Apartment Building Hallway Trends - What's New Now?
Hallway Trends
As a hallway interior designer for the past 40 years, I have definitely witnessed a wide variety of trends taking shape. But I haven’t solely noticed shifts in popular colors and patterns over the years—I’ve also seen building Boards change their outlook on the improvements they’re willing to make in order to enhance a property’s value altogether.
When I first started out in the business, buildings generally addressed paint, wall coverings, lighting, and signs—nothing more. However, I have seen many new focus areas emerge in recent years, which I’m outlining below.
FIRST
An expanded focus on electricity and energy savings.
The advent of new lighting technology, along with the introduction of energy efficiency ratings, has caused the landscape to change dramatically.
SECOND
Door hardware that is more accessible.
The increase of new construction has led to an increase in requests for ADA-compliant door levers that also make it easier for injured or elderly residents to enter and exit their apartments, compactor rooms and stairwells without having to turn a knob.
THIRD
More luxurious looking elevator landings.
Making elevator landings or “foyers” look special is a significant trend. This may involve a simple console and mirror or more elaborate ceiling coves with LED strip lighting and hard surface flooring; regardless, this area signifies to a resident that they are almost home.
FOURTH
Soothing looking ceilings.
There has been a rise in PVC crown cable moldings that complement hallway designs and conceal unsightly cords. Buildings with larger budgets may feature a minimally dropped ceiling with slim profile LED downlights and access panels strategically located so that cable wires can be accessed. Thus, the ceilings are clean, consistent, and soothing to the eye.
FIFTH
Enhanced signage.
In the past, hallway signage was always pretty basic brass plaques and there wasn’t much room for creativity. Now, an array of materials, fonts and textures as well as cut out letters can be used to make signage appear unique in each building.
Overall, buildings are becoming more responsive to external trends, allowing spaces to become more current and chic. What upgrades have you witnessed over time?
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.
What is Inspiring Me At the Moment
What is Inspiring Me At the Moment
As a creative, I am always eager to learn how others stay inspired, but today, I’m here to share what is inspiring me at the moment. Truthfully, I find that I am inspired almost everywhere I look. Being a visual learner and a designer, I am always noticing inspiring color palettes to incorporate in my NYC lobby design as well as in my hallway design schemes, in particular.
Today, for example, I was visiting our local gourmet supermarket and found the vegetable selections and display absolutely inspiring. For example, the colors of the aubergine (eggplant) and the variety of lettuce colors (fresh greens with subtle reds) can inspire upholstery hues for the lobby as well as hallway design scheme colors. Then, the Romanesco cauliflower’s collections of spirals and delicate peaks led me to think of intricate lobby carpet patterns that will hide daily wear and tear. And carrots and fingerling potatoes both come in an array of unusual colors that are so appealing and visually interesting and inspiring.
In New York City, I’m inspired by the Gilded Age mansions that have been converted to museums and hotels, oozing with deep rich woods and saturated colors. These spaces are so timeless and sophisticated. When I spot the spectacular moldings and carvings on the walls and ceilings, I’m always eager to take reference photos for our lobby design and hallway design work, and I encourage my team members to do they same when they’re equally enchanted by something. Even in my day to day life in NYC, I’m awe-struck by building architecture, tile patterns, carved limestone, wrought iron door patterns, hardware, retail store windows, eyeglasses, jewelry…it’s all eye candy to me!
I also find inspiration in nature. Early morning mist mutes the landscape in a way that is so elegant and understated. Ice “sketches” on a pane of glass allow for a contrast between cool blue grays and darker background colors. This contrast, as well as the organic shapes that take place, lead me to think of carpet patterns once again. I am also in awe of the sunrises and sunsets I experience as I drive in and out of the city at dusk and dawn, which are filled with salmons, blues, golds, smoke, lavender and get my interior design juices flowing. With these remarkable and awe inspiring natural color palettes, how can I not be inspired at every turn I take?
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.