Red v Blue

Being asked if you’re red or blue is a common question in Manchester – but normally in reference to which football team you support, rather than your preference in interior design.

Hannah’s Red v Blue Roomset was showcased at Intu Trafford Centre from 1st – 18th May 2014

To celebrate The Ideal Home Show coming to the North West for the first time in June 2014,intu Trafford Centre hosted a red vs. blue room battle across its mall – with shoppers being asked to show their true colours in a public vote.

Inspired by the city’s most well-known rivalry, we created two distinct room sets, each with their own unique personality. Situated at Upper Peel Circle (outside H&M and Boots) until 18 May, where shoppers could vote for the set – or the team – they prefer via twitter or onsite.

The winning room design with the most votes – whether red or blue – was then recreated in full at The Ideal Home Show at EventCity from 6 to 8 June 2014.

With a crisp white backdrop, the Natuzzi red leather corner group sofa is the main feature of this room. Inspired by Manchester United’s international fan base, the red set is all glamour. Imagine a young professional couple coming home after a night in Deansgate bars, kicking off her sparkly heels whilst he pours a glass of whisky from a decanter. We used expensive-looking mirrored furniture with a gorgeous solid marble-top coffee table, leaner mirror and stadium-style floor lamp to create a feeling of wealth and lifestyle-living. Although a monochrome backdrop, the red is seen in the leather sofa and framed iconic images of Manchester United and Manchester architecture in the simple picture grid, complete with UTD mugs for that finishing contemporary touch.

As a direct contrast, the blue set was designed with a family in mind, living in urban Manchester and combining open plan living and dining with children’s play space. With a backdrop of Manchester City pale blue and rustic brickwork, we dressed this room with a comfy grey sofa heaped with various cushions and a dining space with funky gel chairs for casual family meals. Outdoor furniture and a mini children’s football stool provide additional seating, whilst a giant floor rug allows plenty of space for children’s games. Dressed with a chalkboard calendar to mark football training and school runs, framed photographic letter art (spelling CITY for visitors with an eye for detail) and miniature football boots, this family have a sport’s orientated schedule and enjoy living in the heart of Manchester – complete with ‘Mancunian’ mosaic art for the very talented Manchester-based artist Amanda McCrann.

So, which do you prefer?

With huge thanks to Intu Trafford Centre and their helpful interior retailers.