Truly inspired design is achieved with attention to detail. Architecture that reflects the history of the buildings in an area and the surrounding landscape feels approachable. Interiors designed with materials that complement the exterior façade offer a sense of cohesiveness. Spaces that are planned to meet the distinct needs of residents, families and staff, function well and put people at ease. Every detail counts. And art is like an exclamation point. It punctuates a space and takes a well-designed interior to another level.

“Art has such an impact on a project. It really brings a space to life.” —Kimberly Hyduke, Partner | MDP

Art is a layer of detail that adds color and dimension as well as communicates messages, creates a sense of arrival or provides wayfinding cues. From photographs and paintings to sculptures, murals and mobiles, art punctuates moments, encourages a sense of discovery and transforms spaces into experiences.

Hyduke applauds the work of exceptional art consultants and their ability to complement everything interior designers do. She is especially complementary of the work of Marghe Means from The Project House. Means was part of the creative team on MDP’s Artisan at Hudson project with SageLife. This senior living community is the perfect example of how art brings a space to life.

“Marghe understands the client’s mission, works well with designers and really comprehends the different levels of care in senior living,” describes Hyduke.

“I have worked with SageLife for over 15 years, and with every project we get better and better,” says Means. “They challenge me to do something new and different at each community. They understand that art gives a space its personality.”

For Means, great art creates character and brings all of the elements of a space together. She thinks about where the space is and who uses it and then curates a collection. She believes the right selections create a bridge from one space to the next and an overall cohesiveness and feeling of connectivity. For healthcare and senior living environments, Means looks for pieces that infuse warmth and accessibility.

The power of art is especially evident in the Memory Care households at Artisan at Hudson. Means integrated a collection of tactile pieces to engage residents’ senses. From pieces that are shiny, bright and colorful to installations that encourage touch and even have musical elements, the art supports exploration and entices residents to engage in a journey around their environment.

While the selections for the Memory Care households were meant to encourage hands-on interaction, the art throughout the remainder of the community also had specific intentions. The voluminous lobby, open dining venues and walls along long corridors use art to command attention, infuse a sense of intimacy and break up space. Means loves integrating sculptures and dimensional pieces. “They beg you into a space and invite people to stop and explore.”

She feels it is important that the private resident areas receive just as much art attention as the public spaces. Accent walls at the end of corridors punctuated with art create a sense of arrival and provide a wayfinding cue. “There should be something exciting for residents on each floor,” says Means.

Just as the MDP Team cherishes Means as a trusted project partner, Means carefully selects artists and resources to achieve specific art goals. “I have been based out of Atlanta for over 30 years and have go-to resources for projects like Artisan at Hudson. And then I also seek other sources and artists who can achieve something special for a project.”

The Artisan at Hudson project included over 300 art pieces, which required detailed logistics for framing, hardware selections and safe installation. As we said before, every detail counts. And art perfectly punctuates an interior.