The New Trends to Watch For in Residential Interior Design for Family Apartments

If you’ve ever wondered how New York City got to be known as “The City That Never Sleeps,” you’d have to venture back to the 1970’s and listen to John Kander and Fred Ebb’s song “New York, New York.” Ironically, however, parents in the modern day are bringing a new meaning to the moniker—as people are choosing to raise their kids in the city.

Couples are moving into large apartments (or, combining apartments) and even restoring full brownstones to accommodate their growing families. These urban parents want the newest trends in residential interior design but they also want homes that are child-friendly.

In this staircase area I chose carpet treated with a special finish that makes water bead up and keeps soil on that top for easy cleaning. The seat cushion is vinylized fabric so it wipes off easily. All the painted finishes can be wiped down.

As anyone who has ever worked with small kids may know, “trendy” and “child-proof” are two realities that rarely (if ever) mesh together. But just because you have kids it doesn’t mean you can’t update your home with an eye to the newest trends in interior design.

So, if the above scenario speaks to you and…

you want to reduce the wear and tear on your furniture and flooring
you want to entertain guests in your home without it looking like a medieval war zone
you want to incorporate the newest trends in interior design and create a safe place for your kids, too

. . . then an interior designer who is familiar with creating high-traffic environments that withstand the brutal forces of human nature is a great choice. Over the years I’ve discovered that what I’ve learned as a lobby interior designer enables me to create family oases in the city that stand the test of time.

To mesh the newest trends in residential interior design and with the needs of a growing family, I focus on the three most important elements of the interior design process:

1. Choosing The Right Fabrics

When designing residential spaces I look for colors and patterns that will maintain their allure while also being able to hide soil. For you parents out there, this is a huge stress reliever because your furniture will require cleaning less often (and you won’t be embarrassed when you have guests!).

In this gorgeous yet kid-friendly family room, I selected concrete tables that are super durable and a snap to clean. All the fabrics I used have a finish that makes liquids bead up and soil stay on the top for easy cleaning.

If your apartment is really bright, I choose fabrics that resist fading (fading is a big problem in lobbies). But, if your family can’t give up that favorite couch, then we can add a film to the windows to reduce the intensity of direct sunlight.

One of my other tried and true tricks is to use fabrics manufactured with non-toxic surface protection that makes them easy to clean. So, if your child (or, your partner) has a knack for plastering peanut butter on the couch, these fabrics are phenomenal.

2. The Latest in Traffic Patterns and Flooring

Furniture is always about placement, placement, placement. For example, I wouldn’t locate a valuable lamp right next to the kitchen. I’m sure you would hate to see it knocked over by a running child before dinnertime!

I used stone top and limestone floors have been sealed with a “bullet sealer” preventing stains in this family kitchen. The bar stools are a covered with vinylized patterned fabric that easily wipes clean.

And the process I use to analyze traffic patterns in a child-friendly interior design plan is nearly identical to what I use for lobby interior design projects. If your living space sometimes feels like Grand Central, then listen up:

Your high traffic areas should have hard flooring because it can be easily cleaned. Your low traffic areas are where you will use your carpet or rugs. Keeping this in mind makes floor cleanup a breeze and helps preserve your valuable carpet and rugs.

One piece of advice to bear in mind about carpet and rugs is that natural materials are often easier to maintain that their synthetic counterparts (i.e. wool vs. nylon). One of the newest trends in residential interior design is custom Rug installations. These are available from local Rug manufacturers I have built relationships with over the years for lobby project. I’ve ordered custom rugs from them for various apartment interior designs – all which are durable and easy to clean.

3. Types of Wall Coverings

For adult apartments, paper and fabric wall coverings are spectacular, but they’re not easy to keep clean. A design trick I learned as a lobby interior designer is to select wall coverings that look just like fabric, but are made of vinyl, instead. These are remarkably easy to clean (sticky hands, we’re looking at you!), don’t require a special application of surface protection (whereas expensive wall coverings usually do), and because there are so many choices I can usually spot when a new interior design trend is starting.

But, if you’re not in love with the idea of vinyl, there are some lovely options in fabrics coated with a really powerful stain and spot resistant. They can be quite costly but are worth it if your budget allows.

