9 Things We Learned About Our Homes at Designscape 2020
Check out these fascinating ideas from psychology experts, neuroscientists and designers at the three-day virtual event
Amanda Pollard
18 August 2020
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors and architecture.
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors... More
What makes a healthy, happy home? How can we make an open-plan room more functional? And what factors influence our design choices? These questions and many more were discussed at this year’s Designscape, the virtual event from the creatives behind annual fairs such as designjunction and Decorex.
Here’s an overview of some of the ideas explored in the lively panel discussions on residential design.
Here’s an overview of some of the ideas explored in the lively panel discussions on residential design.
Looks aren’t everything
The influence our homes have on how we feel and how we behave was the subject of the headline discussion, The Art & Science of the Home. Neuroscientist Dr Ash Ranpura explained how behaviour is affected by three factors – motivation, action and the environment. “The environment I’m in influences my behaviour, the choices that are presented to me, and how I execute an action,” he said.
With this in mind, it makes sense that the first thing to consider when designing a room is what you actually want to do in that space and how you want to feel while doing it. Once you’ve thought about this, the layout, furniture choices, colours and textures should all follow.
Feeling safe and comfortable is key, suggested Dr Ranpura. He explained that, in an ideal environment, we would generally be comfortable in the same way that animals would be comfortable.
He gave the bedroom as an example – it’s somewhere that provides shelter, where we don’t have to be alert to potential dangers. “We can think, how would we live if we were living in nature and, instinctively, those are the types of places that will make us feel comfortable.”
The influence our homes have on how we feel and how we behave was the subject of the headline discussion, The Art & Science of the Home. Neuroscientist Dr Ash Ranpura explained how behaviour is affected by three factors – motivation, action and the environment. “The environment I’m in influences my behaviour, the choices that are presented to me, and how I execute an action,” he said.
With this in mind, it makes sense that the first thing to consider when designing a room is what you actually want to do in that space and how you want to feel while doing it. Once you’ve thought about this, the layout, furniture choices, colours and textures should all follow.
Feeling safe and comfortable is key, suggested Dr Ranpura. He explained that, in an ideal environment, we would generally be comfortable in the same way that animals would be comfortable.
He gave the bedroom as an example – it’s somewhere that provides shelter, where we don’t have to be alert to potential dangers. “We can think, how would we live if we were living in nature and, instinctively, those are the types of places that will make us feel comfortable.”
Nature nurtures
Designer Natalia Miyar was in agreement with Dr Ranpura’s focus on nature, pointing to how it can influence our choice of colour and materials.
“When I’m asked what inspires me, I always say I go back to nature,” she said. “The colour palettes and textures in nature are something that most of us feel are very grounding. Mother nature is where most of us feel happy.”
During a discussion on trends, colour and design psychology specialist Karen Haller explained that, as we’ve moved away from nature, our need for a renewed connection with it has grown. When asked her thoughts on the trend for biophilic design (which focuses on our innate desire to be connected to nature), Haller said, “It might have taken a trend to get it back, but I don’t think it will be something that goes away.”
“I think it was a nice-to-have before, but it’s now something we realise is more important,” Susie Rumbold of Tessuto Interiors agreed. “I’d say it’s not a trend and is here to stay.”
To see more from any of the designers whose photos are featured in this article, click on the image, then on Learn More if you’re in the app, and follow the links to the professional’s profile.
Designer Natalia Miyar was in agreement with Dr Ranpura’s focus on nature, pointing to how it can influence our choice of colour and materials.
“When I’m asked what inspires me, I always say I go back to nature,” she said. “The colour palettes and textures in nature are something that most of us feel are very grounding. Mother nature is where most of us feel happy.”
During a discussion on trends, colour and design psychology specialist Karen Haller explained that, as we’ve moved away from nature, our need for a renewed connection with it has grown. When asked her thoughts on the trend for biophilic design (which focuses on our innate desire to be connected to nature), Haller said, “It might have taken a trend to get it back, but I don’t think it will be something that goes away.”
“I think it was a nice-to-have before, but it’s now something we realise is more important,” Susie Rumbold of Tessuto Interiors agreed. “I’d say it’s not a trend and is here to stay.”
To see more from any of the designers whose photos are featured in this article, click on the image, then on Learn More if you’re in the app, and follow the links to the professional’s profile.
