A ‘Living Wall,’ also known as a ‘Green Wall’ or a ‘Vertical Garden,’ is a wall partially or completely covered with greenery. Unlike green facades, which have plants growing from the ground, living walls include a growing medium such as soil directly on the face of the wall. Many living walls also have integrated water delivery systems, ensuring that the plants receive adequate hydration.

History and Popularity of Living Walls

Stanley Hart White, a professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Illinois, invented living walls. In 1938, he patented his Vegetation-Bearing Architectonic Structure and System. Today, living walls remain popular as a sustainable way to incorporate nature into urban areas. They can be found worldwide, with notable examples such as the largest living wall in London at the Rubens at the Palace Hotel in Victoria.

Living walls can be installed in both commercial and residential settings, attached to the interior or exterior of buildings or as free-standing structures. Popular plants for living walls include Heuchera, Thyme, Sedum, Carex, and Ajuga.

Types of Living Walls

Broadly speaking, there are three types of living walls:

Direct Greening

This conventional method involves planting self-attaching wall shrubs and climbers. It is the most inexpensive option but requires time for the plants to establish themselves.

Indirect Greening

This approach uses a trellis or wire for the climbers to attach to, creating an air gap between the building and the plant. This method provides additional ventilation and protection for the building.

Living Wall Systems

These systems use planter boxes or felt with soil for the plants to grow into and require their own irrigation system. Living wall systems offer immediate aesthetic impact and are often used in high-end corporate interiors and luxury interior design projects.

Benefits of Living Walls

Living walls offer numerous benefits, making them a valuable addition to any building:

Aesthetic Enhancement

Living walls significantly improve the aesthetics of buildings, creating a more attractive environment for both work and living spaces. They can enhance the well-being of employees and residents by providing a connection to nature.

Temperature Regulation

Vegetation acts as an insulating jacket, keeping buildings warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This can lead to significant savings on heating and air conditioning bills.

Improved Air Quality and Noise Reduction

Living walls contribute to better urban air quality and help reduce noise pollution, creating a more pleasant and healthier environment.

Increased Biodiversity

Living walls provide habitats for insects and other small wildlife, increasing biodiversity in urban areas.

Alleviation of Sick Building Syndrome

When installed indoors, living walls can help alleviate problems related to Sick Building Syndrome and improve the morale of staff by enhancing the indoor environment.

Professional Help for Your Living Wall Project

Would you like professional help to create a living wall for your home or workplace? As one of the “20 Best Interior Designers in Britain” recognized by The Daily Telegraph, I design for clients in London, San Francisco, and New York. My team and I offer a complete service to bring your vision to life. Contact me at liza@lizaevans.com to start the conversation. I look forward to hearing from you.

The architectural framework for what we consider quintessentially Parisian style is largely due to the work of Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann. Haussmann, who lived between 1809 and 1891, is best known for his role as Prefect of the Seine Department in France. In 1853, Emperor Napoleon III chose him to carry out a massive public works program in Paris. This renovation included building wide avenues, new apartment buildings, parks, and squares, annexing suburbs, and constructing new fountains and aqueducts. Haussmann led the program from 1853 to 1870, and even after his dismissal (due to accusations of extravagance), work on his projects continued until 1927. The street plan and distinctive layout of central Paris today are largely the result of Haussmann’s renovation.

If you’re inspired by the timeless elegance and charm of Parisian interiors, here are four expert tips to help you recreate this style in your own home.

Floors, Walls, and High Ceilings

Haussmann’s influence extended beyond building exteriors to the interiors of new residential apartment buildings. These five-floor structures were characterized by perfect alignment and symmetry. Inside, Haussmann established a template featuring high ceilings, parquet flooring, white walls, floor-length windows, and intricate wood and plasterwork. While altering your ceiling height and recreating ornate plasterwork might be impractical, installing parquet flooring is a great first step towards achieving a Parisian-inspired interior. This classic flooring adds warmth, elegance, and a touch of historical charm to any space.

Mix the Old and the New

The most successful Parisian interiors blend classic pieces, such as Louis chairs, with modern furniture and art, creating wonderful contrasts. Paris is known for its flea markets and brocantes, where you can search for unique items to add character to your apartment. If a trip to Paris isn’t feasible, you can search for unique items and curiosities online or in local retail outlets. The key is to balance old and new elements to create an eclectic and stylish look that reflects your personal taste.

Accessories and Artifacts

Creating a multi-layered and unique interior against a backdrop of white walls is essential in Parisian design. Accessories play a vital role in achieving this look. The Parisian style is bohemian rather than overly sanitized or curated. Essential items to purchase include crystal chandeliers, feature lighting, gilded mirrors, and rugs. These accessories add texture, color, and personality to your space, making it feel lived-in and inviting. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and periods to create a truly unique and personalized interior.

Luxurious Fabrics and Finishes

Luxurious fabrics and finishes in bold colors are crucial for completing your Parisian-inspired apartment or room. Many Parisian apartments use a mix of silks, velvets, and fine-quality linen for curtains, cushion covers, and throws. Marble mantels are often adorned with unique artifacts and bric-a-brac, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance. Incorporating these luxurious elements into your decor will elevate the overall aesthetic and make your space feel more opulent and refined.

