Among the features introduced were integrated headboards, providing seamless access to essential services while incorporating lighting and safety systems; durable and easy-maintenance curtain solutions; and robust, moisture-resistant furniture designed to withstand the demands of a busy care environment without compromising on appearance.

Profiling beds were carefully selected to balance comfort and safety, while considered colour schemes help support orientation and recognition for residents.

Acoustic panels contribute to a calmer atmosphere while also adding visual interest, and high-performance lighting and flooring solutions bring together safety, comfort and durability.

The results have been significant.

The newly designed rooms were rapidly occupied, maintenance requirements have been virtually eliminated, and staff have reported a more efficient and supportive working environment.

Most importantly, the new spaces provide residents with calm and comfortable surroundings that feel genuinely like home.

Barry Flanagan, Registered Manager / Clinical Director at Willowbrook Care Home, said:

“I have had the pleasure of working with the Little Islands team over several years on some extensive project work at the care home. They were excellent at listening to the areas of development the home was intending to achieve and taking that idea to another level. The imagination and creativity was inspiring and the level of detail and quality in their workmanship was outstanding.

“More importantly, they always considered the client group within the home, making sure we never lost sight of the reason we were making these changes. Their work is truly person-centred and considered, no matter what challenges the service could throw up at them.

“I can speak from a personal level that working day to day with the team was easy because of their professional, friendly and committed attitude to the project and the people in the home.

“The legacy of the work they have done for the home is to raise the quality of the environment and create resources that make a difference to the quality of life we can bring to the clients each day. It also gives staff a sense of value in working in an environment that is unique and positive. So it’s a big thank you to Richard and April and the rest of the team for all the work they have done.”

For Little Islands, the Willowbrook project reflects its wider approach to specialist care interior design: combining creativity, technical expertise and a detailed understanding of the people who use and operate each environment.

The company provides a fully collaborative, end-to-end service, supporting clients from initial planning and design through to manufacture, installation and completion.

Its flexible approach allows projects to range from individual room updates and bedroom refurbishments through to complete care home interior schemes.

Careful planning at the outset helps clients avoid costly mistakes, minimise disruption and ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget and to a consistently high standard.

Little Islands also handcrafts its soft furnishings within its own workshop, giving the company greater control over quality while enabling it to create genuinely bespoke curtains, cushions, blinds and other furnishings suited specifically to demanding care environments.

The success at Willowbrook demonstrates the potential of specialist interior design to create care environments that work harder for residents, staff and operators alike — proving that dementia-friendly design can be highly practical, supportive and beautiful at the same time.

Richard and the Little Islands team said:

“Willowbrook is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when design is driven by the people who use the environment. By listening to residents, staff and the wider care team, we were able to develop spaces that are not only attractive, but genuinely support everyday life and care.

“We are incredibly proud that the project has been recognised with the Pinders Healthcare Design Award for Best New Care Home. The award is a testament to the commitment of everyone involved and, above all, to the importance of creating care environments where people feel safe, comfortable, valued and at home.”

About Willowbrook Care Home

Willowbrook Care Home, Birmingham, provides specialist residential and nursing care for individuals living with dementia and mental health conditions.

The home’s approach places residents at the centre of its care and aims to provide a supportive, welcoming environment that promotes comfort, dignity and quality of life.