A happy home is a healthy home
The headline discussion also looked at how our homes can make us feel healthy. Natalia Miyar said people are becoming more aware of their physical and mental health, and this is mirrored in their interior choices. “I see more materials that reflect this than products,” she said. “People are becoming more aware of the origins and the healthiness of paints, fabrics.”
Georgia Elliott-Smith of Element 4, which provides sustainability advice and support, also focused on this topic during the symposium, A Sustainable Future. “Coming out of the pandemic, there’s so much more awareness of the air we’re breathing in nowadays,” she said. “We’re doing a lot of work around how to influence behaviour and reduce toxins. It’s a massive area for people to think about – not just the paints, but things such as the solvents and coatings.”
In a discussion on The New Luxury, architect and interior designer Shalini Misra pointed out that health at home is a big focus for the younger generation in particular. “Their idea of luxury is different from the past. It’s not ostentatious – it’s more to create a place that’s healthy, being in natural surroundings and bringing nature inside with plants,” she said.
The headline discussion also looked at how our homes can make us feel healthy. Natalia Miyar said people are becoming more aware of their physical and mental health, and this is mirrored in their interior choices. “I see more materials that reflect this than products,” she said. “People are becoming more aware of the origins and the healthiness of paints, fabrics.”
Georgia Elliott-Smith of Element 4, which provides sustainability advice and support, also focused on this topic during the symposium, A Sustainable Future. “Coming out of the pandemic, there’s so much more awareness of the air we’re breathing in nowadays,” she said. “We’re doing a lot of work around how to influence behaviour and reduce toxins. It’s a massive area for people to think about – not just the paints, but things such as the solvents and coatings.”
In a discussion on The New Luxury, architect and interior designer Shalini Misra pointed out that health at home is a big focus for the younger generation in particular. “Their idea of luxury is different from the past. It’s not ostentatious – it’s more to create a place that’s healthy, being in natural surroundings and bringing nature inside with plants,” she said.
We’re open to closed-off spaces
“Open-plan isn’t suiting everybody,” said Natalia Miyar, referring to how households have had to live, work and play all together in one space during lockdown.
“We’re looking at more seismic shifts in the way people are living,” said Susie Rumbold. “Acoustic separation and things like that are going to be massive shifts.”
Susie foresees us using our spaces in a multi-functional way for a while and said, “I don’t think we’re going to go back to the way we were before, so our personal spaces are going to have to work really hard.”
Designers, she added, will need to come up with clever solutions to help zone a space at different times of the day. “It could be a physical zoning, such as an internal door, or perhaps a storage solution that means that when function A is finished, everything goes away so function B can commence,” she said. “I think we’re going to have to be even cleverer at listening to our clients’ requirements.”
Are you looking to add more storage to your home? Find carpenters in your area
“Open-plan isn’t suiting everybody,” said Natalia Miyar, referring to how households have had to live, work and play all together in one space during lockdown.
“We’re looking at more seismic shifts in the way people are living,” said Susie Rumbold. “Acoustic separation and things like that are going to be massive shifts.”
Susie foresees us using our spaces in a multi-functional way for a while and said, “I don’t think we’re going to go back to the way we were before, so our personal spaces are going to have to work really hard.”
Designers, she added, will need to come up with clever solutions to help zone a space at different times of the day. “It could be a physical zoning, such as an internal door, or perhaps a storage solution that means that when function A is finished, everything goes away so function B can commence,” she said. “I think we’re going to have to be even cleverer at listening to our clients’ requirements.”
Are you looking to add more storage to your home? Find carpenters in your area
Alone time is key
“I think people have started to realise that home is their special place,” said Karen Howes of Taylor Howes Designs during the symposium on The New Luxury. “Clients have been phoning me up to ask for different requirements to what they would have wanted six months ago,” she said, citing examples such as choosing pieces with longevity and finding a calm spot to be alone.
“Luxury is being able to work and be at home in a nice environment – something that makes you feel good more than having a branded piece,” agreed Staffan Tollgard of Tollgard Design Group, who says he first noticed this shift from ostentatious luxury after the recession in 2011, and this has become an even greater focus in recent times.
“Space is a luxury really, isn’t it?” Karen added. “Everybody in every walk of life should have a space in which to be alone. My absolute luxury is looking out to the countryside and having the time to look at it.”
Moderator Helen Brocklebank summed it up with the phrase, “The perfect chair in the perfect space with the perfect view.”