Would You Like Professional Help to Create a Paris-Inspired Interior?

If you’re looking for professional assistance to create a Paris-inspired interior in your home, I would be delighted to help. As one of the “20 Best Interior Designers in Britain” acknowledged by The Daily Telegraph, I design for clients in London, San Francisco, and New York. My team and I offer a complete service to bring your vision to life. Please send me an email at Liza@lizaevans.com to start the conversation. I look forward to hearing from you.

Successful lighting is crucial for effective interior design, yet it is often overlooked or not given enough consideration. Lighting can make or break a design, setting the mood of a space, whether you want to create an intimate, sultry reception area or a bright, bold workspace. Used effectively, lighting can highlight interesting architectural features or disguise areas that are less than perfect. It can also alter room dimensions, making small rooms feel open and airy or large rooms feel cozy and inviting.

Lighting Tips for Communal Spaces

Washing the Walls with Light

In a small room, washing the walls with an even layer of light can create the illusion of expanded space. This technique involves using wall-mounted lights or strategically placed lamps to spread light evenly across the walls. When paired with light-colored walls, this effect is amplified, making the room feel larger and more open. This is especially useful in corporate spaces where a sense of openness can enhance productivity and comfort.

Creating Soft Pools of Light

For larger rooms, creating soft pools of light focused on important objects or areas can make the space feel more intimate. This technique involves using floor lamps, table lamps, or spotlighting to highlight specific areas, drawing attention away from the overall room and creating cozy, inviting spaces. This approach is ideal for luxury interior design, where emphasis on particular design elements can elevate the overall aesthetic.

Lighting the Shorter Wall

In narrow rooms, placing lights along the shorter wall can draw the eye away from the longer walls, creating a perception of a wider space. This method can be particularly effective in high-end corporate interiors, where maximizing the functionality and comfort of every area is crucial. Use wall sconces, uplights, or strategically positioned spotlights to achieve this effect, ensuring the light is soft and inviting.

Layered Lighting for Versatility

Incorporate layered lighting to add versatility and depth to your communal spaces. Layered lighting involves combining ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a balanced and adaptable environment. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination, task lighting focuses on specific work areas, and accent lighting highlights architectural features or artwork. This approach allows you to adjust the lighting to suit different activities and moods, enhancing the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your space.

Utilizing Natural Light

Maximize the use of natural light to create a welcoming and energy-efficient environment. Large windows, skylights, and glass doors can flood communal spaces with daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a bright, cheerful atmosphere. Consider using light-colored or reflective surfaces to bounce natural light around the room, further enhancing the sense of openness and positivity.

Smart Lighting Solutions

Incorporate smart lighting solutions to add convenience and customization to your communal spaces. Smart lighting systems allow you to control the intensity, color, and timing of your lights remotely, providing flexibility and efficiency. These systems can be programmed to adjust the lighting based on the time of day or occupancy, ensuring optimal illumination and energy savings.

Conclusion

Lighting plays a pivotal role in the success of interior design projects, particularly in communal and corporate spaces. By employing these interior design lighting tips, you can create environments that are both functional and visually appealing. Whether you’re aiming for a luxury interior design or optimizing corporate interiors in San Francisco, effective lighting can transform your space and leave a lasting impression on everyone who enters.

If you need help assessing and improving the lighting in your communal office spaces, we’re here to assist. Contact me at liza@lizaevans.com to arrange a consultation and receive our professional assessment. We look forward to working with you to create a space that truly shines.

As corporations design their workspaces, there’s a tendency for businesses in the same sector to adopt similar layouts and communal areas, leading to a uniform and predictable use of space. Art is a powerful tool to disrupt this bland conformity and differentiate your company from competitors. Let’s get into some practical interior design tips for companies that want to use art in new and interesting ways.

Can We Incorporate an Art Installation in Our Communal Area?

Here are five expert tips for introducing art installations into your workplace, ensuring you leave a lasting impression on visitors, clients, partners, and customers.

Color and Texture

Art installations can infuse color, texture, and interest into communal areas, especially if budget constraints prevent the purchase of new furniture. A strategically placed piece of art can transform a dull space into a vibrant, inviting area that encourages creativity and collaboration.

Overall Impression

Art is also useful for hiding and minimizing unattractive features such as holes in walls, exposed pipework, or poorly placed electrical sockets. A well-chosen piece can turn these eyesores into focal points, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your space.

Massive Variety

Art isn’t limited to oils and watercolors. Consider incorporating sculptures, tapestries, rugs, photographs, printmaking, ceramics, models, carvings, and architectural elements. This diversity allows you to create a dynamic and engaging environment that reflects your company’s unique personality and values.

Congruent Art

Ensure your art installations align with your company’s identity. For example, if you’re a tech-based company, consider innovative electronic media such as computer and digital graphics, projection walls, and interactive touch-sensitive exhibits. This congruence reinforces your brand and creates a cohesive experience for visitors and employees alike.

