Trends in Interior Design

As the world becomes increasingly fast-paced and chaotic, more and more people are seeking refuge in the mountains. Whether it's for a weekend escape or a permanent change of scenery, the mountain regions offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. As a result, interior design trends in mountain regions have shifted toward creating comfortable and cozy spaces that promote relaxation and well-being. In this month’s blog, we will explore the latest trends in interior design in Poss-designed residences in the mountain regions.

Wellness Aspects in Mountain Interior Design

Wellness has become a buzzword in recent years, and for good reason. With mounting stress and anxiety, people are searching for ways to improve their overall well-being. Interior design plays a critical role in creating spaces that promote wellness. This is especially true in mountain regions.

Natural Materials

One of the most significant wellness aspects in mountain interior design is the use of natural materials. Wood, stone, and other natural materials not only create a warm and cozy atmosphere but also help to connect people with nature. The use of natural materials also promotes sustainability, which is a critical factor in creating a healthy and balanced environment. Another timeless design secret is the use of wood. Wood has a natural warmth that brings a sense of coziness to a space. In mountain regions, wood can be incorporated in the form of exposed ceiling beams, hardwood floors, and wood paneling.

Timeless Design Secrets in Mountain Interior Design

While trends come and go, there are some design secrets that are timeless and always relevant. Functional design happens by Ensuring that the layout and furniture placement serve the purpose and flow of the space will always be relevant and practical. 

Attention to details: Paying attention to details like trim, molding, and architectural features can elevate a space and give it a timeless appeal. Thoughtful details can also add character and sophistication to any interior.

Quality materials: Investing in high-quality materials like hardwood, stone, and natural fabrics, these materials age gracefully and add a touch of elegance to any space.

Personal touches: Incorporating personal touches and meaningful items into your design creates a sense of uniqueness and timelessness. Displaying cherished artwork, family heirlooms, or travel souvenirs adds personality and tells a story within space.

Texture

Texture is an essential design element in interior design. It creates visual interest and adds depth to a space. Natural materials like wood and stone provide texture, but it can also be added through textiles like wool, leather, and fur. Mixing textures is a great way to create a layered and inviting space.

Lighting

Another way to promote wellness in interior design is using natural light. Large windows that provide ample sunlight not only add to the aesthetic appeal of the space but also improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.

Statement Pieces

Statement pieces are a great way to add personality and character to a space. Whether it's a unique piece of furniture or a piece of artwork, statement pieces add visual interest and create a focal point in a room. They also provide an opportunity to showcase personal style and taste.

Incorporating vintage or antique pieces is also a timeless design secret that adds character and personality to a space. Whether it's a vintage rug or an antique chest, incorporating pieces with a history adds depth and interest to the interior.

Interior Design in collaboration with Linda Ruderman Interiors.

Discovering the Magic of Paris Deco Off: Miranda and Regina’s Journey Through the World of Decorative Fabrics and Design

If you are reading this, chances are that you not only know about, but perhaps have attended the annual Paris Deco Off event. This not-to-miss, four-day event that showcases the latest designs and trends in the world of decoration and interior design, takes place in January in Paris, France. The event is held in various showrooms, boutiques, and galleries throughout the city, and is attended by designers, decorators, and other industry professionals from all over the world. This year, two of our Interior Design team members traveled to the city of lights, and of course the fashion capital, Paris, France.

But before we share their stories, reflections, and news about the latest trends in the interior design industry, let us tell you a little bit more about the event itself.  

It was first held in 2010 and has since become a must-attend event for anyone interested in interior design. The event features a wide range of products, including fabrics, wallpapers, furniture, lighting, and accessories, all of which are designed to inspire and inform those in attendance.

One of the highlights of this significant event is the many exhibitions that take place throughout the city. These exhibitions showcase the latest trends and designs in interior decoration and are hosted by some of the top designers and manufacturers in the industry.

Pierre Frey showroom rugs

Pierre Frey Showroom

Pierre Frey Showroom set up

Our own Miranda McConnell, a recent college graduate in Interior Design, and Regina Garcia, Senior Interior Designer, and kitchen design extraordinaire, had the pleasure of experiencing all that Paris Deco off has to offer. From talks to workshops and social events like cocktail parties, dinners as well as informal gatherings and networking events. Miranda and Regina learned about the latest trends and products in the industry and connected with like-minded professionals from around the world. They even met and chatted with Holly Hunt, the world-renowned American designer and a CEO and Founder of Holly Hunt Design.

From left to right: Regina Garcia, Holly Hunt, and Miranda McConnell

We asked Miranda to tell us about their favorite Paris Deco Off moments and here is what she said;

”From the beautiful window displays to the grand parties, it’s hard to pick a favorite part of our trip. Traveling with a senior designer, Regina, was the best part for me. It made the trip very educational for a young designer like me. I was able to learn many different things at every showroom stop, learn little architectural details on every building while walking the streets together, and overall listening to her speak designer-lingo to others we met throughout the week. I feel very grateful for Poss giving me the opportunity to learn and grow as an Interior Designer in Paris. Oh, and I can’t forget the most delicious parts of the trip: escargot and macaroons! 

