Posts
EVERYWHERE A SIGN: Interior Design Standards for Commercial Signage
December 21, 2018
Signs are a fundamental aspect of commercial interior spaces. Most of us barely notice the many signs we encounter in any given day—until we find an example of commercial signage that’s poorly executed. Getting it right not only involves understanding current building codes, but also working closely with clients to develop functional, appealing and brand-consistent solutions—whether building code-required evacuation plans, room labels or directional signage, venue-specific signage or donor acknowledgements.
BEYOND THE BOOKS: Library Design Trends
November 27, 2018
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.
INTERIOR DESIGN PIONEERS: A Look Back at a Few of the Earliest Innovators
October 28, 2018
Many designers will tell you that great ideas are built upon the concepts and creators that came before them. This month we are highlighting a few of the earliest innovators who paved the way for today’s interior design professionals. Although there were certainly others who came before these few we’ve highlighted here (in fact, some sources trace interior design all the way back to ancient India), the following individuals have been heralded as some of the earliest American influencers for what has evolved into the contemporary interior design profession.
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT: Critical Interior Design Features You Don’t See
September 26, 2018
Furniture, accessories, color – these things are typically among the first that come to mind when we think about interior design. However, these terms relate only to interior decorating rather than the full breadth of interior design. While interior design does involve these important final touches, there’s a lot going on beneath the surface – hidden in plain sight – that can have a tremendous impact on how a final space feels and functions. We’ve asked a few of our designers about some of those behind-the-scenes interior design features that can easily be overlooked.
WORKING WELL: The WELL Building Standard and Contemporary Office Design
August 23, 2018
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.
Taking the Plunge: Interior Design Strategies for Indoor Pool Areas
July 30, 2018
Outdoor pools are associated with warm weather fun, relaxation and low impact exercise. Indoor pools can offer these same benefits year-round in every climate. However, indoor pools require careful considerations by the design team to provide a comfortable and appealing space that will endure for many years. We’ve asked a couple of our designers for their thoughts and ideas to create a successful indoor pool space, also known as natatoriums or aquatics centers, whether for a retirement community, school or college campus, community center, hotel or other hospitality venue.
THE RIGHT RUG: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an Area Rug
June 27, 2018
An area rug is a great design tool for anchoring a space. Few finishing elements are as fundamental or transformative—so it’s critical to choose wisely. Size, color, pattern, texture and shape must all be carefully considered. At best, a wrong choice will be a missed opportunity to create a cohesive and appealing first impression. At worst, the wrong rug will clash with other finishes or throw the room off balance. Here are a few mistakes to avoid when choosing an area rug for your space.
THE RAGE FOR GREIGE: Interior Design Strategies for Using Neutrals Effectively
May 30, 2018
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.
JUST ANOTHER BRICK: Using Brick as a Distinctive Design Feature
April 30, 2018
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.
PATTERN PERFECTION: Making Bold Patterns Work for Your Spaces
March 25, 2018
Patterns are back and making a HUGE impact across the industry in everything from interior design to fashion to rolling pins.
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.