The Art & Heart Behind Chapter One's Interior Design
When we first walked through the doors of 189 Bruntsfield Place, we saw more than just another Edinburgh property. We saw the kind of potential that only comes from great bones, gorgeous light, period features, and that rare opportunity to create something truly special — combining all the things we're passionate about.
Discovering that there had been a dental clinic here for over 100 years made us even more protective of this beautiful building. We found ourselves in a space that had historically been a valuable community asset, and we felt the weight of that responsibility. How do you honour that legacy while bringing your own contemporary vision to life?
Our answer was thoughtful restoration rather than complete transformation. Every original piece of cornicing has been lovingly refreshed and restored. Those characterful old doors? Carefully refurbished, because we hoped to preserve some of their stories and good energy within this new chapter.
It's been quite the undertaking – and yes, that includes all the less glamorous bits like rewiring, replastering, and installing a new boiler system. But it also meant adding touches we're genuinely excited about, like our new parquet flooring that flows through the communal areas, creating a warm welcome while nodding respectfully to the building's heritage. Even our light switches and socket covers were carefully chosen to complement rather than compete with the original architecture.
A living room, not a waiting room
We've completely reimagined what a dental practice reception should feel like. We've gone for full-on living room vibes — all softness and texture, engaging the senses in a gentle, comforting way that promotes relaxation and emotional ease. Because that's exactly how we want our patients to feel when they settle in with us.
Speaking of settling in, we've chosen a gloriously squishy sofa specifically for its incredible comfort and sumptuous texture. Paired with Pierre Jeanneret-inspired chairs that make you feel like you're in a fancy hotel lobby rather than a dental practice, it's somewhere to sit back and enjoy a magazine, sip a coffee, or simply take a quiet breath away from life's bustle before your appointment.
For those who don't fancy lounging, we've created an additional seating area featuring a gorgeous marble and mango wood table with some other Pierre Jeanneret-inspired chairs (can you tell we're fans?). These beautiful rattan Lali chairs are the perfect mid-century icon, ideal for a quick check of the emails, or for families sharing a quick game of UNO between sibling appointments.
Our custom-woven rug anchors the whole space with its unique plaster-esque design, each thread carefully crafted on Scotland's southwest coast. It's these thoughtful touches that transform a space from functional to genuinely welcoming.
The details that delight
A quirky addition that we absolutely adore is our gold QLOCKTWO wall clock. It makes such a bold statement, with words illuminating to display the time in this wonderfully unexpected way. We first spotted one in DiverXO, a restaurant in Madrid, and knew immediately we had to have one! We have one at home and it's become quite the talking point, and we thought possibly a pleasant distraction for anyone feeling a little anxious about their visit.
Throughout the clinic, we've chosen some fabulous chandeliers to provide both illumination and visual interest. We have three of these statement pieces, each elevating its space and creating that warm, homely atmosphere we were after — such a contrast to typical clinical waiting rooms.
These lights were selected because they complement the space beautifully. The glass and gold combination gives us chandelier elegance without dusty candles. And admittedly, the glass design reminded us of pages from a book – Chapter One, get it? Can one be too on brand? Asking for a friend…
Engaging all the senses
We've covered sight and touch, but what about taste and smell? Enter our Miele countertop coffee machine, brewing beans from our new neighbours at Artisan Roast – honestly, the best coffee in Edinburgh in our opinion! Your coffee is served in custom-designed, completely compostable cups because sustainability matters to us too.
Music is huge in our world at Chapter One. Our brand designer even curated a bespoke playlist for us, so you can expect a gentle hum of chill ambiance with the occasional mood booster to keep the energy just right. Our speakers are cleverly designed to look like beautiful books on the shelf — see if you can spot them when you visit!
“Every choice we’ve made serves a deeper purpose. This isn’t about creating Instagram-worthy spaces, it’s about understanding that your environment profoundly affects how you feel.”
Unexpected moments of beauty
In our bathrooms, gorgeous French wallpaper by Casamance creates those unexpected moments that make you smile. We've partnered with Laura Thomas, a talented East Lothian artisan, for our Birch Bloom hand wash — choosing local suppliers wherever possible to enhance the experience we're creating for our patients.
Throughout the clinic, carefully curated scents from renowned Italian perfumer Dr. Vranjes float gently through the air. It's these layers of thoughtfulness that transform a simple visit into something memorable.
We’re more than just a pretty face
Every choice we've made serves a deeper purpose. This isn't about creating Instagram-worthy spaces (though we're excited to share it all with you!). It's about understanding that your environment profoundly affects how you feel.
When you're relaxed, when you feel cared for in every detail, when your surroundings speak to quality and thoughtfulness — that's when dental care transcends routine maintenance, and becomes an experience you might actually look forward to.
A new chapter begins
As we put the finishing touches on our clinic, we're reminded daily of why we chose to create something different. In a world where healthcare often feels impersonal and clinical, we're proving that exceptional patient care and beautiful design aren't mutually exclusive — they're complementary.
Every rug, every chair, every carefully chosen scent contributes to a single goal: making your dental experience not just comfortable, but genuinely enjoyable. Because when you feel this good about visiting the dentist, you're more likely to prioritise your oral health. And that, ultimately, is what excellent dentistry is all about.
Ready to experience dentistry differently? Join our membership waitlist to be among the first to discover Chapter One when we open this autumn.
