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Reimagining a Classic: Bold Packaging for a New Era of Confectionery

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:33:51 GMT

We were commissioned by Ken Speckle , a new premium confectionery brand based in Northumberland, to design packaging for their debut range — a collection of handmade treats with heritage at their core and a bold, modern outlook.

The brief was clear: create something design-led, eye-catching, and unashamedly contemporary. Ken Speckle wanted to move beyond the traditional luxury aesthetic — no gold foils, cursive scripts, or overly precious motifs — and instead bring a fresh, confident energy to the confectionery aisle.

And that’s exactly what we set out to do.

Rooted in Craft, Designed for Now

Ken Speckle may be new to the market, but their approach is steeped in the tradition of quality British confectionery. Made in small batches with care and attention, their products needed packaging that reflected that craft, without feeling nostalgic or overly safe.

From the outset, we focused on creating a visual identity that felt bold and distinctive. We explored how to channel the character of Northumberland — its rugged landscapes, its independent spirit — into a design language that would feel relevant to a new generation of consumers.

The final packaging is graphic, modern, and full of personality. We developed a system based on strong geometric forms, confident typography, and a vibrant colour palette that shifts away from the muted tones typically associated with premium treats. Each flavour has its own colour story, helping the range stand out individually and as a collection.

A Modern Take on Premium

Rather than leaning on clichés of luxury, we aimed for something more current: a brand that feels design-savvy, trustworthy, and joyful. The materials were carefully selected for their sustainability and tactile quality, adding depth without relying on obvious luxury finishes.

We also paid close attention to the unboxing moment — that pause before the first taste. The result is packaging that feels considered and well-crafted, but never overworked or overly precious. It’s premium with a playful edge.

Heritage with a Twist

Heritage-rich brands today are finding strength by celebrating their stories—but doing so in a way that resonates with modern audiences.

Ken Speckle’s Northumberland origin is integrated subtly into the packaging’s design logic, not as pastiche but as authentic character.

The result is packaging that feels grounded in place, yet looks anything but traditional. It’s a confident, contemporary statement.

Standing Out with Substance

This project proves that premium packaging doesn’t have to be predictable and is a great example of how design can help a brand carve out a distinct space in a crowded market.

Ken Speckle may be rooted in the Northeast, but their vision is anything but parochial. Their range is ambitious, full of flavour, and ready to disrupt expectations — and the packaging reflects that.

We’re proud to have helped shape their launch, as Ken Speckle’s debut range is rooted in tradition but speaks directly to today’s design- and quality-conscious consumers. And in a crowded market, the sweetest thing you can do is stand out.

Click to see our full Ken Speckle branding and package design

Further Reading:

The top 4 packaging trends in confectionery in 2024 - Confectionery News

The Role of Food Packaging Design in Enhancing Premium Food Brands - Green Seed Group

How 3 heritage brands use packaging design to celebrate their cultural roots - New Hope Network

Why Kids Need Both Digital and Physical Creative Spaces

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:53:36 GMT

As children grow up in a world shaped by screens and sensors, parents are often torn between two worlds: the tactile charm of traditional toys and the glittering appeal of digital apps. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to choose.

In fact, the most enriching play experiences happen when digital and physical creativity come together . When screens complement—not replace—hands-on play, children gain the best of both worlds: a broader creative toolkit, stronger problem-solving skills, and deeper emotional connection to their ideas.

The Two Sides of Creativity: Digital vs. Physical

Let’s break down what each kind of space offers:

Digital Creative SpacesPhysical Creative Spaces Apps like Toca Life World or drawing tools like Procreate Pocket Building blocks, craft supplies, cardboard playhousesInfinite customisation, storytelling prompts, visual effectsTactile problem-solving, fine motor skills, real-world cause and effectPortability and access to global ideasSensory engagement and spatial awarenessLow mess, fast iterationPersonal investment, ownership of materials

When kids have access to both, they learn to think in layers : mixing narrative, design, experimentation, and emotional expression.

The Benefits of Blending Both Worlds

�� 1. Whole-Brain Engagement

Digital tools often stimulate visual-spatial and logical thinking (e.g. arranging a digital bedroom), while physical activities support kinesthetic and sensory learning (e.g. cutting out paper curtains for that same room).

