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Creating noise oases in open-plan workspaces
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesSound masking systems, sound-absorbing ceiling tiles and panels, and enclosed pods are just some of the ways designers have attempted to combat the high levels of noise that plague open-plan workspaces. For their part, employees have resorted to wearing headphones or using white noise machines to block out unwanted ambient sound. None of these strategies has proven to be wholly effective. New technologies, however, may offer a more satisfactory solution.
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Remodeling activity maintains momentum
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesRiding a solid growth trend at the end of last year, remodeling activity continued its upward trajectory in the first quarter of 2018. Business indicators were positive across the board, with remodelers reporting increases in projects and revenues. Industry experts forecast sustained growth throughout 2018 and into 2019. In releasing the results of its Q1 2018 Residential Remodeling Index (RRI), MetroStudy announced remodeling activity in the first quarter had its strongest year-over-year performance in four years and strongest quarter-over-quarter performance in five years.
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Why are our houses so bland?
Lucy Wallwork Construction & Building MaterialsWho designs our houses? Not always architects, it turns out. Looking at modern housing developments, we can see a wave of monotony overtaking the places we live, as row upon row of "pattern book" houses roll off the production line and onto our pavements. Why are our housing estates becoming so soulless? What lies behind these “identikit” rows of faux-traditional executive homes on the outskirts of our cities?
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The evolution of the office workspace
Susan Mulholland Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesThe office. No, I’m not talking about the sitcom, I’m talking about the phenomenon defined as a place where we work. Since our work life has moved from outside to in, the definition of what an office is has been pretty consistent. Or has it? Where did this definition come from, and why are we seeing more and more companies rethinking their workspaces?
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The luxury home market’s ‘meteoric’ rebound
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesIn what may foreshadow a boost in demand for interior design services late this spring and through the summer, sales of luxury homes soared during the first quarter of this year. Declining sales last year had caused prices to drop and properties to linger on the market for months. With economic conditions more favorable and supply starting to dwindle, that trend has reversed itself. Both sales and prices have soared in recent months.
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Is luxury the only market left for interior designers?
Lloyd Princeton Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesAs consumers’ appreciation of and desire for good design have increased in the past decade or so, competitors of all sorts have rushed in to try to fill the gap between what consumers want and what they can afford. This has put pressure on designers to lower their fees and work with smaller budgets, thereby reducing their profitability. With little indication that this situation will change anytime soon, it begs the question as to whether the luxury market is the only viable one left for today’s designers.
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Housing slips as market tightens
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsA strengthening economy and steady employment figures were not enough to combat market pressures last month in the housing industry. Indicators for both home sales and home construction dropped, following positive gains in March. Despite high demand, low inventories, high prices and rising interest rates are making it difficult for many would-be buyers to find a desirable, affordable home.
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Choose art carefully for use in retail design
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesArt has the power to compel us to stop and observe. It also can tap deep-seated emotions, associations and aspirations, making us feel as though the artwork is speaking directly to us. Those persuasive qualities make art a prime vehicle for retail branding, marketing and design. Because our response to a given work of art is so personal, however, the choice of which art to use is crucial to a brand’s and product’s success. This has led industry researchers to investigate which types of art are most effective, and why.
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Generation Z is reshaping the rental market
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsBelieved to be the largest birth cohort in U.S. history, Generation Z, also referred to as post-millennials, has now breached the boundaries of young adulthood and are starting to strike out on their own. For the oldest, that includes renting their first apartment. And while they currently make up only a small portion of the rental market, Gen Z renters have already gained the attention of property owners eager to attract them as tenants.
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Signs point to improving business conditions for designers
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesAfter several months of declining growth, the interior design industry showed signs of regaining momentum in the latter part of the first quarter. Both residential and commercial sectors have experienced increased activity in recent months. The upward trend has boosted designers’ expectations that demand will continue to grow in the months ahead.
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