Osborne Heath, Weybridge

The brief:

Osborne Heath’s long-term plan was to establish itself as a high-end estate agency in Weybridge so when a former hairdressing salon became vacant on the town’s High Street, the Directors didn’t hesitate in securing the lease. This business objective heavily influenced our interior design, with a request to take inspiration from the mansions of nearby St George’s Hill Estate and inject a sense of opulence into the new office.

Our approach:

Gifted with a complete shell of a premises, MPL’s initial work focused on first fix (new provision of data/power/light/heating/cooling) and space planning. We created four distinct zones, working from front to back, comprising a public-facing reception, a sales/lettings/property management area, a more private back office and communal facilities. Phase two involved new external signage, window displays and internal interior design.

On show

The choice of interior design for the reception area was of critical importance due to the all-glass façade. With the design visible on a 24/7 basis and the brief requesting the design resonate with high-end home owners, every detail was considered. Art Deco elements feature predominantly, with geometric shapes, gold accents and velvet textures, which are in tune with current residential interior design trends.

Bringing luxe to a box

One of the downsides of a blank canvas is a lack of detail, so MPL installed new picture and dado rails to echo a residential setting, as well as install feature ceiling bulkheads that are highlighted by LED lights. Other touches include wall-mounted decorative planters, luxury parquet vinyl flooring and feature pendant lights.

Moving with the times: digital displays

We specified eight digital high bright screens mounted in illuminated acrylic to enable Osborne Heath to play its property videos – the new king of digital marketing tools – as well as sync with its online listings to show available properties. These stunning display units are complemented by individually halo-lit letters and a logo on the fascia, and modest window decals to keep the shop front uncluttered.

Additional elements:

We used a half timber slat, half glass partition to screen off the reception area from the staff quarters. A semi-opaque map decal was applied to the top to personalise the office to Weybridge and give a hint of privacy. MPL also specified a number of office storage solutions, provided all new office furniture, installed a wall-mounted LCD in the reception, and fitted and new kitchen and cloakroom facilities.