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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

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

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

RLPS INTERIORS: Celebrating 30 Years!

baby photos of the rlps interiors team In 1987, Ronald Reagan was our president, Margaret Thatcher was elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Alan Greenspan took over as chairman of the Federal Reserve Board.  American Motors was acquired by the Chrysler Corporation, Microsoft released Windows 2.0 and Fox Broadcasting made its prime-time television debut. We listened to some of the top hits that year by Whitney Houston, Madonna and U2, and flocked to the box office to see Lethal Weapon, The Princess Bride and Dirty Dancing.

And in 1987, the first interior designer was brought on board at RLPS! The goal to provide a full range of integrated architectural and interior design services remains our mission today. A few of our interior designers shared photos of themselves in 1987 for the header photo above. Continue reading

Merry & Bright: Our Holiday Inspirations

holiday-cover-image Typically we concentrate on the commercial end of things since that’s our daily focus, but for the holidays this year we’re getting a little more personal. Several of our interior designers share a few of their favorite things when it comes to holiday décor.  Hopefully some of the concept images, personal photos and trends that have inspired us will provide new ideas to help make your home or business festive and inviting.

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CLOCKS: Still Timely for Contemporary Interior Design?

clocks-cover-graphic With the advent of cell phones, smart watches and other similar technologies, the fundamental need for clocks to guide the patterns of our days has surely diminished.  However, that does not mean they have become obsolete for residential or commercial interiors.  In fact, clocks are enjoying a design resurgence with an emphasis on style and variety making them a valuable design tool for a wide range of settings. Continue reading

WELCOMING GESTURES: Hospitality Design Trends

Hospitality Cover Graphic The word hospitality traces its origin back to the Latin words hostis, which means stranger or enemy, and the more positive hospitem, which means guest or host. The English terms hospital, host, hostel, hotel and hospitality all come from these same roots. Interestingly the first hospitality venues were hospitals, which in their initial inception provided lodging and entertainment for pilgrims traveling to religious shrines. This eventually led to our current concept of hospitality which encompasses friendly reception and generous treatment of guests or strangers.

We take many of our design cues for a wide range of senior living, healthcare, educational and other commercial spaces from today’s hospitality venues, the best of which set the standards for brand identity, style and guest comfort and enjoyment.  The following hospitality trends are examples of contemporary interior design techniques and finishes that will add visual interest, subtle sophistication and personality to a wide range of settings. Continue reading