"Can we get Beyonce's Room?"

via designapplause.com

"Think Big" is the catchphrase for Interior Design Magazine's round table discussion regarding the future of health care design, one of our industry's fastest growing specialties. The gathering took place at NeoCon a few weeks ago, where more than 20 interior designers from throughout the United States took part in a conversation that has been a long time coming. I have always had an interest in healthcare design, and found this article incredibly interesting, seeing as how it could be more mainstream than industry specific, given the slogan for the meeting. Let's break down the main questions and topics that were discussed:

1. What will the future of healthcare look like and how can we use it to create opportunity for design?

I like one designer's point that human wellness should not be solely limited to healthcare design - it is an overall goal in all types of design- residential, hospitality, and retail. Wellness is the absence of illness, and all designers should strive to create environments that kindle wellness. 

2.  Reimbursements are still the driving force of change, but once clients opt for change, there are more choices than ever before.

Patients are, in theory, consumers. Thus it is important to remember that they want forward thinking design, and design that separates one brand from a competitor's. Branding can be carried throughout many aspects of the design of a space. Thus, when a patient asks for Beyonce's room at New York's Lenox Hill Hospital, they are seeking a particular experience.

Beyonce's suite at Lenox Hill Hospital

3.   The notion of community-based markets raised the question of whether smaller, ambulatory care spaces could be designed at the same level as larger health-care projects.

Ask I wrote about in this post, universal design is a tool for supporting healthy aging in place, and making everyday tasks easier for all, regardless of age or physical abilities. Trendy design does not always mean that it is the best design based on client needs, particularly in the case of healthcare facilities where universal design is premium.

Spaulding Rehabilitation, opened in April 2013 in Charlestown.

4.  Identifying a clear need for resources (consulting, post occupancy, products) across the spectrum in healthcare.

Since the healthcare design field is growing at such a rapid pace, designers are constantly seeking the help of consultants in order to stay informed about the latest advancements. Firms that bring on consultants in house are viewed as more competitive.

It's food for thought. What are your opinions about these main ideas?

Peacock Palette

I was recently exposed to this inspiring color palette, and couldn't wait to share it with you all. It takes inspiration from what I believe to be one of our world's most beautiful birds: the peacock. Strong aquas, teals, blues, and greens can be used to manifest the presence of the peacock, or you can take the more direct route, and carry the peacock feather motif right into your design.

Now that this palette is on my radar, I've been seeing it everywhere, even in my own closet.

Benjamin Moore's Peacock Blue is a stunning color to paint the front door. It sets the tone for the whole home.

Benjamin Moore: Peacock Blue

The wall tile in this power room sports the peacock in dramatic and glamorous fashion.

Much more subtle, peacock print fabric is used on a bed toss pillow, from which the wing chair and lamp base colors are cued. The palm wallpaper almost makes you feel like you are peaking into the bird's natural surroundings.

Punjab Peacock Fabric

Used as an accent color, Benjamin Moore's Green is multidimensional. Actually, forget using it as an accent color, I can imagine it painted on floor to ceiling paneling in a cozy library retreat in high gloss.

Are you seeing this trendy color palette everywhere, too?

In the Works: Yellow and Gray Master Retreat

I thought I'd put together a quick compilation of one of my latest design projects that is still developing, a master bedroom retreat for a young, professional couple. I am enjoying the fresh burst of yellow in this project, and the way it pops off of the gray tones that I decided to use in the couple's bedroom. The color scheme is lovely, and young, just like my clients.

Hickory White 565-21

I am so happy with the bed we decided to use. I like the romantic flare of the headboard. It will be upholstered in a similar gray fabric, a textured weave with a metallic thread. 

3611 Chaise

The chaise lounge compliments the angular lines of the headboard while also mimicking its flare. It will be upholstered in a bold yellow, like to the color tone below.

We also know that we will be wallpaper one long wall in the room as an accent, and the other three walls will be painted. We haven't selected a paper or paint color yet, but here is one that I think would work nicely. The geometric pattern and varied hues will give the long wall depth and interest.

Hicks Grand Dove

 I will keep you posted on how it turns out.

An Unusual Outdoor Addition

While I was on the hunt for my favorite outdoor chair to share with you this summer season, I stumbled upon the Fibonacci Chair offered by Janus et Cie. It is certainly fascinating and dramatic, and I thought it warranted a post.

Call me crazy but it almost reminds me of the ice cream scoops they use at Coldstone Creamery. It looks like the perfect shape to bask in the warm sun and sip a margarita. Or, as long as we are on the topic of Coldstone, have an ice cream.

The Fibonacci Chair was designed by duo Michael Gabellini and Kimberly Sheppard, who together own Gabellini Sheppard, a most inspiring New York City architecture and design firm. 

My favorite...

My favorite outdoor lounge chair is Janus et Cie's Ascona Lounge Chair. I would enjoy owning anything from the Ascona Collection, but can especially picture these chairs around an outdoor dining table, or clustered among a small fire pit on the patio. As with most pieces of the collection, it can be specified in either pecan, limestone, or bronze Janusfiber, making it water repellent and appropriate for our up and down summer climate here in New England. With a neutral cushion and some colorful outdoor toss pillows, I can imagine lazily lounging while catching up with family and friends.