Chicago-based Mary Cook Associates (MCA), a national, award-winning commercial interior design firm, today published a white paper entitled “Mastering the Art of Embellishment: The Power of Significant + Relevant Ornamentation.” The paper discusses ornamentation as a design fundamental that elevates the aesthetics of spaces and can measurably improve performance of a built environment as well as the mood and well-being of its occupants.

“The science of ornamentation has evolved beyond simply ‘decorating’ a space with some pillows and pictures and calling it a day,” said Mary Cook, president and founder of MCA. “Today’s designers, builders and developers need to take a researched approach to ornamentation – one that is informed by an understanding of the end-user – in order to maximize a design’s potential and deliver tangible returns. Much like the role seasoning plays in cooking, the right ornamentation enhances the final product by harmoniously tying all the elements together, and its importance cannot be overstated.”

Topics discussed in the white paper include:

• Choosing ornamentation that is both significant and relevant: Successful ornamentation grabs attention, connects to the cultural preferences and experiences of those who use the space and works together with other design elements to be relevant to the overall aesthetic.
• The importance of striking the right balance: Although ornamentation serves no purpose other than to add beauty and interest, too little can leave a space feeling cold and uninviting, while too much can become unappealing clutter.
• Paying homage to local character: Ornamentation is an ideal opportunity to reflect an area’s local architecture style or neighborhood vibe.
• Creating measurable returns: Significant and relevant ornamentation, when utilized in conjunction with the other fundamentals of design, transforms underperforming spaces in a way that produces measurable returns for owners and better experiences for users.

“Mastering the Art of Embellishment” is the final in a series of white papers from MCA sharing insights from the firm’s proprietary seven fundamentals of interior design methodology and identifying opportunities for builders and developers to respond to the shifting paradigm of home with thoughtful designs and innovative spaces.

View the full white paper online or download it as a PDF at www.marycook.com/whitepapers/ornamentation/.

For more information about Mary Cook Associates, visit www.marycook.com.

About Mary Cook Associates:

Established in 1986, Mary Cook Associates (MCA) is a fully integrated interior architecture and design firm nationally known for creating innovative interiors for leading owners and developers of real estate. The firm’s projects include multifamily, model homes, student living, senior living, clubhouses, restaurants, and hospitality environments. MCA’s work emphasizes functionality, showcases possibilities, and delivers a measurable Return on Environment (ROE℠). MCA’s team includes more than two dozen designers and architects that are strategic, imaginative and skilled at designing a wide variety of spaces that respond to demographic, geographic and lifestyle influences of target markets. Smart, functional spaces that establish immediate connections with their users and boost Living Better by Design℠, increase property value, and accelerate sales and occupancy rates are the hallmarks of the results MCA consistently achieves. In its 37th year, the firm continues to expand its national presence with award-winning work across the country. www.marycook.com.

Mary Cook, president and founder, Mary Cook Associates: Mary Cook is president and founder of Mary Cook Associates, a national, award-winning commercial interior design firm that today published a white paper entitled “Mastering the Art of Embellishment: The Power of Significant + Relevant Ornamentation.”

Notion_Art Wall_Credit Mary Cook Associates: In its final white paper based on the firm’s proprietary seven fundamentals of interior design, Mary Cook Associates explores how demographic, geographic, and psychographic considerations can influence ornamentation. This branded art wall of repurposed textbook spines reflects the local coffeehouse culture around Notion, a 290-unit apartment community in Decatur, Ga.

Hathon_CoWorking Lounge_Credit Mary Cook Associates: Ornamentation takes the form of dramatic floor-to-ceiling artwork adorning a coworking lounge at Hathon, a 190-unit multifamily community in Medway, Mass., conveying a contemporary, sophisticated style.