How Smart Bedroom Design Can Improve Your Sleep

Could you name the place where you are spending about one-third of your life? In many ways, there is no space in a house more important than a bedroom. A good night’s sleep can make all the difference the following day. Besides the essential impact on focus and productivity, proper rest also stabilises immune function and mental health. Creating an environment that makes it all possible is a special kind of challenge. A harmony between functional and beautiful, achieved through interior design, should encourage healthy sleep, and elevate the bedroom back to its place as the ultimate domestic sanctuary.

In terms of psychology, people should use the bedroom for sleeping, and almost nothing else. However, as the times are changing, the bedroom turns into a place for various activities. Bedrooms became crammed with everything from TVs, laptops, gym equipment, even coffee makers. A habit of checking Facebook and Instagram in bed added to the transformation of this, once ultimately calming and soothing place, to a venue for socialising or even getting some work done.

But is That the Way It Should Be?

Perhaps it is time to take a step back and reconsider the situation. Returning to a serene and calm bedroom, as a room closed to the public in both physical and digital ways, could be the difference between a good or a bad night's rest. Bedrooms are private, and we should aim to make them feel that way. Purified design, clutter-free harmony, and soothing colours and textures will make all the difference. When redesigning our homes, public zones usually get major attention and all the priority. Subsequently, private rooms come last when funds and enthusiasm start wearing off. “What does it matter, it can’t disturb me when I sleep” - except that it can, and does.

While your conscious being is resting, other parts work overtime. Even when we sleep, our brains are still registering our environment, catching sounds, movements, smells, all the while trying to renew our cells and heal our aches. The more airy and peaceful the bedroom, the better our bodies can rest. And with that in mind, what further reason can we find to give it’s design a higher priority and make it as pleasant and comfortable as possible?  

What Turns a Bedroom Into a Sanctuary?

First of all, designing a dream bedroom doesn’t mean you’ll end up with holes in your pockets. With the correct approach and guidance, small changes can lead to significant improvement in the quality of life received from our very own sanctuaries. A place for rest and rejuvenation should offer some effortless time for your private self.

Ideally, the designated room will be airy, spacious, and bright, furnished with a distinctive sense of proportion, and decorated with a few essential things. All distraction elements should be kept at a minimum, and that includes electronics. Peaceful vibrations will help you immerse into resting time on quality furniture which provides cosiness and a sense of embracing shelter. It's important to consider all of the elements of design when creating your room. You must not only consider the floor layout, but also the ceiling height, windows providing natural light, colours, and patterns that enhance a sense of calmness.

Consider harmony and functionality where each item of furniture or decoration achieves a sense of coherence and unity to the space. Beauty can also be functional. Bedroom furniture, just like any other design component, should be a reflection of the owner’s lifestyle; not only for the purpose of aesthetics but also in order to fulfill the function in the best ways possible. Don’t fall into the trap of impulse buying and define all the purposes that your bedroom needs to meet. Start by determining the main features and work your way around them.

The Ideal Layout Is a Bedroom Philosophy by Itself

A proper floor plan is essential. Taking into consideration the most frequent areas of traffic flow. Typically, the busiest areas would be between your bed, the wardrobe, and the bathroom, requiring enough space to allow for easy transition between each of the areas; especially if there you are more than one person in the room.

Each item of furniture should sit proportionally to the rest to ensure balance and harmony. Dressing rooms and walk-in closets, where available, help to enhance efficiency while elevating layout quality at the same time. A modern, minimalistic design thrives on relatively straightforward aesthetic principles, anchored in the idea of less is more. It employs good-quality but simple items, leaving it to contrasts and signature details to secure design dynamics.

The focus goes on a few statement pieces rather than many clusters of small ones. Clean lines, solid forms, minimalistic surfaces, and sleek symmetry define an aesthetically pleasing ambiance that celebrates function above all. When floor space is at a premium, shapes, and sizes can be utilised to convey visual tricks and balance out the proportions. Floating bedroom furniture, for instance, takes the weight off the floor and helps to mimic the spaciousness with a sense of airiness and transparency.

Colours and Lighting are the Main Players

Determine the right colour palette and dress your walls to impress. Neutral colours will help to enhance the feeling of serenity. Harmonious décor will help to improve a bedroom setting which is sure to offer you a peaceful rest and will encourage proper sleep hygiene. Meanwhile, if you have a taste for colour, pastels and muted shades are an excellent choice that provides an opportunity to accentuate the details by merely saturating the hue while maintaining your personality in the room.

A feature wall or some wallpaper highlights can all upscale both the style and mood of the bedroom. Even a vibrant hue can work well as a background that brings focus to details. Dress your windows. Light levels in your bedroom can determine how long it will take you to relax. If you belong to the people who take advantage of an afternoon nap, or need complete darkness to sleep, adding blackout shades or drapes would be an added benefit.

