Up on the blog this week it's all about the design for the multi-family dwelling. As someone who has spent a log of time apartment-hunting, the process can feel like a complete blur. Over the years, I've looked at apartment after apartment, and in some ways it felt like I was looking at the same run down space over and over again. Beautiful amenities, a patio with a nice view, and brand new appliances were not the norm.
Here in Philadelphia prospective residents now have an overwhelming number of options when they are choosing where to live. These properties primarily market in the same manner, showing off similar amenities and offerings as ten other properties within a mile radius. So what becomes the deciding factor for the prospective resident? Maybe price, location or reviews. But what if a property truly differentiated itself from competitors? That requires a little help from an interior designer, specificity, and effort, but it’s well worth it.
Photo Cred: Pinterest
Separating multi-family properties from others in the market will result in happier residents, lower marketing costs, and a smoother lease-up process. Here are some of interior design ideas to make your property stand out.
OUTDOOR SPACE
Outdoor spaces are the new lobby. One of the most sought-after features in a dwelling is an appealing outdoor space. In multifamily developments, that space often takes the form of a shared courtyard, rooftop terrace, or pool area. Smart developers seek to design amenities that provide a full outdoor living experience, with the living space seamlessly flowing from indoors to outdoors, similar to a single-family home. In addition, private outdoor spaces have always been desired, but the pandemic has made them critical.
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OPEN SPACE WITH ZONES
The pandemic drastically altered the lifestyles of residents, now spending more time than ever in their homes. Space once reserved for common after-hours amenities is now being reimagined to accommodate 24/7 living. Although this year’s outlook has brightened with the surge in vaccines, many designs are being penciled with coronavirus safety protocols in mind. The shift in planning is centering on a subtle balance between social distancing and engagement.
Inside, wide-open spaces are being broken up by creative partitioning and cozy conversation pits are spreading into semi-private sections that encourage socializing. Outside, green space is expanding to tantalize residents’ culinary preferences and physical and mental health without crowding.
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OUTSIDE FOOD AND BEVERAGE
The amenity-driven apartment building has grown up dramatically in recent years. What began as a means of creating enticing novelty features associated with the small scale apartment living, has since matured into a sophisticated set of services and branding measures that allows buildings, property managers, and tenants to distinguish themselves from one another. In the process, today’s Multi-family dwellings blend the best of residential, hospitality, and co-working features into a desirable contemporary work and lifestyle setting. Many lobbies now include cafes, bars, and little grocery stores for convenience to the residents. I see this trend continuing but with more space for residents to sit and breathe as well as more durable, wipe-able and anti-microbial finishes.
A UNIQUE FITNESS SPACE
Fitness spaces at the hottest multi-family developments go way beyond the usual ellipticals, treadmills and stationary bikes. Instead, these areas now have saunas, steam rooms and even spa services. Likewise, separate rooms are common in the best developments, where residents can take a Pilates class, CrossFit or spinning. We often get asked to design a beautifully serene space just for yoga or stretching.
Whatever the amenities might be, the space must be thoughtfully and artfully designed. It's about going beyond the typical wall of mirrors and neutral color pallets seen in gyms everywhere. A Fitness Center is a great place for a bold, inspiring statement. This can be accomplished with some texture, like decorative metalwork or interesting tiling.
Rendering by Delia Designs
CURATED EXPERIENCES
In order to set themselves apart, a new generation of developers/building owners is pushing this idea of hospitality. These owners are exploring new types of partnerships to develop unique, curated experiences that become the custom calling card of a property. Collaborations with restaurateurs, artists, musicians, and fitness experts, to name a few, is leading to a new tier of amenities that result in a sophisticated set of experiences. In turn, the structure of the community complements a resident's lifestyle, allowing them to be their most productive self whether working from home or not. The apartment dweller is looking for the community to meet all of their needs. Getting coffee in the morning, taking a workout class after work, grabbing a bite to eat, getting groceries and even getting a hair cut.
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