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I read a press release that came from Ford Motor Company about research the company completed that clearly indicated the need to change the size of the fonts on the dashboard.  And it needs to happen sooner than later as a result of baby boomer's failing eyesight.  What a concept.  Imagine actually being able to know how much gas is in the tank of the car or what radio station you are tuned into.  And just think... what other products should be adapted to products we use everyday that would make it easier not only for Boomers to use, but easier at any age or ability.

Ahh... What Is This World Coming To ....where great design impacts the human experience.  
What a concept!   

Baby boomers have a lot to look forward to if Ford's implementation of their research proves successful. Could this just be the beginning?  Can you imagine the possibilities to have a GPS display projected on the windshield of the car, small enough not to get in the way of driving but large enough to glance over and make sure one is not only on the right road... but actually ON THE ROAD.     Read more about this subject at my other BLOG:  Just CLICK HERE to go THERE.

I lived in Florida for the  last two plus decades and I can tell you with authority that humidity - or the lack there of - makes all the difference in the world in turns of comfort.   Today was 117 in the Phoenix desert valley and when the humidity is @ but 5%, you know that it's something that you can learn to tolerate. . . . better than being in  Florida. 

I used to tell my snowbird clients that you get used to the humidity in FL during the summer months...especially  after you live there for 20 years.  But the real truth is that you can learn to live without humidity a whole lot easier even if the temps are @ 115 or above.  BTW: You still do a lot of the same things...whether in FL or AZ... you go from air conditioning @ home to car to office to retail spaces to office to home to client's residence.... whether you are in FL or in AZ.    And while you might traverse the distance with speed, at the end of the day, it seems it is still HOT in FL or in AZ.   But one thing that is apparent.... without the humidity, it makes things a wee bit more tolerable.   While I do miss the ocean... and I don't miss it that much... I don't certainly miss the Florida humidity at all. 

Design trends come and go and many are interesting to read about.  But so much about “design trends” is centered around manufacturers who are introducing new product designs for work and home environemnts.   Trends in design for those of us in the interiors profession often find bits of inspiration come from industries such as fashion, the design of vacation retreats such as hotels and spas, even emerging technology - especially with flat panel TVs hanging on every wall in the house.  Certainly the trend of “green design” has made an impact with new trendy products being introduced all the time that either reduce the carbon footprint or are made from recycled materials, materials such as plastics, paper and fibers.

But trends do come and do go.  So the question is: “How can an interior be created that avoids the trends and yet stays current over a time period?”  There are three easy components.  

–> Keep it simple.
–> Keep it functional.
–> Keep it authentic.
Design trends of the last five years have showcased interiors that are overdone, overbuilt and feature faux-this and faux-that. But after three decades in the profession to call upon, I can tell you that the best interiors are those that are understated, created carefully over time, assembled with materials that are true to both their function and aesthetic appeal.  In addition, design needs to combine and complement all the elements of the built environment.  

Frank Lloyd Wright never created a project without considering the design and functional aspects of the structure, the interior and the exterior.  Perhaps that is why it is always fascinating to see projects 60 and 80 years old that still seem au courant by today’s standards. He never followed a trend-du jour.  He kept to a model that integrated both form and function into a single design statement.

Our design trends for this year are simple:  Get back to basics of design.  Choose natural fibers for fabric, wall, window and floor coverings like wool, cotton and linen that are not only practical but are ‘green’ by their very nature.  Spend the time to define all the design criteria up front. Make a list of the things that are required of the spaces like storage and what activities are planned for the various rooms.  Re-use and adapt pieces in new ways.  Edit down the number of accessories to only those that have special meaning or have some special value and donate all the rest.  And finally, stop with the faux-painting and the faux-finishing.  Don’t try to make something look like something that its not.