de Fiddes are excited to introduce you to our new blog page! This is a place where we plan to share our thoughts and reviews on design, architecture, products and the latest cutting edge research.
Our team will be posting regularly on de Fiddes projects, review new and exciting innovations, pass on to you the latest education, share and promote notes of inspiration and show you some fabulous photos from our interior fit outs. Keep up to date on latest products in the market, articles of interest and research findings from our Managing Director, Debbie de Fiddes.
Our blog will not only be an example of what keeps the team at de Fiddes committed to being at the forefront of innovation but a fun place to collect and seek ideas, advice for all things design and even just to share whatever is on our minds.
To be the first to receive our latest posts sign up to our newsletter inKIND here.
Enjoy!
As another Anzac Day passes by its a reminder to us all to take a moment to reflect.
Capturing our imaginations during this time is of course the red poppy a tribute to those who have served and a symbol to many of hope and regeneration in the face of loss.
Whilst visiting the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show I came across a supplier called ModBOX. They supply a fantastic range of self watered raised garden beds called Wicking. The garden beds have a water reservoir that sits below the level of the soil.
Read MoreApril so far has been a month of celebrations and also our National Day of Remembrance. This month I celebrated a birthday, not a milestone (I’m still 28!) and of course we have just had a public holiday for Anzac Day.
Erin headed off to Spain for a walk of a lifetime across the Camino Trail so if any of you have been wondering about Erin’s footwear the past month you will now understand why the boots have been necessary!
Read MoreWe learnt about the basic senses (sight, smell, taste, hearing and touch), internal senses (such as kinaesthetic, equilibrium, pressure, stretch) and some controversial ones such as passing of time and premonition in part one. The impact of ageing on these senses continued the theme in part two. We conclude in part three to show you how designing for the senses becomes so important!
Older people experience changes to vision, colour recognition and perception so you need to consider furniture and flooring selections accordingly.
It was an absolute pleasure to attend the Regis Aged Care, Woodlands Grand opening last week in the lead up to the official April 9th opening.
Serving a sensational menu accompanied with songs sung by the local Holy Rosary School the night was a huge success and a fabulous way to celebrate the efforts of all those involved!
Congratulations Regis on another fantastic opening!
Read MoreMarch is the start of autumn and this year we celebrate Easter in March. One of the symbols of autumn is comfort and therefore a time to create serene and snug spaces and environments that keep you safe and warm. Of course what could be better than sitting in a cosy snug chair enjoying the symbol for Easter, Chocolate!!
Now is an excellent time to start looking at your current interiors and think about what you can introduce and enhance within your spaces to create a comfortable environment for your residents. Do your lounge areas need a refresh? Do they feel snug and inviting? What can you introduce to make it a space where you want to spend time?
Visiting the Marimekko Exhibit anytime soon? You are in for a treat!
Being immersed in the wonderful bold and bright patterns reflective of the Marimekko signature style showcased a fantastic evolution of the Marimekko brand hosted at Victoria’s Bendigo Art Gallery. This particular piece 'Siirtolapuutarha' was a personal favourite for it's intricate detail and fine form.
The exhibition is a true delight and one which leaves you empowered and inspired!
All of the eye structures change with ageing. By the time you turn 60, your pupils may decrease to about one third of the size they were when you were 20. The pupils may react more slowly in response to darkness or bright light. The lens becomes yellowed, less flexible, and slightly cloudy.
The sharpness of your vision gradually declines with difficulty focusing on close-up objects. Glare is tolerated less and you have trouble adapting to darkness or bright light. Older people have reduced peripheral vision and experience difficulties differentiating colours – particularly blues.
Read on to find out what else changes as we age!
Read MoreYes acoustics again!! Acoustics is becoming the major issue in many residential aged care facilities.
Quite often we are unaware of how the sound environment impacts on everyone’s well-being. A bad acoustic environment can lead to difficulties in hearing causing feelings of pressure, irritation and anger for both resident and staff leading to the risk of conflict, error and overall stress.
