Secrets from an interior designer

Cinematic Filmmaking for Berkeley Group’s Swan Showhome at Eden Grove

As part of Berkeley Group’s ongoing marketing initiatives, in collaboration with Wonderly, I was tasked with creating a cinematic film that showcases the interior design process of Sally from Abode. The goal was to visually represent how an established interior designer approaches designing a home, using The Swan showhome at Eden Grove, Staines upon Thames, as the focal point.

In this video, Sally walks viewers through her design ideas and inspirations for creating a unique, stylish home. She emphasizes starting with a styling board to gather design ideas—perhaps from sources like Pinterest—and gradually building upon them with wall colors, furniture placement, and distinctive decorative pieces. The film highlights Sally’s design philosophy, with a particular focus on the shift from whites and greys to soft pastel tones like blush pinks and muted greens, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. She further demonstrates how to use mid-tones in furniture and upholstery to add strength and depth to a space.

The design features in the showhome, such as the use of painted half walls and curved elements inspired by the nearby Thames, were brought to life through cinematic techniques. Sally also emphasizes the importance of continuity throughout the home, suggesting that design themes, such as lighting choices and wallpaper selections, should flow from room to room. Notable highlights include the striking Gucci wallpaper in the hallway and the soft, understated wallpaper in the bedroom, both of which help to establish focal points within the space. Sally also encourages homeowners to connect their designs with their local surroundings, suggesting the inclusion of local artists’ works and vintage finds, such as mounted plates, to add personality and charm.

For this project, I employed a range of cinematic filmmaking techniques to elevate the storytelling and bring Sally’s design vision to life. Utilizing slow-motion shots, sliders, and gimbals, I was able to capture smooth, dynamic visuals that added a polished, professional quality to the video. These techniques were particularly effective in highlighting the intricate design details, allowing for seamless transitions between spaces and creating a fluid narrative that guides the viewer through the home.

The result was a visually captivating film that not only showcased the interior design expertise of Sally from Abode but also demonstrated how cinematic techniques can enhance the storytelling in design-focused marketing content. The final film not only met Berkeley Group’s objectives but also provided a compelling visual experience that perfectly complemented the beauty and elegance of The Swan showhome at Eden Grove.