Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Top 5 Design Trends in Commercial Buildings

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For commercial buildings, interior design Singapore is changing fast. Stringent design rules have given way to innovation and boundaries have been blurred. ‘Green’ seems to be the buzzword, as businesses turn more sensitive to natural resources and sustainability. Other interior design trends increasingly getting popular are deep tones, inconsistent patterns and doing away with clutter. Designers are giving up conventional layouts in favor of flexibility. If you’re looking for inspiration for your commercial building, here are top 5 design trends.

1. Sustainable interior design

Ever since the BCA stressed on the importance of green environments for offices, there has been a rise in the trend. Sustainability not only lowers utility bills, but boosts workers’ productivity. Make energy efficient choices in your interior design, for instance, using photovoltaic glass instead of traditional glass.

Get furniture made from recycled content and design the space in a way that daylight can be maximized. Focused task lighting helps minimize the use of general lighting. Having an efficient video conferencing system can help reduce carbon footprint by cutting out work-based travel.

2. Open gathering areas

Workspaces are beginning to be designed according to the needs of the modern professional. Interior design, hence, is collaboration-centered, and dominated by open workspaces. The community table is a great example of this trend. In commercial spaces like hotels and restaurants, shared tables are coming up.

Wireless technology has also brought in designated lounge areas. In shopping complexes, this is marked by spread-out sitting areas and benches lined up at long stretches. In case of adjoining desks, the transparent separating panels are a good idea.

3. Using geometric patterns

Geometric patterns are here to stay, and simplicity in design is the key. Minimalist geometric patterns are increasingly being found in commercial spaces, especially in high-end boutiques and retail stores. This helps to showcase merchandise, and at the same time, keeps interior design aesthetically pleasing.

Geometrical patterns have been regularly used in hotel flooring. However, the latest trend is to make them more dramatic, infuse colors, and have them in quirky combinations. This can help express uniqueness and create a lasting impact on visitors.

4. Blending indoors with outdoors

This complements sustainable design well, with reclaimed wood panels; natural fabrics for artwork exposed, and concrete flooring. One of the major recent trends in interior design for commercial buildings is to get more outdoor elements in the scheme. There is a greater focus on daylight, and reflective surfaces and skylights are getting popular.

Greenery, too, can be used indoors as an external element. Plants, and a healthy access to vegetation, are becoming a major requirement for commercial buildings. Bringing plants inside has the added benefit of getting a dash of freshness and color into an otherwise monotonous space.

5. Preferring form over function

Functionality is one thing, and comfort is yet another. Unlike earlier, when cost decided the choice of furniture in commercial buildings, it is governed by ergonomics now. The trend includes using chairs with head rests and adjustable arms. Standing desks, too, are being favored to reduce sitting-related problems.

However, commercial interior design always offers scope for cost-effective solutions. Lounge chairs with tablet arms, cabinets with slide-out seats, oval-shaped tables are good examples.

 



from Articles http://www.summerhaus.com.sg/articles/2016/12/27/top-5-design-trends-in-commercial-buildings
via Summerhaus Dzign

Thursday, December 22, 2016

New Year’s Resolutions to Improve Your Interior Décor

Interior décor is all about positive and refreshing change. What was classy in the past could mean cold and lifeless in 2017. This year, instead of taking up difficult New Year’s resolutions, vow to improve your interior design Singapore. Get over fads of the past and introduce fresh elements. Embrace your empty spaces and resist the urge to fill them with furniture and objects. Here are a few New Year’s resolutions that can help you better your interior décor.

Experimenting with minimalism

While experts still vote in favour of multiple elements of interest in smaller rooms, clutter is never welcome. After putting up for years, with knick-knacks and useless pieces lying here and there, go minimalist in 2017. Minimalism in interior design has been a major movement in the recent years. Let go of old pieces, clear out table tops and shelves, and opt for baskets for added storage.

Adopting sustainable design

Sustainability will be a major trend in the coming years, as far as interior design goes. More and more people are becoming ecologically aware, and are opting for eco-friendly material. Choose furniture made of reclaimed wood or better options like bamboo and coir. Install water harvesting systems and use fibres and paints free from pesticides.

Accepting bold patterns

Design pundits are of the opinion that bold graphics will be back in 2017. Get over understated designs and choose loud patterns to decorate parts of your house. Have a colourful, patterned rug in the entryway, or ethnic wall art for the living area.

