Gibson Honey, Ruislip

The brief:

Returning client and independent estate agent, Gibson Honey, asked MPL Interiors to design its new branch in Ruislip. The client wanted the aesthetic to be quirky and urban, with a different spin on the traditional client waiting area. We were also asked to create a private meeting room towards the rear of the open plan space.

Our approach

Our designers started by dividing the space into three distinct areas, using space planning techniques, floor coverings and furniture to distinguish each zone.

Raising the bar

The front of house is where we could really differentiate the customer journey. Although there are more traditional elements, such as sofas and a coffee table, our focus became the centrepiece bar. This bespoke item of furniture was specified in a concrete-effect laminate to set the urban tone. With bar stools, a high ledge and an integrated iPad holder, it provides the ideal place for clients to browse properties while they wait for their appointment. Behind the bar is a Quooker boiling water tap, a drinks fridge, storage and an integrated bin so staff can make drinks.

Utilising urban elements

The urban aesthetic is rooted in exposed brick and for this project, we specified Dreamwall panels to mimic classic red brick stock. Complementing the look are a pair of industrial ceiling light pendants, with exposed bulbs and black flex unusually wrapped around a wooden baton, and a herringbone pattern luxury vinyl floor covering to the front of the branch.

Our work for Gibson Honey illustrates how a company’s corporate colours can be adapted to suit a themed interior. The bright blue and primary red seen in the exterior signage has taken on more muted tones to fit in with the urban brief. Wooden slats wall features and one wall in the private meeting room have been painted a petrol blue, while the bar stools are more of an oxblood red. There are, however, nods to the original colour palette with the inclusion of cobalt blue occasional chairs and red front doors in the street scene mural.

Inside the box

The new private meeting room has been crafted from the original space, with a Crittall style glass partition providing new access. Privacy and a degree of soundproofing has been provided by the inclusion of a full height and width curtain, while the lighting has been made into a feature by running the cable trunking up the wall and across the ceiling.

Additional elements

As well as the brick panels, wooden slats and digital wallpaper mural, this branch’s walls have been given character by a central wall logo. Built up, stainless steel letters glow blue thanks to halo illumination and serves to draw attention to the central bar. There’s also an internally-illuminated stretched canvas box, printed with company information, and a wall mounted TV screen.