Following the launch of our brand new showhome at our scenic Castle Road development, we wanted to give you a closer look at what you can expect from the outstanding 4 bedroom detached ‘Tummel’.
We recently caught up with the interior designers who brought this beautiful showhome to life - Jay and Ollie from Thomas Fischer Interiors - to find out what the inspiration was behind the final look, and how the team brought their creative flair and unique styling to this exciting project…
How did you develop the design concept for ‘The Tummel’?
“We took inspiration from the local Alford area and began by researching the village, focusing on the scenery and the landscape. The artwork in the hallway is very reminiscent of the surrounding hills and countryside, while the colour palette we chose is filled with neutral, natural colours and a hint of rustic tones - paying homage to the beautiful location.
“For one of the children's bedrooms, we took inspiration from the local transport museum in Alford and decided to follow a car theme throughout. We managed to bring this idea to life by subtly incorporating the theme of vintage cars throughout the room.”
How did you go about styling the kitchen and dining area?
“The kitchen plays such an important role in the home and is often a real focal point - it’s a place you can relax, socialise and entertain. With this in mind, we decided to go for cabinets that were quite neutral and used that as a starting point - creating a space that felt very light and airy.
“To elevate the design of the space, we added a feature chandelier over the dining table which adds a touch of glitz and glamour to the room. This was beautifully complemented by burnt orange accessories and rustic-themed tableware, which includes terracotta coloured napkins, wooden chopsticks and hints of greenery. It’s dressed formally which I think works well with the bespoke benches, as it gives a fantastic contrast; relaxed yet formal.”
What sort of atmosphere did you want to create in the lounge?
“We wanted to create a cosy and homely space that an entire family could enjoy, while still making it feel sophisticated and elegant. In the lounge, we used an incredible sideboard with a crosshatch design on the front and custom joinery wall panels - which ended up forming the inspiration for other parts of the room, such as the embroidered cushions. We also made sure to include ample seating, including two large sofas and an armchair, creating a space that feels social and smart.
“In terms of the colour palette, we tried to be quite subtle and integrated a rust colour into a few of the furniture pieces and homeware accessories, such as the footstool, coffee table and rug. We have tactically linked the colour theme throughout the home without it feeling too overwhelming - running warm and neutral textures amongst the rooms.
“For the whole of the ground floor, we went for luxury vinyl tile flooring in a dark wooden plank style, as it created a seamless and free-flowing effect. In the lounge, we also placed a large rug in the centre for the furniture to sit on top of which added warmth.”
What was important when designing The Tummel’s bedrooms?
“One of the most important things we considered when designing the bedrooms was how we could highlight and maximise the impressive amount of space available. For the large master bedroom, we selected wide and deep bedside tables which show off the space available, with a gleaming chandelier in the walk-in-wardrobe.
“In both children's rooms, wallpaper was added to every wall which softens the room and gives it that really cosy feel. For the boy's bedroom, we sourced two huge chest of drawers which maximised the storage in the room. We even added in a coordinating desk which fits like a glove - every inch of space has been utilised!
“In the third bedroom - the girl’s bedroom - we incorporated a wall-to-wall headboard which really elongates the wall as you enter. We went for a slightly metallic reflective wallpaper with a theme that focused on bubbles, including a huge bubble chandelier.
“We positioned the fourth and final bedroom as a guest room, with a boutique hotel-style design. This included lots of little details, such as a floor-to-ceiling feature headboard with a fluted wave design, as well as bathrobes and towels - emphasising the luxurious hotel vibe. It’s a really lovely, calming space which is sure to leave your guests feeling happy and relaxed.”
What was your favourite room to design, and why?
“The boy’s bedroom is our favourite, as it’s a typical teenage den - moody and dark - which I feel like I can relate to! It has got an industrial and masculine feel, particularly with the linen effect wallpaper, mechanic lamps and factory-style light fitting. The black and white artwork of the classic cars is a fantastic touch - it's certainly the kind of room you could grow up in.”
How did you accessorise and add finishing touches to the showhome?
“From various sculptures dotted throughout the home, to pretty floral arrangements, we tried to add a mix of different accessories throughout the showhome. There are also a couple of marble bi-discs in the home which are part of the Chinese tradition and symbolise health, wealth and happiness. Overall, we tend not to overdo it with accessories - we much prefer one beautiful item that speaks for itself, rather than lots of pieces with less impact.
“We’re always trying to look for something a little bit different and items that stand out, while still being classy and adding to the space. For example, the wooden sculptures used throughout the home - we purchased these around a year ago and just knew immediately that they would be perfect for this project.
“It’s all about sourcing and using artisan companies, such as the talented lady who made our bespoke tassels. I think people visit showhomes to get inspired, so it's important we provide them with something they haven't really seen before.”
What are some of your favourite products in the showhome?
“Too many to mention, albeit the bespoke dining benches are one of our favourite pieces, they have definitely got the wow factor and are a little bit different. The benches are neat and tuck in well - very practical and perfect for a sociable space.”
Having worked with Kirkwood Homes for the first time, which features of ‘The Tummel’ do you think lend themselves well to your design and creativity?
“Definitely the overall space and high quality finish of the home. The wide staircase in the hallway and the height of the ceilings make the home feel so much bigger - adding a sense of grandeur.
“It’s typical in a 4 bedroom home that you tend to have a small downstairs, but the layout and open-plan space throughout ‘The Tummel’ makes it feel like the home goes on forever - a truly fantastic asset.
“Not to mention, all the bedrooms have fitted storage, a feature that is extremely desirable amongst buyers and is very uncommon when compared to other housebuilders - the quality is just impeccable!”
