Author: Nicole Gottschall

LOUD & QUIET
Loud colours are bright colours. Such colours have a high saturation and are usually very bright. Examples of bright colours are pink, bright red, bright yellow or bright turquoise. These colours immediately attract attention and are often used in fashion, advertising or design to achieve strong visual effects. Quiet colours are muted colours. Muted colours are usually less saturated and can be created by adding grey, black or white. Examples of muted colours are beige, taupe, olive green, grey-blue or burgundy red. Such colours are often used in interior design to create an elegant, classic or calming atmosphere.

RELAXING AND CREATIVE COLOURS
It is generally assumed that cold colours are calming. They are said to reduce blood pressure and pulse, which leads to faster relaxation. However, it has also been found that pale colours (watery and bright) are particularly relaxing. There is even the ‘Baker Miller pink’ colour that is used in prison cells to calm down particularly unruly inmates – there are even ‘Barbie rooms’ in the high security wing in Bern.
Perhaps the trend towards rose and pink in interior design is due to the rather aggressive global times? The relaxing colours also include peach. Pantone has proclaimed ‘Peach-Fuzz‘ as the colour of the year this year!

GREIGE AND ‘SAD BEIGE’
Greige (pronounced ‘gräsch’), the mixture of grey and beige, is a peaceful basic tone that adds harmony to any room. Its soft, velvety appearance allows walls to fade into the background and softens contrasts in the room.
There is a lot of excitement on social media at the moment, as ‘sad beige‘ has gained a reputation for being boring and sad. This certainly applies to rooms such as children’s rooms, for example, where bright colours (toys etc.) are intended to stimulate cognitive thinking.
However, a nice mixture of beige and grey and the use of contrasts always looks elegant, timeless, tidy and harmonious.

MY SECRET TIPS:

Changing spatial perception with colours? It works!
The darker a wall is painted, the closer it appears. This also means that the spatial experience can change completely, namely from wide and airy to dense and cosy.
This makes particular sense if rooms feel ‘too big’ or if the quality of the space is to be improved in the direction of more relaxation and contemplation.
In keeping with the times, walls are no longer painted white, but are given a matching base colour such as eggshell, sand or greige. The rooms still feel fresh and bright, but radiate a gentle warmth. If door frames, doors and high plinths are left lighter in colour than the walls, the result is a timeless vibrancy. Ceiling colours are currently in vogue – why does a ceiling always have to be white? Ceilings in the same colour as the walls create an intuitive cave-like feeling (and we humans originally come from caves). The feeling of space becomes even more intense if the ceilings are painted a darker colour than the walls – you literally create a roof over your head ( shelter ).

NO WILD PATTERNS!
We perceive 80% of our surroundings with our eyes (I will come to the 20% in further hacks). In concrete terms, this means that the bedroom also has an effect on us when we go to bed. Colours in the bedroom should be calm and harmonious – I love dark colours in bedrooms! Reduce wild patterns (sorry to all duvet cover manufacturers with funny patterns) and use calm colours. Ask yourself what you see when you wake up. The first thing you see in the morning should inspire you for the day – a beautiful picture, a console with things that bring you joy or even a positively supportive wallpaper. The room should feel cosy and protective – it should invite you to relax and calm your mind.

MAKE IT DARK!
Our bodies are programmed to associate darkness with sleep and lightness with wakefulness.
Sudden light in the dark can upset our hormone balance and prevent us from falling asleep again.
Nightlights with indirect light can help you to avoid falling asleep when you go to the toilet at night.
Disturbing light sources at night can be incident street light, fire alarm diodes, electronic alarm clocks or chargers. Receivers of devices also usually have this little light that follows you to sleep.
Wherever light can penetrate, there is a potential interference zone: external blinds do not seal properly, curtains do not close the side angles of incidence, the light from the corridor comes through under the door…

REDUCE!
A study has found that people with an untidy home have a higher level of cortisol (stress hormone) in their blood; Marie Kondo, the Japanese tidy-up godmother, has also taken advantage of this. If the home was tidy, the people tested were able to switch off better and therefore fall asleep better!
Clutter and disorganisation disturb our mind, as our brain tends to perceive things unconsciously and deal with them intuitively and associatively ( Neuroscience, cognitive system 1 ). Reduce clutter and tidy up what doesn’t belong in the bedroom. Also avoid objects and pictures with strong emotional content or super intense colours. The bedroom should radiate peace and security.