“I think people have started to realise that home is their special place,” said Karen Howes of Taylor Howes Designs during the symposium on The New Luxury. “Clients have been phoning me up to ask for different requirements to what they would have wanted six months ago,” she said, citing examples such as choosing pieces with longevity and finding a calm spot to be alone.
“Luxury is being able to work and be at home in a nice environment – something that makes you feel good more than having a branded piece,” agreed Staffan Tollgard of Tollgard Design Group, who says he first noticed this shift from ostentatious luxury after the recession in 2011, and this has become an even greater focus in recent times.
“Space is a luxury really, isn’t it?” Karen added. “Everybody in every walk of life should have a space in which to be alone. My absolute luxury is looking out to the countryside and having the time to look at it.”
Moderator Helen Brocklebank summed it up with the phrase, “The perfect chair in the perfect space with the perfect view.”
Desks are on our radar
Working from home is certainly a key topic at the moment, so The Art & Science of the Home moderator, Pip McCormac, asked his guests to explain what they thought made a good home office?
Dr Ranpura explained the importance of designing your home office to suit your own needs and the requirements of the work you’re doing. For example, he likes his own desk to be in the middle of the home, where he can see what’s going on. His wife, on the other hand, has two offices – one inside the house to do admin and another in a hut at the end of the garden. She’s a writer, so the garden office is more of a contemplative space.
Natalia Miyar highlighted the benefits of making your office space aesthetically appealing – something that often comes second place to function. “Whatever your home office space is, make it beautiful. Face something beautiful,” she said. “I like to face into the room, or you could look out of a window. Have a comfortable desk chair – spend money on that, it’s where you sit every day.”
Working from home is certainly a key topic at the moment, so The Art & Science of the Home moderator, Pip McCormac, asked his guests to explain what they thought made a good home office?
Dr Ranpura explained the importance of designing your home office to suit your own needs and the requirements of the work you’re doing. For example, he likes his own desk to be in the middle of the home, where he can see what’s going on. His wife, on the other hand, has two offices – one inside the house to do admin and another in a hut at the end of the garden. She’s a writer, so the garden office is more of a contemplative space.
Natalia Miyar highlighted the benefits of making your office space aesthetically appealing – something that often comes second place to function. “Whatever your home office space is, make it beautiful. Face something beautiful,” she said. “I like to face into the room, or you could look out of a window. Have a comfortable desk chair – spend money on that, it’s where you sit every day.”
Colour is subjective
There was some interesting discussion on colour choices during the event, particularly when it comes to what influences those palette choices.
Karen Haller explained, “I start the conversation with how do you want to feel in the space, and what do you want to do in the space? The behaviour in that space determines the choice of colour. If it happens to be a trend colour, so be it, but it’s all about using colour to influence behaviour.”
Dr Ranpura pointed out how our colour preferences are influenced by external factors.
“The relationship between colour and mood is probably learned, a cultural association,” he said and used red as an example of a shade that has different meaning in various parts of the world.
Our language about mood and colour was another factor he highlighted. “We talk about feeling dark and feeling blue. We use these downward moving words and darker images,” he said, and suggested this could impact how we feel about darker tones.
When asked whether dark rooms can make people feel depressed, Dr Ranpura responded, “I would make an argument that it very much depends on the person, because some people in a bright, open space will feel exposed and therefore anxious, and maybe that feels like a depression for them. Some people will feel comforted by a room that encloses them.”
How about colour trends – do these influence our choices? “People will use a colour simply because it’s on trend as a way to belong,” said Karen.
Dr Ranpura agrees with this, but says it’s all part of being human. “We’re very much a herd species, so our thoughts are contagious to each other,” he explained. “It’s not just my learned experiences, it’s my knowledge of what my tribe also thinks about colours and spaces.”
There was some interesting discussion on colour choices during the event, particularly when it comes to what influences those palette choices.
Karen Haller explained, “I start the conversation with how do you want to feel in the space, and what do you want to do in the space? The behaviour in that space determines the choice of colour. If it happens to be a trend colour, so be it, but it’s all about using colour to influence behaviour.”
Dr Ranpura pointed out how our colour preferences are influenced by external factors.
“The relationship between colour and mood is probably learned, a cultural association,” he said and used red as an example of a shade that has different meaning in various parts of the world.
Our language about mood and colour was another factor he highlighted. “We talk about feeling dark and feeling blue. We use these downward moving words and darker images,” he said, and suggested this could impact how we feel about darker tones.
