What is the designer cost? A restaurant renovation requires careful planning, budgeting, execution. A restaurant renovation is based on the brand. The designer putting ideas and must-haves together has to know the brand inside and out to produce the wanted product. The design process can take a few pressing weeks to a year to complete.
In the market for office renovation for startups, shared office space (named coworking space) can sometimes be the key to economical and innovative work environment in the entrepreneur’s office. What are the keys to designing successful coworking space? One company answers three questions in their designs.
Not only does the space have to work for a single entrepreneur, it needs to be functional for a group of entrepreneurs working for different startups. One of the keys to adapting to the needs of the employees is to allow an ever-evolving room for change in the space.
The key in coworking design is to build office space that influences behavior. To encourage collaboration among workers, sometimes the space can be divided into work areas by merely adapting lighting and heights of ceilings to form ‘rooms’ in an open area. Innovation can be encouraged by the changeable nature of the space. For instance, one group might use a white wall as a projection screen, while another might want to post graphics on a wall. Making the space ones own and innovating within the office environment can encourage creativity and establish ownership of space.
In conclusion, the most important key in coworking space is that entrepreneurs need to adapt space to their own needs. While design is important to forming certain positive behavior trends in an office, the state of constant flux itself enables an innovative work environment. According to the same design team,
…Openness provides room for members to take control of shaping and hosting their environment which in turn helps to engender a more collaborative and sharing culture within the space.
For more information on office design for startups, contact us.
Many persons are unaware of it: However the name of the game, nowadays, is transparency. The proficient designer is very adept at bringing the concept of transparency into his or her client’s space–whether that space is residential or corporate.
The uniqueness of providing the client with transparency is the number one reason, persons are wise to make the choice of having a design team create and reorganize their respective spaces: The idea of bringing the great out-of-doors inside, nowadays, appears rather literal. The bringing of the outside environment, inside, makes the entire concept of design much more refined.
Residents and corporate personnel function with greater levels of efficiency and well-being when the great out-of-doors or beautiful landscapes are made part of the inside environment. The space may have been once enclosed; however, is now opened up. The idea of hiring a designer, then, is so the corporate client or the residential consumer may make the best possible use of the idea of transparency.
Opacity and transparency is used in way of making a small space, whether residential or a work environment feel more spacious. Transparency provides access to a larger space, such as a vineyard or woods that is not part of the inside arrangement. In example, a wine country residential dweller is able to properly appreciate the mass acreage of his or her vineyard. The owner of the space is a second generation wine maker. The design applied makes sense: since the element of bringing the great out-of-doors vineyard into his or her living arrangement is relative. Producing wine is what the preceding residential dweller is all about: a second generation winemaker. This individual has a strong connection to his or her land and is an agricultural enthusiast. The person is not a person that requires window coverings or window treatments. He or she wishes to awaken each morning and look upon his or her vineyards. A good designer partners with the proper persons and brings the vineyard into the winemaker’s inside space.
Aside from the out-of-doors thinking, an enhancement, used by knowledgeable designers, makes it possible for the end-user to appreciate various interesting items at turning points inside: Items or art objects are placed at the end of a hallway or somewhere in-between. The idea is to make the persons traveling by foot, to take notice and pause at these areas, appreciating the items on exhibit. The slight pause, psychologically, causes the person to move forward down the hallway. It creates the sense that there are items further along the pathway, causing that individual to feel intrigued.
The designer is well-aware of advances in various materials: The knowledgeable designer is well-aware of material advances with respect to glass, fabrics and plastics. The advanced materials allow designers to create something spectacular relative to the end-users inside environment.
There are certain states which limit how much artificial light is allowable in a space: The designer is adept in making clever use of natural lighting. He or she makes certain, the natural lighting is used properly, minimizing the natural light used and assuring that the consumer is afforded the proper level of privacy.
In summary, terrific reasons to hire a design expert include:
In order that the interested consumer gets the ball rolling, in order to find out his or her best, most unique design options; he or she is encouraged to contact us.
We make it a point, to provide our clients with transparency; function, and aesthetically pleasing environments. It is, nowadays, very beneficial to embrace the idea of: hire interior designer.
When engaging in office renovation for startups, different factors come in to play than in other fields of design. Not only does the startup sector come with different needs in office space, it also demands an entirely different business model. Success in this sector relies on meeting demands in both of these area. According to one design company,
“The industry standard is to take almost every client over budget … (our) whole idea is that when you’re not working on commission, your incentive is to get the best deal for your client.”