MY SECRET TIPS:

Have you ever heard of pillow sprays?
Pillow sprays were developed to cover the pillow with ethereal fragrances to make it easier to fall asleep. Fragrances arouse emotions and have a direct effect on our limbic system (the area of the brain responsible for our feelings and moods), but they also have an effect on the hippocampus, the seat of our memory and thus our recollections. So if you apply some scented oil to your pillow every evening before going to bed, your body will remember over time that it’s bedtime and you will be able to wind down more quickly.
The room and bed temperature is a decisive factor in giving your body the relaxation it needs during the night. A normal waking temperature in the room is around 20°, the sleeping temperature should be around 18° (not taking into account regional and individual preferences). You can either turn down the heating or use cooling bedding materials; the easiest way is with cooling nightwear: try the nightgowns and pyjamas from the Swiss label ‘Dagsmejan’ – with their special high-tech fibres, they ensure good perspiration and cool at the same time – sustainable, ethical and 100% made in Europe.

OPERATE THE SAUNA FROM THE SKI SLOPE?

The possibilities of digitalisation are fuelling smart home concepts.
The benefit of this should not be the complex connectivity and associated control, but the added value for us residents. As health takes centre stage in buildings and urban planning, our living spaces and homes will also undergo a profound transformation to prioritise well-being. As a result, sales of private wellness facilities such as saunas and steam showers have exploded.
The Global Wellness Institute mentions in its Trend No.8 – Home as Highest-Tech Health Hub – that 95% of consumers believe that their home influences their health and 73% consider their health to be a decisive factor when choosing their next home.
GWS The future of Wellness / Trends 2024

DO YOU LIVE ACCORDING TO YOUR CIRCADIAN RHYTHM?

The goal of circadian lighting design is to work in harmony with our internal clock, this is done by providing ample daylight or, when daylight is not available, modulating the intensity, spectrum and colour of electric light in symbiosis with the natural light cycle. This harmony should increase occupant comfort and productivity and create a healthier visual environment and experience. Changing the colour temperature also has a psychological benefit on a subconscious level because it strengthens the connection to nature.

FRAGRANCE TOUCHES OUR SENSES

Even a subtle whiff of a fragrance in the air triggers our memories, directs our emotions and determines our well-being. Room fragrances significantly characterise the atmosphere of an environment and influence our state of mind and well-being. Essential oils have a wide range of effects. Depending on the plant, they can have a relaxing, revitalising or refreshing effect. They can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, fight colds, relieve cramps, increase concentration, stimulate sensuality and sexuality and much more. How about using a fragrance on your next date to positively influence the outcome of the date?

The effect of essential oils on emotion regulation is due to their chemical components, which penetrate the limbic system of the brain. This system regulates our moods, emotions and motivations as well as our behaviour. Aromas that enter the brain via our nose stimulate the nervous system and release hormones. Certain scents can lift our mood, while others leave us feeling gloomy.

DO YOU KNOW REVOLTAB?

The revoltab solution combines premium design, the latest Swiss technology, intelligent diffuser control, efficient maintenance methods, revolutionary “as a service” purchase models and inspiring room fragrances.
https://revoltab.com

www.prado.eu
We are delighted to be able to offer new solutions in the field of concealed components with Prado. Solutions for ventilation, motion detectors as well as integrated switches and cameras have convinced us. The material components fit convincingly into our interior design.

CONCLUSION

Connectivity and digitalisation are megatrends that will last for decades to come and will continue to develop in many dynamic sub-trends. For society, this means adapting and integrating new experiences from technology into everyday life. The human brain is so adaptable that our synapses will reconnect – a study has just been published showing that the use of smartphones does not make us dumber, but that memory performance is improved by digital memory aids ( University College London 2024 ).