Aside from the function, window treatments are another way to enhance the design aesthetic of the room. Lighting defines the mood and character of every true sanctuary. Customisable variety of light sources with dimmer switches will ensure convenience for every occasion. A central source of light in the form of a glamorous statement chandelier can convey dramatic vibes, while the soothing environment requires the right proportion of light and shadow. Shades and fixtures able to mimic the soothing tremor of candlelight will provide an ultimate pampering feeling for your sanctuary.

Every Detail Matters

Besides functional qualities, there are several other aspects to consider when choosing a bed, starting from overall bedroom size. If you aim for a harmonious environment, symmetry is the key—otherwise, your senses will be set off by uneasy, weird dynamics. A heavy, massive bed will always look out of its place in a small bedroom, and vice versa. Apart from design, the bed must provide good support and guarantee a good night’s sleep. While compromising on style is occasionally necessary, we should never compromise on health and comfort.

Nightstands are more than just a surface to place a lamp. For some, those present convenient storage for whatever comes handy, from a glass of water to phones and laptops. Even so, cluttering a nightstand is not the best idea, so if you can’t part from your phone overnight, pick a bedside table with drawers or even hidden charging stations. Apart from that, this piece of furniture allows a lot of mix-and-match freedom, even in numbers. It provides a convenient opportunity to separately suit the different habits of each sleeper on its side.

Storage space is a special kind of a challenge. Dressers, wardrobe systems, drawers, walk-in closets, all help with keeping a bedroom cosy and clutter-free. However, each piece should also comply with the overall aesthetic. A composition of colours, materials and finishings need to coordinate with all other elements of the room. That being said, if you lack the storage opportunities, some bed designs provide extra space in a convenient way. Finally, if there is enough room left, consider setting an armchair or two, a corner lounge, or a window bench. With the addition of a small table and perhaps a floor lamp, you will establish a cosy spot to unwind, read a book, or meditate in peace.

Bedroom Philosophy Is a Synthesis of Tactile and Visual Sensations

The vital element of a good bedroom is an equally good mattress that fits your singular requirements for adequate rest. Bed frames and headboards should be curated in line with your habits. If you need a comfortable surface to lean against while reading before sleep, an upholstered headboard would be a smart choice. At the same time, it will make a great focal point, often sufficient as a central visual feature of the room design; think wide, spanning the length of the bedroom wall, or tall to elongate the room.

Bedding should help you indulge the sense and immerse your mind into resting time, through both visual and tactile sensations. Sheets that feel delicate against the skin, smooth and warm blankets, and embracing pillows all play their multifunctional, pampering roles. Decorative cushions and throw blankets elevate the style and set the tone of the bedroom, but be careful not to over-do it: good taste draws the line at the top quarter of the bed. Texture brings warmth and cosines, plus it can save an otherwise dull design.

A thick rug, apart from completing the setting, adds to the feeling of a decadent, soft, and textural refuge. It offers a relaxing sense of walking on the clouds, as a comfy overture for full immersion. Your feet will also appreciate the luxurious feeling of a soft surface when you step out of bed in the morning, still unprepared for blunt sensations. Even over a carpet, layering an area rug is a good idea to elevate the design with some extra texture and pattern; it may also serve to anchor the bed space in a room, especially if you have multiple areas such as a seating area or a vanity space.

No Clutter, No Obstacle for Body or Mind

Our whole being benefits from an organised, breathable environment. Excessive clutter in a bedroom can cause sleep deprivation, while scattered personal items bear the risk of tripping over during the night on your way to the bathroom. Storing away cables, chargers, and electrical gadgets will reinforce the feeling of serenity and a place of rest without digital interruptions. White noise machines make an exception, due to their ability to produce a soothing, comforting noise, reminiscent of beach waves. Those devices are effective at blocking out street noises and can actually improve the quality of sleep. There is a good reason why air is one of the staples of feng-shui design philosophy. Good airflow is not to be underestimated, as too little air movement could lead to restless sleep and lower levels of energy in the morning. Simultaneously, too much airflow can have an advert effect on the sleeper’s health.

Furniture placement, as well as the entire layout, need to secure the lightweight but steady flow of air for uninterrupted rest. Finally, while some enjoy keeping the windows open even during a snowstorm, optimal bedroom temperature for healthy, comfortable sleep is approximately 18.3 degrees Celsius. An environment too warm can cause fatigue, while coldness slows down your metabolism, taking your dreams to a deeper level of rest.

Office Design After COVID-19: Six Degrees of Separation

It’s early to say if the New Normal is here to stay. However, life and business will not return to old normal any time soon, so the faster we adapt to changes, the better—and safer.

Across the globe, we witness different stages of the pandemic and different approaches in fighting it. One thing is common for all: The world is now run by the importance of staying six feet apart. The post-COVID-19 state of normality requires implementing social distancing rules, wherever possible, and that includes the workspace too.

Is it possible to get your workplace and your workforce ready to thrive again in the “6-feet economy” of the post-COVID-19 era? As many nations start developing cautious strategies to relax lockdowns, the main questions revolve about the topic of restarting businesses and reviving the economy. Eventually, we will all return to work. It’s time to think about our position in the distanced society, visualise the best ways to adapt and find out how to make the rules work for us, instead of against us.

