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.
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Enjoy!
Welcome to the first DEB Talk of the year!
Join Deb as she asks the question: to Stimulate or not to Stimulate? Deb takes a deep dive into the Pantone colour of the year: Vivid Magenta. Plus what role colour plays in aged care environments, colour science and how this relates to stimulation.
Creativity is a part of everyone here in the office and we know it’s something we will never lose. This is certainly the case for Regis resident Chris Thomson. He is a very talented artist and it is great to see he is being supported and encouraged to continue his passion.
Read MoreStimulating activities come in all shapes and sizes. Virtual Reality is all the rage right now and it’s positives for aged care includes conversation starters, movement, memory and exploration. We have found a great headset with specialised content for aged care from an Australian company - NeuronsVR.
Read MoreWe have been a busy bunch with one of our services - Auditing and Assessments. A number of clients requested us to come to their facilities and audit what can be kept, fixed and replaced. This includes everything from furniture, finishes and window treatments, to artwork and wayfinding.
Read MoreThis month’s Deb Talk is on Stimulation. More precisely, how we can create environments that are stimulating, and from an interiors perspective how can the design of the environment facilitate engagement?
Read MoreFor good or for bad, Social Media is here to stay. As the number of elderly using social platforms continues to rise so too does our interest in its use within aged care. How can organisations use social media and how can we use it to spread a positive message about ageing?
Listen to find out as Deb explores Social Media, Tiktok and its use in Aged Care in the latest Deb Talk.
Listen to the first Deb Talk of the year as Deb goes through what we believe will be the main design trends for aged care facilities in 2022 and beyond.
Read MoreInclusivity can look like many things. Such as this competition, which asked aged care residents from VIC, QLD and NSW to submit an original painting, sketch, watercolour, photo or craft so the aged care provider could feature the design on their end of year greeting card range.
Read MoreOften a decision is made to refurbish or to improve one part of an aged care facility at a time – such as a house or a wing. This can involve structural works to remove walls, add walls, reconfigure bathrooms or kitchens or it can simply be replacement of furnishings such as flooring and chairs.
Our considerable combined years of expertise in this area ensures we have good tips to share before you embark on your project!
Maintaining connections with others is so important in aged care facilities; with isolation being one of the biggest challenges facing the industry today.
French designer Eva Rielland has come up with a unique way to help people stay up to date with new technologies and in contact with loved ones, which has really got us intrigued!
Designed to relieve the anxiety around learning a new system, Objects of Another Age incorporate minimalism and function.
Excess sounds in the environment can have a negative impact on a person living with dementia. It may be confusing, overwhelming and frustrating when sounds are loud, undecipherable or constant.
So when we found these gorgeous sound absorbing room dividers called Soundsticks by designer Andrea Ruggiero. We were so excited!
Recyclable, 100% no waste design, soft to touch and a sustainable product!
Music to our ears!
Our theme this month is ‘identity’ so how does that translate into product or design in a residential aged care facility?
At de Fiddes Design we look at it from two aspects - how do you design spaces that identify with so many different residents living under one roof? Secondly, what type of product can be offered to help with identity or personalisation?
Read MoreSustainable and affordable, is that possible? Finding products that match both criteria is always a challenge and now with the release of the new UN report it has become essential that we find products that are sustainable. Thankfully there are a number to choose from that tick the right boxes. Of course the other important thing to consider is the life cycle costing. In the long run does the product save you money as well as saving the planet!!
Read MoreFamiliarity and reminiscence products are something we are always on the look out for in aged care. One of the simplest ways, of course, is by using essential oils. However, you need to be careful about using them as they can be very potent. Aesop, a brand that deals entirely in the uplifting power of plants, ran a promotion called “Purpose and Pleasure” .
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