Mischa • Sedova

Is AI eroding the design process? After 147 years, Wimbledon have opted to swap line judges for 'electronic line calling'. Whilst I can understand the desire for a perfect call, I can't help but wonder if it will impact on the viewing pleasure of the sport. AI is increasingly being used to accelerate the design process. But just as sport loses some of it's humanity to tech, I wonder if the design process could lose some of it's integrity, pleasure and creativity to AI...

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🥘 🥔 🥑 Brixton Market… Cultural protection and appreciation of interior spaces. With the sad news of Brixton Market being put up for sale the conversation around cultural protection and appreciation of spaces seems very poignant. Once upon a time Brixton Market was a celebration of the diverse community, it was an inspiring place of interest that was influenced by colour, community and culture - a testament to the varied demographic in the UK. There are still some independent stores there that are carrying that baton, but it feels like its lost some of its heart compared to its heyday and is straying from its original vision and purpose. With gentrification never too far around the corner, inflated store costs and this economy – Brixton Market’s originality and spirit I fear is teetering on the edge. Hopefully with a new buyer comes fresh ideas and opportunities – I think it’s time for a shake up, a reinvention of sorts to deliver something truly unique and respectful. An ode to what was, that made it such a vibrant, bustling and buzzy place. A new buyer should spark excitement in people, but by the responses I’ve read people seem to be on tenterhooks because we’ve all seen this story unfold one too many times, so know the probable outcome. The ideal situation would be for some innovation and investment into the area to redevelop, whilst maintaining its authentic roots and character. Worst case scenario, and my fear is that the new buyer will welcomes stores that aren’t sensitive or aligned with the original vision and purpose of the scheme, because they won’t see the cultural significance. Or the approach taken on the freehold land is this copy and paste concept that isn’t appreciative or takes into account architecturally the buildings nearby - oh please not another soulless building with an overpriced coffee shop in the retail space. The sale of Brixton Market illustrates that without collaboration, compassion & innovation things can disappear. The high street is slowly fading away, a similar thing recently happened to the Manchester Markets. I’m all about embracing the future, but something that doesn’t sit right is pushing SME’s out to make money. Money clearly makes the world go round, but what about priceless experiences, education, culture and preservation? Fingers crossed the future developers don’t bulldoze these ideas and spare a thought or the world will certainly be less diversely rich. #brixton #brixtonmarket #culture #diversity #retail

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Thank you Houzz for including us in the lovely article we all need on "How to Create a Joyful, Clutter-Free Living Room" "Whether it’s cozy movie nights or cocktail parties, the living room is often the hub of the action when it comes to gathering with friends and loved ones. And because it’s such a well-used space, it also tends to accumulate its fair share of clutter. In this series, we’re approaching each room in the house from the perspective of identifying what sparks joy." Read the full article linked here: https://lnkd.in/gt2BuUFs

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British Contemporary design is more than just a phrase tossed around in design circles—it's a captivating blend of tradition and modernity that defines a distinct aesthetic. So, what exactly is British Contemporary design? Check out our latest post to find out.. https://lnkd.in/e_2YSzxh #britishcontemporarydesign #britishinteriors #interiorblog

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What exactly are colour palettes, how do we create them at Lick, and why are they crucial for our business? In my role as Director of Interior Design at Lick, I'm responsible for curating colour palettes that inspire and guide our community. In this first post of a three-part series, I'll explore these questions, starting with the 'what'. Colours are the foundation of everything we do at Lick. Individual shades carry their own cultural significance, much like iconic pieces in furniture or fashion: 👟 Our Green 02 (a soft sage) is like the Air Jordan I of paints - a people's favourite you see everywhere. 👜 Choosing Red 03 is akin to picking a Loewe handbag - if you know, you know. However, it's in combination that colours truly come alive. A well-curated palette creates harmony, with bold shades softened by their tonal partners. These seasonal palettes capture the aesthetic zeitgeist, telling a story while inspiring our customers in their decorating journey. Which brings us to our Summer Palette 2024. We set out to capture the essence of long, hazy summer days. Picture that magical moment when the setting sun casts a soft glow, interacting with the lush greens of nature. Key features of our Summer 2024 Palette: ▪️ Colours with brown and grey undertones for a timeless look ▪️ Soft, hazy pastels reminiscent of late evening light ▪️ Minty greens inspired by summer foliage ▪️ Dusky pinks for a touch of warmth ▪️ Grey-based taupes for sophisticated neutrals For those looking to modernise this palette, we recommend pairing it with metallic and marble accessories or furniture, adding a contemporary edge to the soft, summery base. I'm pleased to report that the palette has been well-received, with a noticeable uptick in sales for these featured colours. This positive response not only validates our creative direction but also demonstrates the commercial impact of thoughtful colour curation. Big shout out to the talented Matilda Martin for all the work you do bringing these pallets to life with me.

