From spiral designs to Rococo style works of art; staircases are major architectural features that have the power to showcase personal style, inject character and make an ordinary space spectacular.
Nowadays architects and designers pay a lot of attention to detail, transforming the once-functional structure into the most mind-blowing creative form.
Feast your eyes on some of the most striking staircase designs.
Armani 5th Avenue New York Store by Massimiliano & Doriana Fuksas Architects
The central feature of the four-storey Armani store on New York’s Fifth Avenue is a sculptural steel staircase, made in Italy, and clad in plastic material that highlights its exceptional presence.
It connects all levels and creates an internal dynamism, just like a contemporary luxurious design should be and feel like.
The whirlwind created by the staircase is mind blowing and represents a true, bold intention of creating something unique and visually impressive that people would definitely enjoy, no matter in which building it is inserted.
The Mamilla Hotel by Safdie Architects
Characterised by both style and exclusivity, Mamilla hotel is an intimate and elegant sanctuary with views of the Old City Walls in the heart of Jerusalem, Israel.
The two parts of the hotel are joined together by a bold, sculptural charcoal-hued steel staircase that ascends through the sky-lit central atria against a backdrop of local limestone wall.
SMD Apartment by Arquitectura en Movimiento Workshop
A private residence in Mumbai features an intriguing U-shaped staircase located at the centre of the apartment.
Situated in front of a double-height window, the three-sided design features open treads to allow light to permeate the structure and fill the room.
Three treads of the engineered walnut staircase remain independent at the bottom, but the upper treads are continuous ribbon-like elements that form steps in two places within the design.
The design of the staircase is replicated in other architectural elements such as the ceiling.
Daleham Gardens Project by Elite Metalcraft Co.
Two floors joined by a floating Elm clad steel staircase offers a unique, high-end contemporary design statement.
The triple laminated glass balustrade panels are suspended above the staircase treads and risers using a specially designed hidden clamping system.
The overall design is accentuated by integrated lighting, which lends an amazingly elegant appearance.
Stairtalk by Atmos Studio
The flowing form of this monumental staircase made from laminated oak provides a centrepiece for Oliver Dabbous’s three-storey restaurant HIDE, in London’s Mayfair.
The stairs design creates a plant-like structure that grows like an irrepressible life-force from beneath, ascending from a basement bar to the dining areas on the ground floor and upper mezzanine.
Created using a specialised method of bentwood construction, it twists upwards, spiralling energetically like a corkscrew and features tendril-like lines that appear to flow out from niches in the wall.
GS1 Staircase by Promontorio
A spiralling concrete staircase flanked by double-height circular voids winds up through the centre of this 1980s office building in Lisbon, thanks to a major facelift by Portuguese studio Promontorio.
The undersides of the steps are left ridged, giving the stairs a raw aesthetic.
It ascends to the predominantly open-plan workspace on the first floor, and splice through the existing slabs to visually connect the different levels and enable daylight to reach central areas.
A profound change in recent years has been the shift within the building industry — and one of the most important, fastest-growing trends is wellness interior design.
Using evidence-based design: urban planners, architects and interior designers are creating environments with a focus on the impact they have on the health and well-being of the people that live or work in them.
This new design ethos realises that residential and commercial spaces can greatly influence our physical health, as well as our emotional state of mind.
Wellness has become a household term.
A huge number of us are now aware of how our lifestyle choices affect how we feel both physically and psychologically. Increasingly though, wellness interior design has gained traction and we are well aware of the pivotal role that our surroundings — the built environment — play in this equation.
“Whether people are healthy or not, is determined by their circumstances and environment. To a large extent, factors such as where we live, the state of our environment, genetics, our income and education level, and our relationships with friends and family all have considerable impacts on health …” World Health Organisation: The determinants of health
On average, we spend an astonishing 93% of our lives indoors, and research evidence shows a correlation between occupant health and factors such as providing adequate natural light and views to nature, using colours that promote mental well-being, acoustics, air quality, furnishings, and more.
Considering how much time we spend indoors, the design should be responsive to user needs, behaviours and requirements, offering users freedom of choice and control over their environment.
Below, we discuss the key trends in wellness interior design that are shaping how we design the spaces we occupy today.
Biophilic design: bringing the outdoors in
If you are following architectural and design trends, you may be aware of the widespread recognition of the importance of biophilic design and its impact on health and well-being.
The benefits of access to nature have been documented in numerous studies and include reduced stress and illness, higher productivity at home and the workplace, higher test scores among students, positive social interactions and greater workplace satisfaction.
Wellness and nature work hand-in-hand when it comes to creating a sense of calm, contentment, and tranquillity within the built environment.
In 2018 we saw the popularity of indoor plants and natural lighting, and now, in 2019, natural textures, materials, and even the quality of air are priority design features in promoting responsive spaces.
