Known for its luxury kitchens and bathrooms created with high-end products from premium brands, Gloucestershire company Obsidian Interiors has long prided itself on the 'spectacular' look and feel of its two showrooms in Cheltenham and Bourton on the Water.
Though it has had many upgrades over the years, Obsidian — part of local firm George Bence & Sons — decided the time had come for a 'complete gutting' of its Cheltenham showroom in 2024, with a view to transforming the space with bold and modern designs that could compete with 'the best showrooms across England'.
The business turned to one of its customers, Cheltenham-based Root Construction, to take on the £500,000 project, due to its experience working with its designers and materials in situ — and its reputation for high-end shop fits.
The result is a 'lavish' showroom featuring showstopping displays of its kitchens and bathrooms, where customers can gain inspiration and work with its team of award-winning designers. SoGlos sits down with Root to find out how it collaborated with the Obsidian team to deliver the 'extra special' finished product.
Tell us a bit about how you got started on this project.
We were approached by Paul Bence (managing director of George Bence & Sons) and Alison Evans to fit out the Obsidian Interiors showroom at Fairview Street in Cheltenham.
Having built a relationship with Paul through his building merchants business — and with the Obsidian design team through our project work — they knew that Root would provide the quality and expertise needed to turn Alison’s vision into a reality.
The showroom had last had a major build around 25 years ago and although it had had some updates over the years, it was in need of a major overhaul. The challenge for Root was to produce a high-end, lavish feel, while maintaining a sensible budget.
Not only do the luxury products need to be displayed but the quality of the install needs to feel excellent too. Our expert craftspeople worked with Alison to create a space that not only showcases the latest designs, but leads you into a world of bold, rich textures.
What was Obsidian hoping to achieve with the showroom refurbishment?
Alison is a well-respected designer and Obsidian Interiors specialises in luxury brands. They wanted a showroom that reflects the wonderful brands on display. Producing a high-end quality finish on this scale is something that Root is used to.
Having worked on several quality commercial fit-outs and high-end residential homes, Alison was sure that Root would give the desired attention to detail and help produce a spectacular setting to showcase the wonderful showroom.
How did you realise the client’s vision?
The biggest decision was to strip everything back to a bare shell and start again. While the original showroom had serviced a purpose, it was time to start with a blank canvas so that a bold and modern statement could emerge.
What was the most challenging aspect of the project?
The most challenging aspect of the project was working inside a live business and keeping all of the components moving around the project. Bence and Obsidian were very accommodating in helping us set up our site compound area and working around us.
We made a great team and the proof is in the outcome. We are very proud to have been invited to do the project and with the finish.
What were the most enjoyable and rewarding elements?
The most enjoyable element was getting to work again with these wonderful designers and being tasked with realising their spectacular visions and designs.
The most rewarding is seeing the finished product and knowing that our team has worked hard to create this extra special space in Cheltenham to inspire and excite people.