Used together, these tools activate multiple areas of the brain , strengthening memory, coordination, and creativity.

�� 2. Creative Transfer and Real-World Application

Ever watched your child design a scene in an app, then recreate it with blocks or drawings? That’s creative transfer —the ability to take an idea from one medium and reimagine it in another.

This deepens learning by moving abstract ideas into tangible experiences . It also builds confidence as kids learn they can bring digital dreams to life .

��️ 3. Freedom + Focus = Flow

Screens can offer structure—like pre-drawn shapes or guided animations—that help hesitant kids get started. Physical tools allow for exploration and messiness, which fuels deeper creativity.

Together, they support creative flow , where a child becomes completely immersed in imaginative play.

�� 4. Preparation for the Future

From architecture and design to engineering and storytelling, modern careers blend digital and physical skills . By letting kids switch between a tablet and a toolbox, you’re helping them become:

Tech-savvy makers
Resourceful problem-solvers
Empathetic storytellers

How to Create Hybrid Creative Spaces at Home

Here are a few easy ways to merge digital and physical play:

Design, Then Build: Let your child create a room or character in an app, then build it with cardboard or LEGO.
Draw and Animate: Use a drawing app to sketch a character, then act out their story with puppets or costumes.
Screen-Inspired Crafts: Recreate a scene from a game like Toca Life using recycled materials.
Journal the Journey: Let kids take screenshots of their digital creations and glue them into a real notebook or scrapbook.

Tips for Parents

�� Guide, don’t dictate. Let your child lead their play, but ask questions to deepen engagement.
�� Use quality apps. Choose tools that offer creative freedom, not just passive entertainment.
��️ Rotate materials. Keep art supplies, digital tools, and building toys within easy reach.
�� Take breaks. Physical movement helps reset focus after screen time—and vice versa.

Final Thoughts

Digital creativity isn’t the enemy of traditional play—it’s a powerful partner. When your child paints on a screen and builds with their hands, they’re not switching between worlds—they’re stitching them together.

By creating space for both, you’re nurturing a flexible, confident, and endlessly curious young mind.

Read our Blog on How Digital Playhouse Apps Can Unlock Your Child's Imagination

Check out our work on children's apps, Panda Babies and Tizzy Lemon

How Digital Playhouse Apps Can Unlock Your Child’s Imagination

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:38:45 GMT

How Digital Playhouse Apps Can Unlock Your Child’s Imagination

In a world increasingly shaped by technology, it’s heartening to see digital tools that don’t just entertain kids—but actually encourage them to dream, create, and explore. One delightful example is the rise of playhouse-inspired apps : digital platforms that bring the magic of pretend play into interactive formats that can travel anywhere a child goes.

These apps don’t replace traditional play—they expand it , adding new dimensions to storytelling, problem-solving, and imaginative discovery.

What Is a Playhouse App?

A playhouse app is a digital environment that mimics a real or imaginary playhouse , often complete with rooms, characters, furniture, costumes, and sound effects. Kids can move characters around, create stories, and interact with various objects, just like they might do in a physical dollhouse or playroom.

Think of apps like:

�� Toca Life World – where children build stories in a customizable digital world filled with quirky characters.
�� Pepi House – which encourages open-ended play in a cheerful digital home.
�� My PlayHome – a digital dollhouse where everything is interactive and intuitive.

These apps offer sandbox-style environments , meaning there are no rigid rules or levels. Kids can explore freely, invent their own stories, and use their imagination as the ultimate guide.

The Benefits: Imagination Meets Interaction

✨ 1. Storytelling Skills Take Flight

In digital playhouse apps, children become the writers and directors of their own little universes. They decide who lives where, who does what, and how scenes unfold. This supports:

Narrative development
Character building
Sequencing events

�� 2. Cognitive and Emotional Growth

These apps help kids:

Make decisions
Solve simple problems (“Where should the baby sleep?”)
Explore social-emotional themes like friendship, responsibility, or empathy

Because there’s no fixed goal or “right” way to play, children get to practice emotional expression and curiosity in a low-pressure environment.

�� 3. Customisation Fuels Creativity

Most apps allow kids to change characters’ clothes, decorate rooms, and choose from dozens of props. This encourages:

Design thinking
Personal expression
Spatial awareness

It’s like giving a child an infinite box of toys and costumes—without the mess.

