At Homeplay, we craft bespoke multisensory spaces that delight and invigorate. Everything we do is shaped by our mission – to enhance luxury spaces with innovative solutions tailored around the individual.

About

Our story

1994
Owner of Homeplay James Ratcliffe at the age of 14.

At the age of 14, James Ratcliffe (future owner of Homeplay) walked into a busy hi-fi shop in Camberley, Surrey and asked for a job so that he could buy a better hi-fi.

James’ interview was to make a cup of tea. It was a good cuppa. Over the next 4 years, James made around 40,000 cups of tea and coffee for his colleagues. That’s not an exaggeration.

In between making the tea, he found his passion in life - helping people with their home technology.

1998

James’ customers started to express an interest in having music all over their homes. Being the most technical (nerdiest) person in the business, he set about finding ways to make that happen.

After James installed a multi-room music system in the boss’s house, the company owner closed the struggling retail shops, re-branded the company and opened a state of the art demonstration facility in Sunningdale, Berkshire.

2004

At the age of 24, James was voted on to the board of CEDIA by his industry peers, making him the youngest board member ever to serve. He still holds that record today.

After a short time with another integration firm, James decided it was time to ‘go it alone'.

2006
Custom-designed and manufactured cabinets

With just £700 in the bank, a cheap set of tools and no idea how to run a business, James decided to quit his salaried job and start Homeplay, converting his Ford Focus into a work van by folding the back seats down.

Before long he’d carved out a niche, fitting Bose Lifestyle systems within his own range of custom-designed and manufactured cabinets, convincing Bose UK to make Homeplay their first dealer ever without a retail showroom.

2010
Design-led high street showroom in Esher, Surrey

As the size, scope and complexity of our projects grew beyond Bose Lifestyle systems, Homeplay opened a beautifully finished, design-led high street showroom in Esher, Surrey.

Not only was it one of the UKs first Control4 showrooms, it was also one of the first to feature permanent demonstrations of technologies such as IP based video distribution, LED lighting and plaster-in invisible speakers.

2017

Between 2010 and 2017, Homeplay worked on dozens of prestigious projects all over Europe, winning numerous awards and delighting hundreds of clients.

In December 2017 we started work on our amazing Experience Centre.

2019

We completed our Experience Centre in October 2018, it’s a truly amazing facility that is a must-visit for anyone involved in creating luxury interiors.

Shortly after, it was awarded ‘Best Showroom EMEA’ at the 2019 CEDIA Awards, amongst countless other industry awards and accreditations.

2020

We developed our CPD technology training program for architects and interior designers.

As accredited CPD providers for RIBA, BIIID and SBID, we’ve now trained hundreds of design professionals about lighting, shading and home technology, whilst building some fantastic relationships in the process.

2022

Homeplay were awarded ‘Best Media Room - EMEA’ and ‘Best Media Room - Global’ at the 2022 CEDIA Awards for a spectacular project at a listed farmhouse in the Cotswolds.

We also won several other awards for design and innovation.

2023

James was elected to the global board for CEDIA to help shape the future of the smart home industry.

He was also subsequently appointed as the industry liaison to the design community, recognising his excellent work with interior designers and architects.

Our specialist team collaborates closely with clients to create stunning yet simple solutions tailored to you.

We believe true delight and comfort come from genuine conversation and exceptional skill. Our dedication to our craft has earned us many industry accolades over the years.

CEDIA Awards 2022
Winner
Best media room
Global
CEDIA Awards 2022
Winner
Best media room
Europe, Middle East, Africa
CEDIA Awards 2022
Highly Commended
Excellence in Innovation
Europe, Middle East, Africa
CEDIA Awards 2022
Highly Commended
Excellence in Documentation
Europe, Middle East, Africa
Control4 — Circle of Excellence 2022
Winner
Best Service & Support Proposition
UK
CEDIA Awards 2022
Finalist
Best Integrated Home
Europe, Middle East, Africa
CEDIA Awards 2021
Finalist
Best Integrated Home
Europe, Middle East, Africa
CEDIA Awards 2019
Winner
Best Showroom
Europe, Middle East, Africa
Control4 Awards 2019
Winner
Best Single Room Solution
Europe, Middle East, Africa
CEDIA Awards 2018
Highly Commended
Best Integrated Home
Europe, Middle East, Africa
D-Tools Awards 2016
Honourable Mention
Best Residential Design
Global
Control4 Awards 2014
Highly Commended
Best Whole Home Installation
Europe, Middle East, Africa
D-Tools Awards 2015
Winner
Best Residential Design
Global
Control4 Awards 2010
Winner
Best UK Project
UK
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