Implementing the COVID-19 New Normal 

Setting up refreshed, pandemic-proof offices means implementing a series of short-term fixes, together with new working patterns and long-term design upgrades. Whether the small adaptation does the trick, or you face a necessity for an entirely new fit-out, the right way is to put hygiene as a base of workspace planning. Some vital aspects of modern work environments will have to change if employees are to return to their desks safely.

A concise, in-depth analysis of the current working conditions is the first step to perform. It’s crucial to notice all weak spots of the existing layout in terms of health safety, in order to understand and explore opportunities for proper improvement. Next, develop a practical concept in line with new, straightforward, workable agreements and rules that put the safety on top. It’s good to think in advance and conduct training for employees who will advise, optimise, and operationally ensure a functional and safe facility environment by helping everyone else adapt easily.

New office interior design layouts must comply with the 6-feet distance rule not just in setting independent, adapted and fully equipped workspaces but also developing unique routing for each office. The real challenge lies in preserving the quality of communication and office culture while making traffic flows completely safe.

The list of rules for setting up a pandemic-proof workplace design includes:

• A minimum distance of 6 feet between employees
• Reduced capacity with rotating shifts (usually required)
• Digital improvement
• Suitable furnishing
• Protective screens/plexiglass barriers
• Bacteria-resistant materials
• Sanitising stations along every route
• Flexible, versatile layouts

These are guidelines for developing some key concepts in reinventing COVID-safe business environments. Adapting office interiors must work in line with action protocols that ensure all employers, workers and visitors maintain the highest levels of hygiene. It also includes visible directions for safe circulation through the facilities and proper implementation of technology, like body temperature controls and sensors that reduce tactile contact in common areas such as elevators or toilets.

Distributed Offices, Rotating Days and Physical Barriers

As this is the first time our generation has experienced a global pandemic, it’s only reasonable to expect many employees to be hypersensitive about the perspective of getting sick at work, together with the rising concern of employers in terms of their own potential -and real- liability.

It is not surprising to hear advocating for termination of the open-plan workplace concepts and return to the small, private offices. In terms of plain distancing, it makes much sense. However, the whole business culture had changed significantly since the era of private office spaces, and such return would bring only limited benefits, with a risk of deterioration, to modern principles of work style and communication.

Paradoxically, in the era of imperative distancing, the sense of community becomes more craved and more beneficial than ever. Instead of bringing up more solitude and closing the walls, we are obliged as human beings to be inventive and creative. For a start, if physical barriers are a necessity—the visual ones are not. 

Furthermore, open spaces provide a variety of opportunities for creative interior design and adaptable layouts without the necessity for major interventions.

Many experts suggest finding a solution which involves a combination of short-term fixes, aimed at boosting worker confidence and sense of safety; together with reducing the number of staff in the office with rotating shifts and implementations of remote alternatives, and some long-term design upgrades and modifications.

The ‘sneeze guard’ is one of simple, easy to implement, low-cost, high-impact solutions. It’s a plexiglass panel fitted between desks to improve isolation. While it represents a separation between colleagues as a physical barrier which makes people feel safer, it still allows full visual contact and doesn’t stand in the way of communication.

Open space layout permits setting up more extensive corridors, with one-way direction tracking. In passages no wider than two meters, it’s advisable to establish some sort of waiting areas, checkpoints with excellent visibility, where one can notice and wait for the other person to pass. Visual signals with arrows indicating directions of traffic flow around the office can reduce the risk of any jams or unwanted physical interactions.

Finding the fastest way from point A to point B and identifying the crucial points in a straightforward manner will not only improve safety but also help with maintaining better levels of productivity in challenging conditions.

Occupation Density, Creative Office Design Layouts, Flexible Furnishing

From the average 11m2 per worker, we now talk about reducing occupation density to at least 60%, to allow circulation while maintaining minimum safety distance. That is necessary for the most adequate optimising of the available office floor.

With more flexible furniture, you can configure the area according to the particular needs. Combined with mobile separating elements, it will allow the creation of smart and highly functional layouts. Reducing the number of chairs, with the relocation of auxiliary furniture, leaves more space for traffic and increases safety levels.

The same approach needs to be applied to common areas, like cafeterias or break rooms, where workers go to use a moment of pause. In the relaxing regions and spaces where socialising is a must, contact is almost inevitable. Solutions include: reducing the area capacity to 4 persons within every 10m2, or to 50% overall—whichever secures the proper distance between available seats; placing protective screens, providing biodegradable disposable covers or elements, and marking directions for circulation.

One of the reasonable approaches in adapting a workspace for post-COVID business life is choosing materials robust enough to withstand heavy cleaning using caustic products. Any highly porous or sensitive surfaces like natural oiled wood should be avoided. It is recommended to use solution-dyed carpets with moisture-barrier backing, the kind able to withstand heavy cleaning with aggressive agents. Anywhere possible, pick the bacteria-resistant materials as those can reduce the need for constant sterilisation.

