Scandinavian-Inspired Show Home Coming To Edinburgh
Artisan Real Estate is opening a show home at its Canonmills Garden development in the north of Edinburgh and has brought in an interior designer to dress it, inspired by the distinctive style of Scandinavia.
Canonmills Garden is a mixed-apartment development comprising 179 one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes overlooking the Water of Leith in the Canonmills area of Edinburgh. The easing of lockdown restrictions, within strict guidelines, means the sales and marketing suite will open to house-hunters this summer, along with a show home designed by well-known Scottish interior designer, Carol Yates.
Here, she shares her inspiration and plans for the show-home, explaining how the recent lockdown has made us all re-evaluate what we want from our living spaces.
What has been your inspiration for the show home and what design themes has that influenced?
Canonmills Garden is a new way of living in an urban environment, where having access to a lovely outside space is key. The large balconies and terraces overlooking the gardens – which are all accessible by all residents – offer a wonderful sense of tranquillity whilst being on the edge of a vibrant city centre lifestyle. Inside, the generous room dimensions provide lots of light and airy spaces which is perfect for a Scandinavian-inspired design. The shape of the rooms maximises light and space through large windows, open-plan living, dining and eating spaces all connected seamlessly to spacious outdoor balconies and terraces. Scandinavian influences are again seen with solid oak flooring adding a natural texture to the rooms. And while it is a minimalist layout, I have introduced accents of colour and vibrancy with soft-layered fabrics and cushions to bring depth, warmth and vibrancy to the show home.
What are the current 'in-trends' for interior design right now, and how have you weaved these into the show home design?
Scandic influences are very popular right now, with light airy living combined with natural finishes and soft colour palettes the current favourites for interiors. Natural wood, wool and textures in soft furnishings are combined with white features alongside pale greys.
Do you have a person of family dynamic in mind when you approach your designs for Canonmills Garden?
Because of its location, potential buyers are likely to be varied but a mix of young professionals and downsizers will be interested in interiors as well as being au fait with some design classic pieces and brands which they will want to bring to their home.
How have you found the Canonmills Garden design challenge to be different from the work you have done for other major UK homebuilders?
It’s been a very collaborative design experience. Artisan had a vision to create a chic urban show home with a distinctly Scandic mood, together with the specific styling that is associated with that. I was more than happy to source interesting pieces to create a stylish show home experience that reflected this exciting yet laid back genre.
What challenges have the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic created for you in your approach to the show home design and delivery?
Working virtually and sharing ideas with Artisan has been very positive. Virtual meetings help to keep the lines of communication open and creative. Logistically, some furniture suppliers who export from abroad will be under pressure at this time with stock levels – so companies will have to find new ways to deliver their product in these difficult times. Everyone is working hard to meet expectations and deadlines.
How do you think the show home launch will set the scene for the post-Covid recovery process for Canonmills Garden?
For all homebuilders, there is no better way to show the world that we are on the road back to normality than launching a new show home. Show homes are an integral part of the sales and marketing process in the industry – and will be now more than ever. Virtual tours are great, but to my mind they are an additional tool. If lockdown has shown us anything, it has been the importance to all of us of simply ‘being at home’. And after lockdown and beyond, as we find a new way of living, home will remain the most important place in the world to us. There is nothing quite like walking through a show home and visualising yourself living there. It’s aspirational and exciting… and we all need a little bit of that, especially right now!
A range of apartments, including the new phase of Sophora homes, is now available at Canonmills Garden with prices starting at £335,000. The show home and marketing suite will be open in mid-July. Find out more at www.canonmillsgarden.com.
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