entire back wall. A brass industrial looking chandelier hangs over the bed which is accessorised with a mixture of dark blush velvet and black and white textured cushions. A bespoke canvas featuring a stunning seascape, created by Andew Henry Interior’s in-house artist Sadie Vile, reflects the parents love of the ocean which has been passed onto the children.
Jodie Winter at Curo concludes: “Andrew Henry Interiors nailed this design. The team understood our brief and has injected personality and spirit with their approach and produced a memorable show home which brings excitement to every day family life. We’ve created a green and sustainable environment at Locking Parklands and it’s wonderful to have a show home that reflects this commitment.”
For more information on Andrew Henry Interiors visit https://andrewhenry.co.uk/ or for the bespoke soft furnishings service, Thread & Dandy visit https://www.threadanddandy.co.uk/