Digital + Physical = Even More Fun

The best part? These digital experiences don’t have to replace real-world play. In fact, many kids extend their digital stories into physical play .

You might see them acting out their app-based scenarios with real toys, or drawing their favourite characters and decorating a cardboard playhouse at home.

Parents can even use these apps as prompts:

“Let’s build a real version of that room!”
“What happens next in your story?”
“Can we act it out with your dolls?”

Tips for Parents

�� Play with your child. Ask questions, follow their lead, and enjoy the stories they invent.
⏰ Set boundaries. Encourage screen-time balance by combining digital play with real-world activities.
�� Choose safe apps. Look for ad-free, age-appropriate options with no in-app purchases.

Final Thoughts

Playhouse-style apps aren’t just screen time—they’re imagination time . When thoughtfully chosen and used, these tools become a bridge between digital innovation and timeless childhood creativity.

So next time your child opens up their favourite playhouse app, remember: behind those tiny characters and digital doors lies a whole world waiting to be dreamed up.

This inspired our thinking during the development stages of Panda Babies .

You can also read our blog on W hy Kids Need Both Digital An Creative Spaces

Why Acoustic Dampening Matters in Car Showrooms

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:36:49 GMT

Car showrooms are big, open, and full of reflective surfaces like polished floors, metal, and glass. While that’s great for showing off vehicles, it creates a real problem: noise. Conversations echo, voices get lost, and the whole space can feel overwhelming instead of welcoming.

That’s where acoustic dampening comes in.

The Real Impact of Bad Acoustics

It’s not just about sound. Poor acoustics can affect:

How clearly do customers hear your team
Whether people feel comfortable enough to stay and explore
The calm, premium feel of the space
Employee productivity in shared workspaces
The overall impression of your brand, premium cars should come with a premium atmosphere

It’s also tough for staff. Trying to hold a conversation or take a phone call in a noisy, echoey space isn’t exactly productive.

How We Fix It

We use creative, well-integrated solutions like:

Acoustic ceiling baffles
Wall panels that double as design features
Acoustic plaster for a clean, seamless look
Custom sound-absorbing finishes in line with your branding

Whether we’re designing a new showroom in Manchester or upgrading one in central London, we always tailor our acoustic approach to fit the space and the people using it.

Good Design Should Sound Good Too

Great interior design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how a space works in real life. Thoughtful acoustic dampening improves customer experience, supports your team, and helps showrooms meet modern UK standards for commercial interiors.

Best of all, it doesn’t have to look industrial or clinical. We make sure every solution complements the design, not compromises it.

We used these principles when designing the showroom for the Henson Motor Group .

Recommended Reading

“Gensler challenges the conventions of a showroom at Cadillac” - Mix Interiors
This article from Mix Interiors profiles a high-end car showroom project in Zurich where 100% bio‑based acoustic wall panels were used to balance sound and aesthetics in a premium setting.

Why Bold Graphics Work for Contemporary Brands

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 10:37:40 GMT

In today’s fast-moving digital world, where attention spans are shorter than ever, bold graphics have become essential for contemporary brands. Whether you're launching a startup or refreshing an established identity, strong visual elements help your message cut through the noise. At our Newcastle-based graphic design studio, we’ve seen firsthand how bold design transforms branding and drives real results.

What Are Bold Graphics?

Bold graphics aren’t just about bright colours or heavy fonts. They’re a strategic design choice—combining clean lines, powerful visuals, and confident messaging to create an immediate emotional impact. Bold design can include high-contrast colour palettes, oversized typography, strong shapes, or minimalist layouts that command attention without overwhelming the viewer. It’s about clarity, not clutter.

Why Bold Graphics Matter Today

1. Standing Out in a Saturated Market
Consumers are exposed to thousands of visual messages every day—across social media, websites, packaging, and advertising. Bold graphic design helps brands stand out and be remembered. A striking logo, a vivid website banner, or distinctive brand colours can stop the scroll and make your audience pay attention.

2. Instant Brand Recognition
Think of brands like Spotify, Glossier, or Nike. Their bold visual identities are instantly recognisable. Consistent, eye-catching design builds familiarity. When customers can identify your brand in seconds—on a shelf, a screen, or a street—you create valuable long-term brand equity.