Miranda and Regina

Overall, Paris Deco Off was a smashing success.  We look forward to next year!

Au revoir, Paris!

Designing for Hospitality Clients

Poss has established an enviable reputation as a designer of exquisite private homes that blend seamlessly with their environments, leveraging nature’s glory while expressing each owner’s unique personality. “Our design of private homes is timeless and always elegant yet comfortable. Classy, timeless, tranquil,” says Bill Poss, the company’s founder.

That ethic translates readily to hospitality design. Timbers Kiawah, a luxury fractional resort community, is a prime example. It was the first new development on Kiawah Island, off the coast of South Carolina, in more than 30 years, and worth the wait. Poss Architecture + Planning and Interior Design created 21 beautifully appointed residences nestled along the coastline, sheltered by tall pines. South Carolina’s Lowcountry flavor is refined and uplifted by contemporary design — big windows, wide open spaces and a soft, neutral color palette welcome the breathtaking setting in.

“Our hospitality projects vary in size from 90 to 450 rooms,” Poss explains. “We design and create spaces that accommodate a lot of people, including staff, guests, and visitors.” Then there are the spaces that have a more public function, like a spa or workout facility, or an onsite restaurant. Still another consideration are the spaces that support the business operation, including the back office, laundry, maintenance room and other behind-the-scenes areas.

 “Our hospitality group is growing, and we are so lucky to have had the opportunity to share our ideas and talents working across the country,” says Kevin Morley, Poss Architecture + Planning and Interior Design partner who is intimately involved in hospitality design.

“This is happening because we do understand the concepts of creating that unique and special place in the world that not only provides sound design principles for the product type, but the more intangible qualities of a bespoke guest experience and strong ties to the surrounding regional history,” he explains. “But it goes without saying that all of these qualities mean nothing if we cannot understand and manifest these ideals through the mastery of creating designs that fit within our clients’ budgets and business models. Looking back through our past projects, I feel we have a track record of success in providing these skillsets to our clients, and this is a main factor why our clients continue to choose Poss for their next project.”

Hospitality design is all about the guest experience, Poss says. It’s true that Americans vacation less than their European counterparts, but their expectations are greater. Successful properties are designed to enrich the guest experience, from check-in to departure, he explains.

 “It must seem as though these two project types differ like day and night, but actually I feel that they have several similarities, Morley says. “They both revolve around design solutions that speak to lifestyle and the use of the building or resort by its homeowners or guests. Defining this level of service and lifestyle help to drive the organization of a design from spatial relationships to product selection and finish. Using our extensive residential background, and understanding these concepts help Poss to expertly transition between, and bring our custom residence experience to our bespoke hospitality resorts,” he says.

“The main difference is that there is a heightened challenge and awareness of the operational side of a hospitality project; understanding the separation of the guest and operational sides of a resort and developing that balance between enough operational facilities while still being the most efficient solution possible.”

In hospitality design, the focus shifts to public space versus private spaces, says Nikola Gradinski, Poss Architecture + Planning and Interior Design senior designer. There’s an added wrinkle, she says: hospitality properties must convey a strong brand identity.

 The qualities resort guests are searching for are much the same as those the high-end homeowner seeks, Gradinski says: taste, elegance, innovation, and luxury.

“Our resort designs must respond well to different climates,” Poss says. “Hospitality clients tend to want to provide entertainment to guests and materials have to be durable hotel grade. At the same time, they all have to be pleasing and convey a sense of comfort and welcome.”

“There is usually a lot of discussion revolving around the efficiency of a hospitality project,” Morley explains. “This can manifest itself in several conversations, but usually involve discussions surrounding operations, the efficiency of which we move guests through the facility to their rooms or amenities, and the exterior ‘skin’ of the project.

 “The other critical piece of any design is to provide a sense of place; to create a project that fits into the land and has a sense of the history of the place where it resides.  Our projects are successful because of the care we take to develop this intrinsic relationship with its surroundings.  These projects are very rewarding personally when we balance these issues and ‘get them right’.  The result is a project that is financially successful for the ownership group, and a memorable experience for the guests.”

“Meeting and exceeding the growing challenges and expectations of the industry, creating spaces and places that can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life,” is a uniquely satisfying aspect, Gradinski says.

In addition, designers have a bit more freedom to explore the new, the latest, today’s design favorites. “Hospitality projects can and should reflect current trends because they get upgraded and updated quite frequently,” Poss says. “But fashionable has to be comfortable and durable.”

“Health and wellness and environmentally responsible design,” are the watchwords now in the hospitality industry now, Gradinski says, as long as they are backed up by “integrity and ingenuity.”