In closing, if you are raising kids in the “City That Never Sleeps”, focus on durability, easy maintenance, and easy wear. You deserve a home that withstands the onslaught of your kids and the other members of the traveling circus, while still incorporating some of the newest and interior design trends.

— Marilyn

Sygrove Interior Design Services

Sygrove Associates Design Group is an NYC interior design company. Our company’s founder Marilyn Sygrove is the lead interior designer on all projects. And she’s as tough as you are when it comes to quality, aesthetics, and coming in on time and on budget.

It all starts with a design consultation with Marilyn. She takes the time to thoroughly understand your design needs then personally directs all interior design, planning, and installation activities. Her work has been delighting clients, co-op and condo boards, and homeowners for over 30 years.

You can reach Marilyn by email at hello@sygrove.com or call her directly at 212.757.0631.

Share This Article

by admin

6 Mistakes People Make When They Hire A Lobby Interior Designer

I have been a lobby interior designer for over thirty years. By any standard, I am likely the most experienced (or one of the most experienced) interior designer of condo and coop building lobbies in the New York City area. I’m aware of every single possible mistake that can be made when a building sets out to hire an interior designer for their lobby.

Simply put, I’ve seen it all. Most mistakes that people make when they hire a lobby interior designer are due to not getting enough of the right information right off the bat. These kinds of mistakes can result in stress for residents during construction, materials that don’t hold up to wear, and traffic patterns that make getting through a lobby more like running an obstacle course.

So, if your building is getting ready to hire a lobby interior designer, here’s a list I created that will help save you some of the headaches, heartache, and torment of your lobby rehab.

Avoid These 6 Common Mistakes When Hiring an Interior Lobby Designer.

Mistake #1: Hiring an interior designer who’s never designed a lobby before.

This seems like a no-brainer, right? Well, in fact, this simple oversight is more common than you would imagine. If you hire a designer who is inexperienced with lobby design, you are actually hiring a residential designer.

Notwithstanding this person may be very experienced in home design, when you hire a bonafide lobby interior designer, you get someone deeply conversant with ADA compliance and regulations, fabrics that can withstand day-to-day foot traffic, local rules that affect everything from where and when a truck can unload to how to manage the varying tastes and opinions of residents.

Without that knowledge and expertise, your lobby interior design project can become a long nightmare.

What to ask before you hire: “How many lobbies have you designed?” Then, ask to see them. You be the judge!

Mistake #2: Hiring an interior designer who’s overwhelmed with other projects.

It’s can be difficult to resist a designer who arrives with a dazzling portfolio, but . . . you don’t want to hire someone who has ten concurrent projects in rotation at one time and uses freelancers to keep things afloat. This could make your lobby project drag on and on

What to ask before you hire: “Do you have a permanent staff? Do you have an office?” “Do you have client testimonials we can see? References?” Or, even better yet, “Will you take us to see your finished projects?” Give them the opportunity to showcase their smarts. (Word of advice, be cautious of interior designers who work from home.)

Mistake #3: Hiring an interior designer who’s unfamiliar with the logistics of working in your local area.

This can be like hiring someone from the Tanami Desert to design a rain garden in downtown Pittsburgh! For example, New York City is where I mostly work, is very complex—with a wide variety of ordinances and regulations to navigate. Your building could get into costly trouble if your lobby interior designer doesn’t adhere to the rules. The designer with a gorgeous portfolio of lobbies in another city may not be the best choice.

What to ask before you hire: This one’s fairly simple—”Where have you completed the majority of your projects?” If a few of them happen to be local, let them take you for a personal tour of these spaces. Then do more research, such as contact coop boards or building management companies to find out how people actually felt about the process and the finished space. Due diligence here is a must.

Mistake #4: Hiring someone who’s just getting started as a lobby interior designer.

Now, if you’re trying to give your great-grandson a jumpstart on his new career – then by all means welcome the idea. Just make sure to hire a veteran to provide proper mentorship. For the other 99.87% of cases, a budding new designer simply doesn’t possess the level of experience with residents, coop boards, building management, and staff to pull it off. And, be advised, there are a lot of personalities to deal with as each party can play a role in the decision-making.

What to ask before you hire: “How long have you been in business? “How many projects have you completed since you started?” “Can we interview a board member from a previous project?” Let them show you their track record.

