When Designer Contracts was asked to develop two very different show home interiors for a new development within striking distance of Edinburgh airport, the team passed the challenge with flying colours.
The Barratt Homes development at West Craigs in eastern Scotland involved creating two unique show house schemes marketed toward first and second time ‘move up’ buyers, for its four bedroomed show homes – The Crombie and The Campbell.
The Crombie house type is aimed at a second move up family with two older children (a teenage child and a child at university). They love the outdoors, have a dog and the father is a keen golfer.
The Campbell is aimed at a first move up family with much younger children – toddler twins and another young child.
Said Abbie Lockett, design sales manager for Designer Contracts: “The brief was both challenging but very exciting and gave us an opportunity to incorporate some local touches and develop a sustainability story. We did some real out-of-the-box thinking to come up with two very different stories for house types with a similar footprint.”
For The Crombie, a four-bed home with separate study, the chosen colour scheme was ochre, tan and creams with darker woods and gold finishes. The lounge has a neutral base with pops of rich colour in the soft furnishings. The design team also worked alongside an artist to create abstracts of Edinburgh which are showcased above the cream sofa.
The second bedroom was themed towards a young girl who plays football for the local team and so features a wraparound football net headboard on the four-poster bed.
The oldest child is studying engineering at Edinburgh university which inspired the team to incorporate a nod to structural form and the environment within the design which includes a wallpaper mural of the Forth Bridge, a popular local attraction.
Said Abbie: “We worked with our suppliers to source sustainable, recyclable fabrics and used these for the cushions on the bed. Barratt Homes installed a small monitor screen to the desk wall which streams a video showing their Zed House. This is the first Zero Carbon Home built by a major housebuilder that goes substantially beyond the future home’s standard.”
At The Campbell, the chosen colour scheme was taupe and blush tones with hints of black. This provides a sophisticated and upmarket edge to the overall feel of the property in which the fourth bedroom has been made into a versatile space for working from home – and also provides for a guest to stay.
While the main bedroom has been created to be hotel like with a bespoke headboard spanning over the antique mirrored bedsides and tall statement table lamps, the design team let its imagination run riot in the children’s room.
Said Abbie: “As the site is very close to Edinburgh airport, the client was keen to develop a theme which reflected that. We wallpapered the ceiling in a striking cloud texture paper and contrasted this with an aeroplane wallpaper to the headboard wall. The room was accessorised with ornaments, pictures and wall art which are plane/ runway themed and suited the location perfectly.”
In the open plan kitchen diner, the dining table takes centre stage. It is accompanied by a sofa with a coffee station to the front end of the kitchen, offering a multi-functional space in which the entire family can socialise. Colour wise, the team worked with Barratt to select a black worktop with cream cabinets to complement the table dressing and furniture.
Located to the Southeast of Edinburgh Airport and around seven miles from Edinburgh city centre, the development is part of the wider West Craigs masterplan consisting of a new primary school, nursery, health centre and two public parks and woodland.
Said Iain Burnet, sales manager for Barratt Homes: “In what was a first outing for me in working with a design team for the specification of show homes, I am happy to state that Abbie and the team at Designer Contracts made the experience an enjoyable one. Undoubtedly, my consistent edits and outlandish ideas will not have made the design process an easy one, yet there was no obstacle too large.
“All queries were met with a level of patience and professionalism to be admired; Abbie worked closely with me during the design briefs to guarantee there was a clear understanding of what we wanted to achieve and additionally, the installation team were prompt and faultless. How delightful to see my initial concept become a reality. A truly fantastic result and highly professional service. I would not hesitate to recommend Designer Contracts for the design and installation of your show homes and have already enlisted their services for my next new show home opening.”