The connection between nature and interior spaces have become standard practices that will carry on throughout the ages as a necessity — as fundamental to wellness interior design as windows or staircases are to architecture.
“This inclusion of nature in design is proven to enhance cognitive performance, cleanse the air, lower stress, reduce toxins and utilise more renewable and sustainable resources,” Veronica Schreibeis Smith, founder and CEO of Vera Iconica Architecture explains.
Colour schemes for wellness
The most important element of determining the atmosphere of interior spaces is through the use of colour.
Because it commands such strong visual attention, colour has both psychological and physiological effects that are well-documented.
As human beings, we are our environment; and how we use colour within our interior space can greatly enhance interaction, learning, healing, creativity and more.
“Colour doesn’t claim to be a cure for illness, but what you’re able to do is create a well-balanced environment that not only has a positive effect on patients’ wellbeing, it can aid in improving patients’ health, putting family and visitors at ease and improving staff morale,” notes applied colour psychology expert Karen Haller.
“The promotion of a greater sense of wellbeing, particularly in long-term care environments, is possible when colour schemes and design are carefully considered and planned.“
This year, colour trends in wellness interior design are moving towards not only neutrals palettes but shades that provide a naturally connected sense of space.
Yet again, nature has had an influence in pushing forward this trend; with colours focused on evoking a sense of calm, relaxation and tranquillity.
Lighter hues are considered to be airy and can essentially make people feel more positive and more productive.
Stress, for example, can be subdued with soft blues and greens as they bring memories of a soothing river, the beauty of nature, and blue skies on a breezy, sunny day.
Since colour can really impact the atmosphere around us, it also has an influence on product development and purchasing decisions in various industries, including building products and home furnishings.
Colour too, can have a dramatic effect in both office and retail spaces.
A well thought-out colour scheme, for example, can encourage uplifting feelings as soon as one walks into space — ultimately putting humans into a buying behaviour, a productive and creative mood, or even a relaxed and decompressed state.
Experience-driven spaces
An interior design survey reveals that 69% of clients are “extremely” and “very” willing to invest in a wellness-promoting space.
More recently, we see innovative ideas in the commercial and hospitality sectors where customers and guest experiences are crucial to success, transform their properties with zones designed to improve wellness.
Zones are created to cater to specific activities, such as meditating and yoga, socialising, reading, exercising and relaxing.
The furniture and colour palette in these spaces are meant to offer a full experience that improves physical and mental wellness.
The core feature of creating spaces for wellness all share a common goal of maximising collaboration, enhancing creativity and flexibility, and promoting mindfulness.
2018 saw fitness companies flip the script in the efforts to create spaces that promote health and well-being.
Already an upscale leader in fitness clubs, luxury brand Equinox announced plans to extend their healthy lifestyle brand and is set to open its first health-conscious hotel in New York’s Hudson Yards development in 2019 with plans to open a second location in Los Angeles.
Equinox operates nearly 80 clubs in nine cities in the United States, with additional locations in Toronto and London, with approximately one million members overall.
Lighting tailored to mood
Access to natural light is a significant wellness interior design trend.
Natural lighting has been found to reduce depression, lower blood pressure and incidents of headaches, enhance circadian rhythms, improve mood and keep us energetic, alert and productive; essentially contributing to workplace satisfaction and task performance.
Beyond just natural light, the overall light level within a space has a tremendous impact on well-being.
Insufficient indoor lighting we sit under is integral to how we are feeling throughout the day, and can contribute to physical problems; whereas providing appropriate levels of lighting can significantly promote visual acuity and work quality.
Natural materials
Incorporating natural material remains a worthy trend in wellness design born out of the primal need to be connected to our origins.
Creating a restorative environment begins with sustainable choices and contributes to how we respond to our surroundings; hence organic material can be used to evoke a relaxed, close-to-nature feel that we often desire.
“It’s perhaps not surprising that interior furnishings made of natural materials promote a feel-good factor and a huge trend this year will be mixing these materials for an artfully understated finish,” Wayfair’s resident style advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill shares.
Adrian Barboza, an associate at London-based luxury interior design studio, Goddard Littlefair explains the use of natural materials better, “‘they are also of course durable and robust. If chosen well, they can also be environmentally ethical and sometimes surprisingly cost-effective. The senses an occupant experiences in a space are also important for us as designers, whether that’s the tactility of smooth marble stone or the way an elegant linen fabric looks, the sound of a timber floor underfoot or even the smell of luxurious natural fragrances filling a space. Natural materials both endure and are naturally seductive.”
Decorating trends kept minimalism strong for many years, but this coming year design experts are leading the renaissance to bring colour — lots of it, back into our living spaces.
Colour maximalism is all about passion, power and joy that can be expressed through the room’s décor.
