Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Trusted Interior Design Partner in Cheshire
Northern Backdrop is a boutique interior design company founded in 2012 by Vinny Smith, a designer with six years of experience developing bar and restaurant concepts for The Orchid Group. Specializing in leisure and retail industries, we deliver projects ranging from one-off boutique designs to large-scale commercial ventures. Our approach combines creative, alternative design with practical project management to meet challenging budgets. We collaborate with architects, suppliers, and artisans to ensure projects are completed on time and on budget. Our services include concept visuals, architectural design, graphic branding, and project management.Recognized for awards such as the Northern Design Awards 2017 and Best of Houzz Design 2017, we prioritize sustainability and innovative use of materials. Our portfolio showcases diverse projects, from residential spaces to premium bars and restaurants. We work closely with clients to create spaces that reflect their unique tastes and functional needs. Our teams expertise extends to historical building restoration and modern reinterpretations of traditional designs.
Services
Residential Interior Design
Bar & Restaurant Design
Office Space Design
Historical Restoration
Concept Visualizations
Project Management
Graphic Branding
Sustainable Design
3D Renderings
Space Planning
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Established in 2012 with a proven track record in leisure and retail design
- Award-winning projects recognized by Northern Design Awards and Houzz
- Specialize in sustainable design using recycled and upcycled materials
- End-to-end project management from concept to completion
- Expertise in restoring historical buildings while integrating modern aesthetics
Associations and certifications
- Northern Design Awards 2017
- Best of Houzz Design 2017
- The BA Awards
What people say
Award-winning kitchen design
Historical preservation expertise
Sustainable material use
Creative space transformations
Client-focused approach
Services
Residential Interior Design
We create bespoke living spaces that balance aesthetics and functionality. Our designs incorporate modern trends like open-plan layouts and Scandinavian minimalism while respecting architectural heritage. Clients benefit from tailored solutions that maximize space efficiency and reflect personal tastes. Projects range from kitchen renovations to full-home transformations.
Bar & Restaurant Design
Specializing in leisure industry spaces, we design bars and restaurants that combine ambiance with operational efficiency. Our approach preserves historical elements while introducing contemporary features. Examples include converting Edwardian milking parlors into premium venues and revitalizing failing sites into successful dining destinations. Sustainability is prioritized through material reuse.
Office Space Design
We transform commercial spaces into productive environments. Recent projects include converting bookmaker shops into modern offices with collaborative hubs. Our designs integrate branding elements and repurpose existing features to reduce costs. Services cover planning permissions, 3D visualizations, and project management for seamless execution.
Historical Restoration
Our team specializes in preserving architectural history while modernizing functionality. Projects include Grade II Listed coaching inns and 16th-century pubs. We restore original features like parquet floors and timberwork while introducing contemporary amenities. This approach maintains cultural significance while meeting modern usage requirements.
Concept Visualizations
We provide detailed 3D visualizations using tools like 3ds Max and Sketchup. These help clients visualize projects before implementation. Services include mood boards, artist sketches, and photorealistic renders for residential and commercial spaces. This ensures alignment between client expectations and final deliverables.
People
Vinny Smith
Founder & Lead Designer
Vinny founded Northern Backdrop in 2012 after six years at The Orchid Group. His career focuses on leisure and retail design, blending alternative aesthetics with practical execution. He oversees all projects from concept to completion.
Questions
What types of projects does Northern Backdrop specialize in?
We focus on residential interiors, hospitality venues (bars/restaurants), office spaces, and historical restoration projects across the UK and Ireland.
Can you work with tight budgets?
Yes, our expertise includes delivering high-impact designs within challenging budgets, as demonstrated by multiple award-winning projects under £15,000.
Do you handle both design and construction?
We offer full-service design and project management, coordinating with trusted architects and contractors to ensure seamless implementation from concept to completion.
How do you incorporate sustainability?
We prioritize recycled/upcycled materials and energy-efficient solutions. Recent projects achieved 90% sustainable material usage while maintaining design integrity.
Can I see examples of your work?
Our portfolio showcases award-winning projects including The Kinderton (Middlewich), Greens Bar & Restaurant (Ireland), and Lad Bible Group offices. Visit our website for full case studies.
How do you start a new project?
Contact us for an initial consultation to discuss your vision, budget, and requirements. We'll develop tailored concepts and provide visualizations before proceeding to detailed design and implementation.
