Style and design were the focus at Balshaw Court, a Retirement Living Plus development in Leyland where retirees who love interior design were treated to a style demonstration and mood-boarding workshop from McCarthy Stone’s team of expert Interior Designers.

From decorating and furnishing, to choosing artwork and accessories, the designers were on hand to show guests the best ways to create a tailor-made interior truly unique to them.

Interior Designers Sara Jacks, Debbie Loveday and Tracey Wheatley shared their wealth of knowledge on interior design with retired guests offering advice and answering style woes, as well as sharing their tips on how to create a home that truly reflects your individuality.

Sara Jacks, Head of Interior Design at McCarthy Stone comments: “Our in-house Interior Design team are responsible for the look and feel of every development, including our beautiful communal lounges. Life at McCarthy Stone is reflected in the interior design. We bring a sense of togetherness and empowerment by creating multi-faceted spaces that people love living in.

“We always design with the customer in mind aiming to enrich people’s lives. We are not quick to follow fast-moving trends. When I think of a design at McCarthy Stone developments I think of comfort, style and relaxation.”

SARA’S 3 TOP PIECES OF ROOM STYLING ADVICE

 

1)      Using Colour

Get the ratio right – the dominant colour should cover approximately 60% of the room and the secondary colour around 30%. Accent colours should make up the final 10%.

Accent colours – introduce an accent colour through items such as cushions, throws, feature painted wall, artwork or accessories.

Don’t over-do it – use in small quantities around the room to prevent an overkill of colour and to draw your eyes around the room. To go subtle, select an accent colour that is in the same colour family as the predominant wall colour i.e. a few shades lighter or darker.

For a bold look – choose a complimentary colour from the opposite side of the colour wheel.

2)      Create a Great Layout

Choose a focal point – for each room i.e. a fireplace or television to arrange your furniture around.

Find a balance – don’t group similar-sized furniture together as it will make a room appear lopsided. Use a variety of shapes i.e. a round coffee table with a straight-edge sofa.

Create a clear path – so people can walk through the room easily.

Carefully check measurements – to ensure furniture will fit. Sketching your furniture onto a floorplan helps.

3)      Lighting

Use a mix of overhead lighting, floor lamps and table lamps for ambience. This can also help to create a different feel to your rooms at different points in the day. A table or floor lamp can also provide a colour accent or accessory to a room.

Fiona Brooks, Divisional Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy Stone said: “We know from our own research* that todays over 65s are favouring stylish home environments they can tailor to their modern and vibrant lifestyles, with many saying that they have more self-confidence in their style now than ever before.

“They don’t want to follow the crowd they want to put their own stamp on things but sometimes we all need a little help on where to start. This is why these events are such a great idea for people to get inspired and think about all the ways they can turn their blank canvas into their very own haven.”

McCarthy Stone is currently running an exclusive offer. Anyone who reserves an apartment by 31st July 2022 could be in with a chance of winning their own £20,000 home makeover* with the help of the John Lewis Home Design team, whilst anyone who reserves a property before 31st July 2022 will also receive a £500 John Lewis gift card to spend on whatever they like*. *Terms and conditions apply.

Exclusively for the over 70s, Balshaw Court has been designed with ease of living in mind so homeowners can choose their own pace of life, while knowing there’s always someone to share a coffee or a glass of wine with, whether in the stylish communal lounge or the manicured gardens. There is also an on-site Bistro style restaurant serving daily, freshly prepared meals.

Each individual one or two bedroom apartment at Balshaw Court is beautifully designed to meet homeowners’ needs, featuring spacious, open plan living areas and high specification kitchens and bathrooms, with many also boasting their own balcony.

Balshaw Court features a hotel-style lobby and guest suite for when family or friends come to stay, as well as a 24-hour staffing and camera entry system for added peace-of-mind. Flexible care packages can be tailored to homeowners needs and preferences and there is a private car park. Prices currently start from £190,499 for a one-bedroom apartment and £263,499 for a two-bedroom apartment. Flexible rental and part buy part rent options are also available.

To find out more about Balshaw Court, please call 0800 201 4811 or visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/retirement-properties-for-sale/balshaw-court-leyland/

*Prospectus Global on behalf of McCarthy Stone – study of 1,500 over-60s, April 2022