Liveable Design - Interior Designer Twitter Chat

Harry Chittenden's picture
Wed, 04/04/2012 - 11:07 -- Harry Chittenden

Yesterday's (Tues. April 3) Interior Designer Chat featured Kerrie Kelly of Interior Design Lab. It was a great discussion that generated over 1300 tweets on the topic, Liveable Design.

Below is a shortened version displaying questions and answers and some of the more populart Tweets (based on number of Retweets). The entire transcript is available here.

Certainly we all owe Barbara Segal a huge THANK YOU for starting Interior Designer Chat and keeping it together.

Let me know if you have questions or suggestions.

Thanks,
Harry

 



NoirBlancDesign Q1: How do you define Livable Design?
dhatfield @KerrieKelly A1.Livable design addresses those who wish to live in an easy/functional home. Ask my pals @LivableDesign.
LoisMarketing @PhillipsFurnSTL NOT for those dreaming in pins or mag pages :) :) A1
Wishack A1: I think livable design should be a place designed for your likes and not anyone else's
tejdesign A1 - creating beautiful spaces that function for the lifestyle of those living there.
tejdesign A1 - Livable design can mean diff things depding on stage of life... are pling to "age in place"? is a key design question!
MelissaGalt A1 - Real design for real people with real lives,
CrystalHintze A1 a space comfortable and functional for everyone
EuniceDecampi A1 about beautiful, functional and suitability to the owners in every aspect
andrewdunning A1 an interior you can imagine kicking off your shoes in and enjoying
kevintheobald A1 avoiding off the shelf solutions
andrewdunning A1 but liveable doesn't have to mean 'functional it can still be stylish
MS_Labarge A1 comfortable, functional
KKorytowska A1 each space should have its own function.
mikazahome A1 functionality and timeless beauty=livable design.
MelissaGalt A1 great liveable design supports and nutures the lives inside, isn't about maintenance or trends.
MelissaGalt A1 I'm not aging in place, I'm staying in motion so my interior needs to be flexible and move with me! LOL
terriart1 A1 Livable design is first and foremost functional to the needs of the occupant but also inspiring to one's soul.
sunny_lamps A1 Livable design is unobtrusive, comfortable and VERY easy on the eye!
Marilyn_Russell A1 Livable design should alse address #aginginplace concerns as we are living longer
CASUDI A1 Simply put ~ livable design is a design you can live in now, tomorrow & in the future (not for show PLEASE)
UrbanDecorSue A1 When your space reflects the softer side of you!! @LivableDesign
elzabdesign A1-Design solutions: Privacy for adults to retreat, fun areas for kids, mud room for shoes, a great flow, good light
elzabdesign A1-Livable design takes the real life in consideration: Kids, pets, wear and tear, design solutions
elzabdesign A1-Surfaces are appealing yet solid, counters, floors, etc. Easy to clean, no sharp corners.
zachsinger A1: A design I can happily live and work in, without stressing about it.
zachsinger A1: A design I can happily live and work in, without stressing about it.
laNevaTile A1: Appropriate for families & those with special needs- no matter what age. Functional w/ limited maintenance required.
allisonbergamo A1: Comfortable, stylishly functional living spaces.
PhillipsFurnSTL A1: Definitely space that is comfortable & moveable. When u're able to move furniture and accents around & still feel cozy
DesignELLE A1: Design that is comfortable, has a touch of nostalgia,+ welcomes its occupants to LIVE in the space, not just look at it
sdevon A1: design that makes sense for the for function and aesthetics. Welcoming, comfortable and responsive.
FirmAbility A1: Example of unlivable design :) http://t.co/g5AYX5Tr
FirmAbility A1: I think livable design can best be defined by the one who will dwell in the space.
adeleyoung A1: Liveable design combines style, function & convenience. Just read that on @LivableDesign's website :)
dhatfield A1: Liveable design, to me, must reflect my personality/interests and leave room for growth/change
thebasicsource A1: Not to be too simplistic, but I'd say it's design you can live in and with. Nothing too trendy. Designed for comfort.
DesignELLE A1: Nothing too stuffy! Needs to accommodate its occupants with precision.
ImageSouth A1: The ability to do what you want when you want.
sdevon A1: the house I grew up in with 12 siblings.. ha!! Took a beating yet I recently reupholstered one of our sofas for my sis
InteriorIcon A1: Use much family history as possible - &speak to that within the design... An undercurrent that means home and hearth
IslandStyle843 A1: We feel livable design incorporates multiple uses, double-functionality, the ability to move indoors/outdoors, etc.
vjcatalano A1: Wide enough hallways, doorways and easy to reach cabinets
agirlandaMac A1. Add on easy to maintain. In my case white and bleachable:)
agirlandaMac A1. Design that enables you to be your best self. Reflects who you want to become. Aids your day to day living.
WalkerZanger A1. Functional and friendly. That's different for every home though.
jamoore100 A1. I define it as unintimidating design that no one is afraid to use.
advantagegrp A1. Livable design should be able to accommodate people of any age or circumstances. It should be flexible.
Marilyn_Russell A1. Livable design should be an extension of the owner's personality so that they are comfortable in own setting
KerrieKelly A1.Livable Design addresses older adults' special needs, families & individuals affected w/ injury or permanent disability.
KerrieKelly A1.Livable design also addresses those who simply wish to live in an easy/functional home. Just ask my pals @LivableDesign.
MarkJohnsonFAIA A1) Livable design can/should almost feel like outdoors! Interiors and Exteriors as one!
LoisMarketing It's livable, functional -- comfortable and enjoyable -- for the client, not for those dreaming in pins or mag pages A1
   
