Outlasting the Trend Cycle
Interior Design Trends Move Fast. Here’s How We Stay Ahead of the Curve.
By Kelsey O’Connor and Helene Sirinakis, TAT Interior Designers
An experienced design partner is a crucial ally for developers and owners when understanding and navigating trends. The right perspective is key: at TAT, we recognize that it is not the space itself, per se, but how the space is used that allows us to get ahead of ever-changing trends and create multifamily communities that hold enduring appeal. Here are a few of the key considerations that drive our approach.
Shared Spaces & Amenities
Shared spaces and amenity offerings remain a major driver of multifamily success. Many residents would rather stay in and use their building’s amenities, so unique and flexible amenities add value and influence a potential resident’s decision to live in one building over another.
High-Value Design Elements
Over time, we’ve seen certain design elements in amenity spaces stand out for their high-value impact. These include fireplaces such as the award-winning two-sided marble fireplace we designed for Atwood, a new apartment community in Saugus, Mass. Fireplaces like this one ground a space, provide a visual focal point, and help to create a zone of connection for residents, while offering casual seating and clear views of the adjacent spaces. They also subtly delineate quieter, calmer zones by becoming soft barriers to unwanted noise and foot traffic.
Ultimately, these strategies represent the best of a back-to-basics approach that leans into our roots as hands-on designers. We leverage the latest technology as a tool when it helps our clients, but we also recognize that sometimes a quick napkin sketch in a collaborative meeting is the best way to uncover the right design solution.
Adaptive Spaces
Functional and adaptive furniture in common areas supports multiple work and leisure uses, across different times of day, for a wider range of residents. Think of this approach like running a coffee shop that transitions into a wine-tasting venue at night — the best apartment communities function as social hubs that can constantly adapt to the needs of the end user. We approach selection and specification with an eye towards creating a story or vibe for the building that gives it an identity, fostering residents’ connection to the spaces, and supporting long-term retention.
Our interiors team members come from a broad range of design backgrounds and understand what residents really want and need while still meeting a client’s budget and functionality goals. Maintaining a high level of finish that outlasts the trend cycle doesn’t require an unlimited budget, but it does demand innovative design solutions, an awareness of programming best practices, the experience and knowledge to specify the right products, and a personalized approach that believes in the value of partnership and dialogue.
Visual Interest
We love incorporating art and murals, which add visual interest, create excitement, spur conversations, and can even help activate the exterior by engaging passersby on the street who view these works through a window. Art is an excellent way to support connections with the surrounding community and highlight local artists through commissioned work. Just like a thoughtfully located and well-designed mail room, the savvy use of art is an ideal way to promote spontaneous interactions that subtly enhance the overall resident experience.