Some of the more durable materials can be costlier than their typical alternatives. However, choosing the wrong kind of surfaces can end up costing even more if those have to be replaced every couple of months.

Air filtration systems present another level of challenge. One of the possible solutions is ultraviolet light. A heavy UV cleaning can be scheduled after hours, when everyone has gone home, to make sure that the air is perfectly clean for the next day.

Technology to the Rescue

Another concept to provide a safer environment is the ‘contactless office’ – something expected to become widespread among companies which can afford it.

It can start by incorporating voice activation to open doors and continue with touchless elevator and lighting controls. Some office bathrooms already have touchless sinks and soap dispensers. It can be brought further by adding sensors to toilet stall doors, and enabling passing through doorways or flushing the toilet with a hand wave. All self-service in office kitchens or coffee rooms can be replaced with sensor automation. Employees could avoid the need to press communal buttons by using their smartphones to send a command to anything from the elevator to the staff coffee machine. 

Conference rooms can be fitted out with voice-activated technologies. Alternatively, all activities that demand the simultaneous presence of a large group of people, like business meetings, can be executed in a fully remote manner. Videoconferencing can be done even within the office to avoid the physical sharing of a conference room.

Accepting the New Normal 

Resuming life and returning to the office is vital for reopening our economies. The transformation we are all experiencing revealed that a process of social change has only just begun. The new way of life blurs the boundaries and requires a design which perfectly combines balanced aesthetics and functionality.

The central aspect of characterising new workspaces should be the capacity to adapt to a time of constant change. Modern office designs, executed with the best interest of the people who inhabit them in mind, with flexible furniture and technological innovations, can become something we do not accept because we have to, but because we want. If new norms are applied smartly and creatively, many aspects of the “new normal” might prove worth keeping in the foreseeable future.

9 Best Interior Design Software Programs to Use in 2020

The rapid shift in software technology has enabled interior design professionals worldwide to create floor plans and make building projects run smoothly, quickly, and efficiently. There is a noticeable increase in both premium and free design tools — typically either downloaded or accessed through the internet.

So how do design software programs enhance workflow and productivity? Well, these easy-to-use applications can have various combinations of features, like 2D space planning and floor plan creation, 3D modelling, and high-quality rendering. Using virtual walkarounds can indisputably complete certain tasks with accuracy, obvious problems can be identified, costs better controlled and production time dramatically reduced.With so many available interior design software programs that offer complete control of every project facet, it can often be taxing for users to decide on the perfect fit. In order to take the guesswork out of choosing software, we’ve identified both premium and free applications you should consider in 2020.

Premium Interior Design Software Programs

Premium applications deliver powerful and complete tools needed to transform the interior and exterior environments. Most offer free trials for download to try out before the purchase.

AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a downloadable tool developed and marketed by Autodesk Inc. that helps you create new dimensions for an interior design project. Regardless of its complexity, this 2D and 3D design and drafting application is without a doubt one of the industry recognised software packages and a standard in the market today — so it’s no wonder that it’s featured first on our list!Valued for its hyper-realistic details and high intuitive user interface, AutoCAD is used extensively not only by interior designers and architects, but by professions from all disciplines around the world, including real-estate tour creators, product engineers, and game animators. It is available both in Windows and Mac versions, and files can be saved on a computer or archived in any storage media.For a new user, one might find the learning curve to be a bit steeper — but the website does provide a selection of helpful videos to guide you with the basics of creating structural plans and more. If you’re already comfortable with designing, illustrating ideas in a clear and concise way just comes down to learning the platform’s specific workflow and features.

Autodesk 3Ds Max

At the industry's cutting edge is 3ds Max — a brilliant graphics software by Autodesk, renowned for its excellent capabilities in delivering superb and detailed graphics in 3D modelling, simulation, and rendering, as well as animations and digital images.Though the software is currently only available for Windows and requires patience and determination to learn its complexity, it contains many features that can virtually breathe life into your designs, and adept at displaying a range of ultra-realistic textures, fixtures and artistic effects within the design scope.An essential addition to what 3Ds Max has to offer is its integration with other software such as AutoCAD and Revit. Simply import 2D drawings from these programs into 3Ds Max to help with the process of creating highly detailed 3D visualisations. Arnold renderer is an added bonus that makes it easier than ever for users to witness precise and detailed previews while they work.

SketchUp Pro

SketchUp Pro is an intuitive 3D modelling software commonly used across the board to quickly visualise an interior design project with a patented “push and pull” method. Firstly, it’s important to recognise and embrace how user-friendly this toolkit is — and understanding how it works allows the designer to take forward the planning process of a project, visually.With a big online source library of models assemblies (doors, windows, furniture, lighting etc.), users can work within SketchUp’s platform to extrude any 2D surface into 3D shapes or simply import custom 3D products, without having to use multiple tools to plan, design, and create.In 2020, the software features new ways to organise realistic floor plans, create detailed 3D models, extend presentation skills, as well as a web-based office and unlimited cloud storage to easily store, collaborate and share work. On a budget? A freeware version of SketchUp Make provides an opportunity to express and improve upon ideas and designs — however, it lacks a lot of features Pro has to offer.

