Shabby Chic

It took a couple tries of my family moving to finally get a feel for what they desired in a destination. After I was born, my family and I moved to Oregon where we lived for about a decade. My mom was always a beach lover, my dad used to say she was born to be at the beach. My mom and her sister grew up living on the beach, which had an influence on their style choices. They both fell in love with the shabby chic style. Shabby chic is known to be an eclectic style that intertwines distressed antique-like looking furniture, pastel and neutral colors (for example: whites, creams, greys, light blues, pinks, greens, yellows), floral prints, shiny details, lace-like features, and vintage collectables. Shabby chic can also be known as country chic or vintage chic, but overall this style creates a delicate and dreamy look to anyone’s home.

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 I remember walking into my childhood home and being greeted with light airy colors and rustic wood features. My mom strived to feel like she was at the beach every day and how she showed it was through her decor in our house. She kept the walls all white and decorated each room with mostly whites and greys but would have slight bursts of soft colors. She loved to transform pieces of furniture by refurbishing them and making them look distressed and rustic. To this day she still carries her love for shabby chic, in the house my parents are currently living in she has completely remodeled the interior. She painted all the walls with light colors including the fire place. She used vintage aesthetics to compliment the beach-like colors. Also, she chose a light blue and white rug to tie in the wood floor and the painted walls and fire place.

My moms fire place                       My sisters fire place                 

   Photo taken by Me                       Photo taken by my sister               

Her taste in style rubbed off tremendously on my sister and me. My sister lives the shabby chic fantasy, she upcycles furniture by purchasing vintage pieces and gives them a make over (painting, distressing, etc.). She keeps her walls white that way she can accessorize with pastel colors. Detail is extremely important to her when it comes to decorating. She often hosts “get togethers” at her house; this is an opportunity for her to show off the exquisite aesthetics she creates with her décor. A common “get together” she hosts are tea parties, she goes into detail with her design on the table setting by using floral table cloths, antique china, flowers, silver napkin holders, glass goblets, and many more eclectic items. Her “get togethers” always turns out breathtaking. 

A couple table settings my sister has accomplished

Photo taken by my sister 

As for myself, the layout of my apartment reminds me of a beach condo. This automatically kick started my love for shabby chic, the walls are all white which gives me the opportunity to do just about anything with the design for my apartment. I am currently in the process of making an abundance of my furniture out of pallets. Once I finish all the furniture I am making, I will be painting them light neutral colors with an added distress to the look. Keeping the big pieces of furniture neutral such as, the couch or tv stand, provides me the ability to spice things up with light pastel colored aesthetics.

Shabby Chic living room

Drawing by Me

Shabby chic style is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The designs are usually simple in color but flamboyant in detail. This gives designers the opportunity to capture an eclectic feel and have fun with the details.  

Sources:

Ebert, J. L. (2018, June 26). Shabby chic decorating ideas – Shabby chic furniture – Shabby chic mirror. Retrieved from https://www.idealhome.co.uk/all-rooms-ideas/shabby-chic-decorating-ideas-89673

Shabby Chic Style: Décor Tips for the Vintage-Inspired Home. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.livingspaces.com/inspiration/ideas-advice/styles/what-is-shabby-chic-style

Welcome To The Beach House, Beach House Decor, Wooden Signs, Shabby Chic Beach Sign, Seaside Beach Cottage, Beach say. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/352195633351225482/?lp=true

18 Interior Design Terms You Should Know. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.invaluable.com/blog/design-terms/

Ergonomics

Do your wrists hurt after typing on a computer for several hours? Or how about your back while you’re sitting in a chair that is not made for your desk? Ergonomics can help prevent most work place injuries if the designer or end user has a good understanding of the meaning. Ergonomics is the process of designing the work space for the worker. Ergonomics has a similarity to anthropometrics by using the human dimensions to design for comfort in the work place.

