EVERYONE benefits!
I have to say that having a well seasoned design career thus far, definitely means that I have been privileged enough to see different eras of design come and go, develop and morph, as well as the types of products and technology that weave themselves in and out of both the commercial and residential design worlds. And, there really are MANY that do!
Basically stated, commercial design furnishings elements have typically always been in the realm of needing to be easily cleaned, extremely durable & sturdy (being able to stand the test of time)... not to mention having to meet the strictest of codes and specifications. In the early days it often meant, trading comfort and visual style appeal. It absolutely is NOT that way anymore and hasn't been for a while.
Residentially over the years, opulence usually translated to fragility. You could have comfort, but surely not durability! Today? Totally different.
The most obvious and fun materials to discuss regarding this topic are fabrics, flooring & area rugs, wallcovering and lighting. Commercially born manufacturing technology and materials in these categories were introduced long ago into the residential world, why? Because the consumer demanded it! Everyone wants to push the envelope of opulence and comfort, combined with performance/ durability and cleanability! And commercial spaces have always craved to be more inviting, comfortable and familiar... artistic even, and now they are!
It isn't a new concept, however, as design evolves year after year, the ways in which the products that we use everyday do change. The world is ever changing, and as an example, if Covid taught us anything at all, it is that consumer needs can change very quickly, some times without forecast or prediction. Products are being created in intriguing and innovative ways continually. Sometimes out of necessity to genuinely solve problems within the home, the workplace, educational applications, hospitality or in the medical world and sometimes as a way to reintroduce style genres and motifs in new and fresh introductions.
Some of the great examples that I ran into from quite a few vendors, recently at NeoCon 2024, involved the reuse of consumable materials. Many products, some that we wouldn't even think of, are actually created from recycled materials such as the planter shown here which is covered in a very soft and sound absorbent "fabric" that is made from recycled bottles and woven by hand. Commercially rated? Absolutely! A solution for acoustic issues? Of course! Comforts of home look? Completely! Environmentally responsible? Yes!
It is smart and responsible for Interior Designers to be aware and educated in terms of the new products and materials that are continually being introduced into the design world, both residentially, and commercially. It means that there is an opportunity for an even greater increased success rate in terms of problem solving for clients... not to mention, a virtually endless bank of styles and materials making it a treat to pinpoint and execute very specific and exacting design aesthetics. Absolutely fantastic!
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