INTERN RECALL: A FEW PROJECTS AND WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

Previously, I posted a few projects that I got to work on throughout my internship. I have had so much fun learning about what makes up the world of residential design. I have learned how to do so many things. From meeting with clients and reps from companies to selecting, presenting and creating estimates I have experienced it all. The girls at Lounge have taught me how to deal with issues professionally, how to stage a showroom and create a room for a client that couldn't dream up one themselves. Through this internship I feel more prepared for the world of design and I feel that it has prepared me for my upcoming senior year.

INTERN RECALL: A FEW PROJECTS AND WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

Well, my internship is coming to a close and I want to reflect on everything I have learned and gotten to experience throughout this summer. First I want to show everyone what we have worked on all summer. We have had many projects this summer and although I don't have all the finished products I do have some pictures to show for the work we have done. The first project shown is a formal living room, dining room and a boys room. Through this project I have gotten to actually go to the clients home and install accessories and art. I have also experienced how much fun it can be working with a residential client. This client was so much fun and was so sweet! I also have some photos of the condo in dolphin island that we worked on. I don't have all the pictures but I do have a few. The last photos I have attached are some hand drawings for clients that I did.

 PIERCE PROJECT

 

 



DOLPHIN ISLAND

 

HAND DRAWINGS

 

NAME THAT TREND: JOB MARKET AND DESIGN EDUCATION

Previously I discussed new design trends of 2013. Design trends don't just mean color, texture pattern but that also can mean trends in the job market and in design education. Throughout my research I have found that in Mississippi, interior design jobs are limited. Most only need a bachelors degree and much enthusiasm to get the job.

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca states that, "Job opportunities will result mainly from the need to replace interior designers who will be retiring or will be leaving the occupation to work in education, sales and purchasing materials related to interior design, or because they have been promoted to management positions, either in interior design, or in the retail trade for household furniture, furnishings or hardware. People can also advance their careers within the same occupation. Thus applicants often start out as junior designers to advance to jobs as intermediate and then senior designers or project managers. After several years, they can set up their own business and open up an interior design office. In fact, approximately 39% of all interior designers were self-employed in 2006, a proportion that is close to four times higher than for all occupations (11%)."

Design education is also another trend. according to http://www.pyeinteriors.com there are seven trends arising in interior design based education. Here are the trends in education according to pyeinteriors.com: sustainability, support teaching and learning, integrate technology, provide flexibility, encourage collaboration, attract and retain students and teachers, and lastly build community.

NAME THAT TREND: COLOR, TEXTURE AND PATTERN

Hey everyone! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! This week is all about trends in the design world. We all know about trends whether in the fashion or design world. Trends directly affect us whether we like it or not. For example, remember when pink floral wallpaper and brass fixtures were in?? I know I sure do! That's what I grew up with in the 90's. Or what about avocado colored kitchen appliances and Formica counter tops? All of these examples were trend of that time period.

So lets talk current when it comes to color. Through some research I have found a few color trends stand out from the pack. Neutrals are the way to go this year with hints of green, blue or a Coral red. At Lounge Interiors, Haley and Laci love these color combos as do I! If picking paint colors for a client we often use Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter, Camouflage, Ocean Air, Tealight, and Linen White. These are soft and subtle making your pieces be in the spotlight instead of the walls.

Next comes texture. Texture can add visual interest to a space and can also make the room look cozy or sleek depending on the texture. atmdesignarchitects.com states " Whether on the walls, carpet or furniture, texture is everywhere. It’s creating an intriguing texture which encourages people to use their sense of touch and adds a feeling of warmth and comfort to the space. By appealing to people’s senses, texture can spark interest and conversation."

Last on the list of new design trends of 2013 is pattern. We have seen many pattern trends throughout the years. This years top 7 patterns according to HGTV.com are listed below with examples of each. Until next time...

Ikat 

Quatrefoil

Chevron 

Houndstooth

Greek Key 

Subtle Animal

Plant-Based

INNOVATION!: NEW PRODUCTS IN THE FIELD PART 2

I'm back and ready to show y'all what else I have found concerning innovative new products. Earlier today I talked about interior materials, lighting and furniture (specifically classroom furniture). I have three more broad topics to discuss which include: smart home technology, security systems and kitchen and bath appliances and fixtures.

