Lessons from NeoCon 2024: Fostering Connection in a Changing World

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This year’s NeoCon, the world’s leading platform and most important event of the year for the commercial interior design industry, brought together industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of the industry. A key theme emerged: the importance of connection, for both attracting and retaining talent and for creating successful workplaces.

The Future of Office Design is All About Connection

Forget ping pong tables and free lunches – attendees agreed, these generic perks are no longer enough. The focus should be on fostering genuine connection and collaboration. This means designing spaces that encourage interaction, whether it’s through designated collaboration areas or even incorporating after-hours events into employee reviews.

Rewiring a Remote Generation

A major challenge is that younger designers haven’t had the experience of traditional office culture. This means they may lack the relationship-building skills that are crucial for success. Design firms need to find creative solutions, like virtual and in-person sketching sessions, to bridge this gap and help younger designers develop these essential skills.

Beyond Amenities: Rethinking the Workplace

Neocon attendees also discussed the move away from mandated office returns. Many leaders believe companies need to rethink their approach to real estate altogether. The focus should be on creating high-quality, culturally specific spaces that make coming to the office a desirable experience.

The Rise of Competitions and the Erosion of Trust

The conversation shifted to the growing trend of unpaid design competitions. While these can be a great way to showcase ideas, they can also squeeze fees and make it harder to build trust with potential clients. Several designers emphasized the importance of taking the time to understand a client’s true needs, something that can be lost in the rush of a competition.

AI: Friend or Foe?

It’s no secret that artificial intelligence is having a major impact on design. While some worry about AI replacing designers, the focus seems to be shifting towards using AI as a tool to enhance the design process. This could involve anything from creating visualizations to conducting in-depth research. Designers need to be strategic about AI, using it to augment their expertise and not replace it.

Looking Forward

The design industry is constantly evolving, and NeoCon 2024 provided a valuable glimpse into the trends shaping the future. By embracing connection, innovation, and a strategic approach to technology, designers can continue to create inspiring and functional commercial spaces.

The Key Takeaways from Neocon 2024?

When designing office spaces, prioritize collaboration areas and consider incorporating elements that reflect company culture.

Develop creative solutions to help younger designers develop relationship-building skills.

Focus on quality over quantity when it comes to office amenities.

Be strategic about design competitions and focus on building trust with potential clients.

Embrace AI as a tool to enhance your design process, but don’t let it replace your expertise.

SOURCE: Interior Design

Building a Sustainable & Scalable Design Business

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Melissa Diehl

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You’ve got the eye for color, the knack for spatial planning, and the ability to translate a client’s vision into stunning reality. But the world of interior design isn’t all about curated fabrics and statement lighting. To truly thrive, you need business acumen as well. Here’s a peek behind the curtain at the three pillars of a flourishing design practice:

1. Manage Your Money Like a Pro

Interior design is a creative field, but finances are the foundation to a successful business. Ditch the spreadsheet struggle and consider embracing user-friendly accounting software. Categorize expenses meticulously – fabric samples, contractor fees, that oh-so-perfect vintage armchair. This transparency empowers you to identify hidden cost-suckers and set competitive rates.

Pro Tip: Consider value-based pricing. Instead of hourly rates, focus on the overall value you bring to a project. This incentivizes exceptional design and protects your bottom line.

2. Source with a Conscience

Sustainable and ethically sourced materials are no longer a niche – they’re a client expectation. Embrace the challenge! Research companies with fair labor practices and eco-conscious manufacturing. Explore reclaimed wood, organic textiles, and locally-crafted furniture.

Pro Tip: Partner with vendors who share your values. Collaborate with them to curate unique, ethically-sourced collections for your clients.

3. Niche Down

Interior design is a competitive landscape. Stand out by honing your niche. Are you the queen of industrial chic or the master of biophilic design? Specialization attracts ideal clients and positions you as an authority in your niche.

Pro Tip: Embrace online platforms like portfolio websites and social media to showcase your work. Target your ideal client by tailoring your content, engaging with relevant design communities and partnering with influencers in your niche.

Remember, the path to design success is paved with both creativity and business savvy. By mastering your finances, sourcing ethically, and strategically navigating the industry, you can transform your business into a thriving design enterprise.

From Demanding to Delighted: A Field Guide to Taming Difficult Design Clients

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Melissa Diehl

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As an interior designer, you’re not just transforming spaces; you’re turning clients’ dreams into reality. However, this journey isn’t always smooth, especially when you encounter difficult clients. Here’s a few tips on how to navigate these challenging interactions with grace and professionalism.

Know Your Beast

Difficult clients come in many flavors. There’s the micromanager who nitpicks every detail, the indecisive waffler, or the spender who stretches your budget thin. Identify their tendencies early on to tailor your approach and come prepared with solutions for common pitfalls.

Employ the Power of the Reset

Sometimes, a project goes off the rails. Don’t be afraid to call a time-out. Schedule a meeting to revisit the initial design brief, contracts and budget. Refresh their memory on the agreed-upon vision and gently remind them of the consequences of exceeding the budget.

