Episode 1: Manchester

For our first challenge – we headed to Manchester!! The Vox building situated in Cornbrook. A stone’s throw from popular Deansgate Locks.

Deansgate Locks, Manchester.

The Vox is an impressive new development which features rental apartments aimed at residents who have wellbeing in mind. The building offers high end amenities geared towards living a balanced lifestyle where relaxation is only a few floors away and a stress free life is of the utmost importance.

We were tasked with creating a modern and contemporary apartment. We were allocated into pairs, with one contestant given the bedroom, the other the living space.

I was given the bedroom where I aimed to create a sanctuary, a digital detox zone, where calm prevailed, and texture, comfort and scent let you relax for hours.

I began by making cad plans on Adobe Illustrator – a program I use everyday in my work life – to create plans and layouts for the room. Making cads of the room helps me visualise the final product.

I created a macramé hanging basket print, hand-drawn from scratch, with plants and greenery to evoke a calming atmosphere. I used the print to create wallpaper for the wardrobe area and also fabric for the bespoke padded headboard and bolster cushion for the bed. The colourway of the print fits within with the colour scheme of the room, they are meant to sit together and create harmony rather than clash and vibe.

This first challenge was incredibly fun but also intense! So much was riding on the transformation and I wanted to do myself proud. The images below are of the finished product, which I think was a solid first attempt! There aren’t any images of the office because it’s one that I (and I’m sure Paul too!) would rather forget!

Let me know how you what you thought of my first attempt in the competition! Also, huge shout out to Wayne my carpenter for ironing my sheets! I’m sure i’ll have more for you to do next time!! he he he…