First on the list is smart home technology. We live in a technology based world, so it is only necessary to bring that technology where you live. So what is a smart house anyway?? Well don't worry, I found the answer. According to mhealthtalk.com "The original Smart Home device has to be the Teasmade, and the textbooks say that a smart home is one that uses home networking technology and your Internet connection to automate and simplify everyday living. It’s the use of networking and broadband connections that takes smart home technology beyond simple home automation, where each device usually stands alone, with its own control system. Smart home tech is a fast-growing field, from cleaning your house to opening the curtains and switching on the lights. There’s also a growing field of utility and power management, for your gas, water and electricity [and for home health care]. Surrounding them all are unified networking and control systems that can control and monitor all of your devices, not just one for each. Your smart home looks clever because you’ve programmed it to do things for you automatically, but it’ll be far from intelligent. As with any computer: Garbage In Equals Garbage Out, and until we invent artificial intelligence to do our thinking for us, your home will only be as smart as the person who programs it."

With smart homes comes smart security systems. In the world we live in today, it is so important to keep our ourselves and family safe from danger. Mhealthtalk.com explains that security systems in homes are a growing trend in the technology of homes. Motion sensors, cameras and alarms are installed in homes all over the country. These devices can be monitored through the Internet by the homeowner and the security company. So, not only can you see what’s going on, but a security company can see what’s happening and alert its own response teams or the police as it sees fit.

LG Smart Refrigerator

Samsung Smart Refrigerator

Kohler Dual Flush Toilet

Last on the list to discuss is kitchen and bath appliances and fixtures. When doing research for this particular item I found some really interesting info! "Samsung and LG have both shown off smart refrigerators, but are they more than just a refrigerators with an LCD touchscreen? Absolutely!! The Samsung Korea lets you order groceries online, check your calendar, leave memos, view photos, check the weather and use Twitter. LG was more practical, allowing you to monitor your grocery stocks by scanning the barcode as they were bought and used up, then suggesting recipes on request – and you could access it via your phone or tablet." (mhealthtalk.com) Now is that a cool appliance or what?? With technology updating by the minute there are endless possibilities for the future of appliances. For bathrooms I found more interesting products that are on the market these days. Kohler has a new dual flush toilet that is helps the average household safe money on water bills. " Dual-flush toilets are a great way to save water and money. Because they offer the option to use only the water you need, dual-flush toilets can save the average family money on their water bill.
And dual-flush technology just got easier to use, thanks to the innovative new dual-tone side-mount trip lever featured on three of our most popular toilets. Two different flushes in one easy-to-use handle lets you save water without sacrificing performance." (kohler.com)This video explains this concept in more detail and it a pretty neat video. check it out!

http://bcove.me/b2tdjezm

Well this about wraps up this weeks topic. I hope that you are more informed on what is out there. Have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July everyone!

INNOVATION!: NEW PRODUCTS IN THE FIELD

Good morning everyone! Today's post is all about new products emerging in the design field. I will focus on these new products; leather wall and floor tiles, livinglass-fresh glass, cascade coil drapery, lighting, and classroom furniture.

First, the product above is new leather tiles. Interiordesign.net says that "in nature, every creature is unique and every hide has its distinctive features. Blackstock takes the best that nature has to offer – premium 100% full grain bovine leather – and enhances its natural beauty to create exceptional leather floor and wall tiles as variously beautiful as nature itself." This product is very unique and is a creative way to add interest to a wall or the floors. These leather tiles offer two premium grades, an economical, all natural, Eco-friendly option and custom imprinting offering infinite possibilities. Here are some specifications for this product:
MATERIAL: Premium 100% Full Grain Bovine leather tiles.
SIZING: Varies. 20 Standard shapes & sizes available. Custom sizes.
OPTIONS: Magnetic and Adhesive installation options.
COLORS: 140 colors available.
TYPE: Leather Floor & Wall Tiles.
FLAMMABILITY: Naturally Fire Retardant.