Become a Communication Pro

Active listening is your secret weapon. When a client is difficult, it’s often because they feel unheard. Make a conscious effort to understand their concerns and preferences. Paraphrase their words to show you’re listening: “What I’m hearing is that you’re concerned about the timeline, correct?” This simple technique can defuse tension and build trust.

If you are the one struggling to feel heard, present design options with clear rationales behind each choice. Utilize visuals as often as possible – mood boards, sketches, even 3D renderings – to bridge the gap between your vision and their imagination.

Embrace the Power of “No”

It’s okay to say no to unreasonable requests. Explain politely why something won’t work within the design scheme or budget. Be prepared with alternative solutions that maintain the overall aesthetic.

Remind to Collaborate, Not Dictate

Remember, you’re the design professional. While client input is crucial, educate them about trends, materials, and potential pitfalls. Frame design decisions as a collaborative effort, leveraging their preferences within your expertise.

Know When to Walk Away

Some clients are simply incompatible with your design philosophy. If, despite your best efforts, the project is causing undue stress, consider a graceful exit. Recommend a colleague whose style might be a better fit, preserving your reputation and sanity.

Difficult clients are inevitable, but with the right tools and strategies, you can transform them from demanding nemeses into satisfied design partners. Remember, a calm and professional demeanor, coupled with clear communication, can turn even the trickiest client into a testament to your design prowess.

Discover the Latest Home Design Trends at the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market

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Melissa Diehl

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The Dallas Total Home & Gift Market is back for June, running from June 19-25, 2024. This is your chance to discover the hottest trends in home furnishings, décor, lighting, gifts, and more, all under one roof.

Why Attend?

Discover new must-haves: Explore a vast selection of new products from hundreds of exhibitors, including a substantial number of exciting new companies showcasing their latest creations.

Find fresh inspiration: Get a head start on upcoming design trends and source unique pieces to elevate your projects.

Network with peers: Connect with other designers, brands, and industry experts, fostering new collaborations and partnerships.

Event Highlights

Temps Power Hour: Enjoy special deals and discounts on a designated floor during specific times each day.

Taste of 12 at 12: Sample gourmet food and beverages while browsing the latest trends in housewares.

Featured Speaker Series: Gain valuable insights from industry leaders and design visionaries through informative talks and presentations.

Permanent Jewelry Bar: Personalize your look with a trendy, permanent bracelet.

Bonus Tip: Take advantage of the complimentary DMC Buyer Scoop sessions each day at 9 am to learn insider tips and tricks for navigating the market effectively.

New Exhibitor Showcase

The event features a vibrant showcase of new exhibitors, bringing fresh perspectives and exciting finds to the market. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and discover the future of home design.

For more information and to register, visit the Dallas Market Center website.

How to Mix and Match Patterns in Interior Design

By

Melissa Diehl

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What’s Cooking? The Hottest Kitchen Trends for 2024

By

Melissa Diehl

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Kitchens are not just for cooking anymore. It’s where we make memories and converge at many times throughout the day. Tasked with a kitchen redesign? Let’s explore the hottest kitchen trends that blend style, sustainability, and smarts for the heart of any home.

Eco-Friendly Vibes

Going green is in! Think bamboo, reclaimed wood, and recycled glass. These materials are good for the planet and add a unique touch to your kitchen. It’s a win-win: stylish and sustainable.

Multifunctional Pieces Make Multitasking Easier

Kitchens are now the ultimate hangout spots. Islands with seating and charging stations make them perfect for everything from breakfast to homework sessions. Your kitchen can be a hub for work, play, and relaxation.

Smart Kitchens

Tech is taking over the kitchen. Control an oven or check a fridge’s contents from your phone. With smart appliances, cooking is easier and more efficient. Plus, faucets that dispense boiling or chilled water instantly? Yes, please!

Bold Colors and Cool Cabinets

All-white kitchens are out. Bold is in. Colors like dark blue, green, and even black are great options that can elevate the kitchen space. Two-tone cabinets add a modern and fun twist. Don’t be afraid to take maximalist nods in the kitchen either. Explore ways to show personality in the space we spend so much time in.

Open Shelves and Glass Cabinets

Keep it light and airy with open shelves and glass-front cabinets. They make your kitchen look bigger and ensure you stay organized since everything is on display. It’s a stylish way to keep things tidy.

Hidden Appliances

For a sleek look that works perfectly with any design, hide those appliances. Fridges and dishwashers can blend seamlessly into your cabinetry, giving your kitchen a clean and modern vibe.

Natural Touches

Bring the outdoors in with natural materials like stone, wood, clay and plants. Add large windows or skylights to flood your kitchen with natural light, creating a warm and welcoming space.

Kitchen Wellness Centers

Healthy changes start in the kitchen! Create a wellness nook for growing herbs, making infused waters, or juicing.

Dive into Design Inspiration at Atlanta Market Summer

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Melissa Diehl

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Atlanta Market Summer is the design event you can’t miss this July. There is no cost to attend Atlanta Market for qualified buyers and media. Here’s why this massive trade show, limited to trade professionals and held July 16-22, should be on your calendar:

A Design Wonderland Awaits

Imagine aisles upon aisles overflowing with the latest trends and timeless treasures for any design project. Atlanta Market boasts over 6,000 brands across home décor, furnishings, and more. It’s a one-stop shop to source unique pieces, discover emerging makers, and find inspiration around every corner.