Bringing colour back

Going all monochrome was a popular interior design trend a few years back. However, giving up colour can take away energy from a home. Have colour make a comeback by adding two accent colours to a room with white walls. Get cushions in matching colours for the sofa. Do not go overboard with colour, though. 

Infusing life in the home office

When it comes to designing your house, the home office is often ignored. Change that practice and spruce this area up. Get your old inspirational posters out and deck a wall with them. Curate knick-knacks, photographs, and other art pieces for a corner of the home office. Take a resolution to make your workspace inspiring and original.

Getting inspiration from different sources

Move over clichéd sources of inspiration in 2017. Design ideas on platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, magazines, and blogs are no longer unique. It could be a brilliant New Year’s resolution to look at unconventional sources of inspiration. Incorporate elements from a restaurant or hotel lobby you visited. Public spaces, gardens, and museums are good ideas as well.

Introducing greenery

You could have been ignoring this wonderful resolution all your life. Bringing more plants in your interior design scheme is a cost-effective way to breathe life into a space. Have vibrant and low-maintenance varieties of indoor plants all around the living room area.

Flowers can add colour as well. Rubber trees for excellent indoor plants, eliminate toxins, and purify the air around. English Ivy is a great option if you want to hang your plants.



from Articles http://www.summerhaus.com.sg/articles/2016/12/21/new-years-resolutions-to-improve-your-interior-dcor
via Summerhaus Dzign

Friday, December 16, 2016

Interior Design Trends to Watch Out for in 2017

Interior design Singapore is slated to undergo some major upheavals in 2017. For instance, experts predict that pastel shades will make way for jewel tones. Escapism in urban dwellings will appear, with elements like reading nooks and oversized loveseats becoming a regular feature. Functionality in furniture and natural textures are expected as well. Read here about interior design trends you should watch out for in 2017.

Modular furniture schemes

Functionality and modularity go hand in hand. Modular furniture is a result of creativity and functionality. The nomadic furniture system is a good example. In this system, furniture consists of freestanding modular pieces. Transportable, space-saving systems, with metal frames in different sizes and versatile wooden hinges, provide practicality and elegance to interior design.

Elements of vintage interior design

Retro inspiration will be back in 2017, with designs inspired from sets of movies from the 60s and 70s. Elements like greenery, wooden beams and brick walls are interesting inputs for a vintage décor scheme. Retro effects for furniture include cane-back chairs, solid wood chairs with curved backs, and lounge chairs. Layered lighting can help to complement your home's vintage design.

Minimalistic bathrooms in urban homes

Private and smaller bathrooms are going to be the trend for 2017. The era of large bathtubs and spaces for toilette is over. However, smaller and neater does not have to mean compromises in terms of style, functionality, and comfort. You can make up for the lack of surplus space by investing in high quality fixtures. Incorporate contrast in the scheme, using hardware in dark colors with a neutral color palette.

Touches of metal in décor and furniture

Be it copper, warm gold, steel or cool chrome, metallic finishes are expected to be a hit in 2017. This includes interior design inspired by space, stars, metals, and the cosmos, along with elements like transparent fabrics, sheers, and silks. For a striking effect to a room, bring in silver finishes, including chrome and stainless steel. Metallic finishes can help subtly heighten the mood in a room. They can also be combined with white plaster.

What is in for 2017?

Certain elements from the past, like marble home-ware and open floor plans will make way for others. The elements of 2017 include:

Artsy wallpapers

Organic wallpapers that will look like murals and not plain wall coverings will be popular. Textures like sea grass and rice paper in mural and floral styles will lend an artistic touch to the interior design.

Terracotta

Warm will the more preferred option over cool. Terracotta tiles, with a matte finish, would come in for feature walls in bathrooms.

Cork

This is another material that adds warmth to a space. Cork is also stylish and can absorbing noise in homes with open floor plans. Doing entire walls of segments to pin notes is an interesting idea.

Darker shades of green

Shades of blue will be passé in the coming year, as green in dark shades will be a popular interior color. One can either use it as a paint color for their bedroom or as an accent element for furniture.



from Articles http://www.summerhaus.com.sg/articles/2016/12/16/interior-design-trends-to-watch-out-for-in-2017
via Summerhaus Dzign

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Tips for designing your home office

More and more Singaporeans are taking up the provision of working from home. They can have a better work-life balance and work in an environment that they are actually comfortable with. However, designing a home office that you will actually enjoy working in could be a challenge. It is essential to distinguish workspace within your home. The right interior design can help you achieve this. Here are some useful tips on designing your home office.

