In early 2023 we were approached by the Arts Commission to help decorate the new offices of Action for Children. Initially they had only asked for help with one specific room but once we had seen the space, we knew that we could do so much more to help this charity. Many of the rooms would be used as therapy rooms or spaces where very emotional meetings and conversations would happen so we knew that employing principles from trauma informed design would be essential.
Over the next couple of months we worked to find affordable or second-hand furniture to use in these spaces. Starting in the reception, we have used an uplifting and welcoming colour scheme of yellow and pale blue. The space is designed to have multiple seating areas with options to sit alone or in groups. The opportunity for small decisions such as where you’d like to sit is an essential element of trauma informed design as it helps people feel more in control and relaxed in the space. The one-on-one therapy rooms are both designed with wallpapers displaying natural scenery in subtle relaxing colours. Incorporating natural imagery as a central element of design, helps connect those using the space to the outside world which has been proven to improve mood and mental health.
The final two rooms are for larger groups of people to meet and spend time in. The family room is designed to be a meeting space that feels comfortable and welcoming. As groups of families and counsellors meet here to discuss sensitive topics it was very important that it didn’t feel like a cold, sterile board room. The use of a large central rug and relaxing armchairs allows for a sense of community and strong communication. Similarly, the social space (used for drop-in clubs through the week) needed lots of seating, storage, and desk space. The brief for this room was uplifting and energetic. Digital artist Meg Marrett was commissioned to create custom prints for this room that incorporated the central colour scheme of hot pink, blue and green which perfectly matched the furniture and accessories used to dress the room.
We are so happy to have been able to help Action for Children with this project and hope that this space proves to be a valuable and useful asset to help with the amazing work they do caring for young people in the community.
“I couldn’t be any more grateful for the support of Clermont Interiors to our charity. The spaces they have helped to create for us are not only beautiful but their thought and research into their design work means they have also created spaces that make a real difference to the lives of our service users!” - Aaron Davies – Service Manager – Action for Children
