Step inside our brand new showhome at The Paddocks, Colinsburgh - the executive 5 bedroom detached ‘Lomond’, which boasts a thoughtful design with modern-day family living firmly in mind.
This is the sixth Kirkwood showhome to be expertly styled by Thomas Fischer Interiors, who took inspiration from its beautiful surroundings within the East Neuk of Fife, the close proximity to St Andrews, all while giving a nod to the many equestrian centres nearby from which 'The Paddocks' acquired its name.
The fantastic duo behind Thomas Fischer Interiors, Jay Fischer and Ollie Thomas, have styled ‘The Lomond’ to perfection - showcasing the superior standard of finish, allowing you to visualise what life could be like when you move into your brand new Kirkwood home.
We sat down with Jay and Ollie to discuss their design process, their favourite things about ‘The Lomond’ housetype and much more…
How did you develop the design concept for ‘The Lomond’?
Ollie: “First, we visited Colinsburgh and the surrounding areas to experience the countryside and coastal setting for ourselves, as we wanted to incorporate as much of the local character into the design as possible.”
Jay: “Our design process started with the floor plan, focusing on furniture layout, socket placement and identifying focal points, which shaped the overall direction. Next, we considered colours, accent tones and themes before selecting fabrics, wallpapers and finishes room by room. We kept it flexible at first, laying everything out to see if any room stood out too much or if the colours weren’t working. We aimed for layers and tones that created depth and a curated look overall to tie in with the quality of Kirkwood’s homes.”
What inspired you when designing this home? and how do you decide on the design style?
Ollie: “The name of the development, The Paddocks, was our initial inspiration. We wanted to give the home an equestrian feel - through subtle nods and hints but without making it too literal. With many period properties nearby, we drew inspiration from their charm but aimed to combine that with the modern amenities and practicality of a contemporary home such as Kirkwood’s.”
Ollie: “We decided on contemporary country to complement the development’s surroundings and the nearby period properties. Throughout the property, you'll find traditional elements like rustic woods paired with sleek, matte modern pieces. A great example is the kitchen cabinetry; the matte dark heritage green combines traditional colour with a sleek, modern finish, creating the balance we were aiming for. We ultimately chose this style because we believe it appeals to both younger and older generations, plus it offers a lovely balance between homely and luxury which fits well with the Kirkwood brand.”
Jay: “We looked at brands like Restoration Hardware, Soho Home, and Soho Farmhouse for their luxurious, relaxed country feel, without being overly twee or floral. Our goal was to create a calming, retreat-like atmosphere for the property.”
What was important when designing each of ‘The Lomond’s 5 bedrooms? and how did you give each a personality?
Ollie: “In a large family home like ‘The Lomond’, it’s important to create spaces for everyone. We wanted to make the master bedroom a glamorous and show stopping space, with a sanctuary and boutique hotel feel. This elegant and mature feel is evident through the wallpaper and the atmosphere as it's slightly darker and more dimly lit, whereas everywhere else is quite light and bright.”
Ollie: “For bedroom two, we dressed this one as a teenage girl’s room with a horseriding theme. There’s horse tails on the back of the chairs and stirrup handles on the tables - just having those small little touches throughout subtly acknowledges the equestrian theme that is also present throughout the home.”
Jay: “In bedroom 3, we decided on a golf theme due to the close proximity to St. Andrews. We took inspiration from Ralph Lauren, giving this space a preppy teenage feel. One of our favourite elements is the use of vintage golf clubs used to suspend the artworks.”
Jay: “For bedroom 4, this one has a wavy and playful theme which is suitable for younger children. Lastly, for bedroom 5 we dressed the space as a home office with a day bed to show the versatility of the space.”
What design features do you think are key to helping buyers visualise themselves living in the space?
Ollie: “In ‘The Lomond’, we kept the colour palette neutral to appeal to a wider range of buyers and ensure that people could envision it as their home - something they could aspire to live in. We weren’t focused on making a design statement or following a specific trend or niche theme. Our aim is not for the design to take over the property, but to enhance it, complementing the features and the unique characteristics of each individual housetype.”
How do you ensure that the spaces you design are both functional yet beautiful?
Ollie: “The floor plan and architectural details often dictate the direction we take and guide the design process. We also think about how the space will be used, designing it practically to make life easier whilst maximising its potential. In ‘The Lomond’, we focused a lot on the open-plan kitchen, family and dining area. The layout is new compared to previous ‘Lomond’ homes, so we embraced it by incorporating a beautiful bespoke banquette seating around the dining table. This allowed us to fit a six-to-eight-seater table and freed up extra space, further enhancing the comfort and functionality of the family living area.”
Jay: “As the room is open-plan, we used elements like a rug in the sofa area to help define the space and create a cosy feel. However, we didn’t want the space to feel too visually segmented, so we maintained a sense of flow by using the same fabric for the cushions on the sofa and the banquette seating. This ensures the space feels cohesive and beautiful whilst still being functional.”
What are some of your favourite elements of this Kirkwood home?
Jay: “It’s a truly beautiful home that really stands out! Our favorite part of ‘The Lomond’ is its size and scale - the tall ceilings and the way the home has been designed practically, with plenty of cupboard space and storage. We also love the welcoming entrance and the expansive living room, which is perfect for accommodating the whole family.”
Are there any small design details people should look out for when visiting ‘The Lomond’?
Ollie: “There are a few vintage pieces, like the riding hat in the hallway, the camera in the study and the golf clubs in the boy’s room. These add a sense of age to the property, suggesting it’s not all brand new but has been curated over time - giving the home a lived-in feel with a story and personality.”
Ollie: “There’s also personalised artwork in the utility room, where we’ve named it the Kirkwood Laundry Company. In the living room, the artwork to the side of the media unit features local photography, with black and white images of Colinsburgh and Elie - the beautiful coastal village just down the road.”
How do you use colour, textures, and materials throughout this home?
Ollie: “We chose natural, earthy colours using Dulux Heritage paint with a matte velvet finish. It has a softness to it, and the heritage hues really lend themselves to the country, natural, earthy vibe we were after. We’ve layered textures in the fabrics, such as bouclé, curtains, velvets, and linens. You’ll find sheen cushions placed alongside matte linen and more rustic cushions, creating a mix of finishes and textures. The wallpaper panels in the living room feature a whitewashed wood effect, adding another rustic element to the space, while layering different finishes and colour tones provides both depth and warmth.”
What current design trends did you incorporate into this showhome?
Jay: “When developing the concept, we looked at projected trends for 2025 and selected a few we felt would make the home feel ahead of its time while still offering longevity. One of the trends we embraced was natural, earthy and warm colour palettes, which we felt would highlight the versatility of the spacious family home.”
Ollie: “The Pantone Colour of the Year, Mocha Mousse, reflects a shift towards earthy brown tones, moving away from the cooler greys and monochromes that have dominated in recent years. We’ve definitely noticed this shift during our regular visits to trade shows and design fairs, so it felt right to tie it into the design of this showhome."
