Current Inspiration #15
Spring time is here and so is the latest edition of MAREDI.ism, our periodic newsletter!
As we continue to share what drives our inspiration with all of you, you will find some of the latest and exciting bits down below. Some things for you to discover include a new podcast to add to your list (rooted in a very personal mission near and dear to our hearts), the appliances that only dream kitchens are made of, a book you should seriously consider reading and a design tip everyone should implement. We’ve also included where MAREDI Design has been featured lately!
Read along and, as always, please share what has been inspiring you as of late.
See you down the Green Route
As some of you may have noticed over the years, we have been more intentional in our communication around sustainability and healthy interiors. It has always been a subject of personal passion for us, and we have been really thrilled to incorporate the principles of sustainable design into our practice. It has been a journey, from seeking out credentials and educational opportunities, to implementing learnings, criteria and benchmarks into our projects. There has been a lot of behind-the-scenes action, and the deeper we dove, the more we discovered. And then the thought occurred to us that perhaps from our own journey, there was something to be shared with others who might be curious and interested to learn more about sustainable living. So, we decided to create a platform for exactly that: a space where we can have conversations with experts, professionals, stakeholders, and trailblazers about what they are doing, the impact they are having, and how we can all draw inspiration from their actions. This is where the concept of our very own podcast was born! And so begins The Green Route with MAREDI Design.
The recording of Season 1 is currently underway, and we cannot wait to share it with all of you - official launch is planned for this summer 😎😱!
In the meantime, you can already subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform - We will see you down the Green Route!
German design made in France
When it comes to appliances, there is a plethora of options available with all sorts of techy features and unique elements to consider. The choices are endless and come with a wide range of investment options. On the high-end of the spectrum, one brand stands out with constant cutting edge and breakthrough innovation: Gaggenau.
At the beginning of the year, we had the opportunity to spend a day testing and using Gaggenau products in the Chicago showroom. And let us tell you, it never made more sense to invest in your kitchen appliances. From the combi-steam oven, to the full surface induction cooktop, to the downdraft ventilation, all of their products are crafted with incredible precision and efficiency while promoting this beautiful, sleek German design. We are definitely in the haute couture of kitchen equipment here, but as it is the case on the runways of Paris fashion week, it is an indicator of where the home appliance industry is headed. On our end, we walked out of this experience convinced that our dream kitchen will include Gaggenau appliances.
Dream of Countryfication
This book floated in our minds for some time, but it wasn’t until we were browsing the beautifully curated shelves of Landline general supply store in Paris last winter (more on this store very soon!) that we finally picked up our very own copy, en français. It is the perfect guide for anyone contemplating a move to countryside living. The three authors take us through everything to know before making the jump and what it takes to shed your urban living habits. Through real life examples and interviews with in-depth analysis, they highlight the pros and cons of exchanging big city life for the slow life à la campagne.
The country life is definitely not for everyone, but, no matter where you live, there is so much to take away from their experiences. And who knows, the Campagne dream might not be so farfetched!
Book available in French and in English
A Biophilic kind of design
This is a conversation that ignites deep passion within us, and it just so happens to be the hot-topic-of-the-moment both within and outside of the design world. With a focus on regenerative design and taking the time and care to create healthy interiors to promote wellness, we would be remiss to not emphasize how important biophilia is to this mission. Biophilic design is the concept of connecting humans to their inherent affinity for nature within the built environment. Our bodies are wired to thrive in nature and natural elements, which means that biophilic design is even more crucial in this moment as we are spending more time indoors than ever before. Some ways in which we can all consider and implement biophilic elements are through environmental features, natural shapes and forms, and light and space, to name a few. It really is rooted in being more attuned to the natural world, versus checking things off of a trivial list. Imagine the things that bring you a sense of rejuvenation - soaking in some sunlight, going for a walk or hike in nature, being surrounded by magnificent landscapes…biophilic design aims to replicate the positive psychological effects and physiological improvements that nature incites.
It can be as easy as enhancing natural light in your space by drawing attention to the sources of light (like large windows) and incorporating plants or dried flowers and vegetation, just as we did in our bridal atelier project (photo above).
NOUVEAUTÉ
You can now find us in the Remodelista Directory
We were recently featured in Forbes to share our thoughts on sustainable materials
We were recently featured in the Wall Street Journal’s Off Duty section to weigh in on the corduroy at home debate
Do you know that MAREDI Design has a Journal where we share our latest musings? Check out the latest entry here!