Now that it’s almost summertime, we should all let ourselves indulge in a little daydreaming. Though picturing yourself sunning on a remote Hawaiian beach and picnicking in Yosemite National Park are certainly fantasy-worthy, what about imagining yourself experiencing some fantastic interior environments too” 
Here are a few design concepts that have tickled my fancy, not only because they are aesthetically pleasing, but because they are quite useful as well. Functional + Decorative = Win-Win.
Yard Work: Who doesn’t dream of working in a serene space” Chucking the commute and the cubicle by working at home sounds appealing, but home offices aren’t as always as desirable as they might seem. Lack of space, hungry children, and pets lacking any kind of work ethic tend to present problems. So “get away” in your own backyard by installing a customized, pre-fabricated garden office. Large windows allow you to admire blooms instead of avoiding your boss, and all of the natural light will make you that much more productive.
Beautiful Loos: The ugliest part of any city is most likely its public restrooms. If you think about it, it really doesn’t make sense that a function so significant to every person’s day-to-day is usually such a nauseating experience. Those days are numbered if this idea of stylish WCs – created by the luxury-loving French – catches on. While in Paris and in proximity to 26 Champs-Elysées, escape the germy masses and opt for high-concept toilets by parting with a mere Euro. A small price to pay for your physical – as well as mental – health, no”
Fast Food: People love for their meals to be convenient, but it’s usually the same old fare, most of it laden with grease. So a New Yorker has cleverly revived an old idea for a new age: an old-fashioned Automat for the 21st century. Dig out your spare change, place your coins in one of the many slots and – voila! – enjoy anything from healthy Asian-inspired dishes to more nostalgic fare like mac & cheese. It’s fast fun food.
There’s no telling what you’ll dream up this summer. Hopefully we’ll be writing about it this time next year.
Laura McDonald, ASID / IIDA
Interior Designer / Founder
laura@plinthandchintz.com