It’s without a doubt one of 2019 dominating interior trends, and to really get in on it, below are a few ideas to keep in mind.
Connect the aesthetics
Colour maximalism style is a balancing act between eclecticism and carefully thought-out aesthetics, without the overall look feeling messy and disorganised.
To ensure that your interiors still feel cohesive even with a mix of vivid colours and eye-popping patterns, there should be a link between the pieces to bring the room together.
For instance, a jewel-toned purple cocktail chair teamed with an art-décor emerald green rug and a Moroccan-print couch with similar hues can give a space the boost it deserves.
Carefully considered mixing and matching of colours and prints is key in keeping the room looking balanced, and allows the eye to easily move from one piece to the next.
Try in small doses but be bold
While neutral walls and furnishings often feel comfortable, when you’re looking for maximalism inspirations, you’ll notice right away that bold, vibrant colours are a popular choice.
The trick to bold hues is to start out with a basic colour palette and build from there to avoid overwhelming yourself.
Bring in a few bright scatter cushions in a mix of vivid shades like purples, golds, reds and greens, a pop of gorgeous colours through artwork and striking lamps to complete your aesthetics.
Tell a story and stay true to you
We love our homes, even more, when they feel like an extension of our own personality.
Pick out lively hues that allow you to showcase your own unique style in a creative way.
Colour maximalism isn’t necessarily about overcrowding a space with a colourful mess, but rather, creating some kind of visual theatre to tell a story.
Play by any theme and encourage marriage of styles with varied hues, prints and textures that make your heart sing, and can be repeated through the room.
The idea is to keep it colourful, busy and exciting but still cohesive.
Give small spaces a punch
If you’re confined to a small space, incorporating a lot of colour and pattern can seem tricky to do.
However, a smaller space, be it a room or an entire studio apartment can be the best place to indulge in bold colour combinations.
Opt for show-stopping accents and adorn your walls with decorative artwork and mirrors that really make the maximalism style pop.
Adventurous wallpaper, patterned throw cushions and bunches of brightly coloured flowers in large vases give a small room instant ‘wow’ factor.
Green ideas influence modern architecture and interior design, and the awareness that the earth is a precious resource has made sustainable design more prevalent in recent years.
With a growing population and rumblings of climate change, many designers are taking greater care in adapting their ideas to work with the buildings natural surroundings.
A deeper understanding of sustainable design has created a new attitude towards using environmentally-friendly materials, techniques, and forms — and interior spaces are being made both sustainable and functional in order for people to live happier productive lives.
Studies have shown that employees working for organisations, who practice sustainability, tend to be happier and more productive in the work environment.
Similarly, the awareness and demand for sustainable design have created more restorative, positive retail experiences, positive social interactions in educational environments and a profound impact in healthcare design.
We’ve observed a few sustainable design trends that are redefining the way we build — and these indicate that 2018 has been a different sort of year for green buildings and a shift to meet the environments’ needs.
Biophilic Design: Focus on health and wellness
With 90 percent of our time spent indoors, there has been a shift from thinking purely about the environmental impact of the building industry to a desire to understand how the built environment affects occupants’ health and well-being.
A popular trend in recent years has been bringing nature and aspects of biophilic design into our buildings.
While sustainable design aims to create more eco-friendly buildings, biophilic design connects nature to the design of spaces — aimed at reducing stress, improving focus, boosting creativity and the general feeling of happiness, relaxation and well-being.
The world of work has also shifted greatly.
Traditional processes and environments are being reimagined with a renewed focus on end-user wellness and productivity.
Organisations looking to remain competitive and attract top talent have to keep up with the pace of change.
After all, businesses aren’t just competing for new customers; they’re also competing for the best employees. Research has shown the positive effects that green plants, exposure to natural light, and views of nature have on employees.
According to a study by Human Spaces, offices with natural elements can increase productivity by 8% and well-being by 13%.
In 2018, the trend has moved beyond the simple additions such as plants and live walls; rather, biophilic design transcends simple office layouts and styles, and has made a direct impact on contemporary architecture and commercial building practices.
More designers use natural elements as a framework to develop the spaces around them.
Additionally, biophilia sparks interest and appreciation towards nature and motivates people to protect and preserve it.
Google, for instance, does an excellent job of using biophilic design to improve the building’s sustainability, and has been repeatedly crowned as one of the best places to work.
Noticeably, many of their offices incorporate plants, reclaimed wood, water installations, views of nature, and even more exotic biophilic elements like rock walls.
Their offices are designed to maximise employee health and satisfaction and as a result, these workspaces are conducive to creativity, productivity and relaxation.
Most importantly, it reflects Google’s brand: purposefully up-to-date and always responsive.