Mistake #5: Hiring an interior designer who doesn’t charge enough (what??)

Listen, I know this sounds crazy, but if the price is too good to be true it probably is. Dig deep into the proposal and you’ll likely find some big holes—which is the perfect storm for your project going way over budget. Save yourself some time (and vacation money) – save the cheap prices for Dollar General.

What to ask before you hire: Make sure to get an itemized proposal and a written assurance that any work that is outside your budget and scope will only be executed upon your written approval.

Mistake #6: Hiring an interior designer who doesn’t understand the difference between rehab vs. new construction.

You see, new construction is easy—because these buildings are unoccupied and you don’t have to account for people roaming in and out. But in an occupied building, once the laundry room, elevator and mail room are installed, access to each of these spaces becomes a huge issue—as the residents’ lives cannot be overly disrupted. When they are (and they will be), it wreaks havoc for everyone.

What to ask before you hire: “What lobby renovations vs. new builds have you completed? Do you tend to focus on one over the other?” Once you have a good feel for the level of experience, go see for yourself.

If you are getting ready to hire a lobby interior designer, follow my advice and you can avoid many costly and time-consuming (not to mention stressful) mistakes.

Just a note:

I’ve developed processes and protocols that enable my firm to deliver exceptional results in lobby interior design. We have an intimate understanding of the nuances of construction in the New York City area including local regulations, compliance, and permitting. We are highly experienced in navigating and managing resident/management expectations. We are adept at keeping our projects on time and on budget. And, last but not least, we create extraordinarily beautiful spaces that are functional, comfortable, and stand the test of time.

Peruse our gallery of finished lobby interior design projects here.

Sygrove Interior Design Services

You can reach Marilyn by email at hello@sygrove.com or call her directly at 212.757.0631.

Share This Article

by admin

5 Luxury Hotel Lobbies That I Love

During my travels around the world, I’ve had countless opportunities to experience some of the most fascinating examples of architecture and interior design. As an interior designer by trade, I’ve become particularly interested in luxury hotel lobby interior design — and how the composition of a lobby can make or break the visitor’s first impression.

From an elegant Massachusetts estate to a time machine in Florence, Italy, a few of them have really blown me away. So much so, that I can’t bear to keep them to myself!

Here Are 5 Luxury Hotel Lobbies That I Love.

1. Wheatleigh – Lenox, Massachusetts

This Italianate masterpiece was originally built as a wedding gift from father to daughter and has since transformed into one of the Leading Hotels of the World — featuring one of the finest dining rooms on the east coast. This estate has been scaled to perfection, with interiors filled with a combination of antiques and clean-lined contemporary furniture in lush neutral fabrics.

It’s breathtaking without being off-putting. I often daydream about living here, as the Berkshire mountain vista — coupled with the formal gardens — are heaven on earth for me.

2. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort – Maui, Hawaii

Wow! This place truly stimulates the five senses as soon as you walk through the front doors. Soaring ceilings with open views of the vast Pacific Ocean and beyond. Better yet, there is sand in the lobby as an extension of the gorgeous beach lying just a few strokes beyond. Very innovative. Very ethereal. Very sublime.

3. Four Seasons – Florence, Italy

An absolute dream! But one that has been made real. Imagine walking through the bustling streets of Firenze—with its exuberant, expressive culture—and retiring for the evening in an equally engaging hotel that can best be described as a mythical palace. The architectural bones of this space are nothing short of a heart-throb—and are brought to perfection by exquisite tastes in furniture and floral arrangements. Staying here made me feel like a Contessa returning to my lavish Palazzo!

4. Lake Placid Lodge – Lake Placid, New York

Very intimate public spaces that bring light to an Adirondack past filled with wildlife, rough hewn wood, vivid reds and greens, antlers, and a staggering view of Lake Placid that will make you question returning back to civilization. The hosts place wildflowers on the table settings and also provide a cozy blanket to those who choose to sit outside and view the lake. Just imagine—wrapping yourself in a sumptuous wrap while enjoying the crisp air. It is luxurious hunting lodge chic with stone fireplaces to match. What more could you want?

