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.
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Enjoy!
Every month seems to be a busy one here at de Fiddes and this past month was no exception.
This month we visited an award winning facility in SA. This facility absolutely perfected the small scale design model within a vertical building - very impressive!
Read MoreIn the throes of winter we tend to retreat, seeking warm and cosy spaces. We love this space with its focal fireplace, abundance of greenery and wood finishes. A perfect space to curl up with a good book and relax!
Read MoreThis month I would like to highlight Intergenerational play equipment by Lappset.
Play is important to us all both young and old and having equipment that both generations can use together or individually is important. It also give us a wonderful opportunity to come together to interact and play.
Read MoreThis month I had the pleasure of attending a Placemaking workshop that was run by David Engwicht from Creative Communities International. There is no doubt that this discipline will become an important component when designing residential aged care.
Read MoreSeek the wisdom of the ages but look at the world through the eyes of a child (R.Wild)
Many societies have changed over time with fewer families living near or spending time with older family members.
Read MoreThis mesmerising shot reminds us to always explore our curiosity. Children have a beautiful way of doing just that, seeing the world in a magical, extraordinary way.
Read MoreWe love working with colour and texture particularly when you find that perfect paint shade! Paint can be such a simple way to change things up and this calming Dulux Light Leaf green is perfect for lifting the mood in these mid winter days.
Read MoreI don't know if it is because I am getting older but I am astonished that 6 months has flown by and we are about to enter the second half of the year - which I know is going to be as jam packed and as exciting as the first half.
We have just had our delightful client Maria from Hong Kong visit our office with her wonderful team. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to show them several aged care facilities as well as some of our WA hospitality.
Read MoreRails assist with balance, support and transfers so the selecting the right product for your needs as well ensuring compliance with standards such as AS1428 is important. There are different types and applications….
Horizontal rails are effective for side transfers from wheelchairs onto toilets and can provide some forearm support during sit to stand transfers whereas the vertical or angled rails provide support throughout the sit to stand transfer. Often both are present. Either horizontal or vertical can be installed in showers depending on need and position of any existing fixtures.
Read MoreGetting excited about handrails is not generally something I would normally do! However, a new product called Ensafe has definitely caught my attention.
Ensuites are normally dominated by stainless steel grab rails that look cold, institutional and resemble a hospital. Residential care facilities need to feel warm, friendly and inviting and the one area we find very difficult to achieve this is in the bathrooms. So you can imagine how thrilled we were to find a new product that has just been released called Ensafe.
Read MoreWe know that glare from windows is a major problem for residents. You would imagine this could be easily fixed by fitting sheers or window treatments. However, what if the glare was coming from a fire door at the end of a corridor and you are not allowed to cover the door? What are your options?
Read MoreEthereal scattered light at dusk can influence our mood and wellbeing. These moments of beauty are sometimes overlooked but can be a reminder for us to take a time to capture the moment and breathe it all in.
Read MoreI can’t believe where this year has gone. May has been a busy month with a trip to Singapore to attend the APAC awards and the Ageing Asia conference. Sadly we didn’t win this time but it was still wonderful that our work at Amaroo was shortlisted for an Asia Pacific Award.
Read MoreWe have all experienced the uncomfortable or even debilitating effects of glare. Too often we step out of a darker house into the bright outdoors or we are driving to reach the top of a hill or crest and get blinded by the full sun! Glare is a visual sensation caused by too much brightness and can be termed disability glare or discomfort glare.
Read MoreAs another Anzac Day passes by its a reminder to us all to take a moment to reflect.
Capturing our imaginations during this time is of course the red poppy a tribute to those who have served and a symbol to many of hope and regeneration in the face of loss.
Whilst visiting the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show I came across a supplier called ModBOX. They supply a fantastic range of self watered raised garden beds called Wicking. The garden beds have a water reservoir that sits below the level of the soil.
Read MoreApril so far has been a month of celebrations and also our National Day of Remembrance. This month I celebrated a birthday, not a milestone (I’m still 28!) and of course we have just had a public holiday for Anzac Day.
Erin headed off to Spain for a walk of a lifetime across the Camino Trail so if any of you have been wondering about Erin’s footwear the past month you will now understand why the boots have been necessary!
Read MoreWe learnt about the basic senses (sight, smell, taste, hearing and touch), internal senses (such as kinaesthetic, equilibrium, pressure, stretch) and some controversial ones such as passing of time and premonition in part one. The impact of ageing on these senses continued the theme in part two. We conclude in part three to show you how designing for the senses becomes so important!
Older people experience changes to vision, colour recognition and perception so you need to consider furniture and flooring selections accordingly.
It was an absolute pleasure to attend the Regis Aged Care, Woodlands Grand opening last week in the lead up to the official April 9th opening.
Serving a sensational menu accompanied with songs sung by the local Holy Rosary School the night was a huge success and a fabulous way to celebrate the efforts of all those involved!
Congratulations Regis on another fantastic opening!
Read MoreMarch is the start of autumn and this year we celebrate Easter in March. One of the symbols of autumn is comfort and therefore a time to create serene and snug spaces and environments that keep you safe and warm. Of course what could be better than sitting in a cosy snug chair enjoying the symbol for Easter, Chocolate!!
Now is an excellent time to start looking at your current interiors and think about what you can introduce and enhance within your spaces to create a comfortable environment for your residents. Do your lounge areas need a refresh? Do they feel snug and inviting? What can you introduce to make it a space where you want to spend time?
