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!
It 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 MoreBeing an absolute pet lover, even one of our team members is a beautiful furry friend called Beau; I thought the final product for the year could be all about companion pets. What better present to buy someone living in residential aged care!
Companion pets vary tremendously in price and range from Paro, the therapeutic robot which has been around now for more than a decade, through to the companion puppies. Paro of course is the most expensive but is quite an advanced interactive robot
Read MoreMost people enjoy viewing art and quite often residents will have many pieces of artwork or photographs they would like to install in their bedroom.
There is always the struggle between maintenance and personalization!
So what are the options?
Read MoreSignage and Wayfinding are key components of any large building and none more so than in aged care and retirement.
We touched on the importance of wayfinding and the latest studies in our January and February newsletter.
Google have installed the most amazing signage and wayfinding scheme throughout their Kirkland Campus. Interestingly, Larry Page, one of the founders of Google is a strong believer in the Montessori Method of learning and working, which emphasizes making use of all of the five senses and it was this ideology that inspired the design.
Read MoreTechnology is moving at such a rate and gives us the opportunity to present some fabulous new products to our clients that give both you and residents options.
Clipsal have recently launched a new product range called Clipsal Iconic. It is a modern electrical accessory range that is easy to customize.
Read MoreDe Fiddes Design now has available a Diffuser that not only does not require water but also has no power cord - it can be positioned anywhere, out of the way from curious hands.
Whilst research on the effectiveness of essential oils is limited, some studies have shown aromatherapy can ease symptoms of anxiety and offer relief from symptoms of depression.
Studies have also shown that sensory stimulation for people with Alzheimer’s can decrease agitation and improve sleep.
Seven essential oils that may help those living with dementia are Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Bergamot, Lemon Balm, Ylang Ylang and Ginger.
Read MoreI thought it appropriate to showcase the latest in acoustic products.
Autex have released a new range of wallcoverings called Etch. All of the team are excited to see the new product on offer and the other wonderful component is it can be bespoke enabling the team to create something unique and individual for each of our clients.
Read MoreIn our March newsletter we talked about the importance of Biophilic design. How can we get more greenery indoors? Well obviously one way is through artificial plants, but they are not real and whilst they give the illusion of real plants they don’t provide good air quality. Sadly, real indoor plants very rarely get looked after and soon look pretty scraggy and eventually die.
Along comes Stem & Stamen founded by Fleur Anderson, creator of the FernPanel™. It is interior landscaping using preserved plants, merging landscaping with visual arts.
Read MoreWe know that a lot more residents moving into aged care are either bed bound or spend a great deal of time in recliner chairs. The sad reality is it means that residents are looking up towards the ceiling for a large part of the day. How do we make walls and ceilings more interesting for those residents?
Read MoreDesigning to enhance our senses is important when designing for the elderly.
Many people living in aged care, especially secure Memory Support Units, miss the opportunity to explore their senses.
The BBC has a fascinating series called “The Uncommon Senses” by Barry Smith who journeys into the human multi-sensory experience and highlights the importance of our senses and what it means to us as individuals...
Read MoreQuite often you will walk into a room and a TV is what you will see and hear first. Samsung have come up with an amazing new UHD TV called ‘The Frame’. The Frame is not only a TV but can double as a picture frame displaying over 100 pieces of art options whenever you’re not using it. The display not only adjusts to your presence but also adjusts to ambient light automatically!
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We had the pleasure of meeting Marc Pascal, one of the co-founders of BuildVR, who brought along some virtual reality goggles for the team to try. All we can say is that they are amazing!
The goggles transport you into an environment that feels real and are a great deal of fun! Solis have a number of virtual packages available from aquatic, travel, animals, relaxation and adventure.
Read MoreDuring Debbie’s trip to Budapest in 2016, she met the founder of ReminiScent, Linda Harman. Linda shared her inspiring story of how their product, Smell & Connect, transpired and is having an enormous impact on those living with dementia.
Read MoreThe buzzword is Artificial Intelligence and there is no doubt this will have a big impact on our industry.
Intelligent toilets are just one example. Some of these loos not only wash and dry, but can measure sugar levels in urine, blood pressure, heart rate, body fat and weight and the results can be sent directly to the RN or doctor.
Read MoreWe came across this brilliant example of exquisite art through wallpaper, that not only draws attention to a feature wall but is something that can be used successfully as a wayfinding tool:
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