MEADOWBANK SCHOOL WIGAN
Creating A Calm & Restorative Staff Space For Meadowbank School
This project was a little different for us at Relish Interiors, but no less meaningful. Working at Meadowbank School in Wigan, we were asked to redesign the school staff room and office space — transforming it into an environment that felt calm, practical, and genuinely restorative for the teachers and support staff who use it every day.
Headteacher Nichola has an incredibly forward-thinking approach when it comes to improving the school environment and finding creative ways to fund meaningful renovation projects. Her vision for the space was clear from the beginning: create somewhere staff could properly switch off during breaks, collaborate comfortably during meetings, and enjoy a more inspiring environment for planning and marking.
Designing Beyond Functionality
Staff rooms are often overlooked spaces within schools, designed purely for function rather than wellbeing. However, we strongly believe that thoughtfully designed environments can have a hugely positive impact on morale, productivity, and overall wellbeing — especially within high-pressure professions such as education.
Rather than creating a traditional, corporate-style breakout room, we approached the project with hospitality and comfort at the forefront of the design.The goal was to make the space feel welcoming, relaxed, and uplifting — somewhere staff genuinely wanted to spend time.
A Calm Palette Inspired By Nature
To create a softer and more restorative atmosphere, we introduced a palette of muted greens, gentle blues, and warm earthy tones throughout the space.
Natural wood finishes, textured fabrics, layered lighting, and soft upholstery helped bring warmth and balance to the interiors, whilst subtle botanical patterns added interest without overwhelming the room. The finished space feels calm and grounded — offering a quiet contrast to the busy pace of the school day.
Flexible Spaces For Modern Working
Alongside creating a comfortable breakout area, functionality remained incredibly important.
The layout was carefully designed to support multiple uses throughout the day, including:
- Comfortable seating for staff during lunch breaks
- Flexible office area for informal meetings and marking work
- Quiet corners for marking and focused work
- Relaxed lounge-style seating for coffee breaks and catch-ups
By zoning the room thoughtfully, we were able to create a multi-functional environment that supports both productivity and wellbeing.
Commercially Durable Yet Comfortable
As with all educational environments, durability and safety were key considerations throughout the project. All furnishings, upholstery, and finishes supplied by Relish Interiors were selected to meet commercial High Hazard classification requirements, ensuring the space is not only visually welcoming but also suitable for long-term everyday use within a busy school setting.
Balancing practicality with comfort was essential — creating interiors that work hard whilst still feeling soft, warm, and inviting.
Supporting The People Who Support Others
One of the things we loved most about this project was the intention behind it. Creating spaces that support teachers and school staff — the people who spend every day supporting others — felt incredibly worthwhile. The finished staff room now offers Meadowbank School a much-needed space to pause, recharge, collaborate, and reconnect throughout the day.
Sometimes the most impactful design projects are the ones centred around people’s wellbeing, and this was certainly one of them.
Looking To Transform A Workplace Or Educational Space?
Whether it’s a staff room, office environment, hospitality setting, or commercial interior, we design spaces that prioritise comfort, functionality, and wellbeing without compromising on style.
If you’re planning a commercial or educational refurbishment project, we’d love to hear from you.
