Trends That We Are Exploring at Nelson and Long and How We Apply These to the Student Sector

Interior design trends remind me of an hourglass. Each grain of sand is symbolic of a customer and when a trend becomes easily accessible, mainstream, or tired, it’s time to reset and turn the hourglass on its head (ironically, it’s also a measure of time too!). It’s not attainable for most to update interiors so periodically, that’s why it’s so important not to be too trend focused when designing. Of course, interiors need to be visually appealing, but it’s all about finding the right balance when applying “trends” and most importantly being influenced by who will be living there. We browse magazines and trawl the internet for inspiration, but we like to think the interiors we design here at N&L are customer focused with a sprinkling of “trends”, so they can stand the test of time.

Study room

Design by @nelsonandlong

A really good tip to making and getting the best out of a commercial interior such as student accommodation is going back to the basics, a time before commercial interiors were so design led and think of a home (where interior design really begun) and all the qualities that one expects from a home, what emotive language is used, how do you feel or want to feel and what are the fundamentals of building a successful home?

We often take off our commercial hats and look at house interiors first because that is where the most comfort and joy is had for many. We spend so much time and do so many varied tasks there, so we like to think of that as a foundation, a basis to build a design. We take all those amazing qualities that make a home and we emulate those in a student accommodation space.

Although we all have our own design styles and no two houses are alike, there are some things that the majority of us can agree on that we want from a home, or how you want your home to make you feel. We want cosy, calming and comforting spaces that are mindful, in tune with and nurture our needs.

Design by @nelsonandlong

Photography by @luca_ulysses_projects

Being conscientious is also key to delivering a strong and successful scheme. Understanding the students’ needs and wants are an integral part of the process and without that understanding, sometimes aspects of the design may be overlooked.

So, let’s start with an obvious one - colour...

Colour

Colour is probably one of the things that changes up the most in interior design (trend-wise) and one of the hardest things to choose because there are so many, so how do you keep up? Well, you don’t, and that is the trick! In our opinion steer clear of the obvious “on trend” colours then your design won’t date as quickly. If there is a particular colour you like, that is popular, you can choose a slightly stronger or muted variant, so you negate this problem too. The internet is a treasure trove of inspiration and although we don’t stick to “trends” blindly, we are currently seeing lots of neutral and natural palettes coming through. With that in mind, we would consider having a lighter colour on the walls and darker neutral colours on the furniture, so you are drawn to a comfortable element of the space and durability-wise the darker colours will work better. It is all about understanding how to use the colour appropriately. Talking about colour in general terms – in our opinion there are three routes you can explore and apply when choosing how to decorate. Lean into the colours, choose bright tones to make spaces bold, fun, and energetic, or have a palette cleanse and use muted tones which give a sense of calmness and an unmatched airiness than its brighter counterpart, or mix the two themes. Different themes lend themselves to different spaces, but fundamentally it’s all about understanding the psychographics of who is residing there. The beauty of PBSA and Co-living interiors is that the residents want exciting spaces that mimic their social surroundings and don’t necessarily conform, so let your imagination run wild!

Finishes board by @nelsonandong

Vintage and Sustainable Accents

In our opinion, vintage and sustainable accents should not just be considered for a scheme but be an important part of it. Implementing sustainable practices can be easier than you think. One of our summer installs dedicated a whole area to reclaimed furniture, as it not only aligned with our values, but that of our client’s too! Incorporating such pieces gives the scheme a unique identity and character and can be a cost-effective way to source furniture. Sustainability shouldn’t be a trend per se, and we are glad to see more designers and makers repurposing items and thinking about the environmental impact of specifying new. In PBSA where budget can be tight, this concept of incorporating vintage and sustainable items could work very well if executed correctly. The combination of new and old will give the space a rich and exciting narrative and add another layer of interest to the scheme.

Design by @nelsonandlong

Photography by @luca_ulysses_projects

Appreciating and Enhancing the Bare Bones

Gone are the days of bright white walls. Walls are being treated like canvases and are one of the many layers of design. These structural masses should not only have purpose, but personality. As with a canvas, you paint, so shall you with a wall. Adorn it with any colour that suits. Also incorporate wallcoverings into a scheme for some further drama and to mimic tactile qualities or even nature. We personally love a floral to bring a biophilic element into a space. Also, a more textural softer paper which mimics limewash would be an earthy and appreciated addition. Artwork is also a great way to compliment a wall space and give it another dimension.

