Blankstone gets a makeover

Blik Interior Design & Architectural Consultancy of Holmfirth, West Yorkshire has recently carried out the refurbishment of Blankstone Opticians in Liverpool.

It was a first optical practice design for Blik, whose director Neville Fuller said that the brief was to give a clean, contemporary feel, yet provide the warmth, security and personal service Blankstone Opticians was known for.

Fuller added that, as the refit was carried out on a limited budget, standard manufactured frame display systems would not be an option. He designed the interior on a bespoke basis using inlaid leather and stained oak. The frames are displayed on stainless steel rods against a back-illuminated Perspex, creating a warm, open feel with over 650 frames on show.

Fuller said that surprisingly, the display system was approximately half the cost of the 'off the peg' fixtures.

Warm, neutral colours were used, with a strong contemporary accent colour used sparingly. The storage cupboards below, together with the display angled counter tops have inlaid leather to give a luxurious aspect when touched.

A combination of a contemporary/traditional feel has been achieved with steel and etched glass juxtaposed with polished solid oak, as in the reception counter (right).

'All of the above combined to answer the brief to the client's and particularly the customer's complete satisfaction. The project has been received with an overwhelmingly positive response,' said Fuller.

The practice was closed from a Monday for just under 10 days, and reopened the following Thursday with the work carried out by contractors CJ Services.
Contact Blik on: 01484 680542.