IntDesignerChat Q2: What key elements are you implementing into your clients design for Livable Design?
mikazahome @IntDesignerChat
A2 first find out about lifestyle, do a mini interview kids,Pets,Allerg.then suggest materials that fit.
NoirBlancDesign A2 Shower with smooth entry/exit and wide hall entries for elderers.
tejdesign A2 - what should be in a new remodel/home design is client dependant - how do they live their life? no two are alike!
CanoeDesignBlog A2 : I really think that it is critical to listen to the client about how they live. This helps shape my design choices.
MelissaGalt A2 ~ Ability to move any given piece from room to room, design that flows and has continuity and cohesion.
MelissaGalt A2 ~ Durable upholstery w/ flippable cushions, double sided bedding 4 mood shift, layered lightg always, personality in art.
sunny_lamps A2 As far as lighting goes- it must be multifunctional & easy to use. Layered light works well b/c it's so easy to change
EuniceDecampi A2 custom built storage, LED lighting and dimmers
KKorytowska A2 I advise where art should hang depending on the light and which colors would work with each space.
elizabethhome A2 I nanotex everything!!!
CrystalHintze A2 I've reworked entire floor plan to create better flow & storage for a client, reinforcing shower wall for grab bars l8r
kevintheobald A2 lighting should take into account need for higher levels as we age
CASUDI A2 We deleted shower dams from our designs over 10 years ago ~ smooth entry/exit
elzabdesign A2-Good light, good flow, design that respects environment, design that ages well and is not a FAD
elzabdesign A2-Need to take the climate in your area when designing: heated floors in colder areas, adequate air circulation, etc.
IslandStyle843 A2: Exotic hardwoods, all-white paint + fabrics, brushed nickel/copper, translucent acrylic/glass –– and #Pinterest !!
LivableDesign A2: Having at least one bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor is also important.
thebasicsource A2: Here's our remodeled universal design bath http://t.co/jZYYPaSW proof that U.D. doesn't have to scream "handicapped"
vjcatalano A2: Modifying air intake ducts for HVAC so filters are reachable.
DesignELLE A2: Natural materials wherever possible, yet need to ensure longevity, durability, + clean ability where applicable
sdevon A2: open space, wider traffic patterns, remote options, sustainability, durability
sdevon A2: Quality furnishings [case goods & upholstery] - higher dollar short term, investment long term
LivableDesign A2: Some key elements would be: Wider doorways, level thresholds and flooring transitions.
agirlandaMac A2. Art placement to reflect inspirations and emotion - not to match the sofa.
agirlandaMac A2. I like dimmers on everything - adjustable lighting, dim for most but can dial up for task.
KerrieKelly A2. Love the new barrier free products at http://t.co/EqqBml0Q @Kohler's Numi toilet & lights @lumensdotcom , too!
KerrieKelly A2.Layered lighting, contrasting floor changes, access outdoors, curbless showers, lever hardware handles @Brizo faucets.
MelissaGalt A2~ Good art never matches anything, it inspires, motivates, soothes, excites, energizes, and otherwise creates emotion.
zachsinger Absolutely! :) “@agirlandaMac: A2. Art placement to reflect inspirations and emotion - not to match the sofa. ”
LoisMarketing Incorporate "their things" not "designer things" into their living spaces. A2
LoisMarketing With an eye for color, design, style and personality -- it's being there as a friend and saying "Let's go shopping" A2
   