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Selecting the perfect ceiling light is often one of the most thrilling, yet challenging elements in our design projects. It can be seen as the crowning jewel of an interior space, setting the tone and completing the overall aesthetic. *Achieving balance is key when choosing a ceiling light. It’s essential to ensure the fixture aligns with the room’s proportions, avoiding a look that’s either overwhelming or underwhelming. The colour palette of the room plays a significant role here; lighter colours tend to reflect more light and can impact how the light fixture interacts with the space, often making it feel more open and airy. *Practicality meets versatility in lighting choices that allow for adjustable brightness. Dimmable lights are ideal for creating varied atmospheres, from bright and energetic to soft and intimate. Remember, the ceiling light is not just a functional piece; it’s a central feature that should resonate with the room’s furniture and style. *Ultimately, the goal is to harmoniously blend the practical and aesthetic aspects of lighting. When these elements come together, the ceiling light will not just illuminate but also enhance the entire living space. Can you guess, which one of these was my personal favourite? #ceilinglight #chandelierdesign #chandelierlighting #interiordesigntips

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I’m excited to share the launch of my new video series, “Snippets of Design”! Please let me know what design topics you’d like to hear more about in the future. #masterdesigner #interiordesign #hospitalitydesign

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This weekend, as I strolled around Regent Street and Carnaby Street, it became clear that retail interior design is heading in a promising direction. Stores are increasingly designed as flagships, embracing the 'showrooming' concept, or launching as pop-up shops to create a temporary and exciting vibe. There’s not much in-between. The transformation in retail spaces is remarkable. Most brands are now global sports and leisure giants, with traditional shirts, jeans, and accessory stores becoming a rarity. As a design consultancy that thrives on creating unique flagship experiences, this trend fills us with optimism for the future of fashion retail. The move towards distinctive and engaging retail environments aligns perfectly with our expertise and vision. What are your thoughts on this shift in retail design? #RetailDesign #InteriorDesign #Showrooming #PopUpShops #FashionRetail #DesignConsultancy #RetailTrends

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Could Clerkenwell Design Week be more dynamic if the organisers championed key themes to drive discourse? - It’s both #ClerkenwellDesignWeek and #ChelseaFlowerShow this week. The former is flooded with interiors experts, designers and specifiers and the latter has a broader audience, appealing as much to industry people as it does to the garden-loving, floristry-fanatics who join the crowds to soak up the atmosphere. It’s #Aperol in #Clerkenwell and #Champagne in #Chelsea. For the most part, those who visit one, are unaware of the other. For me, it presents a moment to reflect on the role that large scale events have in driving #creativity, #innovation and #conversation and the differences in the way with think about our #interior and #exterior environments. Creating interiors, especially commercial interiors, is a necessary step in crafting (#brand) #experience - something I’m all for, of course. #Fabric, #furnishings and #fittings are routinely ripped out, reshaped and replaced to suit another vision or way of living. Clerkenwell Design Week brims with newness, #craft #technology and #aesthetics - it’s a one-stop-shop for things better and more beautiful than before. Each year, Chelsea centres around a key theme as determined by the event organisers, #TheRoyalHorticulturalSociety; this year’s being #sustainability. Cement-free gardens, native wildflowers and water saving are all highlights of the 2024 display. The blood, sweat and tears, #carbonfootprint, #waste and #environmental costs of putting on these large-scale events are enormous. But if they can spark #conversation, encourage different ways of seeing, drive #innovation and build #platformsforchange - then that’s a good thing. - Clerkenwell Design Week has an expected 37,000 visitors, spread over 3 days and Chelsea Flower Show, 142,000 visitors over 4 days.

