Changing the Face of Medicine

We have all been to see doctors in cramped examination rooms with a bed, a chair and a small counter with a sink. When we have blood work done, we sit in what reminds me of school desks.

As we have more serious medical issues, we go from doctor to doctor. For a mother with small children, there is just not enough space for all of us. It almost feels like no one has ever thought about this issue. When mothers who have more than one child need to have medical issues addressed, the room is easily crowded. Patients are left feeling like part of the process. Well, design has addressed those issues and more.

Steelcase has developed a new line of products called Nurture. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic observed how consultations were done and felt that there was a disconnect between the doctor and patient created by the layout of offices and examination rooms.

The desk between the patient and the doctor minimized interaction and created a situation where it was difficult to see test results and images. Steelcase found that many of the doctors also felt disconnected and wanted an environment that engaged the patients more fully in the understanding and treatment options available to them.

As more information becomes available, patients are researching and coming in to the doctors with their information and looking for answers. The relationships between patient and doctor are more a give and take than in the past, when a doctor would prescribe medicine and walk out.

With this in mind, spaces are being created so there are work surfaces that protrude and create mini conference spaces. Test results can be viewed on a computer screen and papers can be put on the work surface. Designers at Steelcase believe that in the very near future patients will be bringing in their laptops to show their research to the doctor.

Have you seen any changes in medical facilities at your doctor’s office or labs? Do you perceive medical treatment more as a partnership than a dictatorship?

Is “Party Ready” One of Your Buying Criteria?

I know one on the first things I look for in a new living space is the ability for that space to house a gathering of my favorite people. Now, mind you, looking at a house versus looking at apartments is a very different scenario. However, I think the interiors can have very similar “party friendly” attributes, no matter how big or small of a space is in question. So here are a few ideas that I have gathered throughout my years that I think make space “party ready”:

• The flow: The flow of a space is critical to party atmosphere. For instance, if there is a back patio or backyard to the home, you should check for the ease of movement from the front entry of the space to the back. Also at this point, for upkeep reasons, check what type of flooring is along this path. If you are lucky enough to get hard surface flooring along the way you will be happier in the long run. Also, hopefully along this path there is the kitchen or a space kitchen adjacent, so the food and goodies are easily accessible.

• Restroom availability: For a while in my life I lived in a 1929 tutor where you either had to go up or down a flight of stairs to find a “potty.” I know that this was a big pain when people were over, especially when planning a family affair and you may have a lack of mobility in some visitors. So you are in good shape if you are looking at a space that has a bathroom on the main living level.

• Know your assets: What you already own, I think, is a big factor in buying/leasing a space. For me, it’s my extendable dining room table. It has multiple leaves that can get pulled in and out to accommodate a larger party or a small group for playing cards. So I know having a space to house my dinner parties is very important. If you have a large sofa or sectional that can fit many people, but takes up a large footprint, just be sure to plan for it ahead of time.
• And finally, the layout: In order to meet all of the criteria I have listed above, your best bet is to look for a home with an open floor plan. By limiting the amount of small, broken up rooms, you will give yourself a more fluid flow, furniture reconfiguration space and possibly a single shared wall between your kitchen and bathroom.

So if you are like me and being “party ready” is a space asset maybe some if these ideas can help. What do you think is your most critical criteria when looking for a new space?

Space Planning for the Classrooms of Tomorrow

If you were to look at an interior of a house from 1950 and then compare it to the interior of a house today, do you think you would be able to tell which era was which? If you look at a car from 30 years ago and a car that comes off a production line today can you tell the differences? If you traveled in time and went to a department store in the 1970s, could you tell the difference in the design aesthetics compared to today’s fashions?

Hopefully you said yes to all of these questions. Now think about classroom styling from the past 80 years. Most likely you are picturing individual desks, in rows, facing the front of the room that consists of a teacher’s desk and either a whiteboard or a chalkboard if you are really thinking old school. SO when you visit a grade school of today, does it look substantially different? If so many aspects of our lives, cars, home and office interiors, cloths have evolved, why haven’t learning environments? For the number one environment that is supposed to encourage “thinking outside the box,” it really has not “thought out of the box” for itself much over the years.

So what will the classrooms of tomorrow look like? Many furniture manufactures have been asking that same question for a few years now. And in short, from my reading, I can answer that with a single phrase – “in the round.” Many good things happen “in the round”; rock concerts, kitchen islands, small group conferences… so why not classrooms? One of the top things employers look for in their work environments is a capability to “make work visible” – by placing classrooms in the round, all work can be seen. If a student is struggling, slacking or just getting lost, the instructor can be more aware. So now we can see more classrooms with mobile/flexible tables on wheels – and seating that can house multiple postures – versus desks that are attached to chair that only offer one position.

Also, the biggest change is the addition of more technology. Lots of technology. If you think of the square classrooms being made “round,” this can involve adding projectors, mobile smart boards and a mobile teacher stand that allows the instructor to be at home anywhere in the classroom. As our society becomes more paperless, why not start young??