5. Crosby Street Hotel – New York, New York

I love the quirkiness of the decorating selections. The juxtaposition of traditional elements with wild colors and crazy artwork and accessories is just fun and refreshing! And after sitting for a relaxing drink at the bar, you may just stand only to question whether you are in a New York hotel or an art museum!

Each one of these luxury hotel lobbies is a reflection of the visual and cultural aspects of the surrounding environment—from the lighting and seating arrangements to the use of space and choice of materials. I employ the same philosophy in the lobby interior designs I create in New York City and the surrounding areas.

To view photos of my work, click here.

Thank you for reading,

— Marilyn

Sygrove Interior Design Services

You can reach Marilyn by email at hello@sygrove.com or call her directly at 212.757.0631.

Share This Article

by admin

Interior Design Project Kick-Off Meeting Goals: How to Start Your Project on the Right Foot

I find that the success of an interior design project; lobby, halls, facade, community room or private residence is closely tied into an overall “game plan”. So to call together all of the players before anyone lifts a hammer is crucial to the order of things leading to a smoothly orchestrated project.

Everything leading up to the start date should be put to bed; all of the design work completed, approved and competitively bid out. The selection of the general contractor and specialty subcontractors have been made, contracts signed, deposits paid and the work schedule has been coordinated among all of the parties.

We always recommend having a “kick-off”meeting at the jobsite. The team should include the property manager, building superintendent, project liaison, designer and the contractors. This introduction and “bonding time” is essential to success. It is the perfect time to establish the chain of command and the communication flow.

1. Establish spaces that workers can use to change their clothes, eat their lunch and use a bathroom facility.

2. Familiarize the entire team with the existing conditions and discuss any challenges. Walking through the project to review the logistics of moving residents, workers and materials in and out of the site safely on a daily basis is essential. For example, if a stone floor installation is part of the project scope, it is good for the Team to visualize the residents’ path during the course of the installation. Team generated solutions typically come out of this collaboration.

3. Work hours – noisy and quiet work will be discussed and worked out within the work day schedule.

4. Deliveries – anticipated dates and who will receive them. This can get tricky. An example would be items not purchased by the contractors which can included decorative light fixtures or wall covering. Sorting out whether the contractors’ workers or building staff will be lugging in things like the hallway light fixtures or wall covering.

5. Security – workers to sign-in and wear company t-shirts.

6. Communications and notification for residents – the property manager and superintendent will post information prior to all work in advance so that residents have notice.

7. Set up formal site meetings on a regular (weekly or every other week) to review work, problem solve, prepare “look ahead” notices for residents and generate meeting notes for attendees and others.

8. Confirmations – all certificates of insurance are correct and current, work schedules, and target dates are still up to date.

9.After years of large lobby and hallway design projects under my belt, I know that anticipation can really pay off.

If you have any questions on how to organize your Interior Design Kick Off Meeting, please feel free to send me an email.

Sygrove Interior Design Services

You can reach Marilyn by email at hello@sygrove.com or call her directly at 212.757.0631.

Share This Article

by admin

How This Designer Got Quoted in The Wall Street Journal!

Secretly (and not so secretly) I had always hoped that after years in a career of long hours, early morning meetings, night meetings, conference calls, stress and deadlines that one day I would get quoted in one of the main stream, worldwide circulation publications, like The Wall Street Journal. I’ve asked myself so many times – “how does this happen?”

It still amazes me that my business started before the internet became THE source for everything. We had a very basic website to show our work and how to contact us. Mistakenly, I thought that was all we needed and rarely updated our photos or freshened the look of the site itself. I had no headshot or any of the basics I have come to learn are critical when marketing yourself and your services.

Thankfully, during one of my breakfast get togethers (the rare time I have to socialize) with a friend of mine, I mentioned there seems to be this buzz about all of this new stuff on the internet and I needed to get with the program. My friend gave me the name of my now social media and marketing “guru”, Betsy Kent of BeVisible and the rest is history. Betsy got me mobilized – interviewed me, re-wrote the content of the new website, recommended a website designer and made sure that we were tracking who we were reaching through SEO (Search Engine Optimization). She helped me think like an expert! The things I took for granted are actually the things that people want to know.