Autodesk Revit

Yet another software by Autodesk, Revit is built for BIM (building information modelling) and utilised exclusively for 3D interior design, structural engineering, landscape architecture and architectural design. Highly technical in nature, users are able to explore and create structural models and documentation with a consistent and coordinated model-based approach.Revit is an integral part of many professional studios and makes up a significant portion of their architectural drafting and orthographic 3D production. Augmented reality and virtual reality technology are often used in conjunction with this application to experience accurate lighting, sounds, textures and materials.More importantly, users can capitalise on BIM 360 Design work-sharing as a collaborative tool across multidisciplinary teams working simultaneously on the same model to interact, share, annotate and save work. It’s mainly available on Windows, but an additional application called Parallels can be installed to permit functionality on Mac OS.

Infurnia

Perfect for designers on-the-go, Infurnia is the most in-depth and feature-rich cloud-based interior design platform available in the market right now. Simply put, it enables you to author design content using a web browser, with no hustle of installing a desktop version for it to function.Infurnia presents you with the freedom to create detailed, quality 2D drawings; different kinds of photorealistic rendering like 3D image renders, panoramic renders, and VR renders; as well as collaborate in a manner similar to how Google Docs works.In addition to its quality functions and ease of use and access, it showcases an innovative catalogue of furniture, flooring, wall coverings, customisable staircase and modular kitchen tools for every design needs and for a wide range of interior design aesthetics.

Free Interior Design Software Programs

It’s impossible not to create inspiring interiors by signing up on a free online-based program. Just like premium options, these free platforms offer innovative features that can win you your next design project.

Floorplanner

This software isn’t completely free but offers a free version that lets you build and share interactive floorplans online. An easy-to-use tool for interior designers, homeowners and real estate agents — the web-based program provides multiple options for wall coverings, flooring, objects and furniture to intergrade into your design.Better still, the ability to access a library of objects, export PDF files, determine accurate measurements, easily switch between 2D and 3D mode to view space designs, embed plans on social media accounts and share ideas and designs with friends, family and clients make Floorplanner a worthy contender in the area of free online room design tools.Overall, Floorplanner is best suited for designers on a relatively lower budget whose design needs are not overly complex or technical. This certainly includes beginner designers, which makes this tool an impressive starting point.

Planner 5D

Planner 5D is quite an impressive tool to use even in 2020 — it’s easy to work with, and yet, just like the free version of SketchUp, offers a well-equipped interface that allows you to create 2D or 3D residential designs.From exploring immersive design options right down to the smallest architectural details, you can breathe life into your design in just a few simple steps. An inspirational gallery is at the offer, presenting new and trendy features such as windows, stairs, and partitions, as well as landscaping and pools to assist in creating complete and stunning 3d graphics.What’s especially interesting about Floorplanner is its availability to iOS user, which means on-the-go designers can edit and adjust floor plans, materials, texture and colours on a mobile phone or an iPad.

HomeByMe

Design, furnish and decorate your space with few easy clicks! HomeByMe has a free registration option and you can begin to design instantly. Some of the software highlights include access to a catalogue of over 20,000 products from partnered design brands — giving way to actual products available in the market to furnish and decorate your space.Click and drag your way to a stunning place by creating real-time floor plans, visualise your home ideas in 3D, and communicate with other platform users and home industry professionals. The true cornerstone of this online-based application is the freedom it offers to explore and experiment with thousands of colours, textures and materials to turn your design aspirations into a reality.

Roomstyler 3D Home Planner

With over 120,000 products from the well-known brands, Roomstyler (formerly Mydeco) makes available to you a library of preloaded room layouts, or you could simply model or upload your own plan. Like HomeByMe, the online-based program makes designing your space easier and does away with all the needless inconveniences of heavy lifting.SourceArguably, one of the most interesting features of Roomstyler is its unique camera icon that sits within the drawing of the room and lets you view the space from any angle. Thereafter, you can render an image of it in a matter of minutes.Another great perk about Roomstyler is that the furniture and accessories are actual items that can be purchased online — from different renowned brands like IKEA, John Lewis, Moooi, Marcel Wanders and more. The icing on the cake? A preview of thousands of designed rooms for inspiration leaves something to be desired!

Get started!

Within any given industry, pitching for a new project is an exciting process. Creativity needs to flow and deadlines are always around the corner. With the right software program, you want to get ideas out of your head quickly and manage the sea of changes that often turn up when undertaking a project.At Mirabello Interiors, we leverage the full power of AutoCAD and Revit to build up spectacular interior layouts and structures, and a combination of 3Ds Max and V-Ray to bring ideas to life. Thanks to evolving technology, the envelope of design services have expanded in the sense that professional tools enhance our team’s efficiency and design clarity at every stage of the creative process, in a way that helps us deliver impactful concepts and winning results.When choosing either premium or free software programs, we recommend evaluating your goals and needs — this includes your team’s design process, as well as how you delve into each project collaboration. Whether a professional or armature designer, what works best for you will depend on your intended use, the pricing, the kind of file formats available and your skill level, just to name a few.