Flexibility in space design and planning reduces the need for new buildings
There has been a greater demand for flexible spaces; hence we notice the rise of multi-use buildings that can serve a wide range of uses: offices can be event spaces; retail spaces can become community centers or simply pop up and pop down based on demand.
This design approach means that flexible spaces become sustainable and can change and adapt to new occupant needs — same resources, different uses.
The main principle of this approach is to plan the layout of the building that houses different content and amenities in one place, in the way that it can be used for different purposes, or adapted to different circumstances in order to reduce the need for new construction: the condo/hotel, the office/apartment and public/private open spaces and so on.
Amazon, for example, is including social services within their building to address the issue of local homeless population; hotels are incorporating workspaces for long-term corporate travellers and Microsoft is creating cities within a building to serve their tech employees.
As Building Design & Construction reports, multipurpose spaces and load sharing opportunities to fully leverage the power of mixed-use development has been a major concern for architects and interior designers this year and beyond.
Green certifications have gone mainstream
LEED is the most mature and undoubtedly the industry standard third-party certification in the world; however, in recent years we’ve seen more variety for certifying the sustainability, environmental friendliness and wellness of a building than ever.
The Living Building Challenge and WELL Building Standards have a biophilic focus and encourages built environments that are self-sufficient and beneficial to natural systems — while FSC Project Certification requires timber used to be FSC certified.
It is no secret that reclaimed wood is everyone’s favourite. It’s cosy, warm, and makes your space look elegant. Besides flooring, the reclaimed wood is also used for the furniture. It adds instant charm and glazes to the spaces.
Are you planning to infuse your home with a touch of sparkle, a little bit of grace, and loads of happiness?
In this article, we have incorporated ten reclaimed wood furniture ideas to make a statement. To know more about it, keep scrolling!
1. Reclaimed Wood Dining Table
Mostly, our dining rooms go unnoticed, as there’s no attractive feature. Don’t you think it calls for attention? Whether you like to have a formal style or family friendly, adding a reclaimed wood dining table will bring inspiration.
These reclaimed wood dining tables come in all shapes, size, and texture. It is made from the 100% reclaimed timber.
If you are looking for a dining table that perfectly fits with your interior, then reclaimed wood dining table is the best. It also highlights the natural beauty of the wood that is sure to catch the attention of everyone.
2. Reclaimed Wood Cabinet
A reclaimed wood cabinet is one of the most important furniture pieces in the kitchen. It helps you in staying uncluttered and organized. Moreover, it free ups the space in the kitchen and keeps the utensils at an accessible place.
There are large varieties of reclaimed wood cabinet available. Some are for décor purpose, which are for tiny space and hooks to hang the mugs. While, there are other cabinets, which has multiple facility and drawers for storage.
Hence, select the cabinet that goes well with the home decor and fulfils all the utility.
3. Reclaimed Wood Shelf
The best part about the reclaimed wood is that it gives a rustic feel yet refined. A reclaimed wood shelf is another idea that you can have for your home. In fact, if you prefer something really simple and wishes to make it on your own as DIY then what better than a wood shelf?
All it takes is cut the wood according to the desired dimensions. Next, mount the shelves on the wall. Isn’t it simple?
You can use it in your living room as a perfect alternative to the boring shelves. It is sturdy, chic, and gives an inspiring look to any room.
4. Reclaimed Wood Mirror Frame
There’s nothing more exquisite than a full-length mirror. But when the mirror is converted into, something phenomenal with the reclaimed wood, then it certainly stands out.
It makes the living space cosy and brings the country-style charm to the home. It’s not necessary to have a full-length mirror; you can have any size of mirror for any corner of your home.
5. Reclaimed Wood Headboard
The headboard brings the aesthetic character to the bedroom. Overall, it is an important element that shall uplift the interior of your master bedroom. It doesn’t have to attract enough to lead an impression.
In fact, a simple reclaimed wood headboard will look more cosy and stylish.
To add more character you can have different texture and colour combination of the headboard.
6. Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table
Having a coffee table in your home awakens the earthy feeling. Moreover, if it is made of reclaimed wood then it will give a wonderful contrast with the interior.
The size of the coffee table varies from one to the other. Likewise, the look and the texture also differ. Hence, think about what kind of coffee table will match up with your filtered choice.
7. Reclaimed Wood Pallet Bench
Reclaimed wood pallet has been used around for decades. Lately, it has turned into a useful resource for the furniture inside the home. One of them is the pallet bench. It is functional for both indoor and outdoor usage as a simple and classy look. One can customize it and change according to the interior style.
Ensure that you have the bench of two-pallet layer for more comfort and it becomes a storage option for many items.
8. Reclaimed Wood Lounge Chair
Everyone loves to laze around as soon as they come back home after a hectic day. What better than relaxing in a reclaimed wood lounge chair? Made from the purest wood, it shines through the home interior.
