Kate Rowe, co-founder at Spaceworks Interiors, reflects on a successful project with British furniture maker ercol, sharing an insight into its showroom refurbishment.
The last time we caught up with Spaceworks Interiors they were busy celebrating their five-year anniversary. Almost a year later, the company has continued to grow and has completed a number of exciting projects. One such example, and the focus of this catch-up feature, is their role in the refurbishment of British furniture manufacturer ercol’s showroom in Princes Risborough.
To set the scene, ercol needed a complete overhaul after its showroom was flooded during 2023. Spaceworks were tasked with implementing a specific design provided by the business, which included a number of room sets.
“The ercol design team provided us with the 3D-coloured model and plan for us to breakdown and price against,” Kate Rowe, co-founder at Spaceworks Interiors, said. “A survey of the space was made to review practical aspects of delivery, installation and storage of materials – elements that alongside the physical pieces to be installed, are such important checks to run in our project management capabilities and fit out knowledge to ensure a smooth and snag free delivery.
“We produced technical drawings for sign off prior to manufacture, while their team had approved previous manufacture in factory with the prototyping process. It was a great experience and project to get involved with.”
As highlighted, the showroom fit out included the manufacture and installation of over 10 room sets, as well as including the decorations to walls, wall papering and flex faced lightboxes to some of them. The project was turnaround in efficient time too. It took just one week, after the new floor had been laid by local contractors prior to Spaceworks starting.
“The oak frameworks that provide the structure to the room sets for each of the collections were developed by us before the showroom fit out,” Kate revealed. “Having produced a full working prototype in their factory for the creative team to review, these have also been rolled out to independent furniture retailers across the UK as part of ercol’s Club Studio programme.
“The internals are designed to be flexible, while also allowing to be updated according to range changes and updates in décor and styling. The internal panels can be painted or wall papered, or even changed for lightboxes for graphic communication or a slatted oak insert.”
Kate added that they even produced a dedicated area for L.Ercolani – the prestigious international design led collection that brings together pieces created by leading world furniture designers and architects.
“Here the oak of the ercol area has been replaced with a deep walnut finish and clean neutral carpets and wall curtains to complement the minimal aesthetic as well as the pure elemental beauty of the wood of these pieces. It really looks stunning.
“I think the showroom speaks for itself. Not only does it look fantastic at displaying products in different room sets, the whole project went smoothly and we’re all really pleased with the final outcome. It’s certainly worth a visit.”
Spaceworks Interiors are specialists in showroom and retail store fit outs in the furnishing industry. They have also worked with brands such as Woods – Dorchester; Barbours – Dumfries; and Gillies – Broughty Ferry, to name but a few in the furniture space. “If your showroom or store needs a fresh update, get in touch and let’s see what our collaboration can bring,” Kate added.
