New Interior Design Concepts Promise Stunning Impact
Incorporating natural textures and art can impact the mood of the room. Courtesy of Pam Smilow
It seems every change in season is an open door for a pronouncement of a new trend. While to some this may seem frivolous, there are changes happening all around us which affect how we think about ourselves and how we want to live. Our homes are impacted consciously and unconsciously by improving technology, what we are drawn to and by what we aspire to. This is happening very quickly. Consider about 2-½ years ago only one in fifty cars driven in the United States was electric. Today one in twelve cars is an electric vehicle. At the same time technology affects almost everything we use, there is a growing embrace of natural things once again.
Today it is not a surprise that incorporating nature into our living and working spaces is a sound economic investment in health and productivity, based on well researched neurological and physiological evidence. This is known as the study of Biophilia - an assumed human tendency to interact or be closely associated with nature; to be drawn toward nature, to feel an affinity for it. The ‘Bohemian Chic’ design aesthetic of the past few years captured nature beautifully for living spaces indoors and out. To take a simple step in this direction, try an art piece on the wall featuring natural elements to see if that will affect the feeling in the room. A water element iis grounding and calming. Vertical plant walls are a way to keep the air fresh and celebrate love of nature. These are all easy ways to naturally lower blood pressure and heart rates.
New in the light fixture category is lamp type without the need to continually plug it into an electrical socket. Ease-of-use is designed right into these grab and go light fixtures. For the Easy Peasy cordless table lamp, a single USB charge offers 8 hours of LED light at full power. At half power (50 percent dimmed) that increases to 48 hours and with a minimum power of 10 percent, 180 hours of light is provided!
This kitchen features convenience through the sleek design of the cabinetry. A bright pop of yellow is balanced by the neutral colors used in the rest of the room. Courtesy of Sherry Scott Design
Convenience is one of the driving factors in our time-limited days. It is showing up in home appliances such as induction cooktops paired with ventilation fans. Turn the cooktop on and it pauses while the fan comes on first. This allows the air to start moving through the vent before the cooking even starts, to keep heavy smells from entering our open living spaces. Ovens can be handle-free now, fridges and dishwashers can be pushed-to-open with a bump of the hip in case hands are full. This also can eliminate protruding cabinet handles, an added safety feature.
In home heating and cooling there are more options today for saving energy and money. This is the motivation to consider installing automatic window covering controls. According to energy.gov, about 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through windows. In summer seasons, about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters a home to become heat. Window covering controls with sensors are an easy way to maximize passive heating and cooling, while reducing energy use.
Individuality is being shown in color palettes which may have had a specific connotation years ago, such as pink is only a color to be used for little girls rooms or mixed bright colors in a room is too frivolous to be ‘good design’. Today there are no judgements around color. To create an instant mood lift, pull in a yellow section into kitchen cabinetry. Using neutral colors and materials will help to both neutralize the yellow and balance it as in a natural outdoor environment. For more fun, go for that red-orange-raspberry if it makes you happy!
Readers are encouraged to submit design questions, which may be printed in a future column. To submit questions, email design@sherryscottdesign.com.
Sherry Scott is a Certified Interior Designer in California, professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers and the proprietor of Sherry Scott Design in downtown Los Altos, 169 Main St.
