Wednesday, December 14, 2022

DESIGNING DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

 



 

DESIGNING DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

In the wake of a global pandemic, we pause to reflect on the past two years and our role as designers in the built environment. As developers, builders, and contractors across the US continue to gear up – some stating that they’re busier than they’ve ever been and need to turn away projects – they’re grappling for skilled laborers to help with the increased client requests for a remodel in order to acclimate to their new at-home lifestyle. With raw materials pricing still on the rise and supply chains still painfully slow, stakeholders from every facet of each project have learned to fine-tune their strategies while embracing this paramount, albeit grueling, lesson in patience.

Interior designers and architects were no exception to the built environment’s unforeseen demands and individual needs for a speedy change of use at the behest of the government’s request for everyone to work from home. During quarantine people everywhere were briskly forced to cohabitate all day, every day with those who shared residence. Spare rooms swiftly became home offices. Exterior spaces – large and small - abruptly turned into playgrounds or sanctuaries. Outdoor kitchens sprung up as rapidly as weeds amongst newly manicured lawns to adjust to this new, seemingly never ending, “safer at home” life.

In the midst of quarantine, and partially-completed projects, our inboxes became flooded with clients asking the dreaded questions “when is the completion date?” or “when will my custom sofa arrive?” To which we answered… we don’t know. With so much uncertainty, and no visible end on the horizon, our clients, along with the world, were eventually forced to embrace the unknown.

Fast forward to December 2022 where restaurants, water parks, retail stores, and beyond are wide open and guests mask-free at their will. Plexiglass partitions still strewn about - themselves waiting for trust to finally befall the masses and be removed. Or, reluctantly remain left hanging in place... just in case. The world remains on-guard as COVID variants still taunt us at each seasonal change. However, a majority of people have decided to step out from their cavernous abodes and brave the unknown.

The built environment endured insurmountable growing pains and drastically changed in response to this global shutdown. Commercial buildings have taken extra measures to ensure clean indoor air, sanitized surfaces, and thoughtfully accommodate social distance needs for their visitors. Residential development has been forced to rethink the ways they share space and how quickly they can adapt to any sudden upheaval. It’s as if the world adjusted their lenses and learned to see interior spaces with a new perspective.

There were a lot of learning curves to be had by all with this shared experience. Arguably, the biggest lessons being how to consciously create healthier buildings for people and planet, what measures can be taken to ensure the protection of a building’s inhabitants, and when to implement safety practices during a constructions critical path.

What Malgosia Migdal Design has taken away as a quaint, boutique interior design firm humbly placed in the heart of Southern California is that all design trades can seamlessly come together with novel, creative concepts for our clients and push the envelope even further by specifying innovative, healthy solutions without compromising luxury. We extend our overwhelming gratitude to our clients for their continued support through one of the most challenging times our globe has ever encountered.


Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Health Benefits Of Designing With Plants

 

 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PLANTS IN YOUR HOME

It’s easy to understand why there are countless health benefits to introducing plants and trees into your home or office. In order to gain from the positive impacts of this additional design element, and begin the journey of overall health and wellness of a space and its inhabitants, it is important to understand why, how, when, what, and which type of plants benefit a space and what they can do to serve you as you care for them in this undeniable symbiotic relationship.

To start, there are many types of plants and trees that can act as natural air purifiers and humidifiers. According to a study conducted by NASA results showed that introducing plants to an indoor environment can filter over 80% of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and various toxic pollutants from the air in a 24-hour course of time – pollutants such as carbon dioxide, benzene, formaldehyde, among others found in the built environment..

Additional studies have shown that cleaner indoor air helps alleviate asthma, allergies, and improve overall respiratory health. When planning to effectively cleanse your indoor air it is recommended to select roughly 1 large plant per 100 square feet placed strategically throughout your space. If you’d like to curate your plant and tree selection you could push the health benefits even further by integrating plants and herbs that fill your home with sweet or earthy aromatic smells that decrease cortisol levels and help to relieve stress and anxiety.