Be certain to add premium cushions to increase comfort. For a sleek and sophisticated look, update the reclaimed wood lounge chair with the upholstery that decks up well with the interior.
9. Reclaimed Wood Porch Set
We all know that “the first impression is the last impression.” To make a lasting impression on the guests and friends, get a reclaimed wood porch.
There are various kinds of porch set available. From 3 piece to 5 piece and more, you can find your perfect porch set made with the reclaimed wood. We would highly recommend you to go for a neutral colour palette as it adds a modern aesthetic and contemporary look.
10. Reclaimed Wood Beams
Last but not least, reclaimed wood beams. The natural beauty of the wood will dramatically improve the room décor.
It also gives a warm feeling yet maintaining the classic look. Whether you want an exterior wood beam or interior wood beams, it is sure to lend a robust structure to your space.
There are wide varieties of options, which will create a stunning look. Additionally, there are accessories to use with the reclaimed wood beams like corbels, straps, and more.
This will kindle a delightful sight that impeccably matches with the home interior.
Some of the greatest pieces of furniture are the one that has been made from the reclaimed wood. Known for its history, this wood is all about charm and sheer elegance. It can turn from something simple to the functional furniture.
In the above-written article, we have narrowed down 10 reclaimed wood furniture ideas that you can have it without breaking your bank. If you choose on decorating the home with the reclaimed wood, don’t miss the above furniture ideas.
Also, do share the article and we would love to hear your thoughts on the subject in the comment section below.
Whether you are planning the interior of your new home, looking for tips on renovating your bathroom on the cheap, or simply after some good, old-fashioned style; interior design websites offer you all the inspiration you need. Below are the top 15 interior design websites that are guaranteed to inform and inspire.
Houzz
Houzz helps you make your house a home; with the largest collection of home improvement ideas and designs for every room. Its formidable database features millions of images for every preference; from room concepts and trendy furniture to garages, sheds and outdoor living.
What’s more impressive about this site is that users can create an “idea book” that revolve around their favourite designs and aesthetics for future reference. Beyond the stunning images, the site helps you to dig deeper by providing contact information for service professionals and a corner guide to assist you through styling, lighting, remodelling and decluttering your home.
Freshome
Freshome is a go-to destination for those who are seeking to improve, organise and style their homes. What makes this site so unique is its perfectly balanced posts; covering daily inspiration and advice on home renovation, design concepts, furniture, outdoor living; and connects you with like-minded design and construction professionals to help make your dream home fantasies a reality.
Decor8
Launched back in 2006 by American international best-selling author, journalist and stylist Holly Becker; Decor8 has quickly become a premier for all things interior design.
It’s a trusted source and the ultimate little black book for decorating tips, objects, colours schemes, DIY and much more. With over 1.5 million daily visitors, the site also features fresh original decorating pieces, often from Holly’s travels around the world. In addition, there is an online forum for sharing and exploring ideas and inspiration.
Design Milk
A visually appealing online magazine dedicated to modern living. If you are looking to design your space, Design Milk will help you nail the finishing touches.
It offers all things new in the world of art, interior design, architecture, travel, fashion and technology for your perusal. Design Milk is not a purchase site — the site presents detailed case studies and a reference point with useful advertisement links to relevant blogs and sites so that you can inquire directly.
Design*Sponge
Curated by writer Grace Bonney, Design Sponge focuses on the creative community and showcases beautiful homes, objects, trends, case studies, as well as the people behind them.
Since its inception in 2014, the site has become a great source of inspiration with over 1 million readers per day across social media platforms. The New York Times has recognized Design Sponge as the “Martha Stewart Living for the Millennials”.
Amber Interiors
With her unique personal touch, California-based designer Amber Lewis epitomizes what it means to live a stylish life. What started off as a first-time homeowner blog has since transitioned into a successful full-service residential interior design site; providing clients with practical solutions for design and architectural challenges. Her keen curatorial eye for modern bohemian aesthetic, earthy textures, colourful fabrics and patterns are enough to pull you in; and tips on design, trends, style and accessories are enough to make you stay.
Archilovers
For a frequently updated online platform dedicated to interior design and architecture, give Archilovers a visit.
Not only does it highlight the latest on design projects, product reviews and recommendations; it also offers users the opportunity to create their own professional profile, post projects and share their talent for free. If you are keen on growing your professional network and exchange opinions and interests, then this is an excellent site for you.
Laurel & Wolf
A visit to this site is pretty much guaranteed to evoke moments of home and lifestyle envy.
Laurel & Wolf is definitely an eye catcher; with useful interesting insights including residential and commercial tours, celebrity homes, DIY and décor tips. In addition, Laurel & Wolf provides a platform that connects e-designers with people eager for affordable, quality design and practical solutions on a range of different interior styles.