So next time you find yourself in a learning environment, don’t just accept the space for what it is. Think about the next generation of learners – and what do you think the results of such changes in the learning environment will bring?

If you’re interested in learning more, check out Steelcase’s website.

How to Know When You Have Selected the Right Designer

If you’ve ever thought about working with an interior designer, some doubts may have crossed your mind. Many times I have had the experience of my clients deciding to work “under cover” without their spouse knowing that they were consulting a designer. And yes, they dreamed up this fabulous design that was magically executed perfectly!

Often people feel that designers are too expensive, or that you’d get stuck with a room you wouldn’t like because the designer only thought about a solution that they would enjoy, not you as the end user. Using a designer should be a good experience. It can give your home a sense of comfort, function, and beauty. And it doesn’t have to go over your budget.

Working with a designer can save you money in the long run. There are often times that designers can provide resources that you may not have thought of. We also alleviate design mistakes, by making sure that there is a proper fit and follow through on everything. And the solutions that are loaded with creativity are probably things that you would have never thought of. Here are some simple steps that will help the communication flow well between you and the designer.

Prepare yourself – Decide on a budget. Collect color swatches you like. Have pictures to illustrate what you like and what you don’t like. Think about the furniture pieces you hope to keep. Listen to all ideas, but never go against your heart.

So, once you’ve found a designer, what happens next? How can you be helpful, remain in control, and ultimately end up with a design that is pleasing? A good place to start is this overview of design and what the designer charges for their time. Is their fee structure built in to the purchasing of goods or are they billed hourly and the products are “passed through” at the discount that they receive.

Communicate with your Designer – Listen. Talk. Listen. That’s it in a nutshell. The designer will tell you what they feel the best course of action will be for your space. It is important for you to be frank about your budget limitations (everyone has them). You wouldn’t walk into a Ford dealership if you wanted a Bentley. And you may dream of the Bentley but can really only afford the Ford. It is ok. There is a nitch for everyone and the level of creativity doesn’t need to stop just because you have a lower budget in mind. Actually, the lower the budget, the more challenging and enjoyable I find the project to be!

This brings us to money. No one likes sticking to a budget, but everyone has one! Be conservative. Plan a project with goals and phase-in purchases over a few months or years if necessary. Make sure you’re very clear on exactly how you’ll be charged, when your designer needs deposits, how you’ll be billed, what you get, and when the work should be complete. Will you be charged for phone calls, shopping trips, or in-home consultations? Are purchases marked up or discounted?

Finding a Local Designer – There are also some interior designers that offer online design advice and planning for a fee. Several of these are listed online. Often times my clients come to me on a referal basis. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends who helped them with a fabric or the perfect cabinetry. Chances are they are proud of their homes and are happy to share the designer that they used. However you choose to proceed with your project, whether you consult with a designer, by the hour or the day, for a room or your entire home – you’re sure to learn a lot and have a more beautiful and functional living space as well.

Making sure you are happy – The more information you can give to your designer the better. Your needs, your preferences, and your hopes can be conveyed in both words and pictures. This will give your designer a place to start in creating a design specifically for you. (Make an extra set of color copies if needed.) If you don’t know where to start, grab a magazine or a photo of a place that you have traveled too. In addition, make sure that your thoughts are organized. Make sure that the priorities are set prior to your meeting, it is really easy to get sidetracked during a meeting. Showing someone your whole house may not be a good use of time during your first meeting.

Have you had an disaster experience with a designer before? What went wrong? How about any recommendations of designers that did an amazing job?

Conversation Circles in Family/Living Room Layouts

Entertaining is a big part of home life for many of us. Often we have groups of people that like to sit and converse about life, politics, beliefs, current events, etc. Or simply relive old memories of funny things that happened when they were together.

There is nothing more annoying that trying to sit in a group together and have people walking through the room in front of each of you. The layout that can help avoid this distraction is sometimes referred to as a “conversation circle.” This term refers to setting up a room so that people can sit in a group and talk without the interruption from those passing by.

Typically we find this in family and/or living rooms. Setting up a sofa and flanking two chairs or a loveseat next to it would be a typical layout to support conversation circles. Often the television is placed in front of the sofa on a nearby wall and even a chair may be angled next to the entertainment unit. Another idea is having a large sectional or two sofas that are facing each other with a cocktail table in-between.

The idea is to have a furniture set-up that allows multi-functions, such as looking through photo albums or a place to put food and drinks. When you are having a good time socializing with others, the last thing you want to do is have to leave the room. A very popular new layout would be an arrangement of four large, comfy upholstered chairs with a round cocktail table in the middle. This is a great layout if you like to play games while conversing. Pottery Barn often has this layout in each season’s catalog.

Other areas of the house can also support conversation circles, such as a den or study, dining room or dinette, and even a large bedroom. Don’t forget about bringing the “conversation circle” out to the patio! Many times, large outdoor (typically wood or whicker) sofa’s are placed in a covered area outside with cocktail tables and chairs. Sometimes fireplaces or fire pits can even be found within this area. There is nothing better than sitting around an open fire with good friends on a cool summer evening. For even more fun, try bringing out the s’mores!

