When you’re thinking of moving house, there’s nothing like a showhome viewing to give you plenty of interior design inspiration and maybe a touch of house envy.
We caught up with Pat Nightingale at Blocc Ltd who designed the new Godstow showhome at Wolvercote Mill to find out more about how she creates that show-stopping look.
What are the hottest interior trends right now?
A colour palette of cool neutrals with natural elements based on bringing nature into the home. Especially during lock-down, the trend has been designing for wellbeing and comfort, enjoying the home and the living space.
There’s lots of natural organic materials, different textures on walls, floors and fabrics to make living spaces tactile and interesting. Furniture style is modern rustic, a blend of old and new, allowing you to up-cycle older pieces of furniture in your home and mix them with some new additions.
Where do you get your ideas and inspiration from?
We go to major interior trade shows all over the world a couple of times a year and also in the UK to ensure our ideas are always fresh and exciting. We have to be at least two seasons ahead of what you see on the high street! Of course, fashion is a great source of inspiration, continually watching and sourcing new ideas for style and colours.
What design advice would you give to someone working with the blank canvas of a new home?
Before you move in, make a plan, measure the rooms then scale in your furniture. That way you know what you have to work with. Don’t be afraid of colour; have a family conference on everyone’s favourite colours and then decide what you’re going to have. Light neutrals are good on the main walls and bring in a stronger colour on one feature wall in a room or hallway, then echo this in touches throughout the home, in artwork, cushions or bedlinen, so that there is a feeling of coordination.
Let the kids choose their own wall colours, this really starts to bond them with their new environment. Have lots of family photos in galleries, in the hallway or on the stair wall. Choosing the right lighting is important, and add floor lamps in corners and lots of plants to soften corners and bring in greenery and colour.
Let us in on one design secret or top tip that you use to create wow showhomes!
Create a focal point in each room, something that draws the eye. It could be a piece of artwork, a mirror, cushions or a light fitting. Something unexpected and sensational! A brightly coloured rug in a neutral room or wallpaper the ceiling! Anything that introduces character and real style.
To view the professionally-designed Godstow showhome at Wolvercote Mill, book an appointment with one of our sales advisors.