Apartment Therapy
A complete all-rounder — Apartment Therapy is one of the oldest and most well-known home decor and design website.
Founder Maxwell Ryan, an interior designer and life coach, launched the site back in 2001 and has since been an influential source for polished, authentic interiors. So whether your home is a 750 square feet or 3500 square feet, it has a wealth of ideas to transform every corner and space. It also offers members a platform to post comments, ask design questions and discuss styles with design professionals; a key aspect that makes this site worthy of a bookmark.
Style by Emily Henderson
Created by stylist, author and TV host, Emily Henderson shares her tips on interior design and styling — and shares engaging content on everything you need to know about bringing gorgeous and fresh design to your home. From room reveals and shoppable stories to colour schemes and innovative trends — you have everything at your fingertips.
Lark & Linen
Curated by Toronto-based interior designer Jacquelyn Clark, Lark & Linen is an excellent mix of home decor, DIY and tips & tricks all rolled into one to satiate your design needs. She believes a home needs to be usable, livable and completely you; and her style is all about approachable luxury. Choose from numerous articles on a range of interior design topics; and a little bit more that includes recipes and fashion. Each post is beautifully highlighted by artistic photos of cosy bedrooms, alluring living rooms and enticing kitchens.
House beautiful
House Beautiful was first published in the US in 1896, and launched in the UK in the early 1950’s. Now it connects millions of online readers across the globe with ideas and inspiration not only to create stylish living spaces, but also improve their quality of life by learning and understanding the basic elements of a good home.
This online magazine covers it all; from home interiors and lifestyle to seasonal tips and useful shopping guides.
Design Hunter
A destination for those looking to explore contemporary interiors, architecture and lifestyle products; Design Hunter boast a minimalist setting with carefully curated edits of news, finds and inspiration. What makes this blog unique and truly exceptional is the quality of photography and the expert eye that author Helen Powell has for striking and eclectic places and objects.
Designer Man Cave
What makes Designer Man Cave so interesting is that it combines lifestyle, design and masculine touch to inspire and assist men to live their best-designed life. Created by Sydney-based Australian decorator Kate Abdou; it also offers interior design services to those looking to transform their home into a stylish, unique and inspiring sanctuary.
Inhabitat
Founded by designer Jill Fehrenbacher, Inhabitat is a site devoted to the future of design, and it emphasizes on topics that are cutting-edge, high-tech, innovative and green.
Inhabitat is dedicated to solving the world’s most pressing problems by bringing to the surface some of the most environmentally-friendly and forward-looking trends through the power of smart design. Here, you’ll find product reviews, design tips and recommendations with a similar “good design is green design; green design is good design” theme.
Barcelona, Spain–based architecture firm, Estudio Carme Pinós has designed an intersecting, timber-lattice structure for the fifth-annual MPavilion in Melbourne, Australia. Initiated and commissioned by charity organisation The Naomi Milgrom Foundation, this year’s structure will remain in the city’s Queen Victoria Gardens until February 3, 2019.
The temporary structure is defined by a sharp form, incorporating “floating planes resting at angles on elevated points within the park, connecting the MPavilion to the city.” The design is composed of two distinct halves supported by a central steel portal frame. Two timber latticework surfaces bend and intersect to form a roof, while alterations to the topography form three mounds to create seating.
The sculptural form resembles origami and leads the eye out to the city and back to the pavilion with an aim to dissolve the lines between architecture and urbanism. It establishes a relationship with nature and the surrounding park, where one feels the sun’s path through the game of shadows created by the pavilion’s skin, and where on rainy days the water runs through its transparent roofing.
“In designing this year’s MPavilion, I wanted firstly to make a space for the people of Melbourne to feel connected to each other, to the city they live in, and to nature. We are all part of the world, and architecture can tell that story and provide a place for us to experience life together,” explained Carme Pinós, architect and principle at Estudio Carme Pinós.
MPavilion is designed as both a temporary summer pavilion and ‘an enduring architectural creation’ — and celebrates building communities and social experiences by hosting a series of free talks, workshops, performances and installations. At the end of its four-month tenure, it is gifted to the city and moved to a permanent new home to be engaged by the community in perpetuity, creating an ongoing legacy.
“MPavilion 2018 is a place for people to experience with all their senses, to establish a relationship with nature, but also a space for social activities and connections,” said Pinós. “Whenever I can, I design places where movements and routes intersect and exchange, spaces where people identify as part of a community, but also feel they belong to universality.”
“Working with Carme to bring her inspiring MPavilion design to life has been an absolute pleasure,” said Naomi Milgrom, chair of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation. “Carme’s vision opens Australia to conversation about how to make our cities more inclusive through design. It’s a privilege to commission a work with such international and future thinking insight.”