The next product is called livinglass-fresh and is shown above. This product is similar to other forms of resins and glass partitions and applications but this product is completely sustainable. It is made 100% recycled glass and comes in many different patterns for every style.

The last new interior material I will discuss is Cascade Coil drapery. This new product is a little out there but is a great alternative to actual walls or partitions. It can create a sense of closure yet still provide light, interest and openness to a room. Interiordesign.net states that this product is "flexible woven wire fabric for window treatments, ceilings, wall coverings, space dividers, building cladding, blast mitigation, semi security, fireplace screens, animal containment and more."

Lighting is next on the new innovative products. This crazy looking chandelier to the left originated all the way in India!! It is named The Flame of the Forest Chandelier by Stephanie Odegard Collection. "The Flame of the Forest tree has been revered in India for centuries; its flowers, leaves and stems are still used in traditional ritual and ceremony. During the spring festival of Holi, the unique crescent moon shaped petals are used to prepare traditional natural colors. Each chandelier is designed and handmade in India by Viya Home for Stephanie Odegard Collection." The light fixture to the right is a sconce. "It is made of 350 handcrafted porcelain ceramic leaves geometrically arranged for even light distribution. Stainless steel frame, central glass diffuser & retractable lamp gear. Ceramics retained via patent alloy/silicon fixings. Discreet white ceiling rose complete with stainless steel wire suspension system."

    

              node desks                                     verb tables                                        media scape

Last topic for this morning is classroom furniture. We have come a long way from your old small wooden desks. There are so many new innovations coming to the world of classroom design. companies are rethinking the way students need to learn and observing how to improve upon current conditions. Steelcase is a major contributor to new classroom furniture. I recently visited the steelcase representative company here in Jackson and got to see first hand all of the new products. One of my favorites of there classroom collection is the node desks. They are so practical and make it easy and fun for students to interact with each other and the teacher. Other new products include verb tables and media scape's which both involve an interactive classroom style of learning.

I hope that I have gotten y'all excited about what's new in the design world and have also sparked some interest. Stay tuned!! I've got more products to come!!

DON'T FORGET THE LEGISLATION: iNTERIOR DESIGN LEGISLATION & FLORIDA

I have done some more research on legislation supporting interior designers. In 2011, Florida faced serious difficulties with interior design legislation. They previously had an act that stated that commercial interior designers must be licensed and residential designers do not have to be licensed. This act lasted for many years until 2011, a bill came about in Florida basically stating that anyone could call themselves interior designers including commercial designers. This created madness in the design community obviously because of the work that actual designers had put into their career.

The designers opposed this bill and eventually won the battle. It is so important that we are aware of what is going on in the interior design world through legislation. I hope that as I progress in my field, legislation in Mississippi will be passed and I will be able to distinguish myself as a designer because of my accreditation.

As of now legislation in Mississippi has passed a title act stating that to call yourself an interior designer you must be certified. This issue is one that I myself, am still learning about. Its very tricky to understand and I hope that throughout the rest of my student career I can learn more about this issue. I hope that y'all understand how important this contemporary topic is and that you more informed about it through this post.

DON'T FORGET THE LEGISLATION: INTERIOR DESIGN LEGISLATION

For the past few weeks I have been discussing contemporary topics that affect the interior design profession. This week I am going to continue the topic with one of the most important topics for current and future interior designers. I have said in the past that there is a difference between interior decorators and interior designers. Legislation is so important to the people who received a degree in interior design. Without legislation, any person could call themselves "interior designers". To further explain this, if you are like me and are getting your four year degree in interior design you wouldn't want someone to say they were a designer if they didn't go to school, get a degree and take 3 or 4 tests to be certified would you? Well this is what is happening in the design world today. Legislation allows designers to call themselves Interior Designers if they have been certified and have a degree. Not every state has passed this law though. Careers in Interior Design states that, "twenty-five states and jurisdictions have enacted some type of interior design legislation. Of these, 16 have title acts and six have practice acts. California has adopted self-certification law and Colorado has a permitting statute". Below are definitions of Title and Practice Act, Self-Certification and Permitting Statute which was found on careersininteriordesign.com

