McCarthy Stone

GRAND DESIGNS

Jacqui Priestley talks to Sara Jacks, Head of Interior Design at McCarthy Stone

What is the individual design style for McCarthy Stone, or do you follow the latest trends? As a design team, we don’t tend to rely on fast-moving seasonal trends, especially with our communal areas, we design with the customer in mind - spaces that are flexible, stylish, comfortable, and designed to last. Trends that are here to stay and have been re-imagined year after year, are where we take inspiration from for our set design schemes. There are certainly aspects of latest trends that we feel comfortable implementing in our interior design projects, and of course our customers are free to take inspiration from wherever they like; and will have existing likes and dislikes when it comes to putting their own stamp on their apartment as you would expect.

Our current designs for the communal spaces are built around three main themes… Coastal: think calm, airy, a breathable space full of cool-toned fabrics and natural textured furniture. Contemporary: a sophisticated scheme, with statement furniture and accessories, geometric patterns, mixed with bronze and antique brass accents. And Country: a vibrant mix of fun and colourful florals, botanical prints, and deep pile velvet upholstery.

When it comes to the homeowners’ individual properties, a McCarthy Stone apartment is like a blank canvas. Each comes with a modern, fitted kitchen and bathroom and open plan layout, normally with built-in appliances, and some with a balcony; but the space can be made as truly unique as the homeowner that lives there.

I have heard the phrase ‘’stylish design meets easy living’’ in connection with your homes, what does this mean? I think we all find comfort in simple pleasures; as a design team we create environments that are low

maintenance yet sophisticated, with furnishings that are consistent in quality for our homeowners to enjoy at their leisure. Our main aim is to give our homeowners that optionality and encourage them to use the communal space as much or as little as they would like but most importantly, in their own way. Creating quiet corners to relax with a book, or read the paper, lounge areas to catch up with a friend or flexible space for movie nights, light exercise classes or dancing.

A new McCarthy Stone development has had planning approved on Reading Road in Wokingham. Will these homes have a particular ‘grand design’? Reflective of the vibrant market town, when thinking about the communal areas for this scheme an interior style will be selected that is most appropriate for the Wokingham area. Future designs are evolving to include modern joinery solutions, ambient lighting and botanical design features, so watch this space! You can follow its progress at www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/wokingham What are the latest interior trends for the Over 65’s, and are retirees these days looking for a more modern and vibrant lifestyle? We recently surveyed over 65s on their interior design tastes and, as many of us know, there is a huge misconception about how this generation decorates their homes. Today’s retirees want top spec home security systems (a must for 50 percent), electric vehicle charging points (44 percent), Alexa (41 percent) and hive heating (29 percent). They also want walk-in wardrobes (54 percent), wet rooms (53 percent), kitchen islands (48 percent), wine fridges (35 percent) and modern art on the walls (19 percent).

What we have learned from our homeowners is that moving to a McCarthy Stone property offers them a blank canvas to inject their personality, focus on their needs, their individual style and how they want to live.

Many achieve their interior style within their apartments by incorporating key pieces to combine different styles from different eras to create a contemporary classic home. Our advice would be to use paired back functional pieces, like a modern media unit or dining table, combined with a timeless antique

display unit or console table, and then adding a splash of colour in artwork or accessories, this can make a space feel more layered and homely.

How do homeowners manage to reflect their own characters, and where can they find inspiring home interior design ideas? Travel, history, magazines, online, homeware shopping. For me it’s about gaining the experiences, not just what things look like but how they feel, smell, sound. Our homeowners’ homes are enriched with their own experiences and collections of personal possessions.

When updating or re-imagining a space, it can be quite a heavy and daunting process with limitless interior styling options. Temptation is always in our way with new products and new trends, but a home doesn’t need to be magazine picture-perfect. I’d say be inspired but stay true to your values and what is important to you.

What is your best tip you would give to someone looking for interior design inspiration? It’s better to fill your home with things you love. Start with items you already have and really love – what is it you love about the item? Is it the colour, pattern, texture? Sometimes it’s about re-imagining the space you already have and layering the space to find a balance between old and new.

Artwork and gallery walls are a great place to start and a great way to inject personality into any room. They needn’t be expensive or precious, but personal to you and your taste.

There are home styling events planned for later this year, including one at Loddon house in Twyford, what does this entail, and will there be future events? We will be hosting a series of interior events at 12 developments across the country to talk about our experience designing interiors for McCarthy Stone, some top room styling advice and an overview of the current services we offer. The aim is for a hands-on afternoon, aimed at retirees who love interior design but would love to have more confidence with colour, pairing patterns, fabrics, and furniture. With an hour-long mood-boarding workshop, it’s a great opportunity to meet likeminded people, and for us to really help current and prospective homeowners find what is their personal interior style.

For more information call 0800 153 3694 or visit mccarthystone.co.uk

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