Design by @nelsonandlong

Different Design & Cultural Inspired Interiors

Respecting and being considerate of cultures and different design styles is a great way to get the best out of a space. We need to understand who will be inhabiting the building and incorporate nods to their culture, so they feel at home and comfortable. It’s beautiful to see different cultural and design styles mix. Interiors where the designers have considered this usually are engaging and well used spaces. Blending and applying this to interiors not only appeases the residents, but encourages them to open up, share and can be an immersive educational experience. A great way to introduce this is to have various artworks, finishes and literature throughout.  Another great thing about mixing different design and cultural styles is how unique the space will be, and students will know that you value and respect them as you have designed the scheme with them at the forefront of your mind.  The space will tell a story, be timeless and enhance their university experience.

Design by @nelsonandlong

Tactile Textures

Whether we are talking about fabrics or flooring - texture is key! It gives depth to a design. The right texture adds character and it’s a great way to inject some natural elements into a scheme too. Heavy fabrics are a great way to add some luxury and will often wear better aesthetically and be more durable. We love textured fabrics that wrap you up and wide planked embossed flooring that mimics wood - which is always a great way to add some drama and warmth to a scheme.

Digital Moodboard by @nelsonandlong

Considerate Spaces – Nod to Wellness

Now more than ever with the world’s noise (figuratively) and daily pressures surrounding students, having mindful interior design is fundamental to eliminating some of those stresses. For most students going to university will be the first time they will leave home for a considerable amount of time, so the spaces we design must consider what they need and be considerate of what they want. Providing good interiors is key and a good foundation, but the provider needs to elevate their offering also to make sure the students’ needs are all tended to. We see this part of the process (determining layouts and the offering) as a very collaborative one, we research what students wants and expectations are of their accommodation. This knowledge paired with good interior design is a winning formula, we find! A few things that we have implemented and have seen implemented, that work successfully, are games rooms, cinema spaces, karaoke rooms, beauty spaces, all great interiors where the students can interact and develop. University is of course a time to expand educationally, but it is also a time for personal growth. It’s all about the right work/life balance, so the interiors designed need also to be balanced and cater for both.

Design by @nelsonandlong

Photography by @luca_ulysses_projects

Furniture & Lighting

These fundamental and functional items are included in interiors, so instead of touching on the ergonomics and usability, which of course is an imperative consideration, let’s explore the topic of form and how that enhances, not only the design, but the space it sits in. Sculptural pieces of furniture that are interesting and have a story are far more fascinating than a boxy wooden coffee table. It’s about thinking outside of the box (literally) and introducing pieces of furniture and lighting with personality that will draw the students to the spaces. The subtle curves or angular lines can and will help set the precedent and tone of the design. Simple and effective.

Design by @nelsonandlong

Photography by @luca_ulysses_projects

Bringing the Outdoors In

If you’ve read our blogs before you know we love to incorporate the big B (biophilia) into a scheme, as it’s something we are very passionate about because the effect it can have on an individual’s wellbeing is incomparable. Bringing a little of the outside in can alter mood, improve productivity and is aesthetically pleasing (the benefits are literally endless). Incorporating biophilic elements doesn’t just mean adding some greenery to a scheme, it’s about our connection to nature and natural elements. We should be mimicking our outside surroundings to add some depth, texture, and interest to a scheme. A great way is to introduce some natural materials such as wood, marble or travertine, or to have furniture pieces that take inspiration from the outside world, in turn we are elevating the design and strengthening the bond between man/woman and nature. It’s really refreshing to see a design that has a nod to nature.

Design by @nelsonandlong

Quality Not Quantity

Well-made design led furniture is a great way to set the mood and intent of a space. By carefully selecting key showcase pieces, a scheme will feel considered and unique. Being more selective and choosing high quality furniture also means procuring less items and these types of pieces will last longer and are usually more sustainable. Working with makers is also a great way to support a local or small business too. Quality does not always mean expense; you can source secondhand furniture or partner with a charity for a larger scheme. We are ushering in a new era - gone are the days of fast fashion!

Design by @nelsonandlong

Well, that’s all from us today – hope you found our tips helpful.

N&LX

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The Importance of Using An Interior Designer When It Comes to Student Accommodation