Final Thoughts

Gone are the days where interior designers specifically relied on education, intuition and lots of trial and error — today, professionals worldwide count on software programs to plan, draft and layout ideas. Undoubtedly these applications are an essential part of any progressive business, and aid in shaping up residential, corporate and commercial projects.More importantly, they provide immediate responses to ensure crucial design decisions are made early, they encourage collaboration between teammates and boost a complete, fast and easy interior design experience for clients. From AutoCAD to help plan structures of tomorrow, to 3Ds Max and Floorplanner to visualise the interior environment effectively and see its potential.

Top 6 trends from salone del mobile 2016

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The annual Milan Furniture Fair, Salon del Mobile, is always a big highlight on the design calendar and this year certainly did not disappoint.It’s consistently inspiring to see how the design greats interpret the world we live in and come up with new innovations – designers like Marcel Wanders, Philippe Starck, Patricia Urquiola, and others.The Milan fair is always a great showcase of art and design intersecting and just like with fashion trends, we are excited to see how these will translate to the high street.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="6648" img_size="full"][vc_column_text bbvcedo_x_large_css=".vc_custom_1554746203808{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}" css=".vc_custom_1554746203807{margin-top: 40px !important;}"]Here’s a look at our top 7 trends discovered at the Milan Fair this year: 

1. Iridescence is everywhere

It’s almost as if the design world is trying to make light of things with these beautiful light and colorful pieces.The dichroic film is being used to enhance everything from light fixtures and wall cladding to home décor and furniture. Definitely, something to keep an eye on this coming year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="6644" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]

1. Patricia Urquiola’s Shimmer coffee tables for Glas Italia
2. Sebastian Scherer for NEO/CRAFT
3. Credenza collection by Patricia Urquiola and Federico Pepe

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2. Multi Metals

Metals are still a very popular material to be used, but the latest trend sees all manner of metals and metallic colors being combined.Think multi-metal lighting installations and cladding, furniture and even wall coverings and fabrics. Consistent with the last few years, the trend definitely leans toward the warmer colors: copper, bronze, rose gold and gold.New interpretations of metal were also seen, most notably with Dutch designer Lex Pott’s oxidized Le Cornue oven – an artistic masterpiece.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="6640" img_size="full" css=".vc_custom_1554747096778{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}"][vc_column_text]

1. Knoll Gold Edition Chairs
2. Lindsey Adelman – Cherry Bomb Fringe
3. Lex Pott for EuroCucina
4. Cristina Celestino for BottegaNove
5. Patricia Urquiola for Georg Jensen All images via Wallpaper*

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3. Seventies Revival

The ’70s have made a magnificent comeback, for the last few years in furniture design but now also with the colors of the era are being seen everywhere.Use them individually or in combination to create a beautifully contrasting interior. Think teal and mustard, olive and peacock, coral and fern, powder blue and chocolate.Not only are these combinations being seen in color blocking and furniture, but also as patterns on wallpaper and fabrics.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="6645" img_size="full" css=".vc_custom_1554746615081{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}"][vc_column_text]

1. Metamorfosi basins by Olympia Ceramica design
2. Pedrali Vic by Patrick Norguet
3. Barber & Osgerby‘s Puzzle tiles for Mutina
4. Roberto Cavalli Home 2016

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4. Oversized Prints

These large-scale prints have been popular for a few years now, but none took them to heart as much as design house moooi.Photo realistic carpets and wallpaper featuring enormous flowers and mandalas are sure to be a conversation starter in any interior project.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="6641" img_size="full" css=".vc_custom_1554746653645{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}"][vc_column_text]

1. Marcel Wanders Eden Queen carpet for moooi
2. Tom Dixon
3. Umut Yamac’s Perch Light Tree Lamp for moooi

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5. Material Mixing

This was a very dominant trend seen throughout the entire show: mixing of a variety of materials in the same piece of space.Wood being combined with stone to create a multi-material countertop for a kitchen.Or wood, concrete, and glass combined to fashion a furniture piece.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="6646" img_size="full" css=".vc_custom_1554746776256{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}"][vc_column_text]

1. Maison Valentina
2. O by Luomo Collective
3. Michael Anastassiades for Herman Miller

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6. All Natural

This seems to play to the trend that Li Edelkoort predicted nearly 10 years ago – the move back to natural and the applications of materials being rethought to create new objects, instead of artificial or synthetic materials being created.Natural elements like wood, marble, linen, and wool are back, finished in new ways, to help us live and design sustainably.A very exciting new material has also seen the light this year in the form of Merdacotta by architect Luca Cipelletti: a sustainable terracotta-like material being made from cow dung.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="6643" img_size="full" css=".vc_custom_1554746885258{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}"][vc_column_text]

1. Merdacotta by architect Luca Cipelletti
2. Fungi Collection by Arcaral
3. Marsotto Edizioni’s Light and Shadow Exhibition by Nendo Designs