IntDesignerChat Q3: What resources do you use that allow you to specify livable design products?
CanoeDesignBlog A3 : I think that communication with suppliers is critical. They are one of the best resources to understand any product.
CASUDI A3 Designing for pets ~ important facet of residential design (not only dog showers :)
KKorytowska A3 Good lighting, solid frames, something that lasts all the moves.
sunny_lamps A3 Layers of light especially lamps b/c they're moveable, dimmers, step lighting, outdoor lighting
funcolors A3 Livable Design is all inclusive, not just elderly. And, again, supportive color for the built environ is key.
funcolors A3 the right wall/floor color for function, visual ergonomics, is key too. It's not always just about the lighting.
CASUDI A3 Using reclaimed wood (w patina of history) makes care much easier ~ easy care is KEY for all materials.
LivableDesign A3: Here is a list of all the resources in our award winning Livable Design demonstration home http://t.co/mk7nv2nb
IslandStyle843 A3: Resources for livable design? Collaboration, collaboration, collaboration. Everyone involved in the project discerns.
MarkJohnsonFAIA A3: Resources for livable design? Touring model homes in vacation spots. Often emphasize low maintenance #design!
KerrieKelly A3. At #KerrieKellyDesignLab we also find inspiration & resources @ASID, @LivableDesign, @Houzz_Inc, @grandparents.com.
KerrieKelly A3. At #KKDL, we design custom pieces such as beautiful railings & furnishings & use sources like @LutronInstaller, @OXO.
agirlandaMac A3. Untapped "resource"- look at client's favorite clothes for color and style clues.
   
IntDesignerChat Q4: What types of stories inspire your design?
CASUDI @NoirBlancDesign A4 Every room can tell a story ~ like a "stage set" ~ every piece in a room can have a story ....
funcolors A4 Susanka's Not So Big Life, Not So Big House. Masterfully speaks to comfortable human scale & the built envrion.
funcolors A4 - Faber Birren's work is inspiring w/regard to how color design changed the workplace 2b more liveable, supportive.
CanoeDesignBlog A4 - Stories from holidays - this is usually when we discover the most and are at our most relaxed. The ideal way to live.
funcolors A4 Examples of streamlined, cleverly functional, efficient design.
KKorytowska A4 I mostly get inspired by nature, but it does motivate me when clients tell me their stories & how much they love art.
garydicus A4 stories can lead, set a direction
sunny_lamps A4 Traveling. Views seen whether at sea/land are very inspiring. Ask clients where they've been & where they want 2 go
CASUDI A4 TV series can inspire Design ~ how many wanted a low budget Dynasty Mansion :)
Marilyn_Russell A4 Whatever stories client says abt why they want design. Starting family, just got divorce + want traces of spouse gone.
elzabdesign A4-My clients' needs/stories inspire my livable designs but also research, exchanging with peers, vendors, reading
artanysize A4: For my own home, the happiest stories from my life. ;) I relive joy through associated colors, textures, smells, etc.
sdevon A4: Listen to the way clients live now & hope for future; leave room to allow the space to evolve/grow w them
SSAWhometrends A4: Stories / Themes: Current & relevant
IslandStyle843 A4: Stories of design inspiration? International travel + mementos of accomplishment + the work of harvesting natural wood.
sdevon A4: the client's story, how they want their space to feel, function, look. Aside from that, art, collectibles, sentimentals
agirlandaMac A4. "Hints" of the travel story in a home environment. Still have to consider sense of place, authenticity.
KerrieKelly A4. Beyond that YOU inspire me! Thank you for your interest in the topic of Livable Design today. You are a great group!
agirlandaMac A4. Favorite travel memories - it's not just about the look - it's how it made you feel.
KerrieKelly A4. My @DelWebb clients, my work w/@LivableDesign & @ASID & younger generation stories like: http://t.co/WW0llE0b.
MarkJohnsonFAIA A4) I designed an entry inspired by entrance in Sound of Music home, but much smaller! Q4: Stories inspire your design?
LoisMarketing Your clients' personal stories should inspire your design A4
   
  Retweeted Often (in no particular order)
IntDesignerChat Getting ready for #Passover and #Easter? is taking SPRING BREAK enjoy! See you April 17, same time same place.
AnnBrauer We change. Our lives change. Shouldn't our homes also change? But still reflect us.
tejdesign I am often designing for the dogs.... gotta have a space that works for pet lovers !
LoisMarketing A good designer is an educator, guide, and translator for their clients.
terriart1 I like to use indoor-outdoor fabrics for easy maintenance and durable hard surfaces
LivableDesign A lowered breakfast bar is a great place for the whole family to comfortably share a meal.
LivableDesign Layering light avoids glare and adds flexibility for your lighting needs.
NoirBlancDesign

Liveable Design is a space designed to be approachable and functional for all generations. 

 

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