Emphasize the role of the space

You could dedicate an entire room to a home office, or a corner in a large room. However, what is important is to find a focus to base the rest of the interior design around. If you have allotted just a desk to your workspace, the emphasis could be your computer. Keep it towards the front and to the center of the desk.

Plan the lighting well

Never set up a home office where you do not get enough natural light. This would mean going back to the uninspiring feeling of a corporate cubicle. Place the desk parallel to the windowpanes. This way, you will not be straining your eyes too much. Consider getting light fixtures for different intensities of light. A desk lamp is indispensable. A good lighting sets your mood to work.

Design ergonomically

Place your computer so that the top of the screen is at eye level. Scanning down the screen will keep moistening your eyelids and hence avoid eye fatigue. You should position the keyboard such that you can keep the arms parallel to the floor. Your feet should rest firmly on the floor. If needed, get a footrest. Invest in a desk chair ergonomically designed or at least get seat support.

Blend functionality with design for storage

Filing cabinets are important pieces of furniture, without which there would be too much confusion and lost documents. Hang magazine-rack-style cabinets or display shelves on an accessible area of a wall. If you have spare closets in other rooms, add shelving systems to them to minimize shelving in the home office. Alternately, you can try metal cube storage to keep books, to-do notes, pens and other knickknacks.

Lend greenery to the space

Plants are a significant addition to a space that needs frequent refreshment. Greenery also adds positive energy to the interior design. Plants like Cacti and Southern Yew can go a few days without water, for days you plan to take off from work. Moreover, office spaces can get monotonous and greenery can lend brightness and color.

Personalize in a corner

Interior design for the home office needs personalization as well. You can put the wall hangings, flower vases, photographs, and posters in a corner above a corner table. You can also display mementoes or achievements in glass shelves around this area. However, be sure to keep changing the arrangement every now and then. You may also want to get this space scented.

Get rid of clutter. Important work-related things like your day planner and phone should not be buried under the rubble of papers, cords, and random things. Get a desk organizer to maintain the harmony of your interior design.



from Articles http://www.summerhaus.com.sg/articles/2016/12/14/tips-for-designing-your-home-office
via Summerhaus Dzign

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Essential qualities of an interior designer

The job of an interior decorator involves combining creativity and functionality for homes and other spaces. When it comes to interior design in Singapore, you must be able to bank on your designer to help get your ideas to life. They should be able to listen to your requirements carefully and offer valuable advice.

Look for reviews online or ask for referrals when choosing an interior designer. Here are some essential qualities of an interior designer.

They should estimate project durations well

This is because durations for every project are different. For instance, designing a living room can take 1-2 months to complete. In this case, the owner has a fair amount of time to buy products and start constructing. Delays and lags are a part of such projects, and good interior designers can estimate accurate duration for different projects.

They should be able to give a cost breakdown

Interior design is a matter of taste and education. Hiring someone just because they come cheap is not worth it. However, it is definitely one of the deciding factors. This means that they should be able to provide a clear breakdown of the cost. This generally depends on where you live in Singapore. Either they could charge you on an hourly basis or quote a fixed rate based on the entire project.

Ask for hourly rates if you want space planning or design drawing. Fixed rates are for larger projects like construction of a new home or full remodels. Based on their experience, a good interior designer will spell it all out in their contract.

They should keep the project on the right track

Interior designers should be able to manage people well. A project involves dealing with contractors, the client, and other people. This is where experience counts the most. You could also want your family members to be present when important interior design decisions are made.

Delays and setbacks cannot be avoided in longer projects. Hiring an interior designer can help with sticking to deadlines. Decisions and opinions can eat up a lot of time, and the interior designer should be able to provide the right options to avoid wasting time.

They should be good with visual detail

A good amount of an interior designer's job involves getting the designs from the mind on to the paper. If the client has a specific interior design requirement, the decorator must be able to quickly draw up a sketch of the same. Good interior designers have a knack for inspecting and surveying buildings.

They should have an inherent drive for doing creative work

Interior design is not all planning and calculation. Whether experienced or newcomer, a good designer will always be enthusiastic about a project. They should offer their insights about things like cost-effective options, colour combinations and durable building material.  They should also be able to collaborate with the other contractors to offer advice on paint, furniture, and plumbing. Good interior designers often have their own contacts as well. This helps them enjoy creative freedom and keep other project activities on track.



from Articles http://www.summerhaus.com.sg/articles/2016/11/30/essential-qualities-of-an-interior-designer
via Summerhaus Dzign