Aside from its air-cleansing properties, many studies show that introducing natural elements into your home brings a sense of grounding and calm. Plants have shown to reduce stress levels and promote a more restful sleep. Other studies have shown that by introducing green and natural, organic elements into a space often times enhances concentration, promotes a positive mood, increases self-esteem, and often reduces symptoms of ADHD.


 

DECORATING WITH POTTED PLANTS 

Depending on the aesthetic that you wish emanate, it’s important to take into consideration the shape, color, finish, and material of the pots and how they relate to the overall flow of your home and existing decor. One option is to go extreme with contrast by selecting a pot that is bold with color and wild with shape for a juxtaposing feel of play between the modern, built environment mixed with the natural edges of the organic world. The other option is to flow with the inherent curves of nature by selecting a pot made up of stone or wood that will complement the soft shapes and colors found in nature. Both design options are completely dependent on the look you are trying to achieve in the holistic visual play of your home or office.

What’s more, implementing potted plants can also be a great solution to a pesky corner or space that you just can’t find to the right piece for. Whether you decide on a pot sitting on the floor to ground the décor around it, or select one hanging from the ceiling to create a light, airy feeling in a furniture-dense area, introducing plants into your home can drastically transform your space with this healthy and visually-pleasing final design touch.  

 

Here at the office of Malgosia Migdal Design we understand the importance of introducing natural elements into every space we design or stage. We personally love the use of stone face planters as a fun additional design component that inherently balances human features with natural materials. This is a playful way to integrate air-cleansing indoor plants in our studio – creating balance between the elements will our signature edgy approach to interior design.


Monday, May 15, 2017

8 Fun and Innovative Ways to Make Your Pet Feel at Home!


1. Rocking Chair for pet and owner.  (DESIGNED BY Paul Ketwon) 





2. Indoor Planters doubling as pet areas. (DESIGNED BY Jardin Chic)












3. Kitchen island carved out to make a hidden pet-bowl nook.
4. Cat hammock and Coffee Table in one. (DESIGNED BY Koichi Futatsumata)

5. Cat Tunnel Sofa. (DESIGNED BY Seungji Munei)  


6. Sofa bed for Pet and Pet Owner.  (DESIGNED BY Seungji Munei)  








7. Brazilian Mattress Company Colchao Inteligente Postural created the only mattress of its kind with a built-in dog bed with curtains for your pets privacy and all!  We see this saving many future marriages!



8. Nightstand which is Hollow so your bed can climb right on in!




Sunday, February 26, 2017

AND THE WINNER IS OSCAR GOLD !








Jessica Biel portraying perfection in Kaufman-Franco gown and 
gold Tiffany & Co. Necklace.


 


Golden Thorn Mirror


Angel Rising Gold Metallic Dress






Dakota Johnson in Gucci at the Oscars 2017.



Jamie Dornan bringing a Gold-ish HOT blazer to the Oscars.





Halle Berry sparkle and shining on the Red Carpet at the
Oscars 2017 in Atelier Versace.



Nicole Kidman rocking out 119 carats of 
Harry Winston jewels on the red carpet at the 
Oscars 2017.
 









Elephant Gold Statement






Monday, June 27, 2016

FASHION MEETS INTERIORS: BRASS !



Interior wall design inside of  MRQT Boutique in Sttuttgart, Germany is made of Brass rods for a playful modern touch of sass.


Brass Light fixture to the left / Brass wire earrings to the right.


Uganda's fashion designer Sylvia Otwiri designs a brass top and mask during Kenya's Fashion week back in 2004 on the left/ Brass rod tree branches make up this beautiful night lamp to the right.


Hanging Light fixture made of brass to the left/  Wildfox's fun and playful sunglasses to the right.


Playful brass wall decor to the left/ Brass and opal knuckle ring to the right.


Monday, May 2, 2016