International Edition No. 52 | 2017
Welcome to the Q1 2017 issue of FABULOUS FLOORS, a consumer magazine
Design impacts the way we live, work, and
interact with one another. The everyday ways
that design impacts us can be so subtle they are
often overlooked. Our health, emotions, finances,
and overall quality of life are influenced by the
ways in which we experience our environments.
THE IMPACT
OF DESIGN
BY DARLENE MOLNAR, ASID, NCIDQ,
LEED AP ID+C
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Consider the settings where we
spend most of our time – our
homes and offices. The way in
which we design our home reflects
our personalities and how we wish
to live. The bright kitchen shown
in the photos was designed for a
young family. A vibrant wall color,
white cabinetry, and open layout
create an upbeat and energetic
center for the home. What one
family might view as their ideal
kitchen, another may find to be
too visually active. This home’s
living room design, colorful
and whimsical, is an approach
specific to this family. A different
home owner might feel more
comfortable in darker hues or a
more minimalist environment.
Good design considers the user
36
and their personal goals while
infusing a designer’s expertise.
The impact of the design, good
or bad, can sway the home
owner’s mood and contentment.
The techniques used to design our
work environments also impact
our happiness and productivity.
Good design begins with an
in-depth look at how an office
functions and carefully programs
it to operate at its best. This may
include locating departments
nearby that work closely together,
considering breakout areas for
office collaboration, or allocating
private areas for confidential
operations. Office design may
include enforcing company
branding with the selection
of colors and furnishings. The
influence of design on an office
is far reaching. Exposure to
daylight and reduction of glare
on computers are two common
goals a designer may consider with
office design as these can affect
eye strain and mental health, both
of which impact productivity.
Color, layout, and lighting are
just a few of the ways that a
design’s impact is felt in an
environment. User specific
preferences may also include
factors such as aging in place,
ADA accessibility, or sustainable
design. The possibilities of design
are endless and ever-changing,
thus the impact of design
continues to evolve and open new
doors for influencing our lives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Darlene Molnar, ASID, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C is an NCIDQ Certified interior designer
and LEED Accredited Professional who specializes in interior design and construction. In 2012, she was featured
on HGTV and named a “Hot New Talent” by Home & Design magazine. In addition to her interior design
experience, Molnar has designed products for Crate & Barrel and Umbra. Her broad education includes Parsons
New School of Design in Paris, Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London, and the Royal Academy in Copenhagen. She
holds an M.A. in Interior Design from the Corcoran College of Art & Design, and is an adjunct instructor in the
Interior Architecture & Design Department at George Washington University.
Design reflects the personality and energy of the space’s occupants and can have a profound affect on mood and contentment, from kitchen to living room and beyond.
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FEATURES
3 Refresh and Renew with
ARMSTRONG FLOORINGd
See what’s new is every category
14 The Impact of Design
Design impacts the way we live, work, play and
interact with one another.
36
How To Integrate Marble
Into Your Interior Design
Marble is making huge strides in the interior
design world and is becoming more popular
than ever before
38 Bathroom Remodeling Guide
Courtesy of ConsumerAffairs.com
42 Six Easy Pieces
A Trend Takes Hold…. You’ll be surprised!
44 2017 Color of the Year Revealed
From Color Marketing Group
On the cover: Willow Bend TM Glazed Porcelain wood look from Daltile.
fabulousfloorsmagazine.com
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Q1 2017
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