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Love this initiative! also I have thoughts... https://lnkd.in/esedAXBA Creating alternative modes in galleries is inclusive practice. When we serve a wide range of people, visitor needs vary and often compete with one another. Hushed sensory-friendly hours use lower lighting and sound to welcome visitors with autism, raucous late nights with drinks and DJs cater to young adults. That said, when inclusive practice is relegated entirely to programming (ephemeral, limited, ticketed) we underscore who museums are REALLY for. A museum's default setting communicates who we envision our primary, intended visitor to be. Whether intentional or not, it's a choice. As a museum designer with a focus on families, I advocate for holistic approaches. How do we make the default state of the gallery work better for visitors with competing needs and desires? Children aren't "disruptive" in museums. We hang artwork high on the wall, enforce a narrow set of behavioral expectations in an echo-y marble hall and if they complain, THEY are the problem? We can design spaces that set children up for success in museum galleries. Children are a marginalized demographic. As such, children and their adult caregivers should be actively welcomed and served through specialty programming. Their needs and desires should also be reflected year-round in the permanent galleries. We can do both.

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New builds can sometimes feel a little sterile, but we made sure this one was brimming with character. Here’s how: 1. Natural materials – Incorporating wood, stone, and brass to add warmth and texture, creating a sense of timelessness. 2. Bespoke joinery – Custom pieces that not only add a unique touch but also bring a classic, enduring quality to the design. 3. Bold colour palette – Using rich, bold colours to inject personality and depth, while still maintaining a sophisticated and timeless feel. What’s your favourite feature in this new build created by Muchmore Design? #propertydevelopment #interiorarchitecture #interiordesignstudio #newbuild #newhomes

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It was great to speak alongside May Fawzy in exploration of the changing face of workplace design. Thank you to the team at The Interior Design Business Podcast for the opportunity. Listen to the full podcast episode here: https://lnkd.in/exUKESeT #interiordesignbusiness #interiors #podcast #interiordesign #idbpodcast #BIID #workplacedesign #workplaceinteriors #podcast #interiordesignpodcast

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🌺Placemaking art, such as murals and sculptures, offers more than visual appeal; it can also lead to a significant increase in property value. ✨ Studies suggest that well-considered art can boost property values by 20% or more, drawing both businesses and visitors. This investment in art can provide a meaningful return, contributing to the overall value of a property. #Placemaking #BrandIdentity #CommunityDevelopment #MixedUse #UrbanDesign #BrandStrategy #VisualIdentity #SustainableDesign #CreativeMarketing #PlaceMakingArt #RealEstateBranding #CommunityEngagement #DesignThinking #BrandStory #BrandExperience #Architecture #CulturalIdentity #ArtInPublicSpaces #RetailDesign #HospitalityDesign #CALDERONDESIGN #ROI #UrbanRevitalization #CommunityArt #CityBeautification #PublicArt #ArtForDevelopers #PropertyValueBoost #MuralMagic #ArtTransforms

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The latest blog on our website explores the crucial role of design in defining a restaurant's identity, emphasising how design choices extend beyond mere aesthetics to shape customer experiences and perceptions. We look into how different design elements, from strategic colour schemes to the thoughtful arrangement of furniture, contribute to creating a welcoming and practical dining space. It also highlights how details, such as lighting and decor can set the mood and complement the culinary experience. The blog also covers the power of theme-based design in creating unique and memorable dining experiences that can help a restaurant stand out in a crowded market. By adopting a specific theme, whether it’s cultural or conceptual, restaurants can transport diners to a different world, making each meal an adventure in itself. It is interesting to see how a well-thought-out design can influence a restaurant's success and identity. For more insights into how design can impact a restaurant's success, read the blog: https://lnkd.in/dTm6CSmY #sp3london #restaurantdesign #designblog