TITLE ACT
"Regulates the use of a title, such as “registered interior designer” and is enacted in order to raise public awareness of the qualifications of professional interior designers in that particular state. Several U.S. states use the title “certified interior designer” in place of “registered interior designer” and four states and Ontario use the title “interior designer.” Title acts do not require individuals to become licensed in order to practice interior design, nor do they restrict an individual from providing the service of interior design. A person cannot, however, advertise or represent themselves as a “registered” interior designer unless he or she meets the minimum education, experience and examination requirements established in that state/province, and he or she fully applies for use of the state-regulated title with the proper state board or provincial association." (careersininteriordesign.com)

PRACTICE ACT
"A type of law that requires an individual to have a license in order to practice a profession. Practice acts prohibit the performance of professional services by anyone not licensed by the state agency charged with the duty of regulating that profession. Practice Acts also regulate a designated title (e.g., “registered interior designer,” “licensed interior designer,” “interior designer”) and often regulate other terminology as well (e.g., “interior design” and “interior design services.”)"(careersininteriordesign.com)

SELF-CERTIFICATION
"Self-certification is like a title act because it regulates the use of a title. The difference between a title act and self-certification is the entity in control of the title. In title acts, the state controls the use of the title through a state board typically appointed by the governor. In self-certification, however, the title is controlled by an independent professional organization whose board members are appointed by interior design professionals. The state has very little oversight over self-certification. California is the only jurisdiction with a self-certification law."(careersininteriordesign.com)

PERMITTING STATUTE
"Colorado’s interior design law is classified as a permitting statute. There is no state board and there is no title that is regulated. The law is an amendment to the architectural statute, adding an exemption for interior designers who have met the education, experience and examination requirements to submit plans for building permits."(careersininteriordesign.com)

I found this map through research and it further defines the areas that have passed the legislation and who are working on it.

THE AMAZING RACE: GLOBALIZATION AND HOW IT AFFECTS INTERIOR DESIGN PART 2

Previously this week I wrote about globalization and how it affects the design world. I think that globalization is something that every designer should be aware of. Globalization can help make spaces stand out from your typical trendy spaces. Through research I have come to really like the idea of taking the clients experiences and places around the world that they have been and finding pieces to coordinate. I don't have much more to elaborate on globalization and its affects on design. Until next time...

THE AMAZING RACE: GLOBALIZATION AND HOW IT AFFECTS THE DESIGN PROFESSION

Well, I'm back again and talking about more contemporary issues that affect the interior design industry. This weeks topic is globalization. Globalization has been rising in popularity in the industry for a while now. Through research, I have found that those few architects and designers that have taken the plunge and use global influence have not only benefited through customer satisfaction but also globalization has given them a larger area to reach people. Globalization gives designers the opportunity to spread their business beyond the general area and into the entire world. It makes them more diverse and help provide an easier way to receive products. Through globalization, designers make connections with other countries and look beyond the common trend of their area. "Most firms unable to establish a foreign presence do well to develop a foreign network of architectural practices and local vendors with whom they can partner effectively to help resolve local implementation issues, such as foreign code compliance, local means and methods, filing and building permits and product outsourcing" (Interiors & Sources, Alisse). I also found through some research that designers that use global influence do not follow trends. Shelley Boyd states that in her designs "It is important to source both locally and globally, however in being able to source globally she is able to bring unique and different pieces to my clients. I think personal style and enjoying the pieces that you have selected is just as important as following a certain theme" (DesignBuildSource). I agree with Shelly. Its important to bring something unique to each space. Taking the clients personal experiences and adventures is a great way to bring global influence to all of their home. So that's what I have found out about this contemporary issue so far.

