PROJECT

DESCRIPTION

This project is a renovation of the lobby of a high-end condo that has been standing for 50 years. As the residents are particularly fond of the original large-scale continuous tile design, the client explicitly requested that this element be retained in the new design. They also rejected the use of decorative wall panels, citing their shorter lifespan (10-20 years) compared to tiles, which can last up to 50 years. Additionally, the client wished to create a "high-end and grand" atmosphere through a uniquely designed ceiling. Regarding the design style, there was a split among the residents, with some preferring tiles with bold textures, while others leaned towards a minimalist style. The designer balanced both preferences by selecting tiles with subtle textures for large areas and incorporating tiles with more pronounced patterns in specific sections. This, combined with the use of lighting strips, enhanced the visual effect, satisfying the desire for bold textures while ensuring overall harmony and balance in the design.
To ensure that the design remains timeless over the next 50 years, the interior designer drew inspiration from natural landscapes, adopting a design that incorporates timeless and nature-inspired elements. By mimicking tones and materials found in nature, such as wood, stone, and botanical patterns, the designer created a sense of harmony and balance that allows the space to maintain its classic and elegant appeal over time. This nature-inspired approach not only enhances the comfort of the space but also ensures it stays visually appealing despite changing trends, avoiding the risk of becoming quickly outdated.
1. Creation of Depth: To enhance the texture's three-dimensional effect, the designer applied a concave-convex technique on the main walls on both sides of the lobby. By slightly protruding tiles with subtle textures and adding lighting strips on both sides, the unique characteristics of the stone-textured tiles are accentuated, enriching the space's sense of depth and three-dimensionality.
2. Spatial Extension: To meet the client's desire for a spacious and bright environment, the designer employed the concept of extension. Vertical designs were incorporated into the main wall, and stripe tiles with a wood grain texture were selected to reinforce the vertical extension, creating a taller and more expansive visual effect.
3. Lighting Design: Thoughtfully designed lighting effects were added to the main wall, ceiling, and decorative plants. The ceiling features a recessed design, with hidden lighting strips used to enhance the brightness and openness of the space. The decorative planters incorporate outdoor lighting elements from landscape design, creating an eye-catching visual focal point while producing a rich interplay of light and shadow throughout the space.
Sustainability
Aside from the ceiling, all materials used are Anatolia tiles. Anatolia is a well-known high-end tile brand based in Toronto. Anatolia promotes sustainability by manufacturing durable, low-maintenance materials, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thereby minimizing long-term environmental impact.
Anatolia's porcelain tiles embody eco-friendly manufacturing and long-lasting use. First, Anatolia's porcelain tiles are made from natural materials and offer exceptional durability, which reduces the need for frequent replacements, minimizing resource waste and carbon footprint. Additionally, Anatolia optimizes its production process to reduce energy consumption and waste, while the low-maintenance nature of their products helps decrease the use of chemicals, further supporting environmental sustainability.
Moreover, Anatolia's porcelain tiles have excellent thermal conductivity, which can effectively improve energy efficiency. Through these green practices, the designer's choice not only meets environmental standards but also satisfies the high demands of modern interior design in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
For the ceiling, the designer opted for Benjamin Moore paint to ensure sustainability, as their products have low volatile organic compounds (VOC), contributing to reduced indoor air pollution and improving the healthiness of the living environment. Benjamin Moore's Aura series paint is not only environmentally friendly but also offers outstanding durability and color performance, ensuring both aesthetics and functionality. By using these high-performance paints, the designer reduces long-term environmental impact while meeting the client's requirements for green building and interior design. This choice also helps lower maintenance costs and reduces the need for frequent repainting, achieving a more sustainable design.