Developments in industry will increasingly move towards total networking – people should see these achievements as a help in everyday life. The good thing is that human values, emotions and sensuality will become more valued in a digital world. Being human is characterised by sensory perceptions that cannot be faked by any AI. If we celebrate the exchange and connection with each other, we will strengthen our humanity and perhaps ‘rewired’ into completely new dimensions.

The magic of fire
The view of the flames and their warm light help us to forget the stress of everyday life and find peace.

In Switzerland, there are around 500,000 fireplaces, chimneys and Swedish stoves in local households – not including all outdoor chimneys and the very trendy outdoor kitchens with open barbecues.

Fireplaces are not only valued for their additional heat output, they are also the epitome of cosiness and security and promote social interaction.
They slow you down with their calming effect and are therefore the best stress reducer!

Candles
The flame as a symbol is historic and ancient – often used in a religious and spiritual context.
Today, a candle flame often symbolises romance and mindfulness in the private sphere and devotion, community and the feeling of being protected in faith. Candlelight can also be comforting, with light we feel we are in good company. Candlelight is peace.
Did you know that candles should be stored in the freezer to keep them burning for longer? And if candles drip, soaking them in salt water overnight can help?

Lanterns
Lanterns and lanterns (also known as hurricanes) are particularly beautiful when placed in groups.
Glass or wickerwork, which refract the light, look particularly elegant. If you are not looking directly into the flame, battery-operated LED candles can also be used. Rechargeable batteries or LED candles with a USB connection are already available on the market in the interests of sustainability.

My insider tip:
Fireplaces are usually built with clinker bricks – in earlier times these were always light-coloured. However, fire tends to build up soot on the inside walls. This quickly makes the fireplace look unattractive and uncleaned. Therefore, use heat-resistant spray in black to spray the rear walls. This will increase the effect of the fire immensely!

Investment Building or buying is a unique moment in life for many. Often not recurring. So one puts many of one’s wishes and future expectations into the new home. All wishes remain the same: it should bring happiness.

Zeitgeist
In the past, home ownership was realised with a view to resaleability. Today, sustainable thinking has taken hold and plans are being made for the next generations within the family or clan.
It is no longer about representation, but rather about meaning and heart.
The multigenerational house in miniature.

Paradigm 1
( Paradigm = world view or doctrine ) The common view in the real estate sector before Corona was to increase the value. In practice, this meant investing only where you could get the franc back out.
The practice was to hire an architect
and then, if you still had money left over, to ask an interior designer to make the whole thing ‘nice and homely’.

Paradigm 2
Before Corona, living was often associated with representation.
The appearance sometimes took a back seat to the need.
The shell was more important than the content; time was spent thinking about an investment for the bank account and not about increasing the quality of life. So many functional things that make life easier for different generations have disappeared; I’m thinking of the ‘kitchen’ as the focal point of life with an integrated dining area instead of the stately table for guests.

What is the paradigm shift now?
(Paradigm shift = change in attitude to life – e.g. concerning fundamental values).
Owner-occupied real estate is passed on to the next generations and is no longer considered an investment per se. Therefore, sustainable thinking is required to meet the economic and energy developments of the next decades (photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, insulation, sustainable building materials, etc.).
Living space is being functionally thought through for all age groups and their needs. The focus is on multifunctionality and adaptability. Prestige disappears.
It should still be beautiful. Interior space is valued more highly.

My secret tip: Fast Furniture was yesterday!
Choose favourite pieces that you would also bequeath to the next generation and that bring you joy every day. And they may even cost a little more. Sustainability also applies to living; take your time when choosing. Beautiful things are not found at the push of a button, but usually you find one – or we find them for you!

Japandi means the fusion of a Japanese furnishing style with Scandinavian living culture. Light meets dark and clean meets haptic. Emptiness meets space, reduction meets contrast – respect meets aesthetics….

