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BEYOND THE BOOKS: Library Design Trends

a gallery of various library photos While some have questioned their long-term viability, both public and private libraries are reinventing themselves and, according to the 2018 American Library Association report, continuing to serve as a valuable resource for diverse groups of people. Libraries face many similar challenges to those of retailers, as large numbers of people turn to digital resources. However, the convenience of digital shopping, reading, learning, communicating and so forth can be isolating and less rewarding. This is where public libraries can step in to provide positive interactions, teachable moments and a collaborative community experience available to everyone regardless of their financial status. Continue reading

WORKING WELL: The WELL Building Standard and Contemporary Office Design

several sample photos of contemporary office design Physical workspace is an important, often overlooked, component of employee satisfaction – not only for recruitment of new employees, but also for maintaining your existing workforce. The evolution of the WELL Building Standard reflects growing awareness and interest in creating healthy workspaces that promote employee engagement, productivity, health and well-being.  Launched in 2014 by a former Wall Street veteran, Paul Scalia, WELL originated to promote a healthier version of the modern office. Continue reading

THE RAGE FOR GREIGE: Interior Design Strategies for Using Neutrals Effectively

several sample photos with greige Beige, gray and everything in between are today’s go-to neutrals for creating subtle and sophisticated spaces. For those who may be wondering, greige is simply a combination of gray and beige, merging the soft, cool tones of gray with the warmth of beige.

Understated gray and beige tones provide easy appeal and are especially valued for their timeless qualities.  However, as is often the case, you can have too much of a good thing so we typically recommend not relying exclusively on neutrals.  We’ve asked a couple of our interior designers to share their thoughts about working with greige. Continue reading

JUST ANOTHER BRICK: Using Brick as a Distinctive Design Feature

Brick Design Cove Since we focus primarily on commercial interiors, our goal is to balance constantly changing trends with timeless design solutions. The spaces we design often need to maintain their initial appeal over the course of several years. Brick can be a great option for a design accent that will stand the test of time. This distinctive, yet flexible element can take on a number of different looks to make an appealing statement without feeling too trendy. Continue reading

PATTERN PERFECTION: Making Bold Patterns Work for Your Spaces

different patterns on a variety of surfaces

Patterns are back and making a HUGE impact across the industry in everything from interior design to fashion to rolling pins.

tory burch anthropologie
According to Tory Burch, the patterns we are seeing in 2018, like the items at right from Anthropologie, were inspired by the work of David Hicks in the 60s and 70s.

As is often the case, many of the floral prints, tropical vibes and geometric patterns that are dominating current fashions are now popping up in interior spaces. Both fashion and interior design trends reflect a constantly evolving blend of tradition, culture and innovation that influence self-expression whether it is your personal or business brand.

Patterns, like bold colors, add visual interest and often serve as the focal point for a space.  They foster a sense of energy and dimension that are difficult to achieve with color alone.  When done well, patterns have the power to transform any space or object into quite a showstopper with rich and distinctive interest.  While going bold can be daunting, it does not have to be.  The challenge is developing the right mix of elements to effectively interact and balance one another, ultimately forming a cohesive whole that is both unique and inviting.  If you are scared of jumping in feet first, start small, with a gorgeous pillow or a unique piece of art. Continue reading

DESIGN GRATITUDE: Thanksgiving for Interior Design Professionals

several thanksgiving and fall photos Although the origins of Thanksgiving are disputed by various historians, we do know that it was President Abraham Lincoln who made it an official holiday in 1863.  Since that time, Thanksgiving has evolved into the celebratory feast that most of us enjoy with family and friends. Regardless of its history, we appreciate the opportunity to pause and reflect about the many things for which we are thankful.  We’ve asked a few members of our interior design team to share something they are thankful for that relates to their profession, whether a current trend or timeless design element. Continue reading

CITY LIFE: Senior Living and the Urban Experience

senior living photos According to CNBC, many smaller US cities that have attracted large numbers of millennials have also become magnets for older adults. This certainly appears to be true for our own local city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as well as the neighboring town of Lititz. In both cases, new age-qualified apartments and condos have come on the market in the past few years with additional offerings being contemplated or already underway.  Our team is excited about this trend which provides a myriad of opportunities to help people of all ages, and especially older people, remain engaged and actively involved in the evolution of our cities and towns.

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From Hospital to Hospitality: Interior Design for Senior Living

Interior design for senior living has changed significantly in the last several decades. While many people associate senior living with the sterile environments of the mid-century nursing home, the reality is that today’s senior living facilities are more closely linked with hospitality design than with hospital design.

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FROM HOSPITAL TO HOSPITALITY: Interior Design for Senior Living

several different photos of different senior living facility designs Interior design for senior living has changed significantly in the last several decades.  While many people associate senior living with the sterile environments of the mid-century nursing home, the reality is that today’s senior living facilities are more closely linked with hospitality design than with hospital design. Continue reading

Furniture Solutions for Future-Ready Learning

Work your way. Sit your way. Learn your way.

several different photos showcasing seating areas Learning commons, maker spaces, break-out rooms and HOMAGO (Hanging Out, Messing Around, and Geeking Out)—these are just a few of the terms to describe rapidly evolving educational spaces. Critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity are the four C’s of future-ready learning.  Furniture manufacturers have developed a wide array of flexible furniture solutions to help create zones that foster these skills and allow students to work, sit (or stand) and ultimately learn in the manner that works best for them. Continue reading