Build Connections and Expertise

This event isn’t just about shopping. Mingle with industry peers, learn from design leaders at educational seminars, and connect directly with product creators. Gain valuable insights and establish relationships that can elevate your design business.

Get an Immersive Experience

Atlanta Market goes beyond aesthetics. See and touch products in person to ensure quality and functionality. This hands-on experience is invaluable for making informed design decisions for your clients.

Tips for a Productive Market Experience

Pre-register online: Save time and avoid lines upon arrival.
Plan your sourcing: Identify your needs beforehand and create a prioritized list by category to maximize your time.
Download the Market App: This handy tool allows you to scan & go for seamless registration, capture product inspiration, and navigate the vast campus.
Don’t miss the fun! Network with fellow designers at industry events and explore Atlanta’s vibrant nightlife after a productive day of sourcing.

Ready to Register?

Head over to the Atlanta Market website to learn more, plan your trip and secure your spot at this design playground. It’s the perfect opportunity to source cutting-edge products, ignite your creativity, and connect with the design community.

Is Plastic Fantastic? Notes on Plastics & Sustainability for Interior Designers

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Melissa Diehl

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Plastic. It’s revolutionized design, making our lives easier and sleeker. But as environmental concerns rise, a heated debate is emerging: should we completely eliminate plastic in design?

The Abolitionist Argument: Design a Plastic-Free Future

Health and Environmental Concerns: Mounting evidence links plastic to problems and pollution.

Ineffective Recycling: Most plastic is down-cycled, not truly recycled, becoming waste eventually.

Innovation Blocker: Focusing on recycling discourages investment in better, safer alternatives.

Advocates argue for a complete phase-out of plastic, including recycling. They believe this will spur innovation in bio-based, biodegradable materials. Early adopters are already creating plastic-free products using sustainable materials.

The Circularity Argument: Design for Longevity

Not everyone agrees with a total ban. Some argue that plastic itself isn’t evil; it’s our throw-away culture that’s the problem. They recommend:

Prioritizing durable, long-lasting plastic products.

Designing for disassembly and easy recycling.

Focusing on high-quality recycled plastics. Brands create furniture from recycled plastic designed to be recycled again.

Chemical recycling offers promise as a final step for plastic that can’t be mechanically recycled.

A Multi-Faceted Approach

While there’s no easy answer, both sides agree on a few key points:

Ban single-use and harmful plastics.

Invest in biomaterial research.

Change consumer habits to embrace reusables.

The upcoming UN plastics treaty is a crucial opportunity for action. Designers can be leaders in this movement by specifying sustainable materials, promoting plastic-free alternatives, and educating clients about responsible design choices.

Sustainable Material Options for Interior Designers

Eco-friendly Alternatives:

Replace common plastics with recycled plastic lumber (furniture, decking), bamboo or cork flooring, linoleum flooring, mycelium (fungus-based) materials (furniture, panels), repurposed wood or metal (shelving, accents), or recycled glass (countertops, lighting).

Explore online directories or manufacturer websites to source these materials.

Design for Reusability and Multifunctionality:

Extend furniture lifespan through adaptable or designs that can be repurposed.

Promote modular furniture systems or built-in storage for reconfiguration.

Consider “design for disassembly” with easy-to-repurpose components.

The future of design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a healthy planet. Will you be part of the solution?

Spa-Worthy Style: 6 Strategies for Designing a Small Bathroom Space

By

Melissa Diehl

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Even if your clients’ bathroom is more “powder room” than spa retreat, there are clever design tricks to make it feel more expansive and luxurious. Here are some quick tips to maximize a small space:

1. Cohesion is Key

Maintain a consistent color palette throughout the room, including walls, fixtures, and hardware.
Avoid contrasting finishes or multiple tile patterns that visually clutter the space.

2. Create Depth with Reflection

Frosted mirrors on walls or ceilings add a sense of depth and reflect light, making the room feel larger.
Glossy tiles and metallic accents achieve a similar effect.
Consider strategic use of transparent elements like glass shower walls.

3. Distract with Bold Design

Embrace wallpaper with busy patterns or scenic murals to trick the eye into perceiving more space.
Go bold with a dramatic design theme that draws attention away from the bathroom’s size.

4. Lighten Up or Embrace the Dark

Light and bright paint colors create a fresh, airy feel.
Dark, rich shades can also be surprisingly effective, enveloping the space and creating a dramatic atmosphere.

5. Streamline for Functionality

Maximize space by using pocket doors instead of swinging doors.
Opt for built-in fixtures and hardware that minimize clutter.
Consider space-saving features like floating vanities or wall-mounted toilets.

6. Free Up the Floor

The more floor space visible, the larger the room feels.
Install floating vanities or wall-mounted fixtures to create a sense of openness.
Choose a bathtub with a curved design to visually expand the space.

By implementing these simple design hacks, you can transform a small bathroom into a luxurious and functional haven.

2024’s Hottest Colors in Interior Design

By

Melissa Diehl

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