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My dad used to work in an office and every day after work he would come home and complain about an ach or pain in his wrists, back, knees, etc. The managers finally heard their cry of pain and ordered new desks and chairs for everyone. I can remember his excitement, talking about when they would arrive to the office and how everyone would be staying after to help set them up. The chairs were made specifically for sitting long hours and the desks were adjustable desks. Having adjustable desks allowed everyone the ability to adjust almost everything in their work space to their proper dimensions and comfort.  The chairs also helped by aligning their legs and back properly which causes less strain on the body. A few days after having the new desks and chairs I could tell a difference in my dads’ posture he was not in as much pain anymore.

Sketch by Me

There are many different pieces of furniture out there that designers have made using ergonomics. However, if you do not use the correct furniture such as, a chair with the correct desk then it can still cause unwanted aches and pains throughout the body. A perfect example would be my at home desk chair, it fits perfectly under the desk, but it does not give much space to move. Also, there are no arm rests, so I am constantly having to put my arms down to rest them after a long period of working. The chair is also a little tall for my height, which means my feet do not touch the ground fully causing a misalignment with my legs and back. Once, I have been sitting there for several hours I start to feel discomfort in many areas of my body due to the awkward height of the chair with the desk.

 Photo taken by Me

Ergonomics is used in every day life. For example, working long hours without the proper desk or chair can really affect the body, or being at home and sitting on the couch improperly for a long period of time can tense up muscles and cause pain. All spaces must have a level of comfort provided for efficient movement that is what the designer needs to keep in mind when designing for any person.   

Sources:

Ergonomics Advice. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fastofficefurniture.com.au/officefurniture/uncategorized/help-with-ergonomics/

News. (2017, September 03). Retrieved from https://healthy-workplaces.eu/previous/all-ages-2016/en/news/ergonomics-safe-and-healthy-workplaces-all-ages

What is Ergonomics? (2018, October 02). Retrieved from https://www.ergonomics.com.au/what-is-ergonomics/

U. (2000). Ergonomics: The Study of Work. Retrieved November 22, 2018, from https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3125.pdf

What is Ergonomics? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.humanscale.com/ergonomics/what-is-ergonomics/index.cfm

Anthroprometrics

Have you ever gotten into a car and the seat was too far up to the dashboard? Or the car was too short for you to get into easily? Isn’t it uncomfortable? I know when I have experienced these things with a small car, I hate it because I have to strain my body to fit into a small space. Every single person has a different body type whether they have short legs, a large torso, or small arms. Our body measurements are known as anthropometrics. In short, anthropometrics is the measurements of our bodies and how those measurements are used to determine how we move in a space and what we are able to do in a space. Many people use anthropometrics especially designers. Designers have to use a mass average of our body measurements to create spaces that are comfortable for all shapes and sizes.

Photo drawn by me 

As a senior in high school, I had an internship with the local hospital. Some days I would be working with the elderly or I would go to the nursing home for the elderly across the street if they needed help. During this internship, I was able to experience and see how the designer had to make changes to the space specifically for the end user (which would be the elderly). One of the jobs I had to do often was walk with the elderly. We would spend several minutes walking up and down the hallways for them to keep moving and exercise their muscles from laying or sitting often. As we walked down the hallways, I noticed that the hallways were made larger than most hallways. This is because the elderly needs a little more room to move around especially with wheelchairs and walkers. 

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Sometimes we have control over certain things when it comes to anthropometrics, such as adjustable chairs or adjustable desks. Having adjustable furniture allows anyone to be able to change the height to their comfort level. Although, most everything is not made adjustable. Such as, bathtubs and showers they are created by the standard height and width of a person based off the anthropometric data. For instance, if you are over 5’9” then you will not be able to fully lay down in a bathtub. This is where the designer comes in, as a designer we base everything off human dimensions therefore designers need to keep in mind the end user and their comfort levels.

Photo taken by me

 Public spaces are most important for designers. We must consider all shapes and sizes whether it be with a doorframe or the height of a bathroom stall. We must make sure that comfort is met by the majority not just the average. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) includes making things handicapped accessible almost everywhere. Anthropometrics holds a strong role in design, these design choices are made on a daily to accommodate to the public.

