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!
A recent study showed important components of design which can support the well-being of the elderly to include a variety of spaces, comfort and safety. This led to discussion in the office on ‘calmness’ and various ways this can be achieved. What better source of inspiration than the poets, leaders and brave people of yesteryear?
Read MoreAs designers we know art can often affect our mood and create ambience within a space.
Colour, technique and placement encourage different reactions and emotions. Lively colours will often give a feeling of generally having more energy, while darker colours can bring a sense of melancholy along with a calming, reassuring effect.
Nothing epitomizes winter more than sitting in front of a fireplace mesmerized by the flames making you feel cosy and warm. Introducing Dimplex fireplaces..
Read MoreA fireplace is warm, familiar and creates a focal point in the room. Who hasn’t been beguiled by the flickering flames and whiled away many an hour in a comfy chair by the fireplace? J.W. Corley wrote in 1960 that his ideal county home for the aged would focus on heating.
Read MoreEvery month seems to be a busy one here at de Fiddes and this past month was no exception.
This month we visited an award winning facility in SA. This facility absolutely perfected the small scale design model within a vertical building - very impressive!
Read MoreIn the throes of winter we tend to retreat, seeking warm and cosy spaces. We love this space with its focal fireplace, abundance of greenery and wood finishes. A perfect space to curl up with a good book and relax!
Read MoreThis month I would like to highlight Intergenerational play equipment by Lappset.
Play is important to us all both young and old and having equipment that both generations can use together or individually is important. It also give us a wonderful opportunity to come together to interact and play.
Read MoreThis month I had the pleasure of attending a Placemaking workshop that was run by David Engwicht from Creative Communities International. There is no doubt that this discipline will become an important component when designing residential aged care.
Read MoreSeek the wisdom of the ages but look at the world through the eyes of a child (R.Wild)
Many societies have changed over time with fewer families living near or spending time with older family members.
Read MoreThis mesmerising shot reminds us to always explore our curiosity. Children have a beautiful way of doing just that, seeing the world in a magical, extraordinary way.
Read MoreWe love working with colour and texture particularly when you find that perfect paint shade! Paint can be such a simple way to change things up and this calming Dulux Light Leaf green is perfect for lifting the mood in these mid winter days.
Read MoreI don't know if it is because I am getting older but I am astonished that 6 months has flown by and we are about to enter the second half of the year - which I know is going to be as jam packed and as exciting as the first half.
We have just had our delightful client Maria from Hong Kong visit our office with her wonderful team. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to show them several aged care facilities as well as some of our WA hospitality.
Read MoreRails assist with balance, support and transfers so the selecting the right product for your needs as well ensuring compliance with standards such as AS1428 is important. There are different types and applications….
Horizontal rails are effective for side transfers from wheelchairs onto toilets and can provide some forearm support during sit to stand transfers whereas the vertical or angled rails provide support throughout the sit to stand transfer. Often both are present. Either horizontal or vertical can be installed in showers depending on need and position of any existing fixtures.
Read MoreGetting excited about handrails is not generally something I would normally do! However, a new product called Ensafe has definitely caught my attention.
Ensuites are normally dominated by stainless steel grab rails that look cold, institutional and resemble a hospital. Residential care facilities need to feel warm, friendly and inviting and the one area we find very difficult to achieve this is in the bathrooms. So you can imagine how thrilled we were to find a new product that has just been released called Ensafe.
Read MoreWe know that glare from windows is a major problem for residents. You would imagine this could be easily fixed by fitting sheers or window treatments. However, what if the glare was coming from a fire door at the end of a corridor and you are not allowed to cover the door? What are your options?
Read MoreEthereal scattered light at dusk can influence our mood and wellbeing. These moments of beauty are sometimes overlooked but can be a reminder for us to take a time to capture the moment and breathe it all in.
Read MoreI can’t believe where this year has gone. May has been a busy month with a trip to Singapore to attend the APAC awards and the Ageing Asia conference. Sadly we didn’t win this time but it was still wonderful that our work at Amaroo was shortlisted for an Asia Pacific Award.
Read MoreWe have all experienced the uncomfortable or even debilitating effects of glare. Too often we step out of a darker house into the bright outdoors or we are driving to reach the top of a hill or crest and get blinded by the full sun! Glare is a visual sensation caused by too much brightness and can be termed disability glare or discomfort glare.
Read MoreAs 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 More