A pricing model that lets businesses know what they are paying for and holds to a contract’s time and rate guarantees presents an attractive option for startups. Because their design space can be so novel, a transparent contract becomes almost necessary to acquiring startup business.
The design for a startup can be almost oppositional to a traditional work space. Often times, designs try to mimic a home-like environment in order to encourage employees to spend as much time at work as possible. This doesn’t necessarily focus on the traditional types of work space such as desks and office units, instead incorporating relaxing environments. It’s not atypical to see a design incorporate couches, rest space, and music rooms into the structure of an office.
In terms of work space, designs usually take into account the group work nature of the modern startup. Meeting and breakout rooms form the bones of the office, but can also be accompanied by large living-type rooms and drink bars for socializing. The latest craze is inserting hidden rooms behind bookcases or closets for resting.
In the competition for the most qualified employees, office design can swing the weight in the favor of ‘cool’ office space. Combined with a straightforward pricing model, design companies have the key to recruiting the modern startup.
To learn more about designing for startups, contact us.
Eco-friendly, also known as “green,” interior design is an emerging interior design trend that takes the environmental impact of the redesign into account. As more people become conscious of their so-called “carbon footprint,” eco-friendly/green design is becoming more popular. So, what are some things you should keep in mind before you meet with your green interior designer?
openUU is an interdisciplinary design studio founded in 2011. We encourage people to create within our unique space, and we can even integrate “green design” into the space that works for you. For more information about us and our services, contact us today.
Your bathroom renovation should be as essential as any other area of your living space. You will discover that there are particulars you may not have considered, yet will make substantial differences.
Toilet
The traditional seat height has been 15 inches until a few years ago. Now, the trendy “comfort height” of 17-19 inches is all the talk about toilets. You do not have to conform to trends, do what is comfortable for you. The same goes with oblong seats vs round seats. Take into consideration that oblong will take up more space, and are generally a little more in price. For additional information, glance over this quick about home article that reviews what to take into account while toilet shopping.
To Tile or Not to Tile…
Tiling is a great investment that lends itself to creativity with no boundaries. When it comes to the specifics of what sort of tile to use, what size tile to use or how to interchange multiple styles and sizes, you can use a few different resources. Browsing the web is always a convenient resource, such as Daletile’s visualizer, which includes various unique layouts to play with. But going to your local remodeling stores or consulting with an interior designer will prove more useful. Your remodeling stores will have displays that incorporate combinations that can assist with ideas you already have. You can also get an idea of the textures, durability and the endless styles and colors.
If cost is getting away from you, discuss options with the retailer. Incorporating larger tile into the project can be more cost efficient, while still accenting with more detailed trims or backsplashes. If you feel the need to get a glimpse now, here’s an article that explores floor-to-ceiling tile looks, with a few tips and suggestions.
Repurpose?
If the vanity is part of the renovation, consider whether you can repurpose it. This will save on cost and allow finances to be distributed elsewhere. This can depend on how you are showcasing your renovation, in essence to how much of a “wow” factor the bathroom tends to be. If you have an interior designer and carpenter, discuss this option with them. A carpenter can fix up or add onto an existing vanity, or make a new one.
Light it Up!
Lighting is everything, everywhere you go! It sets a mood, it provides for functionality and it adds to design and cohesiveness of the area. Take advantage of any natural light you can utilize, but also “layer” lighting. Lumens has some quick technicality lighting suggestions, while HGTV provides “13 Dreamy Bathroom Lighting Ideas.” Lighting options are extensive, with prices starting at under $100 at larger retailers such as Lowes, and ranging through the hundreds and thousands for more sophisticated and original styles. Again, consult with an interior designer to get the most out of your lighting needs, while still staying creative.
Discover the look you desire, in addition to the functionality you have room for and strive for. The assistance of our professional interior designers can ultimately provide you with the most cost-effective approach while getting what you want out of your renovation. Contact us today to maximize your space and budget.
One of the most popular trends in both home and office renovations is the so-called “open concept.” From HGTV shows to McMansions, from Fortune 500 companies to small mom-and-pop shops, contractors are knocking down walls to create an open space that everyone can enjoy.
But is this “open concept” the right renovation for your office? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of the open concept office renovation:
The Pros of Open Concept
The Cons of Open Concept
We can help you with your open concept office renovation. Contact us today for a quote and a consultation.
