In November 2024 we partnered with De Montfort University (DMU) and their Interior Design students to produce design proposals to refurbish one of our recently purchased student houses on Queens Road in Leicester.
A Unique Learning Experience
The project began with a tour of the Queens Road student home, where students got a hands-on opportunity to explore the space. Armed with tape measures and cameras, they took detailed notes and photos, ensuring they captured every aspect of the property.
Their mission? To redesign the space into a functional, comfortable, and stylish student home. The brief required them to create innovative designs for the bedrooms, kitchen, living room, and bathroom, while keeping durability and practicality in mind—important features in any student property.
The Design Challenge
The students faced the challenge of making the most of each room’s space while meeting specific requirements. For example:
- Bedrooms needed to include study areas with desks, book storage, and comfortable chairs, alongside a bed and drawers.
- The kitchen had to incorporate dining facilities and ample storage, while also housing essential appliances.
- The living room was to be a cozy retreat, complete with seating and a mounted TV.
Bringing Ideas to Life
Over the course of a week, students brainstormed, sketched, and refined their ideas. From mood boards to spatial layouts, every detail was thoughtfully planned. They balanced creativity with practicality, selecting durable materials and timeless designs to ensure the house could withstand the hustle and bustle of student life.
Presentation Day
On November 25th, the students presented their designs to the Sulets team. Each group showcased their vision for the house, using sketches, mood boards, and materials to communicate their ideas. It was inspiring to see their innovative solutions and attention to detail.
The Sulets team selected a winning group from the presentations who received £500 in cash, with the runners up receiving £100.
A Celebration of Talent
This project not only gave students a chance to apply their design skills to a real-world challenge but also underscored the importance of collaboration and creativity between Sulets and DMU. Sulets is proud to have provided this platform for DMU students to shine, and we look forward to implementing some of their brilliant ideas.
Stay tuned for updates as we work to bring these exciting designs to life in 2025!