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. |

Comments
Informative and well
Informative and well determined post. Interior is the key to provide sucess. Marri Dining Table
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