Osborne Heath, Windsor

The brief:

Back in 2021, MPL Interiors worked with Osborne Heath to create an interior design and luxury brand blueprint that could be rolled out as the estate agency expanded. Following the completion of project one in Weybridge, we were recalled to replicate the design in the agency’s new Windsor office, as well as create a number of new spaces in the basement.

Returning was Osborne Heath’s blue and gold corporate identity, which was originally created to reflect the discerning clientele living in the St George’s Hill environs and what is the traditional Home Counties stockbroker belt. Two years after its creation, the blueprint remained fresh, relevant and ready to be rolled out as another office design.

Our approach

MPL Interiors was charged with turning a former two-floor hair salon into a modern luxe estate agency branch. We had to balance maintaining the distinctive Osborne Heath brand with the covenants of a conservation area.

Our remit encompassed a thorough on-site strip out, the reconfiguration of data, power, light and heating supplies, space replanning, exterior renovations, and the supply and fit of all new furniture and floor coverings.

Achieving brand consistency

The key element that upholds that Osborne Heath brand identity is a modern homage to Art Deco. Once again, geometric patterns ground the aesthetic – most prominently seen in the blue and gold wallpaper, but also more subtly in the grey and white wallpaper.

The predominant wallpaper is also how hints of gold are introduced to the office. As well as the gold stripes, there is a gold wire frame light pendant, a gold framed coffee table and gold details on the wall-mounted hanging planters.

The brand’s blue was used as a perfect pairing with gold, conjuring up the decadent richness that the client desired. MPL chose a striking almost cobalt blue for a pair of velvet, button-back sofas that form the main part of the customer waiting area. A more muted steel blue has been used in the wallpaper, inset rug and the office chairs.

The Osborne Heath blueprint also allowed us to add extra detail to the premises with timber slats, more modern light pendants over the staff desks and a mid-century-inspired sideboard.

Bespoke space planning

While the ground floor has been kept as one open plan space, divided into distinct zones with a careful specification of furniture, wallcoverings and lighting, the basement level needed more work. The MPL team were requested to carve a boardroom, a private meeting room, kitchen, break out area and storage from one space. We used a combination of full-height glass and stud partition walls, with an emphasis on lighting to keep the basement bright.

Conserving the street scene

The Osborne Heath office in Windsor is just one of many where our designs have had to take local restrictions into account. Here our exterior work was informed by an address on the border of the Trinity Place & Clarence Crescent Conservation Area and Inner Windsor Conservation Area. As such, there is no external lighting.

Instead, there are individually stud mounted letters applied to the fascia, a non-illuminated projecting sign and an approved blue paint to the masonry. MPL overcame the lack of external illumination with the installation of four A2-sized digital screens. These are mounted and powered internally but provide Osborne Heath with illuminated, eye-catching displays that don’t fall foul of restrictions.

Additional elements:

MPL’s work at this Windsor site also included redecoration throughout, the supply of furniture, desks and storage, and new floor coverings across both levels.