M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal — Fall Preview — September 25 - October 15, 2020 — 1C
www.marej.com
A rchitectural C onsulting
By Richard Gacek,Gacek Design Group Interior design in a pandemic
B
usiness is booming - Interior design is on the rise! Projects in-
green walls. Also, for comfort and a cocoon-like feel, organic curves are surfacing in fur- niture, and in architectural details like doorways and windows. Outdoor spaces have al- ways been popular. Now more than ever we have ex - perienced a strong interest in designing large outdoor projects – now considered a room in the home. We see covered porches with outdoor kitchens: built-in grill and cooktop, prep and storage space for a grilling station,
outdoor bar with wine refrig- erator; fire pits and a number of comfortable seating zones (for entertaining, lounging, cocktails, and dining). Acces- sorize with a vertical herb garden or a raised garden bed. WE ALL WANT AN EXPERIENCE We at Gacek Design Group have proven success based on expertise and “Experi - ential Design”. Research is an important part of our process and has revealed that in this digital age of
virtual connections, it is vital to engage consumers emotionally with a genuine connection. Our design phi- losophy is centered around this concept. We deliver: An experience that tells a story and has impact; A welcom- ing environment based on research; An experience that addresses how consumers want to LIVE in their spaces; and a functional and adapt- able space based on lifestyle. We are constantly learning and take inspiration from other industries on their use
of lifestyle merchandising. Anthropologie is brilliant in the way they immerse the customer in a complete experi - ence that appeals to all senses. The aesthetic is authentic and approachable. With a strat- egy that highlights the senses through mood lighting, music and handcrafted art pieces, they create a space that pro- vides a comfortable feel and one where the customer feels welcomed. Richard Gacek is the principal des igner of GacekDesignGroup. MAREJ
clude design renovations, r e t h i n k - i ng o f f i c e spaces, and s t ruc tura l c h a n g e s that better a c c ommo - date social
Richard Gacek
distancing. This makes sense since we spend more time at home and notice every design detail, right? Not only do we notice everything in our homes, it is very clear which rooms and design updates are necessary – in residential and commercial settings. Here are a few trends. THE HOME OFFICE IS BACK - A dedicated office is once again preferred. It will look very different aes- thetically, but the stand alone work environment is key to help reduce distractions and optimize productivity. The design is simple, offers con- cealed storage with no clutter, and includes personal items that inspire and have some importance. Furniture is more comfortable, especially the desk chair, and includes a lounge/ottoman for reading and reflecting. Since working from home is the new norm, a flexible floor plan is common to design quiet zones and study corners. We see this trend in small spaces and apartment units. Hidden in a closet or adding a desk-like feature to bookshelves, these dedicated spaces accommodate anyone who needs a work area. Now, if a third bedroom is used as a multifunctional room, we recommend designing the space as a home office that accommodates the occasional guest. A love seat or chair in a half that pulls out to a bed can be used when needed. NATURE is OUTDOORS and INDOORS No surprise to us that Bio- philic Design is here to stay. As living organisms, we need that connection with nature to remain healthy and pro- ductive. We notice residen- tial and commercial designs using natural textures and organic curves. We favor the following: earth tone color palettes, natural materials like marble, linen, wicker and rattan, and the use of live
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