Partnership

Consider forming partnerships with artists, art collectives, or educational institutions. In exchange for showcasing their work, they can regularly refresh your art installations, ensuring your communal area remains interesting and relevant with minimal financial outlay. This symbiotic relationship benefits both parties and keeps your space a continual talking point.

How Should You Display Art in Your Communal Spaces? 6 Expert Tips

Now that we’ve explored incorporating art installations, let’s delve into the specifics of displaying art in your communal spaces. As an expert in luxury interior design, I’ve curated six effective ways to enhance your corporate interiors with art.

Side by Side

One of the simplest and most effective interior design art tips is arranging pictures in columns. This method works well in corporate spaces, providing a clean, structured look. Aligning artwork side by side ensures each piece is given equal attention, perfect for creating a cohesive and professional atmosphere.

Victorian Grouping

Embrace a classic touch by grouping pictures of different sizes, shapes, and types. This Victorian-inspired technique instantly adds a “period” feel to your communal space design. Begin with a horizontal line of pictures at the base, center, or top, and arrange the rest accordingly. Remember, bright and busy pictures can be spaced more widely than delicate ones to balance the visual appeal.

Center Stage

Highlight a single piece of art by positioning it over a prominent piece of furniture, fireplace, or in an alcove. This method can add drama and focus to any high-end corporate interior. Consider whether to make the arrangement symmetrical or asymmetrical. A large picture centered over a side table or sofa, flanked by wall lamps or related pictures, can serve as a strong focal point in the room.

Associated Objects

Enhance a small group of prints by incorporating them into a thematic arrangement. For example, display classical architectural prints above a tabletop featuring a pair of figurines. This technique enriches the overall aesthetic of your communal space, creating a more engaging and cohesive display.

Single Sets

Hang a set of identically framed, matching prints as a block to form an even grid. For odd numbers, maintain consistent spacing but stagger the rows horizontally or vertically to create a brick pattern. This approach is particularly effective in corporate interior design, such as in San Francisco offices, where a modern, organized look is often desired.

Staircases

Art on staircase walls should be strong and visually impactful, as it will be frequently viewed but not for long periods. Arrange similar-sized pictures to follow the slope of the stairs, spaced at least a picture’s width apart. Place the most interesting pieces at the top and bottom for maximum visibility from the hall and landing.

Conclusion

The possibilities for incorporating and displaying art in your workplace are endless. By following these expert tips, you can create a unique, engaging, and aesthetically pleasing environment that reflects your company’s identity and values. If you need professional assistance in transforming your corporate interiors with art, we’re here to help. Contact me at liza@lizaevans.com to arrange a consultation and receive our expert assessment. We look forward to working with you to create a space that inspires and impresses.

For interior designers working in corporate spaces, understanding the concept of “event boundaries” can be a game-changer. This term, coined by psychologists at the University of Notre Dame, refers to the mental shift that occurs when we pass through doorways. These transitions effectively compartmentalize thoughts and memories from one environment to the next. This understanding is crucial for creating impactful corporate spaces that enhance client and employee experiences.

How Doorway Placement Influences Corporate Interior Design

Research shows that passing through a doorway triggers an “event boundary” in the mind, causing the thoughts from the previous room to recede and allowing for a mental reset. This phenomenon is pivotal in corporate interior design, especially in areas like receptions, boardrooms, and meeting rooms. By strategically placing doorways, you can control the flow of thoughts and emotions, setting the stage for positive interactions and successful outcomes.

Some of the findings from this research were quite interesting. For example, subjects forgot more after walking through a doorway compared to moving the same distance within a room, indicating that doorways hinder memory retrieval from the previous space. When subjects moved objects across a room versus through a doorway, those who passed through doorways experienced diminished memories, mirroring virtual environment results. Finally, subjects returning to the original room after passing through several doorways still showed no improvement in memory, underscoring the doorway’s role as a significant event boundary.

Applying Event Boundaries in Luxury Interior Design

Incorporating the concept of event boundaries can enhance the overall flow and harmony of the office space. Here are four tips to optimize your corporate interiors with effective doorway placement:

Consistency in Design

Ensure the look and feel of your entrance and reception areas are seamlessly carried through to other public spaces. This consistency reinforces your company’s ethos and brand, creating a cohesive and welcoming environment.

Maintain Public Spaces

Keep all public and client-facing areas well-maintained, neat, and tidy. Implement a checklist and schedule daily inspections, especially first thing in the morning, to ensure these spaces always look their best.

Optimize Doorway Width

Where possible, design wide doorways and entrances. A wider transition enhances the experience, making the movement between spaces feel more significant and less disruptive.

Encourage Open Doorways

If feasible, keep doors between different areas open. This practice allows for better energy flow and creates a more spacious and connected atmosphere.

Enhance Your Corporate Spaces with Expert Design Services

Incorporating event boundaries and strategic doorway placement can significantly improve the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your corporate interiors. Whether you need expert advice for luxury interior design, high-end home interiors, or corporate interior design services in San Francisco, we are here to help.

Do you need assistance designing your “event boundaries”? We would be happy to arrange a consultation and provide a professional assessment. Feel free to send me an email at liza@lizaevans.com. I look forward to hearing from you.