3. Conveying Confidence and Clarity
Bold graphics communicate certainty. They project confidence in your mission and clarity in your message. In an age where consumers value authenticity, brands that use strong visuals to express who they are and what they stand for build faster trust and deeper loyalty.

4. Versatility Across Platforms
Modern branding must perform across multiple platforms and screen sizes. From Instagram to packaging and large-format print, bold graphic elements scale beautifully and retain their impact. A flexible visual identity, built with bold principles, ensures your brand is consistent and compelling no matter where it's seen.

Ready to Go Bold?

Bold graphic design isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful business tool. It grabs attention, strengthens your brand story, and builds lasting connections with your audience. For contemporary brands looking to stay relevant and memorable, embracing bold design is no longer optional—it’s essential.

If you’re ready to take your visual identity to the next level, our Newcastle graphic design team can help you make a bold impression that lasts.

We went BOLD when branding:

The Henson Motor Group

Luxury confectionery brand, Ken Speckle

Recommended Reading

“Contemporary Trends in Graphic Design” - ResearchGate
A scholarly overview noting that vibrant colour palettes and typographic-forward minimalism draw attention, and discussing emerging AR/VR experience https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379287384_Contemporary_trends_in_graphic_design

“Typefaces for ‘bold graphic designers with a taste for risk” - It’s Nice That
A feature about expressive typefaces like Elastik and Grotesk Remix, built for bold, risk-taking designers https://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/benoit-bodhuin-elastic-side-a-grotesk-remix-graphic-design-300919

Why Is Scandi Design a Good Choice for Aparthotels?

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 09:46:40 GMT

Because it blends functionality, comfort, and timeless style—perfect for modern guest expectations.

In the ever-evolving hospitality sector, aparthotels are rapidly gaining popularity across the UK. Combining the convenience of a hotel with the flexibility of a serviced apartment, they cater to business travellers, digital nomads, families, and long-stay guests. To meet these diverse needs, interior design must balance style, comfort, and practicality—and that’s where Scandinavian (Scandi) design truly excels.

Rooted in simplicity, warmth, and purposeful living, Scandi interiors are the ideal match for aparthotel environments. They not only enhance guest satisfaction but also support operational efficiency and long-term value for developers and operators alike.

Calm, Comfortable, and Inviting

At the heart of Scandi design is the concept of hygge—a Danish word that loosely translates as a sense of cosy contentment. In aparthotels, where guests may be staying for days or even weeks, this feeling of home-from-home comfort is essential. Neutral tones, soft textures, and uncluttered layouts help create calming interiors where guests can relax, work, or entertain with ease.

Natural light is also a key component of Scandi interiors. By maximising daylight with sheer window treatments, light wood finishes, and clean colour palettes, rooms feel brighter, bigger, and more welcoming—an important consideration for compact urban aparthotel spaces.

Functionality Without Sacrificing Style

Aparthotel guests expect both beauty and utility. Scandi design meets that demand with its well-known focus on form following function . Every element serves a purpose: furniture is often modular or multi-functional, storage is discreet but abundant, and kitchens are minimalist yet fully equipped.

This is particularly valuable for operators aiming to optimise limited space without compromising on guest experience. Whether it’s a fold-out dining table, wall-mounted shelving, or integrated lighting, Scandi interiors provide clever solutions that feel seamless and considered.

Timeless and Cost-Effective

Scandinavian design’s enduring popularity also makes it a smart long-term investment . Unlike trend-driven styles that may feel dated within a few years, Scandi interiors rely on timeless materials and muted palettes that age well. Oak flooring, white walls, and simple ceramic finishes offer a clean canvas that’s easy to update or personalise with seasonal accessories.

For aparthotel brands expanding across multiple locations, this design consistency is key. A Scandi-inspired design language can be replicated and scaled efficiently, helping to establish a cohesive and recognisable identity across sites.

Sustainability Matters

Sustainability is another reason why Scandi design is so well-suited to the UK aparthotel market. With growing consumer demand for eco-conscious travel options, interiors that use natural materials , low-impact finishes , and durable craftsmanship align with both guest expectations and ESG goals. Scandinavian design has long embraced sustainability as a core principle, offering style that doesn't cost the earth.