Adams, C. (n.d.). How You Benefit from Anthropometrics. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-anthropometry-1206386

Healthcare Leadership. (2015, July 11). New Systems – The Future of Hospitals & Institutions. Retrieved from https://hcldr.wordpress.com/2015/07/11/future-of-hospitals/

Prospect-Refuge

In August of 2010, my parents and I moved from Oregon to Tennessee. It took some time for us to get used to things in Tennessee, but once we found a house and got settled in it wasn’t so bad. The house was small, but peaceful it was located in the woods so not very many people were surrounding us. When we first moved in I was able to choose whatever room I wanted (my parents got the master bedroom of course). Once I picked what room I wanted I was so excited to decorate it in any way I thought possible. Previously, my sister and I shared a room, so I was never able to fully decorate a room for myself.

Small house in the woods (not my house, I wish)

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I arranged my room in a socio-petal type of way, to encourage interaction with my friends and family. I placed my bed on the wall farthest from the window. I did this because I am still able to see out the window, but I’m not too close for someone to see me. Also, from that wall I was able to look out my bedroom door and see all the way down the hallway to the back door; this gave me a since of security knowing I was able to see everything happening around me and my room.

Sketch of my bedroom

by Me

Another reason why I decided to arrange my room the way I did was for my cat. She loves to look outside the window and watch the birds or anything that happens to pass by. There was a little ledge on the window sill that she was able to perfectly sit on and look out. This provides the both of us prospect-refuge.  Prospect can be defined as an open environment whereas refuge can be defined as a closed environment. By having my room arranged the way I had it gave my cat and I a since of prospect-refuge because we were able to see everything that was happening around my room while being safe in my room.

Picture of my cat

Taken by Me

People like to be aware of their surroundings, but also like to stay secure in a certain area. The prospect-refuge theory was developed by Jay Appleton, a geographer. He purposed that humans review their surroundings to be able to view the world around them while staying in a secure place (basically hidden). This is very important for designers to remember. When designing it is always a good idea to provide a sort of prospect refuge in as many places as possible. That way people can feel secure in the space that is surrounding them.

Beautiful small home that's so elegant and enchanted looking | Cottage Love in 2018 | Pinterest | Cottage, House and Home. (2018, January 04). Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/124763852161263139/?lp=true

Prospect Refuge. (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2018, from http://people.sunyit.edu/~lepres/thesis/principles/193_pdfsam_POD.pdf

Back Up!! 🙅

Have you ever been standing in a line and someone stands so close they’re breathing down your neck? Or has someone ever looked over your shoulder while you’re texting? If that makes you feel uncomfortable that is normal, that person is inside your personal “bubble”.  The term for this is called proxemics. Proxemics is a form of non-verbal communication between others about how they perceive and/or use their space. Anthropologist, Edward Hall introduced the meaning and the four categories behind proxemics in the 1960s. I will be giving some examples for a better understanding on how we use the four categories of proxemics in our daily lives.

Up close and personal between 0”-18” is your intimate zone.  Usually a person that is inside of the intimate zone is a loved one or friend, but there are the few exceptions when a person is too close for comfort. A perfect example of this would be when a person has come up to talk to you and as the conversation progresses so does their face getting closer to yours. They think it’s comfortable, but you may think “back up please!”                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

                                              

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Following the intimate zone is the personal zone between 18”-48”. Imagine standing in a line to buy a ticket for your favorite movie with a group of friends. Throughout the group’s conversation in the line, it never becomes too intimate or secretive. Reason being, someone standing in front of you or behind you may be able to hear the content of the conversation.

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Walking down the sidewalk and you see your friend across the street. You wave to them and maybe exchange a few words, but you never get super close to them. This would be the social zone within 48” all the way up to 12’. You can casually have a conversation with a person in public, but you have the opportunity to choose how far you would like to be from that person during the conversation.