Images: John Gollings
Living within a consumer society means that retail is dramatically growing.
In fact, retail covers 43% of the total value of commercial property, and a House of Commons report states that during 2014, consumers in the UK spent around a staggering £378 billion.
Today we spend more and more time in retail centres indulging in our passion for “consumerism” or “retail therapy,” hence consumer brands are looking to different ways to create more restorative, positive shopping experiences.
As it turns out, the benefits of biophilia in retail spaces are well established.
In 2016, The World Green Business Council report demonstrated that biophilic design optimises retail environments.
Because the concept connects humans to natures, in some ways, its approach to design takes the idea of sustainability to a new level.
The positive effects of daylight and greenery on consumers and staff can further be amplified by including other biophilic elements like natural wood, which has been shown to reduce stress and increase social interactions.
Wood not only improve aesthetics, but add comfort and sophistication, and all the other benefits that biophilic design brings.
By embracing the use of multiple biophilic elements; natural lighting, wood, greenery and water features, customers will feel more empowered to relax, take their time, and shop around.
These natural elements shape our everyday environment, and foster a sense of warmth, calmness and comfort.
A study entitled “Negative affect: The Dark Side of Retailing” reveals that approximately 10% of shoppers enter a store in a negative mood; which makes the act of shopping a stressful and potentially irritating one.
This can impact overall consumer spend and centre profitability.
However, by consciously altering the store atmosphere through spacial layout, lighting, temperature, product placement and integrating greenery can greatly enhance positive consumer experience.
According to a report on The Economics of Biophilia;
- The restorative and calming effect of nature helps draw shoppers into stores and creates positive emotions towards making a purchase
- Shoppers’ perceptions of the value and quality of good increases in line with the amount of greenery and vegetation within the space
- Shoppers are more likely to dwell longer within the store
- Shoppers are more likely to accept higher prices
- Store lit by daylight can see significant sales boosts of 15 – 20%
In applying the idea of biophilic design to the retail environment, the idea is centred on the inherent connection to nature in order to create spaces that are stress-free and that encourage successful shopping experiences both for the consumer and retailer.
Simply introducing greenery, especially in vertical wall applications, creates a sense of freshness and offers aesthetic appeal, filters the air and improves the acoustics within a space, which in turn reduces customer stress, irritability, and visual fatigue and increases their dwell time.
“A new breed of businesses is emerging which understands that better shopping environments lead to better experiences for consumers, which, in turn, lead to better economics for retailers,” says Terri Wills, CEO of the World Green Business Council.
Indoor plants are, of course, not the only natural elements that can be incorporated into a space; they are, however, as close as one is likely to get to nature in most indoor settings.
Natural light is an instant mood enhancer and creates an energising yet calming and inviting atmosphere.
A space that receives sufficient natural light instantly appeals to customers and increases their dwell time spent in the store.
A study conducted in a chain of 70 retail stores across California — 49 of which relied on artificial lighting, links daylight to retail sales.
The report makes it clear that there was a 40% increase in sales after the installation of skylights within these stores.
The retail store business model across Europe is also starting to capitalise on daylighting to not only increase profits but also improve customer mood.
One of the most powerful effects of daylight is its psychological effects on retail staff: improving their motivation, productivity and overall job satisfaction.
In addition, it improves the company’s’ store economically, by helping to reduce its heating and cooling costs.
Published to coincide with the review of the Letwin Review of House-building, the RIBA’s “Ten Characteristics of Places Where People Want to Live” highlights a series of case studies that demonstrate components of contemporary community housing design.
The study, with input from RIBA Planning Group, identifies and analyses specific, successful elements of past projects and offers an insight into what makes great places — and what can be easily incorporated into future projects in England and the world at large.
The study provides valuable evidence demonstrating to its readers the relationship between design quality and the rate of supply in the delivery of much needed affordable housing.
Each building highlighted illustrates how appealing successful new housing looks and feels — and how each design can be easily replicated across the country.
“The necessary context for successful place-making is often neglected, but only by addressing this can we improve both the quality of the homes we are building and the rate of supply. High-quality design is essential, but it must be founded upon the right leadership, the right funding and delivery” Ben Derbyshire, RIBA President
1. The right place for the right housing
Location plays a primary influence in the choice of a new-building home.
Visually attractive settings are a favoured option, particularly when supported by essential local services: schools, healthcare, green open space, as well as access to retail and employment opportunities.
Having physical connectivity to the surrounding context makes a successful place-making.
2. A place to start and a place to stay
A successful housing project should incorporate a mix of uses, for young renters and flat-sharers, families as well as empty nesters and older people — resulting in a broadened market demand.
Offering spontaneous local activities and places to shop, socialise and relax further promotes community inclusion, cohesion and resilience — while encouraging people to stay in the community throughout different phases of their lives.
