Reliability, robustness, versatility and aesthetics all play a role in the complicated business of designing environments for older and vulnerable people - even down to the hinges and drawer runners
Kingsley Healthcare's King’s Court is a new-build care home in Holt, Norfolk.
The interiors were specified by HomeSmiths, a specialist in care home and retirement living run by design expert Jacqui Smith and her husband and business partner David, a cabinet maker.
The duo’s remit included selecting the finishes, soft furnishings, art and accessories, plus designing bespoke furniture for the home’s main lounges, hair salon and library. For these pieces, David Smith specified hinges and drawer runners from Austrian manufacturer Blum – commissioning Adam White of John F White Cabinet Makers to bring his designs to life.
Blum: the beauty of adjustability
'A piece of furniture is only as good as the fittings you use,' explains White. 'And Blum offers a great product at a fair price with superb levels of adjustability. It really is a case of "fit and forget" because, unlike other manufacturers, once you set a Blum hinge, it stays put.'
For White, this last point is key as many care homes are based in older properties where floors and walls are rarely true. However, Blum fittings can be tweaked so these variances won’t affect the furniture’s functionality and performance.
Robust and versatile: meeting the needs of all users
The furniture at King’s Court had to meet the different requirements of residents and staff. 'In a care environment the demand on furniture is greater than in a domestic setting,' explains Jacqui Smith.
'Load bearing, long-term durability and hygiene must all be considered. Plus, drawers may need to be hidden to prevent residents accessing them. At HomeSmiths, we've found Blum products meet these needs brilliantly.'
Ensuring a warm, welcoming environment
Alongside functionality, Smith stresses the importance of aesthetics in care homes. 'They need to look and feel homely,' she says. 'You need to create an environment that is warm, welcoming and relatable – not just for staff and residents, but for loved ones too.'
The bespoke furniture at King’s Court represents a substantial investment by the care home operator. It gives the home a premium feel, which improves the daily lives of residents and reassures families that they’ve made the right choice for their relatives.
Overall, in the case of King’s Court Blum products have had a positive impact on all stakeholders and demonstrate the company's commitment to creating innovative and reliable solutions that help enhance quality of life and make the world better for everyone.
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For more information, contact:
01908 285700
technical.uk@blum.com