The days of beige and neutral interiors are over, according to leading interior design firm, Vesta Interior Design, who have noticed a shift in demand for contemporary and accessible interiors across new developments.
Young professionals, first time buyers and millennials seeking a new London apartment are drawn to a new and ‘edgy’ design style when selecting their home, according to Chris, Dale, Managing Director of Vesta Interior Design. Chris notes that this is particularly true in areas such as Stratford, which since the 2012 Olympics has attracted a vast number of trendy young buyers and is seen as an urban hot spot on the rise for people more creative than city workers who tend to live in Canary Wharf or Greenwich.
As a result, the style and design of new developments in London has adapted with the perfect example being Bellway’s new Legacy Wharf development in Stratford. Interior Designed by Vesta Interior Design, the recently completed show home at Legacy Wharf, appeals to the younger first time buyer generation. More ‘edgy’ in its style, Legacy Wharf is not your usual show home, with no beige or neutral palettes in site, appealing to the creative side of potential buyers.
The exterior is unlike your usual development, with an exposed brick façade and clean lines creating a modern aesthetic. Vesta Interior Design were briefed to create something that continued on this contemporary theme and that enabled it to stand out among other show homes.
Chris Dale, Managing Director of Vesta Interior Design, comments: “Legacy Wharf was an exciting project for us because the brief was different from the norm and allowed us to be bold in our choices. It appealed very much to our love of colour, bold prints and luxury touches. Appealing to first time buyers, particularly in up and coming regeneration areas like Stratford, requires a good level of creativity, ensuring that there is a balance between classy and accessible, whilst also being on trend and fun.”
Chris adds: “Drawing from those influences, we mixed industrial influenced finishes such as the fabrics on the beds and artwork design with timeless inspired key pieces such as the beds and armchair. This combination of classic designs with modern patterns was the perfect eclectic mix to attract the new generation of buyers who are both diverse but also appreciate the finer things.”
Incorporating industrial touches enabled the show home to fit seamlessly into its urban surroundings. A marble topped dining table, dressed with black and gold place settings is a bold statement, and is surrounded by plush deep green velvet chairs. Blush pink touches add a pop of colour to the striking arrangement.
Chris adds: “The combination of deep green and blush pink is very much on trend at the moment and we think they work stunningly together. The green is a theme throughout the showhome, coming out in the artwork, furnishings and we even painted a bold green stripe down the wall of the living area. Gold touches are a must have in any home, they never date and add a real touch of class to any space.”
Central to this project was accessibility, so items have been sourced from suppliers which are affordable and easy to find for the end user, creating a style which is replicable should they wish. This is also an excellent way to ensure viewers walk in and can picture themselves in situ.
Vesta has also been working on a number of other schemes aimed at first time buyers; Chris adds: “We have definitely seen a trend among developers who want to provide something a bit different, which appeals to a younger and more style conscious demographic in up and coming locations. We’re working in areas such as Acton, which neighbour more expensive locations like Ealing, to deliver show apartments suitable for this buyer group.”
“We work closely with developers to create spaces which combine aspirational living with practicality and luxury. We think it’s really important to design a space which is user friendly but also obtainable. Our in-depth knowledge of the property market and understanding of the end user, is key and this is reflected in the new show home at Legacy Wharf. Developers are getting innovative and creative with their design style. Grey and beige has had its day and colour is back in.”
About Legacy Wharf
Legacy Wharf comprises one, two and three bedroom contemporary apartments in Stratford, an area of East London that has undergone significant regeneration in recent years.
Appealing to young buyers and commuters, each apartment embraces modern design features such as open-plan living areas, integrated kitchen appliances and en suite shower rooms, all with balconies. The development also offers landscaped podium gardens, a gym and a concierge service.
For professionals working in the capital, public transport links are excellent with national rail, Docklands Light Railway and London Underground services within walking distance of these new homes in
Stratford, as well as a network of local bus routes into central London. Major roads easily accessible from Legacy Wharf include the A11, the A12 and the A13, while for domestic and international air travel, City Airport is five miles away via the A12. Crossrail services through central London are also due to stop at Stratford Station from late 2019.
Stratford has continued to grow in popularity since it hosted the 2012 Olympics. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and its facilities – the London Aquatics Centre, the Lea Valley VeloPark, the London Stadium, the Copper Box Arena (gym and sports hall), and the Lea Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre – are all popular sports venues. In addition to the Olympic park, residents are just a 20-minute walk from one of London’s oldest public spaces, Victoria Park. The area has also seen an increase in entertainment and leisure destinations, with independent bars, cafés and restaurants throughout the area, as well as popular cultural venues, such as the Theatre Royal Stratford East, Roof East – a cinema on top of a multi-storey car park – and Stratford Circus Arts Centre.
For further information about Vesta Interior Design, please contact 0800 135 7888 or visit: www.vesta-london.co.uk