Shiny and New
By: Anna Popov
Shiny and New
By: Anna Popov
Here at IBP, we work hard to keep up with new products and innovations that push us to be better designers. Our clients continue to challenge us with unique and interesting design problems, and part of the solution process relies heavily on research and development. Spending time choosing the right finish or material is important and we need to constantly renew our library of options; in conjunction with our tried and tested ones.
Product and furniture design have a huge influence on the design world. Setting aside time to visit trade shows and showrooms is a much-needed part of the process when we design in the luxury, residential design sector. We need to see what is new, decide if it has merit and how we may use it in our work. As a team, we share ideas and new products with each other regularly. Some of them, we are already incorporating into our new designs and others we are waiting for the perfect project to bring them to life. So, let’s delve into some of the more interesting and unique products we have been sharing as a team recently.
Unique Lighting
Lighting, in all its glory, is a game changer. Sometimes we layer light: a combination of functional lighting, background, atmospheric lighting and aesthetically beautiful lighting and sometimes, we go for a showstopper; the piece that everyone will talk about when they come to your home.
Modern Kitchen Appliances
Appliances are a necessity in any modern kitchen and wow, have they come a long way. We are blown away by the options out there these days. From custom finishes to fully customizable interiors, convenient lighting and water options; to beautiful, unique hardware and energy-saving improvements, there are a plethora of choices out there. Not to mention the possibilities for outdoor kitchens and dining too!
Modular Guest Houses
Raise your hand if you need extra space? Modular, customizable and eco-friendly guest houses, offices, saunas, cabins and workshops are a European standard making their way into the US market in a big way. As land, infrastructure and resources get harder and harder to acquire, a return to the landscape and utilizing the space you have in a new way is fast becoming the smart choice for a modern way of life.
Textile Revolution
We cannot have a world without beautiful textures. They exist in nature and the reason why we love them as designers is that they give us the opportunity to recreate the natural world inside our own homes. Feast your eyes on some of our favorites that are making their way into our materials library for 2022. From drapery to bed linen, throw pillows and more – textiles, we love you.
Contemporary Concrete and Terrazzo
Another of the European design elements we are committed to bringing to our work here in the Seattle area is an increased use of solid materials like concrete, plaster, terrazzo and breeze block – the options are endless, especially as we transition to using our homes in a more inside/outside way. Bringing these materials to patios, outdoor dining and lounge spaces is something we cannot wait to bring to fruition this year.
Innovative Wall and Floor Finishes
Painted, speckled, textured walls are practical and the standard here in North America. We challenge that standard whenever we can get the chance! Give us beautiful, smooth drywall, dimensional tile, textured screeds with gorgeous, seamless transitions, stone applications and even pretty wallpaper.
Our ethos as a team is one of constant sharing, development and helping each other bring our design work to the next level. Teamwork makes us who we are, and we love to share ideas and new findings with each other to make IBP the best it can be.
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