Enjoy your time with friends and family in your conversation circle!

Man Vs Machine: Has computer based programs replaced skilled hand rendering?

I remember being home from grade school sick and getting to watch Bob Ross on public television. In case you are a younger member of generation Y and you are not familiar, Bob Ross was a painter who specialized in landscapes and fan brushes. He had this ability to make art look easy. He would start with basic techniques while teaching about shading and highlights and before you knew it, the hour was up and he had created another riveting nature-focused awe inspiring piece of art.

I think interior designers should have that same grace and artful hand. Only instead of “little trees” and fan brushes, we focus on interiors using (most likely) Sharpie markers. However, with the influx of technology, are we losing a bit of the hand-drawn quality of solid interiors work? Are we instead doing the right thing for the client and providing more realistic computer rendered images? Are we losing an art form or moving forward with technology?

I believe this has been a long time battle between designers and especially design educators. There are many design educators out there (institutions and individuals) that have the mentality that you have to learn the basics (hand drafting and rendering) before moving onto more advance methods of visual communication. I have to agree. “Fundamentals are the building blocks of fun!” But, as we move forward daily with technology, is there really a chance that as an industry, we will really have to revert to hand drawing and rendering? Probably not, but as one of my associates once put it to me, “There is nothing more impressive or awesome than to see a talented designer just grab a pen and be able to sketch ideas right in front of the client.”

So with this in mind, I think it is safe to say that hand drawing skills are impressive and needed. Even though as an industry we may never actually need to do much by hand, it is nice to know that you can rely on your basic skills. Plus, what are you going to do if you are in front of a client and your laptop dies??

Inexpensive, Creative Changes to furniture in your home…PAINT

During these current economic times, we are all thinking of ways to save. As a designer, I feel the constant need to “reinvent the wheel” even when it comes to my own home. I am always changing furniture layouts, trying new things…and have recently discovered that paint can be one of the most economical introductions to updating FURNITURE. Wood furniture that is, and more importantly, I should stress that these items may have found their way out to the curb otherwise. I am not pulling an HGTV on you – I recall an episode where someone painted an upholstered sofa! Then I had enough and swore never to watch the makeshift design shows again.

SO, I have this old bedroom set that I “inherited” for lack of a better term, I believe it was made in 1972 to be exact. It consists of a headboard, a dresser, an armoire and a couple of night stands. All of these items have made their way into other rooms and no longer act as a “set”.

The armoire lost its drawers, got painted a deep, deep purple, I changed out the knobs, drilled some holes in the back of it, modified a shelf inside for coffee mugs, and presto! My breakfast room now has a coffee bar with an espresso machine! (The fancy espresso machine was purchased with funds that would have initially gone to build cabinetry).

The night stands have flush sides and when spray painted black, put side by side they magically became a great television console for the recreational room in the basement.

The dresser has been relocated to my laundry room where I have yet to make a decision on what color it will become (I will keep you posted, pictures coming soon)…but it came in handy for all of those extra blankets, linens, and beach towels that I so seldom use. Best part is, the top doubles as a great surface for ironing!

The headboard was painted white, then I took a hammer to it, followed by a heavy duty chain link giving it the distressed look I was after. It now has a permanent home in a guest room that is open and inviting, crisp in color, yet warm in it’s distressed characteristics.

General rule, before you throw out the tired looking good furniture in your home, give it a chance…everything deserves a makeover! www.benjaminmoore.com

Long Narrow Rooms

Many new homes, as well as older homes, have long and narrow living rooms. These rooms can become problematic to arrange. Often we find ourselves questioning what type of furniture to put in a room such as these. If we arrange it one way, the television seems too far away. If we arrange it another way, the sofa is on one side and the chairs are on the other. The next thing you know, a lot of yelling is occurring just to have a simple conversation!

There are many simple solutions to this problem. One suggestion would be to break the room up with several conversation areas. The sofa and chairs can stay on one side of the room with the television. And on the other side, try a small round table for two, possibly even a game table! How about a reading nook? Or do you find yourself with odd pieces of furniture that have been handed down from family members? Try using these pieces of furniture for storage! Dress them up with accessories and pictures. Try to soften the area with a rug, window treatments, or a small upholstered chair.

Are these ideas still not working? Another idea is to put a desk in the room. Everyone needs a place to put their laptop or open the mail. What better place to do that than with your family and have the option to watch television. Is your room missing the key element of a fireplace? Try out an electric powered fireplace. There are several that have become beautiful pieces of furniture. They can also help keep your electric bill down if used properly.

The key to making this room work is all about balance. If you have large and heavy wood furniture on one wall, make sure that the opposite wall is balanced out. Some simple ways to do this would be if there are several windows on the opposite wall. If you apply heavier drapery treatments, then the draped fabric will balance out the weight of the furniture. Or try placing your fully upholstered sofa across the room. Placing end tables and lamps with heavier bases next to the sofa will really help make the room seem cozy. Take a look at the layouts here that may be able to help you out. Happy arranging!