 Sketch by me

Imagine yourself slowly walking down the stairs to the train station. Soon your personal space becomes invaded by hundreds of people. There is not one person too close but many far and near. This is the public zone it can range from 12’ and on. Typically, in the public zone it is little to no interaction with other individuals. Walking through a train station I would not be able to tell you what shoes someone was wearing twenty feet from me.

Video taken by me

Personal space is valued by every individual, including myself. By respecting these zones, we are silently respecting the people in our surroundings.  

(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2016/12/02/comcast-fandango-cinepapaya-movie-tix-online.html

GIPHY. (2017, September 23). United President GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY. Retrieved from https://giphy.com/gifs/president-united-states-rFYfC7H1CHwGI

Proxemics. (2013, January 29). Retrieved from https://www.communicationstudies.com/communication-theories/proxemics

Control Theory

Ponder this thought, how do we as humans know what to do in a space? Whether it be a large space, small space, crowded space, or a deserted space, how do we know what to do? James Averill has found what seems to be a simple explanation for this question. Control theory. There are three different types of control theory: Cognitive, Behavioral and Decisional. As a designer I use control theory on a day to day basis, but so does everyone else. In the next few paragraphs I will explain how everyone uses control theory not just designers.

First, there is cognitive control. Cognitive control is how we perceive an environment. Individuals have different feelings about every environment. A group of people could be sitting in a café enjoying the company of each other, they may be perceiving this space as a positive environment. Whereas, if a group of two were trying to study in the same café and the noise seems to be bothering them, they could be perceiving the space as a negative environment. By choosing the café as a negative or positive environment it is an exercise of cognitive control. Every person exercises cognitive control on a daily basis we just don’t catch it often.

Sugar Love Cafe

Photo taken by Me

Secondly, we have behavioral control. Behavioral control is when a person is able to physically change how they feel about the environment around them. Picture a very crowded store, when you walk into the store do you feel overwhelmed by how many people are in it? Or do you hop right into the crowd to find your favorite pair of jeans? If you feel overwhelmed and decide to leave, you are exercising your behavioral control by seeking out a less crowded store with less people. But if you jump right into the crowd, you are also exercising your behavioral control by adapting to your surroundings and finding your favorite pair of jeans.

Favorite pair of jeans
Hand sketched by me

Lastly, there is decisional control. Decisional control is when an individual has the ability to choose their response to a situation. As individuals we react to our environments differently such as, in a crowded restaurant. Let’s say a restaurant you have been craving was on a 45-minute wait. You have the choice in staying and waiting 45 minutes to be seated or you can walk right out the door and find a different restaurant.  Many things could influence your decision on whether to stay or go, like how hungry you are or if you can really wait 45 minutes to eat. 

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In conclusion, design can influence every control theory. As designers move forward in creating spaces they need to keep in mind what the end user wants and let them have control over the space. Allowing the end user to have control over the decisions can help improve the overall use of the space. 

Source 2

Cornelius R. R. (2000, September 5). Theoretical Approaches To Emotion. Retrieved October 19, 2018, from http://www.cs.columbia.edu/~julia/papers/cornelius00.pdf

Design Philosophy

I never had an “aha” moment about what I want to do with my life. I do know that as I was growing up I always enjoyed keeping up with the latest trends in fashion and design. I remember watching shows about building houses and designing spaces and I fell in love. That has followed me throughout my life and the desire has only increased as I got older. I now strive for design, everywhere I look I admire the architecture, thought, and care that has been put forth into each building.

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As a designer, I want to incorporate green design into every building I can. I believe spaces should feel like a sanctuary. Clients should feel comforted as they walk into the building and fall into a peaceful happiness. When incorporating natural materials, it will only increase the health of the human body along with the environment. Which only increases my interests on pursuing green design.

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Also, in my designs I would like to create spaces that encourage interaction between clients. It is very important to have a sanctuary, but to also have a place of serenity that can be shared with others. I am more of an introvert than an extrovert, but I do love spending time with people and having a special place where I can spend time with them helps me feel at peace.