What I learned is that our area of design filled a void in the interior design industry. Back in the 1980’s, rental buildings were being converted to cooperative buildings where residents had the opportunity to buy their apartments. No one was specifically designing the interior spaces of these buildings to enhance their marketability. I became the expert on designing lobbies, hallways, elevator cabs, facades, doorman stations, package closets which all stemmed from my experience in hotel design. It was a natural progression to multifamily dwellings with the exception of the client base. The new dimension was working for Boards and with Committees – a specialty unto itself…

I now find myself regularly consulting with my social media “guru” as well as my millennial son and Sygrove team members on how the world views us and what we do and what attracts them to our site. I have asked long term clients what makes Sygrove different. Building on this information is what I believe propelled the Sygrove name in front of a journalist who was writing an article about lobby storage space. Sygrove is the expert and the media quotes experts.

I believe it has been through our high work standards, industry reputation and the hard work keeping our website and social media presence fresh and current contributed to why The Wall Street Journal singled me out for a quote. As the saying goes…”hard work pays off.”

Sygrove Interior Design Services

You can reach Marilyn by email at hello@sygrove.com or call her directly at 212.757.0631.

Share This Article

by admin

Your Decorating Budget and 8 Sure Fire Tips to Get It Right!

Hands down….THE #1 question asked by our clients is “what should our design project cost?”

What I tell my clients is they must be clear about the project scope and the level of finish, furniture and materials they are willing to pay for. The amount of structural change will also have significant impact on costs. This would include building a larger package closet for all of those Amazon packages and weekend golf clubs, relocating the doorman station for better function and a security presence or changing the building entry façade.

We always visit the project site and prepare a Preliminary Budget Estimate. This is a menu of costs derived from years of experience with similar projects. Generally, these are numbers for construction related non-furniture/furnishings costs that are estimated with the help of a General Contractor. Examples of these costs would be the labor and materials to do painting, wall covering, flooring whether carpet, wood or tile, cabinetry, hardware, counter top materials supplied and installed, electrical work and any partition changes.

The following is a list of tips that will help you dot every “i” and cross every “t” when you do your fiscal planning for any upcoming interior design project.

Tips

1. Understand everything that is listed, what the costs are and why. If there are items named that you have never heard of before, don’t be shy – ask what they are!

2. Note anything that may have been over looked. Are your “wish list” items addressed?
Are there cost saving options and alternatives offered? These may help you make some of your decisions quickly.

3. Expiration date – how long will this budget be valid? Do you need time to consider the finances and scope to decide what you can afford? You don’t want to find out that the budget will change in 30 days. And if there isn’t an expiration date – ask for one!

5. Sales taxes and delivery charges – are these costs included? If not, they should be, so you have the complete picture.

6. Is there any additional material figured into the budget to keep on hand, just in case there is damage in the future? This is very important and very often over looked! We call this “attic stock”.

7. Designer Fees – is the budget clear so that you can easily identify labor charges, products costs and the Designer’s fee?

8. Contingency number – we always recommend that your budget have a “fudge factor” for those unforeseen site conditions or even some goodies you may want to add. Always add in a contingency figure so there are fewer surprises! Generally, 10% is a good number.

Need any help with any upcoming projects? I’d love to hear from you!

Sygrove Interior Design Services

You can reach Marilyn by email at hello@sygrove.com or call her directly at 212.757.0631.

Share This Article

by admin

4 Amazing Technology Tips For Interior Designers

Have you ever thought to yourself – I have all of these apps and new technology that are lots of fun, but is there a way I can put it to good use in my business or on a project? Well…You betcha!

When I first started out in the interior design business our tools included velum paper, graphite pencils, gum erasers, straight edges, scaled rulers and protractors. Well we know….much of that has fallen by the wayside. Now we have our computers with programs like AutoCAD (for drafting) and PhotoShop. Then it dawned on me that there is so much more out there. Apps that we are using daily to entertain or amuse ourselves can actually enhance our power to communicate with our Clients. They can also help us gather useful information that was difficult to access.

