Designs to Inspire
Good interior design can have a big influence over how visitors, residents and staff feel about a care home. That’s why it’s useful to keep up to date with the latest trends.
Blueleaf’s design team’s recent visit to the London Design Festival was a chance to do just that. We got to meet the people behind some of the world’s best-loved wallpaper and fabric design houses.
And by listening to these experts talk passionately about their approach and what inspires them we came away with some great ideas and how we can incorporate them into design schemes that work for care homes. Here we share the people, experiences and trends that wowed us most.
Bring the Outdoors…Indoors
Head of design for Cole & Son, Carley Bean, talked us through her mood boards and working sketches. She also introduced this top British name’s Botanical Botanica collection which she described as ‘a seasonal exploration of the English landscape’.
We’ve all fallen for its Allium wallpaper design which is a contemporary take on a traditional floral motif and available in a number of colourways.
Whether fabrics, furniture or feature walls, sweet peas, bluebells or roses, garden-themed designs can help boost wellbeing. It’s a chance to bring the beauty of nature indoors which can be a great boost for anyone not able to go outdoors independently.
Destination Colour
Our senior interior designer, Joyce McClelland, has long been a fan of designer Kit Kemp so was thrilled to drop into her ‘Pop-Up’ Caribbean Suite which she designed for her own boutique hotel group, Firmdale Hotels.
Kit’s designs are wonderfully witty and make a bold style statement as she’s brilliant at combining colour with pattern. The textures are effective too and so seeing her work rather than just admiring it from afar helped Joyce understand how a sense of depth can be brought to a scheme.
Eclectic, bright and adventurous, the Kit method makes people smile. She wants each space, every object, to tell a story and to evoke positive emotions.
At Blueleaf we believe this approach can be applied to designing for residents. By creating ‘destination’ points’, an environment can be stimulating. It can prompt a conversation, encourage reminiscing or participation in activities.
Style Counsel
We attended a talk from Hannah Bowen, one of the lead designers for Scion at Style Library. This British brand is well-known for its upbeat ideas with Hannah showcasing its ‘Japandi’ collection which is where modern Scandi blends with beautiful Japanese aesthetics. The introduction of florals makes it soft and calming so ideal for care home bedrooms.
As to colours, paint-specialists Sanderson and Zoffany are embracing this year’s trend of rich pigmented hues and jewelled tones. We loved the rich teals with burnt oranges and deep navy teamed with olives, accent golds and mustards.
A Nod to The Ned
Our day at the cutting edge of interior design was beautifully rounded off by a visit ‘The Ned’, a stunning boutique hotel in the heart of the city of London.
Owned by Nick Jones who specialises in luxury private members club venues with restaurants, cinemas, health spas and bedrooms, it’s a superb nod to the elegance of the 1920s.
Comfort is king with Nick using high-quality brands and classic materials to make each space feel cosy, soulful and welcoming. It’s certainly a welcome departure from clinical, modernist spaces that can feel cold particularly when empty of people.
Hear it from Nick himself in this fascinating article.
Rounding it all up
There was so much to take in at the show but the trends we’re looking forward to incorporating into our work for Blueleaf include oriental Asian inspired florals and structure.
Then there are the jewelled tones that help the richer, darker colours to pop, all teamed with sculptural light fittings and stunning lamps which look like individual works of art. And, of course, the myriad of textures and patterns, confidently clashing to create a rich eclectic aesthetic.
If you’re looking to changing the interior of your care home, our tried-and-tested process is the key to delivering your vision. Our in-house design team and project managers take each project from initial discussions and strategy through to design, fitout and finishing touches.
We think about what really matters and with Blueleaf, you’ll have every practical, effective and inspirational detail needed to create a space where life can be well-lived.
A quick look at some of our recent work examples will give you an idea of what’s possible.
We welcome the opportunity to talk to you about how your space can work for residents, staff and your business. Reach out to your dedicated account manager or call us on 03300 55 2288.
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