3. A place that fosters a sense of belonging
How we relate to design can evoke an emotional response; similarly, neighbourhoods create a strong visual identity that stems from its immediate environmental, social and historical context.
The inherent quality of buildings and landscape character lends an “authentic and unique sense of place,” ensuring that the area matures and improves over time.
4. A place to live in nature
Nature has benefits for the body and mind and makes up an essential part of a new neighbourhood.
Open green spaces and biodiversity create a high quality and visually rich environment that matures over time.
Parks, village greens, gardens squares and shared gardens not only shapes the character of a place but encourages community interaction and active outdoor living.
5. A place to enjoy and be proud of
To foster identity one has to be part of something, and that’s true with neighbourhoods.
Places with authentic, tangible character and distinctive streetscapes are noted as “appealing to a wider range of potential homeowners and residents.”
Design that provides engaging views, vistas and skylines captures attention and easily becomes a place that residents enjoy and are proud of.
6. A place with a choice in homes
Modern buyers and renters aspire to a choice of house types and buildings that offer flexibility throughout their lifetime.
Homes can be designed to be more generally adaptable but also accommodate individuals’ changing needs.
The report highlights that “empowering communities to participate in the process of designing and building out their own homes has the potential to produce higher quality housing that responds to local needs and therefore increases build-out rates.”
7. A place with a unique and lasting appeal
Having a choice of authentic and high-quality homes is more desirable and crucial in creating a place people wish to live.
“Inherently authentic, memorable and delightful, new housing has a locally-rooted character drawn from its surroundings, but also a strong identity of its own,” notes the report.
8. A place where people feel at home
Everyone has an idea of what “home” means to them, the study however suggests that “good proportion, imaginative details, warm materials, and a sense of enclosure, seclusion and space” are essential.
Self-finishing can be handled by occupants in order to draw more deeply on what home means to an individual while maintaining the controlled variety of the streetscape.
9. A sustainable place for future generations
It’s worth noting that, “homes in healthy, clean, resource-efficient neighbourhoods in the right places are more likely to attract potential owners or tenants by costing less to run from the start and retaining inherent value in the long term.”
Innovative parking strategies, future reduction in car-use, reducing carbon footprint as well as minimising energy loss helps us look towards a sustainable future.
10. A place where people thrive
Good spacial design attract potential homeowners and renters and positively impact how we live.
Creating interiors that are spacious, well laid-out, good indoor air quality and daylight benefits inhabitants both physically and mentally — while inherently energy-efficient homes are more affordable to maintain.
A 2017 study in the Journal of Mechanical Design revealed that people were more willing to buy “green” if a product highlighted sustainable features, which appealed to consumers’ environmental consciousness.
Over the past few years, environmental concerns have become more important and the demand for recycled products has been growing significantly, leading many companies to design products around sustainability principles.
More and more companies are increasingly “thinking green” and how to reduce consumer waste.
This is partly due to companies and consumers becoming more aware of the importance to protect the environment.
With innovative recycling initiatives and programs aimed at making the world — and the environment — a better place; retailers and consumer brands are curating spaces and developing products that offer “live” recycling over the course of the purchase period.
These products and experiences offer consumers the opportunity to engage in consumption habits that lessen their ecological footprints, encouraging more interaction and less semonising around the subject of environmental change and betterment.
Consumers are more informed now, which allows them to walk into commercial transactions armed with in-depth understanding about any particular brand or product.
Being a sustainable company is more than just doing the right thing, it can be beneficial for businesses as consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products.
A study by Sloan Management Review reveals that the extent to which a consumer brand incorporates sustainability as part of its business model often correlates to increase in profit — especially if the recycled product works just as well as the traditional product.
A study by Nielsen found that 55% of consumers are willing to pay more for products and services provided by companies that are committed to a positive social and environmental impact.
“Consumers around the worlds are saying loud and clear that a brands’ social purpose is among the factors that influence purchasing decisions” said Amy Fenton, global leader of public development and sustainability, Nielson.
The same study highlighted that millennials (age 21-34) represent 51% of respondents who are willing to pay extra for recycled products.
And that millennials are three times more agreeable to sustainable actions than generation X (35-49) and twelve times more than baby boomers (age 50-64).
The data further goes to show that if a company didn’t address sustainability they’d be out of business within 10 years.
Other companies can therefore draw inspiration from brands that are incorporating real-time recycling initiatives and using “environmentally friendly” as a component of their value proposition.
For example, European furniture company Pentatonic, manufactures its furniture from post-consumer trash — an unending incentivised furniture recycling program that aims to “radically transform consumption culture”.
It recycles its own products into new products once the piece has outlived its use, bringing the consumer into the product supply chain.