What on earth am I talking about? Here are a few examples:

PINTEREST: I actually find that there are some Clients who are just not visual. Though they see our portfolio and recognize good design, they appreciate access to instant ideas for what we have in mind for their project. It dawned on me that we can actually use Pinterest as a tool to start this conversation. I set up “boards” for the project and start “pinning” so that the Client can see actual examples of styles, colors or components we have in mind, instantly! I encourage our Clients to get into it by “pinning” images too. It’s like the modern day version of tear sheets I pulled out of decorating magazines. What is terrific is that these images can now be quickly and easily shared with a group. A dialog quickly develops. Sorry…can’t resist – “A picture is worth a thousand words”…

GOOGLE DRIVE: I take photos of so many things during the course of my week; some examples are “before photos” of projects, things that inspire me in a wide range of venues and even specific problem solving details for current or future projects. I download these photos into files that I label and share them with other Sygrove staff members and even Clients. It starts a dialog of creativity and gets the juices flowing.

“DRONE PROBES”: This one I learned from a Resident Manager. While I was at a jobsite I asked if he knew what was in the ceiling and how the existing air conditioning ductwork laid out. Did he know if there were beams that were not visible above the dropped ceiling? I was surprised to learn that he had devised a drone of his own by taking a toy remote controlled battery operated miniature car with a “Go Pro” and a light strapped to it. He would go up on a ladder and let his invention go into the ceiling so he could see obstacles and the clear spaces without doing unnecessary damage to the ceiling like boring several probe holes that would need to be repaired. Brilliant!

FACETIME: Though nothing equals direct design involvement or the feel of samples or seeing them in the actual space, but I find the FaceTime option gives those who cannot be in attendance a viable option to be involved. The entire presentation can be made while Clients who are inaccessible but who have computer access to be in “attendance”. In the case of working with a Design Committee or a Board, one of the greatest challenges is to find a date and time to meet. This gives us all more flexibility. We can share comments and feedback, questions and answers. FaceTime is a great way to keep a project moving forward.

I can’t wait to see what else is on the horizon. Do you know of any other common software or hardware that we can use? Would love to hear about it!

Sygrove Interior Design Services

You can reach Marilyn by email at hello@sygrove.com or call her directly at 212.757.0631.

Share This Article

by admin

Coop / Condo Lobby Redesign? 5 Surefire Ways to Avoid Disaster

If you own a coop / condo in New York City, you may have been in this situation. At your recent board meeting, a majority of the owners complained (again) that your lobby is not functional and looks so atrocious that it’s actually hurting the value of everyone’s most valuable asset – their apartments!

But even the thought of how to go about tackling a lobby project gives the board the heebie-jeebies! I understand the trepidation. After all, redesigning a lobby (often including hallways, elevator cabs, the mailroom, and more) seems like a monumental pain in the tush. But over the years, I’ve learned a multitude of tricks that I share with the board that make my projects go very smoothly. Here are my top five tips:

5 Tips to Keep Your Lobby Interior Design Project Running Smoothly

1. Keep Decorating Committee Numbers Small

The smaller the better. We suggest a committee size of no greater than a group of 7. The rule of thumb is the larger the group; the less chance for consensus and unity. Larger groups mean more chance for dissention and project delays. It has been proven that a like-minded smaller group is exceedingly more effective and productive.

2. Issue A Design Related Survey

A survey permits the opportunity for those residents who want to participate but cannot due to time constraints or the size of the committee to still be involved. Everyone should have an opportunity to participate in some fashion. We feel strongly that this is a “good neighbor policy” to keep the project inclusive.

3. Communicate! Communicate! Communicate!

Most unrest and disasters can be avoided if the board issues regular updates announcing all aspects of the project along the way. Some examples are:

Top lobby designers are presently being identified and the interview process is about to begin.
The design firm has been hired and more information to follow.
There will be a “Meet The Designer Night” so mark your calendars!
Surveys will be available for all of you who wish to participate in the design process.
The project plans and specs are being prepared with an expected construction start date to be announced.

4. A “Meet The Designer Night”

All residents deserve the opportunity to meet the selected designer. This gives a face to the project and allows the residents to ask questions, express their needs and opinions directly to the designer without being filtered by the board.

5. Present The Final Design In Advance

Have your design team present the FINAL design at a meeting for the residents. Often this is done at the annual meeting but a special meeting can be arranged. This gives residents the first hand opportunity to ask questions about the project, the logistics and how it will impact everyone’s lives.

Time and time again, we have found these 5 points to be critical to the emotional success of our projects. Can you afford to ignore them?