In summary, Scandi design works beautifully for aparthotels because it balances comfort, functionality, and enduring appeal. Whether you’re designing a single unit or an entire development, its focus on calm living and smart use of space delivers a guest experience that feels both premium and personal.

We used this approach when designing the interiors for Chelmsford Lofts , an AppartHotel based just outside Newcastle Upon Tyne’s city centre.

Recommended Reading

“Scandinavian Design Trends for 2025” – The Modern Dane

Exploring fresh Nordic trends including rich earthy colours, sustainable materials, and multifunctional furniture https://uk.moderndane.com/blogs/the-modern-dane-blog/scandinavian-design-trends-for-2025

"Hotel AKA Boston Common Reveals a Refreshed Design" - Hospitality Design magazine,

AKA has unveiled the redesign of Hotel AKA Boston Common, a 190-room property that underwent a transformation

https://hospitalitydesign.com/news/hotels-resorts/hotel-aka-boston-common-redesign/

Why Should You Use Industrial Interior Design Work within Hospitality?

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 09:00:06 GMT

Industrial interior design has become a staple in the UK hospitality scene—from boutique hotels and artisan cafés to urban restaurants and pop-up bars. But this isn't just a fleeting trend. Its continued popularity comes down to how effectively it blends atmosphere, storytelling, and operational practicality—three critical ingredients for success in hospitality environments.

What Is Industrial Interior Design?

Inspired by old factories, warehouses, and workshops, industrial design is defined by its utilitarian aesthetic. It features exposed brick, raw steel, reclaimed timber, concrete surfaces, and visible ductwork—embracing the character of materials rather than hiding them. It's often pared-back and minimalist, but always with a bold, confident identity.

In hospitality, industrial interiors convey a sense of place and purpose. Whether it’s a coffee shop in Shoreditch or a craft beer taproom in Manchester, these spaces feel rooted, honest, and unpretentious. They don’t try to be perfect—they just are.

Authenticity That Resonates

Today’s hospitality guests, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are drawn to experiences that feel real. Industrial design reflects authenticity through its use of raw materials and unrefined textures. Guests walking into an industrial-inspired bar or restaurant immediately sense they’re in a place with soul—somewhere that’s not manufactured or overly polished.

This design language also communicates transparency. There’s nothing hidden—just open beams, raw walls, and honest craft. In an age where brand trust matters, that visual openness can go a long way in building rapport with customers.

Flexibility and Function

One of the biggest strengths of industrial design is its versatility. The neutral palette and durable materials make it easy to adapt spaces for different uses, seasonal menus, or changing service models. Whether you're running a high-volume restaurant or a co-working café by day and cocktail lounge by night, industrial interiors are built to flex.

The materials typically used—steel, concrete, brick, and wood—are robust and easy to maintain, which makes them ideal for the wear-and-tear of hospitality settings. The result is a long-lasting, low-maintenance space that still looks stylish over time.

Budget-Friendly and Sustainable

Industrial design also offers advantages from a cost and sustainability perspective. Because the aesthetic embraces imperfections, it often allows for the reuse of existing architectural features, furniture, and fixtures. Repurposed wood, salvaged lighting, or vintage furniture not only reduce costs but also appeal to environmentally conscious customers.

In the UK especially, where many hospitality venues are located in converted historical buildings or former industrial sites, industrial design allows those buildings to tell their story. It celebrates their past rather than concealing it, aligning with the sustainability values increasingly prioritised by the industry.

Memorable Brand Identity

Industrial design helps venues stand out. With its bold, structured look and urban edge, it offers an immediate visual identity. When combined with thoughtful lighting, curated art, and quality finishes, it creates a unique and memorable experience that keeps guests coming back.

In short, industrial interior design works for hospitality because it's honest, functional, and full of character. For operators looking to make a lasting impression while staying flexible and cost-effective, it's more than just a style—it's a strategic design choice.

This is why we took inspiration from industrial design principles alongside the fishing heritage of Seahouses for The Black Swan .

Recommended Reading

“Industrial interior design: 7 characteristics you need to know” – BBC Maestro

Key traits of industrial interior styling https://www.bbcmaestro.com/blog/industrial-interior-design