DESIGN OR NO DESIGN: EVIDENCE BASED DESIGN PART 2

Since we last spoke I discussed what evidence based design was. To elaborate just a bit, evidence based design is so very important to what your everyday life will be like. It helps to better understand peoples tendencies and needs. This is a pretty obvious statement considering it is called EVIDENCE based design! Like I said in my previous post, designers use the results from research and use them to help create a space for people to function in and also make people step back and say "Wow, this is really nice." Through my internship I have began to learn the importance of client needs. My boss and coworker have really taught me how to treat clients. They treat them with respect, kindness, and "down-to-earth" personality. Doing research is so important as you have probably figured out by now but I want to make sure that people know that it is a vital step in the design process for Interior Designers. To wrap things up, here is a video I found about evidence based design. If you were still confused I hope that this can help clear some things up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egIc2xgeUlE

DESIGN OR NO DESIGN: WHY EVIDENCE BASED DESIGN IS IMPORTANT

For the past couple of weeks I have been learning so much on how important design is to our everyday lives. Through my previous posts, you can start to understand what it is that interior designers do and how important their job is to you and your family. In modern design trends evidence based design has become a frontrunner in the world of interiors. So what is evidence based design? Evidence based design is pretty simple in definition but is a serious topic. It is doing extensive research on a space to see specific needs for that particular space. Evidence based design is commonly used in healthcare and education. I bet you didn't know a designer was even needed for a hospital did you? Well they are definitely needed! For all forms of healthcare there are certain specifications that designers have to abide by. There must be non-porous surfaces such as the flooring, upholstery and wall coverings. The reason for this is to prevent the spread of disease and bacteria in the hospital which is very important to the well being of the patients in the hospital. So how do you follow these specific guidelines and still have a creative and cohesive space for people to come and feel comfortable? Thats why you have designers. We can take these codes and make spaces for children, cancer patients, local clinics, mental health, physical therapy and trauma recovery patients and create a space for people to use and hopefully get back to their normal everyday lives. 

 

THE SPECIAL NEEDS CHALLENGE: AGING IN PLACE

To continue on yesterdays post, there are many factors that contribute to the special needs of interior design, one of which was discussed in my last post. Another special need in the interior design industry is aging in place. Now I'm going to be honest, I didn't exactly know what this meant when I read it but I had somewhat of an idea. Once I did some research, it made a lot of sense to me. The CDC describes aging in place as "the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level." If you think about it, the definition is quiet simple. For example, my family recently built a  home. We designed the floor plan with the future in mind. My parents wanted this home to be there last so they built it so that when they get older they can still function in this home with ease. Things like lever handles instead of rounded knobs, entrance without stairs, and an open plan are some factors that a designer has to consider when designing a floor plan for a client. Below are some pictures to further visually explain aging in place.

Restroom Example

Pull out cabinets for easy access

THE SPECIAL NEEDS CHALLENGE: UNIVERSAL DESIGN

In the interior design world, there are more decisions to make than just paint colors.  We have have to space plan areas and design floor plans. One thing that is up and coming in the design world that affects interior design is Universal Design. Have you ever heard of Universal Design? If not, then you've come to the right place. A simple description of Universal Design is creating a space that is accessible to all people whether they are handicapped, elderly, or not handicapped. Universal Design has seven principles that designers must abide by. These qualifications help to further explain what universal design is and also helps those of us who are designers, architects or contractors to create spaces that help those around us.

The 7 principles of Universal Design:
1. EQUITABLE USE
2. FLEXIBILITY IN USE
3. SIMPLE AND INTUITIVE
4. PERCEPTIBLE INFORMATION
5. TOLERANCE FOR ERROR
6. LOW PHYSICAL EFFORT
7. SIZE AND SPACE FOR APPROACH AND USE

Well, now you know a little about universal design. Universal Design is used everywhere not just in commercial spaces. It is also used in residential spaces. Since I like to focus more on the residential side of Interior Design, here are a few examples of what to expect from a designer for Universal residential design.
Examples:
-Smooth ground entrance to the home
-No stairs
-Lever handles instead of twisting handles
-Wide interior doors, hallways, and isles
-5 foot turn radius for wheelchairs
-Pull out shelving in bathrooms and kitchens
-Height of counters are lower or higher depending on the person
-Ramps

