Las Vegas Market: Expanded home decor offerings excite buyers

Buyers of home accessories seem to have hit the jackpot in Las Vegas this week. Floors and showrooms are running over with new and returning exhibitors of accents, lighting, rugs, wall décor, mirrors, soft goods, tabletop, accent furniture and other jewelry for the home. Home Accents Today spoke with some of the retailers and buyers shopping at World Market Center Monday, many of whom were downright energized by all the new offerings, the positive market climate, and the retail business in general.

Written By Susan Dickenson — Home Accents Today

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Is collaborative office design hurting workplace productivity?

The trendy theory in office design is that open, cubicle-less workspaces foster a creative, collaborative workplace. One survey found that 77 percent of respondents have or are planning to implement an open-office design. But what is this office design doing to productivity?

In a new survey from Gensler, the global design and architecture firm found that some offices are going too far with the open concept and it’s hurting productivity, with only one in four knowledge workers in the United States working in optimal workplace environments.

What exactly is the optimal design? In analyzing the survey, Gensler determined that the optimal workplace, while focusing on collaboration with an open design, also balances openness with spaces that help workers focus.

Written By Tyler Falk

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Office furniture companies ramp up operations

The office furniture industry is bracing for a period of significant change beyond the myriad new products the companies unveiled last month at the NeoCon expo in Chicago.

Crain’s Detroit Business reports that as the new product cadence accelerates to accommodate all the new innovations the industry has developed, companies are scrambling to retool their factories. Luckily, their operational performance has mostly improved with the overall economy, and they are able to find the financing they need for equipment or additional facilities. Given their better positions, more companies also have started hunting for strategic acquisitions.

Written By Joe Boomgaard

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Formal office setting? What’s that?

“Meeting scribbles on walls, beanbags anywhere, in-house spa & day care…and, it’s some of the top names leading the way

Heard of an auto rickshaw in an office lounge? Or deliberately exposed ductwork and unfinished decor in an office building? You could, at Facebook’s new office in Hyderabad, which depicts ‘work is still in progress’.

The networking site’s office is one of many with innovative designs and features. If you hate being closeted in conference rooms over meetings and presentations and cups of tea, you can tap the Bangalore office of e-commerce company Flipkart. Here, large parts of walls and corridors can be used for impromptu meetings and discussions, without stepping into a conference room.”

Written By Mansi Taneja & Nivedita Mookerji

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13 Hot Startups With Inspired Office Design

“Startup culture became known for several things over the years: hoodies, ping pong, beer consumption and really awesome offices. Amazing offices became a perk of startup life, perhaps thanks to the litany of amenities at the Googleplex.

But even if you’re not Google, you can foster a certain vibe and inspire your team with a creative, well-designed space. And the good news is, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We spoke with 13 startups and got the scoop on their approach to design, where they stocked up on decor and what they love most about the space. After speaking with these companies, it’s clear that the essentials for a startup office are: Writable walls, an open, lofty and well lit space, plush sofas for lounging, cleverly named meeting rooms, custom art, a homage to the city, DIY projects and of course, a kegerator.”

Written by Lauren Drell

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What is Interior Design?

“Interior design is a profession that combines creativity, technical knowledge, and business skills. Interior designers work with clients and other design professionals to develop design solutions that are safe, functional, attractive, and meet the needs of the people using the space.

Interior designers must know how to plan a space and how to present that plan visually so that it can be communicated to the client. They must also know about the materials and products that will be used to create and furnish the space, and how texture, color, lighting and other factors combine and interact to make the space come together. In addition, interior designers must understand the structural requirements of their plans, the health and safety issues, building codes, and many other technical aspects. ”

Written by New York School of Interior Design

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What is Interior Design?

“The profession of Interior Design is relatively new, constantly evolving, and often confusing to the public. NCIDQ, the board for Interior Design qualifications, defines the profession in the best way: The Professional Interior Designer is qualified by education, experience, and examination to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces. Read the full definition from NCIDQ.

Designers Defining Themselves
Throughout the process – the journey – of the creative process, designers are constantly defining themselves and redefining their work. We’ve culled a few observations from our Members, friends and Board Members. We hope it provides a glimmer of inspiration for you in your work and your life.”

Written by International Interior Design Association 

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