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7. Outdoors coming Indoors

This trend has been coming for a few years now and it looks like it is here to stay. Especially in a society where cities are growing exponentially, people have a need to incorporate nature into their urban spaces.Vertical gardens, hydroponics, and terrariums are all becoming increasingly popular among city-dwellers, and not only for the aesthetic value: the real food revolution has also encouraged people to take up micro-farming at home.Also, prints of botanicals are seen on carpets, wallpapers, furniture, and fabric.We trust that you’ve enjoyed our top trends seen at on Salone del Mobile 2016 – remember to follow our Pinterest and Instagram accounts so that we may keep you up to date with what’s happening in the design world![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="6647" img_size="full" css=".vc_custom_1554746998948{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}"][vc_column_text]

1. Glass 1989
2. Masami Wallpaper and Cashmere Carpets by Vita Nesta
3. Intermissioni presentation of new objects by DIMORESTUDIO

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1554747328189{margin-top: 80px !important;}" bb_tab_container=""]We trust that you’ve enjoyed our post on the top trends at Salone del Mobile this year! Remember to follow us on Pinterest and Instagram to stay up to date with what’s happening in the design world.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

7 trends in interior finishes for 2016

With the 55^th Salon Del Mobile recently held in Milan, the international design world discovered which materials will be the in high demand this year.Some of them are brand new and have never been seen, but mostly, they are contemporary reinventions of materials that we have been using all along.Here are 7 trends in interior finishes that you need to know about in 2016. 1. Going for GoldElle Decor & Home And InteriorsCopper has been a firm favorite for the last few years, but this year, its more traditional cousin gold has taken center stage. The only traditional thing about it though is its yellow luster.The applications are ranging from hardware and sanitaryware to furniture, fabrics, and cladding.Whether you use it sparingly with accents around a room or clad an entire wall in gold, this metal is a must. Like Midas, we shall deck it all in gold in 2016! 2. Cement and raw finishesMiss RenaissanceBased on the industry trend that developed over the last 15 years, raw finishes are now making their way into sophisticated interiors as well.Floors, walls, and structures are all being left bare to reveal their natural beauty. Juxtaposing these raw textures with polished materials create a beautifully contrasted interior that is a sign of the wonderfully varied world we live in.Furniture designers, architects, and interior designers are all taking on this trend to bring you raw luxury pieces and spaces. 3. Two-tone woodsHome DesigningThis is a new trend that hasn't been seen for a while: using the same wood in 2 different finishes or contrasting 2 different kinds of wood.It was unheard of a few years back to combine light and dark woods or wood with different grains. But this new trend is all about unique application and coming up with a space that has interest and a variety of colors and textures in wood.While the use of veneers is as old as 4000 years, modern technology has given us ever more sophisticated veneers and a massive variety.This allows cabinets or furniture pieces to have the same wood grain in raw and high gloss, or stained to two different colors while being a cost-effective alternative to solid wood.The result is a modern and interesting space where light plays of the different finishes and textures. 4. Mix & match finishesDesign Milk & IdesignArchThere is such skill in the combination of styles and finishes in the same object or room, that it is very difficult to get it right.Pioneers of this curated thrown-together look have inspired us to throw caution to the wind and go with what we believe to be a good design. Or so it would seem! There are a few basic guidelines to follow when choosing an eclectic style:

• Pick an anchor piece. A carpet, focal wall or art piece is usually a great option for an anchor. Something that embodies the space - and this is also a great starting point.
• Choose a common denominator. This could be a theme (geometric or floral), a style (retro vintage as in the first image above) or a color scheme (white with contrasting orange and blue as in the second image above). This does not mean that you cannot add other items to space - the contemporary Tom Dixon light fittings in the first image are a good example - but it will give you a broad guideline to work to.
• Keep the overall picture in mind. Unless it is your specific intent to make things clash, try to create a cohesive picture.
• Follow your instincts. Ultimately, any interior space is a personal one so as long as the client and the designer are happy, it works.

 5. Fabric wallpaperLuuk Magazine & ScionTexture and tactile finishes have become a big trend in interiors, and now wall finishes have also joined the movement. Fabrics are increasingly being used as wallpapers, not only for their texture but also for its rich opulence of yesteryear.The palaces of Versailles and the Forbidden City were all adorned with richly woven silks and damasks. Now the option is to have an actual fabric wall (without the imperial price tag) or to have a wallpaper that is printed and embossed to mimic the real thing. 6. Natural StoneDecorcrazeComposite stone products have been popular for their versatility and easy maintenance. But recently, more and more clients and designers are opting to use natural stone for its beauty and luxury.Marble counters, unfilled travertine, raw slate and even natural crystal formations are all making their way into residential and commercial interiors alike. 7. Geometric tilesRetail Design Blog & DecoistThe popularity of the metro tile had opened up a whole new style of tiles being produced.Not only are tiles being manufactured in different geometric shapes, but they are also being used in combinations that would previously have been frowned upon.Floor to ceiling, from retail establishments to restaurants, this is a very exciting development for interior design. The materials are also being varied with vinyl, metal, plastic and other manufactured materials being used as well as conventional ceramic, porcelain and stone.We look forward to sharing some more trends in interior finishes and design with you in the coming weeks.Follow us on our social media channels and be sure not to miss anything!