When asked whether dark rooms can make people feel depressed, Dr Ranpura responded, “I would make an argument that it very much depends on the person, because some people in a bright, open space will feel exposed and therefore anxious, and maybe that feels like a depression for them. Some people will feel comforted by a room that encloses them.”
How about colour trends – do these influence our choices? “People will use a colour simply because it’s on trend as a way to belong,” said Karen.
Dr Ranpura agrees with this, but says it’s all part of being human. “We’re very much a herd species, so our thoughts are contagious to each other,” he explained. “It’s not just my learned experiences, it’s my knowledge of what my tribe also thinks about colours and spaces.”
Waste is out
Sustainability was also on the agenda, featuring extensively in a talk on A Sustainable Future and in the aforementioned The New Luxury symposium.
Karen Howes pointed out that high-end clients were looking at ways to make design choices that last. She explained how people are choosing well-crafted items that have been designed with longevity in mind and are no longer throwing everything out and starting again. “Thank goodness that’s come to a swift end,” she said.
The panellists also spoke about how good-quality vintage items were being chosen by clients and also how they present ways for their clients to preserve the bones of their properties and work with what they already have.
Sustainability was also on the agenda, featuring extensively in a talk on A Sustainable Future and in the aforementioned The New Luxury symposium.
Karen Howes pointed out that high-end clients were looking at ways to make design choices that last. She explained how people are choosing well-crafted items that have been designed with longevity in mind and are no longer throwing everything out and starting again. “Thank goodness that’s come to a swift end,” she said.
The panellists also spoke about how good-quality vintage items were being chosen by clients and also how they present ways for their clients to preserve the bones of their properties and work with what they already have.
It’s OK to fail and try again
An interesting talk on sustainability brought up the subject of transparency when it comes to finding ethical products for your home.
Georgia Elliott-Smith encourages designers to share their journey. “One of the most toxic things is greenwash [a superficial concern for the environment],” she said. “I want to hear about the story and love it when people say ‘we’re not perfect’. We’re all learning as we’re going along. Often, science changes and if that happens, be honest about it and say how you’re changing.”
Nicola Lindsell of Boxx Creative agreed and said, “When we realised we wanted to work with suppliers who are in line with our values, we met all our suppliers to ask them questions. You realise you open a can of worms, but it was a really good process and often suppliers were keen to know more.”
Tell us…
Which of these ideas resonate with you and your design choices? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
An interesting talk on sustainability brought up the subject of transparency when it comes to finding ethical products for your home.
Georgia Elliott-Smith encourages designers to share their journey. “One of the most toxic things is greenwash [a superficial concern for the environment],” she said. “I want to hear about the story and love it when people say ‘we’re not perfect’. We’re all learning as we’re going along. Often, science changes and if that happens, be honest about it and say how you’re changing.”
Nicola Lindsell of Boxx Creative agreed and said, “When we realised we wanted to work with suppliers who are in line with our values, we met all our suppliers to ask them questions. You realise you open a can of worms, but it was a really good process and often suppliers were keen to know more.”
Tell us…
Which of these ideas resonate with you and your design choices? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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J L look for lines with “petite” furniture— there are a few especially recliners.
Such lovely rooms with lovely art.
I've just retired so I've had time to think about my house and garden for the first time in years. I've watched how the sun moves across the back yard and have added a flower bed for sun loving perennials. I did not think that I needed any interior modifications or improvements except for serious decluttering ( yet to happen but planned ). However my oven died and I was inspired to buy a sunny yellow one. Reading Houzz over the years has made me envy all of those high end stoves in marvelous colors. Thank goodness Kitchenaid makes an affordable one. I loved the pretty blue kitchen in the photo. Repainting mine is really out of the question -and they are an acceptable teal wash. But if I were going to repaint it I'd paint it that wonderful blue. Delightful photo.
I concur with those who like their their more closed off arrangements of rooms. I live in a 1930s house. My little central hall ( little ! ) is actually is sort of oval shaped and has 7 doors lining it-2 bedrooms, a bath, a living room, a closet, a door to a stairway upstairs and one to the kitchen. I love it. At night my bedroom and bath can be completely closed off from the front and back doors and windows. It feels so private and quiet. When my 3 children, their 3 spouses and even some in laws and cousins visit there are plenty of sleeping spaces. It is small but well laid out for family life and privacy.
I always saw myself as a bright/ white person. But I love and can embrace dark colours to retreat into. Maybe it's the feeling safe & cosy in these dark times