Igloo Design

There is nothing more relaxing than the sound of water. Whether listening to the soft rain on a spring afternoon or sitting on the beach as the waves crash against the rocks, this sound simply resonates deep within us. Fountains add texture to a garden where one can spend hours in quiet meditation removing the stresses of daily life. The cascading, bubbling sounds of trickling water that fall from modern sculptures, waterfalls or other works of art into soft lighted pools will immediately add that level of relaxation you want to achieve in a spa.

If you are working on your Spa Design remember to add several varying types of water features. Create an oasis that will be a virtual escape for clients who enter the spa allowing them the respite they need to let go of their stress.  Create gardens in which to meditate; allow patrons the chance to commune with nature. Soothing colors, textures of natural wood or stone and the sounds of rain and water features, plants and flowers will add a natural beauty to your Spa Design.

You want to establish tranquility and a calming atmosphere reflected within the sounds, sites and comforts of your top-notch spa.

The word boutique typically means any business catering to a specific clientele in a niche market that demands quality and personalized attention.  Boutique hotels are really no exception. The term has been around for a while and even though the boutique hotel varies in size, they pride themselves on offering customized service that is unmatched at larger hotel chains.

Visitors can tell immediately by the Boutique Hotel Design, that luxury is of the utmost importance. Boutique Hotel Design is very upscale with designs that range from modern to Paris chic. Visitors who demand the best, will truly feel they are staying at an extraordinary property. Some boutique hotel designs include splendid marble foyers, lavish ballrooms, gorgeous swimming pools, both inside and out with grounds that should be featured in a magazine.

The boutique hotel offers a more personalized experience to their guests. Folks, who are used to a certain lifestyle don’t want to give that up because they are staying overnight at a hotel, as a matter of fact, they want more pampering and more luxury. Some rooms offer fresh flowers and a magnificent bathroom befitting royalty. There is butler service, laundry service and spas offering every treatment available for those who desire. These guests want top-notch service, exquisite cuisine, with a variety of fresh fruits and a wine list that only offers the best. Some boutique hotels even have an art gallery to cater to those who want to view a bit of culture while they stay.

If you are looking for a hotel whose designs are unparalleled and can cater to your every whim, you must talk to your travel agent and arrange your stay at the closest boutique hotel.

It’s safe to say that “going green” is in.  Car manufacturers are advertising the fact that their vehicles get maximum miles per gallon.  Retail outlets are encouraging customers to re-use their backs (while some towns are banning plastic bags all together.)  And restaurants are opting for eco-friendly boxes, utensils, and light bulbs.

Needless to say, the hospitality industry is in on the trend as well.  In fact “going green” is probably the number one trend permeating the world of hotel design nowadays – and likely for the foreseeable future.

From a design perspective, hotels are incorporating more eco-friendly elements and objects, like recycled light fixtures, furniture, and accessories.  In the process, this can give hotels a more urban and almost industrial feel, which goes a long way to attracting younger, more eco-conscious customers.

And therein lies the other benefit of eco-friendly hotel design. This approach is still relatively novel, so embracing a “green” design can generate positive press, good will amongst visitors, and differentiate the hotel from competitors.

Are you considering opening a coffee shop? It may seem like a trend but these coffee shops are popping up all over the country and people of all ages are stopping by for more than just a cup-o-Joe.

Coffee shops or coffeehouses as they are known are becoming more popular for meeting places and social groups. Not everyone feels comfortable hanging out in a bar at “happy hour” to meet with their friends if they don’t drink alcohol, but at a coffeehouse everyone can find something to imbibe and many coffeehouses are open late.

These coffee houses offer a relaxed atmosphere, which beckon their visitors to sit and stay awhile. Many are open in the evening and offer entertainment.

Coffee has now become more than the morning drink that gets you going, with all the flavors and choices, people love to consume coffee any time of day, which makes the reason for the coffeehouse a great business opportunity.

If you are considering opening a coffee house, you should consider a design agency with experience in  Restaurant Design. You may think all that is required is the coffee machines and a few comfortable chairs but what really inspires people to come back time and again is the story your coffeehouse tells. For example, if you are considering a coffeehouse in a seaside town, there is certainly a lot of history to be uncovered; newspaper stories, old photos and various paraphernalia, which can be displayed to tell the story of the town. Visitors love this. If you are going for a more bohemian look, your designer will be able to keep this Branding throughout all your designs and if it is an uptake on a modern look, again, a design firm can show you small details from lighting to the coffee mugs to enhance the feel of a modern-day coffeehouse

More than 400 billion cups of coffee are drunk each year, so if you want to join in the business with a passion for what a true coffeehouse is all about, contact an interior design firm and tell them the story you want your coffeehouse to tell.

When we think about design trends, particularly in the restaurant industry, we think of hip, chic urban lounges or subtle, yet elegant high-end restaurants.  Rarely do we think about fast food places, much less McDonald’s.

Yet it is nonetheless instructive to bring up recent news that McDonald’s plans a major face-lift in all its outlets.  And that’s because even if you never plan on going to a McDonald’s, the conversations they had – about branding, marketing, and the image they want to convey to customers – is one that can make or break a restaurant.

First, the news itself: McDonald’s plans to redesign all of its restaurants within the next ten years.  Gone are the plastic-looking tables, the bright yellows and reds, and the kitschy vibe that echoes the 1950s.  Instead, they’ll be installing LED lights and incorporating stone, wood, and glass.  The result?  A more aesthetically clean, streamlined, and modern look.

So what can other restaurants take away from this?  Well, first, it’s pretty obvious that McDonald’s is making a bold and unmistakable strategic shift around their brand.  The new design conveys sophistication – more Starbucks and less, well, Burger King.  And ultimately, this is the kind of thought exercise – understanding the link between commercial interior design and branding – that every restaurant should have.