When you want to update your home decor, you may be tempted to jump in and redesign for the current trends and your most recent preferences. However, if you’re looking to stay in your living space for a while, and get the most return on your efforts, you’ll want to upgrade your interior design to get the best long-term investment. Follow these time-tested tips to create a space that will become a long-term haven:
For more expert tips on home interior design and renovations, contact us today.
If you’re a business owner, or looking to upgrade your residential space, a bathroom renovation can be an involved–but highly necessary–project. With some prep work, a quick checklist, and an understanding of the time and money this will truly take, you’ll be able to plan and update your bathrooms in the way you want!
For homeowners, the average budget for bathroom renovations in 2015 was just over $9,000. The high-end spend was around $20,000 (be aware that for a large, extensive bathroom upgrade, especially for a commercial space, this number could rise even higher). As a rough estimate for your needs, you can begin with $175 to $225 per square foot, as approximated by a principal at Collaborative Design Architects. With these calculations, note that if you plan to be very thrifty and save, your cost may run closer to $100 per square foot–and if you plan to replace counters, floors, tub, and more with extremely high-end materials (the works), you could be looking at over $300 per square foot.
Compare these numbers to your project’s size and scope, and estimate from there to begin to develop a budget.
For time frame, you should be aware that bathroom remodels can take anywhere from one week (for a fast, efficient, and round-the-clock team) to six weeks. This will depend on your contractor and your efficiency in getting set up, so determine what factors you’ll be working with in your situation to assess.
As you go further, think through the details that will make differences for your time and budget:
Materials. Your budget will greatly depend on the materials you use. If you’re going for a luxury look, natural materials for walls and counters, like granite, marble, or teak will impress, but may run your expenses up. For a budget-friendly option, look to materials like laminate for your countertops, to upgrade lightly.
Contractors. Before you choose a contractor, be sure to know your options and do your research; carefully check your contractor’s references to be sure you’ll be getting the best return on your investment. Talk to at least three different contractors to assess a baseline budget, and to see where each falls. Consider, also, the flexibility of your contractor. Will he or she be able to work the hours you need in order to finish your renovation on time? Are you more flexible, and able to work with a longer timeline if it means a smaller budget?
If you plan ahead and know what your non-negotiables are–and what you can be open on–you’ll have the bathroom upgrade of your dreams in a smooth, simpler process. For more information on renovations and redesigns, contact us today.
Interior design is lots of fun, and most of us enjoy freshening up our space with new colors, furniture, art work, and accent pieces. Sometimes it is difficult to decide on a color scheme for your space-you love a lot of colors, but you aren’t sure what will work in your space. Check out these tips on design to help find a color palette that you will love for years to come:
1. Look to your closet. Your closet is like a diary-it holds all your style secrets. Glancing through your closet gives you an idea of your favorite color schemes, whether your prefer warm or cool tones, and any aversions you have to certain colors. Colors that you prefer to wear are often a good choice for your interior design color palette.
2. The 60-30-10 rule is your friend. Design experts swear by the 60-30-10 rule-60 percent of a room should be a dominant color, 30 percent of the room a secondary color, and 10 percent of the room an accent color.
3. Understand your lighting. Natural light reflects differently off paint and fabric than artificial light, and different types of lamps, recessed lighting, and light fixtures offer varying intensities and shades of light. If you have a room with a lot of windows and southern exposure, the light will be very bright and create a lot of shadows-mid-tone colors suit these rooms best as they are crisp during the day and rich at night. Windowless rooms (or rooms with small windows or northern exposure) tend to be cooler and have less direct sunlight, so a warmer color palette will brighten these rooms and make up for the lack of natural light. Once the sun goes down, keep in mind that incandescent lights are warmer, while fluorescent lights are cooler and tend to have a blueish tint.
4. Lighten up with height. Colors should be lighter as you move higher in the room. For example, if you want to put color on your ceilings, choose the same color as your walls, but one or two shades lighter. A room feels larger when there is minimal contrast between walls and ceilings.
5. Don’t be afraid of an open floor plan. Choosing a color palette for an open floor plan seems like a tricky task, but there are many tricks to help you along the way. A monochromatic color scheme breaks up the space and gives each area a unique feel. Another option is the three-color scheme-one color on all the walls, one color on all the trim, and one color on the ceiling. Bookcases and other storage furniture can be used to break up long walls-decorate the shelves with wallpaper or accent paint colors to add a different look. Rugs can be used to personalize each room, and separate the areas.
Please feel free to contact us for more information and design tips that will help you create an awesome interior space.