Sleep 2015: what lies ahead for innovative hotel design?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1554739637854{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}"]The Event:SLEEP 2015 ~ The Hotel Design EventLocation:London, Great BritainEvent link:www.thesleepevent.com[/vc_column_text][mkdf_image_gallery type="grid" enable_image_shadow="no" image_behavior="lightbox" number_of_columns="three" space_between_items="tiny" images="6548,6547,6549" image_size="full"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]SLEEP is an annual international event that showcases the latest and most innovative hotel design products and developments.This event allows designers, architects, consumers and all hotel personnel an opportunity to get to know the most current products and design trends for the upcoming year. It’s a visual wonderland of what’s to come. But wait, there’s more.The Sleep event held several intriguing conferences and round table discussions on different hotel design issues and how to entire industry is in the midst of a design change.From a design point of view, we learned that the new trends in design will be pastels colors, Nordic influences, and geometric 3D tiling effects.The design language for the following year will experience some influential changes and create some compelling designs and motifs. These images from the show illustrate that.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1554739723000{margin-top: 40px !important;margin-bottom: 40px !important;}"][vc_column][mkdf_image_gallery type="slider" enable_image_shadow="no" space_between_items="tiny" slider_loop="yes" slider_autoplay="yes" slider_padding="no" slider_navigation="yes" slider_pagination="no" images="6558,6556,6555,6553,6550,6560,6557,6554,6552,6551" image_size="full"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]From a functional point of view, we learned that the landscape is becoming even more important in the designer’s tool kit – it is now a must in every hotel design. Not only should the interiors of the hotel engage and interact with the client; so should the exterior and its surroundings.At times, a hotel’s grounds are open to retreats, meetings and tour groups; there’s an opportunity for hotels to garner potential clients with the use of the exterior spaces.Having meticulous grounds can create a viewing experience of transcendental designs — incorporating buildings, interiors and gardens simultaneously can cause potential clients to remember how wonderful their first experience was at such a location and encourage them to return for another visit.This is where real innovative hotel design comes in.From my point of view, Mirabello’s work considers materials and trends as an extension of our designs. We have taken what we saw during our visit and infused it into our styles and concepts to ensure our clients receive the most innovative and unique concepts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1554740153382{margin-top: 40px !important;}" bb_tab_container=""][vc_column][mkdf_single_image enable_image_shadow="no" image="6559" image_size="full" bb_tab_container=""][vc_column_text]One aspect I found intriguing, was the different views of “HOTEL GUEST ROOMS” in European design; I find it differs marginally from the Middle Eastern design and concepts. In Europe, rooms are based on the experience of the client.Designers build a setting that clients comment on. What a client wants is what they get. Functionality and creativity often blend in European designs, as history has shown.However, in the Middle East, this does not happen. Rooms tend to be of a much more standardized approach and the designs do not allow the opportunity for blending functionality with innovation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Focus on bold patterns in the design world

Bold patterns are a very popular interior design trend at the moment. They are versatile, dynamic and when used correctly, they can enhance any work or living spaces.Geometric patterns are nothing new in interiors - we have been seeing them for millennia. They have been used to decorate homes and palaces from as far back as the Sumerian civilizations of 4000 BC.The Greeks and Romans, of course, used them abundantly, and in medieval times, they saw the light in tapestries and floor decorations. 

P95 Apartment Design

More recently, the Cubist and Art Deco movements revived these patterns and influenced the geometric styles that we see today. When searching for images on the internet, you are sure to come across many popular trends.But when you look closely, you'll realize that nothing is indeed new and that most of these so-called trends are just old versions of something that have been re-imagined in a new way. Designing with geometrics give structure to space.Like our designs below, vivid lines and compelling shapes create unique spaces with true elegance and creativity. Geometric lines are often seen as formal, but it is clear that they can have a deliciously playful quality as well. 

The Majestic Rooftop

Patterns on walls, floors, and ceilings can create a great background for a room. Geometric pattern and lines can also cleverly be used to compensate for less than desirable architectural features in a room: a vertical line will visually lift a low ceiling and the right pattern can make a room appear bigger or smaller.The pattern, however, should be chosen with care. There is a fine line between bold patterns and overwhelming interior designs.Geometric prints, painting ideas, and artworks are a great way to add an individual style to your home. Modern living room designs with geometric patterns on walls, floors or home furnishings are bold, fresh and dynamic.However, this is only a starting point. Expression and creativity need inspiration to take shape. 

Mirabello's Dynamic Vertical Guest Services Design

At Mirabello, our work is created by our diverse and innovative team. Each member is an artist at heart.Their designs push the envelope, not because it's expected, but because it is what drives us. You have to love what you do after all.