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Can you change how google ranks you through design alone. Yes you can. This is how we helped Chigwell School claim back thier no.1 rankings slot through improving thier brand positioning, visual identity and and website design. It wasn’t about reinventing, it was listening carefully and enhancing what they had. An investment in brand building that can be used for years to come. Zero paid ads Zero additional spend on advertising Zero paid PR. DM me if you want the same for your business

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I had so much fun talking all things interior design vs architecture at Grand Designs Live with the British Institute of Interior Design and a panel of amazing interior designers. The question - Who should I hire for my project? An architect, an interior designer or a TEAM?! As the industry shifts and evolves (which I am completely here for!) the lines can become a little blurred. We delved into all aspects of the project - from obtaining planning permission to hanging curtains - and talked our audience through the roles and responsibilities of different design professionals. We chatted for an hour non-stop but an audience member grabbed me immediately afterwards with the same question.... "The talk was great... but who should I hire first?" I get it. It's confusing. This is the simplest way to guide your decision. "My project requires planning permission, structural changes or will be a new build" = hire an architect and an interior designer. "My project requires interior reconfiguration, technical design such as for the kitchen, bathrooms, joinery details and bespoke elements" = hire an interior architect / interior designer. "My project requires some new soft furnishings, redecoration and restyling" = hire an interior decorator (or an interior designer). The conclusion? You interior designer is probably the most 'fluid' trade on your project. They will talk directly with contractors, suppliers and everybody in between. In most cases - an interior designer will elevate your project and has the technical knowledge and expertise to bridge the gaps. If you were building your dream home... who would you hire first?

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I've been following Isla Porter for some time now and I'm excited about what they're doing! As you know, I believe in the power of AI in interiors, and it's fascinating to see how it can help designers improve and grow. Isla Porter has innovated kitchen design quickly and efficiently. A bit about Isla Porter: Isla Porter, a new kitchen startup, is revolutionizing the design industry with AI. Founded by Sharon Dranko and Emily Arthur, Isla Porter uses lidar scans and a detailed questionnaire to create precise, ready-to-implement floor plans in just two hours. This innovative approach significantly reduces the time designers spend on specifications and measurements. The platform offers over 20 door styles, 70 finishes, and customization options, aiming to cater to both homeowners and designers. By combining AI with expert oversight, Isla Porter enhances the design process while maintaining a personal touch. Haley Chouinard What other companies do you see taking similar approaches? #InteriorDesign #KitchenDesign #Innovation #AI #HomeRenovation #DesignTechnology Link to article: https://lnkd.in/e94J8hDe

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Student Kitchen/Lounge Finishes 🥘 🥑 For the kitchen/lounge area we created in collaboration with FMS Interior Services Ltd the aim was to shape a holistic, warm and textural variant palette that would comfort and support the students through their studies. Because of the sheer volume of materials used across a student asset and the proximity to each other, choosing the right ones is key to creating a sustainable, considerate and joyful scheme that will ultimately enhance the student experience in more ways than one. So, after sharing our take on a student centric kitchen/lounge last week – it only felt right to dig a little deeper into the some of the materiality chosen and share those responsible suppliers. EGGER Group – This creamy yellow can’t help but stand out. Featuring boldly on the kitchen unit’s it makes the space fun, approachable and energising. With the weather being so drab our interiors need to work harder to provide that joy. EGGER products are highly durable, antibacterial and sustainable – the winning combo for student furniture in our eyes. Forbo Flooring Systems – This acoustic considerate faux wood flooring adds a nod to nature and brings a natural quality. And its Phthalate free – ohhhhh. Edmund Bell & Co Ltd - Fabrics – These commercially friendly browny beige curtains and sheers softens the spaces and gives a sense of home. The ranges used here combine durability, sustainability and aesthetics – all which are needed in future designs. COAT Paints - The climate positive B-Corp certified paint company with a unique and diverse set of colours – need I say more! This fresh Off- White featured on the ceiling brings an air of freshness and compliments the warming yellow here – the perfect backdrop for the students. Yellows, browns and oranges are something we have been and are excited to further explore more in student schemes because we feel they bring so much depth, warmth and joy and when can you ever have too much of those qualities in an interior right? #pbsa #studentaccommdation #interiordesign

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