Sygrove Interior Design Services

You can reach Marilyn by email at hello@sygrove.com or call her directly at 212.757.0631.

Share This Article

by admin

Inclement Weather and Your Lobby – Interior Designer’s Top 3 Solutions for Rain and Snow!

It’s starting…the forecast is for rain, sleet, snow and if you are really lucky…all three!!! So out come your heavier coats, umbrellas, gloves and waterproof boots. Before you step out of your snug and warm homes you are already braced for the mess that you are about to face outside.

But what about your building’s lobby? What protection does it have against the elements that are dragged inside, such as moisture and salt?

Start outside!

Sidewalk Heating Elements

While making a treacherous sidewalk surface melt away, there is no better way to preserve your lobby than installing a heating element under your side walk. No need to shovel or use salts that are tracked inside your lobby (never mind how it pains your pooch!) Read more about it here. Even developers of new residential buildings are looking at this as a “building amenity.” So why be left behind?

Rain Runners aka Bad Weather Mats

Mats used correctly make for safe lobbies. Wet floors are a slippery hazard but bad weather mats are not intended to be down 100% of the time except where there are insets in the vestibule. Good weather watching practices allow staff to lay mats down at the appropriate times. The good news is that there are a variety of mats to choose from.

Here are some things to consider when choosing mats:

1. High + Low Nylon Textured Patterns:

The best type of mats to remove moisture, salt and grit have both a high and a low pile pattern. The height of the pile dries your foot covering. Grit scraps off and falls to the lower level.
These mats can be vacuumed and hosed down.
They can include your logo, addresses and sport interesting borders
They are available in a variety of colors

2. Cocoa Mats:

Cocoa Mats are made from all natural material, they look great but don’t wear as well as nylon mats.
Synthetic “cocoa” mats are available. They will wear better over time than natural mats but do not even come close in appearance
Can be used in conjunction with other matting

3. Inset Mats Versus “As Needed” Runners:

If your lobby is designed with recessed vestibule mats – be mindful of heights and thicknesses when replacing.
Runners should be selected based on the shapes, sizes and colors that compliment the interior.

4. Size, Weight + Backing:

Rubber-backed mats are lighter in weight than vinyl mats and can be more easily customized by size and color than vinyl mats
Vinyl backed mats are heavier than rubber-backed mats and are only available in specific sizes. They are generally less expensive than rubber mats
Mats can be specified with “pins” integrated into the backing for use over existing rugs or carpeting.

Tips on Umbrella Stands

Umbrella stands, though widely overlooked, are an important part of any lobby to avoid slipping accidents and water damage.

1. Make sure the stand is large enough to handle three to four umbrellas (some umbrellas have “legs”). Large golf umbrellas eat up space, so make sure the stand can accommodate them without tipping over.

2. Locate the umbrella stand away from existing wall covering and wood paneling yet convenient enough to entry doors. Moisture from umbrellas can damage wall surfaces. Keeping it close to the doorway will eliminate dangerous puddles all the way to the package closet where umbrellas are typically stored!

3. Attractive umbrella stands not only contain puddles but also give you another opportunity to accessorize your lobby for a more residential feel. Take a look at Houzz for stylish options.

Water Resistant Upholstery

Often at or near the building entry door is a bench so residents can wait comfortably for a cab or school bus. This bench is a vulnerable site for wet umbrellas and rain gear so plan in advance for this possibility. Here is a list of water resistant materials for your consideration:

1. Pleather: Pleather is a vinyl that is made to look like leather and requires little maintenance. This is perfect for lobby seating because it is water resistant and durable.

2. Upholstery Fabric: It is important to make sure your upholstery fabrics are easy to clean and have a protective barrier against water.

Now that you are armed with ways to protect your lobby from the mess of the season – Enjoy Your Winter Wonderland!

Some of our favorite mat resources:
Mats Inc., Van Gelder, Proform, Robert M. Weiss & Co.

For Pleather upholstery:
Ultrafabrics, Kravet, Arc Com

For Upholstery Fabric:
Sunbrella, Crypton

Sygrove Interior Design Services

You can reach Marilyn by email at hello@sygrove.com or call her directly at 212.757.0631.

Share This Article

by admin