Zoe Napier, Malden

The brief:

Unhappy with its current arrangement of space and interior design, estate agent Zoe Napier approached MPL to help execute a brand change and full office refurbishment. As an estate agent that specialises in equestrian, countryside, coastal and waterside properties, the team wanted its branch overlooking the River Chelmer in Essex to accurately reflect its target demographic. In the process, MPL was to create a more palatial and comfortable office for its property professionals.

Our approach:

This project saw us work closely with Lesley Wilson, creative and brand specialist at W3 Design. A bold new vision was proposed and for this to be executed, Zoe Napier’s existing office needed a complete strip out. With the two floors back to square one, our first fix work could begin.

MPL’s remit included new ceilings, internal doors and joinery, new electrics for power and data distribution, and new lighting. The office space also needed complete redecoration and Farrow & Ball paint was specified to appeal to a clientele who know their Railings from their Elephant’s Breath.

Tactile and in tune

Lesley Wilson’s dressing vision was heavily influenced by the agent’s slogan ‘reassuringly unique’. In a stark departure from other estate agents, this office was lavished with personality – horse memorabilia, paintings of dogs, tweed, gilded touches, faux sheepskin, cowhide and distressed leather. MPL Interiors dialled into the theme by installing a rope-feature staircase and sisal carpet (in addition to Karndean) in homage to the office’s waterside location.

Adding atmosphere

Zoe Napier’s private office demonstrates that serious business and design style can go hand-in-hand. MPL installed period-style panelling and created a faux fireplace that when combined with the eclectic accessories, is evocative of a country house reading room.

Bespoke to be unique

Our contributions to the ‘reassuringly unique’ brand centred on bespoke furniture additions. A new refreshment unit was designed to fit the exact space to the side of the stairs, incorporating a drinks cooler for those all-important bottles of fizz. MPL also fitted tailor-made banquette seating to the first floor space and fitted partitioning to create a small ‘nook’ that has become a real snapshot of the Zoe Napier brand – countryside pursuits, rural affairs and the finer things in life.

Additional elements

Our behind the scenes work included a new kitchen, new cloakroom facilities, new storage, and the supply and install of new desks, seating and a new meeting table with complementary chairs.