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!
Taking a break from the “work” of your work is so important as it helps all the team get a fresh perspective on what we are doing and why we are doing it! Sitting in the same chair, in the same office can keep us from fresh thinking and news ideas, so we packed our bags and headed off to Bali for 4 days.
Whilst we have mini conferences yearly, every 3 years we plan a major company conference and it was important that we immersed ourselves in our senses.
Read MorePerth Artist, Abdul–Rahman Abdullah, was happy to chat about his contemporary artwork installations following a fabulous opening of our most recent project, Rosewood Aged Care Facility.
The collaborative interior artworks and exterior sculpture complement the furniture and décor and create warmth to the building giving it a sense of home and identity.
Read MoreRosewood Aged Care Facility, Leederville has opened their doors! Our Design Director, Erin Taylor attended the opening of Rosewood in an event celebrating the efforts of all those involved.
Read MoreThis month I delivered a talk at the Alzheimer’s WA Symposium called “Not one size fits all. How do we create Meaningful Environments? ” Design, like the industry, is changing. Designing environments that are too sterile, too structured and not real just doesn’t work.
Sensory Design is proclaimed as the new “Philosophy of Design” but it goes so much further than just sensory rooms. If you would like any further information please feel free to contact me and we can catch up for a coffee and a chat.
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Food can be a great source of joy in our lives particularly when shared with friends and loved ones. We recently come across Maggie Beers latest cook book ‘Maggie’s Recipe for Life’ written in collaboration with Professor Ralph Martins with the suggestion that good food can reduce your chances of Alzheimer’s and other lifestyle diseases. Informative and packed with delicious recipes to enjoy and within our four seasons, this book could heal your body and your soul.
We also came across some remarkable images by Hargreaves Levin & Caitlin Levin and we thought the pears, potatoes, sage, rosemary, brussel sprouts, persimmons, shallots, nutmeg, mandarins & cranberries was an appropriate way to celebrate Maggie’s idea of the beauty of good food for life.
Signage and Wayfinding are key components of any large building and none more so than in aged care and retirement.
We touched on the importance of wayfinding and the latest studies in our January and February newsletter.
Google have installed the most amazing signage and wayfinding scheme throughout their Kirkland Campus. Interestingly, Larry Page, one of the founders of Google is a strong believer in the Montessori Method of learning and working, which emphasizes making use of all of the five senses and it was this ideology that inspired the design.
Read MoreWhat is wrong with this picture? The seat is too low, the armrests are too high and there is no room to move the feet backwards in order to be able to lean forward and get up from the chair…. It is important to be aware the impact furniture design, specification and placement can have on a person’s ability to function as independently as possible within their living environments. Here are a few considerations to assist:
Read MoreAlong with Materialised Fabrics, we are thrilled to have donated a collection of bedspreads to a selected group of Women’s Refuges around Perth who assist those in need!
Read MoreMealtimes are an opportunity for a wonderful sensory experience – delicious smells, delightful taste, enticing visuals. Mmmmm. There’s a problem if you a) can’t get to the table b) can’t locate a chair to sit down or c) it is not a seating arrangement that meets your needs. You can’t participate in one of life’s most enjoyable pleasures! However, this can be easily addressed if you consider the following:
Read MoreAs an all girl design team we are always inspired by strong creative women who love style and colour. Meet Ilona Royce Smithkin at 97 years young she is an artist, teacher, author and a model for Ari Seth Cohen @advancedstyle. She is truly inspiring for the way she completely embraces her own individuality and we totally love the fact that she makes her gorgeous lashes from her own hair. Woo!
On a recent visit to Melbourne I had the pleasure of meeting Bryan Lipmann, CEO of Wintringham Specialist Aged Care. This not for profit welfare organisation cares for older people who are homeless or vulnerable to homelessness.
Bryan and Ross, former board chairman showed us through their Port Melbourne Hostel. The location is fantastic but what is even more impressive is the actual facility itself.
Read MoreTechnology is moving at such a rate and gives us the opportunity to present some fabulous new products to our clients that give both you and residents options.
Clipsal have recently launched a new product range called Clipsal Iconic. It is a modern electrical accessory range that is easy to customize.
Read MoreDe Fiddes Design is thrilled to take on a new design intern, Marnie Cooper. Marnie is one interesting lady with a long list of achievements and career moves. As Marnie ventures into the world of Interior Design, she reached out to DFD to gain invaluable experience and imperative insight into designing for aged care, dementia design and retirement living.
We sat down with Marnie this week to reflect on her time here at DFD.
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Spring is definitely in the air and we can’t wait. It’s always so lovely to have a change of season and spring is an all round favourite. We hope this charming image will get you in the mood to savour longer days, the sweet smell of blossom and warmer days ahead.
Read MoreAs there has been a move away from environments which are institutional in appearance, we also have experienced a shift away from the plethora of high backed vinyl chairs lined up against the walls. More is now known and understood about the importance of seating and the different types of seating required in aged care environments. This segment will provide an overview of seating and we will focus specifically on dining chairs and lounge chairs in the next two editions of the newsletter.
Read MoreAugust has been an exciting month.
The girls in the design department have been busy finalising a number of projects this month and they always come back to the office with some wonderful stories. For example, Keith is a resident at the Buckley Care Centre and he moved into his new home recently surrounded by all of his artwork. Keith is an avid painter who only started painting 2 years ago. I believe he finishes a painting every day and Amaroo have placed an easel in the front foyer of the facility showcasing his ever changing art. His pieces are remarkable and he is a great model of “It’s never too late.”
Read MoreDe Fiddes Design now has available a Diffuser that not only does not require water but also has no power cord - it can be positioned anywhere, out of the way from curious hands.
Whilst research on the effectiveness of essential oils is limited, some studies have shown aromatherapy can ease symptoms of anxiety and offer relief from symptoms of depression.
Studies have also shown that sensory stimulation for people with Alzheimer’s can decrease agitation and improve sleep.
Seven essential oils that may help those living with dementia are Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Bergamot, Lemon Balm, Ylang Ylang and Ginger.
Read MoreCongratulations to Gary Batt from Gary Batt Associates Architects for being nominated for the Robin Dods Roof Tile Excellence Award for Amaroo Buckley Caring Centre in Gosnells, Perth.
The Robin Dobs Award believes in sustainable design to suit the climate especially in roofing, inspiring creativity and innovation in architectural designs using roof tiles.
Read MoreDid you know that a large number of aged care residents have minimal interaction with others throughout the day, some as little as two minutes daily!
With this in mind we were very interested in attending this week ‘The Power of Touch’ by Miranda Stacpoole a nursing consultant, senior lecturer at St Christopher’s Hospice London and primary author of the Namaste Care Program.
Read MoreOn route to a holiday in Australia’s red centre it was by chance that our small travelling party were lucky enough to have a private viewing of the current exhibition at the Warburton Art Project, Warburton WA. We were treated to a thoroughly detailed and enthusiastic narrative by director Gary Proctor. With their substantial and harmonious colour palettes, these free flowing and large scale works full of story and significance would make great discussion pieces for any care facility, home or office interior.
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