At our Wolvercote Mill development in Oxford, the impressive three-storey Godstow Townhouse showhome is now available to view by appointment. We caught up with designer Pat Nightingale to find out more about her inspiration behind the stylish interiors and how she creates that show-stopping look.
What was your inspiration for the showhome design?
Wolvercote Mill is a unique development featuring striking modern architecture set within green open space and woodland areas. The showhome itself overlooks the water and it was this combination of the natural environment and contemporary design that formed the basis of our inspiration for the interior design.
Talk us through the detail of the overall theme and how this was carried through in each of the rooms.
We brought in the natural environment through a colour palette which combined blues and greys with ochre and burnt orange and added touches of aged gold to create a contemporary feel. Shades of blue have been used in all of the rooms with natural greenery in the main living areas.
The lounge overlooks the woods and water and has three amazing floor to ceiling windows that really reflect the light and space. In here, the unusual light fittings look like bubbles in the water and we dressed the windowsills with ornamental trees to bring the outside in.
The master bedroom on the top floor has a distinct boutique hotel feel with a contemporary geometric wallpaper and wide bespoke fitted headboard. The children’s bedroom was very much themed around nature, with woodland animals in the wallpaper and a cute little deer as a stool at the desk.
We commissioned bespoke artwork for the showhome, with the brief focusing on fluidity, natural forms and swirling water, which can be seen throughout.
How did you go about creating the showhome look?
We imagined who would be living in this home; a young professional couple with a small child. Both working locally, as the development is within such easy commuting distance of Oxford city centre. However the showhome also had to have a wide appeal and feel both homely and interesting. We then decided on the look and feel inspired by the beautiful environment and then started with the main pieces of furniture and artwork to marry in with the style of the architecture.
Do you have a favourite room or feature?
We love it all, but particularly the lounge. It has so much natural light and is beautifully positioned overlooking the natural landscape. The large sofas are really comfortable, perfect to sink into whilst watching the huge mirror screen TV which can be either a mirror or a picture when the TV is turned off, which means that the room is not dominated by a blank screen for most of the time.
The guest bedroom is lovely too - a really generous size with plenty of room for a large armchair in the corner.
What do you think the key interior trends for winter will be?
Warm colours such as tan, ochre and blues, and the ‘steel grey’ look will give way to warm greys. There is a real trend for pops of colour as well as botanical themed fabrics. As we spend more time at home we will want to explore different looks. There’s currently a huge choice of fabrics, wallpapers, furniture and lighting in whole host of colours and styles. This is an excellent time to achieve individuality and, if you dare, add some quirky touches.
Get in touch to find out more about homes at Wolvercote Mill and to book an appointment to view the Godstow Townhouse.
