In 2020, as NHS workers faced extraordinary pressures during the COVID-19 pandemic, interior designer Francesca Rowan-Plowden launched Design Havens for Heroes, a charitable initiative bringing together the interiors industry to give something back to frontline healthcare workers. The idea was simple: create beautifully designed spaces where NHS staff could relax and recharge after demanding shifts, with designers, makers and interiors brands donating their time, expertise and products. Edward Bulmer Natural Paint was delighted to support the initiative, contributing paint to a living room transformation for NHS midwife Vanessa and her daughter Ariella. Bringing the interiors industry together Founded in April 2020, Design Havens for Heroes brought together interior designers, stylists, suppliers, craftspeople and tradespeople, all volunteering their services to help transform the homes of NHS workers. Healthcare workers were nominated for the initiative and, once selected, paired with an interior designer who would lead the transformation of a room in their home. The project brought together an impressive community of supporters, including Colefax & Fowler, Tom Dixon and Sofa.com, alongside many other businesses and individuals from across the interiors industry. For Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, it was a privilege to contribute to a project that recognised the extraordinary work of NHS staff during such a challenging period. A living room transformation in Welmish Blew One of the initiative’s early projects was a living room makeover for midwife Vanessa and her daughter Ariella. Interior designers Fiona Duke and Julia Alexander led the transformation, creating a welcoming space for the family to enjoy together. Welmish Blew was selected from the Edward Bulmer Natural Paint palette, bringing a distinctive blue to the newly decorated room. The colour provided a backdrop for the scheme’s furnishings, lighting and decorative details, helping to bring together the work of the many suppliers who generously contributed to the project. The result was a completely refreshed living room, designed to offer Vanessa and Ariella a comfortable place to spend time together. Living room in Welmish Blew A collaborative effort The transformation was made possible by the generosity of numerous businesses and skilled professionals, each contributing to the finished room. Alongside Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, the project brought together: Interior design: Fiona Duke Interiors and Julia Alexander Interiors Flooring: Carpetright Blinds: Blinds2go Sofa: Sofa.com Furniture, lighting and storage: Wayfair Accessories: Made.com and Neptune Flowers: Freddie’s Flowers Gifts: Skimono Beauty and London Bathers Electrical services: Thunder Electrical Photography: Anna Stathaki Together, their contributions helped turn a simple idea into a meaningful gesture of thanks. Celebrating Design Havens for Heroes Design Havens for Heroes demonstrated what could be achieved when designers, makers and interiors businesses came together for a shared purpose. Founded by Francesca Rowan-Plowden, the initiative also received support from patron Dame Twiggy Lawson and ambassadors from across the creative industries, including Edward Bulmer. We were proud to play a small part in Vanessa and Ariella’s transformation and to support a project recognising the dedication of frontline NHS workers. Discover more about Design Havens for Heroes and explore our natural paint colours for your own decorating projects. Photography: Anna Stathaki. Living room in Welmish Blew
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