The Value of Hiring an Interior Designer

An interior designer can provide years of expertise, industry knowledge and artistic creativity to the client - some on an hourly fee basis, some on a cost plus/product mark-up, or a combination of both.  Know the costs up-front and the difference in billing styles - while the cost plus/product mark-up sounds harsh, in reality it can save you a great deal of money.  Some suppliers sell only "to the trade" and can offer discounts up to 50% off retail.  A designer may pass this discounted price to their client and add 10 - 20% as their "fee" - and the client still saves 30 to 40% or more!

If you're hiring a designer, make sure the contract clearly states all the costs, including incidentals such as telephone calls, internet search, and travel time.  Designers frequently know the latest and greatest products and materials out there, so they're not re-inventing the wheel with each new client - you'll have the advantage when hiring an expert.  Get recommendations and referrals and be sure to check references.  You'll be glad you hired an expert who can save you time and money on your design project.

For a referral, you can visit the ASID (American Society of Interior Design) web site:  http://www.asid.org/referral.htm

Office Plants have Hidden Benefits

From ASID, Eye on Design.  Studies have shown that office plants may help improve indoor air quality, but new research suggests they may have other benefits as well. In a study conducted in Norway, the researchers determined that cognitive performance is better in offices with plants than without plants, even when the offices included desks next to a window that looked out over a natural landscape.

For the complete article, please visit:  http://www.researchdesignconnections.com/content/office-plants-worth-fertilizer-01-21-11

Shown above is a dental office reception area featuring blooming and green plants, cut flowers and an original painting by Rogers, provided by Art Rent and Lease.  Flowers and artwork help to lessen patient anxiety and brighten the space!

Forecasts on Sustainable Design

"Goldfish" by Andrea Bonfils

The folks at Inhabitat asked some of their favorite movers and shakers in the green design space to share their forecasts for what 2011 may mean for sustainable design, architecture and the natural and social environment. From the proliferation of share programs and bike culture, to eco-innovations in technology to make building and energy management easier, read what some of the most eminent minds in the green design world have to say about 2011. From ASID eye on design, visit: http://inhabitat.com/green-design-predictions-for-2011/2010billmcdonough/?extend=1

Shown above is an original oil painting on recycled canvas, with mixed media natural pigments and dyes, available for sale, rent or lease from Art Rent and Lease.  Visit our site at:  www.artrentandlease.com or call (888) 440-9260 for more information on sustainable artwork for your space!

Sound Masking for Poor Workplace Acoustics

From LogiSon Acoustic Network and ASID, the Top Ten Sound Masking Questions for you to consider if you have poor workplace acoustics.

Tapestry/Textile art by Catherine Kleeman

1. Why do I need sound masking?

Poor acoustics is the number one cause of workplace dissatisfaction and the most significant factor affecting employee performance.

2. How is this type of system installed?

Sound masking systems use loudspeakers to distribute a comfortable, engineered background sound. This makes it difficult to hear incidental noises or conversations.

3. How do you use sound to cover up noise?

If you’ve ever ran water at your kitchen sink while trying to talk to someone in the next room, you’ll understand how sound masking works. You can tell your conversational partner is speaking, but it’s difficult to comprehend what they’re saying. That’s because the running water has raised the noise floor in your area.

4. Will I hear the sound masking?

You must be able to hear the sound masking for it to be effective. But it’s designed to be as unnoticeable as possible. It doesn’t contain distracting patterns, and it’s tuned so you don’t hear volume changes as you move throughout your facility. Employees come to consider it a natural part of their environment in a short period of time.

For full details and the complete content of the Top Ten Sound Masking Questions, please visit: http://www.logison.com/Top-Ten-Sound-Masking-Questions.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=featarticle&utm_campaign=asid

For information on artwork for your space and how we can help you with sound masking, visit www.artrentandlease.com - have a great day!
Lisa

Socially Responsible Design - A Lot Harder than it Looks

Over 70% of the artwork we rent, lease and sell is eco-friendly and sustainable, utilizing recycled and reused materials, natural pigments and dyes.  Our goal is to help companies beautify their space and be socially responsible at the same time. 

Excerpt from an article featured in the ASID "Eye on Design"  from http://www.metropolismag.com/
The (Limited) Power of Good Intentions
Socially responsible design is a whole lot harder than it looks
By Julie Lasky

Unless you’ve been living in Cathay Pacific’s first-class lounge at Hong Kong Airport and reading nothing but Agatha Christie novels, you may have noticed that more architects and designers than ever are working to save the world. They want to contribute not just to a healthy economy but also to a clean, well-regulated environment and peaceful society. And they’re beating multiple paths to those ambitions: forming nonprofit companies or partaking in corporate social-responsibility initiatives, mobilizing students, partnering with NGOs, applying for foundation grants, and participating in competitions trolling for innovative ideas. They’re even moonlighting in their studios, designing emergency shelters, water purifiers, public-awareness campaigns, sustainably sourced fashion, and solar-powered stoves.


Are they spinning their wheels?

For the complete article, please visit:  http://www.metropolismag.com/story/20101020/the-limited-power-of-good-intentions

The Impact of Color When Selecting Artwork for Your Office: Brown

If you are selecting art for a work space where the important quality for people to feel is "comfortable within their environment", consider using shades of brown. Any office where there is an emphasis on earth, the environment or things that are natural will want to strongly consider brown in their work environment. Brown also suggests a sense of order.

According to http://www.sensationalcolor.com, "Brown says stability, reliability, and approachability. It is the color of our earth and is associated with all things natural or organic."

There are many emotions and personalities that go into the decision of what art is best for an office. No matter how small or large your budget, consider utilizing the expertise of an art consultant, who will help you to select the artwork that meets the culture of your office environment.

Art Rent and Lease provides tax-deductible short-term rentals and long-term leases to corporate, healthcare and hospitality clients in the US, specializing on placement with facility and building managers looking for artwork in their lobby, conference rooms and public spaces.

For information about renting or leasing art and a free consultation please visit our website at: http://www.artrentandlease.com/ or call us at (888) 440-9260 x710.

Designers, Architects and Clients: See us at NeoCon and IFMA

Art Rent and Lease will introduce their Fine Art Rental, Sales and Leasing program to designers, decorators, architects and clients at NeoCon in Chicago, June 15th - June 17th, 2009 - See us in booth 8-2113 (8th floor): Visit http://www.neocon.com/show_info/neocontv.cfm for more details!

For Facility Managers, join us in booth #2011 in Orlando, FL on October 7 - October 9, 2009! We're featuring art to enhance the workspace, "Green" art using recycled materials and art that will enhance employee morale. See you there! http://www.worldworkplace.org/

For more information on our designer/architect/decorator program please email lisa@artrentandlease.com or call (888) 440-9260 x710.