Edinburgh Aesthetic: A Rich Canvas For Architects And Interior Designers To Add To

When venturing within the sweeping terraces and meandering wynds of Edinburgh, it is impossible to avoid a sense of excitement for the city's architectural wonder. The cityscape is a feast for the eyes, from its historic tenements to the imposing Edinburgh Castle, overseeing the city from a lofty volcanic rock perch. Spectacular stonework is accentuated thanks to the city's dramatically undulating landscape. Remnants of Edinburgh's timeline can be found all around you, from Medieval gems in Old Town to the exquisite example of Georgian city planning in New Town, juxtaposed with ultra-modern statements such as the both celebrated and controversial Scottish Parliament Building.


For architects and interior designers set the challenge of contributing to this extraordinary city, inspiration is everywhere. But, when adding to the aesthetic created by the city's cobbled streets, regal green areas, tucked away courtyards, and bold gestures of grandeur, which home design elements will best honour the city? In truth, it is Edinburgh's inclination for innovation that has allowed it to develop such visual richness. After all, the city's 16th century tenements were considered the world's first high rise buildings! With that in mind, our good fortune in being able to venture in to some of Edinburgh's most beautiful homes has illuminated several common master strokes. With these elements captured, the aesthetic you build upon them can be as historically true or experimentally playful as you wish – the city will certainly allow it!


A Mastery Of Letting In The Light
Within a city not renowned for the finest of weather conditions, inviting natural light to stream into homes is something that Edinburgh interiors boast impressively. From the beautifully crafted sash and case windows to be found in Edinburgh's Georgian homes, to the expansive large-pained bay windows of the city's iconic Victorian tenement houses, natural illumination is a striking feature, often accentuated by high ceilings, and the architectural use of arches. This tradition may be attributed to the unusual way that social classes used to share the same urban spaces within the city.


Before the construction of New Town in the latter half of the 18th century, it was frequently floor, rather than neighbourhood, that denoted class. Tradespeople tended to occupy the basements and lower floors of Edinburgh properties, while wealthier classes enjoyed the light that bathed the higher stories above. Whether renovating a historic Edinburgh home, or designing a modern construction from the ground up, doing justice to the light is a fitting tribute to the city's light embracing aesthetic.

Edinburgh's Spectacular Hard Wood Floors
Of course, within the revered homes of Edinburgh's Old and New Towns, the finest examples of hardwood flooring await discovery and enjoyment. When absorbing such interiors, it is easy to understand why UNESCO listed both areas as world heritage sites in 1995. In fact, there are almost 5,000 listed buildings within the city, which is a higher proportion than can be found within any other city in the UK. The wood flooring Edinburgh showcases includes sweeping plank floors, polished by years of use, and delicate parquetry – the perfect complement to refined Georgian interiors. We cannot imagine a better accompaniment to the pink sandstone turrets of baronial style Marchmont tenements than the richly hued and warming visuals of the wood flooring Scotland loves so dearly. Whatever the design era of your own project, hardwood flooring adds an element of finesse that meets Edinburgh's majesty with style.


The Art Of Homely Detail
Unsurprisingly, Edinburgh's cultural history is just as decorated as its architectural history. Indeed, in the second half of the 18th century, the city was considered the heart of the Scottish Enlightenment, during which time it earned the nickname Athens Of The North. Inspired by pioneering resident thinkers of the time, such as economist Adam Smith, physicist Joseph Black, and philosopher David Hume, there is a calling to be adventurous when it comes to interiors. The city's infamous book trade lends perfectly to justification of decadent floor to ceiling book shelves – especially for the household of history buffs or philosophical explorers. The city's elegant exteriors are often met with interior intricacies, such as opulent moulding, and fine furnishing to complement those stunning hardwood floors.


Energy In Edinburgh's Bold Interiors
Perhaps again in response to the often lacklustre weather outdoors – and no doubt the city's charged spirit too – bold colour choices are often embraced within Edinburgh's walls. Whether within a glorious gilt-laden interior in New Town, or a rebellious 1960s Basil Spence architectural treasure, there is no need to shy away from bold visual styling in this city. A fearlessness of expression may be equally attributed to the way that the city has not shied away from incorporating striking modern design, creating an entirely unique and spectacularly diverse cityscape, that is quite like any other. Of course, strong hues are no more obligatory than a dram of whisky when calling Edinburgh home, but the option to indulge is always available!


Here at Unique Bespoke Wood, realising your interior design vision is where our passion lies. As a proud Edinburgh wood flooring company, we take great pleasure in honouring the exquisite aesthetic of the city that hums around us – as well as our part to play in its future evolution! If you would like to explore hardwood flooring options for your interior, from the highest calibre of engineered wood flooring solutions, to history-revering and luxurious hand finished parquetry, our team are always ready to advise. Contact us today for more information.