So why are we not doing more about it?
Read More
We believe Kinetic Art is an important component in designing aged care environments both inside and outside. Often the high care needs of residents in aged care means that many are no longer mobile, therefore, how can we create an environment that is more interesting and stimulating? Kinetic Art has the potential to create new and more interactive relationships with the viewer and new visual experiences. We all observe movement so it makes sense to look at objects that move.
Read MoreAs designers we often find it helpful to look at things from a new perspective. Our incredible Hyde Park is a great example shot by @liamfboland. We can't help but be mesmerised by it's beauty, our own little Central Park. It's a reminder to us all to take a moment to reflect, look up and experience the world around us.
Read MoreA ‘sense’ is defined as any system which consists of a group of sensory cell types which respond to specific stimuli, convert this to nerve signals which are carried to a particular part of the brain where the signals are received, interpreted and turned into meaningful sensations.
A common understanding of our senses is that humans see, touch, smell taste and hear. Modern neuroscience is challenging this and suggesting there might be up to 33 senses. This month we explore the basic and internal senses plus some controversial senses!
Read MoreThe Xmas decorations have only just been packed away and we are already seeing the Easter bunnies on the shelves! I cannot believe that February is almost over and it will soon be Easter.
Wow what a start it has been to 2018. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we have been shortlisted as one of the finalists for the 6th Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards 2018 to be held in Singapore in the category of Best Silver Interior Design for our work at the Amaroo Buckley Caring Centre, Gosnells. Congratulations to all my team who continually excel and deliver over and above for all of our clients. Gary Batt Architects have also been shortlisted in the Best Silver Architecture category.
Read MoreCongratulations to de Fiddes Design and Gary Batt Architects!
We awoke to some fantastic news this morning with both de Fiddes design and Gary Batt Associates Architects announced as finalists in the 6th Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards (APAC) 2018 for the recently completed Amaroo Buckley Care Facility in Gosnells, Perth.
Read MoreHappy New Year from all the team!! We hope everyone had a great holiday and Santa was kind to you all.
As we embark into 2018 we reflect on a saying by T.S. Elliot “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice”. How relevant is that in our industry? Resident cohorts and expectations are changing and the product we deliver needs to move with the times.
As a company we are constantly scouring not only Australia but the world for the latest products, technologies and advancements suitable for our industry.
Read MoreHow fantastic are these botanical prints by Materialised Fabrics and Sparkk Studio!
Wallpaper has the ability to transform a space before your eyes. With a broad range of patterns the design options are endless as print technologies continue to push the boundaries and forego the less traditional for interesting new applications of decorative designs that aid in wayfinding and can be a poignant talking point!
Do funky design features lure skilled staff to your workplace? Not necessarily reports Libby Sanders.
People are searching for quiet or time out spaces in the face of rising work related stress. With up to 49% of the Australian workforce experiencing this situation, several organisations have recognised the need for zen-like zones and responded accordingly to support their staff to recover from cognitive fatigue and to reduce stress.
Read MoreIt was extremely difficult to decide on which product I would focus on this month as there were many to choose from!
As we are highlighting the importance of quiet spaces in our knowledge section I thought it appropriate to showcase a new product called “Beetle”. No relation to the Beatles, although the product does bring in a sense of play.Mut Studio teamed up with Sancal in Spain and they have designed a range of acoustic panels that mimic the form of a beetle.
Read MoreAfter such a busy year we are embracing the end of year with open arms as we take a break and rejuvenate.
Photographer Tadao Cern captures the essence of this flawlessly with his endearing photographs capturing a ‘less- than-perfect’ but beautifully content beachgoers.
Christmas can be a time of festivity, family gatherings, cheer and goodwill. Equally it can be a time of stress, confusion and sadness. This can be said for all of us and not just older people or those living in aged care facilities. Selecting suitable gifts for a person living in residential care can be tricky so consider gifting sensory experiences – massages, manicures, pedicures or animal visits. Or even the most valuable gift of all – your time.
Read More
