JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 7, 2009) – The perception of quality care and attention to detail will either be reinforced or contradicted by the visual appearance of a community and its interior spaces.  Sisler Johnston Interior Design understands the correlation between smart design and the perception of quality care.

Without spending a fortune, the aesthetics of smart design can provide the “million dollar” look without the cost.

“Smart design reinforces the perception of quality care,” said Judith Sisler Johnston, president of Sisler Johnston Interior Design and ASID Allied Member.  “A secondary benefit of smart design is that it contributes to the health and well-being of both residents and staff.”

Studies show beautiful surroundings increase self-esteem, pride, emotional and physical well-being.  They provide a therapeutic environment and increase quality of life.

Understanding the principles of smart design and its relationship to the perception of quality care makes it possible to look at cost-effective design elements within a long-term care community.  Whether for new construction or an existing community renovation, the design should communicate the message of quality care.

Materials and finishes provide a foundation for luxurious surroundings.  In resident rooms, for example, specifying a product like the new Johnsonite “Millworks” as base molding will combine the upscale look of wood base with the durability of vinyl.  When it comes to tile,

Sisler Johnston recommends working with suppliers who provide products for the residential housing markets.  Residential tile products often have the same ratings as commercial tiles and come bundled in high fashion colors and style groups with floor, wall and accent tile coordinates packaged together at a competitive price.  

The residential marketplace offers many ideas for smart design solutions.  When selecting interior doors, stop using a six-panel colonial door when a more fashionable style can be purchased for the same price.  Instead of selecting plate glass mirrors clipped to the wall in resident room baths, the same dollars will buy imported framed decorative mirrors. 

The deliberate use of color is another element of smart design.  Paint is an inexpensive way to bring accents into a room or area.  Consider it for the bed wall in the resident room.  Coordinate the color with the flooring or paint the bed wall a deeper neutral shade to highlight the area.

The effective use of lighting is the third element of smart design and another area where crossover products from residential manufacturers are useful in lending cutting-edge design at affordable prices.  Consider multiple lighting sources which include daylight, solar, tubular skylights, recessed, pendant, sconce and decorative fluorescent.  Most products carry the energy-star rating for energy efficiency.

Another element of smart design is layering in details.  Do people notice details?  According to Sisler Johnston, an emphatic yes.  Research indicates the eye is capable of sending
up to two million impulses to the brain every second.  Details make lasting impressions.

The resourceful use of furnishings is the icing on the cake of smart design.  No longer is procurement limited to commercial manufacturers.  Residential design companies also producefurniture and fabrics that meet commercial standards.  These styles and collections are the same as those seen in luxury homes and fine hotels, and can be purchased in volume at a cost savings.

Smart design is an effective way to communicate the message of quality care.  Design elements, such as materials, finishes, color, lighting, attention to detail and furnishings, can work together to reinforce this message.  Additionally, it can be a wise investment to hire a market experienced designer who understands how to achieve the perception of quality care through design without an upgraded cost. 

A licensed, market experienced interior designer is skilled at creating environments that contribute to the well being of residents and staff while meeting the goals of the community development expansion or renovation.

Sisler Johnston Interior Design offers comprehensive interior design services for commercial and residential clients.  The company specializes in marketable designs for active adult and continuing care senior lifestyle communities.  Sisler Johnston Interior Design also designs community centers, builder model homes, private residences, hotel guest accommodations and office suites.

Judith Sisler Johnston, president of Sisler Johnston Interior Design, is an allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), the United States Green Building Council (USGBA), and is a Certified Green Professional (CGP).  She is Florida’s leading authority on designing spectacular environments that are inspiring, functional and contribute to the wellness and self-esteem of their
occupants.  Sisler Johnston and the company’s team of licensed, talented designers work with clients to enhance their surroundings with designs that range from traditional elegance to contemporary classic.

Sisler Johnston’s design work has been featured in numerous books, newspapers, magazines and television programs.  The company has worked with clients throughout Florida for over 25 years and received more than 100 industry awards.

For more information about Sisler Johnston Interior Design, call (904) 288-0908 or visit www.sislerjohnston.com

Photography:

1. Studies show that beauty in our surroundings provides a therapeutic environment and increased quality of life, as seen at Fleet Landing’s Windward Commons amenity center.
   
   
2. Even in secondary areas like arts and crafts, details do matter and can be affordably expressed in window treatment designs.
   
   
3. One of the features Sisler Johnston Interior Design modified was the lifestyle wall, which was constructed mostly of drywall and paint.  It is used as a showcase entertainment wall in Sweetwater by Del Webb for Pulte Homes.