Here is a link to many universal ideas for homes to help better understand it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yINSxTduC6A

universal bathroom

universal kitchen

WHO WANTS TO BE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER: THE STORE & WHAT I DO

Style of firm "Living Room by Lounge Interiors"

 Well, its my third week at Lounge Interiors so I figured I would talk a little about the firm and give an overview of what my job responsibilities have been these past few weeks. We have been pretty busy at Lounge. From stocking our showroom, artwork sales and about 6 major clients to work on we have had our hands full! Since we have had so much to do Haley (my awesome boss) has let me join her on a couple of her projects. Below are a few projects that I actually have gotten to select fabrics and furniture for. I even got to go out on the job and field measure for some roman shades we are getting custom made for a client. But before I talk about my responsibilities let me tell you a little about the store. Lounge Interiors is owned by Haley Bianchini and managed by Laci Wheatley. Together they run a very successful business that offers interior retail sales, local artwork and a personal interior design service. They strive to make every person that walks through their doors feel welcome and to help them achieve the look that the client wants. The overall style of Lounge Interiors is transitional contemporary. A word that Haley often describes her pieces in the store and designs is "Classic". A classic transitional contemporary style for those of you that are completely confused by that is somewhere between completely modern and traditional pieces. The girls at lounge use light colors with a lot of fun accent colors. Something that Haley first said to me when I went for my interview is that, "the best way to design a space is to go with neutrals and use colors on the lamps, pillows and other accessories." So, now that you kinda have a feel for what Lounge Interiors is I'm going to fill you in on what I've been up to these past few weeks.

Pretty much every day I come in and help the business manager check on purchase orders and answer emails to get the day started after that its pretty much different everyday. I help Haley with her projects, organize the sample room, help with inventory, and help Laci or Haley with pretty much everything they do. The project on the left is a beach condo on dolphin island we have recently been working on. Its actually my bosses condo ha ha
 She has let me choose many of the finishes and furniture for it which is so much fun!! This picture has pretty much everything I have done so far for it. From space planning, fabric selection and furniture selection she has included me in all of it! Still have a ways to go on it but its coming along...
The other project that I have been really involved in is a baby boys room. This project, I have field measured for roman shades and actually got to experience the struggle with dealing with the clients taste. It has been really exciting and challenging to design for an actual client but it is helping me so much with my people skills and creativity. Well, I guess that's all for now! Until next time....

Baby Boy's Room

Haley's Beach Condo

 

DESIGN FEUD: WHAT IS INTERIOR DESIGN REALLY?

I'm studying Interior Design at USM. I know what interior design is but what do you think it is? Often when talking about my major many people respond with "oh, that's sounds fun". Now, don't get me wrong I absolutely love my major and couldn't imagine me doing anything else, but Interior Designers don't get enough credit for what they do. Interior design is more than pillow fluffing and picking out paint colors. It involves all sorts of things such as art, architecture and even psychology. Through what I have learned in school, designers draw floor plans, design lighting and electrical plans, and create a cohesive and creative spaces that others could never dream of coming up with. Using our ability to visualize a room with no picture or idea sets us designers apart from just your everyday average Joe. When I think of what interior design is the first thing that comes to mind is aesthetics. Aesthetics is what everyone considers Interior Designers to focus on, but many don't think that they may have designed the interior of the elevator they are riding, hallway they walk through at work every day or the local grocery store. Each space can be designed and every space, no matter how small it is, is important to the overall look and feel of a space.

So, now you have learned what interior design is, does that mean you know what it is not? Well for those of you that are pondering that question, I've got the answer!  Interior Design is not picking out and placing accessories on a bookshelf. Ok, so I know how to do that, but its not going to be my job description when I get out there in the real world. I won't just be decorating a house or showing someone where to hang a painting but I will be drawing their floor plan, selecting finishes, furnishings and its fabrics, and arranging the furniture so that it best fits that companies or families lifestyle and daily functions. I hope that now you can somewhat see what interior design is all about and can be better informed about what your fellow designer can do for you!

PS- If you know an Interior Designer, let them know how important they are in your daily actions and one more word of advice, don't call them a decorator, we don't like that...