Wetherby team expands as new Richard Grafton Interiors showroom opens

Experienced installations manager Ian Dickinson is the latest new recruit to join Richard Grafton Interiors in Wetherby that is celebrating the opening of its new £500,000 showroom in the market town as restrictions on non-essential stores are eased.

Following delays due to the coronavirus lockdown, the new showroom has opened, alongside the re-opening of the business’ well-established showrooms in Harrogate and Ilkley, all of which now have social distancing and hygiene measures in place in compliance with the latest government guidance.

The Yorkshire interiors, architecture and design business has invested in the complete refurbishment and development of a Georgian building on the High Street in Wetherby to house its latest showroom.

Ian joins Richard Grafton Interiors’ Wetherby team led by well-known interior design specialists Donna Schofield who will manage the showroom. Ian has more than 25 years’ experience as a fittings and installations expert in soft furnishings, having worked for both James Brindley and, latterly, for Furnish & Fettle in Wetherby.

Enjoying a high-profile location, the historic building had fallen into disrepair, but following an extensive six month re-development project, it has been given a new lease of life as Richard Grafton Interiors’ latest showroom. Customers will be able to browse the 1,700sq ft premises and get inspiration from the fully furnished sitting room, dining room, bathroom, bedroom and dressing room. The room sets showcase the company’s hand-crafted cabinetry and designer furniture as well as its huge range of design-led interiors products. There is also a design studio equipped with hundreds of fabrics, wall coverings and flooring libraries.

“While it’s been frustrating not to be able to open our doors earlier in the spring as planned, our priority is, of course, the health and safety of our customers and staff. We are pleased to be able to welcome customers once more, safe in the knowledge that we have the appropriate hygiene and social distancing measures in place at all three of our showrooms,” explains Richard Grafton.

“Ian is a great addition to our Wetherby team, working alongside Donna, who is a very well-known interior designer locally, with a strong following in Wetherby. As Ian and Donna have also worked together previously, it’s a perfect fit.

“We’re really proud to have restored this prominent Georgian building to its former glory. We are confident that the combination of stunning room sets showcasing an inspiring range of installations and design-led products, together with an enthusiastic, knowledgeable team will be a winning formula. Our plan is to replicate the success of our Harrogate and Ilkley showrooms where our business model of providing all of our customers’ needs under one roof, from conception to project management, has proved so appealing.”

In line with government guidance, the number of customers in each of the showrooms will be restricted. Please ring Richard Grafton Interiors on (01423) 817117 if you would like to make an appointment for a consultation with one of the interior designers.

Richard Grafton Interiors has evolved from providing fabrics and soft furnishings to offering a complete service with its team of designers, spatial planners and installers providing a full turnkey solution. Since launching in March 2012, the business has grown from seven staff to a 21-strong team, including 12 designers working across its interior design, bespoke cabinetry and bathroom division.