Zeitgeist
Society is changing. External events and challenges give rise to the desire for a calm and safe home – a place of retreat for oneself and one’s loved ones. Restlessness and overstimulation of the senses should please stay outside.
External clarity enables inner focus.

Reduction
Focus on the essential – the reduced aesthetics of the Japanese living style meets the unagitated and straightforward furnishing style from Scandinavia. Less is more – and the little should be beautiful, but functional at the same time. Japandi leaves space for things and thus creates spatial emptiness and reducedness, which liberates the interior and gives it room to breathe.
But it also means creating order – not only since Marie Kondo has it been known how soul-cleansing cleaning out can be.

Colours
Both styles hardly use patterns – the use of neutral colours offer relaxation for the eye and the senses. Nevertheless, Japandi is extremely lively due to the contrasting materials. Japanese woods tend to be dark ( rosewood, walnut, wenge or dark lacquered woods ) mostly natural – Scandinavian woods are light, birch, maple or beech. Bleached oak can also be used. The colour scheme leans on nature and uses a lot of beige – brown – black.

Décor
Here, too, the rule in Japandi is: less is more!
Decorations are used very sparingly and follow the Japanese wabi-sabi: they are allowed to be a little imperfect, but at the same time they must be highly functional. Decorative elements such as pampas grass, branches or solitary plants create a connection to nature and enhance sensuality.

My secret tip: Fast Furniture was yesterday!
Choose favourite pieces that will stay with you for a long time and give you pleasure every day. They may even cost a little more. Sustainability also applies to living; take your time when choosing. Beautiful things are not found at the push of a button, they usually find you.

Acoustics, lights, haptics, and colours play the main parts in the creation of environments in which we are and “feel well”. These components should then be combined to convey an overall picture of harmony.

Acoustics
Textiles can be used to noticeably improve the acoustics in a room. Contemporary architecture often uses large glass surfaces or many windows. Choosing such a “cool” material certainly had advantages, but it does not absorb sound. Curtains would then be the first solution to remedy this situation. Soft textiles and medium to high-pile carpets also contribute to absorb sound. Adding large and inviting sofas are another good option.

Light
Create some islands of light. Of course, there is no need to go for a full illumination everywhere in your home but opting for relaxing and atmospheric light effects is a good choice. I prefer recommending functional light (meaning permanently installed items) as well as emotional light such as decorative lamps that reflect your personal style.

Haptics
From the Greek haptόs: “suitable to be touched.”
Where would we be without our tactile perceptions? Materials allow and invite us to be touched, thus enhancing the quality of all things visual. A material described as “beautiful” often holds the quality of its natural origin. Such decorative pieces enrich living environments enormously and increase the feel-good and sensuality factors.

Colours
Each material also has a colour!
Materials and painted or lacquered colours must merge into a unified entity, but they can also contrast here and there. A rule of thumb: keep permanent surfaces such as cupboards and wall covering in timeless tones. Walls that can be painted over as well as accessories can add dashes of other colours. A few coloured cushions and tea lights can be all it needs…

My secret tip: materials should be combined as old and new.
Sensuality and warmth emanate from the contrast of the two. Complement your living environment with cheerful and positively charged individual pieces that touch and please your heart. Unconsciously, these objects have already been accompanying you in your everyday life, spread a subliminal positive energy that nourishes each of your living spaces.

Interior design should always offer solutions to a current problem: the Swifel Chairs offer the user new possibilities in the room and visually round off a sofa landscape.

Especially for the coming autumn, the swivel armchairs are a beautiful addition to any living room and a retreat for cooler days.

SANTA MONICA LOUNGE by Poliform
From approx CHF 4900.-
More info over info@go-interiors.ch

So comfortable and convenient – and also extremely practical.

Swifel Chair CLARISSA by Eichholtz
From approx CHF 2400.-
More info over info@go-interiors.ch

My insider tip: Swivel lounger island with many cushions in 3 sizes. Diameter 100 or 120 cm and for the whole family with diameter 150 cm.

BAMBOO swivel island by PH Collection
From approx CHF 3800.-
More info over info@go-interiors.ch